The Travel Lemming Podcast

Don't wait until the last minute to plan your trip to Mexico City for Dia de los Muertos. In this episode, Betty & Cat discuss exactly what you need to do in order to prepare for the holiday.

They chat about what Day of the Dead actually is, how long it runs for, the main events in Mexico City, where to stay for the festival, safety, etiquette tips, + so much more.

👉 Read "Why you should go to Mexico City for Day of the Dead" TravelLemming.com: https://travellemming.com/perspectives/mexico-city-day-of-the-dead-festival/

Have a question about Dia de los Muertos in Mexico City? Drop it in the comments 👇

📰 Articles from Travel Lemming.com

-Where to Stay in Mexico City: https://travellemming.com/where-to-stay-in-mexico-city/

-Things to do in Mexico City: https://travellemming.com/things-to-do-in-mexico-city/

-Mexico City neighborhoods: https://travellemming.com/mexico-city-neighborhoods/

-Museums in Mexico City: https://travellemming.com/museums-in-mexico-city/

-Mexico packing list: https://travellemming.com/packing-list-for-mexico/

-All Mexico City guides: https://travellemming.com/mexico-city/

#DayOfTheDead #DiaDeLosMuertos #MexicoCity

00:00 - Intro

01:16 - What is Day of the Dead in Mexico City?

03:30 - First impressions, parades, & ofrendas

13:11 - Is it worth going solo?

14:33 - What is the "big parade"?

15:09 - How to prepare (Cat's #1 tip)

16:29 - How to pack (don't forget this!)

17:20 - Where to stay for the festival

19:18 - What does a realistic budget look like?

22:33 - Is the festival safe?

23:55 - How to get around Mexico City

26:53 - When exactly is the festival (know these dates)

29:35 - Know this etiquette before you go

Imagine going to Machu Picchu and your view is 100% blocked by fog! This happened to Nate on his recent Peru trip, but thankfully he made a decision the night before that saved his whole visit.

In this episode, Nate gives his crucial tips for visiting quintessential Peru spots like Machu Picchu, Cusco, The Sacred Valley, and Lima. He also shares his #1 Peru itinerary planning tip, incredible hotels to stay in, epic sites, food, & so much more. Nate also has a full YouTube video guide to Machu Picchu: https://youtu.be/TLP9--O2Q2c?si=i06NE0PLpzrp0mn4 And also a playlist of 10 YouTube Peru videos, perfect for planning your trip: https://youtu.be/QrkK8NKRkhU?si=zuFSPGBGbg-vHnhg

Have a question about Peru? Drop it in the comments 👇

📰 Articles from Travel Lemming.com

-Where to stay for visiting Machu Picchu: https://travellemming.com/where-to-stay-for-machu-picchu/

-Where to Stay in Cusco & The Sacred Valley: https://travellemming.com/where-to-stay-in-cusco/

-Where to Stay in Lima: https://travellemming.com/where-to-stay-in-lima/

-10 day Peru itinerary: https://travellemming.com/peru-itinerary/

-21 Peru travel tips: https://travellemming.com/peru-travel-tips/

🛎️ Peru Hotels Nate Recommends

-Tambo del Inka, Sacred Valley: https://travellemming.com/hotels/tambo-del-inka/

-JW Marriott El Convento Cusco: https://travellemming.com/hotels/jw-marriott-el-convento-cusco/

-Jaya Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel Aguas Calientes: https://travellemming.com/hotels/jaya-machu-picchu-boutique-hotel/

-Palacio del Inka Cusco: https://travellemming.com/hotels/palacio-del-inka/

-Hilton Lima Miraflores: https://travellemming.com/hotels/hilton-lima-miraflores/

#Peru #PeruTravel #PeruPodcast

Timestamps:

00:00 - How Nate almost failed Machu Picchu

05:01 - Where to stay for Machu Picchu

08:08 - How to prep for the altitude (important!)

12:30 - Is Peru just for trekkers?

15:58 - Why you shouldn't skip Lima

21:23 - History you should know

24:54 - Cusco sites & where to stay

28:25 - A traditional Peruvian drink

29:27 - Get this ticket for Cusco & the Sacred Valley

33:12 - Our Peru itinerary & more Peru guides

Don't plan your trip to Vancouver, British Columbia without watching this podcast episode.

Cat is a Vancouver local, and Betty interviews her on everything a first-timer needs to know before they go. They chat about the very best things to do in the city, where to stay, how to get around, & how to visit on a budget.

They also chat about safety tips for Vancouver & what neighborhoods to avoid.

Have a question about visiting Vancouver? Drop it in the comments 👇

📰 Articles from Travel Lemming.com

-All Vancouver guides: https://travellemming.com/vancouver/

-All British Columbia guides: https://travellemming.com/british-columbia/

-Where to Stay in Vancouver: https://travellemming.com/where-to-stay-in-vancouver/

-Things to Do in Vancouver: https://travellemming.com/things-to-do-in-vancouver/

-5 Day Vancouver Itinerary: https://travellemming.com/vancouver-itinerary/

-Vancouver Neighborhoods: https://travellemming.com/vancouver-neighbourhoods/

-Is Vancouver Safe?: https://travellemming.com/is-vancouver-safe/

-Day Trips from Vancouver: https://travellemming.com/day-trips-from-vancouver/

💻 Perspectives from TravelLemming.com

-Vancouver's Strathcona neighborhood is a hidden gem: https://travellemming.com/perspectives/vancouver-history-in-strathcona/

-Salt Spring Island: https://travellemming.com/perspectives/i-think-everyone-should-visit-salt-spring-island/

#Vancouver #BritishColumbia #VisitVancouver #TravelPodcast

Segment Timestamps

00:00:00 – Intro

00:02:24 – Best Things to Do

00:05:24 – How to Get Around

00:07:19 – Film & TV Industry

00:10:12 – Where to Stay

00:17:00 – Budget Travel Tips

00:19:00 – Is Vancouver Safe?

00:21:13 – Gastown & Chinatown

00:22:29 – Food Scene

Watch this before you go to Amsterdam. In this episode, Betty & Amsterdam local creator Amber discuss exactly what you need to know about travel in Amsterdam.

They chat about etiquette mistakes not to make, where to stay, Dutch food to try, the best things to do in the city, + so much more.

They also discuss where NOT to stay in Amsterdam & safety tips.

Have a question about Amsterdam? Drop it in the comments 👇

📰 Articles from Travel Lemming.com

-Where to Stay in Amsterdam: https://travellemming.com/where-to-stay-in-amsterdam/

-Things to do in Amsterdam: https://travellemming.com/things-to-do-in-amsterdam/

-5 day Amsterdam itinerary: https://travellemming.com/amsterdam-itinerary/

-Amsterdam packing list: https://travellemming.com/amsterdam-packing-list/

#Amsterdam #NetherlandsTravel #TravelPodcast

Heading to Prague? Watch this BEFORE you go! In this episode, our local Prague expert Meera chats with our host Betty about how to do the city right if it's your first time.

Meera & Betty cover Czech etiquette you need to know, the top sites & attractions, food you need to try, exactly where to stay, + so much more.

They also reveal what NOT to do in Prague & Meera's top tips for visiting.

Have a question about Prague? Drop it in the comments 👇

📰 Articles from Travel Lemming.com

-Where to Stay in Prague: https://travellemming.com/where-to-stay-in-prague/

-Things to Do in Prague: https://travellemming.com/things-to-do-in-prague/

-5 Day Prague Itinerary: https://travellemming.com/prague-itinerary/

-Where to stay in Cesky Krumlov: https://travellemming.com/where-to-stay-in-cesky-krumlov/

#Prague #CzechRepublic #CeskyKrumlov #Prague Travel

Planning a trip to Portugal? Don't hop on the plane without listening to this episode. Our host Betty chats with Travel Lemming Senior Travel Writer & Video Producer Sky Ariella about what makes Portugal so special.

They discuss where to go first in the country, Sky's favorite hidden gems, safety stats you should know, the most iconic attractions, and foods to try. Sky also shares what she thinks is the WORST time to visit Portugal + travel mistakes not to make. It's all in this episode & more.

Have a question about Portugal? Drop it in the comments 👇

📰 Articles from Travel Lemming.com

-All Portugal guides: https://travellemming.com/portugal/

-Day trips from Lisbon: https://travellemming.com/day-trips-from-lisbon/

-Where to stay in Lisbon: https://travellemming.com/where-to-stay-in-lisbon/

-Where to stay in Porto: https://travellemming.com/where-to-stay-in-porto/

-Places to visit in Portugal: https://travellemming.com/places-to-visit-in-portugal/

-Where to stay in Nazare: https://travellemming.com/where-to-stay-in-nazare/

-Portugal packing list: https://travellemming.com/portugal-packing-list/

-10 day Portugal itinerary: https://travellemming.com/portugal-itinerary/

🎙️ Other Links Mentioned:

-50 best places to travel in 2025: https://travellemming.com/best-places-to-travel-2025/

#Portugal #Porto #PortugalTravel

00:00:00 – Intro

00:02:00 – Meet Sky

00:04:28 – Why Visit Portugal?

00:07:21 – Where to Go on Your First Trip

00:12:09 – When to Visit Portugal

00:13:27 – Best Things to Do

00:15:00 – Must-Try Portuguese Dishes

00:21:00 – Day Trips from Lisbon & Porto

00:22:43 – Fado Music

00:30:41 – How to Get Around Portugal

00:33:15 – Is Portugal Safe? (Especially for Solo Travelers)

00:35:37 – Why You Should Travel to Portugal

00:38:12 – Outro

Curious about walking the Camino de Santiago? In this episode, Betty chats with Cat who has walked the pilgrimage twice.

They discuss the various routes, how to prep for the Camino, your accommodation options, safety on the trail, what NOT to do while on the pilgrimage, + so much more.

Have a question about walking the Camino de Santiago? Drop it in the comments 👇

📰 Articles from TravelLemming.com:

-All Spain guides: https://travellemming.com/spain/

-Camino de Santiago packing list: https://travellemming.com/camino-de-santiago-packing-list/

-Walking the Camino de Santiago changed my life: https://travellemming.com/perspectives/walking-the-camino-de-santiago/

-I thought my second Camino would be easy. But it was one of the toughest experiences of my life: https://travellemming.com/perspectives/camino-primitivo-experience/

-I couldn't travel to Spain this year, so I walked a Canadian Camino in Nova Scotia instead: https://travellemming.com/perspectives/camino-nova-scotia/

#CaminoDeSantiago #CaminoSpain #caminofrances

Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:55 – Meet Catherine Driver 00:03:10 – History & Routes of the Camino 00:10:08 – The Camino Francés 00:11:57 – Difficulty Level & Daily Distance 00:15:46 – Training & Preparation 00:17:51 – Packing Tips & Essentials 00:24:23 – A Day in the Life on the Camino 00:29:00 – Albergues + Accommodation 00:34:10 – Language Barriers & Spanish Basics 00:36:11 – Bedbugs, Apps & Staying Flexible 00:38:13 – Types of Accommodation & Booking Tips 00:42:31 – Budgeting: Daily & Overall Costs 00:44:28 – Is the Camino Safe? Solo Travel Tips 00:47:01 – Waymarking & Getting Lost 00:50:28 – Best Time of Year to Walk 00:54:02 – Short Routes & Time-Saving Options 00:57:42 – Camino Etiquette & Albergue Tips 01:01:06 – Final Tips for First-Timers 01:03:20 – Why You Should Walk the Camino 01:04:31 – Conclusion

-Review of the JW Marriott Masai Mara - https://travellemming.com/perspectives/jw-marriott-masai-mara-safari-review/

If you've ever dreamed of going on a luxury safari in Kenya's Masai Mara, this episode is for you. Nate booked an all-inclusive safari experience through JW Marriott Masai Mara… and he did it entirely with Marriott Bonvoy points.

In this full review, Nate shares what to expect on game drives, what animals he saw, how this experience is different from budget options, what to expect at the lodge, how to book entirely using credit card points, & so much more.

Whether you're planning a honeymoon or just want to experience the Masai Mara in style, it's the trip of a lifetime.

Have a question about JW Marriott Masai Mara? Drop it in the comments 👇

📰 Articles from Travel Lemming.com

-Review of the JW Marriott Masai Mara - https://travellemming.com/perspectives/jw-marriott-masai-mara-safari-review/

#MasaiMara #JWMarriottMasaiMara #KenyaSafari

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:01:37 – Safari Overview

00:05:09 – Booking with Marriott Points

00:10:00 – Arriving at the JW Marriott Masai Mara

00:13:27 – Game Drive Setup

00:18:34 – Wildlife Encounters

00:23:22 – Canon Camera Studio & Photo Perks

00:29:00 – Expert Guides

00:31:53 – Wildlife at the Resort & Safety Measures

00:37:00 – Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

00:39:00 – Safety on Safari Drives

00:43:14 – Food, Drinks & Amenities at the JW Marriott

00:52:46 – Ethical Safaris & Conservation Efforts

01:02:17 – Total Trip Cost Without Points

01:03:36 – The New Ritz-Carlton Safari Camp

01:08:05 – Outro & Final Thoughts

Heading to The Big Easy? Watch this BEFORE you go! In this episode, New Orleans local Meg chats with our host Betty about how to do the city right if it's your first time.

Whether you're visiting for Mardi Gras or just want to see the sites, Meg & Betty cover etiquette you need to know, the top sites & attractions, food you need to try, exactly where to stay, + so much more.

They also reveal the WORST time to visit New Orleans & Meg's top tips for visiting.

Have a question about New Orleans? Drop it in the comments 👇

📰 Articles from Travel Lemming.com

-All New Orleans guides: https://travellemming.com/new-orleans/

-Where to Stay in New Orleans: https://travellemming.com/where-to-stay-in-new-orleans/

-Things to Do in New Orleans: https://travellemming.com/things-to-do-in-new-orleans/

-New Orleans Neighborhoods: https://travellemming.com/new-orleans-neighborhoods/

-Best Time to Visit New Orleans: https://travellemming.com/best-time-to-visit-new-orleans/

#NewOrleans #Louisiana #TravelTips #MardiGras

00:00:00 – Intro

00:01:00 – Meet Meg

00:07:00 – Best Things to Do in New Orleans

00:12:00 – Beignets & Café du Monde

00:14:00 – Ghost Tours, Museums & Jackson Square

00:18:45 – Mardi Gras

00:26:45 – Meg's Top 5 Attractions

00:32:00 – Where to Stay in New Orleans

00:38:00 – Visiting Uptown & Magazine Street

00:40:00 – Safety Tips for Visitors

00:43:00 – Best Times of Year to Visit

00:47:00 – How to Get Around New Orleans

00:48:00 – Must-Try Foods

00:53:00 – Etiquette Tips

00:59:00 – Travel Tips

If you're looking for things to do outside of Orlando's theme parks, then this is the episode for you! Betty interviews Katie, an Orlando local, about the very best of Orlando + everything you need to know before you go.

They chat about the best things to do in Orlando, day trips to take, what you need to know about alligators, & travel mistakes not to make.

Have a question about Orlando? Drop it in the comments 👇

📰 Articles from Travel Lemming.com

-All Orlando guides: https://travellemming.com/orlando/

-Things to Do in Orlando: https://travellemming.com/things-to-do-in-orlando/

-Where to Stay in Orlando: https://travellemming.com/where-to-stay-in-orlando/

-Orlando Restaurants: https://travellemming.com/orlando-restaurants/

-Best Time to Visit Orlando: https://travellemming.com/best-time-to-visit-orlando/

-Day Trips from Orlando: https://travellemming.com/day-trips-from-orlando/

#Orlando #TravelPodcast #TravelTips

00:00:00 – Intro 00:01:00 – Meet Katie: Local Expert 00:02:30 – Why Visit Orlando? 00:03:30 – Top Things to Do (Beyond Theme Parks) 00:05:00 – Katie's Top 5 Attractions 00:09:00 – Springs, Wildlife & Nature Activities 00:10:30 – Where to Stay in Orlando 00:14:00 – Vacation Rentals & Budget Options 00:15:00 – When to Visit & How Long to Stay 00:17:00 – Getting Around Orlando 00:20:00 – Local Food, Drinks & Epcot Bar Crawl 00:25:00 – Tips, Etiquette & Final Thoughts