Round Trip With Colleen Kelly

Audrey Wilson, Author & Video Producer

Travel has the power to change everything—even when we least expect it. 🌍✈️

In this inspiring conversation, Audrey Wilson shares how she went from avoiding air travel for 20+ years to becoming a globe-trotting thriller author. Her adventures across California, Ireland, the Bahamas, and Colorado not only helped her conquer travel anxiety but also fueled the stories behind her bestselling books, including her newest psychological thriller, The Ever End (released August 5th).

Audrey opens up about:
✅ Overcoming fear of flying and finding the motivation to travel
✅ Simple tips for nervous travelers (like how to make flights less stressful)
✅ How seeing palm trees for the first time sparked her wanderlust
✅ Why snowshoeing in Winter Park, CO is a perfect alternative to skiing
✅ The way travel sparks creativity and inspires her novels

Her journey proves that when we push past fear, we discover not just the world—but ourselves.

👉 Whether you’re nervous about your first flight or a seasoned adventurer looking for inspiration, Audrey’s story is a reminder of how travel transforms us in unforgettable ways.

📚 Learn more about Audrey’s work: The Ever End and her other thrillers inspired by her travels.

🔔 Subscribe for more stories about how travel opens doors to creativity, courage, and connection.


Chapters:

0:19    Meet Audrey Wilson: From PBS to Author
3:28    Overcoming Travel Anxiety and Fears
9:51    Winter Park Adventure in Colorado
18:36   "The Ever End": Audrey's New Thriller
23:16   From Travel Inspiration to Four Books
27:40   Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

For more information:

www.AudreyWilsonAuthor.com
www.goodreads.com/book/show/222790752-the-ever-end
"The Ever End" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/jlomNRT

IG: @audreywilsonauthor
FB: @audreywilsonauthor



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Experience Europe by Train: Why Rail Travel Beats Flying | Interview with Rail Escape

What if the journey could be just as unforgettable as the destination? In this episode, we sit down with Julian Schmid from Rail Escape to uncover why train travel in Europe remains the ultimate way to explore the continent’s beauty, culture, and diversity. 

🚄 Why choose trains over planes in Europe?
Julian explains how European rail often gets you there faster than flying—no long security lines, no remote airports, and direct arrivals into city centers. Imagine sipping coffee while gliding past castles, vineyards, and villages, then stepping off the train right into the heart of your next adventure.

🌎 Curated Rail Escape Packages
For many Americans, planning a European rail trip feels overwhelming. That’s where Rail Escapes comes in. Their packages include:
✔️ Private airport transfers
✔️ Handpicked boutique hotels
✔️ Pre-booked train tickets
✔️ Easy-to-follow digital itineraries
This means you enjoy all the adventure without the stress.

✨ Itinerary Highlights

Christmas Markets in Germany – From Munich to hidden gems like Augsburg

Eastern Europe’s Treasures – Unique cultural immersion off the beaten path

Bernina Express – A breathtaking rail journey from Switzerland to Lake Como

Luxury Rail – Overnight trains like the legendary Orient Express

🎙 Julian shares why rail offers what flights never can: the romance of the journey, the chance to see Europe’s changing landscapes, and the joy of cultural discovery between every stop.

Whether you’re planning your first European vacation or want to rediscover the magic of slow travel, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how you experience Europe.

👉 Ready to start your rail journey? Connect with Rail Escape via their website, email, or social media.

For more information:
www.railescape.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rail-Escape/100092921018955/
IG: @railescapetravels


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TAGS:

European train travel, travel Europe by train, best train journeys Europe, Europe rail vacations, Rail Escapes, Bernina Express, Orient Express train, Christmas markets Germany, Eastern Europe travel, Europe travel tips, train vs plane Europe, best way to travel Europe, luxury trains Europe, European rail adventures, bucket list train journeys

Discover Wisconsin: Hidden Gems, Outdoor Adventures & Small-Town Charm with Noreen Rueckert, Director of Green County Tourism; Malorie Paine, Representative with the North Central Wisconsin Tourism Partnership; and Meridith Jumisko, Public Relations Director for Visit Kenosha.

Tucked just beyond Chicago's reach lies Wisconsin – a treasure trove of experiences that might have you reconsidering those expensive European vacations. In this episode, we journey through three distinct Wisconsin regions that offer authentic cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm without the passport requirements.

Looking for a budget-friendly vacation without the hassle of international travel? In this episode, we uncover the best things to do in Wisconsin—from Swiss heritage festivals to outdoor adventures and Lake Michigan escapes—that rival any European getaway.

🌄 Green County, Wisconsin – Explore America’s only Limburger cheese factory, sip the famous Spotted Cow beer, and experience authentic Swiss culture with yodeling traditions and the biennial Cheese Days Festival, complete with flower-adorned Brown Swiss cows.

🚵 North Central Wisconsin – A true outdoor paradise with hundreds of lakes, 500+ miles of ATV trails, and the legendary Ice Age Trail. Whether you love hiking, paddling, or fishing, this region delivers endless adventure. Don’t miss the local Wisconsin supper clubs and vibrant farmers markets.

🌊 Kenosha, Wisconsin – Just 90 minutes from Chicago, this harbor town will surprise you with 1940s electric streetcars, five unique museums, sandy beaches, and lighthouse climbs with breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline. Plus, Kenosha is home to classic car shows, an incredible fishing scene, and unique food stops from Italian delis to drive-ins.

🎉 Along the way, we highlight Wisconsin festivals, hidden gems, budget-friendly accommodations, and travel tips that make this Midwest destination perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

If you’ve ever wondered what to do in Wisconsin or searched for the best Midwest vacation spots, this episode will show you why the perfect getaway is closer than you think.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more travel podcasts, Midwest travel guides, and hidden vacation spots in America.

Disclaimer: Undies run is no longer happening as part of the flannel fest.

Wisconsin video and image credits to Green County Tourism, Visit Kenosha, and North Central Wisconsin.

For more information:

www.eatdrinkyodel.com

www.northcentralwisconsin.com

www.visitkenosha.com

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Looking for the best travel rewards programs in 2025? We break down the brand-new U.S. News & World Report Travel Rewards Rankings (2025–2026) with Senior Travel Editor Elizabeth Von Tersch.
Discover which airline loyalty programs and hotel rewards programs actually give travelers the most value:

✈️ Best Airline Rewards 2025 – Alaska Airlines takes the top spot over United & American.
🏨 Best Hotel Rewards 2025 – Choice Privileges ranks #1, beating bigger brands with fast-earning perks.
💳 Smart credit card tips – how free checked bags, flexible points, and transfer bonuses can save you $$$.
🔑 Insider strategies – join loyalty programs (even if you don’t travel often), link rideshares, and transfer points for outsized rewards.
As travel costs rise, knowing how to maximize points and miles has never been more important. Get the latest insights to save money, score upgrades, and travel smarter in 2025.

Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor of Travel at US News & World Report, joins Host and Travel Expert, Colleen Kelly, to talk about the latest US News’ 2025-2026 Best Travel Rewards Programs, as well as tips for how to best maximize travel rewards programs.

For more information:
https://www.usnews.com/
► IG:   @usnewstravel; @usnews
► X: @usnews; @usnewstravel
► Tik Tok:  @usnews

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Venturing into the far reaches of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland aboard Adventure Canada's Ocean Endeavor reveals a world few travelers ever experience. Through frost-kissed waters and remote communities, this expedition cruise unveils both the stunning natural wonders and the rich cultural tapestry of the North.

The journey takes you through breathtaking Arctic landscapes, from the bird-covered cliffs of East Digges Island to the artistic community of Kinngait (formerly Cape Dorset), known as the capital of Inuit art where nearly a quarter of residents are engaged in creative pursuits. Aboard the ship, you'll find yourself among curious, intelligent fellow travelers and expert researchers who enhance your understanding of this complex region.

What makes this expedition truly special is its unpredictability. The itinerary remains purposefully flexible, adapting to ice conditions, weather patterns, and wildlife sightings. One day you might find yourself sipping mulled wine on deck while watching walruses sunbathing on distant ice; the next could bring you face-to-face with a colony of 300,000 thick-billed murres swarming the sheer cliff faces where they nest.

The Research in Residence program stands as a highlight of the Adventure Canada experience. Scientists like seabird researcher Jesse Wilson conduct valuable conservation work while sharing their expertise with passengers. "To actually get to experience seeing those colonies that I've read about for so long," Jesse explains, "it cements why I'm doing this." This blend of adventure tourism and scientific discovery creates meaningful connections to a region facing significant environmental challenges.

Perhaps most impactful are the cultural exchanges in remote Inuit communities, where travelers learn phrases in Inuktitut and engage with local residents. One passenger described their most memorable moment: "In Kimmirut, these two little girls dressed in bright pink and bright purple came right up to me... We stuck around with each other all day, talked about our favorite things, and they gave me a private tour of their community."

Whether you're drawn to wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or simply experiencing "the land of the Arctic—expansive, beautiful, empty, amazing," Adventure Canada's Heart of the Arctic expedition delivers transformative moments that will reshape your understanding of our world's northern reaches. Join us on this journey of discovery where each day brings new wonders in a landscape few will ever witness firsthand.

What does it mean to truly experience the Arctic? Not just viewing it from a distance, but immersing yourself in its wild landscapes, connecting with its indigenous communities, and learning from experts who've dedicated their lives to understanding this extraordinary region? 

Megan recently returned from Adventure Canada's Heart of the Arctic expedition, a transformative 12-day journey through the Canadian Arctic and Greenland that flips the traditional cruise concept on its head. This family-run company, founded over 35 years ago, specializes in small ship expeditions that bring travelers to less-visited corners of the Arctic with a deep focus on cultural connections and environmental responsibility.

Unlike massive cruise ships carrying thousands, the Ocean Endeavor hosts just under 200 passengers, creating an intimate community where travelers quickly recognize faces and build friendships. Aboard the ship, comfort meets education with expert presentations, community gatherings, and unexpected moments of joy—from spotting wildlife on deck to joining morning yoga sessions. As Megan discovered, everything from the dining experience to evening events is designed to foster learning and connection.

What truly distinguishes Adventure Canada is their approach to community visits. Rather than treating Arctic communities as mere stops on an itinerary, they've built decades-long relationships with Inuit villages, particularly in places like Kinngait (formerly Cape Dorset), known as a hub for Inuit printmaking. Cultural ambassadors from these communities join expeditions, leading meaningful interactions that benefit visitors and locals alike. Through interviews with team members like Dan Freeze, whose father helped found the company, we learn how these expeditions strive to create "moments of awe" that forever change how travelers see the world.

Ready to explore the Arctic in a way that respects its communities and environments while creating unforgettable adventures? Join us next week for part two of our Adventure Canada coverage, as we dive deeper into this extraordinary expedition experience that might just change your perspective on travel forever.

Ever dreamed of a destination that feels like stepping into another world without the hassle of long-haul travel? This week, Colleen and Megan uncover two gems that deliver exactly that - Southern Illinois and Prague, Czech Republic.

Southern Illinois emerges as the surprise star of our Midwest explorations, now incredibly accessible thanks to Contour Airlines' direct 45-minute flights from Chicago O'Hare to Veterans Airport. As Deb Barnett, Executive Director of Southern Illinois Now, explains, this flight connection transforms what was once a 5-6 hour journey into a quick hop that feels like having your own private jet. The region dazzles with unexpected diversity - from award-winning wineries along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail to accommodation options that range from treehouse cabins near Garden of the Gods to luxury lakefront properties on Lake Egypt.

Crossing the Atlantic, travel writer Suzanne Kenzer guides us through Prague's fairy-tale landscape of medieval bridges, baroque architecture, and hidden cultural treasures. Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site that escaped major damage during WWII, Prague remains delightfully accessible and navigable for weekend visitors. Suzanne reveals insider tips for maximizing your experience: secure the Prague Visitor Pass for unlimited public transportation and attraction access, explore beyond the tourist center to neighborhoods like Letna, and don't miss the chance to touch St. John of Nepomuk's statue on Charles Bridge - legend promises you'll return to this enchanting city.

Whether you're drawn to the surprising vineyards and lush landscapes of Southern Illinois or the historical richness and architectural splendor of Prague, both destinations offer authentic experiences without overwhelming crowds. As you plan your 2025 travels, consider these less-frequented but deeply rewarding destinations that combine beauty, accessibility, and a genuine sense of discovery.

Have you ever dreamed of sailing across crystal blue waters on a majestic tall ship while exploring charming coastal villages untouched by mass tourism? Join Colleen Kelly and her daughter Dunovan as they recount their extraordinary journey aboard a Star Clippers vessel through the Mediterranean, taking listeners on a vicarious adventure to Corsica, the French Riviera, and the picture-perfect harbor of Portofino, Italy.

Unlike conventional cruise experiences, Star Clippers offers something genuinely unique – an intimate sailing adventure with just 160 passengers and 70 crew members aboard a spectacular tall ship that can access smaller, more authentic ports. Donovan describes approaching the eight-story vessel for the first time as "awe-inspiring," setting the stage for a week of unforgettable experiences. From nightly sail-away parties complete with champagne and dramatic music to themed dinners and entertainment where even the captain joins in the festivities, this journey blends old-world sailing romance with modern comforts.

What makes this experience particularly special is the balanced itinerary that allows guests to wake up in a new destination each morning. The mother-daughter duo share delightful stories of exploring quaint Corsican towns where locals outnumber tourists, enjoying incredible pasta in Portofino, and spending leisurely days on beaches equipped with complimentary water sports equipment. Onboard, elegant cabins with surprising storage space, multiple swimming pools, and exceptional multi-course dining create a luxurious yet comfortable atmosphere that feels more like a floating boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler seeking an alternative to mainstream cruising or simply dreaming of your next European adventure, this episode offers valuable insights into a travel experience that combines authentic cultural immersion with the timeless romance of sailing. Ready to set your compass toward a different kind of Mediterranean exploration? This Star Clippers journey might just be your perfect next adventure.

Dreaming of your 2025 adventures? We're serving up a diverse platter of travel inspiration to fuel your wanderlust as holiday festivities wind down. This episode delivers the perfect mix of accessible weekend getaways and exotic international journeys to brighten even the darkest winter days.

We kick off with a fascinating look at how entertainment shapes travel choices. The "Glickid" phenomenon—where films like Gladiator 2 and Wicked are influencing destination decisions—has created unique travel opportunities. Film buffs can visit Malta where Gladiator 2 transformed historic locations into ancient Rome, while Wicked fans can book a magical themed suite at New York Hilton Midtown, complete with an Elphaba side inspired by Shiz University's enchanted forest and a Glinda side bursting with pink vibrancy.

Looking for a winter escape without the passport? Meet Stevens Point, Wisconsin—just 3.5 hours from Chicago and packed with cold-weather charm. This hidden gem in central Wisconsin offers 27 miles of winter hiking on the Green Circle Trail and a remarkable craft beverage scene. History enthusiasts will love the Stevens Point Brewery—the nation's third oldest continuously operating brewery—while sustainability-minded travelers can tour Central Waters Brewing Company with its impressive solar panel installation. From burger joints to upscale dining featuring original Pablo Picasso artwork, Stevens Point delivers cozy winter vibes with small-town warmth.

For international explorers, we journey to Morocco with United Airlines' convenient direct flights from Newark to Marrakesh. The stunning blue city of Chefchaouen—where entire buildings are painted vivid blue with white trim and terracotta rooftops—offers Instagram-perfect vistas and shopping opportunities. Meanwhile, Fez transports visitors to the Middle Ages with imperial castles and untouched cityscapes. In Marrakesh, vibrant souks burst with fortune tellers, henna artists, fire eaters, and snake charmers, creating an immersive cultural experience for all your senses.

Our global journey concludes in Spain's verdant north, where travel expert Ralph Velasco reveals why Asturias might be Europe's best-kept secret. With the snow-capped Picos de Europa mountains, charming fishing villages, and phenomenal cuisine, this "Green Spain" offers a refreshing alternative to the country's scorching south.

Ready to transform your travel daydreams into reality? Connect with us on social media @RoundTripColleenKelly and start planning your perfect getaway today!

Galveston Island was so fun, it took two episodes! Hear from Will Wright, Chief Creative Officer of the Galveston Historical Foundation, on this historic city. Megan and Colleen share more on their favorite parts of the trip. Plus, can travel really slow aging?

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