Taste Toast Travel | Travel Podcast

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In this special update episode of the Taste Toast Travel Podcast, I'm sharing an exciting new chapter for both the podcast and Taste Toast Travel as a whole. 

After a busy summer and some time reflecting behind the scenes, I'm opening up about what's changing, and what you can expect moving forward.

While this marks the end of one chapter, it's also the beginning of aa beautiful, exciting new one. Taste Toast Travel will continue to bring you meaningful conversations with inspiring guests from around the world, while expanding beyond the podcast to celebrate travel, culture, storytelling, and everyday exploration.

If you've ever felt like you love travel but can't always hop on a plane, this next chapter is for you!

I share:
✈️ Our brief summer hiatus
✈️ John's exciting career update and why he's stepping back from the podcast
✈️ The new vision for Taste Toast Travel
✈️ Why curiosity doesn't have to end between vacations
✈️ What you can expect from future podcast episodes and content

Thank you so much for being part of this journey. I'm so grateful you're here, and I can't wait to explore this next chapter together.

Happy exploring! 🌍

Download our free guides! https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie

Connect with us and learn more:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
• Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe

Leave us a voice note! https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel

Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop: https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel

Drop us a line or voice note!

Have you ever felt caught between cultures or wondered where "home" truly is?

In this episode, Tara sits down with Urmi Hossain, author, speaker, podcaster, and multicultural storyteller, to explore what it's like growing up between worlds. Born in Sicily, Italy, to Bangladeshi parents and now living in Montreal, Canada, Urmi shares her journey as a third-culture kid navigating identity, belonging, family expectations, language, and cultural traditions across multiple countries and communities.

From growing up between Italian and Bengali cultures to building a life abroad in Montreal, Urmi opens up about the challenges of finding her place in the world and how travel, storytelling, and self-discovery helped shape her understanding of home.

We dig into:
✈️ Navigating life between Bangladeshi and Italian cultures
✈️ Identity, belonging, and the search for "home"
✈️ Cultural expectations and family dynamics
✈️ Moving to Montreal and adapting to a new country
✈️ Learning languages and connecting across cultures
✈️ Building community while living abroad
✈️ Insights from her book, Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth From Interracial Struggle

Whether you've lived abroad, grown up between cultures, or simply love hearing stories about life around the world, this conversation offers an honest look at identity, resilience, and finding belonging across borders.

Connect with Urmi:

• https://linktr.ee/urmihossain

Download our free guides! https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie

Connect with us and learn more:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
• Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe

Leave us a voice note! https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel

Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop: https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel

Drop us a line or voice note!

In this episode Tara sits down with Australian-born travel expert Mary Vass, founder of Blue White Dream Tours, to talk about her incredible journey from Perth and Melbourne to Canada, Abu Dhabi, and eventually Greece, where she now lives with her family in Piraeus near Athens.

With Greek and Polish roots, Mary shares how years of international living shaped her perspective on travel, culture, community, and what it really means to build a life abroad. From life in Banff and Toronto to raising children in the UAE and relocating to Greece after the pandemic disrupted her in-person business, this conversation dives into the realities of expat life, cultural differences, safety, and creating a home across multiple countries.

Mary also gives us an insider look into Greece travel beyond the typical tourist experience through her company, Blue White Dream Tours, which specializes in personalized Greece itineraries and authentic local experiences.

We also dig into:
✈️ Small islands, local tavernas, sound therapy, and other Greecian experiences
✈️ The importance of supporting local businesses and communities through tourism
✈️ Greece travel tips
✈️ Advice for first-time visitors planning a Greece itinerary

If you’re dreaming about visiting Greece, planning a Greek islands itinerary, curious about expat life overseas, or looking for hidden gems in Athens and beyond, this episode is packed with practical travel tips and inspiration!

Connect with Mary:

• https://www.instagram.com/blue_white_dreamtours
• Email: [email protected] 

Download our free guides! https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie

Connect with us and learn more:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
• Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe

Leave us a voice note! https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel

Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop: https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel

Drop us a line or voice note!

This week, we’re diving into the incredible story of Hong Kong! A city that somehow feels futuristic, historic, chaotic, peaceful, and deeply nostalgic all at the same time. From towering skyscrapers and harbor views to dim sum culture, hiking trails, nightlife, and layered history, we explore what makes Hong Kong one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

We dig into:
✈️ How Hong Kong’s mountainous geography shaped its famous vertical skyline around Victoria Harbour
✈️ The nightly “A Symphony of Lights” show and the energy of the city after dark
✈️ The surprising amount of nature in Hong Kong, including beaches, country parks, and popular hiking trails
✈️ Hong Kong’s food culture
✈️ How British colonial influence blended with Cantonese traditions to shape modern Hong Kong culture
✈️ The city’s history leading up to the 1997 Handover and the “one country, two systems” framework
✈️ Recent protests, the 2020 national security law, and the evolving identity of Hong Kong
✈️ Hong Kong’s cocktail culture, nightlife districts, rooftop bars, and late-night energy
✈️ Plus, we share fun facts about Bruce Lee, the Central–Mid-Levels escalator, Hong Kong’s safety reputation, transportation marvels, and more

Whether you’ve visited Hong Kong before or it’s been sitting on your travel bucket list for years, we hope this episode helps bring the city to life for you.

Thanks so much for listening, too! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Taste Toast Travel wherever you get your podcasts and come hang out with us on social media for more food, drink, and travel inspiration 🍜🍹✈️

Download our free guides! https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie

Connect with us and learn more:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
• Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe

Leave us a voice note! https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel

Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop: https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel

Drop us a line or voice note!

What does it really take to launch a winery in today’s wine industry? In this episode of Taste Toast Travel, Tara sits down with Canadian winemaker and entrepreneur Maddison Violet to talk about building a winery from the ground up in British Columbia’s stunning Okanagan Valley.

From working in restaurants and studying wine through WSET and the Court of Master Sommeliers track, to navigating harvests, COVID challenges, and the realities of modern wine tourism, Maddison shares an honest behind-the-scenes look at life in the wine industry today. 

We also dive into the rise of non-alcoholic wine, changing consumer habits, wine misconceptions, and how wineries are evolving into immersive hospitality destinations.

In this episode, we dig into:
🍷 Building Ve Oh Lay Acres Winery during the COVID era
🍷 Life and wine culture in the Okanagan Valley
🍷 Maddison’s journey through wine education and harvest work
🍷The realities of running a modern winery behind the scenes
🍷Why wine tourism is shifting toward experiences and hospitality
🍷 The growth of non-alcoholic wine and changing drinking trends
🍷 Wine myths, sulfites, and consumer misconceptions
🍷 Canadian wine shipping laws and industry challenges
🍷 Building authentic community through social media and events
🍷 Farming risks, packaging struggles, and unexpected winery setbacks

Whether you’re planning a wine country getaway, curious about the future of wine, or simply love discovering stories from passionate people in the food and beverage world, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside the evolving wine industry.

If you love wine, travel, entrepreneurship, food culture, or hearing the real stories behind the bottle, this episode is for you!

Connect with Maddison:

• https://www.veohlayacres.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/veohlayacres
• https://www.facebook.com/veohlayacres

Download our free guides! https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie

Connect with us and learn more:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
• Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe

Leave us a voice note! https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel

Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop: https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel

Drop us a line or voice note!

What does it really take to launch a winery in today’s wine industry? In this episode of Taste Toast Travel, Tara sits down with Canadian winemaker and entrepreneur Maddison Violet to talk about building a winery from the ground up in British Columbia’s stunning Okanagan Valley.

From working in restaurants and studying wine through WSET and the Court of Master Sommeliers track, to navigating harvests, COVID challenges, and the realities of modern wine tourism, Maddison shares an honest behind-the-scenes look at life in the wine industry today. 

We also dive into the rise of non-alcoholic wine, changing consumer habits, wine misconceptions, and how wineries are evolving into immersive hospitality destinations.

In this episode, we dig into:
🍷 Building Ve Oh Lay Acres Winery during the COVID era
🍷 Life and wine culture in the Okanagan Valley
🍷 Maddison’s journey through wine education and harvest work
🍷The realities of running a modern winery behind the scenes
🍷Why wine tourism is shifting toward experiences and hospitality
🍷 The growth of non-alcoholic wine and changing drinking trends
🍷 Wine myths, sulfites, and consumer misconceptions
🍷 Canadian wine shipping laws and industry challenges
🍷 Building authentic community through social media and events
🍷 Farming risks, packaging struggles, and unexpected winery setbacks

Whether you’re planning a wine country getaway, curious about the future of wine, or simply love discovering stories from passionate people in the food and beverage world, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside the evolving wine industry.

If you love wine, travel, entrepreneurship, food culture, or hearing the real stories behind the bottle, this episode is for you!

Connect with Maddison:

• https://www.veohlayacres.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/veohlayacres
• https://www.facebook.com/veohlayacres

Download our free guides! https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie

Connect with us and learn more:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
• Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe

Leave us a voice note! https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel

Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop: https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel

Drop us a line or voice note!

In this episode, we’re catching up on the latest in travel news, trends, and where we’re dreaming about going next—especially if it involves great food and drink!

We dig into:
✈️ Monaco, with the world’s most expensive apartment sale—a $550 million ultra-luxury penthouse that takes “over-the-top” to a whole new level.
✈️ The sudden May 2026 shutdown of Spirit Airlines, what led to it, and what it means for travelers, employees, and the future of budget flying.
✈️ The growing “townsizing” travel trend—why more people are choosing smaller U.S. destinations over big cities, and what makes these places so appealing right now.
✈️ A sneaky checked-bag scam involving stolen barcode tags and fake lost luggage claims.
✈️ Top 2026 destinations for food and drink lovers around the world.
✈️ Top 2026 Adventure-forward destinations if you’re craving something a little more off the beaten path.
✈️ Some wild in-flight stories—from unexpected animal encounters to chaotic passenger moments that feel almost too crazy to be true.

🎧 Come hang out with us and tune into this episode wherever you listen to podcasts or watch on YouTube!

Sources: 

• https://www.travelpulse.com/news/airlines-airports/spirit-airlines-workers-advocate-for-support-after-airline-abruptly-closes
• https://www.travelandleisure.com/airline-luggage-tag-scam-warning-11823359
• https://www.spiritrestructuring.com/resources/Spirit-Airlines-Begins-Orderly-Wind-Down-of-Operations.pdf
• https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-go-2026-11840319#toc-food-and-drinks

Download our free guides! https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie

Connect with us and learn more:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
• Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe

Leave us a voice note! https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel

Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop: https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel

Drop us a line or voice note!

If Málaga is only on your radar for beaches or cruise stops… you’re missing the best part! In this episode, Tara sits down with Málaga-based travel guide creator and foodie Cristina Reina to explore a deeper, more flavorful side of southern Spain—one that most visitors completely overlook.

From historic neighborhoods and over 40 museums to nearby white villages and vibrant cultural traditions, this episode is your guide to experiencing Málaga like a local, not just passing through.

We also dive into what makes Spanish food culture so special (hint: it’s not just what you eat, it’s how you eat), plus exactly where to go for unforgettable bites, local wines, and authentic experiences away from the tourist crowds.

In this episode, we cover:
✈️  Why Málaga deserves more than a quick stop, and how to plan a richer visit
✈️  The city’s incredible cultural scene, including its 40+ museums and historic landmarks
✈️  Easy day trips to Andalucía’s iconic white villages
✈️  How to experience Spanish tapas culture the right way
✈️  Where to eat in Málaga beyond the port
✈️  Must-try local dishes
✈️  A look into Málaga wines and seasonal treats like torrijas
✈️  Cultural events you can plan a trip around
✈️  How Spain’s relaxed dining culture compares to faster-paced eating habits in places like the UK

Whether you’re planning a trip to southern Spain or just dreaming about your next destination, this conversation will give you a whole new perspective on Málaga. And, plenty of reasons to stay a little longer!

Connect with Cristina:

• https://mylittleworldoftravelling.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/mylittleworldoftravelling/
• https://www.facebook.com/mylittleworldoftravelling/

Download our free guides! https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie

Connect with us and learn more:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
• Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe

Leave us a voice note! https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel

Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop: https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel

Drop us a line or voice note!

In this episode of our “A Taste Of” series, we’re heading to Rio de Janeiro! A city that feels just as layered as it is beautiful. From iconic beaches and vibrant culture to complex history and deep-rooted traditions, we’re diving into what truly makes Rio… Rio.

We dig into:
✈️ We start with first impressions of Brazil and why Rio is often misunderstood
✈️ Unpack how the city got its name after Portuguese explorers mistook Guanabara Bay for a river
✈️ Rio’s early history, including Indigenous communities, colonization, and more
✈️ The surprising moment when Rio became the capital of the Portuguese Empire
✈️ The cultural heartbeat of the city... Samba!
✈️ A deeper look at Carnival
✈️ Rio’s contrasts—its beauty alongside inequality—and how favelas are an important and complex part of the city’s story
✈️ Rio’s global spotlight moments, including football culture and the 2016 Olympics
✈️ The food and drink scene, including classic dishes and iconic cocktails
✈️ Fun and lesser-known facts, from the story behind Christ the Redeemer to the reforested beauty of Tijuca National Park, and more

Rio is a city of contrasts, culture, and constant reinvention. And in this episode, we’re sharing what it feels like to experience it beyond the surface!

Download our free guides! https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie

Connect with us and learn more:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
• Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe

Leave us a voice note! https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel

Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop: https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel

Drop us a line or voice note!

We’re sitting down with the incredible Faye Cardwell, whose global story truly embodies what it means to build a life through travel, wine, and culture.

Faye describes herself as “British by birth, French by marriage, German by residency, and Italian at heart,” and her journey absolutely lives up to that. What started with an early love of French turned into a year studying abroad in Paris, and eventually a full life built across Europe.

We dive into her decade living in Verona, where she immersed herself in Italian culture, taught English, and ultimately transitioned into the wine world—organizing large-scale wine exhibitions and trade events across Asia. From time spent in Beijing during the 2008 Olympics to travels throughout Japan, Singapore, and India, her story is packed with behind-the-scenes insight into the global wine industry.

We also talk about her move to Brussels, where she launched her own business focused on Italian wine trade events, and what it looked like to rebuild her network after relocating again—this time to Munich. She shares the real challenges of navigating language barriers, starting over professionally, and finding community in a new country.

Now based in Munich, Faye runs major wine events—including work connected to Slow Wine—while also coaching women entrepreneurs in the wine and travel space. 

This conversation is full of honest insight and practical advice, from building a business abroad to getting clear on your value, testing ideas, and leaning into community along the way.

If you love travel stories, wine culture, and hearing how people create international lives and careers, this one’s for you.

Connect with Faye:

• https://fayecardwell.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/faye_cardwell

Download our free guides! https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie

Connect with us and learn more:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
• Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe

Leave us a voice note! https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel

Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop: https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel