The Smoky Mountains are more than just hiking trails and spectacular views.  Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg hold treasures beyond the mountains.  See what the Smoky Mountains have in store on this week's episode!

Winning streaks, wineries, mouth watering food, breweries, music stars, and movie sets.  All these and more are what await you in Iowa. I know that may surprise you but have a listen by clicking play above to hear about a trip of a lifetime that would have never happened had it not been for a little luck. 

We heard the phrase “student of travel” a lot in the episode last week, and it’s a phrase you’re going to hear moving forward. So what exactly is a student of travel? This week, I break it down to help you figure out if you fit the phrase. I also sit down with my sister (who happens to be the voice of the DBE intro) to talk about her journeys to Japan, Columbia, the Grand Canyon, New Orleans and more. She shares her thoughts on travel, culture, and who she thinks qualifies as a student of travel. 

Destinations Beyond Expectations brings to life some of the world's most incredible travel destinations through the sounds that make them unique. Join us for a listening experience across the world.

*Coronavirus has an impact on the travel and hospitality industry like it has never before seen, but resilience has always been a key part of this industry and travel will return. 

My parents are from Buffalo and Germany, raised me in Orlando and had me on the road a lot, sometimes because of my dad's music career. Needless to say travel was something that was instilled into me at a young age. Road trips became a tool for educating my siblings and I.  

In this episode my dad comes over to look through family photos, talk about trips I took as a kid and share knowledge about his love for travel. I never knew my father got to perform with the jazz great Don Menza, or that he traveled with his marching band in high school to Disney.  His trip to Disney was his first time performing In Orlando but it would be far from his last time. A couple years later he would move down, begin his professional career and meet my mom. If It wasn't for travel I wouldn't be here today.