Bon Voyage Besties: Travel and Friendship

Pack your bags for some hot takes! ✈️ In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel and Rosa unpack their most unpopular travel opinions—from overrated destinations to the way social media shapes our adventures. They tackle the tug-of-war between budget and luxury travel, the stigma of travel shaming, and why personal preferences matter most when planning a trip. With plenty of humor and honesty, the duo reminds listeners that the best journeys are the ones that feel true to you—not to Instagram or anyone else’s expectations. Don't forget to follow us on socials at Bon Voyage Besties and leave us a review!

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel and Rosa sit down with Amy Green — a seasoned cultural travel blogger with over two decades of experience. Together, they chat about Amy’s journey of learning Portuguese while living in Portugal, how her background in religion and theology shaped her travel lens, and the surprising cultural gems she uncovered in her travels.

From savoring Portugal’s culinary treasures to the importance of speaking the local language, Amy shares practical tips for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and honoring local customs. Plus, she offers her must-know advice for first-time travelers to Portugal.

Follow Amy at TempleSeeker, and don’t forget to connect with us on socials at Bon Voyage Besties!

Get ready to hit the open road! In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, we’re sharing our top road trip tips and revealing the most breathtaking scenic routes to explore this fall.

From vibrant autumn landscapes to must-see stops along the way, we’ve got everything you need to plan the perfect seasonal getaway.

Buckle up and let’s make this adventure unforgettable! Don’t forget to follow us on socials @BonVoyageBesties and leave us a review—we love hearing from you!

Dreaming of an African adventure? In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, we’re joined by Ugandan travel expert Lynett Nakamanya to explore the vibrant world of wellness travel across Africa. From soulful retreats to empowering journeys designed specifically for women, Lynett is reshaping tourism to nourish both body and spirit. Tune in for inspiring stories, insider tips, and a fresh perspective on traveling the continent with purpose. Follow us on socials @BonVoyageBesties and connect with Lynett on Instagram @lynett_luxtravel

Traveling with friends is amazing—until money gets messy. In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rosa and Rachel tackle the sometimes awkward (but oh-so-important) topic of managing finances on group trips.

From bill-splitting blunders to the hidden emotional weight money can carry in friendships, they share stories, tips, and plenty of laughs. Tune in as they unpack the value of setting expectations, embracing compromise, and leaning on tools like Splitwise to keep things fair.

Whether you’re a budget traveler or a luxury lover, this episode is your guide to smoother, stress-free adventures with your besties. As always follow us on socials at @BonVoyageBesties

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rachel and Rosa, along with guest Samantha, discuss the challenges college students face in balancing academics and travel. They explore strategies for planning trips around academic deadlines, the importance of self-care through travel, and how to stay organized using technology. The conversation also touches on budgeting for travel, choosing the best time to travel, and the benefits of solo travel. Samantha shares her travel essentials and offers advice for students looking to make the most of their travel experiences while managing their academic responsibilities. Don't forget to leave us a review & follow us on socials at Bon Voyage Besties!

Join Rachel and Rosa as they dive into the hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking world of travel fails. From missed flights and food poisoning to unexpected adventures and costly mistakes, these seasoned travelers share their most memorable mishaps and the lessons learned along the way. Whether it's a phone taking a swim in the Gulf of Heraklion or a double-booked hotel in Cusco, this episode is packed with stories that remind us all that the best travel tales often come from the most unexpected moments. Make sure to follow us on socials at BonVoyageBesties

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, we sit down with solo traveler Jen Hammell as she shares the highs, lows, and transformative lessons of her very first trip abroad. From awkward moments in Vienna to unexpected hurdles, Jen opens up about how travel shaped her resilience and self-confidence. We explore the unique experiences of midlife and plus-size travelers, and why inclusivity and representation in the travel world matter more than ever. Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation that proves solo travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s about who you become along the way. You can follow us on socials at @BonVoyageBesties and Jen at @ChooseJensAdventure

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rachel and Rosa sit down with the powerhouse writing duo, Ali Brady, to chat about their charming new rom-com, Battle of the Bookstores. From behind-the-scenes inspiration and quirky character creation to the ups and downs of co-authoring, this conversation dives deep into the heart of their storytelling. The duo also shares what it’s like juggling writing with real life, the thrill of book tours, and why indie bookstores mean so much to them. Plus, don’t miss the rapid-fire round where things get personal, fun, and a little unexpected! Make sure to follow us on socials at BonVoyageBesties and Ali Brady at IG:AliBradyBooks and TikTok: Ali_Brady_Books

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rosa and Rachel welcome Erin, a passionate traveler who shares her journey of exploring the Dominican Republic beyond the typical resort experience. Erin discusses her love for the country, her favorite destinations, and the unique cultural experiences it offers. The conversation also touches on safety misconceptions, the challenges of organizing group trips, and Erin's future travel plans, including a trip to Brazil. Follow Erin at @TheExperienceLover on social media.

Takeaways

• Erin's love for travel began at 17 with a trip to Peru.
• The Dominican Republic has much more to offer than just resorts.
• Erin's favorite area in the DR is the Samana Peninsula.
• Cultural experiences, food, and music are highlights of the DR.
• Safety is a common concern, but the DR is generally safe for tourists.
• Group trips can foster connections and reduce travel stress.
• Erin emphasizes the importance of being situationally aware while traveling.
• Traveling to the DR can be a quick getaway from the East Coast.
• Erin is planning a trip to Brazil in 2024.
• The Dominican Republic thrives on tourism, and local guides enhance the experience.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Erin's Journey

05:38 Erin's Favorite Destinations in the DR

11:05 Cultural Richness and Culinary Delights

16:32 Erin's Travel Itineraries and Experiences

21:58 The Importance of Tourism in the Dominican Republic

26:25 Travel Safety and Awareness

33:08 Language and Communication Challenges

37:55 Driving in the Dominican Republic