Explore With Tony

In this episode of Explore with Tony, I relive my experience hiking half of the Tour du Mont Blanc, from France into Italy. What was originally supposed to be a three-day trek turned into an ambitious—and slightly ridiculous—27-mile day when we decided to push through in the heat, dodging sheep and racing the sunset. I share the highs, the lows, and what I’d do differently next time. Whether you’re planning this trek yourself or just love a good travel story, this one’s for you!

Here's some ideas based on where we stayed:

Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme (France)

Rifugio Elisabetta (Italy)

Hiking to Machu Picchu was one of the most fun hikes I've had, taking me up to 15,000 feet and back down through a cloud forest and jungles. Let's recap the trip.

Company I Used: Salkantay Trekking - 5-Day Salkantay & Llactapata Trek
Packing List for the Salkantay Trek: REI Trekking Gear Guide
Altitude Sickness Tips: CDC Guide to High Altitude Travel

In this episode of Explore with Tony, we dive into the tech tools and gadgets that can transform your travel experience. From essential apps like Google Maps and Point.me to must-have gadgets like portable chargers and travel routers, I share practical examples of how these tools have helped me navigate, stay connected, and capture unforgettable moments. Whether you're exploring remote landscapes or bustling cities, these recommendations will keep your travel smart and stress-free.

My two favorite credit cards for travel are the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the American Express Platinum. Join me today as I discuss why and how I use these two cards.

Helpful Resources:

Join Tony in this New Year’s Day episode of Explore with Tony as he reflects on 2024’s transformative travel moments, from Argentina and Antarctica to family trips in Hawaii and Arizona. Discover his goals for 2025, including a European adventure with his baby and exploring new states and national parks in the USA. Tune in to hear how Tony is transitioning from fast travel to family travel and why creating memories with loved ones is the ultimate travel goal.

Helpful Links for Family Travel:

In this episode of Explore with Tony, I share how I was able to turn my honeymoon into an around-the-world adventure, visiting multiple continents in luxury — all for under $1,000 out of pocket! We used Point.me and a mix of Chase Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy points. We booked business-class flights with lay-flat seats, ensuring comfort on long-haul journeys.

We break down our itinerary, including highlights like hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc in Europe, immersing in Tokyo's food scene, and relaxing on the beaches of Hawaii. Plus, we share practical tips for using points to book award travel and make your dream trip a reality.

Links to Helpful Resources:

In this episode, Tony shares his first experience flying with a 4-month-old baby, including the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From booking surprises to in-flight crying, he covers what went right, what went wrong, and how to prepare for smoother travels with an infant.

Check out these articles for more information:

Let us know your own travel tips or stories by sending a message to the show. Happy travels!

Today, we’re going behind the scenes into one of my favorite parts of traveling—wildlife photography. From Kenya to Antarctica, I’ve used my Canon T8i with a Sigma 18-300mm lens to capture some amazing moments, even in challenging conditions. In this episode, I’ll be sharing practical tips for getting the best shots in environments that are cold, hot, or even a bit shaky.

Here are some links for products I discussed:

I’m diving into one of the most unforgettable trips of my life — a 10-day cruise to Antarctica! In February 2024, I set sail on the Ocean Endeavor, a cruise ship organized by Intrepid Travel, from the port of Ushuaia in Argentina. Let me tell you, this wasn’t just a trip; it was a full-on expedition into one of the most remote, breathtaking, and humbling places on Earth. Let's talk about details on this episode of Explore with Tony. Here are some links of things I mentioned:

Welcome to the podcast!