Traveling with a Martini

Welcome to Traveling with a Martini — A Stylus & Suitcases Podcast, where every destination has a story.

Join me for real-life travel adventures, unexpected detours, unforgettable encounters, and the occasional hilarious mishap.

From European streets to destinations around the world, we're sharing the stories that stay with us long after the suitcases are unpacked.

Pour yourself something wonderful, settle in, and enjoy the journey!

You've journeyed with Auntie Rae through a season of grand European adventures, personal revelations, and life's unexpected twists. In this special Season 2 Epilogue, join your favorite hot pants-wearing storyteller as she reflects on the profound lessons learned from two years of navigating the world and her own spirit. Discover how challenges transformed into triumphs, and how a period of profound personal responsibility has shaped her next exciting chapter. Auntie Rae is now on a new quest: finding her true home base and rekindling her wanderlust with a brand new, land-based adventure! Get ready for a sneak peek into Season 3, as Auntie Rae returns to a place that truly called to her soul: Portugal. The search for her sanctuary has just begun!

Auntie Rae's European cruise marathon culminates in a vibrant grand finale! From the dazzling architecture of Barcelona and the delicious pursuits of Florence (hello, Florentine steak!) to the charming intrigue of Malta, this episode is packed with adventure. Join Rae as she reflects on Ellis's insightful take on Carnival cruises, shares essential tips for outsmarting skilled pickpockets, and reveals her personal style for traveling smart and chic. As this epic journey concludes, Auntie Rae looks toward a new horizon: the search for a permanent home base that allows her spirit to truly flourish, preparing for the next big adventure.

In this episode, I take you inside my debut suspense novel, The Chef’s Kiss: A Recipe for Malice, a Seraphina Story.

When celebrated chef Seraphina retreats into solitude, she never expects to be pulled back into the fire — a rival restaurant hiding dangerous secrets, a mysterious death in the walk-in freezer, and the faint, unmistakable scent of bitter almonds that whispers of poison. 

More than a murder mystery, The Chef’s Kiss is an investigative journey through intuition, obsession, and the hidden poisons beneath perfection. Think gothic noir meets culinary suspense, where every flavor has meaning and every lie leaves a trace. 

Join me as I share the story, the inspiration, and the process of bringing Seraphina’s world to life — a world where the kitchen isn’t just a place of creation but also a crucible of destruction. 

If you love atmospheric mysteries, psychological thrillers, or stories with strong female investigators, this one’s for you. 

You can purchase the book here:

https://www.lulu.com/shop/wanda-bryant/the-chefs-kiss-a-recipe-for-malice-a-seraphina-story/paperback/product-2mr4zrq.html?q=Wanda+Bryant&page=1&pageSize=4

Two years. Two years since Auntie Rae paused her grand European adventure to face life's hardest challenges. Now, with Mama in remission and her spirit yearning for the open water, Rae returns to Rome! Join her for a joyous reunion with her military friend, Ellis, as they embark on an Adriatic encore through stunning Corfu, majestic Kotor, and the historic gems of Croatia. Discover the beauty of shared adventure, the magic of rediscovering familiar places through new eyes, and how Auntie Rae, the overpacking queen, finds peace, fun, and kindred spirits on the waves. This episode is a vibrant testament to resilience, friendship, and the pure joy of simply being back at sea.

Auntie Rae's Mediterranean adventure heats up as she explores ancient wonders like Santorini, Ephesus, and Rome. But even amidst breathtaking beauty and unexpected scooter rides through Naples, a chilling email pulls her back to reality. Join Rae as she recounts the devastating news of her mother's cancer diagnosis, the difficult decision to cut her travels short, and the costly journey home. This episode is a raw, honest look at balancing wanderlust with real-life responsibilities, finding strength in vulnerability, and the profound realization that some of life's most important adventures happen closest to home.

Auntie Rae dives into a 12-day Mediterranean odyssey, sailing through Spain and Portugal! This extended adventure brings a deeper sense of freedom and new rhythms, starting with a charming stay in Rome. But not every journey is smooth sailing: from an exhausting trek in Dover to the unexpected return of Dolores, who brings new levels of entitlement and drama (including a shoe store showdown!). Auntie Rae finds herself balancing joy with the challenge of setting boundaries. Just as she's soaking in the beauty of the Rock of Gibraltar and dreaming of the Motherland, an urgent call shifts everything. Tune in for a blend of vibrant cityscapes, personal growth, and a poignant reminder that some adventures are closer to home.

Auntie Rae's European adventure continues with Cruise 2, taking her deeper into Northern Europe's vibrant cities: Berlin, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen. Experience the poignant return to Berlin where the Wall once stood, and revisit Brussels, the launchpad of her earliest wanderlust. This episode isn't just about sightseeing; it's about navigating the unexpected! From a hilarious near-miss with a Copenhagen trolley to the challenges of sharing thin cabin walls with a marital meltdown and encountering entitled fellow passengers, Auntie Rae learns to assert her peace. Discover her ingenious solo travel hacks, from secret grocery runs to finding joy in cake decorating and late-night comedy shows. It’s all about finding rhythm, even when the world throws you a curveball.

Welcome back, adventurous souls! Auntie Rae trades Cunard's white-gloved luxury for Carnival's spirited rhythm as her European cruise marathon begins. First stop: the majestic White Cliffs of Dover, a place full of youthful memories. But it’s not all picturesque landscapes! Join Rae as she navigates the chilly British Isles, catches an unexpected cold, and faces down travel mishaps—from a hilarious "underwear on backwards" revelation with a charming military friend to the subtle complexities of a new shipmate, Dolores, who cruises to escape reality. Discover how Auntie Rae masters the art of solo travel, sets boundaries, and finds unexpected connections, even when her ankle acts up. Get ready for a mix of laughs, lessons, and soul-soaked steps!

Welcome back, truth-tellers and globe-trotters! Auntie Rae is kicking off Season 2 with a tale of transformation, freedom, and unexpected luxury. After being "cut loose" from a soul-draining job, Rae finds her spirit adrift—until an email from the majestic Queen Mary 2 whispers her name. Join your favorite hot pants-wearing storyteller as she shares how seven days of transatlantic elegance, quiet contemplation, and a surprising encounter with Homer Simpson (yes, that Homer Simpson!) set the stage for a grand escape and the birth of a new dream. Discover how freedom, self-worth, and a whole lotta sass paved the way for "Not Your Average Hot Pants Wearing Auntie Travel Adventures."