Strap in—slowly—and lift off into a sky full of wonder. In this magical episode of Speaking of Travel, beloved writer and adventurer Peter Egan returns to share the extraordinary tale of the 7,000-mile journey he and his wife Barbara made in 1987… at the dreamy, unhurried pace of 70 miles per hour.

Aboard their vintage Piper Cub, carrying just 20 pounds of luggage and an open-ended sense of curiosity, Peter and Barbara drifted above America like characters wandering through a living, breathing storybook. 

Their flight path was a meandering ribbon, guiding them from one tiny town to the next, where each landing delivered surprise welcomes, quirky encounters, and the kind of small-town magic that only appears when you travel slowly enough to see it.

Peter reveals how flying low and lingering long reshaped his view of the country, from patchwork fields to hidden rivers to the serendipity of stumbling upon sleepy airstrips tucked behind barns and hedgerows. He reflects on how those quiet skies eventually evolved into his memoir, Landings in America, turning fleeting moments into lasting stories.

If you love vintage aircraft, soul-stirring landscapes, or the art of savoring the journey, this conversation is your boarding pass to enchantment. 

Tune in, settle in, and let this gentle adventure remind you that sometimes the best way to explore the world… is to float through it slowly.

Let's Fly Away! Only on Speaking of Travel! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

In this episode of Speaking of Travel, brace yourself for a high-voltage deep dive into reinvention, resilience, and the raw power of storytelling. We’re joined by Peter Murphy Lewis, a global entrepreneur, magnetic storyteller, and creative catalyst who has built brands on multiple continents, led teams through chaos, and transformed collapse into pure momentum.

From building businesses across South America to running a thriving travel company and hosting a national TV show in Chile, Peter’s journey feels larger than life. He shows us that real leadership isn’t about control but more about curiosity, courage, and the audacity to create. Peter opens up about rebuilding after loss, reimagining what’s possible, and uncovering the soul behind every brand’s story.

If you’re an entrepreneur facing a pivot, a creative searching for deeper meaning, or a leader hungry to inspire your team through turbulent times, this conversation will challenge convention and spark fresh, fearless thinking.

An absolute must-listen. Only on Speaking of Travel.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Our wellness is the heartbeat of our lives, the quiet rhythm that keeps us balanced, open, and whole. Yet in the rush of everyday living, we often forget to pause, to breathe, to simply be. There are sacred places in this world where we can return to ourselves, places that hold space for healing, reflection, and transformation. 

High in the whispering Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, North Carolina, the Art of Living Retreat Center awaits you, a sanctuary where the air feels lighter, time slows, and your spirit begins to exhale. Here, wellness becomes a journey of rediscovery through yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and soulful connection with nature.

In this episode of Speaking of Travel, I’m joined by Kelsey Daniels, Workshop Sales & Partnership Specialist, who helps bring the retreat’s transformational teachers and wellness leaders together to create life-changing experiences. Together we explore how this mountain haven inspires renewal, community, and deep inner peace.

If your heart is calling for stillness, clarity, or a chance to reconnect with your true self, this conversation will remind you that transformation begins the moment you choose to listen.

A beautiful, restorative listen, only on Speaking of Travel.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Practical travel gear isn’t just stuff in a bag but really is peace of mind. It’s survival, resilience, and the quiet confidence of knowing, “I’ve got this,” whether you’re exploring the far corners of the globe or facing a disaster right at home. In a world where unexpected events can strike at any moment, being prepared isn’t just practical, it’s empowering. 

In this episode of Speaking of Travel, we dive into the life skills, mindset, and tools that go beyond the checklist. We explore the deeper connection between preparation and core values, and how a passion for being ready can transform the way we live. 

Dustin Hogard, Co-Founder of Wazoo, joins us to share his journey of pushing boundaries, embracing real experiences, and living a life with purpose. From sustainability and quality to customer support and the freedom that comes from stepping into the unknown, Dustin explains how Wazoo is on a mission to help people live prepared, capable, and free.

A must listen! Only on Speaking of Travel! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Speaking of Travel welcomes Leigh Barnes, the new President of the Americas for Intrepid Travel, a certified B Corp travel company on a mission to make travel a force for good. Leigh leads Intrepid’s fastest-growing U.S. market, bringing curiosity, compassion, and care for the planet to every adventure. 

Leigh shares how his love of adventure shaped his career and leadership style and why responsible, small-group travel is more important than ever. From community-based tourism to climate-conscious trips, discover how Intrepid Travel is redefining what it means to explore the world with purpose while staying resilient and innovative. 

Hear about how Intrepid’s short-break trips bring meaningful travel experiences by offering travelers meaningful ways to connect, learn, and give back, all while leaving a lighter footprint.

Tune in and get inspired to travel better, live lighter, and make every journey count. 🎧 

A must listen! Only on Speaking of Travel! 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

For over a decade, Speaking of Travel has been the place where we explore the heart of travel, connection, and community. And now we’re heading to the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago to uncover how adventure, comfort, and sustainability can come together to create truly meaningful journeys. 

Our guest, John Hadad, Group Co-CEO and Co-Founder of HADCO Group, is leading a movement through HADCO Experiences, one of the region’s newest eco-conscious destination management companies redefining how we think about travel. 

With a bold mission to put nature first, HADCO Experiences is transforming the way we connect with place by honoring the natural world, uplifting communities, and creating opportunities for travelers to discover the breathtaking beauty of Trinidad and Tobago while protecting its fragile ecosystems. 

From the revival of the legendary Asa Wright Nature Centre to redefining what regenerative tourism really means, John shares how comfort, adventure, and responsibility can exist in perfect harmony. 

Come check this episode out! You will fall in love with the magic of this place!

Only on Speaking of Travel!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Airports are more than gateways and more like the heartbeats of their communities.

In this episode of Speaking of Travel, discover how the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is redefining what it means to connect people, place, and purpose. 

With air travel soaring, AVL’s bold AVL Forward project is transforming the airport experience, more than doubling its space, introducing a fresh, modern design, and creating a safer, more calming environment that reflects the natural beauty and spirit of Western North Carolina.

Angi Daus, Vice President of Air Service and Corporate Communications, shares how innovation, intentional design, and genuine community connection are shaping AVL’s evolution and uplifting the entire region.

Angi sums it up beautifully. “Airports aren’t just places you pass through. They’re vital parts of the community fabric. At AVL, we’re growing with purpose, making sure every traveler feels that sense of belonging.”

This inspiring conversation uncovers how, when airports truly care, they become so much more than transit hubs and become trusted, transformative anchors of community life.

A must listen! Only on Speaking of Travel. 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

I’m excited to continue the Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace TV series with Richard (Ricky) Crawford, host of the inspiring Amazon Prime TV series Leave No Trace TV, along with Ben Alcott, the show’s talented director and cameraman from Australia who brings his unique perspectives from behind the lens and shares reflections on how storytelling, patience, and a deep respect for place can open up transformative travel experiences. 

In this episode, we step into the heart of mindful and intentional travel, discovering what it means to move through the world with awareness, respect, and purpose. 

Ricky and Ben share exciting updates from Season Two of Leave No Trace TV and offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at Season Three filming in Mongolia, revealing the surprises, challenges, and unforgettable moments that come with capturing authentic stories on the road. 

This episode will encourage you to view the world with fresh eyes, travel more thoughtfully, and embrace the adventure of leaving a positive impact wherever you go.

 A must listen! Only on Speaking of Travel.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Life doesn’t always follow the script we think it will. Sometimes, a single moment can shift everything and suddenly, you’re standing at a crossroads with a suitcase in one hand and your heart in the other, asking, what if? 

That’s exactly the journey our guest, Julie Levin Caro, has embraced. After more than two decades as an art historian and professor, she stepped into a new chapter filled with creativity, beauty, and transformation. Now, as the creative force behind The Artisan Tour by Julianna, her joyful, artful alter ego. Julie blends her passions for art, travel, and transformation into unforgettable experiences in Asheville and Italy.

Julie’s story is heartfelt, inspiring, and a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story, preferably with good wine, great company, and a view of the Umbrian hills.

Tune in! Only on Speaking of Travel!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

On this episode of Speaking of Travel, we're joined by Colin McBeath, President of the Nantahala Outdoor Center, to talk about the magic of the outdoors and the power of travel to connect us all. 

With more than 30 years leading hospitality and resort operations around the world, Colin shares his heartfelt perspective on how tourism brings communities together, helps us recover and grow, and invites us to embrace adventure in our everyday lives.

We talk about the importance of partnerships, the evolving world of outdoor recreation, and the simple yet profound joy of stepping outside and experiencing nature. Colin’s stories remind us that travel and time outdoors aren’t just about destinations.

Spending time in nature with the people we love is one of life’s greatest gifts. Whether it’s a family hike, paddling a river, or simply sitting under the stars, these shared adventures create memories that last forever.

Tune in for an uplifting conversation full of insights and encouragement to live with a spirit of adventure along with a fresh perspective on travel, recreation, and the world around us.

Only on Speaking of Travel! Tune in. 

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.