Episode 211: Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan — Where cherries meet endless sand and sky. Join us for a warm, practical guide to this lakeshore jewel, from farm-to-table meals to wind-swept dune hikes. Highlights include Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Old Mission Peninsula wineries, and the Traverse City Cherry Festival, giving you a mix of outdoor adventure and seasonal flavor. We share travel tips on timing your visit (late June–July for cherries, fall for color), parking and fees at park overlooks, dune-safety and footwear advice, and the best spots for sunset photos along M-22. Food lovers will savor cherry-forward pastries, local wineries, fresh whitefish and hearty pasties, plus a stop at Cherry Republic for tasting and souvenirs. Landmarks like Empire Bluff Trail and Old Mission Point Lighthouse make perfect day hikes and scenic detours. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a photo-driven road trip, this episode is a friendly roadmap to the tastes, trails, and towns that make northwest Michigan unforgettable. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Episode 210: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana - Sunlit switchbacks over ancient glacier scars invites you on one of America’s most dramatic scenic drives through Glacier National Park. We walk you through planning the perfect day trip, with highlights that include Logan Pass at the high alpine crest, the cascading Weeping Wall on the east approach, the Hidden Lake Overlook trail, and the iconic Wild Goose Island on St. Mary Lake. Travel tips cover seasonal road openings, arriving early to secure parking or hop a park shuttle, dressing in layers for sudden weather shifts, and practicing bear-aware hiking etiquette. For food, we recommend casual bites at Apgar Village, a relaxed meal at Lake McDonald Lodge when open, and picnic supplies from St. Mary Village to savor lakeside views. Landmark storytelling brings the Garden Wall’s ancient glacier scars to life and points out photo-perfect pullouts. Whether you’re chasing light across switchbacks or planning a multi-day Glacier itinerary, this episode blends practical advice with on-road wonder. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Join us on Travel Is Back episode 209 as we cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway, a legendary scenic drive where mists cradle the mountains and winding roads reveal waterfalls, overlooks and small-town charm. We highlight must-see stops including Mabry Mill’s postcard-perfect waterwheel, the rhododendron blooms at Craggy Gardens, the plunging cascades of Linville Falls, and the high-point views from Mount Mitchell. Along the way we share travel tips for timing your visit—prime fall foliage and spring blooms—how to plan for limited cell service, best overlooks for sunrise, and safe slow driving on narrow stretches. Food lovers will enjoy Appalachian biscuits, farm-to-table meals and Asheville’s craft beer scene as perfect fuel for the road. We map nearby hiking trailheads, parking and family-friendly stops, plus landmark history at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Tune in for cozy stories, practical advice and inspiration for your next scenic escape. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Join us for Travel Is Back episode 208, “Route 66 Part 3 - Arizona to Santa Monica - Sunbaked Highways to Oceanfront Dreams,” as we chase neon and desert sunsets from Winslow to the Pacific. This episode guides you through iconic Route 66 landmarks and local flavors, with highlights including Standin’ on the Corner Park in Winslow, Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In in Seligman for burgers and shakes, the wild burros and staged gunfights of Oatman, the vintage Americana at Hackberry General Store, and the triumphant End of the Trail at the Santa Monica Pier. You’ll get practical travel tips — plan spring or fall drives to avoid extreme heat, carry extra water and fuel, download offline maps for long desert stretches, and book classic motels ahead for the full retro experience. We’ll also dig into food stops and what to order, from diner pies and milkshakes to roadside barbecue and regional comfort food. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Episode 207 of Travel Is Back, Route 66 Part 2 - Texas Panhandle to Albuquerque: From Dusty Panhandle to Neon Albuquerque, is a warm, road-trip guide through one of America’s most iconic stretches. We take you from the windblown quads of the Texas Panhandle into the neon glow of Central Avenue in Albuquerque, with practical travel tips, tasty food stops, and landmark detours to plan into your itinerary. Highlights include Cadillac Ranch and its spray-painted Cadillacs outside Amarillo, the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian where you can pose at the literal halfway point, the murals and Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, and the neon-lit Old Town and historic Route 66 signage in Albuquerque. You’ll get food recommendations for Tex-Mex and New Mexican green chile, suggestions on timing to avoid summer heat and busy weekends, and tips for photographing vintage motels, roadside museums like the Devil’s Rope, and ghost towns such as Glenrio. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

206. Route 66 Part 1 - Chicago to Oklahoma City - From Chicago's Edge to Oklahoma's Dusty Dreams guides you along the first unforgettable stretch of America’s Main Street, blending history, food, and practical travel tips for road-trippers. We start at the iconic Route 66 Begin sign at Adams & Michigan in Chicago, cruise past the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, and dig into a Cozy Dog corn dog in Springfield before soaking up the Gateway Arch and the Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis and snapping photos at the Blue Whale of Catoosa. Highlights include these five stops plus hidden two-lane segments, classic diners and neon motels. Travel tips cover best seasons (spring and fall), how to navigate GPS vs. old maps, where to gas up for long rural stretches, and when to reserve museum tours. Expect recommendations for barbecue in St. Louis, pie and malt shops in small towns, and offbeat roadside attractions that make Route 66 a bucket-list drive. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Episode 205 of Travel Is Back drifts into Tybee Island, Georgia — Tybee tides, lighthouse echoes, coastal calm — a friendly guide to one of the Southeast’s most charming barrier islands. We walk you through highlights including the Tybee Island Light Station & Museum, sunrise from the Pier, dolphin-watching cruises, and a marsh-paddle at low tide. You’ll get practical travel tips on parking and peak-season timing, how to read tide charts for shelling and kayaking, and the best bike routes for an easy island loop. Food lovers will want our recommendations for fresh shrimp and grits, oysters on the half shell, and a must-visit crab shack where locals go after sunset. Landmarks and nearby history come alive with a visit to Fort Pulaski National Monument and the preserved wooden pilings along North Beach. We keep the tone warm and conversational, with insider notes on where to catch the quietest beaches and the friendliest crab cakes. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Episode 204 brings you to Newport, Rhode Island — where gilded mansions meet salt air and timeless sails. Join us for a warm, practical guide to this coastal classic, with highlights like The Breakers mansion, the Cliff Walk's ocean views, Fort Adams' historic harbor fortifications, Thames Street's lively restaurants and shops, and sailboats drifting in Newport Harbor. We share travel tips on timing your visit (late spring to fall for sailing and festivals), booking mansion tours in advance, parking and shuttle options, and packing layers for breezy waterfront walks. Food lovers will savor fresh Rhode Island seafood — clam chowder, oysters, lobster rolls, and acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants and bakeries along Bowen's Wharf. We walk through landmarks, local history, and easy day-trip itineraries that balance museums, gardens, and shoreline time. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Tune in for friendly insights, actionable tips, and the best spots for photos and sunset sails. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Episode 203: Moab, Utah - Where Red Arches Meet Endless Sky takes you straight into the heart of red rock country with practical tips, tasty stops, and landmark adventures. We walk you through Arches National Park and the iconic Delicate Arch sunset hike, pedal the legendary Slickrock Trail for mountain biking thrills, and point out panoramic overlooks at Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point. Highlights include a Delicate Arch sunset, a Slickrock mountain bike run, a Colorado River rafting float, and stargazing beneath astonishing night skies. Travel tips cover the best seasons (spring and fall), early starts to beat the heat, hydration and sun protection, reservation and entrance fee notes, and when a 4WD or permits are useful for backcountry exploration. For food, we recommend grabbing craft brews and hearty comfort food at Moab Brewery, sampling seasonal Southwestern dishes at local bistros, and hunting down food trucks after a long day on the trails. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer exploration of Utah’s redrock playground, this episode is your friendly guide. "This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations." Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Step into the heart of the Lowcountry with Johnny Mac as he explores Charleston, South Carolina — a city where cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and Southern hospitality create an unforgettable travel experience. From strolling the historic Battery and touring the Edmondston-Alston House to shopping on King Street and savoring shrimp and grits at a local favorite, this episode covers everything that makes Charleston special. Discover the Charleston City Market and its legendary sweetgrass baskets, wander through the stunning Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, catch waves at Folly Beach, and explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Mount Pleasant and Cannonborough-Elliotborough. Whether you're drawn to historic churches, haunted ghost tours, world-class golf at Kiawah Island, or the lively Spoleto Festival, Charleston delivers charm at every turn. Johnny Mac shares insider tips, must-see stops, and the best local flavors to help you plan your perfect Southern getaway. Follow the Travel Is Back podcast for over 200 episodes exploring destinations across America and beyond. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations.

Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.