In this episode, I chat with Adam Cohen—aka @Marin.Dad—about all things Marin County. Just over the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin is full of natural beauty, coastal charm, and surprising history. We cover favorite hikes, foodie spots, local culture, and what makes Marin feel like a true Northern California gem. Plus: where to catch a legal beach bonfire and why oysters in Marshall are a must.

Follow Adam: @marin.dad
Listen + share if you love travel, nature, or finding cool spots off the beaten path!

Think cruising is just for retirees and buffet-lovers? Think again. In this episode I sit down with family travel blogger and cruise enthusiast Suzanne Lyons, who shares why cruising has become her favorite way to vacation—with kids in tow!

Suzanne takes us behind the scenes of her decades of cruise experience, from her first trip to Bermuda in the ’90s to her current adventures with her two daughters. She breaks down the different types of cruises (ocean, river, expedition, luxury), dishes on the best cruise lines for families, and offers real-world advice on how to plan a stress-free cruise vacation—whether you’re a solo parent, first-timer, or seasoned traveler.

🎙️ In this episode, we cover:

• Why cruising is perfect for families (especially single parents!)
• Her favorite family-friendly cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, NCL, MSC, and more)
• The magic of onboard kids’ clubs and how they saved her sanity
• What to expect from private islands and themed cruises (Broadway fans, take note!)
• Sea sickness, packing tips, and why you must bring your medicine cabinet
• Travel insurance essentials and how it saved her thousands
• Her most memorable cruise moment—and why she’s hooked for life

✈️ Bonus Tips:
Suzanne shares her best advice for first-time cruisers, including how to avoid the buffet on Day 1, where to find quiet spaces on board, and how to choose the right itinerary based on your budget and travel style.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Follow Suzanne’s blog: SeaLyonsCruising.com
• Recommended travel insurance: Allianz Travel
• Cruise research tip: Look up stateroom tours and family reviews on YouTube

In this episode of Mixtape Travels, I welcome seasoned traveler and marketing exec Marissa Gomes to chat about visiting Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — her husband’s homeland and one of her favorite destinations. With over 40 countries under her belt, Marissa shares personal insights into what makes Rio so magnetic, from the iconic beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana to hidden gems like the car-free island of Ilha Grande.

We dive into everything from the best times to visit, local food and drinks (hello, passionfruit caipirinhas!), navigating Rio with kids, and her unforgettable experience at the World Cup. Marissa paints a picture of a city buzzing with energy, warmth, and a deep love of life — and gives you all the tips you need to make the most of your own Brazilian adventure.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The best neighborhoods to stay in Rio — and why Marissa swears by Ipanema
• Local experiences tourists often miss (yes, Brazilians speak Portuguese, not Spanish!)
• Why fall (April–May or September–October) is the sweet spot for visiting
• What to eat, drink, and try daily (fresh mango juice, cheese bread, and steak with farofa)
• Where to go for lively nightlife — from beachfront bars to Lapa’s samba clubs
• How to travel comfortably with kids in Rio
• Safety tips and common travel misconceptions
• Marissa’s favorite travel memory: attending the 2014 World Cup in Maracanã Stadium

📍 Mentioned in This Episode:

• Ipanema & Leblon neighborhoods
• Ilha Grande – a peaceful, car-free island escape
• Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) and Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)
• Botanical Garden and Parque Lage
• Caipirinhas (try passionfruit!) and fresh tropical juice stands
• Pão de Queijo – Brazilian cheese bread (look for Brazil Bites in the U.S.)

In this episode, ceramic artist Nicole Curcio shares her inspiring story of moving from Portland, Oregon, to a small village in Portugal’s Silver Coast region. With dreams of launching an artist residency and living a slower, more meaningful life, Nicole takes us through her journey—from navigating visas and property purchases to integrating into the local community with her husband and two dogs.

We discuss:

• Why Nicole and her husband chose Portugal over other European countries
• The unexpected power of an Instagram connection with a local ceramicist
• Cultural differences, language learning, and the pace of life in rural Portugal
• The quirks and challenges of Portuguese infrastructure and home repairs
• Building an artist residency program and welcoming her first guests
• Tips for anyone considering a move abroad

Follow Nicole:
🔗 Instagram: @welltraveledwares
🌐 Website: welltraveledwares.com

Resources Mentioned:

• Portugal The Simple Life Podcast
• Facebook Group: Americans & Friends PT (search for expat resources)

👉 If you’ve ever dreamed of living abroad, starting a creative retreat, or embracing a slower lifestyle, this episode is packed with real talk and inspiration.

In this episode, award-winning global nutrition expert and seasoned traveler Dr. Sylvia Klinger shares her deep admiration for Japan—a love that began with a single layover and has since led to multiple return visits. 

Sylvia highlights the country’s unmatched cleanliness, respectful culture, delicious food, and extraordinary public transportation system. She offers practical travel tips, from what to pack to etiquette essentials like bowing and using both hands when offering something. Sylvia walks us through her favorite destinations—Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and beyond—while sharing her passion for Japanese traditions, from tea ceremonies to baseball games. 

Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming about one, this episode will leave you inspired to explore Japan with fresh eyes and a full heart.

In this episode, I sit down with Leigh Oshirak Schuberth to dive into her unforgettable journey to Antarctica. From navigating the infamous Drake Passage to witnessing breathtaking landscapes of glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife, Leigh shares her firsthand experiences of the White Continent.

We discuss the logistics of traveling to such a remote destination, the best time of year to visit, and the transformative impact of seeing Antarctica’s pristine beauty up close. Leigh also offers valuable insights into choosing the proper expedition and the importance of having a flexible and adventurous mindset when traveling to Antarctica.

If Antarctica is on your bucket list—or if you love hearing about extraordinary travel experiences—you won’t want to miss this conversation!

In this episode, I sat down with Jeff Neer to demystify the world of travel points and miles. Jeff, an expert in maximizing credit card rewards for travel, shared his top strategies for leveraging points to make dream trips with your family a reality without breaking the bank.

Jeff emphasizes the importance of understanding different types of points—airline miles, hotel points, and flexible credit card rewards—and how they can be combined for the best value.  According to Jeff, selecting the right credit card is crucial for maximizing travel rewards. 

He also shares strategies for optimizing everyday spending to rack up points quickly, including using category bonuses and taking advantage of rotating cashback categories.

Beyond flights and hotels, Jeff reveals other ways to use points, including luxury experiences, upgrades, and even cashing out for statement credits. He also encourages travelers to take advantage of travel protections and perks that come with premium credit cards, such as lounge access and trip insurance.

Jeff’s insights prove that with a little research and strategic planning, anyone can unlock incredible travel experiences using points. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just getting started, his tips can help you travel farther, smarter, and for less.

About Jeff Neer

Jeff Neer is a husband, father, travel connoisseur and a points and miles enthusiast.  Jeff and his family have been around the world using points, with their favorite spot being Melbourne, Australia.  While they haven't been everywhere yet, everywhere is on the list for their next destination. 

Emilie Brillon is the founder of Love Life Abroad, where she helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families across Canada. Born and raised in Quebec, Emilie developed a passion for exploring new places early on. After an unforgettable family road trip across the country, she and her family chose to settle at the foothills of the Canadian Rockies.

Now based in Alberta, Emilie shares her love for Canada’s diverse landscapes — from the rugged Rockies to hidden gems in Quebec, British Columbia, and beyond. 

In this episode, Emilie talks about growing up in Quebec City, life in Alberta, and shares tons of great recommendations of places to see and unique things to do all throughout Canada, year-round.  

Interview with world traveler, Bonnie Hough (who has traveled the world 8 times, 7 times by herself!), about her recent two month journey to Western Africa in 2024.  days journey, she travels 8,000 miles with her small tour group visiting Morocco, Western Sahara, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Benin.   

You can learn more about Bonnie and her travels by visiting her blog: https://www.bonnieflies.com/

In this episode, Amy Boyle shares her transformative experience of a three-week solo trip to Paris, reflecting on the freedom and self-discovery that comes with traveling alone. She discusses her planning process, accommodations, and the importance of flexibility in exploring the city. Amy highlights memorable culinary experiences, her time spent in Versailles, and the valuable lessons learned about solitude and self-reflection. She also offers book and movie recommendations that capture the essence of Paris, encouraging listeners to discover the magic of solo travel and to “find your own Paris” wherever you may live.

Amy’s Paris recommendations: 

• Hotel worth the splurge: Hotel Dupond Smith (only has 8 rooms!) 
• Must-visit bookstore: Shakespeare and Company
• Books to read:  At the Existentialist Cafe by Sarah Bakewell, The Art of French Eating by Ann Mah, Paris by Gertrude Stein and The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
• Movies that take place in Paris: Julie and Julia, Before Sunset, and Midnight in Paris
• Favorite restaurants: La Mansion Rose,  Le Consulat Café (great mussels and people watching!), Carnavalet Museum (beautiful garden for lunch) and La Tour outside of Paris in Versailles

Follow Amy on Substack at: https://amyboyle.substack.com/