The Travel Wins

Christopher Elliott is my guest on today's episode. Chris is an award-winning author, advocate, and journalist. He shares some of his stories from the road and is a self professed traveling nomad. As a travel contributor for Forbes, USA Today, Washington Post, National Geographic and NPR I really appreciated Chris giving me as much of his time as he did.
He’s the founder of Elliott Advocacy is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers people to solve their problems and helps those who can’t. He’s also the co-founder of Travelers United, a nonprofit organization that advocates for travelers in Washington.
He’s the author of How To Be The World’s Smartest Traveler (And Save Time, Money and Hassle) (National Geographic, 2014) a practical guide for travelers, and Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals (Wiley, 2011) which explores the broken relationship between American consumers and businesses.
He writes six weekly syndicated columns with a total reach of more than 10 million readers.
✓ A weekly column for the Washington Post called The Navigator, which focuses on being a smarter and more informed traveler, with a special emphasis on transportation policy.
✓ USA Today’s weekly On Travel and Away is Home columns. The features help travelers understand the inner workings of the travel industry, and how to make the most of their next trip. You can find past On Travel and Away is Home columns here, too.
✓ Elliott is also a regular contributor to Forbes. He writes write about customer service issues, with a specialty in technology and travel. Many of these columns are also branded as Smart Consumer stories and nationally syndicated.
Elliott also contributes to a variety of media organizations, including National Geographic, NPR, Smithsonian and Travel & Leisure.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-travel-wins--3480301/support.

Christopher Elliott is my guest on today's episode. Chris is an award-winning author, advocate, and journalist. He shares some of his stories from the road and is a self professed traveling nomad. As a travel contributor for Forbes, USA Today, Washington Post, National Geographic and NPR I really appreciated Chris giving me as much of his time as he did.
He’s the founder of Elliott Advocacy is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers people to solve their problems and helps those who can’t. He’s also the co-founder of Travelers United, a nonprofit organization that advocates for travelers in Washington.
He’s the author of How To Be The World’s Smartest Traveler (And Save Time, Money and Hassle) (National Geographic, 2014) a practical guide for travelers, and Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals (Wiley, 2011) which explores the broken relationship between American consumers and businesses.
He writes six weekly syndicated columns with a total reach of more than 10 million readers.
✓ A weekly column for the Washington Post called The Navigator, which focuses on being a smarter and more informed traveler, with a special emphasis on transportation policy.
✓ USA Today’s weekly On Travel and Away is Home columns. The features help travelers understand the inner workings of the travel industry, and how to make the most of their next trip. You can find past On Travel and Away is Home columns here, too.
✓ Elliott is also a regular contributor to Forbes. He writes write about customer service issues, with a specialty in technology and travel. Many of these columns are also branded as Smart Consumer stories and nationally syndicated.
Elliott also contributes to a variety of media organizations, including National Geographic, NPR, Smithsonian and Travel & Leisure.

Jessica Blessing is my guest this week. Jessica is a powerhouse of a woman. We can start with she is a mom to 2 very active children, wife, business owner, outside sales representative and a friend to many. Every time I think “I’m so busy” or “how much traveling I have done or have to do for the upcoming season” I revert back to think how busy Jessica is. Being a traveling, outside sales representative in Texas while being pregnant, then being pregnant with a toddler is beyond my comprehension. Now that her children are older they are involved with school activities, rodeo, soccer, football and raising their pets. Having a toy Aussie breeding company and now starting a pony company adds to her growing list of responsibilities. We talk about how she keeps her sanity and how for her staying busy keeps everything in line. I am very fortunate to be one of her friends she can call while we drive for hours on end for our jobs. Good luck trying to keep up with Jessica and her family.

Intro song “Road Trip” by Robin Tricker

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-travel-wins--3480301/support.

Jessica Blessing is my guest this week. Jessica is a powerhouse of a woman. We can start with she is a mom to 2 very active children, wife, business owner, outside sales representative and a friend to many. Every time I think “I’m so busy” or “how much traveling I have done or have to do for the upcoming season” I revert back to think how busy Jessica is. Being a traveling, outside sales representative in Texas while being pregnant, then being pregnant with a toddler is beyond my comprehension. Now that her children are older they are involved with school activities, rodeo, soccer, football and raising their pets. Having a toy Aussie breeding company and now starting a pony company adds to her growing list of responsibilities. We talk about how she keeps her sanity and how for her staying busy keeps everything in line. I am very fortunate to be one of her friends she can call while we drive for hours on end for our jobs. Good luck trying to keep up with Jessica and her family.

Intro song “Road Trip” by Robin Tricker

Christina Papavlasopoulos is my guest this week. Christina is the co-founder of the luxury boutique travel planning company, Shefari. I was excited to speak with Christina about her company beginnings and where they are headed. As the father of two daughters, I was happy to hear from other women looking to expand their circle and help empower women. Make sure to look at the bottom of this page for their upcoming woman empowerment trip, She Succeeds, to Greece this October.
ABOUT CHRISTINA
Adventure has been instilled in me since childhood. We moved often, and though good-byes were difficult, there was always excitement for the faces and places that lie ahead. My sense of adventure continued in college, where my interest in art history and fashion sent me on a study tour to Paris and London. I admired the intricate architecture, the chic Parisian style, and delighted in calling my parents from an infamous red telephone booth to wish them a Happy New Year. A week in France and England led to a semester in Italy, and then work in Greece – each its own glorious adventure.

Besides travel I love musicals, bold colors, artichokes, and leather-bound books.
I want to learn the cello and become fluent in five languages. I adore wit and creativity, and I’ve never met a latte I didn’t like. When I’m not planning your next Shefari, I can be found painting, drawing, and jogging (fine, walking) to throwback hip-hop. Though planes take me all over the world, my favorite destination is home to Florida, sharing wine and stories with my family.
The Shefari “aha” moment came with an international phone call. My aunt announced that she was coming to Greece, explaining life was too short not to experience it to the fullest and see the places she wanted. She already had her sister, mother, and cousins on board. At her request, we planned the trip of a lifetime for seven of my favorite women, and our first Shefari was born.
SHEFARI
We are a new generation of travel planners. A company for and by women.
Our goal is simple: to inspire and connect individuals through the art of traveling. So we’ve crafted travel packages for all of life’s occasions, whether it is a wonderful mother-daughter getaway, a life-changing retreat, or your dream honeymoon.
We offer magnificent destinations and activities, selected with you in mind. Create your own using Build A Trip, browse our collection of transformative travel, or contact us for an custom itinerary just for you.
Let us help you travel well.
She Succeeds
Entrepreneurial Retreat in Corfu, Greece
October 5-10, 2019
At Last!
The ultimate women’s entrepreneurial retreat that you’ve been seeking – where travel meets transformation and methodology meets magic.
As driven professionals, we know it’s imperative to occasionally step away from the hustle to refocus. This retreat will stir you to find clarity and creativity on multiple levels, so you can return to your projects from a place of deep presence and renewed imagination. You’ll gain insight into how to grow your business and leave empowered.
Why Corfu? The turquoise waters of this mythical island and the women of its rich history are integral elements of this experience. Immerse yourself in Greece’s philosophies of wellness, success, and a life well-lived.
Strength, from the legendary goddess Athena, who rescued the shipwrecked hero Odysseus on Corfu’s shores.
Inspiration, as you stand in the famed courtyard of the Nine Muses.
Well-being, through the calm haven where Princess Sisi of Austria came to heal.
Luxury, in the essence of Jackie Onassis, who lived and sunbathed in the very resort you will call home for five days.
Prepare for self-care, insightful masterclasses, and sunsets by the sea in a luxurious oasis. Return refreshed and recharged.
Don’t miss this life-shifting opportunity!
Imagine...
Five incredible days of immersive lessons from a stellar lineup of internationally successful female CEOs, coaches, and visionaries…all who are excited to share in your growth.
Start each morning with beach yoga, meditation, and Greek-inspired nutrition tips to keep you at the top of your physical game. Sip chilled rosé at sunset and nautical network on a sun-kissed boat in the Ionian Sea with ladies who “get it”.
Explore a 13th century monastery then dine on traditional Hellenic cuisine in a cozy local tavern. Get real with a global group of women who’ve got your back for life.
It’s no coincidence that you’ve landed here…
If this resonates, then you belong at the She Succeeds Retreat in Corfu this October!
Do You Crave...
Sharing ideas and connecting with like-minded women on the “business vacation” of a lifetime?
Building your own mastermind group of dynamic females packed with motivation, peer-brainstorming, and accountability?
Learning proven tactics from dynamite leaders on amping up your networking, selling, digital marketing, time-managing, writing, and business strategy?
Pinpointing those areas of your business that consistently trouble you and creating a plan to move forward in both group and one-on-one mentorship?
Breaking away from the loneliness of the solo-preneur and small biz journey?
Turning your passion project or side hustle into a full-fledged, lucrative business?
The opportunity to present your company, idea, or challenge and hear constructive feedback from elevated thinkers?
Improving both your personal and professional well-being? (Hint: they are beyond interconnected!)

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-travel-wins--3480301/support.

Christina Papavlasopoulos is my guest this week. Christina is the co-founder of the luxury boutique travel planning company, Shefari. I was excited to speak with Christina about her company beginnings and where they are headed. As the father of two daughters, I was happy to hear from other women looking to expand their circle and help empower women. Make sure to look at the bottom of this page for their upcoming woman empowerment trip, She Succeeds, to Greece this October.
ABOUT CHRISTINA
Adventure has been instilled in me since childhood. We moved often, and though good-byes were difficult, there was always excitement for the faces and places that lie ahead. My sense of adventure continued in college, where my interest in art history and fashion sent me on a study tour to Paris and London. I admired the intricate architecture, the chic Parisian style, and delighted in calling my parents from an infamous red telephone booth to wish them a Happy New Year. A week in France and England led to a semester in Italy, and then work in Greece – each its own glorious adventure.

Besides travel I love musicals, bold colors, artichokes, and leather-bound books.
I want to learn the cello and become fluent in five languages. I adore wit and creativity, and I’ve never met a latte I didn’t like. When I’m not planning your next Shefari, I can be found painting, drawing, and jogging (fine, walking) to throwback hip-hop. Though planes take me all over the world, my favorite destination is home to Florida, sharing wine and stories with my family.
The Shefari “aha” moment came with an international phone call. My aunt announced that she was coming to Greece, explaining life was too short not to experience it to the fullest and see the places she wanted. She already had her sister, mother, and cousins on board. At her request, we planned the trip of a lifetime for seven of my favorite women, and our first Shefari was born.
SHEFARI
We are a new generation of travel planners. A company for and by women.
Our goal is simple: to inspire and connect individuals through the art of traveling. So we’ve crafted travel packages for all of life’s occasions, whether it is a wonderful mother-daughter getaway, a life-changing retreat, or your dream honeymoon.
We offer magnificent destinations and activities, selected with you in mind. Create your own using Build A Trip, browse our collection of transformative travel, or contact us for an custom itinerary just for you.
Let us help you travel well.
She Succeeds
Entrepreneurial Retreat in Corfu, Greece
October 5-10, 2019
At Last!
The ultimate women’s entrepreneurial retreat that you’ve been seeking – where travel meets transformation and methodology meets magic.
As driven professionals, we know it’s imperative to occasionally step away from the hustle to refocus. This retreat will stir you to find clarity and creativity on multiple levels, so you can return to your projects from a place of deep presence and renewed imagination. You’ll gain insight into how to grow your business and leave empowered.
Why Corfu? The turquoise waters of this mythical island and the women of its rich history are integral elements of this experience. Immerse yourself in Greece’s philosophies of wellness, success, and a life well-lived.
Strength, from the legendary goddess Athena, who rescued the shipwrecked hero Odysseus on Corfu’s shores.
Inspiration, as you stand in the famed courtyard of the Nine Muses.
Well-being, through the calm haven where Princess Sisi of Austria came to heal.
Luxury, in the essence of Jackie Onassis, who lived and sunbathed in the very resort you will call home for five days.
Prepare for self-care, insightful masterclasses, and sunsets by the sea in a luxurious oasis. Return refreshed and recharged.
Don’t miss this life-shifting opportunity!
Imagine...
Five incredible days of...

Megan Driscoll is this week’s guest. As the CEO and Founder of the public relations firm EvolveMKD, we discussed the need for business travel for clients. Even with all of the available technology, Megan finds it necessary as ever to meet in person with clients and create face to face time. Creating lasting bonds and reputation with clients, new and existing, is essential for the way she formed her public relations company.
Make sure to listen to the entire episode and check out EvolveMKD on their social media outlets.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-travel-wins--3480301/support.

Megan Driscoll is this week’s guest. As the CEO and Founder of the public relations firm EvolveMKD, we discussed the need for business travel for clients. Even with all of the available technology, Megan finds it necessary as ever to meet in person with clients and create face to face time. Creating lasting bonds and reputation with clients, new and existing, is essential for the way she formed her public relations company.
Make sure to listen to the entire episode and check out EvolveMKD on their social media outlets.

"Voyages Unveiled: Max Martini's Cinematic Travels and Directorial Dreams"

Step into the captivating world of business travel as we dive into this week's riveting episode featuring none other than the illustrious Max Martini. Prepare to be enthralled as Max takes us on an exhilarating journey through the silver screen, sharing his remarkable tales from the movie sets he's graced with his presence. But that's not all – Max's star-studded voyage has now taken him behind the camera as a director, where he orchestrates the travel experiences of all involved.

With a career spanning epochs, Max Martini has rubbed shoulders with the crème de la crème of the cinematic and television realms. Join us as we uncover the secrets of how he masterfully balances life on the road while nurturing cherished relationships with family and friends. It's an honor to have delved into Max's world, gaining insight from his treasure trove of experiences.

As a true testament to his cinematic prowess, Max's latest opus, "Sgt. Will Gardner," is now available for your viewing pleasure across an array of platforms including iTunes, YouTube, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, and Netflix. This poignant creation features a star-studded ensemble cast, including the likes of Omari Hardwick, Lily Rabe, Robert Patrick, Dermot Mulroney, Gary Sinise, JoBeth Williams, Jay DeMarcus, the talented Leo Martini (Max's son), and Elisabeth Rohm.

But the excitement doesn't end there. Prepare to be on the edge of your seat as Max Martini tantalizes our cinematic senses with his upcoming masterpiece, "Manson Brothers Zombie Massacre." And just when you thought the adventure couldn't get any more electrifying, brace yourself for Max's directorial journey in the heartland, set against the backdrop of a thrilling rodeo movie in the scenic landscapes of Oklahoma.

So, dear listeners, fasten your seatbelts and join us as we uncover the captivating escapades of Max Martini, a true maestro of the silver screen, whose stories of travel, triumph, and tantalizing tales will leave you inspired and craving for more.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-travel-wins--3480301/support.

Max Martini is my guest this week. His latest movie release, Sgt. Will Gardner is available on Itunes, YouTube, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu and Netflix. Sgt. Will Gardner co-stars Omari Hardwick, Lily Rabe, Robert Patrick, Dermot Mulroney, Gary Sinise, JoBeth Williams, Jay DeMarcus, Max’s son Leo Martini and Elisabeth Rohm.
Max was great sharing his travel stories from the movies he worked on. His latest role as director makes him responsible for everyone’s traveling and he shared some of the differences. He has worked with the best people in the movie and television industries in a career spanning decades so it was a pleasure getting to spend some time speaking with him.
I’m excited to watch his upcoming movie “Manson Brothers Zombie Massacre” and he is getting ready to direct a rodeo movie in Oklahoma.