In this episode, Laura takes us to León, Nicaragua — a city of striking colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and surprising adventures. From climbing the roof of its dazzling white cathedral to exploring bustling markets, León offers both authentic charm and plenty to do. We’ll venture beyond the city to experience the adrenaline rush of volcano boarding at Cerro Negro, complete with the highs, lows, and honest realities of this famous activity. Then we wind down at nearby Las Peñitas beach, sharing what to expect, what to skip, and why León offers a uniquely authentic side of Nicaragua.

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Musical Credits:

Cue 38-instr by Douglas Fonseca and  CNickel_Opening2_MIX by GRB TV were provided by: Slipstream Music .

El Cha Cha Man by Juanitos is licensed under a Attribution 2.0 France License.

Bat sound from https://quicksounds.com“

Atlantic Ocean Waves by tim.kahn -- https://freesound.org/s/197714/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

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In this episode of Travel Along with Laura, we’re continuing our adventure on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques. From serene black-sand beaches to unexpected jungle detours, this trip has it all. Join Laura and her partner Carrie as they explore Playa Negra and Playa Grande, trek through island trails, search for old sugar mill ruins, and get more adventure than they bargained for while stumbling across abandoned U.S. Navy bunkers hidden in the forest. Plus, we’ll talk about the “wild” horses of Vieques, visit a local rum distillery, and reflect on the beauty — and complexity — of this Caribbean gem. 

If you're into off-the-beaten-path adventure, tropical beaches, and a little travel drama, this episode is for you! 

Listen now and come explore Vieques with us — bugs, bunkers, beaches, and all. 

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Musical Credits: 

Track: "Yguacu Blues" and  "Rum And Spice"  provided by https://slipstreammusic.com

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Off the eastern tip of Puerto Rico lies the Caribbean island of Vieques. In this episode, we trade San Juan’s buzz for beach bars and an unforgettable ride through the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Along the way, Laura takes a tiny airplane, sips painkillers under the stars, and pops the question! From glass-bottom kayaks to an island wide power outage, Vieques gave us more adventure—and romance—than we ever expected.

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Musical Credits:

Tracks: "The Grind", "Yellowstone 001",  "Rum And Spice"
Music provided by https://slipstreammusic.com
Auld Lang Syne | 2024 Christmas Songs by LOPKERJO is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Join Laura on a flavorful journey through the lush landscapes of Puerto Rico! We’ll explore the famed "ruta de lechon," where succulent pork is roasted to perfection at lechoneras dotting the mountain roads.

Our adventure takes us through the Carite rainforest where you can hike to breathtaking swimming holes and sip holy spring water at a catholic pilgrimage site.  Listen in as our guide, Adrian, shares insights about the island’s history, from the original Taino inhabitants to the vibrant culinary scene that flourishes today. We’ll uncover the significance of plantains, the rhythms of salsa music, and the remarkable wildlife of the rainforest, including the iconic coquí frog.

With a mix of adventure, culture, and culinary delights, this episode is not to be missed!

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Musical Credits:

Free Guitar Riding Blues (F 014) by Lobo Loco is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Taino music- track 1 provided by TainoAge.com

Spanish Guitar solo by Sonican, Mabarebare by Kbwabana, holyChorus.wav by BFMGames and Buena Suerte by FJRAV Travel Vlog are available under the Creative Commons Zero license.

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We're heading to the vibrant capital city of San Juan, Puerto Rico! Join Laura as she explores the charming cobblestone streets of Old Town, surrounded by historic castles and forts, before venturing into the modern neighborhood of Santurce. She'll also take you inside the Ron de Barrilito distillery to uncover the secrets behind Puerto Rico’s world-famous rum. Come along as she learns about the complexities of Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. commonwealth and the island’s fascinating cultural mix. Grab your bags, let’s go explore San Juan together! 

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Music Credits:

Track: "Una Noche" and  "rum night-MM" and  "Fuego" music provided by https://slipstreammusic.com
Gotta Love Me by Kellee Maize is licensed under a Attribution License.  "La Borinquena" performed by the US Navy Band is licensed under public domain.

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Escape the bustle of Tokyo and step into the serene hills of Hakone in this episode of Travel Along with Laura. Tucked beneath Mt. Fuji, Hakone is a series of quaint lakeside towns dotted with traditional ryokans and soothing onsens. Join Laura, her partner Carrie, and their two kids as they navigate cultural norms, soak in hot spring baths, savor multi-course kaiseki meals, and marvel at dramatic sulfur mines from a cable car.

Along the way, experience the quiet charm of early morning bird songs, explore lakeside villages, and enjoy tips for getting the most out of a stay in a Japanese ryokan. Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or traveling vicariously, this episode brings Hakone’s unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty right to your ears.

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

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Music Credits:
Track: "Opening Tokyo"  and Track: "Can'T Stop The Sunset" Music provided by https://slip.stream

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Join Laura and her family as they explore the vibrant streets and serene shrines of Kyoto in the second episode of Travel Along with Laura’s Japan series! From climbing through torii gates at Shinto shrines and tasting matcha shaved ice to exploring the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, the family dives into the sights, flavors, and sounds of Kyoto.

Wander bustling food stalls, discover TikTok-famous Tanghulu strawberries, and enjoy unforgettable meals in cozy tatami-style restaurants. Experience the quirky side of Kyoto with a visit to a pig cafe and soak in the magical streets of Gion at night. Along the way, get tips for navigating trains, finding family-friendly lodging, and making the most of Japan’s summer heat.

If you love cultural exploration, family adventures, and unique culinary experiences, this episode will transport you straight into the heart of Kyoto—shrines, sushi, sake, and pigs included!

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

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Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

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Music Credits:
Tracks: "Chugging Along", Purrple Cat, "Establishing Tokyo", "Roasted Turnt" and "Walk it Off provided by https://slip.stream
Sense by Sergey Cheremisinov is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

Track: "Can'T Stop The Sunset" Music provided by https://slip.stream

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Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

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Step into the dazzling chaos and cozy corners of Tokyo in this first episode of Travel Along with Laura’s Japan series! From the towering lights of Shinjuku to the quirky charm of Akihabara’s arcades, Laura, her partner Carrie, and their two kids explore the city’s endless neighborhoods, food, and culture.

Discover hidden gems like tiny yakitori restaurants, the TeamLab Borderless light museum, and the iconic Shibuya Crossing. Along the way, learn practical tips for navigating Tokyo’s trains, taxis, and lodging, and hear the family’s real-time reactions to a city of 37 million people that somehow feels safe, organized, and endlessly fascinating.

If you love city adventures, Japanese food, family-friendly travel, and immersive cultural experiences, this episode will transport you straight to the heart of Japan’s capital—arcades, sushi, tiny restaurants, and all!

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

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Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

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Musical credits:
Get A Move On by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.
Track: "Pressing Buttons"
Music provided by https://slip.stream
Download / Stream: https://get.slip.stream/4H2vNQ
Announcement train accelerating Tokyo japan next station Nihombashi  edlarez vsnr.wav by visionear -- https://freesound.org/s/624298/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Track: "In The Can_Cover"
Music provided by https://slip.stream
Download / Stream: https://get.slip.stream/kG6fUa
Track: "Act Open Hot Stuff"
Music provided by https://slip.stream
Download / Stream: https://get.slip.stream/3Kc9ii
What's Your Favourite Meat, Pete by Dr Sparkles is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License.  Track: "Can'T Stop The Sunset" Music provided by https://slip.stream

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(Musical credit for ad: Track: "De Manha"
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 In this episode, Laura takes you on what might be her most bizarre adventure yet: venturing deep into a working silver mine in Potosi, Bolivia. Past a smoking shrine to the local god Tio, she descends into perforated rock with nothing but coca leaves and 192-proof alcohol to keep her nerves steady. This gritty story reveals the harsh realities of life inside the mine, including its history and the people who work there under dangerous conditions. Beyond Potosi, Laura explores Bolivia’s incredible landscapes—from the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni salt flats to the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca—and the cultural highlights of Sucre and the dizzying heights of La Paz. Adventure, history, and unforgettable experiences await in this eye-opening episode.

Want to help the children of Potosi? Please consider donating to the organization Amigos de Postosi.

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

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Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

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Audio and Musical Credits:
Snorting cocaine by Breviceps -- https://freesound.org/s/450622/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Track: "Mellow", Fenixprod  Music provided by https://slip.stream
public transport soliciting passengers.wav by Tito Lahaye -- https://freesound.org/s/78434/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0
Piano Singularity by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cycling.m4a by Chilsville -- https://freesound.org/s/574119/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Wind Chimes (medium, 6 chimes) by iainmccurdy -- https://freesound.org/s/642325/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Epic Fantasy by Lite Saturation is licensed under a Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
orecart_move_1.wav by Amusquiz99 -- https://freesound.org/s/435711/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
89448__bkamuse__dangerous-mine-shaft_edited.mp3 by pbmzbr -- https://freesound.org/s/625296/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
blast mining edit.wav by WaveAdventurer -- https://freesound.org/s/127952/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0
Track: "Triumphant Celebration"
Music provided by https://slip.stream

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(Musical credit for ad: Track: "De Manha"
Music provided by https://slipstreammusic.com)

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

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Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

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Support the show

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

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(Musical credit for ad: Track: "De Manha"
Music provided by https://slipstreammusic.com)