Travel Unpacked

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?packagedateid=99344&packageid=15255&utm_source=media&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=united_states_travel_unpacked_209_multigentravel_costa_rica_dtc

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? Check out some of the amazing tours we mentioned in this episode:

Spotlight on London

Shades of the English Countryside

British Landscapes

Australia’s Outback to New Zealand’s South Island

Colors of Morocco

Winter in Croatia

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:

• Enter for a chance to win a trip for 2 on our Kingdoms of Southeast Asia Tour*: https://www.gocollette.com/en/landing-pages/exotics/asia-giveaway?utm_source=media&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=united_states_adventure_awaits_giveaway_2024_dtc

• Check out the Mediterranean Coastal Journeys Tour: https://www.gocollette.com/en/tours/europe/italy/mediterranean-coastal-journey?packagedateid=102836&packageid=15600&utm_source=media&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=united_states_travel_unpacked_207_mediterranean_coastal_journey_dtc

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!

*Adventure Awaits Terms & Conditions:

https://www.gocollette.com/en/landing-pages/2024/exotics-adventure-awaits-giveaway-official-rules

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

Costa Rica: World of Nature

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.

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!

In this episode, "Travel Unpacked" is diving deep into the wonders of… THAILAND!

And to do it, we’re talking to Collette’s own Senior Partnership Marketing Manager, Kaitlin Coughlin, who’s just returned from a journey to this vibrant nation dubbed “The Land of Smiles” and has amazing stories and insight to share. From an evening adventure aboard one of Bangkok's tuk tuks to the harmony of an elephant sanctuary to the soulful connection formed with their Buddhist monk-turned-tour guide, Kaitlyn tells us what made this trip truly life-changing. We talk enchanting temples, the Thai dishes that are absolutely chef’s kiss, learning to savor the pure decadence of a daily Thai massage, and much more.

Tune in for an episode all about the joys of getting out of your comfort zone, trying new things, and learning to appreciate the smallest things in life all over again. Get ready to explore Thailand!

Ready to dive into your own adventure in Thailand? Check out our tour Wonders of Thailand.

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

To check out all the tours Collette offers, head to: https://www.collette.com

And follow us at:

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

We’ll see YOU on tour!

Get set for a special Women's History Month edition of Travel Unpacked!

We're rolling out the red carpet for Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, the first female CEO in Collette's 106-year history, for a conversation that's as insightful as it is inspiring. Join us as Jaclyn and Kelsie talk about Jaclyn’s deep family’s roots in travel at Collette and about the mentors that made all the difference in her journey. Hear about how embracing change and listening to customer needs is at the core of everything Collette does. And then, go behind the scenes to get Jaclyn’s refreshing take on innovation, the importance of giving back, and about fostering a workplace where every voice matters. And on this last point, Kelsie shares one of her favorite stories about Jaclyn that exemplifies the culture of caring she fosters at Collette (hint: it involves an awkward encounter in a bathroom!).

Tune in for an episode that’s not just about travel, but about the journey of a woman who's charting the course for the future at Collette and proving every day that when it comes to leadership and innovation, the sky’s the limit.

So, grab your metaphorical suitcase and let’s unpack the future of travel with the woman who’s leading it!

To check out all the tours Collette offers, head to: https://www.gocollette.com/en?utm_source=media&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=united_states_travel_unpacked_203_jlc_women’s_history_dtc

And follow us at:

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

We’ll see YOU on tour!

Join Nicole and Kelsie as they unpack the allure (and the delicious lobster!) of Maine with Cindy Baker, the traveler and photographer behind Travel Bliss Now. Hear how Cindy broke free from the grind to embrace a life of travel and adventure – and how you can, too. Follow Cindy’s journey through Maine’s enchanting towns and wild, rocky shores as she shares the transformative experiences, the joy of connecting with nature, and the simple pleasures that make Maine a haven for those seeking bliss. Whether it's the thrill of lobster fishing or the serenity of Acadia National Park, find out how Maine really should be the “main event” of your next escape.

Ready to find your own travel bliss? Tune in!

Ready to follow in Cindy’s footsteps on your own Maine adventure? Check out our tour Roaming Coastal Maine.

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

To check out all we do, head to: https://www.collette.com

And follow us at:

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

And you can follow our amazing guest, Cindy Baker at the Traveling Bliss Now:

Website: https://www.travelblissnow.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/travelblissnow

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

We’ll see YOU on tour!

Travel Unpacked's second season kicks off with a bang as Josh, Kelsie, and Nicole deliver the inside track on the future of travel. In this episode, they unwrap the exciting lineup Collette has in store for its 2024 and 2025 adventures. And they’re joined by Diana Ditto, Collette’s Senior Director of Product Marketing – who spills the beans on the hidden gems and secret spots that these new journeys will explore. Imagine yourself not just driving—but floating—through untamed African landscapes or meandering down the cobblestone alleys of Europe's historical havens — it's all on the horizon. Plus, they delve into those one-of-a-kind cultural immersions that only Collette can offer.

So, if you're itching to discover where the road less traveled is heading next, tune in for a chat that will light your travel fire!

Want to stay on top of what’s new at Collette? Check out all our exciting new tours:

https://www.gocollette.com/en/landing-pages/new-tours?utm_source=media&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=united_states_travel_unpacked_201_new_tours_24/25_dtc

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

To check out all we do, head to: https://www.collette.com

And follow us at:

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

We’ll see YOU on tour!

Prepare to be inspired – and get into the holiday spirit! In this festive episode of "Travel Unpacked," Nicole, Josh, and Kelsie discuss their favorite holiday traditions. Spoiler alert: someone wakes up to Mariah Carey after Halloween and has FOUR Christmas trees.

Then they dive into conversation with the amazing Charlotte Simpson, also known as the Traveling Black Widow. With her infectious enthusiasm for adventure, Charlotte takes us through her travels with Collette—from visiting the quaint villages of Italy with her daughter to exploring the majestic peaks of Europe on a solo quest. And along the way, she offers pearls of wisdom for travelers over 60, celebrates the ease of guided tours, and shares her deep connection to all the cultures she’s connected with around the globe. This episode is an endearing look at how travel ties together our past, present, and future, through shared experiences and individual discovery.

So, buckle up and let your wanderlust ignite—Charlotte's story is a reminder that whether we're 6 or 60, the world's wonders are waiting.

Ready to see the Peaks of Europe for yourself? Check out our tour Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites featuring France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Italy:

https://www.gocollette.com/en/tours/europe/switzerland/peaks-of-europe?packagedateid=103717&packageid=15487&utm_source=media&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=united_states_travel_unpacked_109_traveling_black_widow_dtc

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

To check out all we do, head to: https://www.collette.com

And follow us at:

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

And you can follow our amazing guest, Charlotte Simpson at Traveling Black Widow:

Website: https://travelingblackwidow.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/travelingblackwidow/

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

We’ll see YOU on tour!