As 2025 comes to a close, we’re stepping back from individual destinations to reflect on how we traveled this year, and how that is starting to shift everything for us. From revisiting familiar places in new ways to discovering hidden regions, connecting deeply with locals, and saying yes to moments we almost skipped, this episode is about travel moments and experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends.

Instead of chasing checklists, we focused on connection, curiosity, and slowing down, and those choices led to some of our most meaningful travel moments yet. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

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 How we Revisited Familiar Places but Differently

Alaska: Experiencing it by cruise after a previous road trip, flying over glaciers, landing at a remote lodge, and enjoying unrushed family time

London: Staying at a bucket-list hotel, exploring new neighborhoods, using a city pass to try experiences we’d never done before, and learning to say yes to spontaneity

Berlin & Hong Kong: Seeing cities through the lens of major political change—and how perspective shifts over time

 How we Connected Through Food & Locals

A sangria-making class in Barcelona that completely changed what we thought sangria was

Why booking small-group tours—and inviting guides to eat with you—can unlock the most authentic experiences

Unforgettable food moments in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Ireland, where meals became conversations, cultural lessons, and memories

 New Regions & Hidden Gems

Iceland stopover: Northern Lights, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and letting the landscape—not the clock—set the pace

Northern Ireland & Donegal: Slowing down, renting a car, and discovering areas that surprised us the most

Why going beyond the “must-see” list often delivers the richest travel experiences

New Ways of Traveling

Walking through Umbria, Italy, town to town—luggage transported, senses fully engaged

Why walking (and cycling) travel changed how we connect with landscapes and people

Two very different cruises that reshaped how we think about cruise travel

 Lessons That Changed How We Travel

Book tours with locals (smaller is better)

Learn culture through food

Be willing to miss something in order to go deeper

Remember: destinations aren’t designed to make you comfortable—they’re home to someone else

 Moments We Almost Missed, but Didn’t

Whale watching in Eden, Australia

Extending an Alaska trip to Denali

Saying yes to Ireland at the last minute

Volunteering abroad—and how it reshaped future travel plans

 2025 Milestones & Looking Ahead to 2026

Reaching 6 out of 7 continents (with the final one coming soon!)

Counting countries—and debating what “counts.”

Why we’ve barely scratched the surface

What’s coming in 2026: Antarctica, safari, and more

 What mattered most this year wasn’t how far we went or how many places we saw; it was how intentional we became. The shared meals, quiet moments, and unplanned detours reminded us why we travel in the first place. As we head into 2026, our mission remains the same: to help you travel more and better. 

Have questions or thoughts, or need help planning your next trip?

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[email protected] or [email protected]

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Join us as we explore the heart of Penang, Malaysia, where food is more than just a meal—it's a cultural inheritance. With the guidance of a local expert, Poh, we visited vibrant hawker stalls and tasted traditional dishes like char kway teow and Hokkien Mee. This journey revealed the challenges faced by aging hawkers and the importance of preserving these culinary traditions. Beyond the food, we discovered Penang's rich cultural heritage, from feng shui practices to the serene Taoist temples, offering a deeper understanding of the local way of life.  Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Link to Book THIS Food Tour! 

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Here's the link to the exact tour we booked. It included the entrance to the Petronas Twin Towers. 

What We Cover in This Episode

In this episode, we share with you our  journey through Kuala Lumpur, exploring its rich culture, historical landmarks, and delicious cuisine. Guided by a local, Nish, we delve into the city's history, visit significant sites like the National Mosque and Petronas Twin Towers, and enjoy authentic Malaysian dishes. Their experience highlights the importance of understanding a city through the eyes of its residents, making for an unforgettable adventure.

Resources & Links 

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 Our first stop in Asia was nothing short of unforgettable. In this episode, we take you with us to Lombok, Indonesia—just east of Bali—where we spent one of the most meaningful travel days of our lives. From learning traditional weaving techniques in a quiet village to riding motorbikes through a rainforest (crutches and all), and snorkeling with clownfish off the Gili Islands, this day was packed with adventure, connection, and soul. It was the kind of day that reminded us exactly why we travel—and why Indonesia is so much more than Bali. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  ☕️

Book the Private Tour we did in Lombok with Andy Lombok Driver 

Episode 140 - Lombok, Indonesia: What Bali Was Like Before the Crowds

Episode 142 - Discovering Malaysia: Insider Tips on Kuala Lumpur and Penang with Colin + Meg

What it felt like stepping onto Asian soil for the first time 

How we planned a private, authentic tour in Lombok (and why we skipped the cruise excursion)

Getting strapped into a loom and weaving with the women of a local village 

The wild motorbike ride that left us breathless and laughing in disbelief 

Scott’s heartwarming chat with locals using Google Translate 

Hiking (and not hiking) to the stunning Kelambu Waterfalls 

The moment we climbed onto the roof of a traditional jukung boat 

Snorkeling off the Gili Islands with thousands of fish—and unexpected clownfish 

The GoPro deal of a lifetime (complete with a private underwater photographer!) 

Why our lunch of nasi goreng and homemade sambal was worth the trip alone 

Dodging a missed cruise departure—and what to know if you’re booking excursions on your own

How Indonesia welcomed us in ways we never expected—and why we can’t wait to return 

Lombok, Indonesia 

Kelambu Waterfalls 

Gili Islands 

Traditional Weaving Village in Lombok 

Local beachside warung (restaurant)

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We literally hit record on this episode as soon as we got back to the hotel from visiting Hong Kong Disneyland.  We had an amazing day and don't want you to miss out on all the fun! In this episode you'll discover:

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You can get your Hong Kong Disneyland Park Tickets Here on Klook!

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 Episode 145 - Hong Kong: Disney by Day, Skyline by Night, Two Perfect Days in Hong Kong

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Some adventures feel almost dreamlike—where even in the moment, you know you’ll remember every detail. That was Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef for us. After sailing up from Tasmania, we arrived in the tropical north of Australia, where palm trees frame the marina and the Coral Sea glows in every shade of blue.

Cairns practically invites adventure, and for us, the Great Barrier Reef was the moment we’d been waiting for. We booked a small-group snorkel trip heading out to Upolu Reef—and what we found there was unforgettable. Vibrant coral, giant clams the size of a loveseat, clownfish, sea turtles… and we were merely visitors in their world.

But the adventure didn’t end in Cairns. As the sun set and we sailed away, we began a new chapter—five full days at sea. Just us, the Crown Princess with 3000 of our newest friends, and the wide-open ocean… while a Category 4 cyclone churned only a couple hundred kilometers away near Darwin.

This episode is all about that contrast: the wonder of the reef and the vast quiet of days spent crossing open water. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

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Book This Snorkel Tour with Reef Adventures

Don't miss more episodes from this trip: 

Episode 147 - What Surprised Us the Most About Sydney & Brisbane Australia - One Day Itineraries & Tips

Resources & Links 

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We spend one day in each port - Sydney & Brisbane Australia and could Sydney be the best port view in the world? Here's how we recommend that you spend one day in each of these port cities in Australia to get just a taste, especially if you want to see the native species.  Listen in for our experiences and tips and continue to follow along as we sail from Tasmania to Singapore with Pricess Cruises. 

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Travel More, Spend Less, Skip the Search, Join Travel Deal Insiders and get the latest and hottest travel deals delivered straight to your inbox -- for the price of a cup of Joe, you could save hundreds, if not thousands on your next trip.

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Stay connected when you travel for WAY LESS than using your carriers international plan, download an Esim from  Gigsky and save a ton of money.

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In this episode, we are live from aboard the Crown Princess as we sail along the coast of Australia and are sharing the highs, hiccups, and unforgettable moments from the start of our 3-week adventure through Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. From emergency medical landings and luggage weight surprises to whale sightings and stunning views in Hobart, this episode captures the real, raw, and magical moments that happen when you travel across the world (sometimes on crutches). Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Whether you’re dreaming of cruising through the South Pacific or just want to hear what happens when your carry-on is too heavy in Australia, you’re going to love this behind-the-scenes peek into life at sea.

And while cruising offers an incredible way to explore multiple destinations without packing and unpacking, many travelers also choose to extend their adventures on land—especially in places like Tasmania, where the freedom to explore remote beaches, rugged national parks, and hidden coastal viewpoints is easier with a vehicle. That’s why some visitors compare options such as road-trip travel with the top-rated campervan hire in Tasmania, traditional car rentals for shorter routes, or guided tour packages for those who prefer planned itineraries—all depending on comfort level, budget, and how deeply they want to immerse themselves in nature. Each approach creates a different rhythm of travel, and combining cruise days with land exploration can turn a great trip into an unforgettable journey that blends convenience, spontaneity, and breathtaking scenery.

Why getting to Tasmania is no small feat from Florida 

Why Virgin Australia’s strict carry-on weight limits caught them off guard 

A review of the Tasman Hotel in Hobart (Marriott Luxury Collection) 

How locals in Tasmania and Eden warmly welcome cruise travelers 

What makes the Salamanca Market a must-do Saturday experience 

The once-in-a-lifetime whale encounter in Eden you have to hear to believe 

Our first impressions of Princess Cruises vs. Holland America 

Real talk about traveling in an inside cabin for 3 weeks (and how to make the most of it!) 

How this cruise gets us prepared to check the final continent off their list

Related Episodes You'll Love:

Episode 139 - Seeing the World, from Tasmania to Singapore - In Memory of Gene Bright

Episode 142 - Discovering Malaysia: Insider Tips on Kuala Lumpur and Penang with Colin + Meg

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Of course! Here’s your revised version of the description and What You’ll Hear in This Episode section, written in the first person to match your friendly, storytelling podcast style:

It’s been 20 years since Scott last visited Hong Kong, and in this episode, we’re heading back together for a short visit packed with big experiences. From the unforgettable view of Victoria Harbour to the nostalgic sound of the ding ding trams, we’re sharing our whole plan for exploring the city, including a DIY transportation tour and a day at Hong Kong Disneyland (Melissa’s 4th Disney park!). Whether you’re planning a stopover in Hong Kong or just dreaming of your next international adventure, come along as we show you how to experience the best of the city in just a couple of days.

Why we chose to stop in Hong Kong on our way home from Asia

The reason Scott’s been dreaming of taking Melissa on this transportation tour for 20 years

Where we'll stay and why the location made all the difference

How we planned to experience Hong Kong’s best transportation in one night:

MTR

Star Ferry

Peak Tram

Ding Ding double-decker trams

City bus

SoHo’s outdoor escalator

Melissa’s excitement about visiting Hong Kong Disneyland

Unique attractions we can’t wait to see

Local eats we’re hoping to try, from Michelin-starred roasted goose to Hong Kong milk tea

Why Scott expects this visit to feel both nostalgic and completely new

What we’re most looking forward to sharing with you in future episodes as we kick off this next leg of our journey

Episode 139 - Seeing the World, from Tasmania to Singapore - In Memory of Gene Bright

Episode 142 - Discovering Malaysia: Insider Tips on Kuala Lumpur and Penang with Colin + Meg

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Iceland’s Winter Magic, A Mediterranean Dream, and What About That Cruise Status? 

This week’s episode is packed with some serious wanderlust fuel. We’re talking:

1. A snowy escape to Iceland for under $300

2. A 25 or 50-day Mediterranean cruise that starts and ends in Florida

3. And big news from Royal Caribbean Group on a game-changing loyalty update

Links from this episode - Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

1. Icelandair Winter Escape 

2. Princess Cruises – Grand Mediterranean Odyssey 

3. Royal Caribbean Group Loyalty Program Update 

Let us handle the details!

Visit 👉 SunXTravel.com to start planning your next adventure with our help.

and use code PODCAST to unlock your membership for just $50/year

✈️ Travel more. Spend less. Skip the Search. 

Disclaimer: All travel offers shared are subject to availability and may change without notice. Sunshine Travelers Podcast and Travel Deal Insiders curate deals from trusted travel suppliers but do not guarantee pricing, availability, or booking conditions. Please refer to the original provider or booking platform for the most up-to-date information, terms, and conditions. Travel Deal Insiders and Sunshine Travelers are not responsible for third-party content, pricing errors, or changes in promotions.

Some links in this email may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. We only share deals we genuinely believe in and would recommend regardless of compensation. See our full disclaimer here.