New Jersey To Wyoming | Cultivating a Love of Travel Housekeeping: (Megan speaking) I will am moving transatlantic from England to Virginia. Many of my previous guests have graciously hosted episodes of Travel Radio Podcast in my absence. I will be back mid August with some EXCITING NEWS. Thank you Katherine Parker-Magyar (https://www.travelradioonline.com/guests/katherineparkermagyar)for hosting this episode and roping your amazing mother into the project. You are both gems and I am thankful for your insight into helping us all travel better domestically during this crazy time. Your interview kept me laughing and we all need to laugh right now. Katherine "Bear Meat" Parker-Magyar hosts this episode of Travel Radio Podcast along with her mother Elizabeth Parker Magyar. Both have visited all 50 states. Elizabeth pulls ahead in the competition for most countries visited with 70 countries notched in her belt. Poor Katherine comes up second with a piddly 63 countries... I jest! https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/jpOHkNCD.jpg Photo: Katherine Parker-Magyar and Elizabeth Parker via horseback in Spring Creek, Jackson Hole, Wyoming My purpose for inviting Katherine to host this episode was to capture her family insights into road tripping. As a family of six the Parker-Magyars blazed across the US, via minivan, when the kids were out of school. One constant on their trips was a stop in Wyoming. As travel agents and travelers are focusing on domestic US road trips this insight is well timed. In the links below you will find an article on the recent Congressional funding of US National Parks also serendipitously timed. https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/V7fj4M9Q.jpg Photo: Katherine Parker-Magyar and Elizabeth Parker at Jackson Lake, Grand Teton National Park As travel writers, they imagine and dream together about what the early settlers might have experience. They encourage listeners to visit the heartland. See the USA where Jessie James held up his first stagecoach or chase tornados! The sky is bigger, the rainbows are brighter and the trains are long! Referenced in this episode is an American-Girls-like series about Native American girls. As a young girl Katherine really enjoyed these books. The link is below in the show notes. Elizabeth, shares how she coped with four bratty kids over endless hours and days in the car. The secret, travelers and travel agents, is to book hotels with a pool! Tired kids are peaceful kids! The greatest treasure of this episode is the insight to journal on vacation. In the Parker-Magyar family there is a hard bound travel journal Elizabeth has made to recap all their adventure so that they don't forget. Just write one memory a day if that is all you can muster. Let the kids take a crack at it! Type up your notes and bind them for your kids. On this episode you will laugh out loud as mother and daughter banter and recap their family road trips. I loved listening to their insights, goals and lessons learned along the way. I hope that you too enjoy and plan better road trips because of it. Thank you again Katherine and Elizabeth for sharing your family stories and insight with Travel Radio Podcast. Special Guests: Elizabeth Parker and Katherine Parker-Magyar.

Travel Radio Podcast

New Jersey To Wyoming | Cultivating A Love Of Travel Along The Way

Now is the Time To Plan Your Vienna Christmas Market Vacation NOTE: This is Megan writing a few insights on this episode for visiting Vienna, Austria over the Christmas Market (https://www.getyourguide.com/vienna-l7/vienna-christmas-market-tour-t75967/?partner_id=IT3D2CM&utm_medium=online_publisher&utm_source=travel_radio_podcast&placement=content-top&cmp=christmasmarketslinkonly) season. Firstly, the activity links provided are for the do-it-yourselfers. In a time of tourist attractions running well under capacity you must book ahead! The links provided are through the tour provider GetYourGuide. (https://www.getyourguide.com/vienna-l7/?partner_id=IT3D2CM&utm_medium=online_publisher&utm_source=travel_radio_podcast&placement=content-top&cmp=Top-Vienna-Link) I chose to provide these links because this company has a very reasonable refund policy. This is super important in this ever changing global travel landscape. Full disclosure these are affiliate links. My second disclosure is more of a tip. If you have a desire to visit the Christmas Markets in Vienna, Austria (https://www.getyourguide.com/vienna-l7/?partner_id=IT3D2CM&utm_medium=online_publisher&utm_source=travel_radio_podcast&placement=content-top&cmp=Top-Vienna-Link) now is the time to plan. If you wait much longer you will risk low availability of rooms and attraction admissions. This is the purpose of this podcast. To help you brainstorm a good family mix of activities in Vienna, Austria. I like the idea, and failed at this in Vienna, of doing a historical activity first. Take some sort of tour that will help to place Vienna's historically important events and people in time for you. As you participate in other events and tour the palaces of Vienna the information will build on itselft and be reinforced in your memory. Specifically, for families, I liked the Time Travel Vienna Tour. We address this specifically in this episode. It takes, maybe 40 - 50 mins to complete but you are never in the same room for more than 5-10 mins. Attractions are with tour guides, robotics, live motion simulators and even a virtual reality waltz. One note of caution for travelers with young children, There is a folkloric scene telling a local fable of a man who was mistaken for dead and thrown into a pit of corpses during a time of plague. You are in the pit with him. Have the littles sit this one out. Otherwise it is a fast moving event that gives an overview of Vienna's historical cast of characters in a format that is palatable for all ages. An area to invest time in for families is the Schoenbrunn Palace (https://www.getyourguide.com/vienna-l7/vienna-tour-and-quick-entrance-to-schoenbrunn-palace-t1523/?partner_id=IT3D2CM&utm_medium=online_publisher&utm_source=travel_radio_podcast&placement=content-middle&cmp=SchonbrunnPalaceTour) property and Christmas Market. The palace itself is uber grand with over 1400 rooms. Only 40 are on display and audio tours are available for both kids and adults. This is a one way circuit and will only take 30 - 40mins. Book tickets ahead of time as it is time controlled and you won't want to wait in line again. In the same complex is the Kaiserkinder Museum (Children's Museum). TAKE YOUR LITTLE PRINCESSES HERE. See the link below. This is the very best dress up experience of your children's life. Children can dress in imperial costumes and even set a table for the imperial court. You will have to drag your daughters out of here! Immediately outside of the Schoenbrunn Palace is a Christmas Market. Some people go to shop and some people go to eat. We loved trying all the local dishes available here. It is hard to choose between all of the XXL pretzel flavors, pasta, potatoes and brats! Be warned, there are few veggies to been found here. If you can go mid week the traffic will be a tenth of the weekend crowd. It is well worth it to plan a mid week experience. On the Schoenbrunn Palace property is the Tiergarten. The Tiergarten is the world's oldest zoo. This is a great zoo for both the animal feedings you can observe and also the indoor exhibits that are great for warming up on a chilly Vienna Christmas Market Day. You can save money by purchasing a combination ticket: If you have time other activities worth doing are Apfel Strudel making or tasting, visiting the Spanish Riding School (https://www.getyourguide.com/vienna-l7/vienna-spanish-riding-school-guided-tour-t120375/?partner_id=IT3D2CM&utm_medium=online_publisher&utm_source=travel_radio_podcast&placement=content-end&cmp=Spanishriding) Vienna also has excellent public transportation. Be aware that during busy Christmas markets you will be packed in and calling a taxi or Uber is not a bad idea too!

Vienna: Christmas Market Planning For Families

Boston Road Trips And New England Day Trips Joan and Martin McEntee of Trailblazertours.com join me on the podcast and YouTube channel to plot out four amazing routes to road trip this summer and fall. A point of comedy is that they are clearly from the UK and recording from Boston. I am clearly American and recording from England. It's a bit of a country swap and a pleasant surprise! In normal times Joan and Martin would be divine small group tours both on foot and via luxury vehicles. Now, in the unusual time we are in, they have offered their resources to listeners of Travel Radio Podcast. They would love to hear from you and give you tips for your Boston travel itinerary. BOSTON PROPER SIGHTS: We start with a quintessential Boston tour starting on Acorn street and Beacon Hill. Granary Burial Ground on the Freedom trail offers 16 stops with points featuring the traditional cast of characters from America's founding. Moving to Back Bay and Copley Square this spot offers a great time reflect on the changes of Boston over time. The building in Boston are nearly four centuries old and often surprises Europeans. They simply don't expect to find so many old buildings in Boston. Next at the the Paul Revere house (1860 museum) you can see the origin point of Paul's famous Boston ride with the lanterns. Then in then North End you will have to choose between the best of Boston's Italian Pastry shops. A debate rages... Who has the best cannoli? We are a Mike's Pastry family but I wouldn't say no to a Modern cannoli if you put it in front of me! Instagram shots must be taken on the North End tour with a photo in front of the Paul Revere statue and the Old North Church where Paul Revere hung his lanterns at the start of the American Revolution. Faneuil & Quincy Hall are great places to find yourself at lunchtime. There are choices from everyone including seafood and Boston CLAM CHOWDER! Designed as a meeting and market place Faneuil Hall still operates in that capacity. It is a tourist center and hub with shops on the ground floor and National Park on the top floor. This is a quick stop but worth seeing. This is also a place to watch street dancers and other performers. Boston Harbor is the place to go for beautiful views. Take the Boston Harbor Walk for miles of trails hugging the harbor along the sea looking into the city. There are lots of places to stop for coffee and drinks along the way. At the top of the walk there is the Boston Tea Party exhibit on a docked boat. Learn about how sailors lived on board. Guests can even throw tea into the Boston Harbor. Have your own Boston Teas Party! Additionally, there is an excellent children's museum next door (Boston Children’s Museum). It is not a historic destination but it will burn calories and keep the children happy! Day Trip #1: Leave Boston and drive North! This route goes north of Boston via the highway until Manchester By The Sea and then if goes scenic! Enjoy this route through tiny fishing villages and find yourself in Gloucester Harbor. A board walk will lead you to the Fisherman Statue memorializing all the fisherman of Gloucester lost at sea. Take Atlantic Ave, a coastal back road offering a sea views and even twin lighthouses to Rockport. Once in Rockport you can see a a famous scene from Finding Nemo (think Dentist office). There is also a road named Bearskin Rock. It is a fine min stroll full or art, antique, coffee shops, and outdoor dining! Point back to Boston and stop in Salem. Choose from three different museums telling the stories of the Salem Witch Trials. The Salem With Museum feature mannequins and audio effects. They are dated but creepy! Everything is walkable from Salem Harbor to include the House of the Seven Gables. This is Nathanial Hawthorn’s birthplace and visitor center. Take back roads to Marblehead and Castle Rock. Choose to take the Revere Beach Parkway for a last coastal route back to the city. There is also a ferry from Boston to Salem and Salem city center is a short walk from the port. Day Trip 2: Head South of Boston to Plymouth! In Quincy, John Adams had three presidential houses. This includes an unofficial Presidential Library holding 10,000 books belonging to the family built by John Quincy Adams’s son Charles. The rangers on location also offer excellent insight. Have you heard of the Army of Two, the Bates Sisters? If you go to the Scituate Harbor and Lighthouse you will see where two young girls fooled the British Army into think the militia was approaching. One drum and one whistle is all you need! You will also drive past the ORIGINAL Dunkin Donuts! Duxbury is a great stop with one of the oldest wooden bridges in the country. There is a great place for lobster rolls and another for pastries. In Plymouth, the Mayflower II is usually on display. But due to Covid-19 it is postponed. It is an exact replica of the original. It will boggle your mind that they were able to fit so many people on this ship in the original sailing. Plymouth Plantation is a replica village. The actors do an amazing job. At 3pm your kids can enlist into army! Plymouth Rock is much smaller in person that you think. But it is worth seeing. There are several statues worth seeing in the area including a memorial to the Forefather. This is the largest granite statue in the US. If you are a descendent of the Mayflower settlers you can go to the Mayflower museum and have your lineage traced. In Lexington you will find the Minute Man Statue. It is the origin of Paul Revere’s ride and the starting location of the American Revolutionary War. Five mins walk away is a home that John Hancock lived in. The Alcott House is also in Lexington. You can see the house where Little Women was written. From here you can walk to Concord and visit the Paul Revere capture sight. Concord is a scene out of a Norman Rockwell painting! The Main Street Cafe is a great place for a bite to eat. Make sure to check out the cheese shop and find out when the big wheel of cheese is arriving from Italy. You won’t want to miss it! Lastly. We head back towards Boston and stop at Walden Pond. Walden Pond is notably famous for Henry Walden Thorough’s 2.5 year residence. He built a cabin and spent his days there writing his book. This is the place to go for autumn/fall! BOSTON VIRTUAL TOURS: You can visually walk through Boston with Martin. Check trailblazertours.com for their Boston Virtual Tours schedule. Guests are welcome to ask questions while Martin is on sight in Boston. Tours are mostly on the weekends. Special Guest: Martin and Joan McEntee.

Boston: Day Trips In And Around

Note from Megan Chapa: Today is the first of an exciting series of guest hosted episodes you will get to experience. My past guests have volunteered to create content for me so that I can make a transatlantic move this late summer/early fall. Content will focus on many drivable destinations in the US. I hope you will enjoy this series as my guests truly know travel well. They have all also made themselves available to you for questions or assistance planning your own trips. Feel free to tell them how well they did. https://assets.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images/podcasts/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/hosts/d/d4365d1d-3082-48ef-a6c0-86593675d0f9/avatar_small.jpg Redmon Wines, St. Helena: Road Trip Gems of Napa Valley, California https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cf7b00_aac89d07197f4ef49687921649e708cb~mv2.gif Today’s episode features Trave Radio’s first guest host Matthew Wahlgren. Matt is a regular guest of Travel Radio Podcast but has taken over the show as host this week! He is taking us to one of his favorite California road trip destinations and I love it. Napa Valley is just the place to escape lockdown this summer. Escape with us this week (at least your ears can) to boutique vineyards in St. Helena and delightful dining locations. This is Napa Valley. Napa Valley is opening up to tourists and businesses are excited to have visitors return! If Italy was on your radar for summer 2020 and you had to cancel your trip Napa Valley is an excellent alternative. Lisa Redmon, is a 50 year local to the Napa Valley and a producer of Napa Valley wine for the past 15 years. The Redmon family is always pouring something! Originally, it was just pouring rootbeer at the family’s A & W Rootbeer restaurant in St. Helena, Napa. Then, the A & W's were incredibly successful and this allowed the Redmons to purchase other real estate in St. Helena to include a vineyard. Self taught and perfected, Lisa now pours her own award winning Napa Valley wines. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cf7b00_6e765aa82b3348e989e6c687b0dd4cdb~mv2_d_1512_2016_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_998,h_1340,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/cf7b00_6e765aa82b3348e989e6c687b0dd4cdb~mv2_d_1512_2016_s_2.jpg Starting with a home wine making kit Lisa used her family’s grapes to create her first wine. Taking her creation to the Napa Valley Fair her wines won Best of Show and Best Cabernet. With this confirmation, that combining Redmon Family grapes and her creativity makes for excellent wine, Lisa set out to create the Redmon Wines brand. Lisa produced the first vintage of Redmon Wine’s in 2001. Production has grown from 25 cases per year to now over 1500 cases per year. Redmon Wines are made from 5 different varietals grown on 50 year old vines. The trick to getting your hands on some of this Napa Valley liquid gold is to visit the vineyard on Redmon Ranch. At the vineyard you will join Lisa in the little farmhouse for a tasting and history of the estate vines. Afterward you will have the opportunity to purchase some of this much coveted and hard to get wine! https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cf7b00_41fe6cbc7e6843ecbf36402ff3ca383b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_931,h_1280,al_c,q_90/cf7b00_41fe6cbc7e6843ecbf36402ff3ca383b~mv2.jpg Lisa Redmon also spills the beans (let’s say grapes…) on her favorite local shops and places to dine in St. Helena. This includes a Napa Valley Olive Oil Company housed in an old barn that mirrors the family’s original property in Italy. You know you are at the right place when you see the American Flag and the Italian Flag flying from the barn's side windows. The inside walls are papered with business cards from the day the business opened. The food goods available are a hobbit’s dream. Locally made olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salami, cheeses and other picnic items. It is a delightful trip back in time and perfectly pairs with wine tasting experiences. Foodies will love a trip to Napa Valley. Eat like a local with these tips from Lisa Redmon including recommendation not listed on the menu! ~ Firstly a little bakery in St. Helena will start your morning right and they are famos for their English muffins. ~ The Cliff Family Winery, Main Street St. Helena, hosts a gourmet Italian- style flat bed food truck. Guests can take their flat bread outback and enjoy a wine tasting or purchase wine by the glass. ~ Gottt’s Roadside is a gourmet drive in and offers an excellent menu like fish tacos, burgers, brussel sprouts and street corn. Kids will enjoy their milkshakes! (Tip call your order in if the line is overwhelming.). The back also has an enclosed area with picnic tables that is perfect for kids to run around in. ~ An upscale option right outside St. Helen is Brasswood, in the old outlet section. A secret item menu is the pulled mozzarella. The cocktails are delicious and creative! There are lots of shops and bakeries around to enjoy. ~ Lisa’s favorite view is the Auberge du Soleil. One side of the deck is their Michelin Rated Restraint 13 times in a row. The other side of the deck is a bar menu and cocktail bar. Make sure to make a reservation! ~ Goose and Gander is up and coming and will have a creative menu with a great chef and amazing bar! The upstairs is a nice patio are complete with a Koi Pond for a fantastic dining experience. The lower portion is a an English Pub style dining area with a fire place and big leather chair. They serve and excellent Duck Fries. Cocktails are beautiful with edible flower and cucumbers on the side of the glasses. Plus, they are delicious! https://shop.redmonwines.com/assets/images/products/originals/Appellation%20Collection1%2Ejpg For transportation hire a local! Knowing the area can make or break your trip. There are several options to include driver that own their own cars or drivers that can be hired by the hour to drive your car. Either way, don’t drive drunk, do arrive at your appointments on time. Hire a driver that knows the back roads and can make additional recommendations as needed. Accommodations in Napa Valley will vary from large luxury resorts to cottage style bed and breakfasts. Downtown Napa and St. Helena offer additional hotel options which are great for walking into town for night time dining or activities. Bashfully, and I set him up for this, Matt asks Lisa about wine stomping. Wine stomping is a real thing! It happens during harvest time. The main winery where wine stomping can be found is Girgich Hill. Guests can stomp out a half or whole barrel. (Megan interjecting here… I’ve done this in a different location, this is fun and a fantastic work out…) The most popular time of year to visit Napa Valley is during the grape harvest. This is also when the crowds come; typically in the months of September to October. Napa Guests will see the wine being produced and even trucks driving through the valley with grapes in the back. Lisa’s trick is to visiting Napa Valley is to come in the last week of October. The fall colors are still on the vines but the tourist traffic has slowed down dramatically. The Spring is a gorgeous time where the entire valley is lovely light green. February is “mustard season” when the vines are all golden. Napa Valley in the winter is less visually stimulating when the vines are dormant. HOWEVER, Napa Valley tourists are all dormant and you will receive fantastic attention from the wine makers you visit! Are you interested in planning a trip through Napa Valley but don’t have time? Matthew Wahlgren has several itineraries he plans for his guests to St. Helena and other regional destinations. In addition to Napa Valley itineraries Matt plans fully customized vacations. Matt’s contact information can be found here (https://www.travelradioonline.com/hosts/mattw). Lisa Redmon’s bio and contact information can be found here. (https://www.travelradioonline.com/guests/lisaredmon) Note from Megan: Thank you Matt and Lisa for taking the time to share your insight on Napa Valley, CA and St. Helena, CA with us. Matt, you did a fantastic job hosting and I look forward to you hosting more episodes. I hope we get to speak again soon! Lisa, I hope to toast with you soon on your lovely vineyard in St. Helena, tasting your amazing wines! Blessings to both of you! Megan Chapa Hello Traveler, I hope you enjoyed this episode of Travel Radio Podcast. It's my hopes that you enjoyed it so much that you will recommend it and share it with a friend. If you have a moment, please subscribe/review Travel Radio Podcast wherever you are listening from. Then, hijack all your friends, family and acquaintances phones and do the same. If you found your next trip, a travel professional to work with or a useful tip please be in touch. I would love to hear about it. Do you want to be on the Podcast? Do you have a partnership idea? Please email info@travelradiopodcast.com Blessings to you! Megan Chapa Host Travel Radio Podcast travelradiopodcast.com Latest Episode Player: https://link.chtbl.com/O-AVrMzk https://twitter.com/travelradiopod https://www.facebook.com/travelradiopodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/travelradiopodcast/ Special Guest: Lisa Redmon.

Napa Valley, St. Helena's Boutique Vineyards & Hidden Gems w/ Lisa Redmon of Redmon Wines

Sandals Resorts: How To Choose The Right One! Enter Valerie's Sandal's Resorts, Red Lane Spa Product, Give Away! Click Here. https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/zWpEO-Ie.jpg (https://mailchi.mp/5f1f7dbbed09/red-lane-spa-giveaway) As you will be able to tell from this interview, Valerie Gossett, and I are BIG FANS of the Sandals family of properties. We also know that looking at the Sandals All-inclusive website can be overwhelming. What the casual viewer may not be able to tell is that Sandals Resorts were each built with a vacation style in mind. BUT, how can a person tell the difference between these Sandals Resorts? https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/pO9TB5F-.jpg The simple answer is to ask someone who has been there herself! Valerie has been to every single Sandals Resort and more than once. That's 16 all-inclusive resorts in the Sandals family. She has also visited all of the Beaches Resorts. Beaches are the family oriented resorts in the Sandals family of properties. Is Valerie a Sandals/Beaches Resort junkie? Should we stage an intervention? Yes she is! There will be no intervention! Let’s join her! https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/mVHtMNXS.jpg When Valerie suggested the topic of, "How to choose between the Sandals Resorts." or "Find the the right Sandals All-Inclusive Resort for you." I immediately agreed. I love talking about these resorts. They are perfectly built for two people in love. All activities, dining tables, nooks, crannies and hammocks are designed to perfectly fit couples. I recommend them for honeymooners and anniversary resort vacation seekers regularly. The reason is because that each Sandals resort property is though out so well. You simply get on the airplane, picked up by Sandals staff and you are on vacation! Everything else is covered (with rare exception). Many of my own friends, family and clients go to a Sandals or Beaches resort every year or every other year. https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/68QdLz3-.jpg On today's episode we are hoping to get through two questions: How do couples choose a Sandals all-inclusive resort? There are too many options! Are all Sandals All-Inclusive Resorts the same? I think that we do a pretty good job talking through several brackets of Sandals Resorts properties. Valerie and I think that the Sandals Resorts can be broken into the categories of: Active traveler resorts with golf and scuba, Entertainment Intense, Relaxed/Spa, and the romantic resorts. We specifically name resorts in each category and go over why we think so. You will be able to tell we love Sandals Resorts! Lastly, Valerie is hosting a virtual Sandals Resorts tour event on July 2nd 7:30PM EST. Couples can interact and tour Sandals Resorts real time with Sandals resort staff on location. Couples wanting to participate should preregister by emailing Valerie directly. By preregistering you become eligible for the session bonus offered by Sandals Resorts as a thank you for attending. In the past this bonus has been $250 spa credits, excursion credits and more! Sandals All-Inclusive Resorts Topics Covered: ~ Island hopping between Sandals Resorts, Barbados to Grenada ~ Resort hopping specifically at Sandals Barbados and Royal Barbados ~ Destination Weddings: Getting married at a Beaches Resort Property then moving to a Sandals Resorts ~ Sandals romance resorts starting in St. Lucia at Regency LaToc. Stay at one Sandals and play at all three, LaToc, Grande St. Lucian ~ Sandals Barbados properties for active travelers, bowling and roof top pools. ~ Sandals Grenada property is more of a low key. This resort features amazing suites and swim up rooms. It is a very chill vibe but it very hilly. You will get a glutei work out! ~ Sandals Ochi, also very hilly and if you have a butler they will shuttle you around in a golf cart! This resort features a speak easy, the password changes daily. You must hear Big Mama sing. This is a great resort for entertainment! ~ Some low key resorts, Starting in St. Lucia with Sandals Halcyon. This is one of Valerie’s favorite resorts for relaxing. It features the largest pool in the Caribbean. Kelly’s dockside is their featured restaurant and sits over the water. ~ Resorts in Jamaica: There are many Sandals Resorts in Jamaica. Starting with Sandals South Coast for a more low key property. Featuring over the water bungalows and a nice amount of entertainment including pickle ball courts. Room categories are broken into themed neighborhoods. ~Sandals Royal Plantation in Ochos Rios, is low key, all suites and all butler rooms. It is low key but offers resort exchanges with Sandals Ochi for lively entertainment. By request only is the private villas available at Royal Planation. These are on request only and are great for three couples. ~Sandals Royal Caribbean is in Montego Bay and is a more low key resort. It features over the water suites. ~Sandals Negril, is in close proximity to Beaches Negril and is a great option for destination weddings. Couples ~ Sandals Montego Bay is Valerie’s favorite resort. This blows my mind because it is directly under the flight path. But loads of people love it and take the opportunity to participate in a tradition of giving a romantic kiss to they partner when each plane comes over. ~Sandals Golf properties: Royal Plantation, Sandals Ochi or Beaches Ochi all include some amount of golfing from free rounds to unlimited. In the Bahamas, Exuma Emerald Bay, has a Greg Norman Golf course. It is a little remote but it an excellent choice for golfers. They offer tournaments as well. Sandals Grande St. Lucian also offers a golf course. GIRLD FRIEND GETAWAYS: BFF Getaway! Twice a year the Beaches resorts offer an activity packed event for all your favorite gal pals. Upon arrival ladies are greeted with an amazing bag of products and have a few fun filled days tailed to hanging with your BFF.Last minute deals and free nights are available through select travel agents. Valerie has this access and can help you scope out gaps in hotel availability and where you might get a great last minute deal! Don’t forget to sign up for Valerie’s Sandals Resorts Virtual Tour and the Sandals Resorts Red Land Spa Giveaway! Enter Valerie's Sandal's Resorts, Red Lane Spa Product, Give Away! Click Here. https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/zWpEO-Ie.jpg (https://mailchi.mp/5f1f7dbbed09/red-lane-spa-giveaway) Hello Traveler, I hope you enjoyed this episode of Travel Radio Podcast. It's my hopes that you enjoyed it so much that you will recommend it and share it with a friend. If you have a moment, please subscribe/review Travel Radio Podcast wherever you are listening from. Then, hijack all your friends, family and acquaintances phones and do the same. If you found your next trip, a travel professional to work with or a useful tip please be in touch. I would love to hear about it. Do you want to be on Travel Radio Podcast? Do you have a partnership idea? Please email info@travelradiopodcast.com Blessings to you! Megan Chapa Host Travel Radio Podcast travelradiopodcast.com Latest Episode Player: https://link.chtbl.com/O-AVrMzk https://twitter.com/travelradiopod https://www.facebook.com/travelradiopodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/travelradiopodcast/ Special Guest: Valerie Gossett.

Sandals Resorts: How To Choose The Right Sandals All-inclusive Resort For You

Wine Tourism in Oporto and Northern Portugal Confession Time: There is always Portuguese wine on our table with dinner! It is also sometimes in our glasses other times of the day too! Portuguese wines are one of the greatest discoveries my husband and I learned about living in the UK. Recording this episode was no chore for me as we are already eyeing this destination for ourselves. https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/IcIqyjWI.jpeg Why aren’t Portuguese wines packing the shelves of US wine and liquor stores? My guest Miguel Lael, talks about the culture of blending in Portugal. US drinkers want to know what grape is in the bottle. However, blending is the tradition of Portuguese wines. Miguel says sometimes the growers aren’t even sure what they are growing. We decide that a bottle of wine form Portugal is a grape party inside the bottle! https://www.ml-privatetours.com/templates/yootheme/cache/douro-valley-353a546e.jpeg As Independence Day approaches in the US I reflect on the US and Portugal’s shared tradition of Madeira wine. Miguel shares some history on the accidental discovery of Madeira and how to pair it. However, this ends in him just laughing and exclaiming that, “The only really rule to drinking Portuguese wines is that there are no rules.” You drink them how you decide you like them! Why not watch the video interview? It’s hard to say if Miguel Lael or his guests have more fun during one of his tours. You will get this sense immediately from our conversation this week on Travel Radio Podcast. Private and limited to 7 people you will enjoy a fully customized wine and olive oil experience.   In order to give prospective clients an idea of what it’s like to hire Miguel we play a game of, “Let’s Plan It”. I pick up my pretend phone and call him up on his 24/7 direct line. In the end I confirm, touring the Douro Valley is a dream trip I want to take. Hiring a jovial and likable guide is critical to making the experience take root in your heart. Miguel would be my choice. If you enjoyed this audio episode, why not watch the video too? We will explore Miguel’s own photographs of the region he lives, and loves to work in.  Thank you for as always for sharing in this audio adventure with us! Miguel’s Contact information is in the links below and by clicking his picture top right of the podcast show notes. https://www.ml-privatetours.com/templates/yootheme/cache/portugal-oporto-douro-view-efa19195.jpeg Hello Traveler, I hope you enjoyed this episode of Travel Radio Podcast. It's my hopes that you enjoyed it so much that you will recommend it and share it with a friend. If you have a moment, please subscribe/review Travel Radio Podcast wherever you are listening from. Then, hijack all your friends, family and acquaintances phones and do the same. If you found your next trip, a travel professional to work with or a useful tip please be in touch. I would love to hear about it. Do you want to be on the Podcast? Do you have a partnership idea? Please email info@travelradiopodcast.com Blessings to you! Megan Chapa Host Travel Radio Podcast travelradiopodcast.com Latest Episode Player: https://link.chtbl.com/O-AVrMzk https://twitter.com/travelradiopod https://www.facebook.com/travelradiopodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/travelradiopodcast/ Special Guest: Migeul Leal.

Oporto & Northern Portugal Wine Regions Private Tours

Title: Poland, Start in Krakow, Must Dos And Local Attractions https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/63396d99-b597-4db0-bf4c-08ca469f72aa/SmallLogo.jpg/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:500,h:388,cg:true Guest Matty Kondrup (Matty K), shares why Poland has captured a piece of his traveling heart. Shortly before the start of WWII Matty's grandparents fled Poland to the safety of America. His grandmother then joined the US Army, returning to Poland to fight on the side of the Allies. Matty initially visiting Poland with an old flame he fell in love - with Poland, not the gal! https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/C4E03AQHm83AZTZsUpQ/profile-displayphoto-shrink_800_800/0?e=1597276800&v=beta&t=l8GvhonXGxgS4gfJVbodHMEJ2CxWU9n47tByE8nHlP0 Since that first trip he has returned to Poland two more times. The beauty, culture and history draw him back again and again. He tells listeners the old town square and food will, "BLOW YOU AWAY". https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/IVMIi6mp.jpg Photo by Stephen Doyne on Unsplash Matty finds that Poland is often a forgotten destination in Europe but readily suggests it to his clients as a choice destination for value, world history and friendly locals. In Krakow, Matty finds the locals love Americans. They speak English well and are ready to welcome you as their long lost cousin. https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/Ftz2lmVR.jpg Photo by William Warby on Unsplash We dig into Auschwitz and the emotional reactions he had upon visiting for the first time. How young is too young to take children to the concentration camp? What other day trips are options from Krakow? Matty puts Wawel Castle, the incredible salt mines and river cruising! (At this point Polish language speakers will cringe as we destroy pronunciations. I promise we make our errors with excitement and enthusiasm for your country! Want to correct us? Send an email to info@travelradiopodcast.com.) https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/VDiFOsHQ.jpg Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash Food is the highlight of every trip for me. Matty also experiences travel the same way. He describes some of his favorite dishes and one to avoid. I inquire about perogies and Matty assures me they are everywhere and filled with everything amazing! As you may have guessed from the intro - the Vodka is top notch! Enjoy this episode of Travel Radio Podcast on Krakow, Poland. I was not able to make my trip to Poland due to travel restrictions. This episode really helped me dream the dream of traveling to Poland when the time is right. Thank you Matty K for allowing me to interview you on Krakow, Poland. I hope that we get to explore more of Poland together on the podcast shortly! https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/kPwycPWm.jpg (https://mailchi.mp/b1947059ef35/d4r0ehjtt3) Show Format (loosely covered): Welcome Introductions Megan: Where are we going today? Matty: Krakow, Poland Megan: How many times have you been to Poland? Matty: Megan: Why do you suggest Poland to your clients? Matty: (I’m thinking value, rich culture, etc) Megan: A lot of travelers, and travel agents, don’t like to visit the same destination twice. You’ve gone three times. Can you share a story about how Poland made its way into your heart and a destination you go back to again and again? Matty: Megan: Is there something funny/surprising for you when you first visited Krakow? Matty: Megan: Did you experience anything in Krakow that made you feel small or really spark awe inside you? Matty: Megan: As with most European countries, developed for thousands of years, we can’t get to all of Poland today. We’ve decided to start in Krakow and use this as a base for exploring the region. When you think of Krakow what is the first thing that stands out to you? Matty: Megan: What are some other attractions or activities that will help clients immerse and begin to understand the city and culture of the locals? Matty: Megan: What are some day trip options from Krakow people might take? Matty: Megan: Something I’m excited to talk about is Polish cuisine. What is your favorite Polish dish? Matty: Megan: Was there a dish you did not enjoy and give travelers a head’s up about? Matty: Megan: I want to take just a few minutes before we close out to cover traveling necessities in Krakow. What language skills to people need in Krakow? Matty: Megan: How should travelers expect to handle money? Matty: Megan: Did you have any personal safety concerns? Matty: Megan: In the event that public transportation is an option again - did you use it? How easy was it? Matty: Megan: In the event that public transportation is not an option in the near future - is the city walkable? Matty: Megan: Is Uber a thing? Matty: Megan: That is the end of my questions for you? Is there anything I missed that you want to include? Matty: Megan: Thank you for being my guest. I hope we can do it again sometime soon! Matty: It was totes amazing Megan: Awesome! This is Megan Chapa from Travel Radio Podcast saying good night! Matty: Byyyeeeee! Special Guest: Matthew Kondrup (Matt K).

Krakow, Poland: Beauty, Value and Vodka! Must Dos And Local Attractions

What's New In Jamaica? https://cdn.travalliancemedia.com/images/d3388bef-b60d-e411-95bd-0050568e420d/5cd2ffa7-f7d9-7d01-04a7-eef8d37a94cf/350x175.png (https://www.govacationguru.com/gurus.html) The short answer is SO MUCH! Thankfully, I was able to get Irene Sauger on the program, Vacation Guru and JJG Group. Irene, gives us updates on the boring stuff, i.e. bans on plastics, new smoking laws and decriminalizing of marijuana possession. She also gives us the goods on new resort openings, expansions, culture offerings and more! Listen before you plan your trip! https://cdn.travalliancemedia.com/images/d3388bef-b60d-e411-95bd-0050568e420d/userimages/Irene%20Framed(1).jpg Topics Covered in the Podcast: What’s New In Jamaica Ocean Coral Spring (Family All-Inclusive Resort) ~Ocean Coral Spring will open an Adults Only Resort Eden Bay in 2021 RIU Montego Bay will re-open this year as an Adults Only Property Jewel Runaway Bay and Jewel Dunn’s River were bought (Sandals bought them) Beaches Negril (family all-inclusive resort) expansion Couples Tower Isle Spa villas Mystic Mountain – new attractions and upgrades Cannabis Topics ~ Decriminalized but not legal ~ Possession is legal for locals up to 2 ounces and for tourist with a medical card its the same law. We will provide each vacationer https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/36H0-HVb.jpg Medicinal Marijuana card. ~ There are several medical marijuana dispensaries. ~ Kaya Herb House is the first medicinal ganja herb house in the Caribbean. VERY INTERESTING place OTHER Accommodations Several resorts offering Villas or Vacation Home type of accommodations for large families in a Resort setting. ~ Half Moon ~ Round Hill Jewel Grande ~ Villa Rentals Budget vs Value OFF the beaten path locations gaining popularity Pelican Bar Expansion https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/TNhyJX8Q.jpg Rastafari Indigenous Village: ~ History ~ Culture ~ Culinary Zimbali Retreat: ~ Organic Farm is one of the most unique places in Jamaica. Tour the Farm, then Return to the specially designed Cooking Studio for an Authentic Demonstration using the Foods & Fruits of the Season. ~ 4 course lunch ~ 5 course dinner ~ Accommodations on site JAMAICA now has an online app for immigration arrivals cutting the paper out. Special Guest: Irene Sauger.

Jamaica Now! New Laws, Hotels, Decriminalized Cannabis and More.

Watch the video version of this interview with Pam's own River Cruise pictures here: Where can you travel after lock downs lift? What travel bubbles will effect my itinerary? Where can I go in Europe with the new regulations? Why might a river cruise be a safer choice for future travel? We attempt to answer these questions and show some great photos along the way. River cruising is already immensely popular and post Covid-19 I expect it to become even more so. Today on the podcast my guest, Pam Jarvis, joins me talk about the reasons we see River Cruising as a solid vacation choice once lock downs lift. Pam is uniquely qualified to talk on river cruising. Her day job is literally, taking an already golden project and sprinkling extra pixie dust on it. https://landandseapros.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DV_Logo_2018.png (https://www.travelleaders.com/travel_specials/promotion.aspx?promotionId=15267&cat=cruise) Pam coordinates the extra amenities for Distinctive Voyages. Distinctive Voyages is a private collection of itineraries, both sea and river, enhanced to indulge travelers beyond the standard inclusions offered by the cruise line. These itineraries are only available through travel agents from Travel Leaders Group. You can locate a Travel Leaders travel agent that can help you find these itineraries at: https://www.travelleaders.com Hello Traveler, I hope you enjoyed this episode of Travel Radio Podcast. It's my hopes that you enjoyed it so much that you will recommend it and share it with a friend. If you have a moment, please subscribe/review Travel Radio Podcast wherever you are listening from. Then, hijack all your friends, family and acquaintances phones and do the same. If you found your next trip, a travel professional to work with or a useful tip please be in touch. I would love to hear about it. Do you want to be on the Podcast? Do you have a partnership idea? Please email info@travelradiopodcast.com Blessings to you! Megan Chapa Host Travel Radio Podcast travelradiopodcast.com Latest Episode Player: https://link.chtbl.com/O-AVrMzk https://twitter.com/travelradiopod https://www.facebook.com/travelradiopodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/travelradiopodcast/ cruise #rivercruise #cruising #cruiselife #river #rivers #travel #traveling #travelgram #podcast #podernfamily #travelgoals #travelagent #travelagents #winecruise #travelinspiration #traveladdict #travellover #travelguide #familytravel #traveldiary #travelworld #traveller #travelphoto #travelbug #travelpic #travelingram #travelawesome #travelwithme #christmasmarkets Special Guest: Pam Jarvis.

River Cruising In a Post Covid-19 World with Pam Jarvis of Distinctive Voyages

Travel To Colombia | Safety | Language | Destinations https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1533699224246-6dc3b3ed3304?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=500&q=80 Photo by Flavia Carpio on Unsplash Morning! This is Megan having a moment of out-loud truth. Colombia was never on my radar. My impressions were based on damning news cycles and comedy bits from popular sit comes like Modern Family. I thought Colombia = danger. https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560957123-1f12158888ed?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=500&q=80 Photo by Jorge Gardner on Unsplash @gardnerjorge However, that is one of the reasons I wanted to have Joni Wu on the program. I saw that she was on a trip there and immediately asked if she would like to be on the podcast. Joni has impeccable and discriminating taste. She usually travels to new destinations to research new options for her luxury seeking clients. With this in mind my impressions started to change. https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1534943441045-1009d7cb0bb9?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=500q=80 Photo credit Ricardo Gomez Angel @ripato on Unsplash Right away, we talk safety and the locals deep regrets that "danger" is the impression tourists might have about their country. After interviewing Joni I have to admit a great curiosity about Colombia and putting it on my list. Post Covid-19 travel restrictions being lifted I want to go to Colombia. After we move back to the United States it will be in easy striking distance! In the show notes you will find the Colombia Board of tourism's website. It is a great resource and will give you a great idea of different climates, geography, national events and THE FOOD or Colombia. They also have great videos to wet your travel appetite. Forth coming will be Joni's show notes for the topics discussed on this episodes. Special Guest: Joni Wu.

Travel To Colombia. Is it Safe? Are there luxury options? Glamping, Beaches, Nightlife, Food and Exploding Games!

https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/aJDCbUgX.jpg (https://mailchi.mp/f8d51b48896e/zt2l57hm90) Walt Disney survived the Spanish flu, WWI, the Great Depression and WWII. His life and determination to triumph in the face of adversity is a lesson for all of us today in 2020. For those of you in the travel industry, keep your chins up. This is a lesson from one of our own dreamers, Walt himself. WATCH THE VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH JEFF BARNES: Listener Appreciation Giveaway! No. 2 As mentioned in the podcast, Jeff is giving away a pair of signed books and a speaking engagement to be fulfilled before June 3rd of 2020. Here is the link to enter: https://mailchi.mp/f8d51b48896e/zt2l5... Disney, as we know it today, is the product of incredible perseverance and setbacks for most of Walt Disney's life. Expert Jeff Barnes, a.k.a. Dr. Disneyland, joined me for a video call this week about overcoming adversity through the eyes of Walt Disney. Disney's life is captivating. Want to read all about it? Welp, you can in Jeff's Books! Enter to win a signed copy of each book. *BONUS! WIN A ZOOM CALL WITH JEFF! * Jeff is usually on the road on speaking engagements. At the moment he has some spare time and wants to share it with Travel Radio Listeners! Enter to have Jeff join your organization for a motivational, encouraging, history lesson or Q & A session. From your girl scout troop, travel agency, military unit or Fortune 500 company, Jeff can tailor a perfect a fun message! (Session to be completed prior to June 3rd, 2020) To enter the giveaway simply fill out this form. Please use an email address we can contact you on incase you win! Additional Ways To Enter The Contest: (Screenshot these actions and send to info@travelradiopodcast.com) Subscribe to Travel Radio on iTunes (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/travel-radio-podcast/id1242135482) or wherever you listen to podcasts (send screenshot to info@travelradiopodcast.com) ??2. Review Travel Radio on iTunes (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/travel-radio-podcast/id1242135482) or wherever you listen to podcasts (send screenshot to info@travelradiopodcast.com) Like and Follow Travel Radio Podcast on social media platforms (send screenshot to info@travelradiopodcast.com) Like, Follow, Subscribe to any of my guests pages, newsletters etc! send screenshot to info@travelradiopodcast.com) Special Guest: Dr. Jeff Barnes A.K.A. Dr. Disneyland.

Surviving to Thriving, Walt Disney's Life | Success After Adversity and GIVEAWAY!

Mix Tape For The Travel Industry ...and other destination based jams. Good hedgerows make for good neighbors... or so the expression goes. I would argue that it should be, "Good hedgerows make good neighbors but music has no bounds." This is what I found out a few weeks ago working in my Oxford in the garden. Suddenly, I heard my name. I turned around and there was my neighbor Charlie poking his head over the garden fence. Perched in the most precarious position, wobbling with large gadren shears in hands, while balanced on his kid's trampoline... He asked who created the music playlist. Radiohead had come on and he pleasantly sang along while he too worked on his plot. Charlie remarked that several band members live in Oxford. (It's true I checked.) https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/8ZOPCMlW.png The conversation turned to mix tapes, the aural love letters of the 90's. We reminisced over the process of making them, receiving them and most importantly choosing the right songs. Then it sparked an idea inside me. The travel industry, a workplace that has been kind to me, my guests that have supported me and listeners stuck at home need a love letter. At the onset of the outbreak travel professionals spent literally hundreds of hours cancelling, rescheduling and requesting refunds for their clients. They used their networks and industry muscles on behalf of their clients. (Never used a travel agent? This here is a pretty strong argument for not waiting on hold yourself.) Did you know that travel agents only get paid once your travel is complete? This is the same with tour operators and hoteliers. That means they worked once to plan the trip and again to undo everything and received no or little compensation. This is like double barrel black eyes. https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/szKRpwaB.png (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7cLnZ9GBt4cfTTegCXA7jB?si=9QOZN56WR0eC7yTzy1C6ZQ) On top of that anyone in the travel industry is having their inbox flooded with training offers, promotional offers and the saddest, updates on our colleagues truly suffering around the world. The tourism money is gone and everyone in the industry is feeling it. Some have thrown in the towel and are abandoning tourism all together. (Hug these people when this whole thing lifts.) Thankfully, in my observation, most are sticking with the industry. We love the people we work with. We love helping tourists connect to new people and places around the world. We believe when we've figured out the right boundaries travel will be back in a large way. Until then., we are all processing, grieving, gaining strength back and starting to hope and explore this new landscape. It's hard and emotional. *With that in mind I made you a mix tape. It is available on Spotify through these links. Or, just search for the hash tag #traveldreaming. * ... OK, I MADE THREE PLAYLISTS.... ( search #traveldreaming on Spotify) The first is like the emotional journey of the travel industry in songs. It ends with HOPE! You will know you are there because you will hear me talking on the first track. This will not make sense for sharing with your clients. None of the songs are actually about travel. Remember this is my mix tape/ love letter to you! Feel free to share with our industry friends! Feel free to share these with your clients to keep them travel dreaming. This is for the road trippers! These are all songs about USA destinations and places I hope to drive to on our roadtrips next year. I know I missed some so if you have some to share please contact me! The third is destinations all around the world. I had a harder time finding these and would love imput! Please enjoy and I would love to include your recommendations. Contest and Giveaway: Please feel free to share this episode or playlists. If you tag Travel Radio Podcast or myself you will be entered to win one of my new "margarita mugs". They are awesome. I was gifted one and use it so much I decide to turn it into a giveaway. You can also win by reviewing the podcast on iTunes and sending a screen shot of it to info@travelradiopodcast.com. To enter the giveaway through the entry form click here! (https://mailchi.mp/ea828fe05c54/contest) https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/0/037e01ef-c3bb-4048-9bb2-f57e8e9144e2/dHQsb54-.jpg (https://mailchi.mp/ea828fe05c54/contest)

#traveldreaming Travel Industry Mix Tape and other destination jams...

Mongolia? Antarctica? Planning The Exception Sabbatical Planning an exception sabbatical with room to travel, rest, think and brainstorm is a daring game of Tetris. However, it can be done and done to maximize the benefits intended of sabbatical time. Susie Chau, Carpe Diem Traveler, is the master brick stacker for the job. At this moment, we are all inside, sheltering from Covid-19. It is giving lots of us time to pause and think about our next life phase. It may even feel like you are on a forced sabbatical, not of your choice or timing. You may have discovered that you work very efficiently from home and might jus want to try it in an all together different country! We Treat Your PTO Like a VIP ~ Susie Chau What would it look like if you chose the time and location of your sabbatical? What would a month of travel look like? How about a year? How much flexibility should you plan in? https://i1.wp.com/www.carpediemtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Antarctica.jpg?zoom=2&w=1080&ssl=1 Through the lens of Susie's own year long sabbatical we do some serious #traveldreaming ! Susie and her husband took on all seven continents in a year long sabbatical. They learned a lot about themselves, their partner and what really mattered to them in life. This also motivated Susie to dive into the travel industry and help others plan their own exceptional sabbaticals. Please enjoy this week's episode of Travel Radio Podcast! Hello Traveler, I hope you enjoyed this episode of Travel Radio Pocast. It's my hopes that you enjoyed it so much that you will recommend it and share it with a friend. If you have a moment, please subscribe/review Travel Radio Podcast wherever you are listening from. Then, hijack all your friends, family and acquaintances phones and do the same. If you found your next trip, a travel professional to work with or a useful tip please be in touch. I would love to hear about it. Do you want to be on the Podcast? Do you have a partnership idea? Please email info@travelradiopodcast.com Blessings to you! Megan Chapa Host Travel Radio Podcast https://twitter.com/travelradiopod https://www.facebook.com/travelradiopodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/travelradiopodcast/ Special Guest: Susie Chau.

Mongolia? Antarctica? Planning The Exceptional Sabbatical

This episode earns a rating of DD. That is, "Dynamic Duo", "Determined Dames" or simply "Dina and Dee"! These two ladies joined the podcast to offer insights, suggestions and encouragement for persons who travel or want to travel with their autistic children. I hope these ladies are two new resources for you. All resources mentioned are below in the show notes! This episode is also for the rest of us who don't travel or live with autistic persons. We too will engage with them and need a little insight on how to be supportive. My hopes are that these conversations can give us a glimpse into a caregiver's experience. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0e4cf0_312343967985428fbf3afb655ad6d98a~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_236,h_230,al_c,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/182a1a_edited.png Today we ask the question, "Where can I travel with my autistic child?". Spoiler alert - IT'S EVERYWHERE! Dina Farmer, Certified Autism Travel Professional (CATP), is positive you can fullfill your family's travel dreams and bring your autistic child with you. She travels frequently with her own autistic child. Enabling him to travel and thrive in new environments motivated her to get her CATP certification. The autism community is underserved and Dina is committed to guiding families in the travel planning process. In addition to working with these families Dina offers travel planning to families with other medical needs such as diabetes. She really offers some great tips and resources to keep things smooth, uneventful and enjoyable for these types of travelers. More and more the travel industry is making step to be inclusive and Dee is keeping tabs! http://static1.squarespace.com/static/57c0394d29687fe4f8e30a9f/t/5e831f3c8cfb0e4f12eb5266/1586880636358/?format=230w I asked Dee Nix, Autism Champions, to help guide me in a conversation about encountering public autism meltdowns and how we should react. Should I look away? Engage? Smile? Our conversation was candid and really helped me personally build a mental checklist of how I might offer support to a family in need. We also discussed airports with designated low stimulations zones and airline employee trainings. Dee offers some suggestions on how airlines might train employees better in the future. A recurring theme between both interviews is that, "What works in your home, will work while traveling..." Take your fiddle toys and ear muffs. We get it and support it. Secondly, as an observe, don't judge the situation. Don't throw a shady glance or comment. Just know that you don't know the whole story. The other piece of advice both guests mentioned, one in practice and one in guidance - tell staff upfront. No matter where you are going, airline, amusement park, etc, tell them. They might have resources already in place for you! Comments, additional resources? Feel free to share and contact Dina and Dee. Their pictures are at the top of this article and you can find all their contact details under their guest profiles. Hello Traveler, I hope you enjoyed this episode of Travel Radio Pocast. It's my hopes that you enjoyed it so much that you will recommend it and share it with a friend. If you have a moment, please subscribe/review Travel Radio Podcast wherever you are listening from. Then, hijack all your friends, family and acquaintances phones and do the same. If you found your next trip, a travel professional to work with or a useful tip please be in touch. I would love to hear about it. Do you want to be on the Podcast? Do you have a sponsorship idea? Please email info@travelradiopodcast.com Blessings to you! Megan Chapa Host Travel Radio Podcast https://twitter.com/travelradiopod https://www.facebook.com/travelradiopodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/travelradiopodcast/ Special Guests: Dee Nix and Dina Farmer.

Autistic Children: TAKE THEM EVERYWHERE!

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5beaf96012b13fc706ceaaf2/t/5e8e0448fa1cee125d640eb4/1586794253934/?format=200w Paris Dare... We Dare YOU Not To Love This City! Consider this your guide to LOVING PARIS! I hope this episode will keep you #traveldreaming! The level of immersion into French culture, cuisine, music, fashion and history packed into this itinerary will blow your mind. You will need to take pictures to recall everything packed into this trip. Oh, what is that? You don't take excellent photos? That is OK - if you book soon you will get a private photography session on site, IN PARIS! Capture your experience just in time to create enviable Christmas cards for 2021! The second bonus is FREE introductory French lessons! “He who contemplates the depths of Paris is seized with vertigo. Nothing is more fantastic. Nothing is more tragic. Nothing is more sublime.” Victor Hugo ABOUT THIS RETREAT: Maximum of 12 participants Accomodation, private tours, dining and private car hires included, contact Therese for details 7 days August 1 - 8, 2020 Click Here For Purchase Options (https://www.passportlifestyles.net/paris-retreat-payment-plan) DAY 1 | The Adventure Begins! We start the first day after you have finished your breakfast in the hotel by meeting in Jardin des Tuileries at the footsteps of the Louvre. At the Louvre we will enjoy a private tour and featuring masterpieces such as Mona Lisa, Liberty Leading the People and Venus de Milo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5beaf96012b13fc706ceaaf2/1581682275513-MU63KPYVETEPZGZDT1F4/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kJK4Mm1kch8SFO9ZNkN1NT97gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QHyNOqBUUEtDDsRWrJLTmN9YSRtfoTLg6dUq-6F17A0FFZK5fArcnK1IqGweyunyWChwIwkIJ_P7MaZif-uMs/Louvre.png?format=1000w From here we will enjoy a nice stroll in a magnificent oasis, tucked away from the street. Play or take pictures by the striped pillars, relax near one of the fountains or simply enjoy a friendly game of pétanque with some locals near the beautiful alley of trees. We will stay here to enjoy the quiet of the area and eat our first haute cuisine lunch. After lunch we will continue discovering this area as Therese shares some of the most beautiful and oldest street passages and galleries in Paris. FREE TIME! From here you can go your own way to indulge in a little shopping or to take time to enjoy a few of the private art galleries and different boutiques in the area. You might just head back to Jardin des Tuileries for a little nap in the summer breeze. A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life. – Thomas Jefferson Day 2: A Day For Decadence Where better to start than 31 rue Cambo?. It was here that Coco Chanel invented the concept of the modern boutique! Today you will sip on champagne as you browse the store and walk up the famous mirrored stairway. Before leaving we will visit her apartment. Although she didn’t actually live here, this is where she received all of her important guests. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5beaf96012b13fc706ceaaf2/1581684779541-BX8ZJJSSM6PLIAVLGT4I/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kBiFFF0426eZA9Lf1nHvmwNZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZamWLI2zvYWH8K3-s_4yszcp2ryTI0HqTOaaUohrI8PIhr1X1Cgf9-UrAGTDTCptf9p1UDZdv1iI1xufGEBNC3cKMshLAGzx4R3EDFOm1kBS/Galleries+Lafayette.jpg?format=1500w After lunch we will go to Galeries Lafayette (in 1893 this store was 70 sq mt and today is 70,000 sq mt of absolute luxury and splendor. ) Immediately after we will cross the street and head over to Printemps, originally opened in 1865. We will start by heading to the rooftop for a cool glass of champagne with a 360° view of Paris! We can then continue our shopping in this equally beautiful Haussmann store which is said to have the largest beauty department in the world! For those not interested in shopping you will be able to chose between different activities such as cooking lesson and wine tasting or Graffiti Workshop that ends with creating your own masterpiece on a designated wall in the city. “The shopping, the food, the views! Paris is a city that entrances us all—and I’m no exception.” Michael Kors Day 3: Artists, Sacred Sites and Cabaret Montmartre is a truly special neighbourhood and you are going to fully experience it today. From The Wall of Love, we will walk past the Bateau Lavoir in the footsteps of Picasso and see his first studio in Paris. Strolling through Place du Tertre, with all it’s artists set up around the square painting caricatures and portraits. We will stop at the oldest building in Montmartre which was also home to Renoir and where he painted some of his masterpieces such as Bal du Moulin de la Galette and The Swing. The Renoir Gardens offer breathtaking views of the vineyard, the Clos Montmartre, and northern cityscape of Paris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5beaf96012b13fc706ceaaf2/1581684092956-UHOBDFQ35E09OUTZSAF3/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kJK4Mm1kch8SFO9ZNkN1NT97gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QHyNOqBUUEtDDsRWrJLTmN9YSRtfoTLg6dUq-6F17A0FFZK5fArcnK1IqGweyunyWChwIwkIJ_P7MaZif-uMs/Montmartre.png?format=1000w We will then visit Sacré Coeur and feel the magic that surrounds this incredible church. We will enjoy everything this neighbourhood has to offer from the incredible cheese shops, fish vendors and even walk past Moulin Rouge before dinner and then we will end our day at Paris’ oldest Cabaret and one that is still enjoyed by locals. This is not just a show that you will enjoy viewing but one which will also have you singing and dancing along with everyone else. “Paris is always a good idea.” – Audrey Hepburn Day 4: Pantheon to Passion Relics ( Including Notre Dame) We will meet at the Panthéon. After visiting this historical monument, we will enjoy lunch in the Quartier Latin. Weather permitting we will picnic in Jardin Luxembourg with fresh cheeses, local treats from the area and of course a fine wine or a local craft lemonade. In the gardens you will find mini sailboat races in one of the fountains, the Statue of Liberty as well as a few Rodin sculptures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5beaf96012b13fc706ceaaf2/1570706998148-6IJWXBQKEL0KDA7F5F0B/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kFQQgP34qnCpeHaeAOzTt7pZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZamWLI2zvYWH8K3-s_4yszcp2ryTI0HqTOaaUohrI8PIedjZT6_OBzi2ofH1EqNdNeCRxNMlbxs9807lIebBlcA/Notre+Dame.png?format=750w From here we will stroll through some of the oldest and most incredible book stores, visit with the Bouquinistes along the Seine before crossing over the bridge to Ile de la Cité. We will see Notre Dame in a way that has never before been seen. Hopefully, we will never see her in this state of disrepair again. Tonight we have VIP seats to a concert held in the Saint Chapelle. This royal chapel was built by King Louis IX to house his collection of Passion relics, including Christ's Crown of Thorns. Within the most extensive 13th-century stained glass collections anywhere in the world, the acoustics during our concert will be beyond compare! Day 5: Four Buck-list Destinations Today we will go up the Arc de Triomphe. This monument is at the centre of possibly the craziest roundabouts in all of Europe. We will go up to the top for a spectacular view of Les Champs Elysées and to watch the 8 lanes of traffic circling us from below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5beaf96012b13fc706ceaaf2/1570707957878-67AO80Z9O3FX8UVHW7WD/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kFQQgP34qnCpeHaeAOzTt7pZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZamWLI2zvYWH8K3-s_4yszcp2ryTI0HqTOaaUohrI8PIedjZT6_OBzi2ofH1EqNdNeCRxNMlbxs9807lIebBlcA/Arc+de+Triomphe.png?format=1500w From here we will stroll Les Champs Elysées, Place de la Concorde and have lunch at Dame de Pic. This is one of many restaurants belonging to Anne Sophie Pic. She is the fourth woman to ever receive 3 Michelin stars. Michelin stars is something well known in her family as her father also had 3 stars and her grandfather received 3 stars in 1934. Then it’s time to discover the mythical sites and secret spaces of the Palais Garnier: the Bassin de la Pythie, the Grand Stairway and the Foyer de la Danse. This is the setting and inspiration of The Phantom of the Opera and we have a private tour of the building and backstage. We will regroup for dinner at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and once the sun has set we will set off for a cruise on the Seine and you will see for yourself why this spectacular city is called The City of Lights. _“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” – Ernest Hemingway Day 6: Secret Gardens, Sipping, and Succulent Feasts The fashionable Marais district is where we will be exploring today. Here we will visit a few different secret gardens. The Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris. The surrounding buildings, house shops, galleries, restaurants and, most notably, the Maison de Victor Hugo, where the author lived and wrote for many years. We will visit the small museum to see mementos from Hugo’s childhood as well as the rooms where he wrote Les Miserables. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5beaf96012b13fc706ceaaf2/1581688388930-20ARRNY5M66C9299XSJB/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kJK4Mm1kch8SFO9ZNkN1NT97gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QHyNOqBUUEtDDsRWrJLTmN9YSRtfoTLg6dUq-6F17A0FFZK5fArcnK1IqGweyunyWChwIwkIJ_P7MaZif-uMs/ibrik.png?format=1500w Not far from here is the Jardin Anne Frank, where a sapling of the chestnut tree she always spoke about was planted in 2009. To get us ready for dinner, we have a private room in Louis XVs cellars with our very own sommelier. In this stunning private room we will learn about wine, while sampling a selection of delicious wines (and food). Can you think of a better apéritif? Keeping the theme of privacy, we will end the day in our own private restaurant. With its open kitchen, we will be able to see the chef create, possibly learn a few tips and definitely some cooking inspiration. Day 7: Eiffel Tower, Art and Food Finale! Today we will meet and eat at the Eiffel Tower. We saved the best for last as we will be treated to chef Frédéric Anton, awarded Meilleur Ouvrier de France, he has said he has just one wish: to run a luxurious Jules Verne with an expert hand offering an unbeatable gastronomic experience and so fill the heart of the mythical Iron Lady. After taking in the sites from the top of the tower, we will immerse ourselves in art at Atelier Lumière. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5beaf96012b13fc706ceaaf2/1581952319324-69FPF3UB3Q5VDAG7PU42/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kEh7ITbM-vCwc1BZu6ssEPFZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZamWLI2zvYWH8K3-s_4yszcp2ryTI0HqTOaaUohrI8PI_Kopnc7afHugqTGv5bee5VIijSdyIGEpctAKY2D-k9cKMshLAGzx4R3EDFOm1kBS/Jules%2BVerne.jpg?format=1500w This is an art experience you will never forget. Rather than standing in front of a framed masterpiece, here, the art comes to life and you are literally immersed in it as it is projected on the walls around you, the floor and the ceiling. Food Finale: Bois de Boulogne, a former hunting ground for the Kings of France. For dinner we will take a boat ride across the lake to a tiny island with a delightful restaurant ending the trip in true Parisian style. Join Therese... and maybe Megan too! Click Here For Deposit Options. (https://www.passportlifestyles.net/paris-retreat-payment-plan) Cost For Two People Traveling Together: The cost per couple (shared room and car) €7500 Pay in full €7500 or €500 deposit and 3 payments of €2500 Cost For A Solo Traveler Not Sharing Accomodation or Transportation: The cost is €6000 per person Pay in full €6000 or €500 deposit and 3 payments of €2000 *BONUS * The first 3 people to register recieve a Parisian photo shoot added to their trip. "Capture your trip with a private photo shoot throughout Paris." Purchase by May 5, gets a *free customized french lesson with Therese** to prepare you for the full French experience. Special Guest: Therese Lafleche.

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