In this episode Alexandre takes us to the state of Goias in Brazil and the national park of Chapada dos Veadieros (the Deer Plateau) with its moon like landscapes, sweeping canyons and dry cerrado. We start in the Brazilian capital of Brasilia and give a brief overview of the sites and monuments. From there our journey takes us north, three hours by car, to the town of Alto Paraiso (high paradise). This town features numerous crystals unique to the area, cascading waterfalls and numerous UFO sightings. The area has a reputation as being a destination for hippies and nature enthusiasts alike.  Alexandre's cafe, Chapada Chill, is a must visit in Sao Jorge with its healthy food options, craft beer, artisanal cachaça and live music. From Sao Jorge you can easily access the Moon Valley, the secret waterfall and the Santos Trail inside the park itself featuring a 120 and 80 meter waterfall respectively. Be sure to loop in this stunning park to your next Brazilian adventure!

Fun fact: Brazil is the largest producer of sugar in the world. 

The Deer Plateau
Instagram: @chapadachill
Unesco World Heritage Site

In this episode Eric takes us all over picturesque Rwanda with its stunning variety of landscapes, fascinating wildlife and welcoming people.  From the capital Kigali, it is a two and a half hour drive to The Volcanoes National Park. This area is particularly famous, as it is home to one of the last habitats of the mountain gorillas. There are many hiking options and an opportunity to see the gorillas in person while maintaining a safe distance. Another highlight involves heading to Gishwati-Mukura, another national park known as an ecological hotspot that also houses mountain gorillas. From here, you can also access the shores of Lake Kivu, a body of water filled with folklore and a stunning vista with a volcano in the background. The eastern side of Rwanda has some savannah, where you can find elephants, zebras and giraffes. Don't forget to also try banana beer, Irish potatoes, sambaza and cassava leaves.


Fun fact: The Rwandan capital Kigali hosts car free days monthly.


Rwanda's national parks
Akagera National Park 
Eric's email: [email protected] 
Eric's phone number: +250788363208

In this episode Sanjay explains to us how to let the credit card companies work for you by maximizing your rewards potential with not only travel cards, but also when to open/close credit lines and how to hunt for offers. He has traveled the world on points and you can do it too if you stay tuned for all the latest hacks. From the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia, to a cheaper and wilder version of New Zealand in Central Asia and an overnight open air train across the Sahara desert sleeping on top of iron ore, Sanjay's stories satisfy not only the adrenaline junkies but also travelers looking for those off the beaten track destinations that don't make headlines. Be sure to also check out Sanjay's blog below for some fascinating articles about locales unknown.

Fun fact:  There are currently in excess of 25 billion credit cards circulating worldwide.

Card Pointers: consolidates credit card bonuses and gives you the latest deals and tips.
Sanjay's Blog
Instagram

In this episode Nathan takes us to Minas Gerais (general mines), Brazil, an inland state known for its food, rolling mountains and waterfalls, as well as historic architecture. Nathan tells us his inspirational story of how he joined the band Velotrol, a popular rock group in the capital Belo Horizonte (Belo), and how he became the lead guitarist after working different jobs for years and following his dreams. Next we dig deeper into Belo and its many botecos (typically sidewalk bars), the excellent Mercado Central which is full of local products (cheeses, cachaça, Brazilian sugar cane alcohol, and numerous fruits and vegetables only found in Minas. Outside of the city we discuss some national parks nearby, including Serra do Cipo, which is famous for waterfalls and hikes, and Serra do Gandarela. We round out the episode by discussing the poignant history of the colonial cities close to Belo, namely Ouro Preto, Mariana and Tiradentes. Each of those locations are UNESCO World Heritage sites, but there is more than meets the eye about the unseen history which you can learn more about at the Casa dos Contos in Ouro Preto. All in all, Minas is truly an off the beaten the track destination that has world class food, scenery, history and most of all welcoming and hospitable people.

Fun fact: The largest number of uncontacted tribes in the world are found in Brazil. 

Museums in Ouro Preto
Nathan's Band
Places to Visit in Minas Gerais 

In this episode Mark takes us all over the world (his current country count is 115 out of 197) as he explains his inspiration for traveling, sailing the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas and most importantly how to fund a nomadic lifestyle. We start in Antarctica where he tells us the selection process for the expedition, as well as a harrowing tale of being trapped in sheer ice.  The journey continues overland from Cairo to Cape Town, along with a chilling account of a visit to Mogadishu, Somalia and being the first tourist there in decades. The episode continues with a roundup of his home base in Malta, his current sailing journey across the Caribbean, the importance of traveling slowly/savoring life and how to visit the most dangerous/least visited countries in the world. This interview is a must for any aspiring traveler, nomad or anyone curious about destinations on any travel warning list.   
 
Sailing the Caribbean
Mark's Books
Youtube
Twitter
Instagram

Fun Fact: There are currently in excess of 250 travel advisories on the U.S. State Department website.

In this episode Sahar takes us all over the geographically diverse and stunning land mass that is Morocco. We start in the highest point of Morocco, Tangier, and make our way down by train to Marrakesh. Other important stops include: Rabat, Casablanca and Fes. The Atlas Mountains also feature prominently, as the legendary Mount Toubkal awaits climbers and adventurers alike. Our journey would not be complete without a roundup of the delicious Moroccan cuisine (rfissa, tangia and dakhla to name just a few).  Also, a little known fact is Morocco houses the oldest university in the world, Karueein, founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri. Be sure not to miss this spectacular combination of North African hospitality, scenery and cultural diversity.   

Things to do in Morocco
Getting around
Top 10 Foods

Fun Fact: Morocco has the highest peak in North Africa. 

In this episode Andrea introduces us to Mexico City and its charming architecture, fascinating neighborhoods and world class museums. The Zocalo, The National Museum of Anthropology and the Condensa neighborhood are some of the highlights in this megalopolis. Our conversation moves into sustainable travel and how travelers can participate in local activities and experiences without leaving anything behind but footprints. Andrea owns and operates a sustainable travel company, Good Moon Travel, that facilitates homestays and experiences throughout Mexico. She partners with local individuals who are committed to sustainable and wholistic practices, while providing an authentic local experience. Join us as we learn about ways to collectively reduce our footprint while still exploring our world. 

Good Moon Travel
@goodmoontravel
What is sustainable travel?
Where to go in Mexico City?

Fun Fact: Prior to the pandemic the travel and leisure industry accounted for 10.6% of jobs in the global economy.  

In this two part episode we recount our time in the Amazon, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais Brazil. Part 1 starts in Manaus and focuses on our excursion into the rainforest where we eventually set up camp for the night. Hiking, biking, kayaking and running were all part of this adventure packed tour. The most terrifying part was sleeping in a hammock in the middle of the Amazon. Do we make it out unscathed?

Things to see in the Amazon
Our tour operator

In Part 2 we trade in our literal jungle togs for the concrete jungle. Our next stop is the world famous Rio where we hang glide, hike and explore the tropical biodiversity. The episode rounds out with Minas Gerais and our experiences in Itaúna, Belo Horizonte and our volunteer experience in Juvenilia.

Hang gliding
Rappelling: @ropeadventureoficial
Volunteer Organization: ongamigosdeminas

In this episode Gosia takes us all over Poland to its myriad landscape of historic cities, picturesque mountain ranges and stunning seaside escapes. We start in Krakow with its UNESCO world heritage historic center and highlight Wawel Royal Castle along with other notable sights. Our next stop is the town of Weilicksa with its huge salt mine and charming old town. Further east are two mountain ranges, Tatra and Bieszczady, that have different options for hiking, nature watching and relaxation. For sailors and aquatic enthusiasts the Masurian lake district and the Hel peninsula offer a range of activities for every age group and budget. Gdańsk is also an important stop for history lovers as well as a seaside getaway with ferry connections to other Baltic countries northward. Our conversation rounds out with a discussion of Polish food (keilbasa and pierogi to name just a few), vodka and wine. Be sure to add Poland to any upcoming European adventures or onward destinations as it truly has something for everyone.

Polish Lakes
Hiking in Poland
City Overview

Fun fact: Poland actually invented the bagel.