

Destinations Beyond Expectations
Stevie G.
The Podcast Designed for Students of Travel
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 21, 2025 • 21min
Greenland is a Haven for Nature Lovers and Adventurers
With outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, whale watching, and more, Greenland is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. Malisha Mendis from the Short Girl on Tour blog joins Stevie to share more about Greenland and some top things to do while you’re there.Show Notes ⬇️ Published on 3/21/25 Timecodes0:00 - Intro1:28 - The Landscape and Terrain of Greenland3:20 - Most Popular or the Best Time to Visit Greenland5:54 - Outdoor Activities to Enjoy in Greenland8:35 - Hiking Around Ilulissat10:54 - Whale Watching in Greenland12:28 - Traditional Food in Greenland14:17 - Stay Connected with Short Girl on Tour17:22 - Malisha Mendis is a Student of TravelRead Malisha's Blogs About GreenlandFollow Short Girl on Tour onInstagramFacebookPinterestX

Mar 8, 2025 • 28min
Hikes, Views and History to Discover in Madeira
Known for its lush surroundings, Madeira offers some incredible hiking opportunities that come with amazing views. Joining Stevie to talk more about Madeira is Maria Kru from Picture the World, a fantastic photography and travel blog.Show Notes ⬇️ Published on 3/7/25 Timecodes0:00 - Intro1:25 - Madeira's Natural Beauty and Where it's Located3:53 - The History of Madeira6:44 - The Weather and Times of Year to Plan a Trip to Madeira8:27 - Hiking in Madeira10:56 - The Beaches in Madeira14:12 - Whale Watching in Madeira16:15 - Festivals That go on Throughout the Year in Madeira21:19 - Stay Connected with Picture the World24:55 - Maria Kru is a Student of TravelCheck Out Picture the World's Madeira eBook GuideRead More About MadeiraFollow Picture the World onYouTubeInstagram

Feb 28, 2025 • 48min
The Awe Effect of Italy's Top Travel Destinations
Italy is a country that so many travelers have on their bucket lists - it has beautiful beaches, incredible art, historic cities and much more to discover. Stevie is joined by LivTours founder and Rome native Angelo Carotenuto for a conversation about Italy’s most visited cites, and other Italian destinations that travelers should have on their radars.Show Notes ⬇️ Published on 2/28/25 Timecodes0:00 - Intro1:59 - Why do People Come Back to Italy Year After Year?4:17 - The Jubilee and How it Will Affect Tourism in 20258:00 - Things to do in Rome14:00 - The Historic City of Florence16:06 - The Tuscan Region as a Whole20:00 - Things to do in Venice24:59 - More About Milan28:38 - Naples and What it can Offer to Visitors32:38 - Puglia and What the Region is Like35:29 - Sicily and Things to do There38:13 - Stay Connected with LivTours42:40 - Angelo Carotenuto is a Student of TravelFollow LivTours onFacebookInstagramPinterestYouTube

Feb 7, 2025 • 33min
Culture, Food, Music and Coffee Throughout Colombia
You may have heard of Colombia’s big cities like Bogotá, but there is so much wonderful culture, food, music and coffee to discover throughout Columbia’s 32 departments. Joining Stevie to talk about the beautiful country of Colombia is Ginna Taylor from Broken Boots Travel.Show Notes ⬇️ Published on 2/7/24 Timecodes0:00 - Intro2:56 - Why is Colombia a Special Place for People to Visit?6:42 - An Overview of Bogotá11:15 - Vallenato Music and Seeing the Biggest Vallenato Festival15:21 - La Guajira and Things to do in the Region19:20 - Why Should Someone Add Cartagena to Their Colombian Itinerary?22:44 - Colombia's Coffee Growing Region27:18 - Stay Connected with Broken Boots Travel29:15 - Ginna is a Student of Travel Follow Ginna as She Explores Colombia's 32 DepartmentsFollow Broken Boots Travel onFacebookInstagramYouTube

Jan 31, 2025 • 22min
10 Days in Portugal: Q&A Trip Review
Join Stevie and Maddie as they dive into their unforgettable adventures in Portugal! Hear how they decided on this stunning country using a March Madness-style bracket. Discover why Porto stole their hearts over Lisbon and Lagos. They share their favorite hotels and recount memorable days, including a birthday walking tour in Porto and a thrilling kayaking trip in Lagos. Plus, tune in for a lively debate on the best day trips: Sintra's castles versus the scenic Douro Valley. A delightful recap of experiences not to be missed!

Jan 24, 2025 • 18min
10 Days in Portugal: Closing the Trip in Lisbon
Stevie and Maddie review their last few days in Portugal, which featured some fun adventures in the vibrant city of Lisbon.Stevie and Maddie's time in Lisbon included exploring the city by tuk tuk, learning more about azulejos at the National Tile Museum, and seeing one of Portugal’s top soccer clubs in action. Show Notes ⬇️Published on 1/24/25Timecodes0:00 - Intro1:17 - Traveling to See Lisbon’s Breathtaking Views2:39 - Riding Up and Down Lisbon’s Hills3:18 - Exploring the City in a Fun and Easy Way by Tuk Tuk4:01 - Dinner at Pinóquio4:38 - National Tile Museum6:43 - Oceanário de Lisboa8:03 - Lunch at STATUS8:39 - Lisbon Casino9:24 - Dinner at Rosamar10:03 - Pasties De Belem and Manteigaria11:06 - Exploring the Jerónimos Monastery 12:08 - Visiting Belém Tower14:03 - Praça do Império14:22 - Benfica Soccer Game16:18 - Review of Lumen Hotel & The Lisbon Light ShowOur Itinerary for LisbonDay 8Bus from Lagos to LisbonArrive in LisbonDrop bags at hotelLunchTuk Tuk tourDinner at PinóquioDay 9National Tile MuseumOceanário de LisboaLunch at STATUSLisbon CasinoDinner at RosamarDay 10Explore the Belem District (Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower & Praça do Império)LunchHead to Benfica StadiumBenfica Soccer GameHere's What we Booked in AdvanceLisbon 3-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Tuk TukFollow Destinations Beyond Expectations onFacebookInstagram

Jan 17, 2025 • 7min
10 Days in Portugal: Lagos and the Benagil Cave
Discover the stunning Algarve region of Portugal, where breathtaking coastlines await. Explore the charming town of Lagos and their adventures kayaking to the spectacular Benagil Cave, guided by the enthusiastic Rafa. They share fun moments from their train journey and even a laundry day near Irish pubs. The trek along the stunning Seven Hanging Valleys offers jaw-dropping views that can't be missed. Plus, hear their thoughts on the fantastic Tivoli Lagos Hotel, perfectly located for exploring!

Jan 10, 2025 • 16min
10 Days in Portugal: Porto and a Day Trip to Douro Valley
The hosts dive into the enchanting city of Porto, exploring the stunning tile work at Sao Bento station and savoring local flavors at Mercado do Bolhão. They share a memorable sunset walk across the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. Highlights include a tour of the magical Livraria Lello bookstore and a fun pastel de nata baking class. A day trip to the picturesque Douro Valley offers wine tastings at beautiful estates, a scenic cruise, and delightful local pastries. The charming comforts of their Eurostars Aliados hotel complete this unforgettable adventure.

Jan 3, 2025 • 14min
10 Days in Portugal: An Intro to Lisbon and Sintra
Join Stevie G. and his fiancée Maddie for the first episode of a 5-part series that recaps their 10-day adventure in Portugal.Today’s episode covers the first two days where Stevie and Maddie got their feet wet in Lisbon and took a day trip to Sintra, which included a stop at the famous Pena Palace.Show Notes ⬇️Published on 1/3/25Timecodes0:00 - Intro2:18 - The Design of Day 12:58 - Strolling Through Praça do Comércio3:52 - Visiting the World’s Oldest Bookstore4:54 - Pink Street5:23 - Lunch at Time Out Market6:03 - Visiting the Fado Museum7:16 - Exploring the Castelo São Jorge7:51 - An Overview of the Sintra Area9:39 - Pena Palace10:07 - The Value of Our Expert Guides11:08 - Journeying Along the Cabo da Roca Coastline11:23 - The Charming Streets of Cascais11:45 - Dinner at Tapas n Friends12:06 - Review of Lisboa Prata Boutique HotelOur Itinerary for Lisbon and SintraDay 1Arrive in LisbonTransfer to Hotel & Check Bags (Lisboa Prata Boutique Hotel) Stroll Through Praça do Comércio (large plaza in the city center)Visit Bertrand - Chiado, the World’s Oldest BookstorePink StreetLunch at Time Out MarketVisit the Fado Museum Explore the Castelo São JorgeDinner Day 2Travel to SintraVisit the Pena PalaceJourney Along the Cabo da Roca CoastlineWander the Charming Streets of CascaisDinner at Tapas n FriendsHere's What we Booked in AdvanceLisbon: Sintra, Pena, Cabo da Roca Coast & Cascais Day TourLisboa Prata Boutique Hotel Follow Destinations Beyond Expectations onFacebookInstagram

Dec 27, 2024 • 51min
Talking About California's Temecula Valley
In addition to its beautiful wineries, Temecula has done a great job of becoming a year-round destination, adding some outstanding restaurants and gaining a great reputation as a wedding destination. Joining Stevie to talk more about Temecula and its wineries are Holly and Bill Bembenek, owners of the Temecula Wine Trolly Wine Tours.Show Notes ⬇️ Published on 12/27/24 Timecodes0:00 - Intro1:30 - Where Temecula Valley is on the Map and What Makes it Unique3:39 - How Many Wineries can be Found in Temecula Valley?5:46 - How Wine Tourism in Temecula has Developed 9:32 - Are More People Taking Day or Overnight Trips to Temecula?12:51 - How Does Wine Tourism Allow Visitors Learn More About a Destination?19:28 - Events and Things to do Throughout the Year in Temecula Valley22:02 - The Food Scene in Temecula25:35 - Temecula as a Wedding Destination27:14 - Stay Connected with Temecula Wine Trolly Wine Tours45:07 - Holly and Bill Bembenek are Students of TravelLearn More About Bill & Holly's ToursBook Your Next Wine Trolly TourFollow Temecula Wine Trolly Wine Tours onFacebookInstagramExplore Group Experience to Learn how to Build your Travel Tribe