Bon Voyage Besties: Travel and Friendship

Join Rachel and Rosa as they chat with travel journalist and content creator Annmarie Gajdos about how to experience Paris beyond the typical tourist checklist. After visiting more than 35 countries, Annmarie shares how travel became both her passion and career, along with how her perspective on Paris completely changed after learning to embrace the city more like a local.

In this episode, the trio discusses the importance of flexible itineraries, spontaneous moments, and meaningful cultural connections while traveling. Annmarie shares practical tips for exploring Paris authentically, including navigating the metro, spending time in local neighborhoods, embracing café culture, and balancing iconic sights with slower, more immersive experiences. They also dive into solo travel, travel mishaps, journaling, overcoming fear of missing out, and why some of the best memories happen when things don’t go according to plan.

Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or returning for a deeper experience, this episode offers honest advice, thoughtful reflections, and plenty of inspiration for traveling with more intention and curiosity.

Follow Annmarie on Instagram: @annmariegajdos
Follow us on Instagram and Substack: @bonvoyagebesties

In this episode, we sit down with Mélissa Monaco, a travel blogger, podcast host, and solo travel advocate who has been inspiring travelers since 2010. As one of the pioneers of travel blogging in French-speaking Belgium, Mélissa has built a platform dedicated to uncovering hidden gems, sharing unforgettable city breaks, and encouraging women to explore the world with confidence. She is also a contributor to Lonely Planet and the voice behind Mel Loves Travels.

Throughout the conversation, Mélissa shares how she transformed her passion for travel into a career, why destinations like Belgium, the Baltic countries, and the Faroe Islands deserve more attention, and how solo travel can become a powerful tool for confidence and independence. Her stories, insights, and expert travel tips prove that some of the most rewarding experiences can be found far beyond the typical tourist hotspots.

This episode is filled with inspiration for anyone dreaming of their next adventure, planning a city escape, or considering solo travel for the first time. Mélissa’s passion for discovering underrated destinations and helping women travel on their own terms shines through every part of the conversation.

Follow Mélissa online:
Instagram – @mellovestravels (https://www.instagram.com/mellovestravels)


Facebook – Mel Loves Travels (https://www.facebook.com/mellovestravels)


Pinterest – Mel Loves Travels (https://www.pinterest.com/mellovestravels)

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with your favorite travel companion. Follow us on socials at @BonVoyageBesties

This week, we're celebrating our home state of New Jersey! With America commemorating its 250th anniversary and New Jersey proudly standing as one of the original 13 colonies, we thought it was the perfect time to spotlight the Garden State.

Join Rosa and Rachel as they share what makes New Jersey so special—from charming small towns and diverse communities to hidden gems that often fly under the radar. Along the way, we tackle one of the state's most iconic debates: Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham. Whether you're a lifelong local or planning your first visit, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on a destination that's often misunderstood but full of surprises.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow traveler!

Follow us:

📍 @bonvoyagebesties

📍 Rosa: @RosaAlexC

📍 Rachel: @BlondWayfarer

Thanks for listening, and as always, Bon Voyage Besties!

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel sits down with wellness traveler and content creator Malikah Kelly to explore the growing world of wellness travel and how travelers can create more intentional, restorative experiences. Malikah shares how her background in fashion eventually led her toward wellness-focused travel and explains the difference between a traditional vacation and a trip designed around mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Together, Rachel and Malikah discuss how the pandemic changed the way many people approach travel, leading to a greater focus on rest, mindfulness, and meaningful experiences instead of packed itineraries.

The conversation also dives into how to safely research and book wellness retreats, including important green flags, common scams, and why transparency matters when choosing a retreat experience. Rachel and Malikah talk about the influence of social media on wellness travel trends and how travelers can separate authentic experiences from curated online aesthetics. They also share practical advice for travelers on a budget, including ways to incorporate wellness into everyday trips without spending thousands on luxury retreats. From digital detoxes and slow travel to choosing the right travel companions and prioritizing personal goals, this episode offers realistic, approachable wellness travel advice for anyone looking to travel more intentionally while protecting their peace, safety, and overall well-being.

Follow Malikah on Instagram @where.is.malikah. Follow Bon Voyage Besties @BonVoyageBesties and on Substack at https://bonvoyagebesties.substack.com/

Join Rosa and travel journalist Carley Rojas Avila for an insider's guide to one of Latin America's most exciting cities. Carley shares how Medellin has transformed from its turbulent past into a thriving cultural hub, and why its warm community spirit keeps travelers coming back.

The conversation covers the city's best neighborhoods, from El Poblado and Laureles to hidden gems beyond the tourist trail, plus must-see attractions like Comuna 13 and the iconic cable car. Carley also digs into the local food scene, highlighting traditional dishes like Bandeja Paisa and innovative restaurants putting fresh spins on Colombian ingredients.

Practical tips round out the episode, covering transportation, ideal trip length, and how to experience Medellin like a local while supporting the communities that make the city so special.

Follow Carley on Instagram @CarleyRojasAvila and Follow Bon Voyage Besties @BonVoyageBesties

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel is joined by award-winning travel expert and author Danielle Desir Corbett to share practical tips for traveling to Iceland on a budget. Known for its stunning waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal lagoons, and black sand beaches, Iceland is often considered an expensive destination, but Danielle explains how travelers can experience the country affordably without missing out on its magic.

Rachel and Danielle discuss budget-friendly Iceland travel strategies, including how to save money on flights, accommodations, transportation, and activities while still visiting iconic spots like Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and Iceland’s famous hot springs. They also share advice for solo travelers, first-time visitors, and anyone planning a Europe trip on a budget.

Listeners will learn about free and low-cost things to do in Iceland, common travel budgeting mistakes, and practical ways to create an unforgettable Iceland itinerary without overspending. Follow Danielle @thedaniellecorbett on Instagram and https://thoughtcard.com/

In this episode, Rosa and Rachel dive deep into the phenomenon of travel FOMO by exploring how social media, societal pressures, and personal expectations fuel the fear of missing out on travel experiences. Through personal stories, honest reflections, and practical strategies, they help listeners navigate these feelings in a healthy and grounded way.

The conversation kicks off with a look at the social media age and the "highlight reel" illusion: how curated photos, filters, and carefully chosen angles create unrealistic expectations and fuel comparison. Rosa and Rachel open up about how travel content creation can lead to feelings of jealousy and imposter syndrome, and pull back the curtain on what social media doesn't show: the real struggles, the behind-the-scenes chaos, and the gap between a polished post and lived experience.

From there, the episode explores the deeper roots of FOMO — societal and economic pressures, the emotional weight of missing out on moments with friends and family, and the question of whether FOMO is really about the trip itself or about identity. They also tackle the realities of press trips and curated content, income instability for travel creators, and the dopamine hit of documenting a moment versus actually living it.

Follow Bon Voyage Besties on all social platforms @BonVoyageBesties

Join us in this episode as seasoned traveler and travel photographer Julie Diebolt Price shares her extensive experience planning and executing a six-week trip across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Whether you're a solo traveler or planning a long journey, get inspired by her practical tips, cultural discoveries, and travel lessons. This episode delivers actionable travel insights, heartfelt stories, and practical hacks to inspire your next adventure, whether it’s a multi-week exploration or a spontaneous getaway. Don’t miss Julie’s tips on packing smart, traveling light, and experiencing cultural richness firsthand.

Follow Julie on Instagram @PhotoTravelWrite and Bon Voyage Besties @BonVoyageBesties.

Resources & Links: TravelingSpoon.com - Authentic cooking experiences and cultural tours in Morocco Travmedia.com - Network platform for travel industry professionals EatingEurope.com - Food and walking tours in European cities

It's a MDW surprise! Join us as Amy shares her passion for Route 66, exploring its history, iconic stops, hidden gems, and culinary delights. Perfect for travel enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to one of America's most legendary roads. You can give Amy a follow at @amybizzarri and don’t forget to check out her books “The Best Hits on Route 66: 100 Essential Stops on the Mother Road” and “Route 66 Recipes: A Culinary Cruise Along the Mother Road (American Palate)”. If you loved todays special bonus episode make sure to follow us along at @BonVoyageBesties leave us a review and share with your travel besties!

Welcome back to Bon Voyage Besties—your go-to podcast for friendship, travel inspiration, and a little humor along the way. In this episode, we’re heading off the beaten path to explore the vibrant and underrated city of Tucson, Arizona. From breathtaking desert landscapes to a rich and diverse culinary scene, Tucson offers the perfect warm-weather escape filled with charm, culture, and unforgettable experiences.

We’re joined by Megan Black, founder of Rove & Relish, who shares her insider perspective on what makes Tucson so special. Whether you’re a solo traveler, planning a trip with friends, or looking for a unique couples getaway, you’ll discover why this desert gem deserves a spot on your travel list.

Tune in for must-know travel tips, hidden gems, and inspiration for planning your own Tucson adventure—from where to eat to what to explore. Don’t forget to follow Megan at @rove.and.relish and keep up with our adventures at @BonVoyageBesties!