The ROAMies Podcast

Looking for a smarter way to travel and a richer way to live when you get back? We’re launching Season Eight with A for Airbnb, sharing how a long road trip through Finland and Norway transformed from a checklist of sights into a string of homes. From a lakeside house with a wood-fired sauna in Puolanka to an RV in the Inari village, from the Arctic Circle at Rovaniemi to Norway’s brooding fjords, we used Airbnbs to slow down, meet neighbors, and absorb the quiet routines that define Nordic life.

Along the way we chased the northern lights near Levi, learned why Finnish apartments feel so peaceful, and discovered how to spot the small details that make a stay effortless: strong Wi‑Fi, laundry days, clear entry instructions, local tips, and respectful house norms. Historic Kittilä surprised us with an artist-host who kept stories alive along with salvaged wood and open-hearth cooking. Oulu and Turku balanced old-town charm with modern coffee culture and kid-friendly spaces. The big takeaway wasn’t a single perfect property; it was how the right stay turns a map into a neighborhood and a night into a lesson you can use at home.

We also flip the script and talk about hosting. Back in Waco, our 1916 fixer-upper doubles as an Airbnb where guest nights help fund restoration. We share our playbook for five-star experiences on both sides: how to filter and book smarter, how to be a great guest who communicates and respects the space, and how hosts can elevate comfort with small, thoughtful touches like printed Wi‑Fi, bedside charging, clear guides, and a warm welcome. Subscribe now, share with a travel-loving friend, and tell us: what’s the one feature that makes a place feel like home to you?P

Parikkala
Puolanka, Finland
Rovaniemi
Inari
Karisjoke
Balsfjord Kommune, Norway
Kittilä
Oulu
Turku
Waco, TX - https://www.airbnb.com/h/historicwaco

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Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies

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http://www.TheROAMies.com
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Think Texas has no mountains? We open the map and prove otherwise with a deep dive into Big Bend’s peaks, canyons, and night skies—and we brought the region’s top insider, Robert Alvarez of Visit Big Bend, to guide the way. From the first “don’t speed in small towns” lesson to the last stargazing tip, this journey is built for travelers who want to plan well and wander slow.

www.VisitBigBend.com

We break down the real differences between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park so you can match your trip to your style. The national park delivers paved access, the Chisos Basin, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Santa Elena Canyon, and family-friendly trailheads. The state park trades polish for solitude: high-clearance roads, rugged terrain, and some of the best mountain biking in Texas. Robert shares how to time your visit around the Chisos Basin renovations, why the Rio Grande can surprise you, and where to chase fossils, history, and birds—including the elusive Lucifer hummingbird in the Christmas Mountains.

If logistics make or break your trips, you’ll love the practical run of tips: top off your gas before the gate, download offline maps, lock your phone to Central Time, and choose your vehicle wisely. A sedan can reach the headliners, but a high-clearance SUV or guided Jeep tour unlocks Balanced Rock and backcountry gems. We talk safety without fearmongering—pack more water than you think, respect sun and distance, give wildlife space—and we make room for wonder. Sotol Vista, the Marathon star party, and dark-sky pullouts turn the Milky Way from a photo into a memory.

Ready to design a trip you’ll actually savor? Press play, then tell us your first move: sunrise in the Chisos, a river day along the canyon, or a night under the brightest sky in Texas. If you’re enjoying the show, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—it helps more travelers find their Big Bend.

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Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies

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http://www.TheROAMies.com
@The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram
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A ghost town with a beating heart. That’s the promise—and surprise—of Terlingua, where rock walls, open skies, and a stubborn love of place turned ruins into a living community. We sit with Bill Ivey, whose father-son land deal on a car hood set off decades of stewardship: preserving the look of history while opening doors to comfort, music, and belonging.

Bill takes us inside the restoration of Perry Mansion and the hard call to add a roof to the Starlight Theater so the beloved adobe wouldn’t melt away. We talk about why good preservation sometimes looks like change, and how the most vocal skeptics often become the first allies once a bold choice proves itself. Food and lodging become experiences here, with nights that stretch into stories and new friends made on the porch. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep authenticity without freezing a place in amber, this is your field guide.

We also trace the roots of the Terlingua chili cook-off—from a ragtag promotional party to a world-stage tradition that still brings thousands to the desert each November. Then the tone turns intimate at the cemetery, where Dia de los Muertos gathers locals and travelers to remember the unnamed and the loved with hundreds of candles. Between tales of a goat mayor and a pink-painted music video, you’ll hear how St. Agnes Church was saved with adobe, volunteers, and the kind of community that shows up. Along the way, Bill shares what mindset makes the best traveler in remote country: low expectations, high curiosity, and a sense of humor when the nearest Walmart is hours away.

If you’re drawn to Big Bend, historic restoration, community-led tourism, or the art of turning scarcity into welcome, you’ll find something to carry with you here. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves West Texas lore, and leave a review to help more curious travelers discover the show. visitbigbend.com

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Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies

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http://www.TheROAMies.com
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The desert doesn’t whisper here—it sings off canyon walls. We headed to Big Bend to chase that sound and came back with a pocket full of must-do hikes, a few hard-won driving tips, and a fresh respect for how wild West Texas still is. From the instant payoff of Santa Elena Canyon to the echoing turns of Boquillas, we show you how to thread quick stops with immersive moments so you actually feel the place, not just check it off.

We start along the Rio Grande, where pale desert frames a sudden surge of green. The Rio Grande Village Nature Trail surprised us with boardwalks and birdsong that felt more Louisiana than Chihuahuan Desert. A flood-damaged road kept us from the Hot Springs Historic Trail, so we traded soaking for summits and took local advice to tackle Lost Mine. With a knowledgeable guide from Big Bend Boating and Hiking, the Chisos Basin unfolded in layers—geology, plants, and long views that shift every step. If you’ve only got one big hike in you, make it this one.

Then we swapped boots for a Jeep and rolled out with Far Flung. Abandoned mercury mines, Terlingua ghost-town lore, and the red-tinged bones of the desert gave the landscape a different edge. Our guide balanced history and wonder, a combo that matters in a park where beauty and risk run side by side. We also mapped the drives that tie it all together: Barton Warnock’s museum-like visitor center, the overlook to Closed Canyon, and a free dark sky star party where the Milky Way looked close enough to touch. Finish with a golden-hour ascent to the Chisos Basin Lodge road—less for the lodge itself and more for the light that sets the ridges on fire.

If you’re planning Big Bend, this guide packs quick wins, deeper routes, safety smarts, and the best ways to see more with less stress. Subscribe for more West Texas stories, share this episode with your travel crew, and leave a review to help fellow hikers find it. Where should we go next?

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Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies

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http://www.TheROAMies.com
@The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram
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A great Big Bend trip starts with a smart plan, not a scramble. We lay out a traveler’s roadmap to Terlingua—where to find the best tacos and tostadas, how to grab a table at the Starlight Theater without burning your evening, and which spots box up trail-ready lunches before you disappear into the park. From a press-lauded barbecue basket to soft-serve pints and breakfast burritos on the go, you’ll get a real feel for the food scene that keeps hikers, rafters, and stargazers happily fueled.

Lodging gets a glow-up with Terlingua Escondido, a pair of thoughtfully built yurts hidden just off the main road. Think full bathroom, a big fridge-freezer, AC and heat, and a stargazing dome under true dark skies. Host Jenny—once a river guide—joins us to share the ghost town’s living history: mercury mining roots, roofless dances at the Starlight, and the creative freedom that birthed today’s A-frames, teepees, restored Airstreams, and hipcamp sites. It’s a portrait of a place with no chain hotels and plenty of character, where neighbors endure summer heat, rare winter ice, and help each other anyway.

We also break down when to go and why it matters. Fall brings green hills after monsoons and flowing river days. Spring surges with energy and crowds. Winter offers mild hiking and the clearest skies. Summer rewards dawn hikers and midday nappers with empty trails and quiet nights. Use our on-the-ground tips to line up dinner, pack better lunches, and pick a stay that lets you savor the desert instead of suffering through it.

Loved the guide? Tap follow, share this with a Big Bend-bound friend, and leave a quick review so more travelers can find the show. Got a Terlingua favorite we missed? Tell us and we’ll add it to the map.

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Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies

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http://www.TheROAMies.com
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What if your Big Bend trip started with stillness? We kick off a West Texas series by dropping into Marathon, a tiny town that appears like a mirage after miles of open desert—and turns out to be the smartest basecamp for exploring Big Bend National Park. With guest insights from Samuel, guest services manager at the Gage Resort and Spa, we unpack how a 1927 hotel became an oasis of warm wood, courtyards, and gardens where the noise of the world finally lets go.

gagehotel.com 

We trace the property’s roots from Alfred Gage’s original build to JP Bryan’s restoration and careful expansion, including Los Portales rooms, casitas, and the historic Captain Shepherd House. Samuel walks us through the event-ready Gage Gardens, where desert chic meets rose-lined paths, and explains why weddings here feel close-knit and unhurried. Need recovery after a canyon day? The spa delivers massages, facials, an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, steam room, and an infrared sauna, with a full gym included for guests.

Food lovers get plenty to savor. The White Buffalo Bar pairs a legendary mount with a standout prickly pear margarita. 12 Gage serves contemporary American with West Texas flair, while Ghost Fire Pizza fires sourdough pies in a Napoli oven, and Brick Vault Brewery and Barbecue brings weekend smoke and house beer. Mornings belong to V6 Coffee for roastery-fresh drinks, hearty breakfasts, and boxed lunches for the park—because inside Big Bend, options are limited.

We share practical trip planning: why Marathon’s 45-minute run to the park entrance is a fair trade for comfort and culture, how to structure a two to three day stay, and where to fly (Midland–Odessa commercially, with private options nearby). Along the way, expect stories of quiet balconies, birds in old trees, and the kind of community warmth that makes you think, I could live here. If West Texas has been on your list—or if it’s never crossed your mind—this guide will make you see the desert differently.

Enjoyed the story and the tips? Follow, share with a friend who needs a desert reset, and leave a quick review so others can find their way to Marathon and Big Bend.

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And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast.

Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies

Follow us at:
http://www.TheROAMies.com
@The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram
YouTube and X.

We kick things off with their origin story in Las Vegas before diving into how they built a channel that’s equal parts inspiration and problem-solving. If you’ve ever tried to choose between eight near-identical resorts or wondered whether a river cruise beats an ocean ship, this conversation delivers real answers. Meet Victor and MJ! Victor takes the lead on nature and specs, MJ brings luxury taste and practical comfort, and together they explain how two strong creative visions learned to collaborate without losing what makes each voice distinct.

Check them out at: 

victorandmj.com

and some of their other adventures here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/16f9DEfDak/

https://youtu.be/JHdqGGpjpzE?si=S2JeXUdY_uCE-CXC

The heart of the episode beats in the bush. Their Zimbabwe tales include mobile camping under lion calls, walking safaris with expert guides, and the moment they stumbled upon a pangolin—the elusive, highly trafficked mammal few safari veterans ever see. It’s the kind of surprise that reframes why we leave home: to be humbled, awed, and changed. From there, we look ahead to South Africa: Cape Town’s winelands, Boulders Beach penguins, and the Garden Route—less hyped than the Big Five, but overflowing with scenery, food, and culture worth your time.

Along the way, they unpack ocean vs river cruises, the value of first-hand hotel comparisons, and why travel agents should actually travel. You’ll also hear how MJ left corporate life, how Victor traded the repair shop for a camera, and how they’re building a smart, pet-friendly campervan with Starlink so they can research the U.S. with the same care they bring abroad. Ready to plan smarter and roam braver? Follow Victor and MJ on YouTube, then subscribe to the show, share this episode with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more travelers find their next great story.

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CODE: ROAMIES10

And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast.

Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies

Follow us at:
http://www.TheROAMies.com
@The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram
YouTube and X.

Trains changed the way we see Europe—less stress, more story. We break down how a Eurail pass turns a tangled map of national railways into a flexible, budget-friendly way to hop countries, chase views, and make room for the unexpected. From last-minute detours to castle-lined rivers, we share the wins, the snags, and the simple habits that make the journey smoother and more fun.

We dig into the nuts and bolts: when you must reserve seats on high-speed routes, how the Eurail app flags requirements, and why asking at the station can sometimes erase fees the app shows. We talk first class vs second class with real comparisons—when the upgrade buys quiet cars, better Wi‑Fi, and space to work, and when second class is perfect for conversations and local flavor. You’ll get practical packing advice to handle stairs and tight connections, smart timing tips for seasonal sales, and the one rule you can’t forget: activate your travel day before boarding, especially in fine-happy places like Switzerland.

Night trains get their moment too. A couchette can replace a hotel and deliver you to a new city at sunrise; persistence with station staff and the platform conductor can turn a string of “no” into a last-minute “yes.” We also map the reality of reliability across countries—where schedules are rock solid, where delays are normal, and how to stay calm and adaptable when plans change. Add rider etiquette, onboard essentials like water and offline media, and a mindset that treats hiccups as part of the story, and you’re set to ride smarter.

If trains are on your horizon, this guide will help you save money, avoid rookie mistakes, and enjoy the views between the destinations. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s planning Europe by rail, and drop your best train tip or wildest rail story in the comments—we want to learn from you too. 

And HUGE thank yous to StandUp Audio! StandUp BE for not only rescuing us when the train had no alternatives for us, but also for giving us great sound in your studio in Belgium!!!! See you next year! 

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CODE: ROAMIES10

And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast.

Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies

Follow us at:
http://www.TheROAMies.com
@The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram
YouTube and X.

A suitcase goes missing for nine days across multiple airlines and countries, and we turn the chaos into a clear, repeatable travel system. Alexa walks through the exact steps that lowered stress, sped up delivery, and maximized reimbursements while touring, teaching, and performing on the road.

We start with prevention that pays off when things go wrong: layer-by-layer packing photos, a simple cloud inventory, suitcase shots, and bright identifiers that make claims painless. You will hear which items should never leave your carry-on, why sentimental or irreplaceable pieces either stay home or stay with you, and how old, overstuffed luggage quietly raises your risk of damage. We dig into AirTags and Tiles, airline bag-tracking apps, and when travel insurance is worth it for long or complex trips—plus how it filled the gap when airline reimbursement fell short.

Then we get tactical. At the first hint of a delay, work every channel: line up at the gate desk, rebook in the app, and call the airline at the same time. If your bag does not arrive, head straight to the baggage desk before leaving the airport, file a claim, and lock down your reference number. Keep every receipt, scan everything, and centralize notes, photos, tags, and forms. Learn how to contact partner airlines to find the last scan, what daily allowances typically cover, and how to choose versatile essentials that carry you through work and play without wasting money. We also cover deadlines for delayed, damaged, and lost luggage, passenger rights under US DOT, EU 261, and the Montreal Convention, and how to coordinate benefits across the airline, your insurer, and your credit card.

Travel smarter, not harder. Save this playbook for your next trip, share it with a friend who checks bags, and tell us your wildest lost-luggage story on socials. If this helped, subscribe, leave a quick review, and pass it along to your favorite traveler.

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CODE: ROAMIES10

And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast.

Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies

Follow us at:
http://www.TheROAMies.com
@The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram
YouTube and X.

You know those trips where everything teeters on the edge until someone steps in and saves the day? That’s the energy of this episode. From a Disney cast member gifting a last-minute Lightning Lane to an advisor coaching clients through an Italian airport strike, these stories show what happens when expert travel advisors turn chaos into calm. You’ll hear adventures from Disney to Rome, the Maldives to the Black Forest—plus a catamaran lesson in motion sickness turned masterclass on packing and protecting your valuables.

We’re joined by top travel advisors who share real-world wins, from finding the best food tours in Bologna to navigating Mediterranean cruises, Turkish hamams, and European travel strikes. It’s a mix of humor, heart, and insider strategy—showing the real value of having a travel advisor: local connections, real-time problem solving, and stress-free travel planning. Whether you’re dreaming of Disney, Italy, or Istanbul, this episode of The Roamies Travel Podcast will help you travel smarter, laugh harder, and plan your next trip with confidence.

If these stories made you smile or scribble notes, tap follow, share the episode with a friend who needs a smarter trip, and leave a quick review so more travelers can find us. Ready to collect your own small-world moment? Let’s go.Here’s your cleaned-up version, formatted simply with dashes and no lines:

• Kristi Shipp – Always Magical Travel Co. (no contact info listed)
• Kami – Destinations by Kami, LLC
  📧 [email protected]
  📞 419-957-2087
• JoAnne Michaud – Dream Vacations
  📧 [email protected]
  📞 919-452-0227
• Samantha Garrick – Samantha Garrick Travel
  📧 [email protected]
  📞 601-658-8484
• Brooke Ray – Travel with Direction
  📧 [email protected]
  📱 @travelwithdirection
• Melanie Rodriguez, CTA, VTA – Life Is Better Traveling
  📧 [email protected]
  📞 215-240-1327
  💬 “So I'm Melanie Rodriguez from Life is Better Traveling. And this one time I was in the Maldives—it was my 40th birthday trip…”
• Christie Couples – Vacays by Christine (with Vincent Vacations) (no contact info listed)
• Lisa Gallagher – Lisa G Travel

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CODE: ROAMIES10

And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast.

Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies

Follow us at:
http://www.TheROAMies.com
@The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram
YouTube and X.