Travel Connections

In this episode of Travel Connections, Suzanne welcomes Kimi Mendenhall and Erin Talafus, two adventurous nurses and world travelers, who joined the Spring 2026 Travel Connections Tour in Tuscany. From the moment they arrived at iCastagni in the charming hilltop village of Montefollonico, they knew this would be more than just a vacation—it would be an immersive experience filled with authentic connections, unforgettable food and wine, and the magic of slow travel.

Kimi and Erin share their favorite moments from the tour, including exclusive insider access, the magic of traveling with three generations, fascinating lessons about winemaking and food pairings from tour co-host Tim Rawlinson, and the breathtaking views that seemed straight out of a movie. They also reflect on exploring the stunning city of Siena, learning about the famous Palio horse race, meeting local nonnas, and taking part in a cooking class that was equal parts delicious and memorable.

You'll also discover what a lemonaia is and hear about the bite of food that left an entire table speechless.

If you've ever dreamed of wandering through storybook villages, savoring incredible Tuscan cuisine, and experiencing Italy at a slower pace, this episode offers a firsthand glimpse into what makes Tuscany—and the Travel Connections Tour—so special.

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This is the story of a destination we waited ten years to experience — and why it was worth every moment. Truly a travel dream come true.

As we begin 2026 - and publish this special destination episode, we're taking you to one of the most remote and magical places we've ever traveled: Chiloé Island, located off the southern coast of Chile. This journey has been more than a decade in the making, ever since my husband Craig first discovered a remarkable hotel called Refugia Chiloé. Once again, Craig Stavert is back to share his colorful insights and fun sense of humor!

After a recent trip to South America and reconnecting with our incredible guide, Sol Maranon, we knew this was finally the year to make the dream a reality. What followed was an unforgettable journey by plane, car, and ferry — one that led us to an idyllic luxury hotel surrounded by dramatic coastal landscapes, deep cultural history, and nature at every turn.

In this episode, we share what drew us to Refugia Chiloé and why it exceeded every expectation — from its sea-to-table cuisine and striking architectural design to its emphasis on rest, connection, and complete immersion in natural surroundings. We talk about the historic stilt houses of Castro, the magic of personalized touring, and our first experience with a "nature bath."

More than just a travel story, this episode explores our passion for destinations that allow us to slow down, absorb a culture, and truly connect — with the land, the people, and each other. It's a conversation about choosing places that enrich you, invite presence, and leave a lasting imprint long after you return home.

For more details about our tour with Sol Maranon, please email [email protected] and I will connect you with Sol and her husband, Antonio. Their knowledge of Chile and Patagonia is unsurpassed!

Patagonia Podcasts:

An Extraordinary Tour of Patagonia with Collette

More Adventures in Patagonia with Special Guest Craig Stavert

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of Travel Connections!

If you've been following along, you know how excited I am about our upcoming Travel Connections Tours to Tuscany, launching in spring 2026. Our home base for these unforgettable experiences will be iCastagni, a lovingly restored inn nestled in the storybook hilltop village of Montefollonico.

iCastagni is owned by my partners—and dear friends—Tim and Jan Rawlinson, two British expats who have lived around the world before settling into their dream life in Tuscany. They're charming, insightful, and endlessly passionate about sharing the magic of this region.

In today's conversation, we'll dive into their remarkable journey, from falling in love with Italy to restoring a centuries-old home into a welcoming retreat. You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes our seven-day, six-night Travel Connections Tour so special—where guests unpack once, slow down, and truly live like locals among the olive groves and vineyards of Tuscany.

• How Jan and Tim discovered Montefollonico and built a life they love
• The history, beauty, and renovation of iCastagni
• What daily life is really like in a small Tuscan village
• A peek into our 2026 Travel Connections Tour itinerary
• Why Siena is a must-see—and one of the jewels of the region
• The joy and reward of embracing slow travel

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Today's episode truly is something special—and not just because my guest has become a cherished friend of the show. Angela Correll is back for her third conversation on Travel Connections (yes, she officially holds the record!), and every time we talk, it feels like slipping into an easy, meaningful conversation over a cappuccino in a sunny piazza.

Angela and her husband Jess have been traveling to Italy for more than 25 years, and recently, they restored a former horse stable within the medieval walls of Montefollonico, a tiny Tuscan hilltop village. Their love of this slow, intentional lifestyle inspired Angela's newest book: Village Life: Discover Tuscan-Inspired Hospitality and Intentional Living. She's also the author of Restored in Tuscany—a moving memoir about loss, beauty, and hope—and a trilogy of novels, including Grounded, which was recently adapted into a movie for the Great American Family network.

In this episode, Angela transports us straight to the cobbled streets and vine-covered walls of her village, sharing not just stories, but also ways to bring a little slice of Tuscany into our own lives.

Why Tuscan village life feels so magical and grounding

The meaning behind Vi Aspettiamo—a phrase that captures the heart of Italian hospitality

The joy of Aperitivo (and why we should all embrace it!)

Angela's suggestions for books, movies, and music that let you infuse la dolce vita at home

If you've ever dreamed of lingering in a small Italian village, sipping wine at sunset, and embracing the rhythm of slow travel, you'll adore this conversation. Angela's stories, insights, and her gorgeous new book will whisk you away—no passport required.

And here's the best part: I've created a tour that takes you right into this same magical Tuscan village. Imagine wandering the same charming streets, tasting the local flavors, and maybe even crossing paths with Angela at the neighborhood alimentari. With only 10–14 guests, these trips are designed to feel as intimate and special as the village itself.

Find all the details, links, and resources Here!

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Have you heard of the Camino de Santiago? This centuries-old pilgrimage across Spain draws thousands of travelers each year, each with their own reasons for taking on the journey. The most well-known route, the Camino Francés, stretches more than 500 miles and offers not only a physical challenge but also moments of reflection, connection, and discovery.

In this episode, I sit down with Erik Hulslander to hear about his unforgettable experience walking the Camino. You may remember Erik from a previous episode—he's a marathon runner, avid traveler, and master storyteller who explores the world one step at a time. His Camino journey is filled with insights, adventure, and the kind of details that make you feel as if you're walking right alongside him.

Whether or not you ever plan to take on the Camino yourself, Erik's stories will draw you in and captivate you like a beautifully told novel.

• The surprising reason Erik set out to walk across Spain
• How training as a marathon runner both helped—and didn't—on the Camino
• The unforgettable ancient city that captured his imagination forever
• Valuable insider tips for your Camino journey

Another podcast episode devoted to the Camino!

Walking the Camino de Santiago - An Exhilarating & Inspiring Adventure with Meg S. Maloney

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The Simple Goodness Sisters Return with Summer Cocktails! — Sip, Savor, and Celebrate with "Drink Your Garden"

The delightful Simple Goodness Sisters are back on Travel Connections, and they're bringing a bouquet of flavor, fun, and farm-to-glass inspiration with them! Venise Cunningham and Belinda Kelly join us to share all about their brand-new book, Drink Your Garden: Recipes, Stories and Tips from the Simple Goodness Farm—a gorgeous guide for anyone who loves to mix drinks with intention, beauty, and heart. Plus cocktails and recipes for all seasons, not just for summer.

• The story behind how their unique business began
• What "Garden to Glass" really means
• How thoughtful entertaining can make every guest feel special
• The magic of pairing farm-grown flavors with seasonal sips
• Tips and tricks for crafting memorable cocktails and mocktails at home
• A must-hear tutorial on how to make a perfect margarita and gin & tonic

Whether you're a seasoned home mixologist or just love a good story over a good drink, this episode is full of inspiration and practical takeaways for your next gathering. Remember, while visiting Seattle, make time to visit Wilkeson, WA, and the Simple Goodness Sisters at The Soda Shop- Thursday - Sunday.

Tune in, pour a glass, and let the Simple Goodness Sisters show you how to drink your garden!

Also:

Bonus Content on Substack! - Gin & Tonic Around the World: How Our Favorite Cocktail Became a Travel Tradition

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In this exciting episode, we're taking you deep into the heart of North Africa to explore the enchanting and unforgettable country of Morocco. Have you ever dreamed of off-roading through the Sahara, riding camels through towering dunes, or drinking cocktails on a sun-drenched rooftop in Marrakech? If Morocco has ever been on your travel wish list, or even if it hasn't, this episode might be just the thing to inspire your next adventure.

We're calling in The Travelers for this one: Brad Bermingham, Troy Mendenhall, my husband Craig, and me—four longtime friends. We have been exploring the world together now that our kids are grown and our calendars are a bit more flexible. From the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to the visually stunning Lake Louise and Banff , our adventures have taken us far and wide, but Morocco was unlike anywhere we've ever been.

• Is Morocco the right destination for you?
• How Cindy Stephan of International Culinary Tours curated a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary
• What it's like to ride a camel at sunset in the Sahara
• The wild sights of the Medina in Marrakech - motorcycles and donkey carts, oh my!
• What is a hammam, and should you try one?
• What's a shush and why you'll want one for your desert ride
• How stepping outside your comfort zone can completely transform your travel experience

This episode is full of laughter, stories, and tips for planning your own Moroccan getaway—or just enjoying it vicariously through our eyes (and sand-filled shoes).

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Welcome back to Travel Connections! In this special update episode, I'm catching you up on what's been a whirlwind first half of the year—and sharing some truly exciting news!

From holiday travels in London and Paris to an awe-inspiring adventure through South America and a recent return from Morocco, it's been nonstop exploring (and yes, I'll be sharing all the juicy details soon). I also reflect on some deeply personal moments, including the recent loss of my very special stepfather, and how these experiences only fuel my passion to seize the day and keep finding adventure wherever I can.

And now… the BIG news! I'm launching curated boutique tours to Tuscany, Italy, starting in 2026! After decades of visiting this region, I've partnered with dear friends and local hosts to create magical, week-long experiences in the charming village of Montefollonico. These intimate tours (just 10–14 guests!) offer unforgettable food, wine, culture, and community—all with me as your host. Our Fall 2025 tour is nearly sold out, and Spring/Fall 2026 dates are now open! Get all the details and join the waitlist HERE!

Plus, I've launched a brand-new home for my writing on Substack! It's a curated, ad-free space where I'll share travel stories, tips, and inspiration—delivered straight to your inbox. Find me there at Find Adventure with Suzanne Stavert.

• Patagonia magic with our amazing tour guide, Sol Maranon
• A heartwarming trip recap with my husband, Craig
• An inspiring story of renovating a 300-year-old Italian farmhouse with author Barbara Boyle
• Exploring the Hamptons with local expert Vanessa Gordon

Thanks for tuning in—there's so much more to come. Adventure is calling… will you join me?

Welcome to another exciting interview with Travel Connections. My special guest today is Vanessa Gordon—a dynamic and knowledgeable force in the world of culinary travel.

As the CEO and Publisher of East End Taste, Vanessa curates a digital publication that explores sustainable and international culinary travel, with a strong focus on seasonal coastal destinations. Her passion for food and travel is infectious, making her a go-to expert for anyone looking to enhance their travel experiences.

In 2018, Vanessa launched the Hamptons Interactive Brunch, an annual summer event series that has become a must-attend gathering for food enthusiasts and notable personalities. With her finger on the pulse of the Hamptons lifestyle, she is often sought after for her insights on travel, personal finance, and parenting, establishing herself as a trusted voice in these areas.

Her expertise has been featured in prestigious outlets such as The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, BBC Radio, and more. Whether she's sharing her insights in Success Magazine or contributing to Parents Magazine and Psychology Today, Vanessa's writing resonates with a diverse audience, inspiring them to embrace a life filled with adventure and mindful living.

- How Vanessa curates sustainable travel narratives through East End Taste - Her engaging personality and extensive knowledge of global experiences, travel, and exciting adventures - Insights into events in Italy, including delicious details about Florence Cocktail Week - The joys of meeting collaborators in person rather than just communicating online - Secrets to Vanessa's organizational skills - A discussion on whether Albania is the "new and exciting" travel destination - And so much more!

Tune in for a captivating conversation filled with insights and inspiration!

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Welcome to a fantastic new episode of Travel Connections! In today's episode, we will cover many of the things that I love most! What are they, you ask? Let me give you a small list. Learning about a delightful new book, traveling to Italy, memorable Italian food and wine, discovering and exploring new destinations, and living a life devoted to less stress and more calming views of Italy. How does that sound?

In today's episode, I talk with Barbara Boyle. Barbara enjoyed a colorful worldwide career as a creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi, Grey, Lowe, and other advertising agencies, creating commercials and stories for Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Mars Inc., and dozens of other marketers. Always a writer, this is the first time she has had the time required to author a book.

Her inspirational new memoir, "Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse," is an evocative account of leaving the frenetic life of an advertising creative director to create a dream life in the faraway hills of Northern Italy. This book tells the story of how she leaves her life behind in San Francisco and takes apart a 300-year-old stone barn to build a new home, a new life, in Italy.

Newly retired and traveling through Europe, Barbara stumbles upon the ancient Italian hill town of Monforte. She is enchanted by the castles and the sweeping vistas reaching out to the Alps, captivated by the region's cuisine and confounded by its extraordinary culture of kindness. And then, one morning, she awakes and looks out over the valley, and she realizes that she longs to be there in her own home, drinking her coffee and watching the sunrise. To live a life in the Italian countryside.

• Imagine trading the hustle and bustle of a corporate career for the gentle rhythms of an enchanting Italian town
• Barbara's leap into retirement was not just a change of scenery but a plunge into a deeper, richer existence.
• What is it like to wake up in a fully renovated 300-year-old Italian farmhouse?
• Details of a memoir filled with food, friendships, and scenes of Italy
• How can we learn from Barbara's bold life change?

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