Destinations Beyond Expectations

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

Listen to the Amongst Romans Podcast on

• Spotify
• Podbean
• Apple Podcasts

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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

Follow Caffeine Until Cocktails on Instagram or Pinterest

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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

Follow Explore with Kate on Instagram

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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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With beautiful coastal scenery, quaint seaside communities, and a wealth of cultural heritage, Nova Scotia can be an epic vacation destination for history buffs, lovers of the great outdoors - or really anyone! Meggan and Jenn from The Travel Mug Podcast join Stevie to talk about Nova Scotia and the opportunities it holds for travelers.

Show Notes ⬇️
 
Published on 8/2/24
 
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
2:36 - Where Nova Scotia is Located and Basic Things About the Province
5:40 - What is Nova Scotia Like Throughout Different Seasons of the Year?
8:16 - Things to Include on a Nova Scotia Itinerary During the Warmer Months
10:38 - Things to Include on a Nova Scotia Itinerary During the Colder Months
14:20 - Unique Dishes Nova Scotia is Known For
17:09 - Some of the Biggest Cities or Most Popular Areas in Nova Scotia for Visitors
19:57 - A Closer Look at Cape Breton
24:34 - Hidden Gems in Nova Scotia
29:00 - Stay Connected with The Travel Mug Podcast
31:31 - Jenn & Meggan are a Students of Travel

 

Here's More Nova Scotia Content From Meggan and Jenn - Check it Out!

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With its gorgeous coastline Cornwall, England, is a mesmerizing travel destination with plenty of hidden gems to discover. Joining the show to talk about Cornwall are Emma and Steffan from the In Wanderment travel and photography blog.

Show Notes ⬇️
 
Published on 7/5/24
 
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:54 - Where Cornwall is Located and What the Area is Known For
3:07 - Is Cornwall Busy All Year?
4:00 - The Godrevy Lighthouse and What Makes it Worth Visiting
6:59 - Visiting the Cornish Seal Sanctuary
11:28 - Enjoying the Sunset at Botallack Mine
14:47 - St Micheals Mount
18:14 - The Fishing Town of Porthleven
20:49 - The Legendary Kynance Cove
24:14 - Watching a Sunset at Lands End
27:32 - What is a Cornish Pasty?
29:02 - Stay Connected with In Wanderment
33:45 - Steffan & Emma are a Students of Travel

 

Read Steffan & Emma's Cornwall Blog Post

• How to Spend a Weekend in Cornwall – A 2-Day Itinerary

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Every year, tons of tourists head to Waikiki for its world-class surfing, exciting nightlife, and diverse cultural offerings. Tori Mitchell from Tori Pines Travels joins Stevie to talk about some ideas for spending time in Waikiki.

Show Notes ⬇️
 
Published on 6/28/24
 
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:48 - Where in Hawaii is Waikiki and How Much of a Tourist Hot Spot is it?
2:42 - Hotel Options in Waikiki
4:06 - Taking a Surf Lesson in Waikiki
7:46 - Going on a Sunset Cruise in Waikiki
9:30 - Catching a Sunrise or Sunset in Waikiki
11:35 - Visiting the Honolulu Zoo
12:49 - Stay Connected with Tori Pines Travels
16:16 - Tori Mitchell is a Student of Travel

 

Read Tori's Waikiki Blog Post

• 23 Fun Things to do in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii: Best Activities and Food!

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The coastal city of Valencia, Spain is known for having delicious food, great beaches and many historic sites to explore. Jan Oberson from Jan Adventures joins Destinations Beyond Expectations to talk about why Valencia is such a unique place to visit. 

Show Notes ⬇️
 
Published on 6/21/24
 
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:55 - Where Valencia is Located Within Spain
2:34 - The City of Arts and Sciences
4:59 - The Central Market and The Silk Exchange
7:36 - What to Know About Visiting the Church of San Nicolás de Bari
9:25 - The Food in Valencia
14:36 - What it's Like to Explore the Turia Nature Park
17:45 - The Beaches Near Valencia
19:57 - Stay Connected with Jan Adventures
24:05 - Jan Oberson is a Student of Travel

 

Read Jan's Valencia Blog Post

• 3 Days in Valencia Spain

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While visitors have the opportunity to enjoy gorgeous blue lakes, a variety of animals, and an array of incredible outdoor activities, the truth is, Banff can get expensive. Caitlin Laurent joins Destinations Beyond Expectations to share how accommodation options, food choices, free activities, traveling during shoulder seasons and more can help you save money on a Banff adventure.

Show Notes ⬇️
 
Published on 6/14/24
 
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
2:31 - Can a Banff Trip Get Expensive?
3:06 - Ways to Save Money on Accommodations in Banff
6:25 - Cutting Costs Through Food Options in Banff
8:35 - Free Hikes and Outdoor Activities Around Banff
11:36 - How Bundling in Banff can Lead to Savings
12:34 - Saving Some Dough on Transportation in Banff
14:54 - Is it Worth it to See Banff in the Off-Season?
16:51 - Stay Connected with Caitlin Laurent
19:25 - Caitlin Laurent is a Student of Travel

 

Read Caitlin's Banff Blog Post

• Banff on a Budget - Money saving tips from a local!

Watch Caitlin's BANFF ON A BUDGET YouTube Video


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Every year the historic city of Rome wows a huge number of visitors. Today Stevie is joined by Phylicia Stitzel from The Backpacker Mom who talks about some ideas for how to spend 3 days in Rome. 

Show Notes ⬇️
 
Published on 6/7/24
 
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
2:01 - Is 3 Days in Rome a Good Amount of Time for a Visitor?
3:09 - Day 1 in Rome (Time-Traveling in Ancient Rome)
5:04 - The View from Palatine Hill
6:22 - Food and Hydration Tips for Traveling in Rome
9:18 - What its Like to See the Pantheon
11:14 - Day 2 in Rome (The Vatican City Extravaganza)
14:19 - Pre-Purchasing Tickets for Vatican Museums
15:31 - Dress Code in Vatican City
16:37 - Supplì (Fried Risotto Balls)
17:45 - Day 3 in Rome (Basking in the Roman Culture)
20:32 - Does the Trevi Fountain have Tourists All Throughout the Day?
21:24 - Packing Tips for 3 Days in Rome
23:40 - Stay Connected with The Backpacker Mom
28:19 - Phylicia Stitzel is a Student of Travel

 

Read Phylicia's Rome Blog Post

• Can You Conquer Rome in Just 3 Days? Let’s Find Out!

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