In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her unforgettable experience sailing aboard the Star Clippers’ Star Clipper, an authentic tall ship that delivers an intimate and historic cruising adventure.

Unlike massive cruise liners, this small ship offers a personal atmosphere where guests build real connections—with each other and the crew. Rose discusses the beauty of traveling under sail, the charm of docking in less accessible ports, and the joy of slow travel that allows for deeper exploration of historic destinations.

From international cuisine and thoughtful wine pairings to the camaraderie among repeat travelers, the experience blends adventure with hospitality. Rose also reflects on the friendships formed at sea and looks ahead to future journeys—including Patagonia and Antarctica.

This episode captures the romance of life on the water and why small ship cruising offers something truly special.

📖 Read Rose’s Article on Substack: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/sailing-the-seas

🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/

📰 Check Out the New “Quiltripping Travel” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG/#p=1

🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/

📲 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station" & "Way Back When" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer explores the beauty, culture, and unexpected magic of Chicago in winter. From iconic architecture and public art to deep-dish pizza and legendary blues music, this conversation highlights why the Windy City shines year-round—especially in the off-season.

Rose shares budget-friendly travel tips, including visiting during winter for hotel savings, using City Pass for attractions, and discovering Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods through their food scenes. Hear about the city’s rich museum offerings, accessible public art, and cultural celebrations that reflect Chicago’s vibrant community spirit.

With the right clothing and mindset, winter travel can be both rewarding and inspiring—and Chicago proves it with world-class culture, unforgettable food, and a warmth that goes far beyond the temperature.

📖 Read Rose’s Article "Chicago on a Budget: A Winter Weekend Break": https://quiltripping.com/chicago-on-a-budget-a-winter-weekend-break/

🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/

🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/

📲 This episode is also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station" & "Big Daily Blend" Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

The conversation also highlights the importance of planning additional activities, managing expectations, and embracing the unpredictability that comes with chasing natural wonders. Whether you're a photographer, a dreamer, or an adventurer, this episode offers both awe and actionable advice.

📖 Read Rose’s Article "Tips to See the Northern Lights": https://quiltripping.com/tips-to-see-the-northern-lights/

🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/

🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/

📲 Also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Nature Connection," and "Parks & Travel" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer takes us on a captivating journey through Malta, the independent island nation nestled between Sicily and North Africa. With a history stretching back over 5,000 years, Malta is a treasure trove of cultural influences, architectural marvels, and remarkable resilience.

Explore the breathtaking St. John’s Cathedral in Valletta—with its stunning Baroque design and an iconic Caravaggio painting—along with the island’s fortified structures built by the Knights of St. John. Rose digs into Malta’s pivotal role during World War II, from the extensive bombing campaigns to the underground shelters that protected its people.

Hear about the Arabic roots of the Maltese language, the ancient texts preserved in the National Library of Malta (some dating to 1474), and the island’s fascinating Neolithic history. Rose also highlights the vibrant lifestyle of Valletta, its UNESCO World Heritage designation, and the enduring spirit of the Maltese people.

Whether you're a history buff, culture seeker, or curious traveler, this episode offers a rich glimpse into what makes Malta a must-visit Mediterranean destination.

🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/

🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/

📲 Also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station" and "Way Back When" Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Celebrate the one-year anniversary of "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" on Big Blend Radio!

Travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her unforgettable experience celebrating her 40th wedding anniversary aboard the Magna Carta barge with European Waterways. This luxurious barge cruise along England’s historic Thames River blends elegance, culture, and centuries of history — from Oxford to Hampton Court.

Along the way, Rose and her fellow travelers explored iconic and historic sites such as Christ Church College in Oxford, Cliveden House, Dorney Court, Windsor Castle, Runnymede, and Hampton Court Palace. The conversation delves into the preservation of historic barges, the exceptional culinary experiences onboard, and the natural beauty that defines the Thames — from swans gliding by to rainbows after the rain. Rose also shares insights into filming locations tied to British television and film and teases her next adventure cruising the Mediterranean.

🌐 Read Rose's article about her Thames River barge cruise: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/celebrating-our-40th-anniversary-with-a-luxury-english-barge-cruise/ 🔗 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/

📲 This episode is also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, and Way Back When Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" Podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer takes you on a luxurious journey aboard the Canyon Spirit train. This unique experience, a rebranding of the Rocky Mountaineer for its U.S. routes, offers a chance to explore the American West in style.

Rose shares insights on the stunning landscapes, the attentive service, and the gourmet food that make the Canyon Spirit more than just a mode of transportation. It's a trip that reflects on the historical significance of rail travel in shaping American towns and economies, while focusing on the joy of sightseeing.

"This is luxury sightseeing travel," says Rose, "It's about enjoying the scenery."

Read more about the Canyon Spirit from Rose: - A Southwest National Park Adventure by Train on the Canyon Spirit: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/a-southwest-national-park-adventure-by-train-on-the-canyon-spirit/

Detailed Canyon Spirit Review: https://quiltripping.com/detailed-canyon-spirit-review/

Explore more from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/

Subscribe to the Podcast: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station" and "Parks & Travel" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Celebrate American Adventures Month and National Parks Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast!

Travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her epic three-week road trip through Alaska and the Yukon. From bear viewing at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park to exploring the rugged beauty of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Kluane National Park, Rose’s journey is filled with adventure, wildlife, and unforgettable scenery. She also talks about navigating the legendary Alcan Highway, making the most of car rentals in Alaska, and her stay at the luxurious yet remote Tincup Wilderness Lodge. Along the way, she samples surprising culinary delights and offers practical tips for planning travel in these vast and wild destinations.

🌐 Read Rose's article about her stay at the Tincup Wilderness Lodge: https://quiltripping.com/tincup-wilderness-lodge-review/

🔗 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/

🎧 Subscribe to the Quiltripping Travel with Rose Podcast on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/

📲 Also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, Road Trip Radio, and Big Daily Blend Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Celebrate Parks & Recreation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast!

Seasoned travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares expert advice on planning an unforgettable Alaskan cruise adventure. Having taken four cruises and four road trips through Alaska, Rose highlights the best ways to experience the breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife encounters, and vibrant local cultures. The conversation also shines a spotlight on Glacier Bay National Park, a stunning and protected treasure often visited on Alaskan cruise itineraries—making this episode a perfect tribute to the beauty and importance of our national parks.

Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or just dreaming of the Last Frontier, this conversation is packed with practical planning tips and inspiring takeaways.

🌐 Get Rose's Alaska Cruise Planning Tips: https://quiltripping.com/alaska-cruise-planning-tips/ 🔗 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 📲 Also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Big Daily Blend Channel: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork