Destinations Beyond Expectations

Known for being the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence, Italy was a cultural hub where literature, science, and the arts all thrived. Joining Stevie to talk about some top sites to see in Florence and more about Florence’s history is Kasia Chojecki from the Amongst Romans blog and podcast.Show Notes ⬇️ Published on 9/27/24 Timecodes0:00 - Intro1:39 - Why Florence is a Special Place3:38 - More About Florence's History and the Medici Family10:36 - The Duomo12:47 - The Ponte Vecchio14:03 - The Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens16:20 - Piazza della Signoria18:12 - When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Florence?21:10 - Stay Connected with Amongst Romans24:56 - Kasia Chojecki is a Student of Travel Follow Along With This Blog Post From Amongst RomansUnlocking the Secrets of Florence: Must-Sees & Local GemsListen to the Amongst Romans Podcast onSpotifyPodbeanApple PodcastsFollow Amongst Romans onFacebookInstagramPinterestExplore Group Experience to Learn how to Build your Travel Tribe

With wineries, outdoor adventures, historical markers, and friendly small towns, Southern Illinois is truly a hidden gem that is totally worth checking out. Today, Stevie is joined by Jessica Baine from the Caffeine Until Cocktails blog, who talks about the Shawnee National Forrest, things to do in the Fall, and much more when it comes to visiting Souther Illinois. Show Notes ⬇️ Published on 9/20/24 Timecodes0:00 - Intro2:07 - What About Southern Illinois Makes it a Unique Place to Visit and Explore?2:48 - More About the Shawnee National Forrest3:54 - Garden of the Gods and What its Like to Explore it5:27 - Historical Markers in Jackson County, IL6:41 - Wineries in Jackson County, IL7:39 - Top Things to do in the Fall in Southern Illinois10:22 - Ava, IL12:04 - Effingham, IL14:04 - Southern Illinois Towns are Hidden Gems15:25 - Murphysboro, IL17:49 - Stay Connected with Caffeine until Cocktails20:18 - Jessica Baine is a Student of Travel Check Out These Southern Illinois Blogs from Caffeine Until Cocktails101 Things to do in Southern IllinoisHistorical Markers in Jackson County, IllinoisJackson County Wineries: Southern Illinois TourismTop 9 Fall Activities: A Guide to Fall in Southern IllinoisWelcome to Ava, IllinoisSummer in Effingham, IllinoisHow to Spend One Day in Murphysboro, ILFollow Caffeine Until Cocktails on Instagram or PinterestExplore Group Experience to Learn how to Build your Travel Tribe

On the days when New York City gets some of its best weather, there are so many amazing things to do from experiencing the buzz of Central Park to catching a perfect sunset on a rooftop bar and more. Stevie's guest today is Kate Vernier from the Explore with Kate blog, who talks all about great things to do on a great day in NYC.Show Notes ⬇️ Published on 9/13/24 Timecodes0:00 - Intro1:54 - What Times of Year NYC has Some of its Best Weather3:53 - The Buzz of Central Park When There's Great Weather in New York5:10 - Great Museums Near Central Park to Explore6:20 - Catching a Ball Game in New York on a Nice Day8:22 - Soaking up the Sun at Beaches Near NYC9:56 - Watching the Sunset on a NYC Rooftop with Pleasant Weather11:14 - Things to do in New York's East Village on a Nice Day13:59 - Stay Connected with Explore with Kate14:51 - Kate Vernier is a Student of Travel Check Out These New York Blogs from Explore with Kate8 Things to Do in NYC During the Summer5 Ways to Spend a Weekend in NYC’s East VillageFollow Explore with Kate on InstagramExplore Group Experience to Learn how to Build your Travel Tribe

The dynamic borough of Brooklyn, New York, is well-known for its many neighborhoods, the famous Brooklyn Bridge, and other popular tourist destinations including Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum. Joining Stevie to talk about Brooklyn is Becca from Half Half Travel.Show Notes ⬇️ Published on 8/23/24 Timecodes0:00 - Intro1:56 - Where Brooklyn is Located and What Makes it Unique4:40 - The Neighborhoods Within Brooklyn and What They're Like8:51 - What it's Like to Live in Brooklyn12:08 - Brooklyn's Food Scene13:29 - Brooklyn Cafes14:33 - How Safe is Brooklyn for Travelers?15:44 - Photo Spots Around Brooklyn18:01 - Best Free Things to do in Brooklyn19:55 - What Visiting Brooklyn can be Like Throughout the Year22:15 - Stay Connected with Half Half Travel24:13 - Brooklyn Fun FactListen to Another DBE Episode Featuring Becca From Half Half TravelMexico City and Three Great Day Trips Check Out These Brooklyn Blogs from Half Half TravelBrooklyn Fall Foliage (Wow!)Coney Island BoardwalkPhoto Spots in BrooklynA Guide to Brooklyn HeightsWhen to Visit NYCFollow Half Half Travel onInstagramXFacebookPinterestLinkedInExplore Group Experience to Learn how to Build your Travel Tribe

With beautiful coastal scenery, quaint seaside communities, and a wealth of cultural heritage, Nova Scotia can be an epic vacation destination for history buffs, lovers of the great outdoors - or really anyone! Meggan and Jenn from The Travel Mug Podcast join Stevie to talk about Nova Scotia and the opportunities it holds for travelers.Show Notes ⬇️ Published on 8/2/24 Timecodes0:00 - Intro2:36 - Where Nova Scotia is Located and Basic Things About the Province5:40 - What is Nova Scotia Like Throughout Different Seasons of the Year?8:16 - Things to Include on a Nova Scotia Itinerary During the Warmer Months10:38 - Things to Include on a Nova Scotia Itinerary During the Colder Months14:20 - Unique Dishes Nova Scotia is Known For17:09 - Some of the Biggest Cities or Most Popular Areas in Nova Scotia for Visitors19:57 - A Closer Look at Cape Breton24:34 - Hidden Gems in Nova Scotia29:00 - Stay Connected with The Travel Mug Podcast31:31 - Jenn & Meggan are a Students of Travel Here's More Nova Scotia Content From Meggan and Jenn - Check it Out!Follow The Travel Mug Podcast onInstagramFacebookYouTubePinterestSpotifyApple PodcastsExplore Group Experience to Learn how to Build your Travel Tribe

With its gorgeous coastline Cornwall, England, is a mesmerizing travel destination with plenty of hidden gems to discover. Joining the show to talk about Cornwall are Emma and Steffan from the In Wanderment travel and photography blog.Show Notes ⬇️ Published on 7/5/24 Timecodes0:00 - Intro1:54 - Where Cornwall is Located and What the Area is Known For3:07 - Is Cornwall Busy All Year?4:00 - The Godrevy Lighthouse and What Makes it Worth Visiting6:59 - Visiting the Cornish Seal Sanctuary11:28 - Enjoying the Sunset at Botallack Mine14:47 - St Micheals Mount18:14 - The Fishing Town of Porthleven20:49 - The Legendary Kynance Cove24:14 - Watching a Sunset at Lands End27:32 - What is a Cornish Pasty?29:02 - Stay Connected with In Wanderment33:45 - Steffan & Emma are a Students of Travel Read Steffan & Emma's Cornwall Blog PostHow to Spend a Weekend in Cornwall – A 2-Day ItineraryFollow In Wanderment onInstagramFacebookLinkedInPinterestExplore Group Experience to Learn how to Build your Travel Tribe

Every year, tons of tourists head to Waikiki for its world-class surfing, exciting nightlife, and diverse cultural offerings. Tori Mitchell from Tori Pines Travels joins Stevie to talk about some ideas for spending time in Waikiki.Show Notes ⬇️ Published on 6/28/24 Timecodes0:00 - Intro1:48 - Where in Hawaii is Waikiki and How Much of a Tourist Hot Spot is it?2:42 - Hotel Options in Waikiki4:06 - Taking a Surf Lesson in Waikiki7:46 - Going on a Sunset Cruise in Waikiki9:30 - Catching a Sunrise or Sunset in Waikiki11:35 - Visiting the Honolulu Zoo12:49 - Stay Connected with Tori Pines Travels16:16 - Tori Mitchell is a Student of Travel Read Tori's Waikiki Blog Post23 Fun Things to do in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii: Best Activities and Food!Explore Group Experience to Learn how to Build your Travel Tribe

Join travel blogger Jan Oberson, the mind behind JanAdventures.com, as she takes you on an exciting journey through Valencia, Spain. Discover the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences with its stunning architecture. Dive into the local food scene, featuring mouthwatering tapas and the famous paella. Explore the vibrant Central Market and the historic Church of San Nicolás de Bari. And don't miss the breathtaking beaches and the lush Turia Nature Park, perfect for outdoor adventures. Jan shares her travel insights and the importance of being a lifelong learner in travel!

While visitors have the opportunity to enjoy gorgeous blue lakes, a variety of animals, and an array of incredible outdoor activities, the truth is, Banff can get expensive. Caitlin Laurent joins Destinations Beyond Expectations to share how accommodation options, food choices, free activities, traveling during shoulder seasons and more can help you save money on a Banff adventure.Show Notes ⬇️ Published on 6/14/24 Timecodes0:00 - Intro2:31 - Can a Banff Trip Get Expensive?3:06 - Ways to Save Money on Accommodations in Banff6:25 - Cutting Costs Through Food Options in Banff8:35 - Free Hikes and Outdoor Activities Around Banff11:36 - How Bundling in Banff can Lead to Savings12:34 - Saving Some Dough on Transportation in Banff14:54 - Is it Worth it to See Banff in the Off-Season?16:51 - Stay Connected with Caitlin Laurent19:25 - Caitlin Laurent is a Student of Travel Read Caitlin's Banff Blog PostBanff on a Budget - Money saving tips from a local!Watch Caitlin's BANFF ON A BUDGET YouTube VideoFollow Caitlin Laurent onInstagramYouTube

Every year the historic city of Rome wows a huge number of visitors. Today Stevie is joined by Phylicia Stitzel from The Backpacker Mom who talks about some ideas for how to spend 3 days in Rome. Show Notes ⬇️ Published on 6/7/24 Timecodes0:00 - Intro2:01 - Is 3 Days in Rome a Good Amount of Time for a Visitor?3:09 - Day 1 in Rome (Time-Traveling in Ancient Rome)5:04 - The View from Palatine Hill6:22 - Food and Hydration Tips for Traveling in Rome9:18 - What its Like to See the Pantheon11:14 - Day 2 in Rome (The Vatican City Extravaganza)14:19 - Pre-Purchasing Tickets for Vatican Museums15:31 - Dress Code in Vatican City16:37 - Supplì (Fried Risotto Balls)17:45 - Day 3 in Rome (Basking in the Roman Culture)20:32 - Does the Trevi Fountain have Tourists All Throughout the Day?21:24 - Packing Tips for 3 Days in Rome23:40 - Stay Connected with The Backpacker Mom28:19 - Phylicia Stitzel is a Student of Travel Read Phylicia's Rome Blog PostCan You Conquer Rome in Just 3 Days? Let’s Find Out!Follow The Backpacker Mom onFacebookInstagramExplore Group Experience to Learn how to Build your Travel Tribe