Guest: Jenny Gowan, Special Events Manager at Wilderness Travel

Looking for travel that does more than check boxes? We sit down with Wilderness Travel’s special events manager, Jenny Gowen, to unpack how truly adventurous journeys are built: small groups, local leadership, and a guiding principle that we’re not spectators. From the company’s pioneering roots in 1978 to today’s topic-driven itineraries, Jenny shares how curiosity and humility turn a trip into a deeper experience.

We dive into eclipse travel that sells out in hours, including why 2027 Egypt is a standout with six minutes and twenty-two seconds of totality over Luxor. Jenny reveals how they balance maximum totality, historic cloud cover, and the cultural story of a place while partnering with expert astronomers like UC Berkeley’s Alex Filippenko. You’ll hear the strategy behind short, flexible event trips in Europe with smart add-ons, plus longer, immersive routes in destinations like Egypt, Patagonia, and Mongolia.

If you’ve wondered how to pick the right adventure, we break down Wilderness Travel’s trip rating system, the benefits of small groups capped at 15, and why even level-one journeys involve authentic walking and real access. We talk logistics in remote regions such as Namibia, included meals and scheduling that reduce friction, and the upside of traveling with an outfitter that keeps funds local and opens doors independent travelers rarely reach. Jenny also shares practical booking advice: use the website’s search bar, join interest lists, act early, and flip to the back of their stunning annual catalog to spot new itineraries. With generous cancellation policies on most small-group trips, you can plan ahead with confidence.

Ready to chase totality, reconnect with family, or revisit a place with new eyes and expert context? Hit follow, share this episode with your favorite travel buddy, and leave a review to help more curious travelers find us. Safe travels!

• 0:00 Meet Jenny From Wilderness Travel
• 1:45 Origins And Ethos Of Adventure Travel
• 3:35 Travel With Purpose And Local Impact
• 5:36 Eclipse Travel And The Expert Factor
• 8:10 Why 2027 Egypt Is A Standout
• 10:30 Trip Lengths, Add-Ons, And Flexibility
• 13:20 Small Groups And Trip Ratings
• 16:15 Scheduling, Dining, And Remote Logistics
• 19:30 Value, Access, And Stress-Free Planning
• 22:45 Booking Early, Catalog Secrets, Waitlists
• 26:00 Topic-Driven Travel And Renewed Wonder
• 28:20 Family Travel And Generational Legacy
• 30:00 How To Book, Deposits, And CTA
• 32:30 Host Closing And Follow Us

For more information:

https://www.wildernesstravel.com/

2025 Eclipse trip in Northern Spain:

https://www.wildernesstravel.com/trip/total-solar-eclipse-2026-northern-spain/

2026 Eclipse trip in Luxor, Egypt:

https://www.wildernesstravel.com/trip/total-solar-eclipse-2027-luxor-egypt/

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►LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wilderness-travel/

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Steve Guilday - Director of Travel at AARP Services Inc.

What if a $20 membership could make your bucket list trip finally happen? We sit down with Steve Guilday, Director of Travel at AARP, to reveal practical, stackable ways to cut costs on flights, hotels, rental cars, tours, and cruises—without sacrificing comfort or adventure. Steve explains how AARP’s nonprofit model passes negotiated savings directly to members, why international travel intent is surging among the 50+ crowd, and how to turn once‑in‑a‑lifetime ideas into booked itineraries that fit your budget.

We dig into the biggest trends shaping smart travel right now: intergenerational getaways that build deeper bonds, Alaska cruises that put the destination center stage, and the art of choosing secondary cities for Europe to dodge crowds while keeping the culture. You’ll hear how to time trips for shoulder season, why weekday departures stretch dollars, and how to make road trips easier by renting instead of racking up miles on your own car. From British Airways flight savings to hotel deals across major brands, we outline where the real, usable discounts live and how to stack them with your credit card rewards.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to go, consider this your sign. Pick your destination, choose the smarter route, and put the savings to work so the memories last longer than the bills. For links and details on member perks and current travel offers, head to aarp.org/save. If you enjoyed the conversation, subscribe, share with a travel‑loving friend, and leave a quick review—it helps more people discover the show and start planning the trip they’ll talk about for years.

For more information:

aarp.org & aarp.org/save

@aarp & @aarpmemberbenefits

https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/travel-trends-survey/

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Suzanne Kenzer - Freelance Travel Journalist

Ready to swap your Paris-London loop for a city that blends fairy-tale grandeur with everyday ease? We head to Copenhagen with travel journalist Suzanne Kenzer to unpack a long-weekend plan that hits royal palaces, storied museums, waterfront strolls, and a dining scene that’s as welcoming as it is ambitious. Think crown jewels at Rosenborg, the lifeguard change at Amalienborg, and a canal cruise past Nyhavn’s candy-colored facades—all within walking distance and perfect for first-timers.

Food lovers get the inside track on smørrebrød done right, why reservations matter even for casual spots, and how Copenhagen’s 26 Michelin stars reflect a city obsessed with quality without the fuss. We wander Tivoli Gardens for vintage thrills, nighttime lights, and weekend fireworks, then step into day trips that elevate your itinerary: Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, Shakespeare’s Elsinore, and Roskilde’s duo of the Viking Ship Museum and the royal tomb-filled cathedral.

We also tackle the practicals that make or break a short stay: the best shoulder-season windows, how layers beat forecasts, when to walk versus ride, and why the Copenhagen Card streamlines transit and admissions. Learn how to handle Danish kroner in a mostly cashless culture, what tipping really looks like, and which souvenirs travel well—Royal Copenhagen porcelain, Georg Jensen design, licorice, butter cookies, and Lego for the win. If you’ve been craving a European city that feels both grand and grounded, this guide gives you everything you need to plan with confidence.

If this helped map your next trip, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review—it helps more travelers find the show and fuels future guides.



0:20 Welcome And Guest Intro
1:47 First Impressions Of Copenhagen
3:11 Royal Palaces And Crown Jewels
6:48 Museums And Nyhavn By Water
9:18 When To Go And What To Wear
10:26 What Copenhagen Tastes Like
12:13 Dining Culture And Reservations
13:36 How To Get Around The City
15:05 Tivoli Gardens And Lego Roots
18:06 Why It Belongs On Your List
18:46 Day Trips To Kronborg And Roskilde
23:19 Hans Christian Andersen And The Mermaid
24:26 Where To Stay And Neighborhoods
27:20 Biking Culture, Clean Harbors, Parking
30:45 Shoulder Seasons And Tivoli Tips
32:06 Copenhagen Card And Money Basics
34:11 What To Buy And Where To Shop
36:23 Resources, Articles, And What’s Next
35:40 Gratitude And Ways To Connect

For more information:
visitcopenhagen.com

*Articles coming this fall on familytravelck.com & roundtripcolleenkelly.com
**Disclaimer: King Christian visited Amsterdam. Finland is a Nordic country.

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Paul Kelly, Turkey Farmer + Managing Director of KellyBronze

Holiday travel doesn’t have to be chaos, and turkey doesn’t have to be dry. We open with hard-won airport strategy—exact arrival windows, snack planning, and the surprising magic of flying on Thanksgiving morning—then bring on Paul Kelly of KellyBronze to change how you think about the main course. Paul is a two-time Guinness World Record holder (fastest turkey plucker and carver) who beat Gordon Ramsay and revived heritage methods that transform flavor: slow-growing bronze birds, dry plucking, and hanging for tender meat and deep taste.

Paul explains why maturity matters. Most industrial turkeys are processed young and lean, so cooks chase moisture with brines, basting, and foil. KellyBronze birds reach six months, build natural fat marbling, and develop bones that make gorgeous stock. Because they’re dry plucked—no added water—the birds can be safely hung to allow collagen to break down. The result is a bird that roasts quickly, often in 90 minutes to two hours, and stays succulent without tricks. We also tour the Virginia farm at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where the turkeys live free range with serious protection from predators, building the texture and flavor you notice at the table.

On the travel side, we compare packing styles and share why a true carry-on capsule beats checked-bag roulette during peak season. We talk street food, culture, and getting out of the hotel bubble to taste the places you visit. Then a final airport secret for big hubs like O’Hare or JFK: skip the crowded center lanes and look for lesser-known TSA checkpoints on the far left or right that often move faster on busy days. It’s the same theme across the board—choose quality, respect the process, and keep it simple.

Subscribe for more smart travel tactics and food stories, share this episode with the holiday chef in your life, and leave us a review with your best turkey or airport hack. Your tips might inspire an upcoming show.

For more information:
kellybronze.com

► IG: @kellybronze


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Johnny Jet - Travel Expert

Named “the original travel influencer” by Forbes

Fear at the gate. Tears, a canceled dream trip, and three years grounded. That’s where Johnny Jet started—before a last-minute call and a single turned page sent him onto a plane and into a life of travel, family memories, and quietly powerful habits that make journeys work. We sit down with Johnny to unpack how anxiety became fuel, how a first long-haul in business class reframed what’s possible, and why the best “upgrade” is often just being sincerely kind to people who help you fly.

We explore the moments that matter: flying his mom first class to the places she longed to see, logging 20-plus countries with his dad, and teaching his own kids to be calm, capable travelers. The playbook is simple and strong—build packing lists weeks out; photograph prescription labels; carry surplus meds, hearing-aid batteries, and extra glasses; and stash essentials in your personal item even if you check a bag. For families, the iPad-only-on-planes rule turns screen time into a superpower, while planned bathroom breaks and small rituals (like chocolates for crew) create a culture of gratitude your kids can carry for life.

We also get tactical: why carry-on-only unlocks rebooking flexibility, the elevator-bank trick that shaves minutes at big conference hotels, and a safety-aware approach to hotel floor selection. Through it all runs a theme that outperforms points: greet gate agents, thank flight attendants, and be the steady voice when things go sideways. The system remembers how you showed up. If you’re ready to travel smarter—and more human—this conversation delivers both heart and how-to.

Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, share it with a friend who needs calmer travel, and leave a quick review so more curious travelers can find us.

For more information:
johnnyjet.com

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Ralph Velasco – Chief DRIFTER at Continental DRIFTER® Experiences

What if the best photos happen after you put the camera down? We sit with travel photographer and tour leader Ralph Velasco to rethink how we move through the world—less rushing, more noticing, and a renewed focus on why we went in the first place. After 17 years of fast‑paced travel, Ralph embraces “pre‑tirement,” dialing back the hustle to lead smaller, culture‑first trips and write The Mindful and Intentional Traveler series. His take is refreshingly human: use your five senses, set simple timers to reset attention, and choose presence over proof.

We unpack the idea of traveling deep, not wide: fewer moves, longer stays, and hub‑and‑spoke days that trade transit for connection. Hotels become part of the destination—castles, villas, vineyards—so you can soak in place instead of chasing lists. Ralph’s new Bucket Lists for Travel blends inspiration with intention, from UNESCO sites and national parks to curious bites and bold experiences, all guided by one grounding question: What am I truly here to experience?

Looking for fresh pins on the map? Ralph champions secondary cities like Porto, Sevilla, and Toledo, plus under‑the‑radar standouts such as the Republic of Georgia and Armenia—layers of history, soulful kitchens, and honest value. And for the adventurous, Antarctica surprises with intimate ships, flights that skip the Drake Passage, and a quiet beauty that demands attention. You don’t need a passport stamp to practice mindfulness, though. Start at home: keep the phone in the bag at dinner, wander a nearby state park, or spend a day tasting a neighborhood one sense at a time. Subscribe, share with a traveler who needs a reset, and tell us: where will you slow down next?

CHAPTERS:

• 0:19 Welcome & Ralph’s Return
• 1:48 From Photo Tours to Mindful Travel
• 3:41 Put the Camera Down: Presence First
• 6:58 Balancing Photos with Cultural Connection
• 9:48 Practical Mindfulness: Timers, Senses, Focus
• 12:44 Pre‑tirement: Slowing the Hustle
• 14:39 Travel Deep, Not Wide: Rethinking Itineraries
• 18:08 The Mindful & Intentional Traveler Series
• 22:05 Looking vs. Seeing: Intention Matters
• 23:52 Bucket Lists Without Big Budgets
• 26:24 Hidden Gems: Georgia, Armenia, Antarctica
• 31:30 Why Georgia Wins on Value
• 34:09 Be Present Anywhere: People Over Posts
• 35:56 Where to Find Ralph & His Work
• 36:39 Closing Reminders & Host CTA

For more information:
https://continentaldrifter.co

► FB: @thecontinentaldrifter
► IG: @ralphvelasco
► X: @ralphvelasco
► Tik Tok: @continentaldrifter

"Bucket Lists for Travel: Places to Go Before Your Knees Give Out!"
Book Promo: https://youtu.be/mX8sKKpfUK4
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FGTVSR65?storeType=ebooks&linkCode=sl1&tag=ralphvelcom-20&linkId=e758be355c3c422c1a858c98565f2056&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl


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What's the one travel essential that seasoned travelers never leave home without? Hint: it's not your passport, credit card, or smartphone. It's travel insurance – that often overlooked protection that can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a financial disaster.

Travel insurance might not sound like the most thrilling topic, but as Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip reveals, it's packed with surprising benefits that go far beyond simple trip cancellation. The true "unsung hero" of any policy is the 24/7 assistance service that can rescue you when you're stranded without a passport, need medical attention in a foreign country, or face a language barrier during an emergency. These services alone make insurance worth considering "anytime you're going more than 100 miles from your home for more than an overnight."

Most travelers don't realize that even domestic trips can leave them vulnerable to out-of-network medical expenses, or that the insurance checkbox offered during flight booking typically provides watered-down coverage at inflated prices. Morrow shares insider knowledge on timing your purchase (buy the moment you book your trip, before storms are named or events become "known"), selecting appropriate coverage based on destination and season, and protecting yourself from increasingly sophisticated travel scams.

The cost? Surprisingly reasonable. Comprehensive travel insurance typically runs 5-10% of your trip cost, while basic medical coverage starts around $20-25. For this minimal investment, you gain not just financial protection but genuine peace of mind throughout your journey. As both Morrow and host Colleen Kelley learned through expensive lessons: "I'm a convert. I do not travel without insurance." Ready to protect your next adventure? Visit insuremytrip.com to compare options and find the coverage that's right for your specific travel needs.

Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction to Travel Insurance
• 7:13 The Unsung Hero: Assistance Services
• 13:22 Understanding Different Insurance Plans
• 19:18 Online Travel Scams & Fraud
• 24:57 Generational Travel Habits & Destinations
• 31:14 Weather, Timing, and Coverage Concerns

InsureMyTrip’s CEO & travel insurance expert, Suzanne Morrow


For more information:
www.insuremytrip.com/
IG/FB/X/YT: @insuremytrip


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Have you ever wondered what it's truly like to witness a glacier's blue ice from your private balcony while sipping mimosas at 10 AM? Join me as I unpack my bucket list Alaska cruise with Princess Cruises, an experience that left both me and my husband utterly spellbound.

My conversation with Mary Jacquel, Director of Alaska Planning & Marketing for Princess Cruises, reveals why Princess has become synonymous with Alaska cruising. Their decades-long legacy has secured exclusive permits for Glacier Bay National Park access, established relationships with local tour operators, and created an unparalleled cruise experience. We explore how Princess' commitment to sustainability protects the very environments they showcase, ensuring these natural wonders remain pristine for future generations.

The magic of an Alaska cruise extends beyond breathtaking scenery. We dive into the extraordinary shore excursions like the historic White Pass Rail journey in Skagway and whale watching in Juneau, where humpbacks perform their spectacular bubble-net feeding. Mary shares insider knowledge about Princess Cruises' unique "Cruisetour" options that combine the traditional voyage with land-based explorations.

What surprised me most was the onboard experience. Despite traveling during the peak July 4th holiday, the ship never felt crowded. We explore the innovative 360 dining experience with its digital projections and sensory elements, the impeccable service from consistently smiling crew members, and the spacious accommodations that make unpacking once such a luxury.

Whether you're planning a multi-generational family trip or seeking a nature-focused getaway, this episode provides essential insights for creating your perfect Alaska adventure. From practical packing tips to using the "cruise ready" app, we cover everything you need to know before embarking on this journey of a lifetime.

Ready to witness Alaska's majesty for yourself? Follow @RoundtripColleenKelly on social media or visit roundtripcolleenkelly.com to continue your travel inspiration journey. What natural wonder is on your bucket list?

Chapters:

0:16 Introducing Alaska Adventures

3:20 Princess Cruises: Alaska Experts

5:44 Anatomy of an Alaska Cruise

9:44 Glacier Bay National Park Experience

15:56 Shore Excursions and Wildlife

21:07 Onboard Dining and Entertainment

25:27 Cruisetours and Future Ships

30:41 Travel Tips and Booking Information

Princess Cruises video and image credits to Princess Cruises.

For more information:

www.princess.com
@princesscruises

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