Vacation Mavens is a travel podcast offering practical travel tips and destination inspiration from two moms who know how to plan the perfect trip. Hosted by Kim Tate, from StuffedSuitcase.com, and Tamara Gruber, from YourTimetoFly.com, we have over 40 years of combined travel expertise. We share our favorite vacations from road trips to cruises, European adventures to theme parks. Whether you are planning a family vacation, romantic couples trip, or mom getaway we have the tips and tricks t ...
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How To Plan A Paris Vacation Podcasts
The podcast for Paris lovers and trip planners
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The Thought Card: Smart Travel Tips and Travel Hacking For Financially Savvy Travelers
Danielle Desir Corbett
What if you could explore the world, no matter your budget? Are you tired of putting off that dream vacation because of your finances? Wish you could explore new destinations more regularly without going broke or getting into debt? Well, you're in the right place! Welcome, financially savvy travelers! If you're passionate about traveling and want to get your finances in order, 'The Thought Card' has you covered with practical money-saving tips and travel hacks to help you create unforgettabl ...
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After nearly a decade behind the mic, we're wrapping up the Vacation Mavens podcast with one final episode. Over the years, we've shared travel stories, destination inspiration, and countless tips to help families and moms plan memorable adventures. In this farewell episode, we take a moment to reflect on our journey and to say a heartfelt thank yo…
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Exploring Kenai Fjords: An Unforgettable Alaska Lodge and Cruise Add-On
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31:16Dreaming of Alaska? In this episode of Vacation Mavens, Kim and Tamara take listeners beyond the traditional cruise routes to discover one of Alaska's most beautiful — yet often overlooked — national parks. Kim shares her experience visiting Kenai Fjords National Park, including her stay at the secluded Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge on Fox Island a…
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206. Best Disney World Resorts: Our Top Picks and Wish List Stays (featuring Kevin Payne)
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58:22Trying to decide where to stay at Walt Disney World? With more than 25 Disney World resorts to choose from, how do you know which one's worth booking? Ditch the overwhelm and let's set the tone for a magical vacation. Kevin Payne from 'Family Money Adventure' and I share our top picks. Discover which resorts stand out and which ones are still on ou…
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First-Time Visit to Paris: Tips, Neighborhoods & Must-See Attractions
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43:15Planning your first trip to Paris? In this episode of Vacation Mavens, Tamara and Kim talk about Kim's first visit to the City of Light — and what first-time visitors need to know before they go. From choosing the best neighborhoods to stay in and navigating the arrondissements to tips for visiting top attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and…
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205. Paris Travel: Why Slow Travel Makes Paris Even More Magical with Renee Hannes
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44:37Planning a trip to Paris? Feeling overwhelmed by where to stay, what to see, and how to make the most of your budget? I'm joined by European travel and Paris expert Renee Hannes, who shares tips to help you experience Paris without rushing from sight to sight. From choosing the best neighborhoods to the best times to visit, Renee breaks down how to…
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Tips for Planning a Multi-Generational Trip
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25:10Traveling with kids, parents, and grandparents can be one of the most rewarding experiences—but it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this episode of Vacation Mavens, Tamara and Kim are joined by travel expert Kirsten Maxwell, founder of Kids Are a Trip and Groups Are a Trip. With over 40 countries under her belt, Kirsten shares her best…
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204. Secret Way Banks Are Paying You in 2025: Everything You Need To Know About Bank Sign-Up Bonuses
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16:45Did you know that you can earn money from banks? What if I told you banks are paying people just for opening an account — and you might be leaving hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on the table? I'm sharing the secret strategy I've been using to earn cash bonuses from major banks — no extra work, no new spending habits. Read blog post: https:…
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How to Plan a Cycling Vacation: Tips & Gear for First-Time Bike Trips
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32:53In this episode of Vacation Mavens, we are joined by adventure traveler and blogger Sherry Ott of OttsWorld. We dive into what it takes to plan a successful cycling vacation — everything from choosing destinations and tour types, to picking the right gear, training beforehand, and recovering well. Whether you're a biking newbie or looking to level …
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Where to Stay in Ecuador: Mini Hotel Reviews
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24:38We recently covered Tamara's Galapagos cruise and also some tips for visiting Ecuador, but this week we are digging into where to stay in Ecuador. Tamara gives a recap of her trip including some mini hotel reviews for Hacienda La Danesa, Mashpi Lodge, and Hacienda Zuleta. Episode Highlights Tamara spent 17 nights in Ecuador including 5 nights in th…
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203. Why You Need a Vacation Savings System to Travel Without Money Stress
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21:46Are your vacations leaving you feeling stressed or refreshed? A lot of aspiring travelers struggle with saving for travel because their approach to savings is broken or incomplete. I reveal why a simple, repeatable vacation savings system is the key to guilt-free travel and why automating your savings can turn dream trips into full-funded vacations…
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For this episode, we are joined by Nicky Omohundro of Little Family Adventure and the Untethered and Wanderwise podcast to talk about some of our favorite fall getaways. With over 15 years creating digital content and as a USA Today 10Best family travel expert, Nicky Omohundro operates a nationally syndicated travel website, Little Family Adventure…
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Business Class Flights: What to Know Before you Book
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44:37Today we are talking about what happens when you turn left on the airplane and fly business class! Now that Kim and Tamara have flown business class on many airlines including Delta One, Aer Lingus, TAP Airlines, Emirates, Finnair, Condor, Avianca, and others. Whether you are booking on points or paying cash, there are some things that you need to …
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202. Your Ultimate Guide to Vermont's Covered Bridges: What to See, Where to Go & How to Plan with Beth Brown Limmer
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30:55Did you know that Vermont is home to nearly 100 covered bridges? Each one a piece of history, craftsmanship, and scenic beauty. Beth Brown Limmer, president of the Vermont Covered Bridge Society, shares everything you need to know to plan your own covered bridge adventure. From the most photogenic bridges to hidden gems that often go overlooked, we…
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We recently talked about Tamara's trip to the Galapagos but today we are talking more about the logistics about traveling to Ecuador and some travel tips. Tamara spent 17 nights in Ecuador, including 5 nights in the Galapagos and found it a warm and welcoming country with beautiful and diverse landscapes. Amazing Ecuador helped Tamara organize her …
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201. How To Plan an Affordable Europe Trip For First-Timers: Insider Tips with Oliver Winter
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26:54Planning your first trip to Europe? Oliver Winter, founder of a&o Hostels, one of Europe's fastest-growing hostel brands, shares insider tips on how first-time travelers can explore Europe more affordably. Read blog post: https://thoughtcard.com/planning-europe-trip/ Oliver reveals how hostels have evolved far beyond backpacker basics to welcome fa…
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Mother-Daughter Trip to Switzerland (Plus Swiss Travel Tips!)
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34:50Kim and her daughter Mia just got back from a mother-daughter trip to Switzerland. They celebrated her high school graduation with a grad trip and since Mia loves mountains and she was already going to be in France with a school trip, Switzerland was her top choice! They visited Geneva, Zermatt and the Jungfrau Region because they really wanted to …
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200. How Chelsea Riffe Paid Off $10K in Credit Card Debt While Traveling Full-Time
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47:29So much is possible when you get intentional about your money. Chelsea Riffe's journey is proof that you don't have to wait to take action. You can make aligned, empowering financial choices right where you are, even if you're halfway across the world. After a whirlwind group trip left her deep in debt, Chelsea made a bold decision: get serious abo…
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199. Introducing 'Frommer's Travel Show' by Pauline Frommer
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0:32"Frommer's Travel Show" is a trusted resource for what's happening in the world of travel today. Learn about under-the-radar destinations, different travel styles, and smart strategies for traveling more affordably. 🎧 Listen to Frommer's Travel Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you tune in. Oh, and tell Pauline that Danielle from The Tho…
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Tamara is just back from a 5-night Galapagos Islands cruise on board the Galaxy Yacht. She was hosted on this trip by Galaxy Expeditions but all opinions are her own. Galaxy Expeditions operates a number of yachts in the Galapagos and also can arrange for land travel in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. The Galaxy Yacht has eight cabins for a maximum of …
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Tips for Finding and Booking Day Tours and Travel Experiences
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29:38On this episode we are sharing some of our top tips for finding good guided day tours or special experiences when you are traveling. We will walk through how to find them, how to book, and tips for taking city tours. Episode Highlights On your arrival day, don't schedule a guided tour since your plane may not be on time and you may be tired from tr…
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198. Stop Overpaying for Travel: Hidden Fees, Pricing Tricks, and Smarter Booking Tips with Pauline Frommer
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40:23The travel industry makes billions from travelers overpaying. Today we're exposing the traps that drain your wallet—and how to avoid them. Many of us overspend on travel without even realizing it, falling prey to shiny marketing tactics or getting caught off guard by hidden fees we didn't see coming. Pauline Frommer knows exactly how the travel ind…
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Hotel Pitfalls: What to Look Out for When Choosing Where to Stay
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34:59What should you look for when choosing a hotel, and what are some pitfalls you can try to avoid? Get ready for summer travel with this week's episode full of tips and laughs. Episode Highlights Pay attention to the bathroom layouts when viewing photos and reviews as a new hotel trend has been for more open bathroom layouts or glass doors/walls whic…
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197. How to Take Better Travel Videos (and Must-Have Camera Gear) with Juliana Broste
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30:11Ever come home from a trip with a bunch of random video clips… and no idea what to do with them? 😅 Today, I'm joined by Emmy Award-winning travel filmmaker Juliana Broste (also known as Jules), who is sharing her best tips for capturing better travel videos. We're diving into shot setup, storytelling, and must-have gear for filming on the go. From …
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Tamara is just back from a multi-generational trip to the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. If you have ever wondered what it is like to stay at one of the popular Baha Mar Resorts, now is your chance to get the scoop and see if it is really the vacation of your dreams or not. Episode Highlights: This was a multi-generational trip with 14 people ages 17-83. Th…
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196. How To Book FREE Stopovers and Visit Two Cities for the Price of One with Charlotte Gage
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39:07✈️ What if you could visit a second country on your next trip without paying extra? Charlotte Gage joins us to share how stopovers can unlock free bonus destinations on your next vacation. Learn the difference between a layover and a stopover, how to book them, and which airlines offer the best deals — plus insider tips to make the most of your tim…
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Get ready for your summer vacation and future travel with these expert packing tips! From carry-on to checked bags, here are some things to keep in mind when packing for your next trip. Episode Highlights: Use a packing list! It helps you not forget critical items. Start creating your packing list early in your Notes app Kim has an outfit planner t…
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195. Is Budget Travel Still Possible? What You Need To Know in 2025 Feat. Matthew Kepnes
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19:54Think travel is too expensive in today's economy? Think again. I'm joined by Matthew Kepnes, a.k.a. Nomadic Matt, to explore whether budget travel is still possible in 2025 and beyond. Read blog post: https://thoughtcard.com/travel-tips-matthew-kepnes/ We get into: Money-saving tips that still work Travel hacks that no longer do Surprising destinat…
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It is summer road trip season so it is time to recap some of our best road trip tips from preparing, planning, packing, and more. Plus, we share some of our favorite road trips. Episode Highlights Before you head out on a road trip, make sure your car has been serviced recently and check the tires to make sure the pressure is correct. You may also …
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Tamara recently took a travel agent FAM trip to Turks and Caicos and spent two nights at The Palms and two nights at The Shore Club. She also visited many other properties and today she shares her insights into each to help you decide where to stay in Turks and Caicos. Episode Highlights Turks and Caicos is known for its beautiful beaches and not f…
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194. How To Outsmart Thieves While Traveling With Rachel Bloom
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20:33Ever had that heart-sinking feeling when you realize your wallet, phone, or bag has gone missing? You're not alone. Over two million people a year become victims of theft while traveling. Rachel Bloom is the designer of stylish smart bags built to protect your valuables on the go. She shares common ways travelers get targeted by thieves and easy ha…
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Disneyland is Celebrating its 70th Anniversary
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35:27Kim recently took a quick trip to her happy place, Disneyland, to attend a special media preview of its 70th anniversary celebration. This yearlong celebration features new entertainment from fireworks to parades, special celebratory food items, decorations throughout the park, and fun interactive activations. There are also promotional package dea…
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Food & Wine Journey Through Chilean Winelands
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31:58If you like culinary or wine travel, you need to put the Chilean Winelands on your travel bucket list. Tamara just came back from a two-week trip to Chile including the Atacama Desert and the Winelands. Episode Highlights: The wine regions are south and west of Santiago It is easy to drive through these regions but it is still recommended to get a …
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193. How to Learn a Language Before Your Trip with Lindsay Dow | Essential Vocabulary For Travel
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57:30Headed abroad and do not speak the local language fluently? Curious about learning languages for travel? Whether you're a planner who starts learning months in advance or someone who wings it with Google Translate, this episode is for you. Lindsay Dow of Lindsay Does Languages, a language educator who has studied over 15 languages, shares practical…
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How to Plan Your First Trip to Hawaii (with an expert!)
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27:38If Hawai'i is on your bucket list, you need to listen to this episode with Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung. Marcie is a family travel blogger and mom of two who's been to Hawaii more than 40 times, staying everywhere from luxury resorts to budget-friendly condos. She helps parents plan unforgettable Hawaii vacations with kids by sharing expert t…
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Kim just wrapped up round two of college tours and her daughter Mia has committed to UCLA's School of Engineering! We thought we would share some of our college search experience to help others that are just getting to this phase of parenting. Episode Highlights It is important to visit various college campuses before you begin the college applicat…
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192. Top 2025 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Experiences You Can't Miss | Spring at Walt Disney World
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32:37Celebrate spring with breathtaking flowers, creative topiaries, and tasty treats at the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. Striking a perfect balance between nostalgia and fun new surprises, discover why attending this festival is one of the best times of year to visit Walt Disney World. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at the planni…
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Tamara and her husband recently took a couple's trip to Chile and this week on the podcast she shares her impressions, experiences, and tips for Santiago and Atacama Desert. In a future episode, she will talk about her week in Chile's Winelands. Episode Highlights Tamara flew Avianca Airlines on a flight deal from Boston to Bogota and Bogota to San…
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191. Tips For Planning a Multigenerational Disney Family Vacation
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32:16Planning a trip to Disney World that includes multiple generations can be rewarding and involves unique considerations (and challenges). Here are our best Disney tips to help you create a magical experience that everyone, from grandparents to grandkids, will cherish. This podcast episode is made possible with the support of Walt Disney World, the s…
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190. Practical Ways Disney World Caters To Families With Kids Under Three
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36:20Planning a Disney trip with a baby? You're in the right place! We're uncovering the baby-friendly side of Walt Disney World — from thoughtful amenities to must-know tips that make visiting with little ones easier than ever. Whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned Disney traveler, tune in to discover why bringing your baby to the parks can…
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Tips for Fantastic Mother-Daughter Trips (Plus Destination Ideas!)
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27:42A mother-daughter trip is an incredible way to bond in ways that you can't recreate in your home environment. This week, Kim and Tamara share their tips for mother-daughter trips and provide ideas for some of their favorite mother-daughter trip destinations (these can also be used for mother-son or father-daughter/son trips too.) Episode Highlights…
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189. Feel Financially Unbothered Managing Your Business Finances with Gina Knox
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47:44Without the right systems and mindset, managing your business finances as an entrepreneur or small business owner can be a nightmare. It's time to live debt-free, have your taxes paid, and have a thriving business even with inconsistent income! Money Coach for Small Business Owners Gina Knox shares her insights on achieving financial security despi…
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A Mother-Daughter Bucket List Trip to Peru and Machu Picchu
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34:57Tamara is just back from a bucket list trip to Peru with her daughter and she shares all about her lodge-to-lodge trek with Mountain Lodges of Peru and tips for visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Tamara "won" this trip as part of an auction that benefits the Adventure Travel Conservation Fundthat takes place each fall When visitin…
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Group Tours for Women: Solo Travel Doesn't Have to Mean Traveling Alone!
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31:32On this episode, we are joined by Susan Heinrich from Midlife Globetrotter. Susan is a Canadian writer living in Denver, Colorado. She is passionate about travel and supporting women in tourism. In 2020, she created Midlife Globetrotter, a website and platform that helps women over 40 follow their travel dreams to new places, with destination guide…
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188. How Tilting Futures is Reimagining the Gap Year & Shaping Future Leaders (Erin Lewellen)
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29:27Travel can be a transformative experience that helps you learn about yourself and the world, pushing you out of your comfort zone and fostering personal growth. One of the best times to have a transformational travel experience is during a gap year, in this case, between high school and college. Erin Lewellen, CEO of Tilting Futures shares her life…
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When Should You Work with a Travel Advisor?
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33:01Vacation Mavens recently celebrated nine years of podcasting!! For all of you who have been with us for this journey, we thank you for your support! For those that joined us recently, welcome and we look forward to many more years of sharing our travel experiences. Tamara recently launched a new business as a travel advisor! You can learn more abou…
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Tips for Traveling with Dogs (And For Leaving Them Home Too!)
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28:37On this episode, we are joined by Jessica Williams. Jessica is the author of the award-winning Dachshund educational blog, YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner.com. She's been traveling, hiking, and camping with her dogs for over 20 years. She's taken her dogs on many extended road trips, covering up to 5,000 miles, and she's flown with them many times. Her tw…
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187. How To Fund Your Dream Honeymoon With Honeyfund (Sara Margulis)
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19:51Couples who travel together stay together. What if you could crowdfund your honeymoon? So, instead of receiving wedding gifts, your friends and family could contribute to funding your dream honeymoon. More and more newlyweds are favoring cash gifts over traditional wedding gifts. Sara Margolis, CEO and co-founder of Honeyfund, explains how the plat…
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Tips for Visiting Izmir and Ephesus, Turkey
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25:15This week, we are wrapping up our Turkey trip recaps and Tamara fills us in on her visit to Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the lesser-known city of Izmir. Episode Highlights Izmir sits on the Aegean Sea and Ephesus is a popular cruise port for cruises visiting Greece and Turkey. There are also a number of religious site…
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241: Spring Break Destination Ideas for 2025
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27:35On this episode, we are joined by Nedra McDaniel from Adventure Mom, who is passionate about having attainable adventures at every stage of life. We are sharing some of our favorite places to go for Spring Break in the USA. You can follow Nedra on her blog, and on social media as @adventuremom on Instagram, Facebook, and others. Expedia recently sh…
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186. The Best Time To Visit New York City (and Cheapest Too)
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17:34Planning a trip to NYC? You may be wondering when is the best time to visit New York. Well, you might not expect me to say this, but as a New Yorker who moved away but visits regularly, I can confidently say that WINTER is secretly the best time to experience the city at a deep discount. If you are looking for the best deals, fewer crowds, and wild…
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