Travel Connections

Welcome to Season Three! I so appreciate you joining me as we head into 2024 with the Travel Connections Podcast. Once again, our episodes will be filled with fascinating people sharing unique stories. You will be enlightened and entertained and gain knowledge you didn't know you needed! This episode is the perfect way to add to your research for your next trip. In today's episode, we begin a three-part series featuring our recent tour of Southern Africa with Collette. I have been traveling as a Brand Ambassador with Collette for the past six years, where I have been to Japan, Iceland, and now Africa. Everyone at Collette does a superb job planning and executing their tours. To learn more about my first two tours, visit AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com and type Japan and Iceland in the search bar. The link is also listed below. My husband Craig and I were invited to join a small group tour called Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land & By Water. Oh my goodness, I can't say enough about this experience. It was a dream trip and exceeded all of my expectations, and you will have the opportunity to hear so much in this episode, as well as Episodes 2 and 3. But first, let me tell you a little about my husband, Craig Stavert. Craig and I met in high school, went to different colleges, and will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary in October. Where did the time go? We have been traveling together since our honeymoon to Maui & Kauai. We did not travel that much when our kids were younger due to school activities and sports obligations. However, once the kids left the nest, it was game on, and we have not stopped exploring the world. Craig's business career has been in the tech industry, running global sales organizations. He was traveling a great deal, and since the kids were grown, it was time for me to get back out there. I created the Adventures of Empty Nesters blog ten years ago. I was initially writing about life in the Empty Nest but then pivoting to writing about my travel experiences. Now, I work with global travel brands, sharing their destinations and stories through my podcast. Now that you have a little background on the two of us, here are some of the episode's highlights! Highlights: Why is Africa a bucket list destination? What is a typical day like on safari? Lunch at the home of a local woman named Audrey in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe The astounding access to wildlife in their natural habitat The power, size, and magnitude of Victoria Falls "Ellies at night" - The extraordinary gift The special benefits of small group tours and how Collette gets it right Craig explains his quote, "You go to Africa for the wildlife, but it's the people that you remember the most." PLUS SO MUCH MORE! Important Links: Wildnerness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land and By Water Travel Connections Podcast Adventures of Empty Nesters Facebook: Collette Iganyana Tented Camp Adventures of Empty Nesters Instagram: Collette Adventures of Empty Nesters Suzanne Stavert

Are road trips on your radar? Are you looking for US destinations that are "off the beaten path" and super interesting? You are in the right place. Today's special guest will probably make you laugh as well as enlighten you with his vast knowledge of road trip destinations. Bill Clevlen of Bill on the Road, is the king of road trips; he has written five books about it to prove it!  I feel like everyone recently has jumped on the road trip idea as part or all of their travel plans. Craig and I have done much more road-tripping in the last couple of years, have you? Also, totally random information, Have you ever wondered where Pickleball began?? Well, Bill can answer those questions as well and will share some fun and exciting tips for road trips across the United States. But first, I will offer you a proper bio for Bill Clevlen. "Bill On The Road" was born in 2013 after long-time St. Louis radio broadcaster Bill Clevlen became fed up with reading negative stories about cities and states. Bill launched a website focusing on road trips and highlighting only the positives. Clevlen's Bill On The Road stories can be heard on popular syndicated radio programs like RMWorld Travel and The Travel Planners Radio Show as well as television stations and traditional media outlets across the U.S. Bill is also a regular contributor to a national audience on SiriusXM satellite radio.  He is the author of five travel books, including The Ultimate American Music Bucket List. He's a frequent guest speaker for conferences and a lecturer on travel topics for The Smithsonian. Bill regularly produces digital video content for major tourism organizations and has worked with hundreds of destinations nationwide. From Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco and everywhere in between, Bill On The Road has helped roadtrippers find unique and exciting things to do while driving across America. Highlights in this Episode:  How Bill went from a 20-year career in radio to travel writing Why did Bill successfully sell his house and stay "on the road" full-time The Origin of Pickle Ball Bill's 262-day road trip - Just the highlights... Valuable tips for how to miss the crowds when traveling Favorite destinations in the US Books By Bill Clevlen The Ultimate American Music Bucket List Finding The American Dream – A Guided Tour of Places Where Americans Changed History 100 Things To Do in America Before You Die Driving Across America An American Road Trip For Kids Important Links: Bill on the Road Travel Connections Podcast Adventures of Empty Nesters Facebook: BillontheRoad Adventures of Empty Nesters Instagram: Billontheroadusa Suzanne Stavert Adventures of EmptyNesters  

Hello, and welcome to our newest episode of Travel Connections. If you have been following me for a while, you will probably know that I discovered Tuscan Women Cook back in 2016. I had a friend in common with today's special guest, Coleen Kirnan. Our friend Brenda connected the two of us, and boy, do I owe her a lot! In 2017, Coleen invited me to go and experience TWC for myself, and I have been enamored with everything related to this beautiful destination ever since. I was so impressed and delighted with the entire experience. I have been back to the program numerous times, and in June of 2023, Coleen and her team invited me to be an Ambassador with Tuscan Women Cook. I assist the guests and do everything I can to support the experience by helping with the cooking classes and even with some translation. Yes, it is a dream job, and I am lucky enough to have it. However, you too, can experience the joys of Tuscan Women Cook by signing up to attend a week in this Italian paradise.  Coleen Kirnan owns and hosts Tuscan Women Cook. You may recognize her name and remember her from Season One of the podcast. Coleen was one of my first guests on Travel Connections! You can listen to our first episode in Season One, Episode 3. Her first career was as a successful commercial real estate business owner. While raising her family, she represented top-tier companies in multi-million dollar real estate transactions for over 30 years. As her kids grew up and moved out of the house, Coleen decided it was time for a change. She sold her thriving business and bought Tuscan Women Cook, a weeklong cooking/immersion school in a medieval Tuscan village.  A dream job, owning an Italian cooking school! Since 2016, Coleen has grown the business tremendously and curated the program to find the perfect places to dine, cook, and discover. Tuscan Women Cook tours Pienza, Montepulciano, Siena, and many other fantastic local spots. There are wine tastings, dinners with wine pairings, honey tastings, lunches by the pool, dinners by candlelight, and incredible Italian food making. In addition, she travels all over Italy and Europe to find the next best thing for her guests, whether it's part of the program or to share as recommendations. Highlights in this episode: Coleen is celebrating 9+ years of owning Tuscan Women Cook How Tuscan Women Cook Italian Cooking School is the original regenerative travel experience What is it really like on a tour? How is Suzanne part of Tuscan Women Cook? What does it feel like to visit an 800-year-old wine cellar? Details of the cooking experience with the nonne (Italian grandmas) The magic of Tuscany Who is ready to go back to Italy with Coleen and me? Coleen and the team handle every detail; your job is to get to Italy. As you have heard in this episode, I love this experience so much. I am also super glad that Coleen and I were able to talk about the importance of responsible travel, as well as regenerative travel. The idea of giving back to the local destination and offering respect and admiration as a traveler is paramount. Please check the links below for more information! Ciao for now! Important Links! Tuscan Women Cook Travel Connections Podcast Facebook: Tuscan Women Cook Adventures of Empty Nesters Instagram: Tuscan Women Cook Suzanne Stavert Adventures of Empty Nesters

Are you familiar with a place called Skagit Valley? When I first visited in 2016, I honestly didn't even know how to pronounce it! I went to see The Tulip Festival, which takes place in the Valley in April. I wasn't even living in the Pacific Northwest on that first visit. I fell in love with this area way back then. Fast forward to today, I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for three years and have become a kind of groupie of this spectacular Northwest destination. I have learned so many new details about this area, and it's only about an hour north of my home. The farmland is incredible, and I've come to make friends with people who live there. I visit, I buy from my long list of favorites, including blueberries, zucchini, tomatoes, and strawberries, and then purchase oysters and delicious cheese while I am there.  The brilliant idea of Farmstand Fresh Are you aware of Farmstand Fresh? You can discover the diverse and bountiful crops of the Skagit Valley in July and August by exploring its produce stands and farm stores. You can meet a farmer and connect to an exceptional agricultural community growing over 80 commercial crops. At the same time, you can enjoy the Skagit countryside with unsurpassed vistas of the San Juan Islands, Olympic Coast Range, and North Cascades. That is a little of my history with Skagit Valley, and now I am really excited to introduce you to my special guest. We will go on a deeper dive devoted to this special place with Chef Christy Fox.  Christy is a chef and restaurant owner who weaves 30 years of professional experience into her fresh and popular meals. She is highly committed to utilizing local ingredients, and Chef Christy supports numerous Skagit producers in both her sweet and savory menu creations.  In this episode, Christy shares the details of her journey as a chef, how it evolved into multiple restaurants and offers insights into why knowing where your food comes from is so important. She is also a great storyteller; I know you will enjoy hearing from her.  Highlights in this episode An intriguing introduction to the Genuine Skagit Valley Chef Christy's journey from culinary school to creating new restaurants Why is it called "Magic Skagit"? Learn about Persimmon Bistro and Bow Sanctuary The importance of community and giving back Making delicious food from local sources When is the best time to visit Skagit Valley? (Hint: Any season!) For more information about Skagit Valley, Farmstand Fresh, and Chef Christy Fox click the important links below! Persimmon Bistro  Bow Sanctuary Genuine Skagit Valley Farmstand Fresh Adventures of Empty Nesters Travel Connections   Instagram: Persimmon Genuine Skagit Valley  Bow Sanctuary Adventures of Empty Nesters Suzanne Stavert  

Let's travel to Thailand! Travel is back, and it is time to plan your next vacation! You will learn so much from my special guest, and I promise you will be well-informed and inspired for your next (or first) trip to this fantastic destination. This episode is a bright and shiny conversation with Candy Krajangsri from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. She is knowledgeable, inspiring, exciting, and funny, and she even gets a little bit emotional near the end of the episode as she shares a story about a personal travel connection.  Candy is a part of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Los Angeles Office marketing team and oversees PR and digital marketing initiatives. Over the last several years, she has managed to combine her passion for food, travel, and content creation to help promote varying aspects of Thailand. And she never leaves home without her hair in a messy bun and her camera by her side.  I have known Candy for over five years and have even had the great pleasure of traveling to Thailand with her. She's fantastic! Highlights in this episode: Delicious food details, colorful flower markets, gorgeous temples, inspiring sunsets & charming people - Everything you need to know! Where to find the best travel deals to Thailand The allure of Bangkok Practical travel tips for Thailand - Where to go, what to see, travel deals! Customize your Thailand experience First-timer tips The importance of being a thoughtful traveler Are you ready to go to Thailand? Have you already traveled there? Are you thinking about it? Make sure you check the links Candy shared with us. TAT and its partners want to help you plan your next trip! You can find all of the links below! I plan to head back to Thailand too! Let me know your thoughts and questions! You can DM me through Instagram @suzannestavert. Important Links Official Tourism of Thailand Instagram - @thailandinsider Travel to Thailand Travel Deals, trip planning & coupons - Here Customize your experience - Here Suzanne's Thailand Experience - Link to Posts Here & Here Suzanne's Instagram: @suzannestavert  

Hello, and welcome to another fantastic episode of Travel Connections. In this episode, we talk with Krista Loercher, Co-Owner of Whidbey Island Kayaking in the Pacific Northwest. This interview is part three in a series where we dive deeper into tourism and the benefits of giving back to a destination when we travel.  Are you familiar with the term regenerative tourism? My friends at Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands created a new tourism framework to preserve and improve the islands for residents, and it is an invitation to co-create richer experiences for visitors and harness tourism's power as a force for good. One of regenerative tourism's primary goals is to connect the guest with the local residents and businesses. Let's go deeper when we travel. What kind of traveler are you? Do you give consideration and thought to the people who live in a destination? Is preserving nature and supporting local business part of your vacation agenda? We created this series of three podcast episodes to share the captivating story of Whidbey and Camano Islands through the lens of three local business owners. In Episode One, you meet Mona Campbell, whose family started Kristoferson Farm on Camano Island back in 1912 and who now also runs Canopy Tours NW, a ziplining company. In Episode Two, I had a great conversation with Chef Vincent Nattress, who co-owns Orchard Kitchen and Farm, where he creates a fine dining experience right on the farm.  Let me share a little about today's special guest, Krista Loercher. Krista has lived on a coastline for most of her life, first in New York, then Seattle, and since 2008, on Whidbey Island. She has been a lifeguard, a swim coach, a Red Cross water safety instructor, and an open water swimmer. As an ACA-certified kayak instructor, she loves introducing newbies to kayaking and open-water swimming. My husband and I went kayaking with Krista and her team along the coast of Whidbey Island and spent a spectacular day enjoying nature and engaging in the "blue mind." You will hear more about the idea of the blue mind in our conversation. Highlights of this episode: Krista shares her love of the quintessential island life How the people of Whidbey Island connect in so many ways The Guiding Principles of Whidbey Island Kayaking What is the concept of the "blue mind? How meaningful connections happen when the "whole self" is engaged Krista's insightful travel tips - Don't miss this! Travel books mentioned by Krista: Midnight in Sicily by Peter Robb The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch West of Here by Jonathan Evison I hope you enjoyed this three-part series where we aimed to get you thinking more about your travel experiences. I firmly believe that travel opens your mind and enlarges your heart. Don't you agree?  Please share this idea with all of the travelers you know! I would greatly appreciate it! Episode One - Mona Campbell - Here Episode Two - Vincent Nattress - Here Important Links Whidbey Island Kayaking Embrace Whidbey & Camano Islands Adventures of Empty Nesters Travel Connections Instagram: Whidbey Island Kayaking Embrace Whidbey & Camano Island Adventures of Empty Nesters Suzanne Stavert

Welcome to part two of our three-part series focusing on Whidbey and Camano Islands. In this series, we talk about how important the concept of regenerative travel can be for the destination and the visitors who spend time there. If you have not had a chance to listen to Part One, you will hear my delightful conversation with Mona Campbell; go ahead and take 30 minutes to listen to how the tourism board of Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands is implementing this more thoughtful view of tourism. We are sharing the story of these idyllic islands by talking with three business leaders, and today's episode follows the path of my guest Vincent Nattress. He and his wife Tyla have created Orchard Kitchen on the south end of Whidbey Island, just about an hour north of Seattle, WA. Fine Dining on Whidbey Island I had the pleasure of visiting the farm, dining at the restaurant, talking to the farm manager Savannah Reid, and having an insightful conversation with Vincent. If you have listened to my interviews with chefs in the past, you will know that I am a super fan of chefs, restaurant owners, and cooks whose passion is to create flavorful meals directly from the farms - I just love to hear all of the details. Vincent shares his philosophies about farming, menu planning, and passing on the love of food to his guests and the staff he works with. Vincent Nattress grew up on Whidbey Island. At 16, he began his restaurant career as a dishwasher in a fast-paced, local fine-dining restaurant. He quickly moved up the ranks, eventually leading the hot line.  The fall after graduating high school, Vincent took his first trip to Europe. He quickly fell in love with the rich culinary history he found there. Over the next several years, he would return three times, culminating in a three-month Stage in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Provence.  This internship served as his Senior Project for his Bachelor of Arts degree, "A Cultural and Historical Perspective on the Culinary Arts." After returning to the States, he spent 16 years working in Napa Valley, opened a restaurant in St Helena called Roux, and then in 2005, joined Meadowood Napa Valley as Executive Chef. Eventually, Vincent and Tyla returned to Whidbey Island with the desire to create a culinary destination of their own. This dream became a reality in 2015 with the opening of the Orchard Kitchen, a teaching kitchen and dining room on their five-acre organic farm in Langley, Washington. Highlights of this episode: Vincent's fascinating 40-year career in food and wine What does farm-to-table really mean? Menu planning and how they should always have a flow, rhythm, & progression  Orchard Farm's master plan for the best and most delicious ingredients How Vincent has been a pioneer in regenerative tourism on Whidbey Island by preserving the farm and sharing his passion The importance of passing on his love of farming and food to more and more people - Connecting with one another through food. To read the complete summary, click HERE  

Just north of Seattle, in the heart of the scenic Salish Sea, sit two of the most charming island destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Camano and Whidbey Islands offer different experiences with each season. A colorful palate of locally owned shops and restaurants provides deep and delicious connections to the community and the land. Off-the-beaten-path trails and beaches share sanctuary, solitude, and a deeper connection with the incredible marine and forest ecosystems that thrive within these communities. A rich history and a healthy dose of local color in all mediums are provided by the region's many artists.  As new residents of the area, my husband and I have enjoyed fantastic long weekends where we relax, unwind, and truly embrace the natural surroundings on both Whidbey and Camano. I also took my dear friends on a girl's weekend to Whidbey Island as well! We had a blast eating great food, enjoying the landscape, and discovering the Whidbey Island charm. This spring, Island County's tourism board unveiled a new strategic direction inviting the community to build a regenerative tourism approach. Formerly known as Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism, a new name and brand were created to reflect a shift to reimagine tourism. They will now be called Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands.  Guided by the Transformational Travel Council experts across an 18-month period, this new framework was created to preserve and improve the islands for residents and is an invitation to co-create richer experiences for visitors and harness tourism's power as a force for good. I really love this idea and was so excited that Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands asked me to help share their story. This philosophy makes so much sense to me, and I want to spread the word. Don't you want to flourish in your travel life? I sure do!  We created this series to tell the captivating stories of Whidbey and Camano Island by interviewing three business owners who embrace this travel philosophy. In this episode, you will hear from Mona Campbell, whose family started Kristoferson Farm in 1912 and then created Canopy Tours NW, a zipline tour company located on the farm on Camano Island. Mona is the Director of Marketing for Canopy Tours Northwest and is responsible for marketing, finance, and guest relations. She was previously Vice President with JP Morgan Asset Management based in New York and London. Mona graduated from Hamilton College and Harvard University, obtaining a Master of Landscape Architecture Degree.   In Episode Two, you will meet and hear from Vincent Nattress, the chef and Owner of Orchard Kitchen on Whidbey Island. And in our final episode, I have a fantastic conversation with Krista Loercher, Co-Owner of Whidbey Island Kayaking. Highlights of this regenerative travel episode include: Mona shares her inspiring family history and how Kristoferson Farm began in 1912 Learn more about Canopy Tours, the family zipline company How regenerative and transformational travel improve not only the destination but the travelers' experience as well How Island County Tourism had the vision to embrace the Transformational Travel Council's process and insights Mona shares an authentic travel connection while traveling in Mexico City How an open mindset will enhance your vacation What is Glassquest? Check the links below for more information  Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands Kristoferson Farm Canopy Tours NW Transformational Travel Council AdventuresofEmptyNesters More about Travel Connections Podcast

Welcome to a speedy episode of Travel Connections. Summer Travel? Yes, it has begun! The good news is that travel is back, and I am having a blast, but the not-so-good news is that it doesn't leave time for much else. So instead of an entire episode, I offer you an informative summer travel update and upcoming special guest news. Summer Travel Highlights: We have quite the summer planned. Up first - Travel to Tuscany, Italy, with Tuscan Women Cook. As an ambassador, I am now a part of the team and will support the tours and assist during the cooking demos and while touring. I interviewed Coleen Kirnan, owner and host of TWC, in Season 1; you can listen Here! Meeting my husband in Rome, then travel to Southern Italy to Naples and Amalfi Coast.  Travel to Montana for the Fourth of July! We loved our time last year and scheduled this trip once again! After finishing the holiday festivities, we will take a road trip to Canada. Banff, Lake Louise, and Calgary, Canada - Excited to see this beautiful area and have a first-time experience at the Calgary Stampede. Southern California for a special wedding and 80th Birthday. September: Back to Italy for Suzanne and Tuscan Women Cook! Safari with Collette Travel - Wilderness of South Africa: Safari By Land & Water South America! Continent #6! Also, in this episode, a preview of my upcoming podcast series focused on regenerative travel and Whidbey and Camano Islands, WA. Regenerative travel occurs when visitors arrive with a mindset to leave a place better than before. Why not connect on another level with your visit? Travelers can participate by helping to build a flourishing future for the destination. This series will showcase three business owners on the islands and how they integrate this thoughtful travel philosophy with their guests. The new series begins June 23. Thanks for listening! Make sure you check out the important links: Tuscan Women Cook Calgary Stampede Safari with Collette Collette Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands  

We have another fantastic episode devoted to travel! Join me as I go behind the scenes with Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, Collette's President & Chief Customer Experience Officer. My relationship with Collette goes back five glorious years. I have been fortunate to tour with their team on two epic trips. I traveled to Japan on the Cultural Treasures of Japan tour, and the second fantastic tour was to explore Iceland on the Land of Fire & Ice tour. This delightful conversation is packed with fascinating travel stories, news, ideas, and inspirational travel itineraries. Let me share some background about my special guest. Jaclyn Leibl-Cote is Collette's President and Chief Customer Experience Officer. As an accomplished Collette Team Member, she has been a tour guide, worked inside the customer care center, designed US and Australia tours on the product development team, and so much more.  Her leadership style stems from years of tackling every corner of the business, asking questions, and evolving so that Collette can continue being a leader in travel. Not surprisingly, she's never encountered a challenge that didn't excite her – because obstacles are often the best opportunities. If you ask her, she'll tell you that from 1918 to today, you must grow, change, and always stay true to your values.  Overseeing the Product, Tour Management, IT, Marketing, and People & Culture teams, she still finds time to travel. After a lifetime of exploration, New Zealand remains her #1 recommendation and favorite destination. And she did a bungee jump there in 2005 because… "when in Queenstown." And now, she's brought her love of travel to a new generation. She loves exploring the world with her husband and three children and believes the best gift is family travel memories. She hasn't been to Antarctica yet, but it's on her list. We covered a lot of ground in this interview, but here are some of the highlights! Collette celebrates 105 years! What is the power of travel? How the guest experience is the most essential part of the Collette business. The importance of product design. What does this mean exactly? How is a tour created? Why are the tour guides one of the most impactful aspects of a tour? The beauty and splendor of Iceland! Jaclyn's Finland adventures Details of my upcoming Safari with Collette (Can't wait!) 2023 is shaping up to be one of our most amazing travel years ever! I am so excited to share it all with you. Where will you be going? I would love to hear about it. Please email me at suzannestavert@me.com - Maybe you have an idea for an upcoming episode? Check out these important links! Collette Collette Instagram Collette Facebook Adventures of Empty Nesters Travel Connections Podcast Collette YouTubeChannel Travel Unpacked (Collette's new podcast) Suzanne Stavert YouTube Channel Wilderness of South Africa: Safari By Land and Water Suzanne's Tour of Iceland Suzanne's Tour of Japan

So you want to learn more about cruising? You have come to the right place! My friends and fellow travel writers Ann and Steve Teget have taken over twenty different cruises - all over the world. If you need a question answered, they are just the pair to do it! Ann and Steve began writing about their travels in 2014 when Ann was diagnosed with two chronic illnesses and needed a hobby to lift her spirits. Since then, their blog, PostcardJar.com, has blossomed into a joy-filled site that inspires readers to live and travel well. Both native Midwesterners, the Tegets write about travel, food, and healthy living.  Since 2019, this married couple has lost a combined 200+ pounds and adopted a healthier and more active lifestyle. They now seek destinations and travel experiences that enhance their healthy lifestyle and well-being.  Ann's healthy living journey was featured on the cover of Woman's World Magazine and the "Fearlessly Facing 50 and Beyond" podcast. This dynamic writing duo was named the 2019 Midwest Network's Bloggers of the Year. Additionally, the Tegets own and operate a successful Airbnb in Pawhuska, Okla. Their Airbnb, called Postcard Place, has received more than 185 consecutive 5-star reviews and was featured in The Pioneer Woman Magazine.  Highlights in this episode: The importance of connecting with their audience Authentic travel How to create healthy travel habits Their recent cruise with Holland America The first-ever Postcard Jar Cruise Sage advice for first-time cruisers Postcard Jar Friends Cruise to Alaska 2024 (I am going too!) How to flourish as you travel and in everyday life Special Tips from Ann and Steve: If you have never cruised before: Find a great travel agent Know that all cruises are not the same Consider inside passage travel A group cruise is a great introduction Today's episode is Part Three of my series of three episodes devoted to cruising. In Part One, we talked with Lina and David Stock of Divergent Travelers all about their global, super adventurous type of cruises. Next, in Part Two, you will hear all about our incredible experience with Viking Cruises. Lastly, Ann and Steve finished the series by sharing their extensive experience sailing on larger ships worldwide. Hopefully, you feel well-prepared to make an informed decision about cruising! I sure do! Check out the important links below! Important Links from this Episode: PostcardJar.com Sign Up for Postcard Jar News Postcard Jar Instagram Postcard Jar Facebook Page Postcard Place Airbnb Holland American Cruise Info Italy Unfiltered Postcard Jar Friends Cruise to Alaska 2024

What is it really like to take a Viking Cruise? This episode is part of a three-part series I created to talk about cruising. I invited friends and colleagues Lina and David Stock of Divergent Travelers to speak with me about cruising in Part One. In this episode, we will discuss my experiences sailing with Viking Cruises. In Part Three of the series, you are going to meet my friends, Ann and Steve Teget,  of Postcard Jar. They are travel writers and global travelers who have taken over 20 cruises. They are experts in the field and share a lot of super valuable information. This was my husband Craig's first cruise ever, and he thoroughly enjoyed it! He told me that one of his favorite aspects of the cruise, besides the delicious food, the impeccable service, the history, the crew, and the itinerary, was the other guests! He made a lot of friends and had a blast meeting new people from around the world. It is fun for me to hear him talk about it and share it with other people. Highlights of this episode: Juicy details of our adventure through Northern France on the cruise Paris and The Heart of Normandy What's it feel like to cruise on a Viking Cruise? Unexpected Delights of a Viking Cruise How to choose your next Viking Cruise Surprising benefits of cruising This episode offers all of the incredible details of this cruise and will also help you decide which Viking Cruise to take next. I cannot wait to go again! Make sure you check out these important links: Viking Cruises Paris & The Heart of Normandy Itinerary My first cruise with Viking Cruises on the Elbe River - Berlin to Prague Information on our cruise to Alaska To find out more about Lina and David of Divergent Travelers AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com Suzanne's Instagram  Suzanne's Amazon Travel Store

More adventure travel, please! Adventure travel is red hot, and no two people personify this type of travel more than my guests, Lina and David Stock of Divergent Travelers. Holy cow, they are so exciting and have stories that will blow your mind. I am not exaggerating in the slightest. You will also learn how adventure travel and cruising go super well together! We cover a lot of ground during this interview. Our conversation is part one of a three-part series devoted to cruising. Not your grandparents' type of cruising... We begin by hearing about how they started this global travel journey. Lina & David Stock have been exploring the world together since 2001 in over 100 countries and all seven continents. They are experts in adventure travel, photography, and destination marketing. They have worked with many travel brands and tourism boards worldwide since starting the multi-award-winning DivergentTravelers.com in 2013.  My husband and I recently sailed on a Viking Cruise from "Paris to the Heart of Normandy" with these extraordinary travel experts. You will hear about our shared experience on that unforgettable cruise with Viking in Episode 6. Here are some of the highlights of this episode! Lina & David's favorite styles of cruises? Expedition and small groups - You will learn the difference! Small Group Travel: "We like small groups. We like it to be intimate and go off the beaten track. We love to go to places that not many people get to go. I want to be on a ship that's the only ship in port with a maximum of 200 passengers" - Lina Stock.  Expedition Travel - In Alaska, David and Lina cruise with a company called UnCruise. Most of their trips are about 80 passengers or less, so it's very small. They take the guests from the ship by a Zodiac boat to land, where you can go kayaking or bushwhacking because there are no trails. It's the most intimate way you can be in a destination. A 21-day trip to Antarctica, which includes South Georgia Island and The Galapagos with Aurora Expeditions. The fantastic experiences on a Windstar Cruise - Luxury cruising on sailing ships and a private island! How do the Divergent Travelers choose their next adventure? How you can travel with them through their tour company Divergent Travel Trips - Custom itineraries that can't be found anywhere else They give their best advice for how to flourish in life and travel. All of this and so many MORE details! This conversation is full of practical and unique information that will ramp up your adventure travel enthusiasm. Remember to check the links to know where to find Lina and David Stock from The Divergent Travelers. DivergentTravelers.com Facebook Link Instagram Link Twitter YouTube Divergent Travel Trips Uncruise Adventures Windstar Cruises Aurora Expeditions

Farm-to-Table-Talk If you are like me, the words "farm-to-table" make me sit up and take notice. I just love to make and eat food that is fresh and locally sourced. Using ingredients grown and created nearby where I live supports my local community and improves our way of life, but I don't necessarily connect these farm-to-table words to cocktails. However, I sure do now! I am always looking for local businesses doing great and innovative things. It was such fun to read about sisters Venise and Belinda through an article in our local newspaper, The Seattle Times. I was intrigued and impressed with their story and bought a Simple Goodness Sisters Cocktail Farm Box for my husband, Craig. We loved everything about the cocktail box! The recipes were delicious, and the syrups they created with natural farm goodness were divine. It was totally and completely a home run for us! Let me tell you a little about the sisters: Belinda Kelly is the foodie and flavor master behind the recipes. She founded Happy Camper Cocktail Company, one of America's first mobile bars, in 2016. Simple Goodness Sisters launched in 2018 due to the fanfare for Belinda's easy-to-mix, flavorful cocktail syrups that distinguished her "farm-to-bar" cocktail menu. Today Belinda co-farms the Simple Goodness Farm and co-owns the Simple Goodness Sisters beverage brand and Simple Goodness Sisters Soda Shop with her sister Venise. Venise Cunningham is the co-owner of Simple Goodness Syrups and the owner of Simple Goodness Farm. Venise transformed a 10-acre dairy property into the world's first cocktail farm, growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers exclusively for use in cocktails. Venise is a first-generation farmer who has cultivated deep ties and connections with the local farm community. Her passion for growing healthier, local food has helped develop her sustainably tended farm to support both the Simple Goodness Sisters product line and the Simple Goodness Soda Shop menu. ​ Highlights from this Episode: These ladies are delightful - I had so much fun hearing their stories! Farm life and how these cocktail syrups are created Farming strategies, what to grow! What is their Soda Shop like? Visit Wilkeson, WA - Small town living in the Pacific Northwest. What makes a balanced cocktail? Benefits of co-owning a business with your sister Venise and Belinda share their "secret" to a successful entrepreneurial adventure. Where to find these fantastic cocktail & mocktail syrups What is the Cocktail Farm Club? Future events at The Soda Shop. Remember to click the links to Simple Goodness Sisters social media and website to find their products and more important information. Important Links from this Episode: Simple Goodness Sisters Website Simple Goodness Sisters Instagram Suzanne Stavert -Instagram AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com Suzanne's Amazon Shop Pinterest

Are you looking for small group tours for women? I sure am! Once you meet and hear from my special guest, Shelly Wildman of Walkabout Tours, you will be ready to pack your bags! Shelly and I had the best time talking about all things travel. The demand is high and discerning travelers are looking for just the right tour + adventure! Just imagine that a dear friend has planned a trip just for you and your closest girlfriends where you visit tiny villages, eat local cuisine, and explore historic sites away from the crowds. "On a Walkabout trip, travelers experience carefully curated itineraries aiming to provide women with experiences of self-discovery, growth in faith and wisdom, and expansion of horizons into the wider world." Sounds pretty perfect to me! Shelly shares how her faith, love for travel, and passion for adventure all come together in the most unforgettable small group tours. Highlights from this episode featuring small group tours for women How her travel dreams came true, creating a unique tour company The benefits of traveling in small group tours for women Lives seem to intersect in such exciting ways when we have a chance to travel together! Travel is back, and we must plan ahead (Even to 2024!) Travel solo; bring a friend or a daughter! Hear about the fun details of the tours for 2023: Paris & Burgundy, London, and the countryside & Tuscany - (Check out 2024 tours too!) What is an adventure with intention? For 2023, here at Travel Connections, we have chosen "Flourish" as our action word for the year; Shelly shares that "we flourish when our gifts and passion come together." She suggests that we think about what we are good at and what we are passionate about, put them together, and see what happens. Great advice! Final Thoughts: Shelly is delightful, insightful, fun, and intentional, offering poignant travel stories that will fill your heart. Don't miss my conversation with this incredible travel entrepreneur. Make sure you click on her links below in the Show Notes.  Where do your dreams take you?

Do you travel during the holidays? We love to go somewhere where the holiday decor is bright and sparkling. We don't always leave on December 26th, however! Travel during the holiday season can be challenging, but it is also a unique time of year to see a new destination. We tried something new, and we traveled to Dublin, Ireland, and Edinburgh, Scotland, to enjoy the holiday cheer and spend New Year's Eve watching the fireworks display over the historic Edinburgh Castle. It was EPIC!  Was it cold? Yes, but no more than where we live in the Pacific Northwest! However, during this episode, I will share our New Year's Eve adventure, standing in 32 degrees in the pouring rain, waiting for the Pet Shop Boys (you may remember them?) to begin their Hogmanay Concert! What is Hogmanay? You will learn that too! It is the Scottish word for New Year's Eve. I also share how I plan a trip and that, in addition to personal research and asking other travelers, I go to Pinterest! Pinterest is the #2 or #3 (depending upon who you ask) search engine! It has been super helpful to me. Here is a link to my Pinterest: HERE! In this fun and comedy-filled episode (I have some stories), you will hear about our favorite spots in Dublin, which includes a visit to Guinness, Jameson Distillery, and the museum where U2 is front and center. I share my insider perspective on Edinburgh, a city that stole our hearts, and about a restaurant where they celebrate the history of witches. Our trip to Dublin and Edinburgh was delicious too! I am happy to share the links below to favorite restaurants, city sights, and a couple of tips for easy travel. Make your reservations in advance for everything!! Travel is BACK, and you will save yourself disappointment and hassle. Also, did you know we have a travel and book store on Amazon? I share my favorite things just for you! Click Here to get all of the trip links!

Are you looking for more travel inspiration? Well, Hi there, everyone. It's been three months, did you miss me? Over here at Travel Connections, we took a three-month hiatus. I wasn't sure I would like it and was kind of afraid you all might forget me. But this is not true, right??  It was great to have a few months to catch up on other projects and travel!  In this opening episode of Season 2, I share that we are celebrating  Ten Years of adventures with my blog and website AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com, how this podcast was created, and why! In addition, I tease you with some colorful details about our cruise with Viking Cruises, "Paris and The Heart of Normandy," and our holiday vacation in Dublin, Ireland, and Edinburgh, Scotland. My action word for 2023 is FLOURISH! I plan to flourish in my daily life and travel life. What better way to celebrate the RETURN of Travel than to thrive while doing it! How do you plan to flourish this year? Highlights of this episode: How my time in Rome exemplifies the impressive return of travel! Our ultimate New Year's Eve in Scotland Travel Inspiration! A sneak peek into our travel plans for 2023! So many unique destinations! Final Thoughts: There is still time to listen to Season 1 and catch up! I appreciate you listening to the podcast, and remember to sign up for these summaries that publish every time we have a new episode!  In Season 2, I will again introduce you to the most extraordinary people and offer details about travel you may not have ever heard of or considered. I am thrilled to get to do this again this year. Truthfully, travel may be the conduit to all happiness. I am so happy to be back, and I promise to work hard to produce the very best content for you. I am always delighted to receive requests from our listeners, and you can reach out via email at suzannestavert@me.com.

Exciting News from your favorite Travel Podcast! I am very excited to share this episode with you! I know I say that before every episode, but seriously, this is cause for celebration. In this episode, I will be interviewed by my creative business coach and podcast mentor, Linsi Brownson. We are turning the interview spotlight on me! Linsi has been instrumental in supporting this challenging goal of creating a brand-new podcast! We are celebrating the first anniversary of Travel Connections, and it feels fantastic! Linsi is a seasoned podcaster, and it would be a fun exercise to have her interview me about my experience with one year of podcasting under my belt.  At Travel Connections, we recorded thirty episodes with the most interesting and enlightening guests. These episodes include colorful and exciting destinations, delicious food, wine and spirits, thoughtful conversations, inspiring personal travel connections, and much more!   It's all right here and created just for you.  I can't wait to get started on this special episode, but first, let me tell you about Linsi!  Linsi Brownson is a business coach for artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs. Her motto, "love your business, own your life," is centered on her belief that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool to create the life you want. But to have this life, you must take charge of how you spend your time and energy. She aims to help entrepreneurs banish busyness and focus on what is most profitable and fun.  Before becoming a full-time coach, Linsi owned an interior design firm and a branding and marketing agency, and she currently co-owns a custom kitchen company. She loves building businesses and helping creative people turn fantastic ideas into inspiring life stories! In addition to her work, Linsi hosts the Be Brilliant In Your Business Podcast, A creative cocktail of pep talks and practical tools to help entrepreneurs have fun and get things done. Highlights from this episode: Why was Travel Connections created? How podcasting is storytelling at the highest level Juicy stories from BTS How Linsi was integral in the success of the podcast Why are these summary pages so important? How connecting through travel will make the world a better place Where does Suzanne find her guests? How every connection seems to link back to someone or something Exciting News for the 2023 Season   Final Thoughts I wondered how it would feel talking about myself for an entire episode, but it was cathartic. It allowed me to pause and look at what we do from the outside. I saw that we have succeeded in our goal to create a thoughtful and enlightening podcast with incredible guests talking about super exciting things. And the stories that have come to the surface are epic. Storytelling is the best way to explore a fascinating subject like travel. Honest conversations with experts and enthusiasts help to pave the way for the perfect podcast. In addition to travel, we eagerly discuss food, wine, and spirits. I can't wait for you to hear Season 2. But while you wait, make sure you listen to all these fantastic episodes in Season one. You will learn a lot, smile, and be totally engaged in what my guests have to say. This podcast could not happen without my humble team of experts. I want to give a special thank you to Erik Hulslander of Hear No Evil Media, who makes everything sound amazing! And a big thank you to Linsi Brownson for offering her incredible interviewing skills and making this episode so personal!  I appreciate you listening, and don't forget to share this podcast with everyone you know! And get ready for the season, which begins in February 2023.

Let me introduce you to Angela Correll, a Kentucky writer, world traveler, and hospitality expert. Welcome to Part Four of The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Series, where we delve into the super popular Bourbon Industry, explore beautiful towns in Kentucky, and talk about the fantastic food scene there as well. My history with Angela is by way of Tuscany! I had to travel all the way to a tiny village in Italy called Montefollonico to meet Angela Correll. Our meeting was kind of accidental but so special! On the podcast, I ask every guest about a connection they have made when they travel. To share a story or two about deeper connections we make when we travel. Angela is a personal travel connection for me. When I was creating this series about Kentucky, I just knew that we needed Angela to add her exciting stories to the mix. She is a fascinating person, and I have personally read all three of her books and loved each one in the series. Let me tell you a little about Angela. Her resume is impressive, and we discuss much of it during our interview. Angela and her husband, Jess, live on a grass-fed cattle farm. She spends parts of glorious springs and autumns in Tuscany; in the summer, she spends her time raising and preserving an organic garden and winters hunkered down by the fire with books to read and write.  She is the award-winning author of Grounded, Guarded, and Granted, a trilogy of novels that became Amazon bestsellers and were adapted to the stage for sold-out audiences at the Pioneer Playhouse, Kentucky's oldest outdoor theater.  The stories span settings in Angela's native Kentucky and the home of her heart, Italy. Angela and Jess are founders of Wilderness Road Hospitality, a suite of businesses comprised of: The Inn at Wilderness Road, The Bluebird Restaurant, Esther's Wellhouse and Spa, Mama DeVechio's Pizzeria, Cerulean Catering, Kentucky Soaps & Such, as well as several renovated historic homes that provide comforting hospitality to travelers visiting Stanford, Kentucky. Stanford is the second oldest city in the state! Episode Highlights: How Angela and I met in Montefollonico, Italy - Lucky me Angela's deep roots in Central Kentucky (9 generations!) Her family traveled with Daniel Boone. Her city vs. country living perspective and how too many goats may have changed her life! The importance of restorative hospitality How small towns and big spaces are super popular right now. Angela's series of books and how her passion for writing came from her love for books How travel provides so many opportunities The meaning of "Kentuscany" How Angela and Jess helped to transform Stanford Kentucky.  Kentucky Soaps & Such is an adorable part of her suite of businesses. Angela teases us by not sharing a big announcement - Coming soon! Sign up for her newsletter HERE to learn what is happening next! To learn more about Angela Correll- Go to AngelaCorrell.com The other three Kentucky Bourbon Series Episodes Chris Morris & Elizabeth McCall - Woodford Reserve: A Conversation About Kentucky Bourbon with The Experts at Woodford Reserve Heather Sunseri: Hidden Gems in Kentucky and Other Compelling Stories Ouita Michel: Delicious Southern Food & The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Three words. Ouita is delightful. For those who may not know Ouita, this newest episode in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Series is an excellent introduction! Anyone you ask about Ouita says the same thing. "She is amazing! Lovely and delightful!" However, just because she is super lovely doesn't mean she isn't uber-talented - Oh, she is VERY TALENTED. I was fortunate enough to talk with Ouita Michel, listen to her insightful thoughts and stories, and discover that we have a lot in common! Not the James Beard part or anything in the paragraph below. Ouita Michel is an eight-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee, including nominations for Outstanding Restaurateur and Best Chef Southeast. Michel and her restaurants are regularly featured in local and national media, such as the New York Times, Southern Living, Garden & Gun, Food Network, and the Cooking Channel. She was a guest judge on Bravo TV's, Top Chef series.  Ouita lives in Midway, Kentucky, where she oversees her newest venture, Holly Hill and Co. This lifestyle brand celebrates farmers and agriculture, culinary traditions, old and new, chefs and local talent, and community bonds. Check out her new video series, Up Home with Ouita Michel. Her new cookbook -Just a Few Miles South: Timeless Recipes from our Favorite Places - Buy it HERE! Episode Highlights Go behind the scenes of Bravo TV's Top Chef when she was a Guest Judge on Top Chef Kentucky. Memories of Gourmet Magazine and the Culinary Institute of America Holly Hill and Co - A must-see website Her praise for Woodford Reserve, Master Distiller Chris Morris & Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall Food and bourbon pairings - Yes! The Kentucky Bourbon Trail and her personal highlights! What is benedictine? Restaurant life and more! Ouita Michel's Holly Hill and Co Link to Woodford Reserve => HERE Kentucky Bourbon Trail Trip Details How to Find Adventure & Thrive  in the Empty Nest – Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store – Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves Hear No Evil Media Podcast Audio Production by Erik Hulslander 

Welcome to the second episode devoted to Kentucky and The Kentucky Bourbon Trail. You could say that out of my friendship with my next guest, the idea of this Kentucky Series was created. Heather Sunseri was a part of my audience for my blog Adventures of Empty Nesters, and back in 2019, she learned I was planning to take our first trip to Kentucky to discover The Bourbon Trail. Her knowledge of all things Kentucky was instrumental in our having the best vacation we could imagine. She was so kind and thorough, and we even got together for breakfast so we could meet in person. Since our meeting three years ago, I have read 8 of her books and enjoyed every single one. When I decided to revisit our adventure in Kentucky, I knew that Heather had to be a part of this series. She is a perfect fit for this podcast, with my obsession with authors and reading, her passion for travel, along with many other commonalities! Here at Travel Connections, we want to hear the stories of how meaningful the connections we make when we travel are and how they can improve our lives. Heather is one of my personal travel connections. How cool is that? The Pandemic created a two-year travel void, so although our first trip to Kentucky was three years ago, it seems almost like yesterday. Let me tell you a little bit about Heather: Heather Sunseri is a CPA who began writing novels to escape her mundane life as a muggle. After twenty years in the corporate world, Heather decided to use her business savvy and curious mind to start a publishing business anchored by fictional stories. She is proof that one can be a numbers person and a creative. And that it's never too late (or too early) to get a do-over. She's married to the love of her life, a mom to two amazing kids, and a caregiver to the best golden retriever and one very needy cat. When she's not writing, she's making homemade pizza, listening to travel podcasts, and drinking Kentucky bourbon while simultaneously planning her next adventure. This episode is so fun! She's so fantastic, and I will never forget her story about the bats in her house~  Heather is a terrific friend and writer, and I look forward to reading her next book. While we wait for it, remember to check out all of her other book series on her website HeatherSunseri.com.  Highlights of this episode: Heather's books and how her writing career started How writing for Substack helps her work through the stories swirling in her imagination The many layers of the saga of 100 bats! The beautiful things about living in Kentucky  Hidden gems in Kentucky to see and enjoy Kentucky Bourbon Trail highlights Check out my next episode for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail series, where I interview Ouita Michel. She is not only the nicest person on the planet, but she was a Guest Judge on Bravo's Top Chef Kentucky, an eight-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee, a restauranteur, and a cookbook author. A multi-talented woman. You don't want to miss this interview. Link to Heather Sunseri => https://heathersunseri.com/ Kentucky Bourbon Trail Trip Details How to Find Adventure & Thrive  in the Empty Nest – Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store – Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves Hear No Evil Media Podcast Audio Production by Erik Hulslander 

Our favorite spirit is Kentucky Bourbon. To be more precise: We enjoy Woodford Reserve the MOST. Our kids sip it, our parents love it, and we tend to serve it to our guests and friends more than any other adult beverage. We have history and take our bourbon drinking very seriously. Back in 2019, before the world shut down, my husband Craig and I, and two of our best friends, went to Kentucky to discover a new destination, follow The Kentucky Bourbon Trail and to learn more about how bourbon is created.  Is a trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail on your list too? Ever since our grown kids came home from college loving this delicious Kentucky spirit, I have been paying attention. Our kids' enthusiasm for all drinks made with bourbon was intoxicating and persuasive. Fast forward several years later, my favorite way to indulge is now a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned because I love the aroma and smooth flavor of high-quality bourbon. My husband and I toured The Kentucky Bourbon Trail with our friends Brad and Troy; we visited smaller distilleries, dined at excellent restaurants, and thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Woodford Reserve, where our bourbon of choice is carefully crafted. The art of making fine bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. The perfectly balanced taste of their Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey comprises more than 200 detectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit & floral notes. Mmm, delicious Kentucky Bourbon! During our visit in 2019, we sipped, listened, and toured Woodford Reserve and had the time of our lives. Never in a million years did I dream I would create a podcast and have the opportunity to interview Master Distiller Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. Dreams do come true, my friends; I am living proof. (pun intended) Chris Morris is Master Distiller for Brown-Forman Corporation, the seventh since the company began in 1870. A Louisville native, he has spent his working life in the bourbon industry. Chris is responsible for maintaining the award-winning taste of the whiskies produced at the Woodford Reserve and Old Forester Distilleries.  He is also one of three generations of his family to work at Brown-Forman and is a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame.   Elizabeth McCall, CSS (Certified Specialist of Spirits), is the second generation of her family to work in the bourbon industry and one of the youngest female distillers in the United States. When she first began working at Brown Forman, assuming the role she is in today was never the goal. Realizing the excellent opportunity for employment the company offered, Elizabeth followed in her mother's footsteps, starting as a sensory expert and working in the quality department.  McCall has a master's degree from the University of Louisville and has been a member of Brown-Forman's R&D Department since 2009. Her ongoing devotion to quality, and interest in all things spirits, eventually led her to become Master Taster in 2015 and, in 2018, Assistant Master Distiller of Woodford Reserve.  Today she works directly with Master Distiller Chris Morris and R&D on the innovation and development of new products within Woodford Reserve.  In this episode: Personal insights from the experts! Plus, great stories! What is The Kentucky Bourbon Trail? What happened in 1990? What is a fermenter? Red & Blue Corn & Bourbon? ( A super fun story) Innovation at Woodford Reserve Plus, so much more! How Woodford Reserve was a pioneer in culinary pairings with bourbon What is so magical and timeless about Woodford Reserve? This episode is the first of four devoted to Kentucky and The Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Don't miss a new episode every two weeks.    Link to Woodford Reserve => HERE Kentucky Bourbon Trail Trip Details How to Find Adventure & Thrive  in the Empty Nest – Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store – Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves Hear No Evil Media Podcast Audio Production by Erik Hulslander 

Come travel the world with us today! Are you looking to find adventure? You, my friend, are in the right place for an exhilarating 34 minutes!  My travel philosophy? Say yes and figure out the rest. I always encourage everyone I talk with to find adventure, and no one exemplifies this philosophy better than my next guest. Scott Eddy has a unique background. Although he began his career in investment banking, he changed his business trajectory and lived in Europe and Asia for 17 years. While in Asia, he started the first digital agency in SE Asia.  He is based in Miami now, but he travels full-time as a TV host on Lifetime Television for a travel series called Video Globetrotter. In addition, Scott provides growth-focused marketing strategies to brands, primarily in the world of hospitality, and essentially turns storytelling into solid marketing success. His enthusiasm for life and travel is infectious, and I can't wait for you to meet him. Also! I have a program alert for you! Do you like watching your podcast episodes? Well, you can find this one on my Youtube Channel! Travel the world through amazing stories in this episode: Learn how Scott started the first digital agency in Southeast Asia Travels full-time as a video host and social media marketing expert Visits 20 countries each year Scott Eddy is an EPIC storyteller  His Alaskan adventures are extraordinary - The Salmon! The Bald Eagles! "How video brings a brand to life." You will laugh and sit in awe of his stories and adventures. We only scratched the surface of what Scott can share, but come listen and enjoy. This is a fantastic episode! Links to Scott Eddy TV host for Video Globetrotter Visual Storyteller   Website: http://www.mrscotteddy.com/ Social Media: @MrScottEddy Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube

I am a wine lover, and my wine education and favorites have grown since our kids left the nest. When our children were young, there was little time to indulge in learning about wines, so we chose as best we could and primarily drank wines from California. We lived in California until two years ago when we moved to the state of Washington. Being in close proximity to the wineries is certainly a treat,  but people from all over the world drink the delicious wines of Washington State. We are fortunate now to live close, taste more and learn a great deal! As very willing participants, Craig and I have been learning about wines from this great state of agriculture, but I think we have hit the jackpot recently. We were guests at an event hosted by Auction of Washington Wines, also known as AWW.  Sharing the love of Washington Wines Since its inception in 1988, AWW has raised nearly $55 million to benefit Seattle Children's Hospital, Washington State University Viticulture & Enology Research, and the AWW Industry Grant. AWW is listed in the top five wine charity auctions in the U.S. by Wine Spectator. Its mission is to support the growth and awareness of the Washington state wine industry through a series of celebrated events benefiting the community. At a recent event, we were introduced to winemakers from several prominent wineries here in Washington. What a privilege to talk with these experts and taste their wines! We learned so much about these wineries and their wines, made new friends, and had a wonderful conversation with Andrew Januik while we tasted wines from Novelty Hill and Januik Wineries. All of the winemakers offered us a taste of an older vintage and compared it with a newer vintage; such a fun idea! During our chat that evening, I kept thinking. I should create an episode on Washington wines! Wouldn't he be a fantastic guest on Travel Connections? Somehow he carved out some time in his busy schedule for us to dive a little deeper into wine and the joys of being a winemaker. Andrew probably has the most fabulous job ever. I think it would be dreamy! I know it's hard work, but sign me up. Let me tell you about Andrew's background. Most winemakers have spent most of their lives in the industry, and Andrew Januik is no different – except that he is only 35 years old. When he was just 13, he started working with wine on the weekends and full-time during his summers. As the son of a world-renowned winemaker, Andrew was born with winemaking in his blood, and the proof is in the pressing! Every wine that Andrew has made since starting his eponymous label in 2011 has been rated above 90 points. His passion for wine is rooted in the state of Washington but has led to nearly a decade of making wine in the Southern Hemisphere, including his own labels in both Chile and Argentina. Here are just a few of the exciting topics we covered in our interview: Why Washington Wines are special The fantastic weather (not similar to Seattle's) in the Columbia Valley provides the ability to produce a wide variety of grapes. The magic of excel spreadsheets and spending time in the vineyards Novelty Hill and Januik Wines "One cannot escape the lure of the wine cellar!" Upcoming Events for Auction of Washington Wines: Here's some information on the upcoming events in August for Auction of Washington Wines: You can enjoy more than 100 wines, global BBQ, and casual fun at the Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction, or dress up for the Annual Gala, both held at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, WA.  Essential Links in this episode: Novelty Hill - Januik Wines Andrew Januik Wines Auction of Washington Wines Hear No Evil Media, Audio Production by Erik Hulslander  How to Find Adventure & Thrive in the Empty Nest – Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store – Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves

A Visit to Camano Island I started this podcast with the dream of talking about and focusing on the connections we make when we travel. Nothing exemplifies this idea more than my trip to Camano Island, Washington.   I was invited to explore the island and attend the 23rd Annual Studio Tour by the Whidbey & Camano Island Tourism Board. My hosts had no great expectations other than for me to have a good time and discover the island of Camano and the artists that live there. This unique event is held two weekends in a row in early May. We are lucky to only live about an hour from this beautiful destination, but as of yet, we still had not visited! Camano Island, located 64 miles north of Downtown Seattle is an easy and scenic drive.  In This Episode! What does it feel like on Camano Island? Discovering the locals are super welcoming and friendly Art and more art and artists Great food & drink, yes, of course! Beautiful scenery Connecting with nature, artists, and craftsman An in-depth and fun interview with jewelry designer Amy Bush of Loyalsmith Jewelry Both my husband Craig and I had the absolute best time. We knew we would enjoy our time on the studio tour, but it was much more than just a casual walkabout through many studios. Our time there was personal and, at times, moving. For the most part, artists work alone, and sharing their creative space and personal projects must be so satisfying. It sure was for us! We made new friends and purchased gorgeous art for our home, each with a story and a history. Make a plan to visit next year for the 24th Annual Studio Tour on Camano Island and also visit their website. It will direct you to all of the artists I talked about, plus many more. I highly recommend a visit, any time of year. Nature is bold and beautiful, and you can hear yourself think. How lovely is that? Camano Island is the perfect place to relax, reset, rejoice, and rediscover. To find the artists we talked about on the podcast: Go to THIS LINK for Art Lives on Camano Island Loyalsmith Jewelry - Amy Bush Camano Commons Marketplace The Baked Cafe Tapped

A No Vacation, Maui Vacation This episode is a fun one. It's not too long and will provide you with some very unique travel ideas you can use right from your own living room.  I share a couple of podcast episode reminders. Have you had a chance to listen to my interview with Linda Miller Nicholson? Her episode is called Colorful Pasta-Making & Italian Travel with Salty Seattle. She shares how she built her unique pasta classes, wrote a cookbook, and changed the world with rainbow-colored pasta. The interview will enlighten and delight you! Also, I offer a sneak peek of my upcoming SUPER BIG Episode of our trip to Camano Island, WA, where we spent two days on the Camano Island Studio Tour. And then... The heart of this episode: My opinion on the current state of travel What is a no-vacation vacation? Back in 2020, when travel was shut down, I was given no choice but to stay home and figure out how to be somewhat relevant in the travel industry. This is what we did: My husband and I created Cocktail Adventures, where we paired a favorite cocktail recipe with a connecting travel memory. We had no idea what we were doing, but it was super fun, and we could still connect with travel that we so dearly loved. You can find our videos on Instagram on my @SuzanneStavert account, and you can also find them on my website, AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com, and type in Cocktail Adventures. I created a solution that would still be perfect today. At the time, I was disappointed by my lack of travel options during the Stay at Home mandate; I needed to change my thinking. I had to look at my current situation and determine just how to move forward when I could not write about future travel or plan any of our own adventures. Like you, I couldn't enjoy a Maui vacation if I wanted to! Imagine the cold-sweet sip of a tropical Mai Tai, Seared Ahi Tuna with Vegetable Fried Rice, and a mound of ice cream covered in chocolate fudge in a decadent slice of Hula Pie. Yes, please! Tell me more. This delicious list is just the beginning of an authentic and tasty Maui Style vacation you can create at home. Can I bring you soft white sand and fresh tropical breezes? No, I can't; sorry about that. Can I suggest where to buy unique products that will get your Maui vacation vibes flowing? Yes, my friends, I can! I don't want to give away all of my Hawaiian gems right here, so make sure you head over to the Guide. Check out the Downloadable Guide ==> HERE:  Cocktail Adventures Virtual Maui Vacation Maui Wine Surfing Goat Dairy Farm Ocean Vodka Kimos Hear No Evil Media, Audio Production by Erik Hulslander  How to Find Adventure & Thrive in the Empty Nest – Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store – Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves

Pasta-making from the BEST From the moment I stepped into her pasta studio, Linda Miller Nicholson, also known as Salty Seattle, exuded warmth and enthusiasm that was palpable.  Her expansive studio is located about 30 miles east of Seattle, and it is super cool! Cleverly designed with a fireplace, chic seating, and rainbow-colored pasta tools. Woodblock counters cover the surfaces of each workstation. On one side of the studio, she has an antique refrigerator that must be 8-10 feet long with glass windows, old-fashioned metal handles, and beautiful wood doors. She has retrofitted the appliance to today's refrigeration standards. You would love this piece! Linda's unique culinary studio is truly a rainbow pasta dreamland. I was a guest of my dear friends at Tuscan Women Cook (Episode #3)for this hands-on class and adventure. We spent hours learning how to make several types of colorful handmade pasta, laughing, and learning while sipping wine. I really honed my pasta-making skills with Linda and my passion for this culinary craft keeps my family and friends eating fresh pasta for days! Linda Miller Nicholson is an internationally recognized pasta-making powerhouse whose work is featured across media outlets, including Saveur, Good Housekeeping, Buzzfeed, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Delta Airlines, the BBC, and Business Insider. She has made pasta art for Katy Perry, The cast of The Chew. And Harry Connick Jr. She's been the subject of several documentaries and works with companies like the Food Network and Buzzfeed's Tasty. I can also attest that she is incredibly delightful and highly talented. I feel super fortunate to have spent quality time with Linda. We talked about so many wonderful things in this episode! Growing up in a bi-racial family Moving from Southern California to rural Idaho as a child How she learned to make pasta at four years old! Her fascinating childhood and how "Slobber the Cow" influenced it How travel shaped her life and career How she created this unique, colorful career in pasta-making How creating Salty Seattle and wildly experimenting with colors helped her tap into her creative side The details of her fantastic online and in-person pasta-making classes Linda's cookbook "Pasta Pretty Please" How to create colored pasta with all-natural ingredients Her pasta "ideas" list- Imagine the "pastabilities"! Linda offers sound advice and insight for other entrepreneurs and how she believes that no one is really ever "stuck" but that we are continually growing and learning.  In this podcast episode, her infectious joy for pasta-making comes through even without seeing her! She's a pleasure to interview and to get to know. You will LOVE hearing her engaging stories! I wish I could bottle her energy and enthusiasm!   Make sure you check the show notes for all of the essential links and for where to find her book. Pasta Pretty Please. @SaltySeattle - Linda's engaging Instagram SaltySeattle.com - Linda's website for listings of classes and where to buy her book Hear No Evil Media, Audio Production by Erik Hulslander  How to Find Adventure & Thrive in the Empty Nest – Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store – Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves

Well, we have another fantastic episode for you! Today, I will introduce you to my friend, author, and fellow travel writer, Sara Broers. I promise you will learn about places you have never heard of and you will love it! But first, let me tell you a little about Sara. She went from Iowa Mommy Blogger to CEO and is a leading advocate and expert in Midwest Destinations. Sara Broers is a travel enthusiast that resides in North Iowa. She is passionate about the Midwest and helping communities grow through one destination visit at a time. Sara is the CEO of Travel With Sara and the Co-Owner of the Midwest Travel Network. In May of 2022, her book 100 Things To Do In Iowa Before You Die will be released! Sara and her husband live on the nearly 100-year-old family farm in North Iowa and enjoy camping, biking, and spending time with their grandchildren. We had a blast talking about all things Midwest, and I credit Sara for most of my extraordinary adventures in this fantastic area of the United States. Without Sara and her travel connections, I may not have enjoyed adventures in North and South Dakota, dined on Kansas City food trails, and experienced the cold April wind on the prairie with wild bison in Nebraska! Here are just some of the topics we covered in this forty-minute conversation! Midwest Destinations to know and love! The BIG Kansas Road Trip Where to find delicious Midwestern dishes Oberlin Kansas - The best bread pudding ever! Midwest Travel Network: How it supports and connects writers and destinations Why is Medora, ND the cutest darn place where you experience intriguing Western history? Where did Teddy Roosevelt spend most of his time? Mt Rushmore and the Black Hills of South Dakota Where can you eat steaks cooked on a pitchfork? What? (It was such an extraordinary experience!) Midwest Road Trip Tips The darling destination of St Cloud Minnesota (I am going soon!) Mason City, Iowa, the Iowa State Fair Clear Lake Iowa and SO MUCH MORE! After listening to Sara tell colorful stories of the Midwest, how many new destinations did you learn about? She is such a wealth of knowledge, and her enthusiasm for small towns and larger ones is so captivating. There is so much beauty, great food, and history to explore there. Have you spent much time in the Midwest? Where have you been? I would love to know! I hope you check out Sara's website and learn where to buy her book. Check the show notes for all of the links we talked about in this episode! There are a bunch! Travel With Sara Epic Outdoor Adventures In Medora 8 Great Midwest Towns You Need To Discover Great Places To Stay In Kansas Along US Highway 36 Sara Broers Midwest Travel Network MTN Conference 2022 - St Cloud, MN (Suzanne will be there too!) Hear No Evil Media, Audio Production by Erik Hulslander  How to Find Adventure & Thrive in the Empty Nest – Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store – Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves  

Let's talk about equestrian travel and a lot more! Not only do we plan to ride over and talk about equestrian travel, but today is a first for Travel Connections! We have a repeat guest! Laura Fernandez first came on the show during the podcast's launch back in Episode #5. We have asked her back on the show again because there is so much more to talk about! But first, let me give you a little background on Laura. Laura Fernandez is a trailblazer in the audio space, which led her to her current position as SXM Media's Travel + Tourism VP-Head of Industry.  Her work has focused on developing media solutions that connect travel brands with their target consumers in innovative ways using the power of SXM Media (SiriusXM, Soundcloud, Pandora, Stitcher, and more). Laura has expertly weaved together SXM Media's assets with the needs and habits of travelers and guided brands to target the audience when they are most engaged. Laura is undoubtedly no stranger to the relationship and similar emotional impact and relief that music and travel can have on people. With both her personal and professional affinity for music, her radio career quickly evolved after joining SXM Media, where she would go on to launch vertical divisions for Casinos, Tourism, and eventually Travel. Laura is passionate about the ever-evolving audio industry and enjoys educating brands on how they can take advantage of the audio platform's captivated audiences. In this episode: Travel is Back! How travel brands are investing in audio Audio is an excellent complement to any marketing plan Equestrian travel The benefits of active travel The importance of being authentic Laura's upcoming global travel plans Laura's new podcast! Listening to Laura offer her insights into travel and the audio experience was such a treat. Her new podcast The 3 Stride Podcast hosted by Laura, Julia, and Molly is a great idea and perfect for anyone who wants to learn, laugh, and hear more about the world of horses.   I hope you will go and listen! Check the show notes below for links. Links to people and places in this episode! @lauragailfernandez - Instagram The 3 Stride Podcast - Laura's new podcast with equestrian friends Julia Hanssen and Molly Heroy SiriusXM Soundcloud Pandora Stitcher Wanderful - Beth Santos Hear No Evil Media, Audio Production by Erik Hulslander  How to Find Adventure & Thrive in the Empty Nest – Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store – Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves

What is active travel? & How is a podcast created? Today's episode is a two-for-one! I am introducing you to the man behind the mixing board of this podcast, Erik Hulslander. With his expertise, every episode sounds professional and fantastic! We will take you behind the scenes of Travel Connections and how Erik, my audio engineer, is an active global traveler and marathon runner. He loves to see the world on foot, 26.2 miles at a time. How brilliant is that? Here's a little background. Erik Hulslander is a multi-disciplined audio engineer who provided sound for award-winning films, edited dialog for a Best of the iTunes Store meditation app, and worked in a recording studio that helped define the Seattle Grunge Rock sound. And that was all before starting his own post-production company, Hear No Evil Media. He has worked on podcasts for national hospitals, futurists, indigenous peoples, entrepreneurs, and travel writers like me! Erik's music education began in 1986 with an Atari Computer and music notation software. He continued with music and recording into high school, starting college early and earning three degrees in music and recording arts and science. Erik is also an avid marathon participant. He's traveled around the globe to run in races in iconic locations like Qatar, Paris Disney, The Great Wall of China, and many more. He's currently challenging himself to run 20 marathons this year alone. That is impressive! In this episode, you will learn: How is a podcast made? How Erik creates a template with multiple tracks that becomes the episode How we "speak in cursive."   The Best of Active Travel What is active travel, and why is it so appealing? Can it be defined in several ways? How running marathons around the world allow Erik to see parts of a city that you may never discover otherwise Running marathons has enhanced his travel experience and he can't imagine any other way to see the world   Travel Stories Erik also shares a heartfelt and poignant travel connection story that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Also... In Episode #9, "Walking the Camino de Santiago – An Exhilarating & Inspiring Adventure", I talked with Meg Maloney, author of Slow Your Roll. She shared her remarkable experience walking the Camino de Santiago. Erik shares his unique tale of the Camino as well! It is so fun to see how our travel stories can connect us (even my guests) in so many ways. Links in this podcast: Hear No Evil Media Podcast Audio Production by Erik Hulslander  Episode #9 Walking the Camino de Santiago – An Exhilarating & Inspiring Adventure How to Find Adventure & Thrive  in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves

Today's episode is a fun and personal kind of catch-up episode.  Did you know that our debut episode for Travel Connections was published on October 1, 2021? We have created 17 episodes thus far! I am so thrilled that I joined this new platform. Have you listened yet? I love talking with other people in the travel space. The podcast gives me a unique opportunity to go even further inside of a tour or a destination and into the hearts of travel experts to hear their personal stories. In addition, we get to hear about their travel connections. This new experience has been an absolute delight! Truthfully, a lot is happening in my world! I don't talk about my travel all that much on the podcast because I would much rather hear from my guests. But on this solo episode, I will offer my travel ideas and Spring adventures! Trips to Remember and Travel Ideas My first big trip after the Pandemic was in September of 2021. I had a glorious time in Italy hosted by Coleen Kirnan of Tuscan Women Cook. I interviewed Coleen in Episode #3, so you must go back and listen! The second part of the trip took us to Milan, where we toured with Alice Salvagnin from Milan Private Tours.  I asked Alice to be one of our first guests on Travel Connections, so you are missing out if you have not yet listened to her stories and beautiful accent. My conversation with Alice is on Episode #6. We concluded our trip in dreamy Lake Como. In this Spring-focused episode, you will find: Details of Spring in the Pacific Northwest Hear about a fun itinerary for where to find the daffodil fields, tulip festival, and cherry blossoms! La Conner and Mt Vernon, WA, Skagit Valley, WA Future travel for Suzanne Living in the Pacific Northwest, I have a brand new appreciation for sunshine and seasons. I watch for signs of spring after a long winter, sometimes long wet winter. Living in a climate where the seasons are distinct really makes you appreciate each sprinkle and ray of sunshine. Flower Photos Seeing the rainbow of colors in the tulip and daffodil fields is quite a sight! In my Fine Art America Shop, I offer a few select tulip and daffodil photographs where you can make prints, notecards, t-shirts, pillows, iPhone cases, and even shower curtains. You can go to click => HERE    Future 2022 & Travel Ideas Later this year, I will be in Napa Valley, CA, Ireland, and Scotland, and with any luck, my friends in Thailand and Japan will be back open for business! It would be so incredible to see these countries again. I would love to hear about your travel adventures. Please tell me what's happening in your travel world! You can send me an email to suzannestavert@me.com and share your travel with me. Tell me where you plan to go or where you have been to recently. For the first 20 listeners who email me, I will send you a #findadventure luggage tag. I created these tags several years ago to spread the #findadventure movement! They are super clever, happy, and make your black bag stand out in a crowd! So send me an email, and I will send you a free luggage tag! Don't forget to check out the links in the Show Notes! Links in this podcast: Episode #3 A Culinary Adventure with Tuscan Women Cook Episode #6 Travel to Italy Today: A Conversation with Milan Private Tours Episodes 13, 14 & 15 - The Whidbey Island, WA Trilogy! How to Find Adventure & Thrive  in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves Whidbey & Camano Islands Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Pub - La Conner, WA Christianson's Nursery Genuine Skagit Valley

Tours by International Culinary Tours are perfect for savvy travelers looking for experiential travel enjoyed outdoors with small groups. Does the idea of a culinary tour sound enticing? Since 1990, International Culinary Tours has been one of the premier boutique tour operators specializing in culinary, wine, and cooking tours to Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Morocco. They have also expanded their tours to include ones with an added focus on wellness, including yoga, pilates, and hiking. There are new tours for 2022/2023 that will take you to Croatia, Greece, Japan & Chile. The world is your oyster! My conversation with International Culinary Tours host and owner Cindy Stephan was so informative and fun!  She speaks Spanish, French, and Italian and has traveled extensively worldwide, having created, organized, and escorted over 100 international tours. In this episode, Cindy shares a myriad of inspiring travel stories and why travel is vital to connecting, eating delicious food, and new friendships. Cindy Stephan started Advantage Tennis Tours in 1990, specializing in organizing tours to the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments and other major tennis tournaments around the globe. About ten years ago, when the internet complicated how we purchase sports events tickets, she transitioned to focus on wine and cooking tours with her new company, International Culinary Tours. The relationships she and her team built with tour guides and international accommodations in Italy, France, and Spain for pre or post-tennis tours allowed her to make this successful change for her business. Small Groups, Big Rewards International Culinary Tours are conveniently created to be on the small side, with just 10-14 travelers. This smaller group allows for a slower and relaxed pace, and Cindy and her global team can offer guests unique and special accommodations. Fewer guests allow for intimate and personal settings too. I asked Cindy about her favorite stories and personal travel connections. She has so many, considering she has led over 100 tours! She shared a particularly touching story about taking a small group on the Camino de Santiago in Spain and how closely connected her guests felt while walking the Camino. Walking 14 miles each day, spending time with others, and your thoughts can be quite a moving experience! With travelers deciding where to spend their precious travel dollars, these small group tours could be the key to travel success. Savvy travelers are looking for experiential travel and adventures enjoyed outdoors and with small groups of people. In my experience, having someone else take care of the details is the best way to enjoy a trip to a new destination!   Why does Cindy Stephan love sharing her tours? I asked Cindy why she continues to lead these tours and how she successfully managed the challenges of the Pandemic and traveling. She said that she loves the stories her guests shared and is giving them something that would be hard to create on their own. Her passion for travel and her guests is inspiring, and her unique connections with the local tour guides and local accommodations are priceless! This type of travel is just what we need going forward! I can't wait to get back to touring. How about you? This summary is just a small sample of my enlightening conversation with Cindy Stephan. I hope you come over to Travel Connections to listen to the full episode and learn how you can also live the dream of travel through local cuisine and authentic experiences designed by a team of travel experts. Remember to sign up to receive an episode summary when our episodes are published every two weeks!   Don't miss the important links to this episode below! Links in this podcast: International Culinary Tours Instagram link: @InternationalCulinaryTours How to Find Adventure & Thrive  in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves

Art & Life on Whidbey Island In Part Three of my special three-part series of Whidbey Island, WA, I have a wonderful conversation with Holly and David Price. The couple moved from Seattle to Whidbey 28 years ago, and they built their dream home on five acres on the South end of the island. David has developed his career as a painter, showing in galleries in California, Oregon, Arizona, and Seattle.  His encaustic paintings are now sold exclusively at his own gallery in the town of Langley as a part of the brick and mortar shop they opened eight years ago. Their shop, called "edit." features a curated collection of 80 independent makers of goods the couple use themselves, including a line of Lithuanian linen clothing for women, Not Perfect Linen. So what exactly does "encaustic" mean? David explains that any art created with beeswax, tree resin, and oil pigment is encaustic. We purchased a gorgeous piece of David's and had so much fun getting to know this amazing couple! In this episode, both Holly and David talk about the benefits of living in a more rural environment, yet the proximity to Seattle and urban activities is just a short drive away. Some of the questions they answered for me are: What is it like to live in a tourist destination? What are your favorite places to visit when you aren't at "edit" or creating art? What do you love about owning a unique store like "edit"? How did you manage through the pandemic? This episode is an exciting conversation filled with travel stories, island life, and an insider's view the darling island of Whidbey. You will love Holly and David! To receive the full benefit of the three-part series, please also listen to Episode #13, A Spectacular Weekend on Whidbey Island, WA – I Am Smitten! and Episode #14, A Fantastic Conversation with Whidbey Island Restaurateur Jenn Jurriaans. Remember to sign up to receive an episode summary when our episodes are published every two weeks! Important Links! Go Whidbey Camano Islands edit. , Instagram: @editwhidbey David Price Artist, Instagram: @DavidPriceArtist  The Star Store How to Find Adventure & Thrive  in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves #FindAdventure Luggage Tags

In Part Two of my special three-part series of Whidbey Island, WA, I have a fantastic conversation with restaurateur and business owner Jenn Jurriaans.   She takes us through her early connections growing up visiting Whidbey Island as a child to their exciting beginnings creating their restaurant Prima Bistro. Prima Bistro is a Northwest Bistro inspired by French Classics located in Langley on Whidbey Island. They offer an impressive wine list, a menu that changes with the seasons, and a full cocktail bar. Jenn and her Executive Chef husband Sieb Jurriaans also own Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar and now the newly opened Seabiscuit Bakery. Running restaurants during the Pandemic was obviously an incredible challenge, but Jenn shares how her passionate and capable team managed to pivot and look at their business differently without customers sitting in the restaurant. Everyone joined together to do everything and anything they could! So inspiring! It was such a privilege to learn how it feels to run successful businesses in a destination city. Whidbey is an extraordinary place to visit, and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing where Jenn, her husband Sieb, and her daughters like to get away and a couple of favorite spots to eat as well. Getting to know the people of Whidbey Island has been such a joy for me, and we have one more interview to complete our series! Next up are Holly and David Price, owners of edit, a beautiful boutique featuring products from artisans worldwide. David is also an architect and a talented artist. We talk about that too! Taking you inside of this destination has been such a pleasure! I fell head over heels for Whidbey Island the minute I drove off of the ferry. There is so much to explore and enjoy! Make sure you check the links from the places we discussed. See below! Remember to sign up to receive an episode summary when our episodes are published every two weeks! Find Episode #1 Here -> A Spectacular Weekend on Whidbey Island, WA - I Am Smitten! Important Links!  Go Whidbey Camano Islands Prima Bistro Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar Seabiscuit Bakery Mukilteo Coffee Roasters Penn Cove Shellfish Freeland Cafe Langley Whale Center How to Find Adventure & Thrive  in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves

This is a personal introduction created just for you and it's all about our spectacular weekend getaway on Whidbey Island, in Washington. On each episode of Travel Connections, I ask each guest: “Travel Connections is about the deeper connections we make when we travel. I would love to hear about special trips and connections or personal travel stories that have made an impact."  So this introduction to Whidbey is my travel story for you! During the summer of 2020, my husband and I moved from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest. We now live about 30 minutes east of Downtown Seattle. So we have a lot of exploring and discovering to do and that's exactly what we've done. We have discovered local farms, wineries, small towns, gorgeous places to hike and kayak. There's so much that the Northwest has to offer! Smitten with Whidbey Island My connection to this destination was instant. I knew I had found something unique and I was going to love it. I was so smitten that I decided to create a trio of episodes devoted to Whidbey and a couple of the people who contribute to the specialness of the island. (There are many special people we could talk with, but you know there is only so much time!) In this episode, I quickly take you through our itinerary, a couple of the places we ate, and introduce you to three terrific people that Craig and I personally connected with! My goal is to take you inside of a destination and give you a taste of what it feels like to visit. In my next two episodes, you will meet business owners Holly and David Price who own edit, a gorgeous shop full of eclectic, yet practical items you would use every day. They curate beautiful things that are made by over 80 different craftspeople from around the world. David is also an architect and gifted artist and Craig and I purchased one of his encaustic paintings. What is encaustic? Come listen to the episode to find out! Additionally, Jenn Jurriaans will be my guest on a future episode as well. She is the co-owner of several restaurants Prima Bistro, Saltwater, and Seabiscuit Bakery along with her chef husband Sieb. Jenn and I enjoyed a wonderful conversation and we talked about the restaurant business, family, travel and how they managed to survive COVID lockdowns during the Pandemic. Their team pulled together and their story is quite inspiring! I hope you enjoy this suite of episodes which allows me to dive a little deeper into a destination rather than cover it in just one episode! Remember to sign up to receive an episode summary when our episodes are published every two weeks! Places mentioned in this introductory episode! Go Whidbey Camano Islands The Braeburn Restaurant Callahan's Firehouse Studio & Gallery Inn at Langley Moonraker Books Prima Bistro Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar Seabiscuit Bakery Ciao How to Find Adventure & Thrive  in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves Hear No Evil Media Podcast Audio Production by Erik Hulslander   

Wow, I had such a great conversation with Marilyn Ball of Speaking of Travel. Through her love of responsible travel and adventures, she uses her podcast Speaking of Travel as a portal for great storytelling from others who have unique travel stories.  As a nature lover and environmentalist, Marilyn helps raise awareness of the natural environments of local communities by creating a support network and a community for travel lovers around the globe so we all can all do our part to become more aware global citizens.  Marilyn Ball is a maverick in the field of podcasting and created her radio show on iHeart Radio before the platform of podcasting became popular. Her enthusiasm about "finding your purpose" and taking care of the globe is inspiring. She shared personal travel connections through her travel to Cuba and by taking the Honor Flight with US Veterans. What a story! Are you familiar?  Podcasting and Storytelling Marilyn shares how the way we market has changed and how important it is for brands to tell their story. Customers want to know why companies do what they do and why it is essential. We can dive deeper into a subject through podcasting to bring more authenticity to the audience. I love this! Responsible Travel Speaking of Travel is an IHeart Radio show and a podcast and today, more than ever, it is an asset for travelers and those who dream of traveling. Travel opens our minds and our hearts. If you love to travel or just dream of someday taking a dream vacation, Speaking of Travel is where to get inspired and learn from others how travel impacts your life.  Her podcast brings awareness to the travel and tourism industry that focuses on sustainability and education. People love to travel to forests for hiking, biking, chasing waterfalls, river rafting, birding, and just exploring and enjoying natural places.  Today there is so much potential to improve social, cultural, and economic well-being. Speaking of Travel provides a platform within the show to talk about sustainable travel and driving awareness around the impact of travel and how to become more responsible. I was a guest on her podcast on two separate occasions. We talked about life in the Empty Nest and travel and my most recent trip to Italy in September 2021. Check out the links below for all the scoop! Links in this podcast: Speaking of Travel Instagram: @speakingoftravel How to Find Adventure & Thrive  in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves Hear No Evil Media Podcast Audio Production by Erik Hulslander  Honor Flight Episodes on Speaking of Travel "A Tribute to the Blue Ridge Honor Flight" "Blue Ridge Honor Flight Unites Military Heroes With Their Legacy" Blue Ridge Honor Flight Gives Back to Veterans"   Brothers and Sisters Like These  Podcast produced by Marilyn Ball - This is a veteran's writing group featuring members who share stories and poems with each other and the public around our state as a part of their healing. The group is part of the NC Veteran's Writing Alliance Foundation. Each of these groups has the goal of supporting veterans as they heal from their war experiences.   Suzanne's Episodes on Speaking of Travel "What to Know About Traveling to Italy Today" "Empty Nesters Can Open New Doors To An Adventurous Life"    

The Importance of Good Health for Travel and At Home January 2022 is the perfect beginning to create better health! We all need good health for travel and just for living each day. My special guest Eddie Stone, CEO of Touchstone Essentials, is a health industry expert, someone I trust, and a good friend for many years! I am confident that the more information we gather about our health, the better, and if we're all hoping to travel sometime soon, we should feel as healthy and vibrant as possible. The truth is that we do not eat enough real food, and supplements can help bridge the gaps. Eddie and his team at Touchstone Essentials provide people a choice; they educate and share that eating healthy has a cumulative impact.  I have so many fantastic takeaways from this episode! My biggest takeaway from this episode is that excellent health doesn't happen overnight, and we should not beat ourselves up too much. Just start working on it one step at a time. We should attack this challenge incrementally.  Set yourself up for success. Pick realistic goals. Pick one meal a day and work at eliminating processed foods. Get out and move, move a little more and then build on that. Each time you succeed, it builds confidence. Take supplements to fill in the gaps. Life gets busy! Small steps add up to big rewards. I have been taking Touchstone Essentials products since the very first day it opened its doors almost ten years ago! I know from research and experience that most supplements are not good for you and filled with chemicals and additives, and not only is your health not improving, but you are wasting your money. These are the Touchstone Essentials products my husband and I take each day: Wellspring - Six powerful, plant-based superfoods in one easy-to-take supplement for your essential fatty acids and antioxidants. For my heart and joints. Essentials - Trust the 26 certified organic fruits and veggies in Essentials to give you the high-quality minerals and nutrients your body needs—the perfect multi-vitamin. Supergreens - Support gut health and your digestive tract with 5 billion probiotics, plant-based enzymes, and a prebiotic to strengthen the microbiome. I can't live without this! Pure Body - Trust nature's detoxifier to cleanse your body and digestive system of toxins, heavy metals, and pollutants. Detox! Touchstone Essentials Gives Back - World Central Kitchen   World Central Kitchen uses the power of food to heal communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. They're often the first to reach areas touched by hardship and are usually the last to leave. To learn more and donate, click => HERE  Receive $50 off your first order of Touchstone Essentials with an unconditional guarantee! Go to LivingHealthy.thegoodinside.com  I hope my conversation with Eddie was as inspiring for you as it was for me!   I wish you great success and excellent health for 2022 and beyond!

As an Italian food lover, today's episode was extra delightful for me as I interviewed executive chef Michael Lombardi of SRV Boston. We met while traveling to Italy on tour with Oldways in Northern Italy.  Although he earned his degree in business, his travels to Europe to study Italian cuisine helped pave the way for an illustrious restaurant career in Paris, Italy, New York, and Boston. Food is family, and Michael's Italian heritage also helped fuel his passion for cooking for others and, coupled with practical restaurant experience, was the perfect recipe for success.  At his restaurant SRV, located at the South End of Boston, Michael and his team create Italian dishes inspired by the Venetian style Bacaro and wine bar. We talked about his travel experiences in Australia, Fiji and living abroad in Paris and Italy.  Our conversation was full of memorable moments: Michael shares his early chef life stories and inspirations How teamwork in sports helped prepare him for a successful restaurant career His unique recipes for Beet Ravioli and Risi e Bisi (Rice & Peas), both celebrated dishes in Northern Italy. Michael feels so fortunate to spend his life doing what he loves and will be opening another restaurant in Boston called Si Cara, where they will create delicious sourdough crust pizza inspired by his travels and family history from Amalfi, Italy. Are you familiar with Italian amaro (Amari is plural) or digestif? Amaro is an herbal liqueur whose name in Italian means "bitter." While different versions exist throughout the world, amaro is specifically Italian. Michael shares his enthusiasm for these cordials as well at the "Aperitivo Hour." An aperitivo (or apéritif) is often described as being similar to the American happy hour, but in reality, it's much more than that. Michael's New Year's Eve Dinner ideas: Cotechino & Lentils (Italian sausage with Lentils) Use luxury ingredients like truffles, oysters, caviar, and champagne Make celebratory dishes! Don't miss the links below! Links in this podcast: SRV Boston Si Cara  - Michael's New Pizza Bar Instagram links: @mlombardijr  @SRVBoston  Suzanne's Culinary Tour in Italy with Chef Michael & Oldways   Oldways - A Food & Nutrition Non-Profit How to Find Adventure & Thrive  in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves Hear No Evil Media Podcast Audio Production by Erik Hulslander  Touchstone Essentials

Have you ever thought about walking the Camino De Santiago in Spain? Are you familiar with this intriguing challenge? Every year thousands of adventurers from around the world, walk part or all of this ancient pilgrimage 500+ miles across Spain. Travelers are drawn to this journey for their own reasons, and author Meg S. Maloney shares her incredible and insightful adventure in her book Slow Your Roll, Ruminations and Reflections on My Walk Across Spain.  I absolutely devoured this book in just a few days! In this captivating episode, we discuss her book, the reasons for taking this prodigious adventure, who she met along the way, and how she met this challenge with conviction. Meg shares, "I wrote this book for those considering this challenging trek and those who have already experienced the Camino and want to live it through another pilgrim's eyes. And I'm sharing my tale for those who may simply be curious about this perspective-bending pilgrimage." Here are a few of my takeaways from our conversation: Do whatever it takes and make it happen. The fear of a challenge is normal. The rewards outweigh the discomfort and fear. Just go for it. There is something exhilarating and thrilling about facing a big challenge. Meg met people from many different countries on her journey across Spain. Her inspiring connections with other travelers offer such a feeling of hope and foster global friendship. This episode is just so good! You don't want to miss it! I promise you will come away inspired, enlightened, and so happy you spent quality time listening to our conversation! Meg has continued to make a concerted effort to "Slow Her Roll" by living at a slower pace. Sounds pretty awesome to me. Is walking the Camino de Santiago on your bucket list? You can purchase her book Slow Your Roll => HERE. Links in this podcast: Slow Your Roll, Ruminations & Reflections On My Walk Across Spain How to Find Adventure & Thrive  in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves Hear No Evil Media Podcast Audio Production by Erik Hulslander  Touchstone Essentials

Suzy Mighell is a Dallas-based influencer and the personality and content creator behind the popular blog and lifestyle brand Empty Nest Blessed.  EmptyNestBlessed.com is where Suzy shares everything from fashion and beauty to travel, wellness, parenting, and more! Known for her joyful spirit, she shares her life with her followers while creating content to encourage and inspire them. Suzy has collaborated with brands including Nordstrom, Proctor & Gamble, Walmart, Johnson & Johnson, General Mills, Draper James, Chico's, and Easy Spirit. In addition to creating content for Empty Nest Blessed, Suzy has appeared in InStyle magazine and written articles featured on numerous websites, made TV appearances, and is a frequent podcast guest. During our lively discussion, Suzy shared her insightful ideas for family travel, connecting with your grown children, and even hostessing ideas for those who don't love being a host. One of her many talents is to inspire women to live purposefully in this second half of life. She feels that "Women are multi-faceted and multilayered, and Empty Nest Blessed reflects this." Just a few of the nuggets you will find in this episode: Holiday Gift Ideas for Empty Nesters and their families Tips for tech, family travel, and style must-haves Encouraging ideas for living your BEST life! Fun & wearable trends for the season Our very own fashion page, just for Travel Connections listeners! Suzy is such a delight and spreads sunshine wherever she goes, and I am so thrilled to have her gift guide to help me buy the perfect gifts this holiday season.!  I also really appreciate her creating a page just for Travel Connections listeners where she offers many adorable outfit ideas. Make sure you head over to that page where you can get all the scoop. This is the link => HERE! By the way, I already bought the velvet leggings she suggested; they are a fabulous addition to my holiday wardrobe. Thanks again for listening, and if you enjoy what you hear, please take a minute to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Hey travelers, Welcome to Episode, lucky number 7. This is a super exciting episode for me! I absolutely love to read, and travel has provided me with the perfect excuse for keeping my nose in a book. I read books made of paper as well as read electronically on my iPad. I am not the one who is downloading and binging on the latest Netflix series. No, I am deliriously happy to sit and read for hours on the plane, guilt-free. The holidays are coming, and everyone is in gift-giving mode, so I thought I would share titles that fill my soul and make me smile - I am sharing my current favorite top eight books that are about food and travel. There are obviously so many to choose from, but these titles are ones you may not be that familiar with the exception of the first one on the list Kitchen Confidential  by Anthony Bourdain. I take you through the list and share what I like about them and offer a few travel connections of my own. Do You Use A Reading Journal? Do you log your reading? I have been keeping a simple reading journal since 2005, but there is a new journal I talk about on the podcast called My Reading Life, A Book Journal by Anne Bogel. I plan to use my new copy very soon and have purchased other copies to give as gifts for Christmas. Even if you are not a big reader, you will enjoy hearing the stories that go along with each of these titles. Earlier this year I wrote a popular blog post on my blog AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com where I share 15 Books About Food & Travel That Saved Me During the Pandemic. So I decided to talk about this list in a podcast episode! Great idea! I only talk about half of them, it was too much book talk for one episode! You can click on the link above to get the full list. Here is the list of my favorite food & travel books in no particular order:   My Reading Life, A Book Journal - Anne Bogel Kitchen Confidential - Anthony Bourdain It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time - Moira Hodgson Cork Dork - Bianca Bosker Mastering the Art of French Eating and The Lost Vintage - Ann Mah L'appart "The Delights and Disasters of Making Paris Home"- David Lebowitz Travels with Charley in Search of America - John Steinbeck Slow Your Roll - Meg S. Maloney   Make sure you check out the show notes below! Links in this podcast: List of Favorite Books on Amazon A Culinary Adventure With Tuscan Women Cook (Episode 2) How to Find Adventure & Thrive  in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves Hear No Evil Media Podcast Audio Production by Erik Hulslander  Touchstone Essentials

I have just returned from a glorious 16 day trip to Italy. It was so important to me to share my adventures with you and tell you the truth of what it's like to travel now in 2021. In this episode, you will find current and practical information for a trip to Europe. Protocols and rules may change, but this will give you some great info regarding Passenger Locator Forms and my experience with COVID tests. Travel to Italy? You bet! The beautiful city of Milan was the focus of the second half of my tour of Northern Italy. I met my husband Craig in Milan, and we had never been to Milan before, so it was imperative to me to utilize the time we had. So I asked another Italian guide that I know, her name is Alice Rossi and she specializes in food and wine in the Emilia Romagna region. She referred me to Alice Salvagnin and her company, Milan Private Tours. I reached out to Alice and asked if she had time to give us a tour, how it all worked, and she was so gracious and so lovely. We had several email exchanges to figure out exactly what we were going to see in the time that we had. My highest priority was to see The Last Supper, and so at the suggestion of Alice, we made that appointment first, and the rest of the tour was scheduled around it. Alice took care of everything! Her commentary on Da Vinci's artistic method was captivating. Did you know that Leonardo created a 3D experience? You will be as intrigued as we were! We spent such quality time touring with Alice, she dazzled us with her knowledge, and it absolutely blew me away how much she knew about the history of Italy and art and architecture. I thought she would be the perfect guest to bring on Travel Connections to talk about the city of Milan. I don't think every traveler thinks of Milan first when they decide to travel to Italy. And I really think they should. Obviously, you need to go to Rome, Florence, Venice, and if there is time to Tuscany and down into the south. And I think that most people are familiar with those big cities; I don't know that every traveler is that familiar with Milan. You are in for a treat. Alice is an expert guide who grew up in Milan, and she will amaze you with her knowledge of the Last Supper and Milan Cathedral, and her travel connection stories are fascinating! Have you heard of this "little" band called Metallica? Wait until you hear how she spent time with James Hetfield; it is such a great story!

Can audio change your life? I think it can, how about you? Wow, did I have an exciting and fun-filled discussion with Laura. Let me introduce you! Laura Fernandez is a trailblazer in the audio space, which led her to her current position as SXM Media's Travel + Tourism VP-Head of Industry. Her work has focused on developing media solutions that connect travel brands with their target consumers in innovative ways using the power of SXM Media, which includes SiriusXM, Soundcloud, Pandora, Stitcher, and more. Laura has expertly weaved together SXM Media's assets with the needs and habits of travelers and guided brands to target them when they are most engaged effectively.  Laura is no stranger to the relationship and similar emotional impact and relief that music and travel can have on people. With both her personal and professional affinity for music, her radio career quickly evolved after joining SXM Media, where she would launch vertical divisions for Casinos, Tourism, and eventually Travel. Laura is passionate about the ever-evolving audio industry and enjoys educating brands on the various ways they can take advantage of audio platform's captivated audiences. Many positive benefits of audio While many industries were hit hard during the pandemic, the business of audio saw 32% growth! Do you know why? Laura shared how audio is a mood booster and that listening to your favorite music or podcast between zoom calls or while exercising makes you feel happy! I completely agree! We sure did search for happiness-enhancing vehicles during 2020, didn't we? Laura and I talked a lot about the importance of business travel and how we see an increase in this area of travel. Nothing can replace the personal connections we feel with others by talking with them in person. Doing business virtually has been the best way to keep business moving forward, but people need people! Amen to that! Those of us in the travel space continue to support each other as best we can by adapting new protocols to keep each other safe and continue nurturing these relationships. As Laura said, "The Travel Industry is family." She also shares a poignant story about how travel connects her with others in the travel space and her experience hosting a webinar in New York City just before the world shut down in March of 2020. It was such a compelling story! Make sure you listen all the way to the end of the episode where we talk about her passion for riding her show horses Contact and Garcon and how her jumping competitions provide another way to explore sports tourism. What a fun reason for travel! I hope you join me by exploring the world of podcasts and music and the vast array of opportunities we have to find them. SXM Media offers so many fantastic options like Soundcloud, Pandora, SiriusXM, and Stitcher.

Sara Baer-Sinnott is President of Oldways and it is a nonprofit food and nutrition organization helping people live healthier, happier lives, through cultural food, traditions and lifestyles. She has been an instrumental figure at Oldways since its early days, joining the staff in 1992. Oldways was created to preserve and promote traditional foods and traditional ways of eating. The founder Dun Gifford, through travel had found that a lot of the "old ways" were being lost. So he founded Oldways to preserve and promote them. The mission is to help people live healthier, happier lives, through cultural food traditions, like the Mediterranean diet, which was one of the first programs Sara assumed the presidency of Oldways in May 2010 where she develops company strategy, oversees all Oldways projects and programs and works closely with the members of the Oldways staff. Sara shared that Oldways has lots of wonderful friends all over the world that help spread the word of healthy eating. Although obesity has increased, she is very hopeful because so many more people care about where their food comes from, and they want to learn more. To eat really great food is to value the people that helped to produce it, and that they do it with care and love and she has found that people who are in the food world really care and are loving, sharing people! To continue creating awareness for healthy eating and the Mediterranean diet, Oldways created "Culinarias" where chefs from around the world help educate, and demonstrate from local ingredients. Suzanne enjoyed a tour with Oldways to the Veneto where she learned directly from chefs in addition to touring the local sights and hearing from local food purveyors. This idea is such a valuable and exciting way to celebrate cuisine through travel! Come hear more on the podcast!    

Coleen Kirnan is the host and owner of Tuscan Women Cook. Suzanne enjoyed the tour four years ago and had an incredible time there learning to cook the most delicious Italian dishes. Imagine having a best friend in Tuscany, who knows all the best places to cook, to dine, and to shop. She is on a first-name basis with the best gelato makers and has exclusive access to the most spectacular vineyards where they'll create personal wine tastings just for you. This friend also is a master travel planner who takes every detail off your plate and creates an insider's itinerary filled with friendly, knowledgeable tour guides, translators, drivers, and private cooking classes. Only a local resident would know about can you believe this is real? I promise you this is really real I lived it and I loved it. Tuscan Women Cook has been in existence since the year 2000. and they are one of the original farm to table immersion cooking schools where the nonne (or Italian grandma's) do the instructing. Just imagine learning 5-7 dishes each day, while enjoying all of your cooking and touring the extraordinary countryside of Tuscany! Coleen shares her deep friendships with the lovely local people of Montefollonico, the newly renovated accommodations of I Castagni and how the connections the guests make here last a lifetime. Learn about incredible Italian wines, pair them with delicious local dishes in the finest local restaurants and even learn more about the world of organic beekeeping. Your days are filled, yet there is still time to enjoy the views of the Tuscan hillside towns, local historic architecture and indulge in a little shopping at the market in Siena. Sheer perfection.  

In this solo episode about the transformative powers of travel, Suzanne shares how her first trip abroad as a UCLA college coed fueled her passion for travel, why she created Travel Connections, and what you can expect to hear in the coming episodes. How did she manage to see The Rolling Stones with tens of thousands of Austrians in a football stadium outside of Vienna? This life-changing moment was part of this European tour she took at just 19 years old. Her interviews with fascinating & adventurous people will bring you inside the world of travel and spark your curiosity to learn more. The pandemic has thrown travel into a brand new spotlight. Companies are scrambling to keep up with what is right and what doesn't feel good. There is no correct answer. But if there was a way for her to support and help this industry, talking about travel and the connections we make through travel, it was a great way to do it. Every two weeks she will publish an interview with someone in the field and talk about what they do in this fantastic industry. Is there anything better than delightful storytelling? To visualize faraway places, tickle your taste buds for authentic local cuisine, or laugh at a fun and personal anecdote? She will talk with some great people and learn a whole bunch about things we never knew existed. She plans to share some super fun details of her travel adventures and dive deeper into the guests' stories as well. You will be introduced to people and companies you may not have heard of, or heard from before. Suzanne is always looking to find adventure and find new things and new places. And that's one of the reasons that she listens to podcasts. You can find all of that here on Travel Connections every two weeks.

I invite you to come with me to discover and celebrate the people and experiences that make travel so special. Through our stories and connections, our world expands as we grow closer.