Come along with Laura and her kids as they dive headfirst into the chaos and charm of Rome! From the moment we landed, jet lagged and dragging our suitcases through streets full of cars, motos, and sirens, Rome made itself known. We explore the Colosseum, try to imagine what life was like 2,000 years ago, and brave the crowds at the Trevi Fountain—coins in hand, hoping to guarantee our return. Along the way, we taste the classics of Roman cuisine, from Cacio e Pepe to Suppli, and learn that Italian food really is about simple, quality ingredients. Expect a little adventure, a lot of history, and plenty of moments where we just sit back, eat gelato, and watch the city come alive. 

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Musical Credits:
Sunset on the beach by Komiku is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License.   Epic by Lite Saturation is licensed under a Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.  Track: "A Stroll Through Verona"  Music provided by https://slip.stream

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Laura is back in Bangkok, this time exploring the city with fresh eyes. Hop on the public riverboats, wander the winding streets near Khao San Road, and taste-test Bangkok’s legendary street food—from spicy noodles and durian desserts to a roasted scorpion. Along the way, she shares her updated thoughts on where to stay, favorite food spots, and how to experience the city like a local (or at least a fearless tourist). Bangkok’s bustling energy, vibrant flavors, and unforgettable sights make this second visit just as thrilling as the first.

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Musical Credits:
By The River by Kirk Osamayo is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License. Extraordinary by Tadz is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License.

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Laura floats leisurely down the Mekong on a two day slow boat to Luang Prabang.  Friends are made and songs are sung as we journey along the river, stopping at countless tiny villages along the way.  Lightening and thunder! Giant catfish!  This voyage has it all.

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Musical Credits:
Happy happy is super happy yes by Chienne Errante is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License.   Imperial China Cinematic © 2016 by Shane Ivers is licensed under CC BY 4.0 

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Join Laura and her friend Gayle as they tackle a three-day trek through the lush Nam Ha Protected Area in northern Laos. From slippery mud paths and jungle encounters with monkeys, snakes and beetles to homestays in remote villages, this trek tests their endurance—and their sense of humor. Along the way, they explore local culture, taste new foods, and witness breathtaking scenery that makes every muddy step worth it. Full of adventure, mishaps, and unforgettable moments, this episode is for anyone curious about trekking, ecotourism, and the hidden wonders of Luang Namtha.

The Hiker- Highly recommend this trekking company
The Halo Trust- Clearing UXOs (unexploded ordinances)
Cope Laos- Helping UXO survivors

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Musical Credits:
Wonder Cycle by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.   Night Terror_Lisa Hammer.mp3 by Lisa Hammer is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.  Depth Of Focus by Shane Ivers is licensed under CC BY 4.0.  Fantasy Overture by Shane Ivers is licensed under CC BY 4.0.  Ailsa's Lullaby by Axletree is licensed under a Attribution License.   Give A Little © 2021 by Shane Ivers is licensed under CC BY 4.0. 

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Join Laura as she crosses the Thailand-Laos border and explores the charm of Vientiane, the tiny but lively capital. From navigating confusing train tickets and tuk-tuks to discovering local BBQs and serene Mekong riverside walks, she takes you along every quirky and memorable step. Then it’s off to Luang Prabang, where French-influenced architecture, bustling night markets, and sacred wats meet rainbow-colored dragon boats and early-morning alms giving. Along the way, Laura reflects on culture, communism, and the slower pace of life in Laos, making this episode a vivid mix of travel, food, and thoughtful observations. 

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Musical Credits:
Lullaby by Ghost, Narva9, Yvonne is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.    Way Of The Samurai by HoliznaCC0 is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License. 

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 Join Laura in Puerto Escondido for an unforgettable sea turtle conservation adventure with Vivemar. From late-night ATV patrols under the stars to searching for nesting turtles and protecting fragile eggs, you’ll experience firsthand what it takes to safeguard these endangered creatures. Feel the joy of helping release tiny hatchlings into the ocean and learn how local education is changing cultural traditions around turtle eggs. Laura shares her personal reflections, behind-the-scenes stories, and how you, too, can join Vivemar in protecting sea turtles in Oaxaca.

Learn more about Vivemar:  www.vivemar.com.mx

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Musical Credits:
Pueblo Village Party (ID 863) - Remastered by Lobo Loco is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.  Deep Peace by M33 Project is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial  4.0 International License.  Water World by E-Prosounds is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 

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 Laura steps far outside her comfort zone to take part in a Zapotec temazcal ceremony in Oaxaca — an ancient sweat lodge ritual meant to cleanse the body, spirit, and mind. Guided by Yessica at Casa Las Máscaras, she experiences waves of heat, herbal cleansings, and powerful mantras that push her limits and open her to a new kind of spiritual connection. With honesty and humor, Laura shares how it felt to surrender to this intense ceremony and what she carried away from the experience. This episode offers a raw and personal look at how travel can transform us in unexpected, deeply human ways.

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Musical Credits:
Native Flute by Carlos Carty is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 License.    Tuesday Night by Maarten Schellekens is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.  

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 Oaxaca isn’t just about the city — the surrounding valleys and mountains are packed with unforgettable day trips. Join Laura as she visits the weaving village of Teotitlán del Valle, marvels at the ancient Tule tree, climbs among the ruins of Mitla, and hikes the surreal mineral pools of Hierve el Agua. Along the way, discover when to visit Oaxaca for its most colorful festivals — from Día de los Muertos to the quirky Night of the Radishes. History, culture, food, and natural beauty all combine into one adventure-packed episode. 

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Musical Credits:
Morning Light by Sian Alice Group is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (aka Music Sharing) 3.0 International License.  Water Leaking by Jeffrey Lewis and the Rain is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.  Minor salsa by Dee Yan-Key and  Always Question by Red This Ever  are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 

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 Come hungry to Oaxaca, Mexico — one of the world’s true food capitals. In this episode, Laura dives into the city’s legendary street food, from late-night tlayudas and flower-topped quesadillas to rich moles and crispy chapulines. Then, sip your way through Oaxaca’s mezcal culture: learn how it’s made, the difference between mezcal and tequila, and the wild agaves (and even stranger traditions) behind this fascinating spirit. Equal parts delicious and eye-opening, this journey through Oaxaca will leave you craving both another bite and another pour.

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Musical Credits:
What's Your Favourite Meat, Pete by Dr Sparkles is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License.   Mexico by Independent Music Licensing Collective (IMLC) is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 

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

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(Musical credit for ad: Track: "De Manha"
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Laura goes down memory lane to tell you one of her favorite travel stories of all time.  When the Lonely Planet guidebook says not to visit the Amazon in the rainy season but doesn't explain why, she does it anyway and finds out.  Join her as she makes her way farther and farther from roads, getting deeper into the Peruvian jungle. 
This story begins on a public boat chugging along, crisscrossed with hammocks and ends with five days in a dugout canoe.  Come along with Laura as she discovers how the flooded river impacts things like spotting wildlife, camping on... land (?) and using the... restroom (?)  Things get real in this adventure of a lifetime.

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Musical Credits:
Jungle in the jungle by Mons Jacet is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 International License.  Road Song by Tan Low is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License.   Slow Enough by Greg Atkinson is licensed under a Attribution License.   Suoni in attesa by Toreroerba is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.  D220 River Dolphin by Bill Cutbill is licensed under an attribution 4.0 license.

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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 credit for ad: Track: "De Manha"
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