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.

Travel and tourism have always been about more than just places on a map. They are about connection, culture, and community. 

On this episode of Speaking of Travel, I sit down with Justin Belleme, Publisher and Partnerships Manager at RomanticAsheville.com, to explore how tourism in Western North Carolina has evolved, adapted, and thrived in the face of change. 

Justin’s journey is a story of full-circle dedication: from launching AshevilleNow.com, working with ExploreAsheville.com on its first viral campaign, running his own media company, to now leading RomanticAsheville.com full-time. 

Justin also dives into the complex challenges of short-term rentals and affordable housing, sharing thoughtful insights on creating sustainable, authentic tourism experiences. 

Whether you’re curious about Asheville or the future of travel, this episode is packed with inspiration, expertise, and a vision for tourism that truly benefits both visitors and locals.

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.

Vietnam today is full of color, music, and energy and is a culture that welcomes travelers with open arms. 

On this episode of Speaking of Travel, I’m joined by Steve Mueller, founder of Vespa Adventures, who turned his love for Vespas and travel into a business that shows visitors the real Vietnam. 

Steve shares how he fell for the country, his passion for vintage scooters, and how Vespa Adventures helps travelers experience bustling markets, quiet backstreets, and coastal roads while connecting authentically with local people and culture. 

Tune in to hear how a simple love for scooters and adventure became a bridge between cultures, revealing a vibrant, modern Vietnam beyond the guidebooks.

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.

On this episode of Speaking of Travel, we sit down with Rob Lee, co-founder of Swift Passport & Visa Services, to explore what strong, mindful leadership looks like in today’s fast-paced travel world.

Rob has built one of the leading companies in global travel logistics, and what sets him apart is his unique ability to combine business innovation with the grounding presence of a yoga teacher. 

We dive into the evolving landscape of international travel, the ways global mobility can drive business growth, and how geopolitics continues to shape international business.

Beyond travel logistics, Rob shares the powerful role mindfulness plays in making thoughtful decisions and maintaining balance. He offers a refreshing perspective on harmonizing personal fulfillment with professional ambition, reminding us why clarity, compassion, and purpose are more important than ever.

Whether you’re a business leader, frequent traveler, or someone interested in mindful living, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the intersection of travel, leadership, and intentional living.

Only on Speaking of Travel. Listen here! 

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

Meet Abdylla Geldiyev, founder of Undiscovered Frontiers Travel and a true testament to courage and perseverance. Born and raised in the vast Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan, Abdylla’s story is one of relentless determination to overcome barriers and forge a path to share the magic wonders of his homeland and other lesser-known destinations with the world. 

Together we explore Turkmenistan’s dazzling and little-known treasures to the warmth of Turkmen hospitality. Abdylla breaks myths about visiting this off-the-beaten-path country, reveals stories of travelers whose brief visits turned into lifelong friendships, and reminds us how travel can bridge worlds and change lives.

Abdylla’s inspiring narrative reminds us that travel is more than sightseeing and more a bridge between worlds and a catalyst for profound change in the lives of both traveler and host. Hear how one person’s perseverance inspires us to see travel not just to explore, but to heal, connect, and change the world.

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.