Your favorite sister duo goes back to their OG days for an episode with just Halle and Kelcy. They start the episode by marveling over the 9 Power Principles of the Blue Zones, five areas of the world known for vitality and longevity. Then Kelcy shares about her recent trip to Aruba and why it is called “One Happy Island”. She gives recommendations on where to stay vs. where not to stay, must-do activities, and must-try restaurants. They discuss how Aruba’s predictable weather and location outside of the hurricane belt make it a reliable Caribbean destination. Don’t underestimate Aruba’s small size; there is a vast amount to do so it is a 100% MUST to venture outside of your resort!

Aruba Recommendations:

Beaches/Hotel Zones:

• Palm Beach (main hotel zone) - Marriott Stellaris Resort & Casino
• Eagle/Manchebo/Divi Beach 

Restaurants:

• Koal
• Faro Blanco
• Papiamento
• Zeerover
• Eduardo’s Beach Shack
• Apotek Speakeasy
• Lima Bistro
• Ever
• Madame Janette
• Flying Fishbone
• Old Man and the Sea

Activities:

• Turtle snorkeling (Tres Trapi Beach)
• Arikok National Park
• Westpunt Trail (North end)
• Spa del Sol
• Ola Gallery
• Aloe Vera Factory
• Consider Flamingo Island - we didn’t do this but is a popular thing to do

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Your favorite sister duo chats with their guest, Jenna, to recap her bucket-list trip to Australia — from iconic city moments to rugged outback adventures. Jenna shares about her time exploring Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, the Mornington Peninsula, and Uluru. They dive into what it’s really like to fly halfway across the world (including a jet lag “Fly Kit” hack that actually worked), the magic of seeing an opera inside the Sydney Opera House, sunrise runs along Apollo Bay, glow worms in the forest, penguins at sunset, and the unforgettable “Sound of Silence” dinner experience under desert skies. Jenna also shares practical tips on road tripping the Great Ocean Road, navigating Australia’s laid-back culture (no tipping!), must-try foods like chicken salt and Tim Tams, and why Australia feels familiar — yet bigger, wilder, and more expansive than anywhere she’s been before. If you’re dreaming of dramatic coastlines, wildlife encounters, and a perfectly balanced mix of adventure and culture, this episode is your Australia starter guide.

Australia Recommendations:

Sydney

• See a performance inside the Sydney Opera House — not just a photo stop.
• Blue Mountains
• Grand Canyon
• Wentworth Falls

Melbourne

• Drive the Great Ocean Road (take a few days to do this!)
• Apollo Bay is a good town to stop in
• Must see spots:
• Twelve Apostles
• Cape Otway Lightstation
• The Grotto
• London Bridge
• Melba Gully (glowworms!)
• Queen Victoria Market

Phillip Island: see the Penguin Parade!

Mornington Peninsula

• Thermal pools
• Local wineries
• Consider taking the ferry to get here from Queenstown
• Point Nepean National Park
• Moonlit Sanctuary to pet/feed native Australian animals 

Uluru & The Outback

• Ayers Rock Resort
• The “Sounds of Silence” dinner under the stars
• See Kata Tjuta

Food to Try

• Fresh seafood
• Flat whites
• Tim Tams
• Anything with chicken salt!

Flykitt to avoid jetlag!

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Your favorite sister duo gets the opportunity to chat with their guest, Júlia, who shares about her experience growing up in Brazil. She gives a local’s perspective on where to stay, what to do, and what to avoid. Júlia also delves into Brazilian cuisine, highlighting must-try dishes, and shares insights on cultural differences between Brazil and the US. She addresses safety concerns and misconceptions about Brazil, emphasizing the warmth and hospitality of its people. 

Brazil Recommendations:

Where to stay:

• São Paulo: Pinheiros, Higienópolis, Vila Madalena.
• Rio de Janeiro: South Zone (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon), Búzios
• Beach towns: Salvador, Natal, and Fortaleza.

Activities:

• Have a beach day (a must)!
• Amazon Rainforest
• Pantanal (wildlife)
• Iguaçu Falls
• Sugarloaf Mountain
• Christ the Redeemer
• Lençóis Maranhenses (natural pools among white sand dunes)

Food:

• All-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue restaurant (churrascaria)
• Breakfast at a local bakery (make sure you get coffee!)
• Feijoada, a traditional bean stew
• Brazilian stroganoff
• Pirajá: restaurant in São Paulo for traditional Brazilian food

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Your favorite sister duo is back for another Valentine’s Day special episode. After recapping our weekend together and discussing our own Valentine’s Day plans, we share listener-submitted stories about love and travel; think travel mishaps with your significant other, engagement stories, and more. We also share results from our recent instagram poll about travel preferences, honeymoon insights, and bucket list destinations. Sending all our love to each of you this Valentine’s Day! 💕

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Your favorite sister duo chats with their guest, Blayre, about her solo travel experience in The Land Of Fire and Ice, aka, Iceland. Hear about Iceland’s stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches and the vibrant city of Reykjavik. Blayre gives her must-do recommendations and shares about glacier hikes, soaking in the Blue Lagoon, and tasting local delicacies (fermented shark, anyone?). Whether you're planning a trip or just dreaming of adventure, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into one of the world's most fascinating destinations.

Iceland Recommendations:

Activities:

• Blue Lagoon
• Golden Circle Tour
• Kerid Crater
• Almannagjá Gorge in Þingvellir National Park (tectonic plates)
• Gullfoss Falls
• South Coast Tour
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Glacier Sólheimajökull hike
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
• Skógafoss Waterfall
• Snaefellsness Peninsula
• Kirkjufell Mountain in Grundarfjörður Village (featured in Game of Thrones)
• Snæfellsjökull National Park
• Arnarstapi Cliff Walk / Gatklettur Sea Arch

Eats:

• Hot dog stands! (Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, Viking Pylsur)
• Fermented shark
• Skyr

Stay: Hotel Leifur Eiríksson (Reykjavik)

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Your favorite sister duo chats with their guest, Hanna, who shares about her recent trip to Scotland with her sisters, detailing their adventures in Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye. They explored iconic sites, experienced an overnight train, designed handbags, and tasted local cuisine, including haggis and whiskey. Hanna provides insights into travel tips, accommodations, and cultural differences, making it a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to visit Scotland.

Scotland Recommendations:

Edinburgh:

• Writers’ Museum (free!)
• Visit Dean Village
• Hike Arthur’s Seat
• Walk the Royal Mile
• Browse Victoria’s Street
• Islander: Make your own tartan handbag!
• Ride the Jacobite Steam Train - the famous Harry Potter viaduct route through the highlands

Isle of Skye 

• Old Man of Storr
• Quiraing
• Fairy Glen
• Book local transport instead of organized tours - look up Kat!
• Stay at the Skye Inn

Food/Drink:

• Haggis (or opt for vegan haggis at Makars Mash)
• Whiskey - do a tasting!

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Your favorite sister duo welcomes back their guest, Julia, to share about her recent travel experience to Puerto Rico. She discusses why Puerto Rico may be a surprisingly easy spot to travel with a new baby, in addition to the draw of the beautiful accommodations, the delicious food, and the vibrant culture. Julia highlights the unique aspects of Puerto Rico, including its European influences, warm hospitality, and various activities available for families. 

Puerto Rico Recommendations:

Neighborhood: Condado (Miami of PR)

Hotel: Condado Vanderbilt 

Restaurants:

• Caleta del Vino - wine bar, tapas (next to the world’s narrowest home!)
• Verde Mesa - more traditional Puerto Rican food
• El Jibarito - authentic Puerto Rican food loved by locals
• Al Fresco Rooftop Wine Bar - be aware of the spiral stairs :) 

Must-see monuments: El Morro, San Cristobal

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Your favorite sister duo brings back guest Mannie to share her unforgettable journey through Morocco, a trip that blended budget-friendly travel with once-in-a-lifetime luxury. Traveling solo, Mannie walks through the realities of navigating Morocco—from the sensory overload of Marrakech’s medina to the calm, otherworldly stillness of the Sahara Desert. She opens up about safety, cultural expectations, and why hiring a private driver completely transformed her experience. Along the way, she highlights Morocco’s unmatched hospitality, the magic of staying in riads and desert camps, and how leaning into local support made the trip not just easier, but deeply meaningful. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about Morocco and wondering whether it’s worth the adventure (spoiler: it is).

Morocco Recommendations:

Marrakech 

• Stay in a riad in the Medina
• Walk Jemaa el-Fnaa at night
• Wander the souks (shop at Ensemble Artisanal)
• Optional splurge: La Mamounia (lunch or spa)

Sahara Desert (Merzouga)

• Fly to Errachidia (ERH) if short on time
• Book an overnight desert camp
• Camel ride at sunset (non-negotiable)
• Try ATVs in the dunes

Food Must-Dos

• Tagine

Know Before You Go

• Carry cash; tip ~10%
• Pay for convenience!

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Your favorite sister duo welcomes guests Hanna and Firas to discuss their recent trip to Egypt and Jordan. They discovered that Egypt’s chaos is matched only by its jaw-dropping history—from crawling inside pyramids to sailing the Nile on a quiet dahabiya. Transitioning to Jordan, they highlight the historical sites in Amman, including Jerash, and the breathtaking beauty of Petra. Along the way, they were struck by how safe, welcoming, and generous everyone was. The episode is part travel recap, part love letter to the Middle East, and a strong case for why these destinations deserve way more hype.

Egypt & Jordan Recommendations:

Egypt

• Guided tour highly recommended – history + logistics matter
• Pyramids of Giza – allow hours; go inside if you can
• Grand Egyptian Museum – modern, massive, must-see
• Nile River Cruise – dahabiya > big ships
• Abu Simbel – worth the long journey
• Eat local – koshari, ta‘ameya (fava beans), street juices

Jordan

• Amman – walkable, relaxed, great food
• Jerash – world-class Roman ruins, minimal crowds
• Petra – arrive early and/or stay near Petra gate the night before, be prepared to hike!
• Wadi Rum – unreal landscapes, stellar stargazing
• Dead Sea – float, mud spa experience
• Eat mansaf – national dish, don’t skip it

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Your favorite sister duo chats with their guest, Niki (of travel planning company Niki and Thom Travel), who shares her experience living in Portugal, offering insights into the culture, food, and travel tips for those looking to explore this beautiful country. From her journey as an expat to the family-friendly atmosphere of Cascais, Niki provides a wealth of information for travelers. She emphasizes the importance of planning, safety, and the vibrant culinary scene, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in visiting Portugal. She even shares some behind the scenes insight on a particularly well-loved HGTV show about buying a home internationally 👀

‼️ Mention Love It There when booking with Niki and Thom Travel to get their top travel planning package for the basic plan price!

Portugal Recommendations:

Lisbon

Where to stay:

• Chiado - trendy neighborhood to stay in 
• Belém - neighborhood near the river (less hills)

Activities:

• Tuk Tuk Tours 
• Pink Street - bars and live music 
• Rua Augusta Arch
• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
• Livraria Bertrand 
• Day trip to Sintra for castles and stunning views 
• Saint George’s Castle

Where to eat:

• Nicolau - daily brunch!
• Time Out Market - massive food haul

Porto

• Day trip to Douro Valley for wineries
• Port wine

Algarve

• Beaches!
• Stay in Lagos or Faro

Carcavelos

• Surfing/beach town
• Tricana - must-try outdoor cafe

Cascais 

• Family friendly beach town
• Marechal Carmona Park 
• Bike path along the coast, see Boca do Inferno
• Palaphita - jungle cafe with live music   
• Taberna Clandestina - Portuguese tapas on pedestrian-only street
• Souldough- must-try pizza spot

General Portugal Recs:

Food/drink:

• Vino verde
• Bacalo (cod)
• Bifana (marinated pork sandwich roll) 
• Sardines 
• Puri puri chicken
• Pastel de nadas - custard tart
• Brioche croissants 

Honest Greens 

Bio Shop for fresh organic produce   

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