The Intrepid Traveler

Ever wondered what goes behind the scenes of creating a luxury travel experience? Join us as we pull back the curtain with our guest, Ashish, as we delve into the world of luxury adventure travel and hotel stories. From the opulent facade to the chaotic back-of-house operations, we share our insights from a recent encounter at a luxury hotel in Philadelphia. It's a fascinating glimpse into an often unseen side of the industry, and we assure you, it's okay to appreciate the effort that goes into crafting these experiences. 

We also tackle the familiar chaos and frustration of airport experiences. With Ashish's expert insight, we aim to make sure that these are aspects you won't have to worry about when planning your travels. But it's not all about the logistics. We also discuss the unique experiences of traveling with children. Ashish's personal story of surviving a flight to Costa Rica with my one-year-old daughter will resonate with many parents out there. Amidst the judgmental stares and challenges, we emphasize the importance of patience, understanding, and not letting others dampen your travel spirits.

As we wrap up, we consider the value of teaching our children respect and understanding towards others. This isn't just about creating better travel experiences; it's about shaping their character and worldview. We also touch on the intricacies of the airline industry and how people from various countries and backgrounds communicate effectively while ensuring passenger safety. Stay with us as we look forward to more enlightening discussions about the travel industry in our upcoming episodes.

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our show to help us reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook,  Instagram or follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our latest epic travel adventures!

Use the following links when planning your own travel!

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What if travel insurance could do more than just cover your medical bills? Imagine having the freedom to choose your hospital, unrestricted by geographical location. Join me on this enlightening episode as we host Bill Miller and Paul Goodall from MedJet, a company offering a high-touch service for travelers around the globe. Together, we unravel the many benefits of a MedJet membership, which includes the ability to transport members to their hospital of choice, regardless of their home city.

Ever wondered about the security measures in place for travelers? We delve into the Horizon Plan, a comprehensive coverage policy covering various aspects that typical insurance might miss, such as terrorism, kidnapping, wrongful detention, pandemics, and natural disasters. We’ll also share a compelling story about a couple in Paris during the Yellow Vests Uprising and how MedJet came to their aid in a time of need. The application process for individuals over 75 isn't as daunting as you might think. The application for that is just 12 health-based questions and an annual physician's statement. For those under age 75 there is a flat fee and no application requirements.

Best of all, we explore how MedJet gives power back to the member, allowing you to make decisions based on your needs rather than a physician's direction. Imagine needing surgery and being able to get from one hospital to another in less than 24 hours. That's the kind of service MedJet offers. And for the budget-conscious travelers, we’ll share how AARP members can take advantage of a special discount on their MedJet membership. So, buckle up and join us on this journey into the world of high-touch travel services with MedJet.

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our show to help us reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook,  Instagram or follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our latest epic travel adventures!

Use the following links when planning your own travel!

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Ever wondered how to navigate the uncertainties of travel with grace and grit? Be prepared to get your passport to wisdom as my friend, Ashish and I embark on a journey discussing travel hiccups and how to handle them. We share our personal experiences and throw in some practical tips that will help you stay calm and composed when things don't go as planned. 

Air travel is exciting but it can come with its share of challenges. From discussing Richard Branson's high altitude commercial flight vision, to contemplating the intricacies of sustainability and fuel possibilities, we take a detour into the revolutionary future of travel. But what about the world below the clouds? We also discuss the economic impact of the pandemic on tourism-dependent countries and how empathy and informed choices can make a difference. 

Zooming out from the travelling microcosm, we broaden the horizon to discuss perspective in an overwhelming world. With a sea of information available at our fingertips, how do we sift through the noise and understand what matters? We ponder on the impact of large corporations on global issues and encourage maintaining perspective amidst complexity. All this while, never losing sight of the sheer joy of travelling. So, come along as we navigate these intriguing travel terrains for a smoother take-off, a fantastic flight and a perfect landing into the world of being an informed and empathetic traveller.

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our show to help us reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook,  Instagram or follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our latest epic travel adventures!

Use the following links when planning your own travel!

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Are you ready to embark on your next unforgettable adventure? Join me as I chat with Rebecca Slater, founder of Rebecca Recommends, and uncover the secrets to crafting tailor-made luxury travel experiences that leave you wanting more. This episode takes us through Rebecca's journey of growing up in the hospitality industry, her love for America, and the birth of her representation company which connects discerning travelers with privately-owned properties of excellence across the globe.

Discover how Rebecca Recommends acts as a secret weapon for travel advisors and provides valuable assistance to smaller, individually-owned properties lacking the resources of larger brands. In our conversation, we explore the incredible destinations and properties that Rebecca's company represents, including the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Australia, Switzerland, and Ireland. Find out how Rebecca's partnerships with Red Carnation hotels and various Destination Management Companies (DMCs) open doors to unique experiences and help create memorable itineraries tailored to the traveler's profile.

As we delve deeper into the world of luxury travel, Rebecca shares her insights on the importance of due diligence when researching and selecting a representation company. She stresses the significance of building personal connections in the hospitality industry and how these relationships benefit both travelers and the properties they visit. So, if you're eager to elevate your travel experiences and learn more about the hidden gems of the luxury hospitality world, tune in to this captivating episode and let Robin and Rebecca guide you on this journey of exploration.

Thanks for tuning in!  

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our 

show to help us reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook,  Instagram or follow 

us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our latest epic travel adventures!

Use the following links when planning your own travel!

TRAVEL INSURED INTERNATIONAL

MEDJET

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PROJECT EXPEDITION

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our show to help us reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook,  Instagram or follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our latest epic travel adventures!

Use the following links when planning your own travel!

TRAVEL INSURED INTERNATIONAL

MEDJET

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Pack your suitcases and get ready to uncover the treasures that lie within the world of Riverboat Cruising, but be warned...this episode will dismantle the notion that Riverboat cruising is a dull affair geared towards your great-grandparent's generation! The highways of yesterday are rich with the adventures of today.  

In this episode of the Intrepid Traveler Podcast, we're interviewing Rob Huffman, a lifelong travel professional and rep of AmaWaterways, a river cruise company. Huffman shares his experience in the travel industry and discusses the evolution of river cruising. We discuss everything from sustainability to cultural immersion while dispelling the myths surrounding Riverboat vacations. 

If you're a travel enthusiast yearning for a fresh perspective or the designated family travel agent seeking an unforgettable experience. Let this episode of The Intrepid Traveler Podcast be your tour guide through the world of Riverboat cruising.

Learn how this sector of the market can: 

🛫Be the perfect option for inter-generational and solo travelers. 

🛫A welcoming experience for those looking for an immersive travel experience. 

🛫The ideal getaway for your organization's next excursion.

Episode Highlights: 

• [00:00:08]Some people choose the travel industry; others, like our guest Rob Huffman, were born into it! Listen as Rob shares his love for the travel industry.
•  [00:05:22] Travel professionals and enthusiasts know how much this industry has changed. Here Rob and I discuss the evolution and how Riverboat cruising has changed over the years.  
•  [00:07:48] Some things get better with age, and the cruise industry is no exception; learn what cruise carriers are doing to boost sustainability. 
•  [00:09:09]  We love the waterways, and as each brand defines its place in the market, we have a lot to choose from. If you're a travel professional or the designated family planner, tune in here to learn what each brand offers and how AmaWaterways redefines Riverboat Cruising.
•  [00:12:55] Curious about the experiences available on the world's rivers? Here, Rob shares the benefits of river cruising, including cultural immersion, intimate settings, and spending more time in port. 
•  [00:15:08] Whether you're looking for luxury on land or water, we can't emphasize the importance of finding a professional travel advisor. Tune in to learn the tips we share with our clients to make your next vacation the best!
•  [00:18:34] Like every vacation, there are pros and cons; here, we discuss the impact of water levels on river cruising and how the industry manages weather, local and regional cuisines, vegetarian options, and more. 
•  [00:28:06 - 00:29:06] What can you do on a Riverboat Cruise? Rob shares what AmaWaterways offers. Learn about the wellness programs on board and the inter-generational activities that AmaWaterways offer. 
• [00:33:28 - 00:33:52] Who is the ideal traveler for Riverboat Cruises? Here Rob and I discuss the flexibility of river cruising and the options for solo, group, and family travelers to choose their own excursions.
•  [00:36:59] Rob discusses AmaWaterways' philosophy of engaging with solo travelers and ensuring they are part of the immersive experiences offered by the company.

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our 

show to help us

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our show to help us reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook,  Instagram or follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our latest epic travel adventures!

Use the following links when planning your own travel!

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Today it's just me! My first solo podcast where I'm sharing some tips on travel.  

First, I review and break down my six week work trip and share some tips I learned. Starting in London and ending in Germany, my trip included 6 countries, 3 continents and 2 hemispheres. I’ll share some of my packing tips and exactly how I fit everything I needed in just two small bags. During my explorations, I got to experience a variety of new amazing properties for my clients in Kenya, London, Cornwall, Paris and Munich. Additionally, I was able to experience firsthand the stopover program in Qatar, a perfect traveling intermission if you’re traveling to Asia or the Middle East. 

Next… airlines and booking airfare. If you are traveling at all this year, you probably know that airfare prices are crazy and most airlines are understaffed, sometimes causing interruptions in air travel. In short, air travel has become an ORDEAL. I’ll review the 3 different ways to book flights and some insider tips on the best way to book your airfare using points, a consolidator or by booking directly.  We recommend booking as early as you can, especially if you have a certain place in the plane you like to sit! 

Lastly, I drop some tips about summer travel and what travel could look like this year as well as how to protect your vacation dollars. 

Today on The Intrepid Traveler:

• Chat with me, owner and founder of Cline and Co Travel Consulting
• Learn a little bit about what it looks like to travel and work as a luxury travel advisor 
• A breakdown of my six week work vacation including the destinations I visited and what I learned along the way
• I share some of my favorite packing tips and how I was able to pack for my entire vacation in just two small bags
• We’ll review airfare and three different ways to book your airline tickets
• Why using a consolidator can benefit you and offer an extra layer of support 
• Summer travel - is it too late to plan?
• Know your exchange rate and the terms of conditions pertaining to those rates
• Learn how you can stayed connected with Cline and Co Travel and what kind of information with share with our clients regularly

Thanks for tuning in!  

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our 

show to help us reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook,  Instagram or follow 

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our show to help us reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook,  Instagram or follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our latest epic travel adventures!

Use the following links when planning your own travel!

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This week we are talking with Malik Fernando, one of the cofounders of Resplendent Ceylon, Sri Lanka’s first Relais & Chateaux properties. Malik always knew that he would be helping his father with the family tea business. When he was offered an internship at McKinsey & Company after graduating from university in Boston, he declined and moved back to Sri Lanka. Malik then began working and overseeing the tea making process for Dilmah tea, a company his father started in the 1950s. Dilmah tea is found worldwide on airlines like Emirates & Qatar and at the world’s finest hotels. 

Malik speaks about Sri Lanka’s beauty, of the gorgeous waterfalls, landscapes and green rolling hills. He also shares about nature and the biodiversity of the small island. He couldn’t find any luxury accommodations with an all inclusive, personalized level of service while still feeling like home and that’s when he began to build the additional properties now a part of Resplendent Ceylon. 

The unmatched diversity on this small island, about the size of West Virginia, allows travelers to see both unique animals and experience jungles and pristine beaches. Malik also shares an interesting fact about cinnamon and how most cinnamon around the world is actually cassia, a cousin of cinnamon produced in places like Vietnam and China. 93% of the pure cinnamon in the world is produced in Sri Lanka. It is the kind of place you need to experience to really understand the magic it holds. 

Today on The Intrepid Traveler:

• Meet Malik Fernando, cofounder of Resplendent Ceylon and learn how he found his way to the tourism industry after taking over his fathers tea business
• Hear about the first property built, Ceylon Tea Trails, also the first Relais & Chateaux property in Sri Lanka
• Malik shares his passion for Sri Lanka and tells us about all the natural beauty of this small island
• We learn a bit about some products from Sri Lanka like Ceylon Tea and pure cinnamon
•  Malik gives us an overview of some of the regions in the country and share about the UNESCO World Heritage sites. 
• He also shares about what your typical trip to Sri Lanka would look like and how easy it is to add the country to many popular destinations like the Maldives and Dubai.
• We get a quick review of the history of Sri Lanka like the 2000 year old civilization and the different religions found in the country
• You can see leopards, bears, elephants, the resident blue whales and many other species. 
• He shares about all of the adventure activities available like mountain biking, trekking, surfing and more.  

Connect with the guest:

Linked in: Malik Fernando

Resplendent Ceylon Website

Thanks for tuning in!  

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our 

show to help us reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook,  Instagram or follow 

us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our latest epic travel adventures!

Use the following links when planning your own travel!

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our show to help us reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook,  Instagram or follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our latest epic travel adventures!

Use the following links when planning your own travel!

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In this week's episode of the Intrepid Traveler I talk with Brian Schon, one of the cofounders of Cannua Lodge, Colombia’s first high end eco-lodge. Brian has had various careers - from working in public policy in Washington DC to living in Ukraine for a year and a half working for the peace corps. When his stint with the peace corps ended, Brian found himself back in his hometown, with an extreme passion to learn Spanish. 

From there he found his way to Colombia in 2014, wanting to learn Spanish in a country that didn’t speak a lot of English. What he wasn’t expecting was to fall in love with Colombia and to build a life there. He and his partners saw a need for a new type of tourism in Colombia and Cannua Lodge was born. 

Brian shares about the lack of infrastructure for tourism in Colombia, how development of the country for tourism was actually displacing precious species and how their property evolved while trying to honor the environment AND the community, all the while providing the luxury eco-lodge feel that so many travelers were searching for. 

Brian tells of how their lodge was built on the basis of permaculture, a design philosophy based on the observation of nature. Follow along as we hear about how Cannua was built while not only maintaining nature but preserving it and rebuilding so that the native species could be at home within the property. 

He also shares about the growth of Colombia in the last 10 years and he highlights the importance of farming while taking note of how these practices are not serving their bio-diverse area and how Cannua set out to change that. We hear about bricks made from the land and specifically treated bamboo, that is actually stronger than iron, and how these materials were mainly used to build their property. 

The food at Cannua is also unique, 90% of the produce is sourced locally and you won’t find pork or beef on their menu due to the environmental cost of these products. Colombia is not a well known travel destination, but it is gaining traction. It is the kind of place you need to experience in order to appreciate the magic of this bio-diverse region! 

Today on The Intrepid Traveler:

• Meet Brian Shon, cofounder of Cannua and learn how he found his way to Colombia in 2014
• The creation of Cannua Lodge and how the company used materials made from the land to build the property
• Hear about Brian’s passion for taking care of this country while also offering the first high end eco-lodge in the region
• A little overview of the culinary process that happens at Cannua and dreams that Brian has of having an entirely locally produced plate
• Learn about the farming and development in the Cannua region and how the founders of Cannua worked to offset these environmental costs
• An overview of some of the experiences at Cannua lodge like making farmers cheese after milking a cow, chocolate making or coffee tasting
• The history of Cannua, a historic property set to be destroyed but was purchased and then built around a goal to reforest the area and invite animals back into their homes

Connect with Brian on LINKEDIN

CANNUA LODGE

Thanks for tuning in!  

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our 

show to help us reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook,  Instagram or follow 

us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our latest epic travel adventures!

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our show to help us reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook,  Instagram or follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our latest epic travel adventures!

Use the following links when planning your own travel!

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This week we are talking with Seetha and Vasilis, life partners and co-owners of Curated Greece. Seetha grew up in the United States, living in several major cities and then Canada before moving to Southern France for Grad School. Vasilis grew up in Greece, learning French and when he decided it was time to put his skills to the test, he moved to Southern France for Grad School.

Seetha and Vasilis met while working on their MBAs. After 6 years, the couple moved back to Greece and found the demand for the real side of Greece along the way. A few planned trips for family members and Curated Greece was born. Seetha tells us about how their partnerships with travel advisors was the real push to start a tour operator in Greece that truly focuses on the experiential side of travel. 

Seetha and Vasilis share their favorite off-the-beaten path destinations that hold the iconic charm of Greeks Islands with less crowds, more authenticity and some even boasting year round travel. Follow along as we hear of Naxos, Paros, Crete and fall more in love with Greece every second. 

Naxos, where Vasilis has roots, is 1 hour and 30 minutes by ferry to Santorini and is home to hiking, history, local cuisine and our hosts’ favorite thing… Locally produced cheese. 

Paros is a perfect mixture of Paros and Mykonos with its authentic Greek side AND its cosmopolitan side. Here you will find the same “small town” charm as Naxos with a taste of the nightlife you might find in Mykonos, though less crowded. Day trips are available to the neighboring Antiparos, with ferries running every half hour. 

Our guests rave about the island of Crete. “A whole country of its own.” Crete has 4 vastly different regions and is a destination that you will always find new experiences at, no matter how many times you visit. 

Today on The Intrepid Traveler:

• Meet Vasilis and Seetha, and learn how they both found their way to Southern France
• The creation of Curated Greece and how connections with travel advisors fueled this company
• Hear about some less popular Greek Islands with have an equal amount of iconic Greecian charm to offer 
• A little overview of travel times between islands and the logistics of how you might include Santorini or Mykonos in the same trip
• How each island is its own unique destinations and what you can expect from Naxos, Paros and Crete
• An overview of the vibes of each different destination and who might like to travel there. 
• A teaser for a future discussion with Seetha and Vasilis about mainland Greece. 

Connect with the guest:

Linked in: Curated Greece

Thanks for tuning in!  

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our 

show to help us reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook,  Instagram or follow 

us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our latest epic travel adventures!

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our show to help us reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook,  Instagram or follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our latest epic travel adventures!

Use the following links when planning your own travel!

TRAVEL INSURED INTERNATIONAL

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This week we are talking with Wilhelm von Breymann, the owner of Costa Rican Trails & Panama Trails. He shares his story of starting these companies and about the beautiful country of Panama. 

Wilhelm grew up traveling to Costa Rica from Germany and found his way into tourism when a friend asked him to help with a day tour translating for German speaking guests. When he was asked to translate again, this time on a three week adventure, Wilhelm saw the demand for a luxury travel supplier in Costa Rica and founded Costa Rican Trails in 1989. 

A few years down the line, European demand pushed the company to explore Panama. It wasn’t easy - the Panamanians are strong, passionate people who are protective of their country. The first DMC (Destination Management Company) operated by non-residents, Panama Trails was founded in 2008. 

Wilhelm tells us to expect a different, unspoiled side of tourism in Panama. An original, laidback destination is what you will find in this small country with Pacific Ocean  and Caribbean Sea borders. There are multiple archipelagos for exploring, each in a different corner of the country with a plethora of variety to be found. Geographically similar to its northern neighbor, Panama is rich with lush green forests, picturesque beaches and strikingly clear water.  

The different cultures are a strong presence in Panama and are inviting for tourists who are curious and want to learn more. Wilhelm also lets us in on an exciting little secret about the Panama canal locks, the system of impressive machinery that moves large ships through the canal…. 

Today on The Intrepid Traveler:

• Meet Wilhelm and learn about his history and how his family came to be connected to Costa Rica
• The creation of Costa Rican Trails and how Panama Trails was founded as a natural next step
• Get a general understanding of Panama as a travel destination
• Wilhelm shares some information about the different areas of Panama and its archipelagos
• The strong and influential presence of the different cultures in Panama
• Must do’s in Panama like old town Panama City,  a different perspective of the Panama Canal locks, a world renowned bird observation point and more!
• Lastly, prepare to be enthralled and inspired as Wilhelm shares about his inherited pastime!

Connect with the guest:

LinkedIn: Wilhelm Von Breymann

Thanks for tuning in!  

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review my show to help me reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out my website, visit me on Facebook,  Instagram or follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our latest epic travel adventures!

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our show to help us reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook,  Instagram or follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our latest epic travel adventures!

Use the following links when planning your own travel!

TRAVEL INSURED INTERNATIONAL

MEDJET

VIRTUOSO

PROJECT EXPEDITION