Sunshine Travelers Podcast

We lived about an hour from St. Augustine for over four years and only ever took day trips. So after we sold our house and moved into our RV full-time, we spent a full week in America's oldest city with our doodles, Lottie and Rupert. Find out why we made the Fountain of Youth our first stop.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Sunshine Travelers Podcast. Same travel, new home.

IN THIS EPISODE
We share what surprised us about St. Augustine's history, from the Fountain of Youth to Fort Mose, the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what is now the US. We talk about where we parked the RV and what it cost, the three very different sides of St. Augustine, where to stay if you're not camping, and the places we go back to every time. Plus, the dog-friendly state parks we found just outside of town, including a garden in Palatka built during the Great Depression that turned out to be a real hidden gem.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
* St. Augustine came before Jamestown and Plymouth, and the Fountain of Youth is much more than a fountain: a planetarium, a blacksmith demonstration, and the story of the Timucua, the local Native people.
* Stagecoach RV Park cost us $479 for the week with full hookups. It's 15 to 20 minutes from downtown and has a dog park with separate areas for big and little dogs.
* Anastasia State Park has a maximum camper length, and our rig was too long. Dogs aren't allowed on Florida state park beaches.
* St. Augustine has three sides: the touristy downtown, the historic district, and the beaches. They're all worth exploring.
* Not camping? Stay downtown near the historic area, at a B&B, or across the bridge closer to the beach. Fly into Jacksonville or Daytona and rent a car.
* Bring bug spray and wear loose long sleeves on the trails. The mosquitoes are real.
* Flagler College's rotunda is free to walk into, and it's stunning.
* Our Florida State Parks annual pass paid for itself in one week.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Why St. Augustine was our first stop
01:14 America's oldest city and what we learned at the Fountain of Youth
03:30 Our RV and truck costs are coming to YouTube
04:17 Where we stayed: Stagecoach RV Park (and the turkeys)
05:48 The three sides of St. Augustine: downtown, historic and the beaches
07:44 Anastasia State Park, big rigs and dogs on state park beaches
09:58 Flying in: Jacksonville or Daytona
10:25 A day trip from Orlando, and what Stagecoach cost us
11:26 The dog park and why we stay a week
12:23 Bug spray, long sleeves and the mosquitoes
13:12 Castillo de San Marcos
13:57 Fort Mose Historic State Park
16:57 Flagler College
18:51 The St. Augustine Lighthouse
19:20 Nights of Lights
19:48 The Old Town Trolley, the distillery and more to do
21:10 First Friday Art Walk and Scott's Jensen Pottery mug
21:49 Where we eat: Treylor Park, Kilwins, Mayday Ice Cream, Cap's on the Water and Kookaburra
25:14 Faver-Dykes State Park
26:51 Palatka and Ravine Gardens State Park
29:45 Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, and our next stop: Orlando and Mount Dora

YOUR HOSTS
Scott and Melissa are the Sunshine Travelers. After years of exploring the world and leading group trips, they went full-time RVing across North America in October 2026 with their doodles, Lottie and Rupert.

RESOURCES MENTIONED
* Read our full St. Augustine guide with photos and links: https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog/st-augustine-florida-hidden-gems-state-parks-and-what-surprised-us-in-america-s-oldest-city
* What we paid for our RV and truck: our bonus video is coming to YouTube 
* Places we mention: Stagecoach RV Park, Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Mose Historic State Park, Flagler College, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, Nights of Lights, First Friday Art Walk and Jensen Pottery, Treylor Park, Tootsy's Footsies, Kilwins, Mayday Ice Cream, Cap's on the Water, Kookaburra, Faver-Dykes State Park, Ravine Gardens State Park and Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
* Germany Christmas Markets group trip (Dec 2027), join the interest list: https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/christmas-markets
* Want us to plan your next trip? https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com
* RV gear we use: https://a.co/d/0fj6ObAU
* Missed last week? Episode 189, Our First Week Full-Time RVing: https://youtu.be/gRsDLGSyL_Q
* Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bDLakFY6EuE

Some links in these show notes are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Disclosure: https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/disclosure-and-disclaimer

SHARE YOUR FAVORITE ORLANDO STOPS
We're spending the next three weeks in the Orlando area, including Mount Dora and Winter Park. Have a favorite state park, local restaurant or unexpected stop? Leave your suggestions in the comments. We'd love to add them to our list!

SUBSCRIBE FOR THE RV SERIES
Our bonus video on what we invested in our RV and truck is coming to YouTube. Coming up: monthly RV living costs, memberships we're trying, a full RV tour, and more destination guides as we explore. Follow on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube so you don't miss an episode. See you down the road!

Keywords: St. Augustine Florida, things to do in St. Augustine, America's oldest city, Fountain of Youth, St. Augustine with dogs, dog-friendly Florida state parks, RV camping near St. Augustine, Ravine Gardens State Park, Faver-Dykes State Park, Fort Mose, Nights of Lights, full-time RV living

One week into full-time RV living, do we miss our house? Can we really share 400 square feet without driving each other crazy? And where are we going first? We're answering six of the questions we've heard most since selling our Florida home and hitting the road with our doodles, Lottie and Rupert.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Sunshine Travelers Podcast. Same travel, new home.

IN THIS EPISODE
We share what our first week of full-time RV living has been like, what we kept in storage, and why we're still finding things to donate. We talk about sharing a small space as a couple, dividing campground setup responsibilities, and the hitching challenge that tested our communication. Plus, we explain our holiday plans, what happens to the dogs and RV when we travel internationally, and why our first stops are close to home in Florida.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
* One week in, we don't miss the house, and we're still downsizing.
* Our storage unit holds a few sentimental items, travel mementos, golf clubs and family belongings. We already think we could use a smaller one.
* We don't have an end date for full-time RV life. We'll keep going as long as it works for us.
* Sharing 400 square feet feels familiar after years of working from home and traveling together. Outdoor space helps, too.
* Dividing inside and outside tasks makes moving days easier, but clear communication matters when hitching up.
* Setup and teardown take us about an hour or more each move, so we're choosing slower travel.
* When we travel internationally, the dogs will stay with friends and family, with boarding as a backup.
* Give yourself breathing room after selling a house and downsizing. You don't have to begin RV life with a cross-country drive.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Our first week of full-time RV living
00:45 Do we miss the house, and how long will we do this?
03:47 What we got rid of, and what we're still donating
05:35 What did we keep, and did we get a storage unit?
11:33 How RV life changes our holiday plans
12:07 Germany Christmas markets and a future group trip (oops, we meant right after Thanksgiving! We're in Germany Dec 3–18.)
13:45 What happens to the dogs and RV when we travel abroad?
16:02 Living together in 400 square feet
18:45 Splitting setup and teardown responsibilities
20:48 Our biggest hitching challenge so far
21:56 Where are we going first?
22:36 Why we're starting slowly in Florida
24:40 Exploring St. Augustine and meeting other RVers
25:51 Help us find Florida stops beyond the theme parks
27:10 Coming next: what our RV and truck cost

YOUR HOSTS
Scott and Melissa are the Sunshine Travelers. After years of exploring the world and leading group trips, they went full-time RVing across North America in October 2026 with their doodles, Lottie and Rupert.

RESOURCES MENTIONED
* Germany Christmas Markets group trip (Dec 2027), join the interest list: https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/christmas-markets

* Want us to plan your next trip? https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com

* RV gear we use: https://a.co/d/0fj6ObAU

* St. Augustine, Florida, including the Fountain of Youth
* Florida destinations on our radar: Mount Dora, Winter Garden and springs near Orlando
* Missed last week? Episode 188, Why We Sold Our House at 51: https://youtu.be/hqM0yIF1XAk

* Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gRsDLGSyL_Q

Some links in these show notes are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Disclosure: https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/disclosure-and-disclaimer

SHARE YOUR FAVORITE FLORIDA STOPS
Have a favorite state park, local restaurant, spring or unexpected stop around St. Augustine or Orlando? Leave your suggestions in the comments. We'd love to add them to our list!

SUBSCRIBE FOR THE RV SERIES
Next week, we're sharing what we invested in our RV and truck, why we bought new, and more from our time in St. Augustine. Coming up: monthly RV living costs, memberships we're trying, a full RV tour, and more destination guides as we explore. Follow on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube so you don't miss an episode. See you down the road!

Keywords: full-time RV living, first week of RV life, RV living in retirement, RV living as a couple, living in 400 square feet, downsizing for RV life, full-time RV with dogs, slow RV travel, RV life in Florida

We sold our Florida house to RV full-time in retirement, and this is the honest story of why. After 32 years of homeownership, we traded a house for 400 square feet in a Brinkley 4100G toy hauler, towed by an F-350, with our doodles, Lottie and Rupert, along for the ride.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Sunshine Travelers Podcast. Same travel, new home.

IN THIS EPISODE
Scott retired in March, and on a three-month trip through Europe and Africa, we realized the only thing we truly missed was our dogs. We share how we downsized 32 years of belongings and sold our house furnished, why we kept a 10x10 storage unit as a safety net, why we skipped renting an RV first, and how Melissa's Airstream dream turned into a toy hauler. We also cover the Florida homeownership costs we won't miss and why we decided not to wait.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Three months in small apartments showed us we could live happily in a small space.
- We still had boxes we'd never opened from our last move, and we didn't miss what was in them.
- Selling the house furnished made downsizing much faster.
- Floor plan first, brand second. Ours had to have a half bath, room for a washer and dryer, and a patio for the dogs.
- We wanted room for our kids and grandkids to visit, and that ruled out an Airstream.
- Our shortlist: Brinkley 4100G, Jayco Pinnacle, and Grand Design Solitude.
- An RV loses value over time, so talk to your financial advisor before you buy.
- Don't wait for "someday." Retirement plans can change quickly.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Selling our house: 32 years of stuff into 400 sq ft
01:21 Scott retires, and the dogs decide it
03:30 Our 3-month trip: the only thing we missed
05:22 Downsizing and selling our house furnished
07:18 Our 10x10 storage unit safety net
09:40 Could we really live in 400 square feet?
11:14 The Brinkley videos that changed our minds
13:50 Why we didn't rent an RV first
15:56 Floor plans, and why we chose a toy hauler
18:27 Brinkley vs. Jayco Pinnacle vs. Grand Design Solitude
19:11 A depreciating asset, and what RV life will cost
21:33 Why North America, and why now
24:32 Slow travel, group trips and what's next
27:05 Traveling full-time with dogs

YOUR HOSTS
Scott and Melissa are the Sunshine Travelers. After years of exploring the world and leading group trips, they went full-time RVing across the USA and Canada in October 2026 with their doodles, Lottie and Rupert.

RESOURCES MENTIONED
- Brinkley RV: brinkleyrv.com
- Jayco Pinnacle: jayco.com
- Grand Design Solitude: granddesignrv.com

SEASON 1 RETIREMENT TRIP:

- Start our 3-month retirement trip series with Episode 168: https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/podcasts/sunshine-travelers-podcast/episodes/2149189521

- Follow Sunshine Travelers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast

SUBSCRIBE FOR THE RV SERIES
Coming up: what our RV and truck really cost, what RV life costs each month, and a full RV tour. Follow on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube so you don't miss an episode. See you down the road!

Watch our RV Videos on YouTube https://youtu.be/hqM0yIF1XAk

Keywords: RV full-time in retirement, sell house to RV, full-time RV with dogs, toy hauler, Brinkley 4100G, downsizing for RV life, retire and RV

Most people picture Amelia Island as a summer beach destination, but as locals, we consider fall our favorite season on the island. The heat and humidity ease up, the crowds thin out during the week, and a string of festivals leads all the way to our favorite tradition, Dickens on Centre. In this episode, we're breaking down what fall on Amelia Island actually looks like, month by month.  Some links are affiliate links.  See our disclosure.

Want our full list of favorite things to do, places to eat, and events all year round? Grab our free Amelia Island Travel Guide HERE

https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog/search?q=amelia+island

Come with us on Safari in Kenya in June 2027.  We are hosting a maximum of 10 on a luxury, privately guided safari to 3 places in Kenya, where we have been on safari twice in order to bring you the best experience.  Click HERE to learn more and sign up.

Get help planning your next trip.  Learn more at sunshinetravelersexperiences.com or sunxtravel.com 

Canceled or delayed flight? Airhelp can help get you $$$$ - Learn more here. We got over $900 when our flight from CDG was canceled - even though we booked it on points and were rebooked the same day 

Music: This Acoustic Happy

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

 When most Americans think beach vacation, Spain doesn't usually make the list. But after a week based in Estepona  visiting our daughter and her family with day trips to Málaga, Mijas, Marbella, Ronda, and Gibraltar, we came home convinced Costa del Sol is one of the most underrated beach destinations we've visited. In this episode, we're sharing why, plus exactly where we'd stay and what we'd do again. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Come with us on Safari in Kenya in June 2027.  We are hosting a maximum of 10 on a luxury, privately guided safari to 3 places in Kenya, where we have been on safari twice in order to bring you the best experience.  Click HERE to learn more and sign up.

Get help planning your next trip.  Learn more at sunshinetravelersexperiences.com or sunxtravel.com

More Resources & Links: 

Canceled or delayed flight? Airhelp can help get you $$$$. Learn more here. We got over $900 when our flight from CDG was canceled - even though we booked it on points and were rebooked the same day

Follow Sunshine Travelers

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Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

We recently went back to Seville with our kids and grandkids and spent several days exploring the Royal Alcázar, Plaza de España, the historic bullfighting arena, flamenco, tapas, churros, and the streets around Seville Cathedral.

We also learned a few things along the way, including what you need to book before you arrive and why you probably don't want to drive into the historic center.

Today we're talking about what we loved about Seville, what we'd do differently, and some things that will hopefully help you plan your own trip.

This was actually our second trip to Seville. The first time was a rushed half-day cruise excursion. This time, we came back with our kids and grandkids and stayed several days, and it completely changed how we experienced the city. So, if you're planning a trip to Spain, Seville is one of those cities that's worth giving more than a day.

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Episode Links:

Tablao Flamenco Pura Esencia Ticket

Hotel Alfonso XIII

BAR POSTIGUILLO TAPAS

Where we Stayed - The Zentral Suites & Apartments

What you'll discover in this episode:

Episode Links:

Tablao Flamenco Pura Esencia Ticket

Hotel Alfonso XIII

BAR POSTIGUILLO TAPAS

More Resources & Links: 

Come with us on Safari in Kenya in June 2027.  We are hosting a max of 10 on a luxury privately guided safari to 3 places in Kenya, where we have been on safari twice in order to bring you the best experience.  Click HERE to learn more and sign up.

Get help planning your next trip.  Learn more at sunshinetravelersexperiences.com or sunxtravel.com 

Follow Sunshine Travelers

Music: This Acoustic Happy

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

Most people plan an African safari without realizing the Indian Ocean is right there. We've now added a beach stay to our safari, where we checked out both Diani Beach in Kenya and Zanzibar and we are here to say we think it's an excellent idea before heading home. In this episode, we introduce you to Diani Beach, Kenya, compare it honestly with Zanzibar, and help you decide which one might be the best fit for the end of your safari trip.

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Why you should consider adding a few days at the beach to your safari.  The journey home from East Africa can be brutal, and after a week of 5 am game drives, you may not be as rested as you think. We make the case for four or five extra days in one of these locations and explain why it's a lot easier to pull off than most people assume. (We went from a morning game drive in the Maasai Mara to sitting on a beach by that same afternoon.)

Diani Beach: the one you probably haven't heard of is  on the Kenyan coast, south of Mombasa, and it's quieter, more local, and considerably less expensive than Zanzibar. We stayed at Eleven Pearl Boutique Hotel, a 20-room property right on the beach. Our honest review: what it delivers, what it doesn't, and who it's perfect for.

Other Diani options worth knowing. We also visited the Sands at Nomad and the very unique Chale Island Resort, where the tide determines how you arrive. At low tide, a tractor pulls you across. We'll explain.

Zanzibar vs. Diani: the real comparison. Beach quality, water clarity, activities, food, vibe, beach vendors, getting around, and the price difference that genuinely surprised us. (The food and drink total for four nights in Diani will raise your eyebrows.)

Matching the destination to the traveler. Honeymooners, luxury seekers, budget travelers, first-time visitors to Africa, families. We go through them all and tell you which destination fits which traveler, without preparing our answers in advance.

More Resources & Links: 

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Zanzibar delivers on the turquoise water and white sand — but there are a few things we wish we'd known before landing. In this episode, we share our honest firsthand take on the arrival process, where to stay, what the beach is really like, and the one decision we'd make differently next time.

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

The airport surprise most travelers miss — Zanzibar now requires visitors to purchase a specific travel insurance policy before arrival. It's not your existing policy. It costs around $45/person and you won't get through without it. We learned this the hard way at the terminal. We'll tell you exactly what to do before you fly.

Nungwi vs. Stone Town — These two parts of the island offer completely different experiences, and staying in one makes it hard to visit the other. We break down how to choose and what we'd do differently if we went back.

Turaco Nungwi Beach Resort — our honest review of this Marriott Autograph Collection property, the dining plan we chose, and what surprised us about the beach itself (tides, vendors, and a nightly soccer match we didn't expect).

The Dream Dhow — our private snorkeling excursion near Mnemba Island was the highlight of the trip. We cover what made it special, what it cost, and what to look for if you book one.

Stone Town and the Freddie Mercury Museum — we didn't go. Scott still regrets it. We'll tell you why it ended up on the cutting room floor and how we'd plan it next time.

Spice farms, village tours, and the real Zanzibar — what you see beyond the resort walls, and why the conversations we had off the beach stayed with us long after we left.

Sneak Peek - Next week — Episode 184: Diani Beach vs. Zanzibar. Should you add a beach stop after an East Africa safari, and which one is right for you? We compare costs, logistics, beaches, and atmosphere. 

More Resources & Links: 

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We'd looked at photos of Mont-Saint-Michel for years. They didn't prepare us for what it's actually like to walk toward it. In this episode, we share what it's really like to spend a full day at Mont-Saint-Michel — the walk in from the parking area, the climb to the abbey, a lunch mistake worth avoiding, and why we think this is one of the best day trips in Normandy. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Yes — if you give it a full day and base yourself in Normandy (we stayed in Bayeux) rather than doing a rushed round-trip from Paris. Between the walk in, the village, and the abbey climb (roughly 350 steps once you reach the entrance), you'll want 5–7 hours minimum to do it without feeling rushed.

Why we based ourselves in Bayeux, not Paris Mont-Saint-Michel is doable as a day trip from Paris, but by the time you factor in travel time both ways, you're spending nearly as much time in transit as at the destination. Staying in Normandy (we used Bayeux as our base for both the D-Day sites and Mont-Saint-Michel) let us take the day at a slower pace.

Parking, the shuttle, and why we walked Private vehicles can't cross onto the island — everyone parks on the mainland. From there, you can take a free shuttle (runs roughly every 15 minutes) or walk the causeway, which takes about 30–40 minutes. We walked, and it turned into one of our favorite parts of the day: the view builds gradually instead of arriving all at once.

First impressions and the causeway The geography is what makes this place — a rock rising out of the bay with an entire medieval village built up its side and the abbey crowning the top. Trail markers near the entrance are a reminder that pilgrimage routes still end here today, just as they have for centuries.

Entering the village The main street climbs steadily from the gates toward the abbey, lined with shops, cafés, and a few small hotels. A small number of residents still live and work on the island. It's touristy, but it doesn't feel manufactured — you can still picture daily medieval life happening here.

Our lunch mistake We ate at Le Logis Saint Catherine partway up the hill. The menu posted outside didn't match the one we were handed once seated (higher prices, smaller selection), and we were too hungry to go looking elsewhere. The food and the courtyard view over the bay were genuinely good — but if that matters to you, confirm the menu before you sit down, or eat before you start the climb.

The climb to the abbey (bring the right shoes) Walking through the village is uphill almost the entire way, and once you reach the abbey entrance itself, there's still about 350 steps to the top where guided tours begin. It's manageable — we saw families and visitors of all ages make it — but budget more time than you think you'll need, especially after a meal.

Touring the abbey The included guided tour runs 30–45 minutes in English or French, and you sign up for a specific tour time when you buy your ticket (a separate step from the ticket purchase itself — easy to miss). Tour groups are capped at 10–12 people, so slots fill fast even though hundreds of people hold tickets for the same entry window. After the guided portion, you're free to explore on your own.

Walking the bay — and why we didn't do it ourselves At low tide, the water pulls back dramatically, exposing sand and mudflats around the mount. It's not illegal to walk out on your own, but it's strongly discouraged — there are pockets of quicksand that aren't obvious, and the tide comes in fast (our guide described it as "the speed of a galloping horse"). If this interests you, hire a licensed local guide.

What we'd do differently Arrive earlier for cooler temperatures and better light, eat before the climb rather than mid-schedule, and walk the causeway again — some of our favorite photos were taken before we ever reached the gates.

Is Mont-Saint-Michel worth visiting if I only have one day? Yes, but plan for a full day rather than a half-day. Between the walk from parking, the village, and the abbey tour, most visitors need 5–7 hours.

How many steps are there at Mont-Saint-Michel? Roughly 350 steps once you reach the abbey entrance, on top of a steady uphill walk through the village streets to get there.

Can I drive onto Mont-Saint-Michel? No. All private vehicles park on the mainland; you reach the island by free shuttle or by walking the causeway (30–40 minutes).

Is it better to visit Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris or from Normandy? Basing yourself in Normandy (we used Bayeux) gives you a slower, less rushed day. A Paris day trip is possible but adds significant travel time on both ends.

Can you walk out onto the bay at Mont-Saint-Michel? It's allowed but strongly discouraged without a guide — there are areas of quicksand and the tide comes in quickly. Guided bay walks are available and recommended if you're interested.

Have questions about planning your own Normandy or Mont-Saint-Michel trip? Find us at sunshinetravelers.com or on social @sunshinetravelerspodcast.

Want to learn more about making money planning and booking travel for yourself and others.  Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/become-an-advisor

Music: This Acoustic Happy

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

For more information about our Safari Group Trip in June 2027, Click HERE.

If you are looking to plan a private custom safari, please click here. We have a form specific to safari planning.

We just got back from another Kenya safari, and once again, it's confirmed what we already knew: this is our favorite trip in the world. In this episode, we walk through our full itinerary and share why each stop earns its place on our 2027 group safari. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

What you'll discover in this episode:

More Resources & Links: 

Want to learn more about making money planning and booking travel for yourself and others.  Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/become-an-advisor

 Follow Sunshine Travelers

Music: This Acoustic Happy

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay