Bon Voyage Besties: Travel and Friendship

What if you could land in any city in the world and immediately have a trusted local woman by your side? That's exactly the vision behind Greether. This week, Rachel and Rosa sit down with its founder, Vanessa Karel, to hear how she turned her own travel experiences into a global platform connecting women across more than 100 countries. Vanessa opens up about the personal moments on the road that made her realize something was missing in the travel industry: not just a safety gap, but a connection gap. She shares how those experiences became the spark for Greether, a platform that pairs travelers with verified local women guides who bring authenticity, knowledge, and community to every trip. We dig into how Greether actually works, including how the platform vets its local guides to ensure safety and trust for both sides of the connection. But this episode isn't just about logistics. It’s also about what happens when women show up for each other across cultures and time zones. Vanessa shares some of her most memorable stories of human connection, the kind that remind you why travel is one of the most powerful forces for empathy in the world. Follow GreetHer on Instagram @GreetHer and https://greether.com/. Use code: BONVOYAGE for 15% off your first booking. Follow Bon Voyage Besties on all channels @BonVoyageBesties

In today’s episode, Rachel and Rosa chat about one of their favorite Pennsylvania getaways: the charming town of New Hope in Bucks County. From scenic strolls and local hotspots to the best times to visit, they’re sharing everything you need to plan the perfect quick escape.

Tune in for insider tips, must-do activities, and a few hidden gems that make this riverside town so special. Don’t forget to leave a review and follow along on social media @BonVoyageBesties!

Thinking about booking your first cruise but feeling completely overwhelmed by all the options? In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rosa and Rachel sit down with cruise expert Theresa Russell for an in-depth conversation packed with first-time cruiser tips, honest advice, and everything you need to know before setting sail.

Theresa breaks down the biggest benefits of cruising, how to choose the right cruise line and ship, and tackles the most common cruise misconceptions, including fears around seasickness, safety at sea, boredom onboard, and yes ... even pirates. Whether you're drawn to the idea of waking up in a new port every morning or simply want a stress-free vacation where everything is handled for you, cruising might be exactly what you're looking for.

You can find Theresa at her podcast Living The Could Life. You can find Bon Voyage Besties @BonVoyageBesties on all platforms.

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rosa and Rachel dive into the less glamorous side of travel: the unexpected disasters that can derail even the most carefully planned trips.

From flight delays and cancellations to lost luggage and last-minute friend cancellations, they unpack the reality that travel isn’t always picture-perfect. They also explore how social media often portrays travel as seamless and idealized, glossing over the very real mishaps that most travelers experience at some point.

By being honest about things going wrong, travelers can better prepare, feel less alone, and learn how to handle challenges when they arise. Rosa and Rachel share personal stories of travel mishaps. They also discuss practical strategies for staying calm and problem-solving during travel crises, whether it’s dealing with a flight delay or navigating the panic of a lost passport. Preparation plays a huge role, from checking passport validity and ensuring you have enough blank pages, to considering travel insurance and understanding airport logistics ahead of time.

Follow Bon Voyage Besties @BonVoyageBesties on all channels.

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, we’re joined by outdoor TV host Misty Wells, who shares how she turned her love for adventure into a full-time career in travel television. Her series, "Let's Take it Outside," is an award winning TV show connecting readers and viewers with the great outdoors.

From planning and choosing filming destinations to building authentic connections with local communities, Misty breaks down what it really takes to create compelling outdoor content. She also dives into navigating unpredictable weather and filming challenges, balancing creativity with logistics, and why authenticity matters more than perfection in storytelling. Along the way, she offers advice for women entering the outdoor and travel media space, shares budget-friendly ways to explore the outdoors, and reflects on her favorite destinations and dream trips. Whether you're an aspiring travel creator or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with practical tips and real-world insights to fuel your next adventure.

Follow Misty at @mistyewells on Instagram and her website https://www.mistywells.com Follow Bon Voyage Besties  ⁨@bonvoyagebesties⁩  on all platforms.

Travel with purpose in this episode as Rosa and Rachel are joined by travel expert Audra Morris to dive into the fascinating world of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They unpack why these places matter, how they connect us to history and culture, and how adding them to your trips can make travel more meaningful.

From iconic landmarks like Notre Dame, Machu Picchu, and the Statue of Liberty to lesser-known gems worth seeking out, you’ll get practical tips for discovering UNESCO sites, visiting them thoughtfully, and helping preserve them for future generations. Along the way, Audra shares personal stories, travel insights, and advice for becoming a more mindful explorer.

Follow Audra at @The_Nerd_Traveler and us at @BonVoyageBesties.

In today’s episode of Bon Voyage Besties, we’re taking you on a journey to Japan.

We’re joined by Adeline Kuroki, founder of Savor and Soak Travel Co, who shares expert insights on how to plan an unforgettable trip to Japan. From navigating cultural differences to crafting a personalized itinerary, this episode is packed with practical tips for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers.

We dive into how to balance iconic destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto with hidden gems, avoid common travel mistakes like over-scheduling, and set realistic expectations for your trip. Plus, Adeline shares what it’s really like to experience traditional Japan—from staying at a ryokan to exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations you won’t find in every guidebook.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first visit or planning your next adventure, this episode will help you travel smarter and experience Japan more authentically.

Don’t forget to follow Adeline on Instagram at @savorandsoak and stay connected with us @BonVoyageBesties. We’ve also included helpful resources mentioned in this episode to make planning your trip even easier.

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel and Rosa share their insights on planning a summer getaway to Europe. They discuss the challenges of high season travel, including crowds and costs, and provide tips on how to navigate these issues effectively. The conversation covers common mistakes travelers make, the importance of booking accommodations and attractions in advance, and the benefits of exploring lesser-known destinations. They also emphasize the need to stay hydrated and manage travel days wisely to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. In this episode, Rachel and Rosa discuss the ins and outs of traveling in Europe during the summer. They share personal experiences with summer heat, the importance of packing appropriately, and the necessity of air conditioning in accommodations. The conversation shifts to exploring underrated destinations in Europe, offering alternatives to popular tourist spots. They provide valuable tips for first-time travelers, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead and being prepared for the unique challenges of summer travel. The episode concludes with a reminder to embrace the joy of travel and savor the experiences rather than rushing through them. Don’t forget to follow us on socials at @BonVoyageBesties and tag us on your European adventures.

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rachel and Rosa are joined by Tory, a passionate advocate for local travel. They discuss the importance of shifting the mindset around travel, emphasizing that meaningful adventures can be found close to home. Tory shares her experiences exploring hidden gems in Pennsylvania, the benefits of maximizing PTO for local getaways, and how to find budget-friendly travel options. The conversation highlights the joy of spontaneous adventures, the value of connecting with locals, and the personal growth that comes from solo travel. Listeners are encouraged to embrace local travel as a way to reset and recharge without the need for expensive flights or extensive planning.

Make sure to follow Tory on socials at @ToryTalksTrails and you can now pre-order her book “Scenic Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania” which comes out April 15th. Don’t forget to leave us a review and follow our adventures on socials at @BonVoyageBesties

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel interviews Melissa Rodway, a Canadian writer and traveler, about her experiences traveling through Southeast Asia and the insights she gained along the way. Melissa discusses her debut book, 'The People You Meet,' which is based on emails she sent home during her travels. The conversation explores themes of identity, the impact of travel on personal growth, the importance of writing, and the value of fleeting connections made while traveling. Melissa shares her thoughts on travel fatigue, the significance of knowing when to go home, and the joy of meeting like-minded individuals on the road. The episode concludes with advice for new travelers and a discussion on the importance of embracing one's unique travel journey.

Find Melissa Rodway’s book on Amazon “The People You Meet” and follow her on Instagram @fly_travel_media.

Follow Bon Voyage Besties @BonVoyageBesties