Freedom Travel

MAGICAL MOROCCO-Listeners, I believe, want to know the relationship between the guest and the host.  In this case, I had been searching for a reliable partner in Morocco and found Jamal, owner of Mint Tea Tours.  As our relationship grew I was confident that I had made a wise decision, however it wasn’t until I met him in person and experienced his guides, drivers and work ethic first hand that I was sure there would be no one else. 

Jamal was born in a small Berber village in the Middle Atlas, and grew up interested in all things mathematical and scientific.  He received his degree in Information Technology, but later encouraged by his father to enter into our family's tourism business where his future career was born! Jamal lived in the U.S. for some time where he became fluent in English and gained an in-depth understanding of Western culture, which was instrumental in connecting with travelers who wish to explore Morocco.  Proud of his native country and heritage, Jamal brings his15 years of experience to life, showcasing not only the popular sites, but also those off the beaten path places that intrigues and inspires. In Jamal’s words, “I know the roads of Morocco as well as I know the back of my hand!  When I am not working, I love . . . to travel! I also love learning new things, the "how" and "why" behind them.”

Learning about Jamal, his background and how he came into the travel business

Story Notes:

• Jamal describes his country of Morocco
• What makes Morocco so very different from other travel destinations
• Walk/talk through my most recent itinerary with highlights
• Five features of every medina
• Some of the lesser known or visited places in Morocco
• Safety and COVID concerns
• The artisans of Morocco

Links:

Mint Tea Tours: https://www.mintteatours.com/

Annie Collins is a true Travel Architect--passionate about custom-designing unique and seamless travel experiences.  If you would like to have a conversation with Annie about planning your next trip, head on over to freedomtravelllc.com to arrange a convenient time.

If you enjoyed the show, why not go ahead and leave a review right here and go to "Listen on Apple Podcasts". It is much appreciated.

THE MANY FACES OF ITALY– Marie Leiter, started out as a travel companion on a trip to Italy that her sister arranged with me. Later she would call me herself to set up the next trip—most of them to Italy, and much later she and I would travel together to South Africa. Many good working relationships lead into long term bonds. Such is the case with Marie and me.

Always and forever, granddaughter of Italian immigrants, consummate style fashionista and foodie, I find beauty in a simple meal, a destination, architecture, fashion and spaces –just to name a few. Perhaps my grandparents passed on the travel “gene” to me during their voyage to America in the 1930’s. Contemporaneously, I find that my travels have given me a front seat to the simple beauty found in the countryside of Tuscany, the arrondissements of Paris, Gaudi’s cathedral in Barcelona, and the list goes on and on. Travel is education. I believe it reveals an intellectual curiosity, that begs for more. As a curious soul, destinations, people, culture, architecture, markets, and ethnic foods speak to me. The more I explore, the more I yearn to do so. As a Director of Human Capital for many years, I am now taking the knowledge, wisdom and lessons learned (aka transferrable skills) to my next journey, travel liaison. Always having a destination on my calendar, excites my soul. Travel nourishes the mind, body and soul. Join me-no age limit!

“Travel isn’t always pretty, it is not always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts. But that ‘s okay. The journey changes you. It should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain

Story Notes:

• Meeting Marie
• The diversity of Italy
• Specific destinations and why those were chosen
• Highlights and discoveries of each place
• Conquering the language
• Any undiscovered places you want to visit
• What’s next
• Why we long to travel

Annie Collins is a true Travel Architect--passionate about custom-designing unique and seamless travel experiences.  If you would like to have a conversation with Annie about planning your next trip, head on over to freedomtravelllc.com to arrange a convenient time.

If you enjoyed the show, why not go ahead and leave a review right here and go to "Listen on Apple Podcasts". It is much appreciated.

A LOVE OF LANGUAGE – Over the past year we have explored the many facets of travel and why people venture abroad.  People travel for vacation that is, to escape routine, for healing to find peace and to reflect, with their children to educate and show them another world, people travel for work, retreats, and to explore.  Today we look closely at another reason—language.  Meet Gina Arnold.

Gina, Freedom Travel's marketing coordinator, is an adamant lover of travel, adventure, and languages. Over the past six years, she's spent her "free time" teaching, learning, and adventuring in Haiti, Guatemala, the United Kingdom, and several European countries. She's enjoyed dabbling in the Latin, French, and Spanish languages and was recently accepted into her next big adventure—graduate studies in Applied Linguistics at the Universität de Barcelona. 

Story Notes:

• Her time spent some time in Guatemala
• The purpose of her visit and how language played a roll
• Guatemala highlights
• A quick decision to move to Barcelona?
• A specialized course in language and what the dream job would be.
• Preparation for this trip? 
•  What advice would you give someone making a similar move.
• Meeting very interesting people from around the world -- each with a great story and sharing those stories on our Freedom Travel podcast.

Links:
Spanish Language School in Panajachel, Guatemala - www.jabeltinamit.com


Annie Collins is a true Travel Architect--passionate about custom-designing unique and seamless travel experiences.  If you would like to have a conversation with Annie about planning your next trip, head on over to freedomtravelllc.com to arrange a convenient time.

If you enjoyed the show, why not go ahead and leave a review right here and go to "Listen on Apple Podcasts". It is much appreciated.

In this show I will be talking about train travel. From the first time I watched Murder on the Orient Express to my first step aboard a train in Luxembourg, train travel has been one of my favorite modes of transportation. Contrary to airplanes and automobiles, trains are an uncomplicated and relaxing way to get around and see the landscapes. Today we are going to hear from Danny Becker with Rocky Mountaineer who has been in the luxury travel business for over 30 years—just like me! Danny is going to help us “Get on Board” with the rail options right here in the US and Canada.

Story Notes:

• Getting into the train travel business
• About Rocky Mountaineer vs Amtrak
• New US routes
• Levels of service & services aboard
• Customizing Routes
• Who is best suited for this style of travel?
• What next?
• Advice for train travelers

Annie Collins is a true Travel Architect--passionate about custom-designing unique and seamless travel experiences.  If you would like to have a conversation with Annie about planning your next trip, head on over to freedomtravelllc.com to arrange a convenient time.

If you enjoyed the show, why not go ahead and leave a review right here and go to "Listen on Apple Podcasts". It is much appreciated.

In this show I will be talking with Robin Jones who, along with her daughter Rebecca, traveled to Camino de Santiago in Spain. Robin shares her walk experiences in Camino de Santiago, their journey with mountain ranges to pilgrimages and the unique properties of Spain, the Paradors.

Story Notes:

• Camino de Santiago History
• The Training
• Accommodations: Bunk Beds
• Mountain Ranges
• Walking Journey
• Unique Properties: Paradors
• Advices and Tips

Annie Collins is a true Travel Architect--passionate about custom-designing unique and seamless travel experiences.  If you would like to have a conversation with Annie about planning your next trip, head on over to freedomtravelllc.com to arrange a convenient time.

If you enjoyed the show, why not go ahead and leave a review right here and go to "Listen on Apple Podcasts". It is much appreciated.

In this show I will be talking with Lucy Fleming who, along with her husband Mick, built the very first jungle lodge in Belize. Two hippy kids traveling from London to South America, make a stop in Belize and never left. In 1977 they were offered a piece of land near the Guatamala border that they farmed for 4 years before Chaa Creek would grow from one thatched roof, dirt floor, stick walled cottage to the luxury jungle resort that it is today. Hear about their 44 year journey and passion for the Belize people.

Story Links:

• Chaa Creek Jungle Lodge - https://www.chaacreek.com/
• Our Belize Eco Kids Summer Camp - https://www.chaacreek.com/about-chaa-creek/belize-eco-kids-summer-camp
• Our Pack-A-Pound program - https://www.chaacreek.com/about-chaa-creek/pack-a-pound-program
• You can find more initiatives like our Annul School Scholarship Program, Our Belize Foundation for Conservation (AN NGO) and more https://www.chaacreek.com/about-chaa-creek/conservation

Annie Collins is a true Travel Architect--passionate about custom-designing unique and seamless travel experiences.  If you would like to have a conversation with Annie about planning your next trip, head on over to freedomtravelllc.com to arrange a convenient time.

If you enjoyed the show, why not go ahead and leave a review right here and go to "Listen on Apple Podcasts". It is much appreciated.

FOOT TRODDEN -- The image and title of this new book was so intriguing that I contacted Ryan Opaz, the author immediately. I was dying to talk with him. Portugal has been a love of mine for a very long time. I visited myself in the mid-80's, then my parents relocated and lived there for 15 years and that meant I could take travelers there too. "Paint Portugal" trips were frequent. My brother, David (on an earlier show) is a winemaker too, and so it seemed Ryan and I would have plenty to discuss. FOOT TRODDEN, is a joint venture between two good friends, Simon Woolf a NYTimes best selling author and Ryan Opaz, CEO CataVino travel company, and will be on the shelves in September. Ryan is here with me today to get a sneak preview.

Show Notes:

• Ryan Opaz describes Foot Trodden as a first-of-its-kind book that takes a close look at the Portuguese wine making with compelling and personal stories. The book highlights Portugal’s diverse natural beauty, its dynamic history, and its rich compassionate culture.
• Portugal has 20 or so distinct regions. Here Ryan describes the some of the country’s stunning landscapes and how they differ one from the other.
• Foot Trodden highlights favorite places and why they standout as “must-see” destinations with stories and history to bring it alive.
• "A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words" -- The cover of Foot Trodden tells a story and invites the reader to consider the ancient method of crushing grapes, with feet that is still used today in much of the country.
• Ryan talks to us next about food and wine pairings and the wine dinners.
• The Foot Trodden project with Kickstarter--and how it has worked and will continue to work for this project.
• Projections for the release—in time for the holidays.

Links:

Catavino.net if you want to share about our stories,
https://catavino.net/about-us/
http://bit.ly/bolhaobook
https://foot-trodden.com/

Annie Collins is a true Travel Architect--passionate about custom-designing unique and seamless travel experiences.  If you would like to have a conversation with Annie about planning your next trip, head on over to freedomtravelllc.com to arrange a convenient time.

If you enjoyed the show, why not go ahead and leave a review right here and go to "Listen on Apple Podcasts". It is much appreciated.

Portugal is country that I know fairly well from years past. My parents lived there for 15 years and they made lots of friends. I brought several groups to visit over those years and of course, mom wanted me to meet all her friends. One friend, Luisa, told mom that I might like to know about this tour guide. Mom told me and I reached out to Jorge Silva and we have stayed in touch and worked together for years. Jorge owns Tours by Jorge and is with me today. We will revisit places I have been to and we will explore places that I still long to see.

Show Notes:

• Overview of Portugal: geography and history
• Freedom Travel designs on 3 key elements: destinations, accommodations and special interests. Jorge gives examples of how those elements weave into all regions of the country.
• Discussion of the culinary specialties of Portugal
• The regions of Portugal are described:
• The north with Porto and Duoro River
• Green wine
• Guimaraes Castle
• Port wine cellars
• Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo
• Braga
• Dukes Palace
• The center with Lisbon, Cascais and Sintra
• Fado music
• Monserrate Palace
• Westernmost point of Europe
• Nazare fishing village
• Obidos
• Evora and the Temple of Diana
• The south and the Algarve region
• Praias/beaches
• Golf
• Cataplana

Annie Collins is a true Travel Architect--passionate about custom-designing unique and seamless travel experiences.  If you would like to have a conversation with Annie about planning your next trip, head on over to freedomtravelllc.com to arrange a convenient time.

If you enjoyed the show, why not go ahead and leave a review right here and go to "Listen on Apple Podcasts". It is much appreciated.

Alain de Botton in his book The Art of Travel, “relates even the most disappointing experiences with delightful wit, graceful prose and surprising insight.” Los Angeles Times. Here to walk through this with me is Iain Baird, a friend, frequent guest on the show and a man who loves a good discussion.

Show Notes:

• Overview of the book and 5 sections: Departures, Motives, Landscape, Art and Return.
• Why does one travel. Alain de Botton gives many reasons. Iain and I talk about escape, adventure, culture (art, food, historic sites) and curiosity as a few.
• Alain de Botton uses artists and writers like Wordsworth, Van Gogh, Hopper and Ruskin to make his points. However, in the 21st century we rely on Face Book, Instagram and iPhone. We discuss the pros and cons of this technology when traveling.
• How do artists and writers influence our traveling choices.
• The author spends a chapter “On Possessing Beauty.” Iain and I talk about this quote from the book. “A dominant impulse on encountering beauty is to wish to hold on to it, possess it and give it weight in one’s life. There is an urge to say ‘I was there, I saw this, and it mattered to me.’”
• “Dreams of travel are often quite different from actual trips, in part because you can’t travel away from yourself.” I ask Iain, is it more fun to plan the trip or actually go on the trip?
• Travel styles can vary from one person to the next and may depend on the actual reasons for the travel. Choices are made between a destination of country or city—that is solitude vs community.
• Finally, the return home. Lessons learned and what did you leave and what did you return to? Alain de Botton says, “I returned to London from Barbados to find that the city had stubbornly refused to change.” And a quote from Pascal, “The sole cause of a man’s unhappiness is that he does not know how to stay quietly in his room.”

Links:

• You can purchase the book with Amazon:
  https://www.amazon.com/Art-Travel-Alain-Botton/dp/0375725342
• You can find a moving 49 minute video YouTube where Alain de Botton talks about the book.
• You can go to the website: http://alaindebotton.com/travel

Annie Collins is a true Travel Architect--passionate about custom-designing unique and seamless travel experiences.  If you would like to have a conversation with Annie about planning your next trip, head on over to freedomtravelllc.com to arrange a convenient time.

If you enjoyed the show, why not go ahead and leave a review right here and go to "Listen on Apple Podcasts". It is much appreciated.

Charleston, one of America’s gems, and a great place to visit or revisit. This episode is a casual conversation with our tour guide, Jim Gresham who shares his love for the city and the nearby islands.

Show Notes:

• We are introduced to Jim Gresham and hear what attracted him to Charleston.Comparing and contrasting two great southern cities: Charleston and Savannah. Jim walks us “virtually” through his Alleys and Hidden Passages of Charleston, giving a few historical facts and a look into life as it was. (link below)
• Nearby there are 3 barrier islands: Isle of Palms, Sullivan and Folly. Jim Gresham describes the differences and gives an inviting look at each.
• How Charleston is handling COVID and 9 safe restaurants by food critic, Hannah Raskin (link below)
• What advice he gives to the first-time visitor. (link below)

Links:

Lowcountry Walking Tours:
https://lowcountrywalkingtours.com/

Charleston Conventions & Visitors Bureau:
https://www.charlestoncvb.org

Hannah Raskin: Raskin Around/Post & Courier: https://www.postandcourier.com/blog/raskinaround/these-9-restaurants-are-the-safest-places-to-eat-in-charleston-area-our-food-critic/article1ad84f7a-f386-11ea-9926-5fef8797c70e.html

Annie Collins is a true Travel Architect--passionate about custom-designing unique and seamless travel experiences.  If you would like to have a conversation with Annie about planning your next trip, head on over to freedomtravelllc.com to arrange a convenient time.

If you enjoyed the show, why not go ahead and leave a review right here and go to "Listen on Apple Podcasts". It is much appreciated.