Destinations Beyond Expectations

Today’s conversation is going to take us to three magical areas of Costa Rica - Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and La Fortuna. Jessy Vanpoperinghe from The Worried Wanderer blog stops by the show to walk us through some of the key stops on a trip she took to Costa Rica, which included hiking around a volcano, sipping chocolate tea, ziplining through the clouds, and much more.

Show Notes ⬇️
 
Published on 11/8/24
 
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
2:03 - Is Costa Rica Worth Visiting?
3:26 - The Baldi Hot Springs Resort
5:23 - The La Fortuna Waterfall
7:16 - The Tabacon Hot Springs 
8:38 - Hiking Near Arenal Volcano
10:30 - A Chocolate and Coffee Tour with Northfields Cafe
12:28 - Seeing Incredible Animals on a Night Tour in Monteverde
14:54 - Ziplining and Walking Along the Hanging Bridges at Sky Adventures
18:21 - Stopping by Cafe Colibri
20:05 - The Shana by the Beach Hotel
21:56 - What You can See or Do if You're Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park
24:00 - Stay Connected with The Worried Wanderer
25:30 - Jessy Vanpoperinghe is a Student of Travel

Follow Along with This Costa Rica Itinerary from The Worried Wanderer

• 9 Day Costa Rica Itinerary

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The towns around Italy’s Amalfi Coast are certainly worth a visit because of their delicious Italian food, historic sites, and gorgeous coastline views. Joining Stevie for a conversation about some of the stunning Amalfi Coast towns for visitors to explore is Madison Krigbaum from the Madison’s Footsteps blog.

Show Notes ⬇️
 
Published on 11/1/24
 
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:43 - Where is the Amalfi Coast and How to Get There From Rome
2:39 - Packing Tips for Someone Looking to Plan an Amalfi Coast Trip
3:33 - The Best Time of Year to Visit the Amalfi Coast
4:23 - Sorrento Itinerary Ideas
5:47 - Positano and What You can Experience There
7:47 - Capri and Suggestions for Someone Who's Visiting
9:20 - Visiting Pompeii and Some Top Recommendations to Check Out
10:38 - Stay Connected with Madison's Footsteps
12:26 - Madison Krigbaum is a Student of Travel

Follow Along with This Blog Post from Madison's Footsteps

• The Perfect 5 day Amalfi Coast Itinerary

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During the Christmas season, Strasbourg, France becomes a winter paradise, with its historic Christmas market, sparkling lights, and spectacular wintery experiences. Friend of the show Jen Ciesielski from the Dabbling in Jet Lag blog joins Stevie today to explain more about why Strasbourg, France is such a magical place to be in during the holiday season.

Show Notes ⬇️
 
Published on 10/25/24
 
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:51 - Where Strasbourg is Located Within France and Basic Info About the City
3:33 - What Makes Strasbourg a Great Place to Visit in December?
4:55 - The Experience of Visiting the Strasbourg Christmas Market
8:59 - The Enchanting Neighborhood of La Petite, France
12:41 - Dabbling in Traditional Cuisine from Alsace and the Maison Kammerzell
17:34 - Day Trips Near Strasbourg in December
21:17 - Other Tips for Visiting Strasbourg During the Winter
24:01 - Stay Connected with Dabbling in Jet Lag

Read Jen's Strasbourg Blog

• 21 Amazing Things to Do in Strasbourg in December

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Check Out Jen's France & Alsace Facebook Groups

• France Travel Tips and Planning
• Alsace Travel Tips

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Lisbon is a popular European destination to visit because of its breathtaking views, energetic neighborhoods, and great nearby day trips. Joining Stevie to dive deeper into some of Lisbon’s amazing sights and things to do is Priscilla Rodriguez from the Priscilla Wanders travel blog.

Show Notes ⬇️
 
Published on 10/18/24
 
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:56 - Why Lisbon is a Favorite City for Many Travelers
3:50 - The Beauty of Downtown Lisbon
5:41 - Exploring the Time Out Market in Lisbon
6:52 - The São Jorge Castle
8:02 - Why Exploring Sintra on a Day Trip is a Great Option
11:00 - Pink Street and What you can Find and do There
11:53 - Stay Connected with Priscilla Wanders
14:58 - Priscilla Rodriguez is a Student of Travel

Follow Along With This Blog Post From Priscilla Wanders

• Quick Guide to Lisbon: Top 10 Must-Do Activities and Attractions

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Spain's breathtaking architecture, lively festivals, rich cultural legacy, and mouthwatering food make it an unforgettable tourist destination. Stopping by to talk about 5 highlights from her trip to Spain is blogger Summer Meddock.

Show Notes ⬇️
 
Published on 10/11/24
 
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:50 - Why Spain is a Memorable Travel Destination
4:50 - Basilica de La Sagrada
6:19 - The Picasso Museum
9:05 - Cathedral de Mallorca
11:02 - Park Guell
13:30 - La Casa de Robert Graves
18:04 - Stay Connected with Summer Meddock
19:55 - Summer Meddock is a Student of Travel

Follow Along With This Blog Post From Summer Meddock

• Exploring Spain's Rich History: Must-Visit Museums and Sites

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We all know Montreal is a popular city for tourists, but today we're putting the spotlight on two other nearby destinations in Quebec, Laval and Oka, that have a ton of great things to do. If you’re interested in learning more about Oka’s cheese, national park, and outdoor tranquility or Laval’s scrumptious food scene and exciting outdoor adventures, you’re in the right spot because Kathryn Dickson from Kathryn Anywhere joins DBE today to talk about Oka, Laval, and why both places are worth exploring on your next trip to Montreal.

Show Notes ⬇️
 
Published on 10/4/24
 
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
2:00 - Where Laval and Oka are Located
3:17 - What are Laval and Oka Known For?
5:34 - Is French Spoken in Laval and Oka?
8:27 - Immersia Laval
10:15 - Ferme Marineau
12:16 - Hiking and Kayaking at Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
14:38 - The Food in Laval
17:38 - Oka National Park
22:28 - Vignoble Rivière du Chêne
24:24 - Distillerie Côte des Saints
26:55 - Oka Cheese and Must-Try Restaurants for Someone Visiting Oka
31:05 - Stay Connected with Kathryn Anywhere
34:00 - Kathryn Dickson is a Student of Travel

Follow Along With This Laval Blog Post From Kathryn Anywhere

Follow Along With This Oka Blog Post From Kathryn Anywhere

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Known for being the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence, Italy was a cultural hub where literature, science, and the arts all thrived. Joining Stevie to talk about some top sites to see in Florence and more about Florence’s history is Kasia Chojecki from the Amongst Romans blog and podcast.

Show Notes ⬇️
 
Published on 9/27/24
 
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:39 - Why Florence is a Special Place
3:38 - More About Florence's History and the Medici Family
10:36 - The Duomo
12:47 - The Ponte Vecchio
14:03 - The Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
16:20 - Piazza della Signoria
18:12 - When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Florence?
21:10 - Stay Connected with Amongst Romans
24:56 - Kasia Chojecki is a Student of Travel

Follow Along With This Blog Post From Amongst Romans

• Unlocking the Secrets of Florence: Must-Sees & Local Gems

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• Podbean
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With wineries, outdoor adventures, historical markers, and friendly small towns, Southern Illinois is truly a hidden gem that is totally worth checking out. Today, Stevie is joined by Jessica Baine from the Caffeine Until Cocktails blog, who talks about the Shawnee National Forrest, things to do in the Fall, and much more when it comes to visiting Souther Illinois. 

Show Notes ⬇️
 
Published on 9/20/24
 
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
2:07 - What About Southern Illinois Makes it a Unique Place to Visit and Explore?
2:48 - More About the Shawnee National Forrest
3:54 - Garden of the Gods and What its Like to Explore it
5:27 - Historical Markers in Jackson County, IL
6:41 - Wineries in Jackson County, IL
7:39 - Top Things to do in the Fall in Southern Illinois
10:22 - Ava, IL
12:04 - Effingham, IL
14:04 - Southern Illinois Towns are Hidden Gems
15:25 - Murphysboro, IL
17:49 - Stay Connected with Caffeine until Cocktails
20:18 - Jessica Baine is a Student of Travel

Check Out These Southern Illinois Blogs from Caffeine Until Cocktails

• 101 Things to do in Southern Illinois
• Historical Markers in Jackson County, Illinois
• Jackson County Wineries: Southern Illinois Tourism
• Top 9 Fall Activities: A Guide to Fall in Southern Illinois
• Welcome to Ava, Illinois
• Summer in Effingham, Illinois
• How to Spend One Day in Murphysboro, IL

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On the days when New York City gets some of its best weather, there are so many amazing things to do from experiencing the buzz of Central Park to catching a perfect sunset on a rooftop bar and more. Stevie's guest today is Kate Vernier from the Explore with Kate blog, who talks all about great things to do on a great day in NYC.

Show Notes ⬇️
 
Published on 9/13/24
 
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:54 - What Times of Year NYC has Some of its Best Weather
3:53 - The Buzz of Central Park When There's Great Weather in New York
5:10 - Great Museums Near Central Park to Explore
6:20 - Catching a Ball Game in New York on a Nice Day
8:22 - Soaking up the Sun at Beaches Near NYC
9:56 - Watching the Sunset on a NYC Rooftop with Pleasant Weather
11:14 - Things to do in New York's East Village on a Nice Day
13:59 - Stay Connected with Explore with Kate
14:51 - Kate Vernier is a Student of Travel

Check Out These New York Blogs from Explore with Kate

• 8 Things to Do in NYC During the Summer
• 5 Ways to Spend a Weekend in NYC’s East Village

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The dynamic borough of Brooklyn, New York, is well-known for its many neighborhoods, the famous Brooklyn Bridge, and other popular tourist destinations including Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum. Joining Stevie to talk about Brooklyn is Becca from Half Half Travel.

Show Notes ⬇️
 
Published on 8/23/24
 
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:56 - Where Brooklyn is Located and What Makes it Unique
4:40 - The Neighborhoods Within Brooklyn and What They're Like
8:51 - What it's Like to Live in Brooklyn
12:08 - Brooklyn's Food Scene
13:29 - Brooklyn Cafes
14:33 - How Safe is Brooklyn for Travelers?
15:44 - Photo Spots Around Brooklyn
18:01 - Best Free Things to do in Brooklyn
19:55 - What Visiting Brooklyn can be Like Throughout the Year
22:15 - Stay Connected with Half Half Travel
24:13 - Brooklyn Fun Fact


Listen to Another DBE Episode Featuring Becca From Half Half Travel

• Mexico City and Three Great Day Trips

Check Out These Brooklyn Blogs from Half Half Travel

• Brooklyn Fall Foliage (Wow!)
• Coney Island Boardwalk
• Photo Spots in Brooklyn
• A Guide to Brooklyn Heights
• When to Visit NYC

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