Join co-hosts Denise and Jackie as they chat about the journey of life and how travel plays an intricate role in navigating its twists and turns. Whether it's sharing travel tips, swapping stories over a glass of wine or mimosa, or welcoming special guests, there's always something new to explore! Grab your suitcase, pour a drink, and let’s dive into the adventure of life together—because travel makes everything better!
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Suitcase Divas Podcasts
Send us a text Holiday cheer meets hard choices, and we’re not pulling any punches. We wade into five real “Am I the A**hole?” dilemmas that hit every pressure point of the season: a mom skipping a ski trip while 22 weeks pregnant with triplets, divorced parents clashing over “two Santas,” a last‑minute Thanksgiving disinvite after a stepfamily sli…
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Send us a text The holidays have a way of speeding up the calendar and slowing down the heart. We leaned into that pause to take stock of what truly mattered this year: a community that keeps showing up, trips that became milestones, and tiny travel comforts that somehow mean the most. From crossing a decade-long Napa and Sonoma dream off the list …
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A Veteran’s Network That Turns Isolation Into Camaraderie
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42:56Send us a text The hardest part of leaving the military isn’t the paperwork—it’s the silence that follows. Len from Irreverent Warriors joins us to share how humor, short shorts, and shared miles become a lifeline for veterans navigating the identity gap after service. We get real about the numbers, the isolation, and the way a veteran-only space c…
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Napa Eats And Secret Menus: A Foodie Detour
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10:57Send us a text Food shapes the way we remember a trip, and Napa proved it. We invited Denise to unpack her bucket list getaway through a different lens: how a small-portion, selective eater can still eat wonderfully in a destination famous for indulgence. From Italian comfort to Mediterranean hospitality and two bakery heavyweights, this conversati…
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Tourism As A Lifeline When Islands Need Us Most
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8:57Send us a text A Category Five on the map changes how you think about travel. We revisit the hard lessons of Katrina and apply them to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean right now, asking what smart preparation looks like when an island’s only exit may be a runway that closes days ahead of landfall. From insurance that actually pays when flights shift…
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Pop Culture Time Capsule: Celebs, Songs, And Costumes Of 2005
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26:12Send us a text Step onto Flight 2005 and relive a Halloween soaked in glitter, flip phones, and the TRL countdown. We crack open a time capsule of pop culture—tabloid-fueled celebrity drama, the rise of Brangelina, Paris Hilton’s paparazzi era, and the TV shows that shaped group chats before group chats existed. Grey’s Anatomy made us feel medicall…
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Send us a text A promise we made in college finally came true: six friends, one shared bucket list, and a Napa and Sonoma escape that blended caves, sparkling flights, and a few curveballs we didn’t see coming. We open the gate on the full story—what worked, what surprised us, and how to plan a group trip that actually feels easy. We'll start with:…
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Travel Anxiety Toolkit: Packing Calm, Not Chaos
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34:42Send us a text Nervous about flying? You’re not alone. In this episode, we break down simple, proven rituals that calm your nerves so you can board with confidence instead of chaos. Airports aren’t built for calm, but your travel routine can be. We’re opening Season Three with a practical, field-tested anxiety toolkit—pulled from years of flying, p…
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The Suitcase Divas welcome a new voice for Season 3!
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11:30Send us a text Ever wondered what it feels like to climb an active volcano while locals desperately try to warn you with mysterious hand signals? Our new co-host Jackie G has lived that experience, and it's just one of many travel tales she's bringing to Season 3 of the Suitcase Divas podcast! Meet Jackie G, our fantastic new addition to the Suitca…
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Up, Up, and Amazed: The Magic Behind Hot Air Ballooning with Get Loft
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36:31Send us a text You’ve seen them floating gracefully across the sky—those dreamy hot air balloons that look like they belong in a storybook. A big puff of color, a little basket, and poof! You’re flying. Easy, right? Not so fast, Diva. Behind that peaceful ride is a whole world of serious science, sky-high strategy, and major skill. This week, we’re…
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Virgin's No-Cruise Cruise Will Change How You Think About Sailing
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47:14Send us a text Think you know cruises? Think again. This week, the Divas are flipping the script on everything you thought cruising was – and trust us, it's not your grandma’s buffet boat. We’re joined by Tracy from Virgin Voyages, and she’s here to spill the tea on why this adults-only escape at sea is truly the ultimate “uncruise” experience. No …
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Confused Girl in the City, Clarity in the Chaos
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41:58Send us a text This week on Suitcase Divas, we’re unpacking more than just luggage—we’re unpacking life, healing, and the power of getting beautifully confused. We’re joined by the fabulous Giovanna Silvestre, author of the soon-to-be-released Confused Girl and the fierce founder of Confused Girl in the City. What starts as a raw convo about hittin…
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Day Tripping: Rediscovering Your Own Backyard
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18:22Send us a text Ever feel like you need a getaway yesterday—but without the airport drama, packing chaos, or actually, y'know… leaving town? Same. That’s why we were downright shocked to discover Rob Wallace Park, a stunning hidden gem just 25 minutes from home that somehow managed to stay off our radar for over a decade. (Rude.) Armed with nothing …
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Scam, Set, Go! Travel Scams to Watch Out For
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42:01Send us a text Whew, honey… travel scams are out here multiplying like bad airline snacks—with a jaw-dropping 900% spike in just the last year! 😱 Scammers are getting slicker, and their schemes? Way too convincing. From charming con artists to full-on digital deception, it’s getting harder to tell what’s legit and what’s just plain shady. This week…
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Window or Aisle? Let’s Unpack Your Travel Personality!
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49:57Send us a text Ever wonder what your travel quirks say about you? In this episode, we’re spilling the tea on the little (and not-so-little) decisions that shape our adventures—starting with the ultimate packing showdown. One of us swears by the art of rolling clothes, but let’s be real... by the time we’re heading home, that suitcase is a full-on d…
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Send us a text As the days get warmer, so do the debates about spring break plans! In this lighthearted yet thought-provoking episode, we’re diving into the real relationship dynamics that surface when routine takes a holiday. First up: A husband asks his teacher wife to handle more chores during her much-needed break. Fair request or relationship …
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Travel Transformed: Five Years After the Pandemic
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34:04Send us a text It’s hard to believe, but it’s been five years since the world hit pause—since our passports collected dust, grocery store runs felt like high-stakes missions, and we all learned the true value of toilet paper. Travel as we knew it came to a screeching halt, leaving cruise ships stranded, borders slammed shut, and entire industries s…
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Group Travel & The Money Talk – Who Pays for What?
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39:03Send us a text Traveling with friends and family is all fun and games—until the bill arrives! 🤑 Who gets the master suite, and who’s stuck on the sleeper sofa? Should the big eaters and cocktail lovers pay the same as the light snackers? And what about those must-do activities—do you split them evenly or let everyone do their own thing? In this epi…
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Forget the Kids: Embrace Your Spring Break Freedom
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23:42Send us a text Ready to shake up spring break, Diva-style? Gone are the days of jam-packed family itineraries and chasing kids through theme parks. This season, it's all about us—luxurious escapes, unique adventures, and the kind of relaxation that feeds the soul. Forget the crowded beaches and kid-friendly chaos—this is grown-up spring break! We'r…
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Travel Tales Turned Tragic: True Crime and Vacation Nightmares with Kim from Slaycation Part 2
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29:01Send us a text We’re back with Part 2 of our chilling conversation with Kim from the Slaycation podcast! 🎙️ Last time, we explored the dark side of travel, but now we’re diving even deeper. We pick up right where we left off, asking Kim the big question: How does she handle the emotional weight of covering such heavy, real-life tragedies? From ther…
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Travel Tales Turned Tragic: True Crime and Vacation Nightmares with Kim from Slaycation Part 1
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27:02Send us a text Ever wondered what happens when your dream vacation takes a dark turn? This week, we’re sitting down with Kim from the Slaycation podcast, where travel meets true crime in the most chilling way. Kim, along with her husband Adam and friend Jerry, dives deep into vacation stories that went horrifyingly wrong—bringing her background in …
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Send us a text Buckle up, because this episode is one wild ride—literally! We’re hitting the road and bringing you along for the drive home from Podfest 2025 in Orlando, Florida, back to North Carolina. It’s all the random, ridiculous, and totally unfiltered conversations you’d expect from two travel-loving divas on a long road trip. Now, we want t…
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Relax, Recharge, Transform: Embracing Wellness Travel in 2025
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39:22Send us a text In this episode of Suitcase Divas, we dive into the rising trend of wellness travel in 2025. From luxurious spa retreats to adventurous transformational journeys, we explore the many types of wellness travel experiences and their benefits. Join us as we chat about relaxation versus transformation, sharing our thoughts on what makes t…
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Crafting Chaos: Wine, Glue, and Holiday Tales
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38:40Send us a text Grab your wine glass and glue gun as the Divas dive into a casual crafting day filled with laughter, holiday mishaps, and a touch of chaos! From holiday faux pas to cherished traditions and travel tales, Denise and Cheryl keep it real while creating some (questionable) masterpieces. Tune in for the fun, the mess, and a heartfelt chat…
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Am I the Asshole? Travel Edition: Holiday Misadventures and Friendship Drama
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39:48Send us a text Am I the A**hole? Travel Edition: Holiday Misadventures and Friendship Drama In this episode of the Suitcase Divas podcast, we’re diving back into our popular "Am I the A**hole?" travel edition, where real-life travel dilemmas take center stage! We discuss the hotly debated case of a husband boarding a plane without his wife—was he j…
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Sisterhood on the Road: Empowering Women Through Travel with Doni Belau
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34:55Send us a text Get ready for an exciting adventure with the Suitcase Divas, as we sit down with the fabulous Doni Belau, founder of Girls' Guide to the World. Together, we dive into the world of solo travel for women, exploring how to overcome the fear of going solo, the unique empowerment that comes from traveling with other women, and how travel …
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On the Road Again: Exploring RV Travel with Maddi from RVShare
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37:31Send us a text Join Denise and Cheryl on this week's episode of Suitcase Divas as they sit down with Maddi from RVshare! Discover the joys of hitting the road in an RV, how RVshare makes it easy to plan the perfect trip, and why RV travel is becoming a popular way to explore. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or new to the RV life, you won't want …
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Welcome back to Season 2 of Suitcase Divas!
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31:24Send us a text We are thrilled to dive deeper into the journey of life and explore how travel plays an intricate role in navigating life's transitions. This season, we’ll be sharing fresh biweekly episodes, exciting mini-episodes, and introducing new guests with unique stories to inspire your next adventure. Plus, we've got some surprises in store!…
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Send us a text Join us as we celebrate our one-year anniversary! In this special episode, we look back on our favorite moments, highlight some of our amazing guests, and give a shout-out to our favorite listeners. We'll also reflect on the lessons we've learned along the way, from hilarious mishaps to unexpected successes. Thank you for being part …
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Suitcase Divas Episode 48- Windy Hill Orchard
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41:19Send us a text Join the Suitcase Divas as we take a delightful trip to Windy Hill Orchard in York, SC! In this episode, we savor the flavors of fall with tastings of their hard cider, refreshing Rosé, apple cider donuts, and cool cider slushies. As we explore the charming orchard and its scenic grounds, we also dive into the exciting fall activitie…
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Suitcase Divas Episode 47- Fall-ing into Our Favorite Season: A Diva's Guide to Autumn
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40:35Send us a text As summer waves goodbye, the Divas are more than ready to embrace the crisp air, cozy vibes, and all things fall! In this episode, we dive into our favorite fall activities and holidays, sharing the best ways to make the most of this magical season. From pumpkin patches to spooky stories, we've got your fall bucket list covered. Plus…
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Suitcase Divas Episode 46: Unstoppable Journeys: A Conversation with Risa August
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38:57Send us a text In this inspiring episode of the Suitcase Divas podcast, we are thrilled to welcome special guest Risa August, a best-selling author, Ironman competitor, and world traveler. Risa's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. After surviving brain surgery, she has become a passionate advocate against a rare pituitary disease that chang…
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Suitcase Divas Episode 45-Unlocking the Secrets of Penny Fares: In-Person Airfare Deals with Special Guest Katie O
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31:58Send us a text In this episode of Suitcase Divas, we dive into the world of in-person airfare deals and elusive "penny fares" that can make your travel dreams a reality without breaking the bank. Special guest Katie O, a seasoned travel deal hunter and expert in snagging the best flight deals, joins us to share her insider tips and tricks. Katie O …
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Diva Birthday Extravaganza in Greenville, SC
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36:39Send us a text Join the Suitcase Divas as they celebrate a special birthday in the charming city of Greenville, South Carolina! In this episode, we take you on a delightful journey through Greenville's vibrant downtown, scenic parks, and culinary hotspots. From exploring the beautiful Falls Park on the Reedy to savoring delicious meals at local eat…
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Suitcase Divas Episode 43-Exploring Wellness with Cannabis Nurse Nicole Ryan
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23:36Send us a text In this enlightening episode of Suitcase Divas, we sit down with special guest Nicole Ryan, a trailblazing Cannabis Nurse and the founder of Quest Wellness in Harrisburg, NC. Nicole shares her inspiring journey of entering the hemp industry and the motivations behind establishing Quest Wellness. She offers valuable insights on how to…
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Suitcase Divas Episode 42- Beach Bound: Exploring US Beaches with the Divas!
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37:27Send us a text In this episode of Suitcase Divas we chat about everything you need to know for the perfect beach getaway. From top U.S. beaches to accessible shores and beach camping spots, we've got you covered. Plus, we'll share our favorite gear to take along for a fun and relaxing beach trip. Whether you're a seasoned beachgoer or planning your…
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Suitcase Divas Episode 41- Weathering the Storm- When Vacations Go Bad
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32:29Send us a text In this episode of Suitcase Divas, we dive into the challenges and solutions for dealing with unexpected bad weather during your vacation. Vacations are meant to be a time for relaxation and fun, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Whether you're caught in a sudden downpour or facing a major storm, we've got the tips and tri…
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Suitcase Divas Podcast Episode 40: Exploring Gibson Mills in Concord, North Carolina
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35:37Send us a text In this exciting episode of Suitcase Divas, we take you on a journey to Gibson Mills in Concord, North Carolina. Tune in as we uncover the diverse attractions this vibrant destination has to offer. From the unique shops and local artisans to mouthwatering food options and top-notch breweries, Gibson Mills is a treasure trove waiting …
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Suitcase Divas Episode 39- Summer Sips with the Divas
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57:14Send us a text Join us for a refreshing and fun episode of Suitcase Divas as we catch up with what the Divas have been up to this summer! Denise shares her exciting adventures in Cape May, while Cheryl takes us on a journey through the beautiful Outer Banks. From family trips to hidden gems, we've got plenty of summer stories, travel tips, and laug…
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Suitcase Divas Episode 38- Am I The A*Hole- Travel Edition
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50:30Send us a text Welcome to a special travel edition of Suitcase Divas! In this episode, we're diving into some of the most heated "Am I the Asshole?" scenarios with a travel twist. Join us as we unpack these juicy dilemmas: Stepchildren on Vacation: Should stepkids always be included in family vacations, or is it okay to have separate trips? We disc…
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Suitcase Divas Episode 37-Shelby Starr's Welsh Adventures Studying Abroad
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35:19Send us a text In this exciting episode of the Suitcase Divas Podcast, we sit down with the incredibly talented actress and singer, Shelby Starr. Shelby takes us on a journey through her unforgettable adventures while studying abroad in the enchanting country of Wales. From navigating public transportation and visiting picturesque landscapes to imm…
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Suitcase Divas Episode 36- All Inclusive Resorts Unpacked
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35:16Send us a text In this episode of Suitcase Divas, we dive deep into the world of all-inclusive resorts. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first getaway, this episode is packed with insights and tips to help you make the most of your all-inclusive experience. We discuss: The All-Inclusive Advantage: What exactly does "all-inclusive…
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Suitcast Divas Podcast: Episode 35 - Sail Away with Virgin Voyages
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30:10Send us a text Ahoy, Divas! 🌊✨ In this fabulous episode, we chat about Virgin Voyages cruise line, the new standard in cruising. Join your hosts as we explore everything this chic cruise line has to offer, from its stunning, modern design to its innovative, adult-only experience. We’ll delve into the exquisite dining options, vibrant entertainment,…
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Suitcase Divas Episode 34- Best Selling Author and World Traveler-Cory Mortensen
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37:31Send us a text In this episode of Suitcase Divas, we are thrilled to have best-selling author and world traveler Cory Mortensen as our special guest. Join us as we dive into the fascinating story behind Cory's book "The Buddha and The Bee," chronicling his epic solo bike ride from Minnesota to California. Cory Mortensen's journey is a testament to …
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Suitcase Divas Episode 33- U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte NC
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33:06Send us a text Welcome to Suitcase Divas! In this episode, join us as we delve into the thrilling world of the U.S. National Whitewater Center located in Charlotte, North Carolina. First, we'll uncover the myriad activities available, from whitewater rafting and kayaking to zip-lining and rock climbing. We'll discuss the different skill levels cate…
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Suitcase Divas Episode 32- Wandering with Purpose: Brian Groff's Digital Nomad Journey and Irreverent Warriors Volunteerism
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22:57Send us a text Join us on this episode of Suitcase Divas as we delve into the captivating world of digital nomadism with the adventurous Brian Groff. From beautiful beaches to bustling city centers, Brian's journey as a digital nomad has taken him to many destinations, blending work and wanderlust seamlessly. In this episode, we explore: The Digita…
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Suitcase Divas Episode 31- Sipping Serenity: Exploring Childress Vineyards in Lexington, NC
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32:49Send us a text Welcome back, Suitcase Divas! On today's episode, we're uncorking the charm of Childress Vineyards nestled in the heart of Lexington, North Carolina. Join us as we swirl, sip, and savor all that this picturesque winery has to offer. First, we'll paint a vivid picture of the stunning venue itself. From rolling vineyards to elegant arc…
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Suitcase Divas Episode 30- Travel Safety Tips
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34:04Send us a text Welcome to another episode of Suitcase Divas Podcast, where we explore the world of travel with a touch of style and safety. In today's episode, we're diving deep into the realm of travel safety, covering everything from Car Safety, Road Trip Safety, Hotel Safety, to Destination Safety. First up, Car Safety. Whether you're renting a …
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Suitcase Divas Episode 29- Downtown Raleigh
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28:54Send us a text Join us on this exciting episode of Suitcase Divas as we journey through the vibrant streets of Downtown Raleigh! Our first stop is the iconic London Bridge Pub, where we dive into the city's rich history while enjoying a pint of local brew. Next, we explore the eclectic atmosphere of The Raleigh Times, a historic newspaper building …
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Suitcase Divas Episode 28- Icon Park Orlando
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38:45Send us a text Welcome to Suitcase Divas, where we uncover the best travel experiences and accommodations around the globe! In this episode, join us as we embark on an exciting journey to Orlando, Florida, exploring the exhilarating attractions of Icon Park, the Avanti International Resort, and the convenience of traveling with Allegiant Airlines. …
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