Travel Unpacked

Ultimate Travel Trivia Showdown: Can You Outsmart Us?

Welcome back to Travel Unpacked! In this exciting episode, hosts Josh, Kelsey, and Nicole put their travel knowledge to the test—and challenge YOU to play along! Round one kicks off with "Second Cities," shining a spotlight on incredible destinations that may not be capitals but are packed with history, culture, and hidden gems. Then, in round two, it's all about “Travel Superlatives” — think the biggest, smallest, and most extreme places around the world. Along the way, expect fascinating facts about UNESCO sites and extraordinary global landmarks, heated debates over unexpected answers, plenty of laughs, and some truly wild guesses. Tune in, test your expertise, and see if you can outscore our hosts!

02:02 Trivia Round 1 - Second Cities

19:29 Trivia Round 2 - Travel Superlatives

CHECK OUT ALL COLLETTE’S TOURS HERE

Have an idea for future travel trivia questions or topics? We want to hear from you!

Email us at: [email protected].

Ready to start your adventure?

Collette travels to all seven continents and offers more than 170 tours. We’ve been leading the way in guided travel for over 100 years. And we’re proudly family owned.

Check out all we do: https://www.collette.com

And follow us at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoCollette/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gocollette/

We’ll see YOU on tour!

Welcome to a brand-new season of Travel Unpacked by Collette! Hosts Josh, Nicole, and Kelsie reunite to kick off 2025 with exciting news about Collette’s newest tours for 2025 and 2026. From exploring Namibia’s otherworldly dunes to diving deep into the tango culture of South America, and even discovering hidden gems in Greece, this episode is packed with inspiration for your next adventure. Plus, hear about their personal New Year’s resolutions, Josh’s plans for a Mardi Gras-inspired Christmas tree, and Kelsie’s recipe for holiday sangria. Whether you’re dreaming of the Northern Lights in Norway, Japan’s pearl-diving traditions, or America’s breathtaking national parks, this episode will have you packing your curiosity. Tune in and start planning your 2025 and 2026 travels with Collette!

00:00 Holiday Highlights and New Year Greetings

04:15 New Year Resolutions

05:22 Exciting New Tours for 2025 and 2026

07:01 Exploring Africa: New Tours and Experiences

10:46 Gems of Greece: A New Tour

11:30 Trending Destinations: Northern Lights and Scandinavia

12:47 New Tours in North America

13:11 Exploring New England and Boston Pops

13:51 Holiday Traditions and Mulled Wine

14:25 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

15:16 America's 250th Anniversary

15:48 National Parks and Grand Canyon Adventures

17:54 Red Rock Wonders and Santa Fe

19:16 Essential South America Tour

20:36 New Tours in Japan and South Korea

22:21 Vietnam and Future Travel Plans

24:32 Virtual Events and New Tours

25:50 Holiday Sangria and New Year Celebrations

CHECK OUT ALL COLLETTE’S NEW TOURS HERE

Have an idea for future travel trivia questions or topics? We want to hear from you!

Email us at: [email protected].

Ready to start your adventure?

Collette travels to all seven continents and offers more than 170 tours. We’ve been leading the way in guided travel for over 100 years. And we’re proudly family owned.

Check out all we do: https://www.collette.com

And follow us at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoCollette/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gocollette/

We’ll see YOU on tour!

Do you know what material the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree star is made of? 🌟🎄

Get ready for a festive holiday edition of Travel Unpacked by Collette! Join hosts Josh, Kelsey, and Nicole as they unwrap their favorite travel moments of the year, discuss the magical holiday-themed tours Collette offers, and dive into Christmas-inspired travel trivia. Find out the answer to that Rockefeller stumper and much more! Happy holidays and happy travels from everyone at Collette!

00:00 Holiday Preparations and Gift Giving

02:53 Favorite Travel Moments of the Year

05:34 Exploring Christmas Markets

08:09 Holiday Tours and Destinations

13:36 Christmas Trivia Challenge

24:43 Favorite Christmas Movies

25:41 Final Scores and Wrap-Up

CHECK OUT COLLETTE’S 2024 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Have an idea for future travel trivia questions or topics? We want to hear from you!

Email us at: [email protected].

Ready to start your adventure?

Collette travels to all seven continents and offers more than 170 tours. We’ve been leading the way in guided travel for over 100 years. And we’re proudly family owned.

Check out all we do: https://www.collette.com

And follow us at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoCollette/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gocollette/

We’ll see YOU on tour!

Get ready for a festive Black Friday edition of Travel Unpacked by Collette! Hosts Josh, Kelsie, and Nicole dive into exclusive Black Friday travel deals with up to 25% off, share their predictions for top destinations in 2025, and swap some of their favorite Black Friday memories. Plus, don’t miss their Black Friday inspired trivia showdown. Tune in to kickstart your holiday travel plans—because this year, the WORLD IS ON SALE.

00:55 Reuniting the Team

01:37 Thanksgiving Plans and Traditions

02:57 Halloween at Collette

05:40 Black Friday Predictions and Deals

08:52 Travel as the Perfect Gift

09:32 Black Friday Shopping Memories

12:08 Josh's Black Friday Morning Routine

13:18 Black Friday Trivia Challenge

20:20 Conclusion and Farewell

CHECK OUT ALL COLLETTE’S BLACK FRIDAY DEALS

Have an idea for future travel trivia questions or topics? We want to hear from you!

Email us at: [email protected].

Ready to start your adventure?

Collette travels to all seven continents and offers more than 170 tours. We’ve been leading the way in guided travel for over 100 years. And we’re proudly family owned.

Check out all we do: https://www.collette.com

And follow us at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoCollette/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gocollette/

We’ll see YOU on tour!

Join Patricia Grady and her son Patrick as they share their unforgettable multi-generational journey through Japan in this episode of Travel Unpacked by Collette. From exploring ancient samurai traditions to savoring modern culinary delights, Patricia and Patrick reflect on how their different interests—Patrick’s passion for history and Patricia’s love for food and art—made for a perfect travel pairing. Get inspired by their stories and discover why Japan can be a fantastic destination for multi-generational travel!

00:00 Introduction to Multi-Generational Travel

00:46 Discussing Japan as a Travel Destination

02:26 Introducing Patricia and Patrick's Japan Trip

03:07 Exploring Japan: History, Food, and Culture

08:04 Travel Styles and Free Time Activities

14:36 Memorable Experiences in Japan

21:48 Reflecting on Unique Experiences

22:27 Extreme Adventures and Family Dynamics

22:55 Traveling with Young Kids

23:16 Culinary Adventures in Japan

24:46 Accommodation Highlights

28:00 Exploring the Bamboo Forest

30:30 The Joys of Multi-Generational Travel

32:53 Future Travel Plans

36:28 Final Thoughts on Family Travel

39:07 Conclusion and Farewell

Ready to start your adventure? Check out our tours to Japan: https://www.gocollette.com/en/tours/asia/japan

Collette travels to all seven continents and offers more than 170 tours. We’ve been leading the way in guided travel for over 100 years. And we’re proudly family owned.

Check out all we do: https://www.gocollette.com

And follow us at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoCollette/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gocollette/

We’ll see YOU on tour!

Join Alex and her grandma Helena as they share their travel adventure to Costa Rica in this episode of Travel Unpacked. Discover their special bond, the inspiration behind their trip, and the moments they experienced together—from hiking in the cloud forests to exploring coffee plantations and enjoying local cuisine. Get inspired by grandma Helena’s mantra “why not” and learn how guided multi-generational travel can create lasting memories. Tune in to hear their stories and find out why Costa Rica became a trip of a lifetime!

00:00 Introduction to Alex and Her Grandma's Adventure

00:47 Choosing Costa Rica: The Perfect Destination

01:33 Preparing for the Trip: Overcoming Challenges

03:24 Travel Styles and Guided Tours

04:45 Highlights of the Costa Rica Tour

05:53 Cultural Experiences and Local Delicacies

10:05 Adventures in the Cloud Forest

12:00 Wildlife Encounters on the Riverboat Adventure

14:25 Reflections and Future Travel Plans

17:25 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Ready to start your adventure? Check out Tropical Costa Rica:

https://www.gocollette.com/en/tours/south-america/costa-rica/tropical-costa-rica

Collette travels to all seven continents and offers more than 170 tours. We’ve been leading the way in guided travel for over 100 years. And we’re proudly family owned.

Check out all we do: https://www.collette.com

And follow us at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoCollette/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gocollette/

We’ll see YOU on tour!

In this episode of Travel Unpacked, co-hosts Josh, Kelsie, and Nicole face off in a travel trivia showdown! Get ready for three action-packed rounds where they test their global knowledge, tackle iconic sounds from around the world, duel over Nordic and Scandinavian facts, and dive into bizarre and quirky travel trivia. It's a fast-paced, fun-filled episode that will challenge your own travel smarts and keep you guessing. Who will come out on top as the ultimate travel trivia champion? Tune in to find out!

00:00 Welcome to Travel Unpacked's First Travel Trivia Episode

02:50 Game 1 - Around the World in Five Sounds

12:08 Game 2 - Destination Duel: Scandinavia and the Nordic Nations

25:54 Game 3 - What in the World?

33:27 Final Thoughts

Have an idea for future travel trivia questions or topics? We want to hear from you!

Email us at: [email protected].

Ready to start your adventure?

Collette travels to all seven continents and offers more than 170 tours. We’ve been leading the way in guided travel for over 100 years. And we’re proudly family owned.

Check out all we do: https://www.collette.com

And follow us at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoCollette/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gocollette/

We’ll see YOU on tour!

Dive into the Mediterranean Magic with Elizabeth Simmons!

Join Travel Unpacked hosts Josh and Kelsie as they dive deep into Collette’s Mediterranean Coastal Journeys Tour. In this episode, they hear from Elizabeth Simmons, a seasoned traveler and beloved Collette colleague, to uncover the vibrant cultures, delectable cuisines, and breathtaking landscapes of Spain, France, and Italy.

Highlights include:

• A firsthand account of Josh’s recent travels through Costa Rica, Ireland, Italy, and his upcoming Greek adventure.

• A special video message from Nicole featuring… a unique sound from the jungles of Costa Rica you won’t forget.

• Elizabeth’s stories of savoring fresh Mediterranean cuisine, witnessing stunning sunrises and sunsets, and experiencing the rich cultures of Spain, France, and Italy.

• A delightful conversation on truffle hunting with Ricky the pig in France and savoring freshly made focaccia in Italy.

Plus, don’t miss out on Elizabeth’s photography tips, insights into Mediterranean architecture, and the importance of pacing and relaxation on this 16-day adventure.

Tune in for an episode brimming with travel inspiration and mouth-watering food talk. Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply dreaming of distant shores, this episode of Travel Unpacked is your perfect travel companion.

Links:

• Check out the Mediterranean Coastal Journeys Tour: https://www.gocollette.com/en/tours/europe/italy/mediterranean-coastal-journey

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review!

Interested in destinations beyond the Mediterranean?

Collette travels to all seven continents and offers more than 170 tours. We’ve been leading the way in guided travel for over 100 years. And we’re proudly family owned.

Check out all we do: https://www.collette.com

And follow us at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoCollette/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gocollette/

We’ll see YOU on tour!

Join Travel Unpacked as we dive into the vibrant landscapes of Costa Rica with two of Collette’s writers, Alex and Liz. Fresh from tours, they share firsthand experiences of exploring everything from the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal Volcano to the remote beauty of Tortuguero National Park. Discover the biodiversity, thrilling activities like zip-lining and wildlife encounters, and the hospitality of the locals.

We’ll hear about the best places to see sloths and toucans, the joy of tasting the freshest pineapples and juices and get insider tips on what to pack for this destination. Plus, don’t miss our trivia segment and a story about a surprise performance by a famous songwriter!

Pura Vida!

Ready to start your adventure? Check out our tours:

Tropical Costa Rica: https://www.gocollette.com/en/tours/south-america/costa-rica/tropical-costa-rica

Costa Rica: World of Nature: https://www.gocollette.com/en/tours/south-america/costa-rica/costa-rica

And want to check out that amazing virtual Taste of Sicily cooking class Kelsie mentioned: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4530718/5E0EFAE393F963C8D30B9C0C85C0B530

Interested in destinations beyond Costa Rica?

Collette travels to all seven continents and offers more than 170 tours. We’ve been leading the way in guided travel for over 100 years. And we’re proudly family owned.

Check out all we do: https://www.collette.com

And follow us at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoCollette/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gocollette/

We’ll see YOU on tour!

Join Travel Unpacked as we go behind our Wilderness of Southern Africa tour. In this special episode, we sit down with Suzanne Stavert, the adventurous spirit behind the travel blog, Adventures of Empty Nesters, who recently embarked on this life-changing safari with Collette. She shares stories of up-close, heart-thumping encounters with the Big 5, unforgettable cultural experiences, and the sweeping landscapes that make Southern Africa a dream destination. We talk everything from packing essentials to the importance of getting outside of our comfort zones.

Strap in, grab your binoculars, and be transported on an African adventure!

Ready to start your adventure? Check out the Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water: https://www.gocollette.com/en/tours/africa/egypt/wilderness-of-southern-africa-safari-by-land--water

Interested in destinations beyond Africa?

Collette travels to all seven continents and offers more than 170 tours. We’ve been leading the way in guided travel for over 100 years. And we’re proudly family owned.

Check out all we do: https://www.collette.com

And follow us at:

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

And you can follow our amazing guest, Suzanne Stavert at Adventures of Empty Nesters:

Website: https://www.adventuresofemptynesters.com/

Podcast: https://www.adventuresofemptynesters.com/podcast/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/suzannestavert/?hl=en

FB: https://www.facebook.com/AdventuresofEmptyNesters

We’ll see YOU on tour!