Travel Connections

Today's episode is a fun and personal kind of catch-up episode.

Did you know that our debut episode for Travel Connections was published on October 1, 2021? We have created 17 episodes thus far! I am so thrilled that I joined this new platform. Have you listened yet?

I love talking with other people in the travel space. The podcast gives me a unique opportunity to go even further inside of a tour or a destination and into the hearts of travel experts to hear their personal stories. In addition, we get to hear about their travel connections. This new experience has been an absolute delight!

Truthfully, a lot is happening in my world! I don't talk about my travel all that much on the podcast because I would much rather hear from my guests. But on this solo episode, I will offer my travel ideas and Spring adventures!

Trips to Remember and Travel Ideas

My first big trip after the Pandemic was in September of 2021. I had a glorious time in Italy hosted by Coleen Kirnan of Tuscan Women Cook. I interviewed Coleen in Episode #3, so you must go back and listen!

The second part of the trip took us to Milan, where we toured with Alice Salvagnin from Milan Private Tours.

I asked Alice to be one of our first guests on Travel Connections, so you are missing out if you have not yet listened to her stories and beautiful accent. My conversation with Alice is on Episode #6. We concluded our trip in dreamy Lake Como.

In this Spring-focused episode, you will find:

• Details of Spring in the Pacific Northwest
• Hear about a fun itinerary for where to find the daffodil fields, tulip festival, and cherry blossoms!
• La Conner and Mt Vernon, WA, Skagit Valley, WA
• Future travel for Suzanne

Living in the Pacific Northwest, I have a brand new appreciation for sunshine and seasons. I watch for signs of spring after a long winter, sometimes long wet winter. Living in a climate where the seasons are distinct really makes you appreciate each sprinkle and ray of sunshine.

Flower Photos

Seeing the rainbow of colors in the tulip and daffodil fields is quite a sight! In my Fine Art America Shop, I offer a few select tulip and daffodil photographs where you can make prints, notecards, t-shirts, pillows, iPhone cases, and even shower curtains. You can go to click => HERE

Future 2022 & Travel Ideas

Later this year, I will be in Napa Valley, CA, Ireland, and Scotland, and with any luck, my friends in Thailand and Japan will be back open for business! It would be so incredible to see these countries again.

I would love to hear about your travel adventures. Please tell me what's happening in your travel world! You can send me an email to [email protected] and share your travel with me. Tell me where you plan to go or where you have been to recently.

For the first 20 listeners who email me, I will send you a #findadventure luggage tag. I created these tags several years ago to spread the #findadventure movement! They are super clever, happy, and make your black bag stand out in a crowd! So send me an email, and I will send you a free luggage tag!

Don't forget to check out the links in the Show Notes!

Links in this podcast:

• Episode #3 A Culinary Adventure with Tuscan Women Cook
• Episode #6 Travel to Italy Today: A Conversation with Milan Private Tours
• Episodes 13, 14 & 15 - The Whidbey Island, WA Trilogy!
• How to Find Adventure & Thrive in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book
• My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves
• Whidbey & Camano Islands
• Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Pub - La Conner, WA
• Christianson's Nursery
• Genuine Skagit Valley

Tours by International Culinary Tours are perfect for savvy travelers looking for experiential travel enjoyed outdoors with small groups.

Does the idea of a culinary tour sound enticing? Since 1990, International Culinary Tours has been one of the premier boutique tour operators specializing in culinary, wine, and cooking tours to Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Morocco. They have also expanded their tours to include ones with an added focus on wellness, including yoga, pilates, and hiking. There are new tours for 2022/2023 that will take you to Croatia, Greece, Japan & Chile. The world is your oyster!

My conversation with International Culinary Tours host and owner Cindy Stephan was so informative and fun! She speaks Spanish, French, and Italian and has traveled extensively worldwide, having created, organized, and escorted over 100 international tours. In this episode, Cindy shares a myriad of inspiring travel stories and why travel is vital to connecting, eating delicious food, and new friendships.

Cindy Stephan started Advantage Tennis Tours in 1990, specializing in organizing tours to the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments and other major tennis tournaments around the globe. About ten years ago, when the internet complicated how we purchase sports events tickets, she transitioned to focus on wine and cooking tours with her new company, International Culinary Tours. The relationships she and her team built with tour guides and international accommodations in Italy, France, and Spain for pre or post-tennis tours allowed her to make this successful change for her business.

Small Groups, Big Rewards

International Culinary Tours are conveniently created to be on the small side, with just 10-14 travelers. This smaller group allows for a slower and relaxed pace, and Cindy and her global team can offer guests unique and special accommodations. Fewer guests allow for intimate and personal settings too.

I asked Cindy about her favorite stories and personal travel connections. She has so many, considering she has led over 100 tours! She shared a particularly touching story about taking a small group on the Camino de Santiago in Spain and how closely connected her guests felt while walking the Camino. Walking 14 miles each day, spending time with others, and your thoughts can be quite a moving experience!

With travelers deciding where to spend their precious travel dollars, these small group tours could be the key to travel success. Savvy travelers are looking for experiential travel and adventures enjoyed outdoors and with small groups of people.

In my experience, having someone else take care of the details is the best way to enjoy a trip to a new destination!

Why does Cindy Stephan love sharing her tours?

I asked Cindy why she continues to lead these tours and how she successfully managed the challenges of the Pandemic and traveling. She said that she loves the stories her guests shared and is giving them something that would be hard to create on their own. Her passion for travel and her guests is inspiring, and her unique connections with the local tour guides and local accommodations are priceless! This type of travel is just what we need going forward! I can't wait to get back to touring. How about you?

This summary is just a small sample of my enlightening conversation with Cindy Stephan. I hope you come over to Travel Connections to listen to the full episode and learn how you can also live the dream of travel through local cuisine and authentic experiences designed by a team of travel experts.

Remember to sign up to receive an episode summary when our episodes are published every two weeks! Don't miss the important links to this episode below! Links in this podcast:

• International Culinary Tours
• Instagram link: @InternationalCulinaryTours
• How to Find Adventure & Thrive in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book
• My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves

Art & Life on Whidbey Island

In Part Three of my special three-part series of Whidbey Island, WA, I have a wonderful conversation with Holly and David Price. The couple moved from Seattle to Whidbey 28 years ago, and they built their dream home on five acres on the South end of the island. David has developed his career as a painter, showing in galleries in California, Oregon, Arizona, and Seattle.

His encaustic paintings are now sold exclusively at his own gallery in the town of Langley as a part of the brick and mortar shop they opened eight years ago. Their shop, called "edit." features a curated collection of 80 independent makers of goods the couple use themselves, including a line of Lithuanian linen clothing for women, Not Perfect Linen.

So what exactly does "encaustic" mean? David explains that any art created with beeswax, tree resin, and oil pigment is encaustic. We purchased a gorgeous piece of David's and had so much fun getting to know this amazing couple!

In this episode, both Holly and David talk about the benefits of living in a more rural environment, yet the proximity to Seattle and urban activities is just a short drive away.

Some of the questions they answered for me are:

What is it like to live in a tourist destination?

What are your favorite places to visit when you aren't at "edit" or creating art?

What do you love about owning a unique store like "edit"?

How did you manage through the pandemic?

This episode is an exciting conversation filled with travel stories, island life, and an insider's view the darling island of Whidbey.

You will love Holly and David!

To receive the full benefit of the three-part series, please also listen to Episode #13, A Spectacular Weekend on Whidbey Island, WA – I Am Smitten! and Episode #14, A Fantastic Conversation with Whidbey Island Restaurateur Jenn Jurriaans.

Remember to sign up to receive an episode summary when our episodes are published every two weeks!

Important Links!

• Go Whidbey Camano Islands
• edit. , Instagram: @editwhidbey
• David Price Artist, Instagram: @DavidPriceArtist
• The Star Store
• How to Find Adventure & Thrive in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book
• My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves
• #FindAdventure Luggage Tags

In Part Two of my special three-part series of Whidbey Island, WA, I have a fantastic conversation with restaurateur and business owner Jenn Jurriaans.

She takes us through her early connections growing up visiting Whidbey Island as a child to their exciting beginnings creating their restaurant Prima Bistro. Prima Bistro is a Northwest Bistro inspired by French Classics located in Langley on Whidbey Island. They offer an impressive wine list, a menu that changes with the seasons, and a full cocktail bar. Jenn and her Executive Chef husband Sieb Jurriaans also own Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar and now the newly opened Seabiscuit Bakery.

Running restaurants during the Pandemic was obviously an incredible challenge, but Jenn shares how her passionate and capable team managed to pivot and look at their business differently without customers sitting in the restaurant. Everyone joined together to do everything and anything they could! So inspiring!

It was such a privilege to learn how it feels to run successful businesses in a destination city. Whidbey is an extraordinary place to visit, and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing where Jenn, her husband Sieb, and her daughters like to get away and a couple of favorite spots to eat as well.

Getting to know the people of Whidbey Island has been such a joy for me, and we have one more interview to complete our series! Next up are Holly and David Price, owners of edit, a beautiful boutique featuring products from artisans worldwide. David is also an architect and a talented artist. We talk about that too!

Taking you inside of this destination has been such a pleasure! I fell head over heels for Whidbey Island the minute I drove off of the ferry. There is so much to explore and enjoy!

Make sure you check the links from the places we discussed. See below!

Remember to sign up to receive an episode summary when our episodes are published every two weeks!

Find Episode #1 Here -> A Spectacular Weekend on Whidbey Island, WA - I Am Smitten!

Important Links!

• Go Whidbey Camano Islands
• Prima Bistro
• Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar
• Seabiscuit Bakery
• Mukilteo Coffee Roasters
• Penn Cove Shellfish
• Freeland Cafe
• Langley Whale Center
• How to Find Adventure & Thrive in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book
• My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves

This is a personal introduction created just for you and it's all about our spectacular weekend getaway on Whidbey Island, in Washington.

On each episode of Travel Connections, I ask each guest: "Travel Connections is about the deeper connections we make when we travel. I would love to hear about special trips and connections or personal travel stories that have made an impact." So this introduction to Whidbey is my travel story for you!

During the summer of 2020, my husband and I moved from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest. We now live about 30 minutes east of Downtown Seattle. So we have a lot of exploring and discovering to do and that's exactly what we've done. We have discovered local farms, wineries, small towns, gorgeous places to hike and kayak. There's so much that the Northwest has to offer!

Smitten with Whidbey Island

My connection to this destination was instant. I knew I had found something unique and I was going to love it. I was so smitten that I decided to create a trio of episodes devoted to Whidbey and a couple of the people who contribute to the specialness of the island. (There are many special people we could talk with, but you know there is only so much time!)

In this episode, I quickly take you through our itinerary, a couple of the places we ate, and introduce you to three terrific people that Craig and I personally connected with! My goal is to take you inside of a destination and give you a taste of what it feels like to visit.

In my next two episodes, you will meet business owners Holly and David Price who own edit, a gorgeous shop full of eclectic, yet practical items you would use every day. They curate beautiful things that are made by over 80 different craftspeople from around the world.

David is also an architect and gifted artist and Craig and I purchased one of his encaustic paintings. What is encaustic? Come listen to the episode to find out!

Additionally, Jenn Jurriaans will be my guest on a future episode as well. She is the co-owner of several restaurants Prima Bistro, Saltwater, and Seabiscuit Bakery along with her chef husband Sieb. Jenn and I enjoyed a wonderful conversation and we talked about the restaurant business, family, travel and how they managed to survive COVID lockdowns during the Pandemic. Their team pulled together and their story is quite inspiring!

I hope you enjoy this suite of episodes which allows me to dive a little deeper into a destination rather than cover it in just one episode!

Remember to sign up to receive an episode summary when our episodes are published every two weeks!

Places mentioned in this introductory episode!

• Go Whidbey Camano Islands
• The Braeburn Restaurant
• Callahan's Firehouse Studio & Gallery
• Inn at Langley
• Moonraker Books
• Prima Bistro
• Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar
• Seabiscuit Bakery
• Ciao
• How to Find Adventure & Thrive in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book
• My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves
• Hear No Evil Media Podcast Audio Production by Erik Hulslander

Wow, I had such a great conversation with Marilyn Ball of Speaking of Travel. Through her love of responsible travel and adventures, she uses her podcast Speaking of Travel as a portal for great storytelling from others who have unique travel stories. As a nature lover and environmentalist, Marilyn helps raise awareness of the natural environments of local communities by creating a support network and a community for travel lovers around the globe so we all can all do our part to become more aware global citizens.

Marilyn Ball is a maverick in the field of podcasting and created her radio show on iHeart Radio before the platform of podcasting became popular.

Her enthusiasm about "finding your purpose" and taking care of the globe is inspiring. She shared personal travel connections through her travel to Cuba and by taking the Honor Flight with US Veterans. What a story! Are you familiar?

Podcasting and Storytelling

Marilyn shares how the way we market has changed and how important it is for brands to tell their story.

Customers want to know why companies do what they do and why it is essential. We can dive deeper into a subject through podcasting to bring more authenticity to the audience. I love this!

Responsible Travel

Speaking of Travel is an IHeart Radio show and a podcast and today, more than ever, it is an asset for travelers and those who dream of traveling. Travel opens our minds and our hearts. If you love to travel or just dream of someday taking a dream vacation, Speaking of Travel is where to get inspired and learn from others how travel impacts your life.

Her podcast brings awareness to the travel and tourism industry that focuses on sustainability and education. People love to travel to forests for hiking, biking, chasing waterfalls, river rafting, birding, and just exploring and enjoying natural places.

Today there is so much potential to improve social, cultural, and economic well-being. Speaking of Travel provides a platform within the show to talk about sustainable travel and driving awareness around the impact of travel and how to become more responsible.

I was a guest on her podcast on two separate occasions. We talked about life in the Empty Nest and travel and my most recent trip to Italy in September 2021.

Check out the links below for all the scoop! Links in this podcast:

• Speaking of Travel
• Instagram: @speakingoftravel
• How to Find Adventure & Thrive in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book
• My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves
• Hear No Evil Media Podcast Audio Production by Erik Hulslander

Honor Flight Episodes on Speaking of Travel

"A Tribute to the Blue Ridge Honor Flight"

"Blue Ridge Honor Flight Unites Military Heroes With Their Legacy"

Blue Ridge Honor Flight Gives Back to Veterans"

Brothers and Sisters Like These

Podcast produced by Marilyn Ball - This is a veteran's writing group featuring members who share stories and poems with each other and the public around our state as a part of their healing. The group is part of the NC Veteran's Writing Alliance Foundation. Each of these groups has the goal of supporting veterans as they heal from their war experiences.

Suzanne's Episodes on Speaking of Travel

"What to Know About Traveling to Italy Today"

"Empty Nesters Can Open New Doors To An Adventurous Life"

The Importance of Good Health for Travel and At Home

January 2022 is the perfect beginning to create better health! We all need good health for travel and just for living each day. My special guest Eddie Stone, CEO of Touchstone Essentials, is a health industry expert, someone I trust, and a good friend for many years!

I am confident that the more information we gather about our health, the better, and if we're all hoping to travel sometime soon, we should feel as healthy and vibrant as possible.

The truth is that we do not eat enough real food, and supplements can help bridge the gaps. Eddie and his team at Touchstone Essentials provide people a choice; they educate and share that eating healthy has a cumulative impact.

I have so many fantastic takeaways from this episode!

My biggest takeaway from this episode is that excellent health doesn't happen overnight, and we should not beat ourselves up too much. Just start working on it one step at a time.

• We should attack this challenge incrementally.
• Set yourself up for success.
• Pick realistic goals.
• Pick one meal a day and work at eliminating processed foods.
• Get out and move, move a little more and then build on that.
• Each time you succeed, it builds confidence.
• Take supplements to fill in the gaps. Life gets busy!
• Small steps add up to big rewards.

I have been taking Touchstone Essentials products since the very first day it opened its doors almost ten years ago!

I know from research and experience that most supplements are not good for you and filled with chemicals and additives, and not only is your health not improving, but you are wasting your money.

These are the Touchstone Essentials products my husband and I take each day:

• Wellspring - Six powerful, plant-based superfoods in one easy-to-take supplement for your essential fatty acids and antioxidants. For my heart and joints.
• Essentials - Trust the 26 certified organic fruits and veggies in Essentials to give you the high-quality minerals and nutrients your body needs—the perfect multi-vitamin.
• Supergreens - Support gut health and your digestive tract with 5 billion probiotics, plant-based enzymes, and a prebiotic to strengthen the microbiome. I can't live without this!
• Pure Body - Trust nature's detoxifier to cleanse your body and digestive system of toxins, heavy metals, and pollutants. Detox!

Touchstone Essentials Gives Back - World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen uses the power of food to heal communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. They're often the first to reach areas touched by hardship and are usually the last to leave.

To learn more and donate, click => HERE

Receive $50 off your first order of Touchstone Essentials with an unconditional guarantee!

Go to LivingHealthy.thegoodinside.com

I hope my conversation with Eddie was as inspiring for you as it was for me! I wish you great success and excellent health for 2022 and beyond!

As an Italian food lover, today's episode was extra delightful for me as I interviewed executive chef Michael Lombardi of SRV Boston. We met while traveling to Italy on tour with Oldways in Northern Italy.

Although he earned his degree in business, his travels to Europe to study Italian cuisine helped pave the way for an illustrious restaurant career in Paris, Italy, New York, and Boston.

Food is family, and Michael's Italian heritage also helped fuel his passion for cooking for others and, coupled with practical restaurant experience, was the perfect recipe for success.

At his restaurant SRV, located at the South End of Boston, Michael and his team create Italian dishes inspired by the Venetian style Bacaro and wine bar.

We talked about his travel experiences in Australia, Fiji and living abroad in Paris and Italy.

Our conversation was full of memorable moments:

• Michael shares his early chef life stories and inspirations
• How teamwork in sports helped prepare him for a successful restaurant career
• His unique recipes for Beet Ravioli and Risi e Bisi (Rice & Peas), both celebrated dishes in Northern Italy.

Michael feels so fortunate to spend his life doing what he loves and will be opening another restaurant in Boston called Si Cara, where they will create delicious sourdough crust pizza inspired by his travels and family history from Amalfi, Italy.

Are you familiar with Italian amaro (Amari is plural) or digestif? Amaro is an herbal liqueur whose name in Italian means "bitter." While different versions exist throughout the world, amaro is specifically Italian. Michael shares his enthusiasm for these cordials as well at the "Aperitivo Hour." An aperitivo (or apéritif) is often described as being similar to the American happy hour, but in reality, it's much more than that.

Michael's New Year's Eve Dinner ideas:

• Cotechino & Lentils (Italian sausage with Lentils)
• Use luxury ingredients like truffles, oysters, caviar, and champagne
• Make celebratory dishes!

Don't miss the links below! Links in this podcast:

• SRV Boston
• Si Cara - Michael's New Pizza Bar
• Instagram links: @mlombardijr @SRVBoston
• Suzanne's Culinary Tour in Italy with Chef Michael & Oldways
• Oldways - A Food & Nutrition Non-Profit
• How to Find Adventure & Thrive in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book
• My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves
• Hear No Evil Media Podcast Audio Production by Erik Hulslander
• Touchstone Essentials

Have you ever thought about walking the Camino De Santiago in Spain? Are you familiar with this intriguing challenge? Every year thousands of adventurers from around the world, walk part or all of this ancient pilgrimage 500+ miles across Spain. Travelers are drawn to this journey for their own reasons, and author Meg S. Maloney shares her incredible and insightful adventure in her book Slow Your Roll, Ruminations and Reflections on My Walk Across Spain.

I absolutely devoured this book in just a few days!

In this captivating episode, we discuss her book, the reasons for taking this prodigious adventure, who she met along the way, and how she met this challenge with conviction.

Meg shares, "I wrote this book for those considering this challenging trek and those who have already experienced the Camino and want to live it through another pilgrim's eyes. And I'm sharing my tale for those who may simply be curious about this perspective-bending pilgrimage."

Here are a few of my takeaways from our conversation:

• Do whatever it takes and make it happen.
• The fear of a challenge is normal.
• The rewards outweigh the discomfort and fear. Just go for it.
• There is something exhilarating and thrilling about facing a big challenge.

Meg met people from many different countries on her journey across Spain. Her inspiring connections with other travelers offer such a feeling of hope and foster global friendship. This episode is just so good! You don't want to miss it! I promise you will come away inspired, enlightened, and so happy you spent quality time listening to our conversation!

Meg has continued to make a concerted effort to "Slow Her Roll" by living at a slower pace. Sounds pretty awesome to me.

Is walking the Camino de Santiago on your bucket list?

You can purchase her book Slow Your Roll => HERE.

Links in this podcast:

• Slow Your Roll, Ruminations & Reflections On My Walk Across Spain
• How to Find Adventure & Thrive in the Empty Nest - Suzanne's E-Book
• My Amazon Travel Store - Suzanne's Favorite Must-Haves
• Hear No Evil Media Podcast Audio Production by Erik Hulslander
• Touchstone Essentials

Suzy Mighell is a Dallas-based influencer and the personality and content creator behind the popular blog and lifestyle brand Empty Nest Blessed.

EmptyNestBlessed.com is where Suzy shares everything from fashion and beauty to travel, wellness, parenting, and more! Known for her joyful spirit, she shares her life with her followers while creating content to encourage and inspire them.

Suzy has collaborated with brands including Nordstrom, Proctor & Gamble, Walmart, Johnson & Johnson, General Mills, Draper James, Chico's, and Easy Spirit. In addition to creating content for Empty Nest Blessed, Suzy has appeared in InStyle magazine and written articles featured on numerous websites, made TV appearances, and is a frequent podcast guest.

During our lively discussion, Suzy shared her insightful ideas for family travel, connecting with your grown children, and even hostessing ideas for those who don't love being a host.

One of her many talents is to inspire women to live purposefully in this second half of life. She feels that "Women are multi-faceted and multilayered, and Empty Nest Blessed reflects this."

Just a few of the nuggets you will find in this episode:

• Holiday Gift Ideas for Empty Nesters and their families
• Tips for tech, family travel, and style must-haves
• Encouraging ideas for living your BEST life!
• Fun & wearable trends for the season
• Our very own fashion page, just for Travel Connections listeners!

Suzy is such a delight and spreads sunshine wherever she goes, and I am so thrilled to have her gift guide to help me buy the perfect gifts this holiday season.!

I also really appreciate her creating a page just for Travel Connections listeners where she offers many adorable outfit ideas. Make sure you head over to that page where you can get all the scoop. This is the link => HERE! By the way, I already bought the velvet leggings she suggested; they are a fabulous addition to my holiday wardrobe.

Thanks again for listening, and if you enjoy what you hear, please take a minute to leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.