Bon Voyage Besties: Travel and Friendship

Podcast Description:
In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel and Rosa dive into the highs and lows of traveling with high maintenance friends. From over-planning and dietary quirks to managing group dynamics and budgeting, they share real talk and personal stories about navigating tricky travel personalities. Tune in for tips on spotting red flags, setting boundaries, and making sure your next getaway stays fun, drama-free, and full of good vibes. Are you that High Maintenance friend? We would love to hear from you so make sure to follow us on socials at @BonVoyageBesties

In this episode, we chat with Alaska travel expert Valerie Stimac Bailey, who takes us behind the scenes of life in the Last Frontier. She shares what it was like growing up in Alaska and offers insider tips for planning the ultimate trip—whether you're chasing summer hikes or winter wonders.

We also chat about the awe-inspiring beauty of Denali National Park, what to pack, how long to stay, and Valerie’s go-to tour companies. Beyond Alaska, Valerie shares tales from her adventures through national parks in Utah and beyond, with helpful tips for new hikers, dealing with elevation, and the life-changing magic of travel. It's an inspiring, info-packed episode sure to spark your wanderlust! Check out her website www.valerievalise.com and download your Bucketlist Freebie at https://bucketlistbundle.com. Don't forget to follow us on socials at @BonVoyageBesties and Valerie at @ValerieValise

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel and Rosa chat with Alex, founder of Alex on the Map, about ethical tourism in national parks. They cover how visitors can explore responsibly, follow Leave No Trace principles, and navigate challenges like overcrowding and staffing shortages. With tips for beginners and ways to support conservation, this episode highlights the importance of sustainable travel to protect our parks. Follow us on socials at @BonVoyageBesties and Alex at @AlexOnTheMap

In this episode, Jen Ruiz shares her journey from corporate attorney to solo female traveler, content creator, and entrepreneur. She discusses the empowering lessons learned through solo adventures, balancing work and travel, and the challenges of exploring new places. Jen also offers tips on staying safe, dining alone, and navigating the digital space, while emphasizing the importance of diversifying income streams and knowing your worth in brand collaborations. Whether you're an experienced traveler or just starting out, Jen's insights provide inspiration and practical advice for building a flexible, fulfilling career. Follow Jen on socials at @JenOnAJetPlane and us at @BonVoyageBesties

In this episode of the Bon Voyage Besties, join hosts Rosa and Rachel as they share all the highlights from their unforgettable girls trip to St. Augustine, Florida.

From travel tips and arrival stories to exploring the city’s rich history and vibrant attractions, they cover it all. Tune in for insights into the local dining scene, the best spots to visit, and the cultural gems they uncovered along the way.

Plus, stick around for their final thoughts and must-know travel advice for anyone planning their own St. Augustine getaway! Make sure to follow on socials at @BonVoyageBesties

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rachel and Rosa are joined by travel agent and content creator Leah Arao to explore the intersection of travel and friendship. They discuss unique travel styles like 'bougie backpacking' and the joys of slow travel, along with the challenges of making and maintaining friendships while on the road. Leah shares her experiences balancing remote work and travel, and the emotional connections formed through shared journeys. The episode covers topics like reconnecting with friends in new places, backpacking in South America, and building meaningful connections while traveling. Tune in for practical tips on forging lasting friendships! Follow us at @BonVoyageBesties & Leah at @LAinFlight

Summary

Welcome to Bon Voyage Besties! In today’s episode, join hosts Rachel and Rosa as they dive into the best cities for a girlfriends' vacation. From stunning destinations to hidden gems, they've got a list of cities they've personally visited and loved, perfect for your next adventure with your besties! While this isn’t an exhaustive list (there are so many amazing places to choose from), these are the top picks that have won our hearts. Tune in for all the travel inspiration and girl power you need to plan your next getaway! Don’t forget to  follow us on social at @BonVoyageBesties

Takeaways

• Nashville is perfect for live music and fun activities.
• Savannah offers ghost tours and beautiful scenery.
• Miami combines beach vibes with nightlife.
• Quebec City provides a French atmosphere without the long flight.
• Paris is a picturesque city with rich culture.
• Granada is known for its stunning Alhambra Palace and free tapas.
• Barcelona offers a mix of art, architecture, and beaches.
• San Juan is a great tropical getaway without needing a passport.
• Scottsdale has beautiful resorts and outdoor activities.
• San Francisco is close to wine country and has diverse attractions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Girlfriend Getaways

02:37 Exploring Nashville: A Musical Escape

05:30 Savannah: Ghost Tours and Southern Charm

08:08 Miami: Beach Vibes and Nightlife

11:06 Quebec City: A Taste of France

13:42 Paris: The Ultimate Girls Trip

16:45 Granada: Tapas and Culture in Spain

20:19 Exploring Barcelona: A City of Wonders

22:50 Ibiza: The Ultimate Party Destination

24:12 San Juan: A Tropical Getaway

24:26 Scottsdale: A Classy Girlfriend Retreat

28:33 Arizona Adventures: Grand Canyon and Beyond

31:30 San Francisco: A Diverse City for Friends

34:55 Upcoming Adventures: Greece and Japan

In today’s episode "Simplifying Points and Miles", we sit down with Genni Franklin, founder of Traveling Franklins and the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook group. Genni helps travelers save money and travel the world without breaking the bank. She’s here to share her expert tips on how to simplify points and miles, showing you how easy it can be to travel affordably while still enjoying comfort. Tune in to learn how you can maximize your everyday spending to earn travel rewards effortlessly, and discover simple, stress-free strategies for choosing the right credit cards and redeeming points to make your dream trips a reality—all without sacrificing comfort. Follow us at @BonVoyageBesties and Genni at @TravelingFranklins

Takeaways

• Rewards programs are a way for companies to thank loyal customers.
• Travel credit cards can help earn points on everyday purchases.
• It's important to understand the value of different points and miles.
• There are no bad redemptions if they work for you.
• Flexibility in travel plans can lead to better rewards.
• Using shopping portals can maximize points earned on purchases.
• Dining programs offer a passive way to earn points.
• Choosing the right credit card depends on personal travel goals.
• Annual fees can be worth it if they provide significant benefits.
• Don't hoard points; use them before they devalue.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Travel Rewards and Points

02:35 Understanding Travel Rewards Programs

05:12 The Power of Travel Awards Credit Cards

08:06 Common Misconceptions About Points and Miles

10:48 Strategies for Earning Points and Miles

15:54 Maximizing Points Through Stacking and Portals

21:27 Choosing the Right Credit Card for Beginners

31:32 Navigating Credit Card Choices for Beginners

35:52 Understanding Annual Fees and Their Value

36:23 Hidden Fees and Real Costs of Travel Redemptions

39:46 Maximizing Points and Strategic Travel Planning

42:38 Choosing the Right Airline and Hotel Programs

48:56 The Importance of Using Points Wisely

In today’s episode, we sit down with Brian Morris to discuss overcoming the fear of flying. With air travel anxiety on the rise, Brian offers expert advice on how to manage those nerves and feel more confident in the sky. He’s also the creator of Flight Deck 365, a unique set of flashcards designed to help reduce travel-related stress. Tune in for practical tips that could change the way you approach flying. Follow us on social at @BonVoyageBesties and Brian at @FlightDeck365

takeaways

• Brian's first flight experience triggered his fear of flying.
• Turbulence is a common fear among many flyers.
• Self-talk and positive affirmations can help manage anxiety.
• Staying hydrated during flights can reduce anxiety symptoms.
• The Flight Deck Flashcards provide reassurance and information.
• Community support is crucial for overcoming fear of flying.
• Flight attendants and pilots can offer valuable support to anxious passengers.
• It's important to seek help early to prevent fear from escalating.
• Therapy dogs at airports can provide comfort to nervous flyers.
• Sharing experiences can help normalize the fear of flying.

Originally from the US, Melissa has lived abroad since 2017. She founded A Solo Woman Traveling, a travel blog and tour curator focusing on slow, authentic travel experiences in Europe. This episode covers the challenges in moving abroad, finding community overseas, the joy of traveling alone, so much more! Follow us on socials at @BonVoyageBesties and @aSoloWomanTraveling