Curious Caravan

Curious Caravan

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Curious Caravan episodes

  • Dream Travel Destinations for 2026: Japan, Kilimanjaro, Australia, and Beyond

    In the first episode of Curious Caravan for 2026, Jason and Lizette are joined by travel expert Henry Wale to kick off the new year by talking dream destinations with no limits attached. From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and pairing the trek with an African safari to planning an epic journey through Australia and Tasmania, the conversation explores big, aspirational travel goals for the year ahead.

    The episode also dives into Japan as a bucket-list destination, from its food culture and iconic vending machines to its accessibility for modern travelers, along with Norway’s dramatic landscapes and Northern Lights experiences. Along the way, the hosts reflect on travel trends, long-haul adventures, cultural curiosity, and how dream trips often shape the way people plan and prioritize travel.

    Whether you are setting travel goals for 2026 or simply looking for inspiration, this episode of Curious Caravan offers a thoughtful and entertaining look at the destinations travelers are dreaming about next and why now is the time to start planning.

    11 min
  • Route 66: The Mother Road Begins in Illinois

    In this special Route 66 episode of Curious Caravan, Jason and Lizette begin a new series exploring the legendary Mother Road as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026. Joined by filmmaker Bobby Marinelli, who explored the entirety of Route 66, they uncover the local stories, roadside attractions, and communities that helped shape one of America’s most iconic highways.

    Starting off in Chicago and making stops at places like Lou Mitchell’s, Joliet Prison, the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum in Pontiac, and many, many more, this episode uncovers the history, art, and personalities that define Route 66 and the small towns shaped by the Mother Road. It sets the stage for a multi-part Route 66 series on Curious Caravan, celebrating the past, present, and future of Route 66 through curious travel and firsthand storytelling.

    28 min
  • Haunted Stays & Ghostly Getaways: Savannah’s Marshall House and the Crescent Hotel

    In this spine-tingling episode of Curious Caravan, Jason and Lizette uncover the haunted side of Southern hospitality with two of America’s most infamous ghostly destinations: Savannah’s Marshall House and the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs. From Civil War spirits and mysterious cold spots to eerie cemeteries and haunted history tours, the hosts recount their own experiences with the paranormal while exploring what makes these historic properties legendary.

    Listeners will learn about Savannah’s ghost walks through its moss-draped squares, the chilling past of the Crescent Hotel’s former hospital, and why travelers still report unexplained footsteps, flickering lights, and ghostly figures today. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, this episode dives deep into America’s haunted travel scene with stories that blend history, mystery, and just the right amount of fear.

    Tune in to Curious Caravan for haunted hotel tales, supernatural encounters, and the strange histories that make Savannah and Eureka Springs two of the most haunted cities in the country.

    15 min
  • Oktoberfest Adventures: Cincinnati vs. Texas (and Wiener Dog Races!)

    Crack open a cold one (or a Dr. Pepper Zero) and join the Curious Caravan crew as we dive into Oktoberfest season with not one, but two Jasons. We’re swapping stories from two wildly different fests: the massive Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, the largest in the U.S., and Addison’s Texas-style twist, complete with bratwursts, polka beats, and yes, dachshund races that deserve their own reality show.

    From authentic Bavarian brews and Black Forest cake to golden Amazon lederhosen and 80s hair band cover sets, this episode serves up quirky traditions, unexpected history, and plenty of laughs. Plus, we dish out pro tips for Oktoberfest newbies (spoiler: go early, pace your schnitzel, and always cheer for the senior dachshund).

    Whether you’re a beer-lover, dog fan, or just curious about how America celebrates Oktoberfest this one’s for you.

    16 min
  • Cruises, Coca Locas & Cheese That Squeaks: Our Summer Travel Confessions

    This episode of Curious Caravan takes you from out-of-body moments at Peru’s mystical Gate of the Gods to the chaos of cruise-ship speedboats that barely crawl. Jason confesses his “series of unfortunate events” at sea—including a fake islander scam and a Coca Loca chant on repeat—while Lizette relives her life-changing trip to Machu Picchu, complete with spiritual cleansing, purple potatoes, and the legendary squeaky goat cheese.

    We’re sharing the trips we love to brag about…and the ones that tested our patience (and stomachs). Expect unfiltered travel stories, unexpected laughs, and a reminder that even the mishaps can make the best memories.

     

    Highlights you’ll hear:

    • A cruise excursion gone hilariously wrong in Cozumel

    • The truth behind Royal Caribbean’s “authentic island experience”

    • Machu Picchu, hot springs, and spiritual cleansing in Peru

    • Squeaky cheese, coca leaves, and why traffic might be Peru’s biggest adventure

    • Why imperfect trips often become the most memorable

      Perfect for travelers who crave the real stories behind the Instagram shots and want to laugh at the messy, magical side of exploring the world.

      16 min
    • Deep in the Heart (and Stomach) of Texas: A Dallas Deep Dive

      What do beef enchiladas, aerial yoga, and competitive pickleball have in common? They’re all part of this solo, snack-filled, sweat-sprinkled, jazz-infused tour through Dallas (aka your host’s happy place).

       

      While Jason’s out this week, Lizette’s serving up her go-to guide to Big D: from nostalgic Tex-Mex at Gonzales (home of the tortilla clouds), to trap-step dance workouts that’ll test your coordination and your cool factor. Whether you're hungry, restless, or just really into fluffy tortillas, this one’s a Dallas deep dive you don’t want to miss.

      13 min
    • Thrift, Treats & a Thousand Yards: The Great American Treasure Hunt

      Ready to end summer with a bang (and a bargain)? Jason takes the wheel to uncover the world’s longest yard sale — a 690-mile stretch of pure thrifty bliss from Michigan to Alabama. We're talking goat milk soap, vintage Pyrex, hot chicken parm, and yes... a giant metal dinosaur.

      This episode is your nostalgic roadmap to roadside treasures, quirky stops, and weird Americana galore. Jason’s got all the tips, detours, and diner dives you need to make your last summer hurrah a memorable (and delicious) one.

      Bring cash, comfy shoes, and your curiosity — the 127 Yard Sale is calling.

      13 min
    • Lost in Transit, Found in Amsterdam: Curious Caravan Goes Euro

      Pack your bags (and maybe a backup travel plan), because this week, Curious Caravan crosses the Atlantic! Lizette is taking us on a whirlwind ride through her summer Eurotrip. From metro confusion in Amsterdam to navigating a surprise train strike on the way to London, she dishes on hostel stays with dino décor, rooftop beers at the Heineken Experience, clubbing with live sax solos (yes, really), and visiting a cat museum that tugged at her feline-loving heart.

      But this isn’t just a vacation recap — it’s a reminder that curiosity doesn’t stop at the border.

      So grab your passport (and maybe some comfortable shoes) and let’s get curious.

      22 min
    • Pawsport Ready: The Do’s, Don’ts & “Did You Sedate the Chihuahua?!” of Pet Travel

      Summer’s heating up and so is the wanderlust—for both humans and their four-legged copilots. In this tail-wagging mini-episode, Jason and Lizette dig into the reality of pet-friendly travel—from La Quinta hotels that love your pup more than your in-laws, to the perils of over-sedating a Chihuahua named Astro (RIP his coordination).

      Whether you're road-tripping with three dogs across state lines or dreaming of kayaking with your pug in San Diego, we've got the inside scoop on making your next adventure pawsitively seamless. So leash up, pack those treats, and press play. Adventure (and pet hair) awaits!

      11 min
    • Summer Bucket Lists: From Sandwich town to Epic Universe

      Summer's officially in session and your favorite curious co-hosts, Jason and Lizette, are trading their work shoes for flip-flops and theme park passes! In this sun-drenched episode, we're talking all things summer bucket list—from horror-themed roller coasters and burning windmills (yep, really) to dreamy Cape Cod getaways and hiking adventures in Colorado Springs.

       

      It’s summertime, y’all. Let’s get curious.

      19 min

    About Curious Caravan

    From the publisher's feed

    Discover the weird, wonderful, and retro corners of America you never knew you needed to visit. From the quirky museums to off-the-wall town festivals, the Places.Travel podcast brings you real travel…