True Travel Talk

By Jill Bohaboy

A podcast that shares real stories and helpful tips from multigenerational travel (ages 10 to 80) — the kind of trips that aren't always easy, but are always worth it. Jill hosts with humor, warmth

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FAQs about True Travel Talk:

How many episodes does True Travel Talk have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.

True Travel Talk episodes:

May 31, 2026South Africa: Franschhoek - More than Wine Country
22. In part two of our South Africa family adventure, Jill and her family trade safari vehicles for vineyard views as they explore the spectacular wine regions of Franschhoek.
Often called the food and wine capital of South Africa, Franschhoek combines centuries-old vineyards, dramatic mountain scenery, world-class restaurants, and charming small town streets. Over several days, they experienced everything from olive oil tastings and chocolate-making to unforgettable meals, historical landmarks, and some of the world's most beautiful wine estates.
Along the way, husband Paul, son Graeme, and the rest of the family discover that wine country offers much more than wine. With plenty of activities, great food, and memorable experiences for travelers of every age.
They also talk about:
visiting Drakenstein prison, where Nelson Mandela spent his final years before his release
Why South Africa’s wine country works surprisingly well for multigenerational travel is surprisingly well
Golf, shopping, gardens, farm visits, and plenty of opportunities for kids to explore
Travel and experience highlights
STAY
Le Quartier Francais, Leau Collection - our home base in Franschhoek, featuring a Private cottage with multiple bedrooms, outdoor living spaces, and easy access to the towns, restaurants, and shops
DINING
La Petite Columbe - one of South Africa’s most celebrated fine dining restaurants, known for its imaginative, multicourse tasting menus, exceptional service, and stunning vineyard setting
EXPERIENCES
Babylonstoren - A working farm, garden, winery, and culinary destination offering visitors a chance to explore orchards, vineyards, and farm-to-table dining experiences
Drakenstein prison - the historic site where Nelson Mandela spent the final years of his imprisonment before his release in 1990
Hueguenot Fine Chocolates - a hands-on chocolate experience in downtown Franschhoek, where we learned the art of chocolate making while creating our own sweet treats
WINE ESTATES
Delaire Graff Estate - A spectacular wine estate featuring award-winning wines, sculpture gardens, mountain views, and beautifully landscaped grounds
Ernie Els Wines - A stunning Stellenbosch wine estate founded by the legendary golfer, featuring expansive views, generous tastings, and a family-friendly atmosphere
Vergelegen Wine Estate - One of South Africa’s most historic wine farms, known for its gardens, ancient camphor trees, wine tastings, and beautiful walking trails
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew
Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy
Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler
...more
27min
May 24, 2026South Africa: Gondwana - The First Stop on Our Family Adventure
21. Join Jill and her family as they journey from Cape Town to Gondwana Game Reserve for an unforgettable stay at this private retreat, featuring game drives, a personal guide, and sweeping mountain views.
From early morning safaris to evenings around the braai, this episode captures the excitement, beauty, and quiet family moments that made the experience memorable.
Along the way, Jill, husband Paul, and son Graeme talk about their encounters with rhinos, elephants, lions, cheetahs, Cape buffalo, wildebeest, and more, while learning about the conservation work happening across the reserve.
They also talk about:
Traveling to South Africa as a family
South African food, coffee, and braais
Wildlife sightings right outside the villa
Why private safari rhythms worked so well for multigenerational travel
Travel & Experience Highlights
Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers - Our family’s landing spot after arriving in Cape Town, before heading east toward safari country.
La Belle Alliance Restaurant & Farm Stall - A charming stop along the drive from Cape Town to Gondwana. Perfect for stretching your legs, grabbing lunch, and soaking in the countryside.
Cape Horizons Transfers - Private transfer service used for transportation between Cape Town and Gondwana Game Reserve.
Gondwana Game Reserve - A luxury private game reserve in South Africa’s Western Cape known for Big Five safaris, conservation efforts, and dramatic mountain scenery. The reserve is also home to important protected species, including bontebok and Cape mountain zebra.
Black Rhino House at Gondwana - A fully serviced private safari villa featuring a dedicated chef, private field guide, exclusive game vehicle, pool, outdoor living spaces, and panoramic valley views. Ideal for families and small groups wanting a more intimate safari experience
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew
Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy
Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler
...more
37min
April 19, 2026Peru: Hiram Bingham Train - A Luxury Train Ride to the Lost City
20. Join Jill and her friend Whitney as they check off a true bucket-list moment from their girls trip: heading into and out of Machu Picchu in style aboard the iconic Belmond Hiram Bingham Train.
Named after the explorer, Hiram Bingham, this isn't just transportation, it's an experience in itself. The journey blends old-world glamour with Peruvian culture; polished wood interiors, live music, elevated dining, and cocktails that never seem to run dry - all designed to be savored as the atmosphere builds from relaxed and refined into a more festive, celebratory return.
In this episode, Jill and Whitney share what it’s really like to experience one of the world’s most luxurious train journeys - including what to prioritize, what surprised them, and why the return journey might be the true highlight.
Travel & Experience Highlights
Belmond Hiram Bingham Train - The most luxurious way to reach Machu Picchu, with 1920s-inspired elegance, panoramic windows, a dining car, bar car, and open-air observation deck. Expect gourmet dining, curated cocktails, and live music as the Andes roll by.
Enigma Travel - They handle everything from expert guides to meaningful cultural experiences - the kind of details that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
Huffman Travel - The team behind making it all feel seamless. From big-picture planning to elevated touches, they help design trips that feel thoughtful, personal, and just the right amount of luxe.
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew
Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy
Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler
...more
30min
April 12, 2026Peru: Sacred Valley (Part 2) - Living Culture & Sacred Connections
19.2 Join Jill and her crew, including friends Amy and Kelly, as they continue their journey through Peru’s Sacred Valley - where the experience goes deeper than the views and into the heart of the Andean culture.
In Part 2 of the Sacred Valley, this girls trip shifts from adventure to connection - exploring what it means to truly experience a place, not just see it. From wandering through the last living Inca village to sharing in a powerful Pachamma ceremony, this episode is about slowing down, being present, and embracing traditions passed down for centuries.
As a part of our Peru series (Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lima, and now the Sacred Valley), this episode brings everything together - reminding us that the most meaningful moments in travel are often the ones we don’t expect.
Travel & Experience Highlights
Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado - This is the Sacred Valley vibe. Think cozy rooms with private terraces, river views, morning coffee with mountain air, and wandering the property in robes on your way to breakfast (or feeding baby alpacas). No TVs means you actually unplug - but between the scenery, spa, and wine, you won’t miss a thing.
Farm-to-Table Experience at Hacienda Sarapama - One of the most memorable meals of the trip. Set on a working farm known for Peru’s famous giant white corn, you’ll learn about traditional agriculture and enjoy a multi-course lunch.
Trader Joe’s Giant Peruvian Inca Corn Snacks - This farm was the sole supplier for this Trader Joe’s snack! To be called Peruvian Incan Corn, it must be grown in the Sacred Valley.
Enigma Travel - They handle everything from expert guides to meaningful cultural experiences - the kind of details that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
Huffman Travel - The team behind making it all feel seamless. From big-picture planning to elevated touches, they help design trips that feel thoughtful, personal, and just the right amount of luxe.
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew
Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy
Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler
...more
41min
April 08, 2026Peru: Sacred Valley (Part 1) - Alpacas & Ancient Wonders
19. Join Jill and her crew, including friends Amy and Kelly, as they head to Peru’s Sacred Valley - where the views are unreal, the culture runs deep, and yes…there are a lot of alpacas.
As the fourth stop in our Peru series (after Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lima), this episode proves the Sacred Valley isn’t just a pass-through - it’s the moment you exhale, settle in, and really feel the magic of Peru.
From bottle-feeding baby alpacas at breakfast to sharing laughs (and maybe a little hesitation) over guinea pig at dinner, this girls trip is equal parts adventure, culture, and connection. With lower elevation and slower pace, the Sacred Valley gives you space to soak it all in.
Travel & Experience Highlights
Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado - This is the Sacred Valley vibe. Think cozy rooms with private terraces, river views, morning coffee with mountain air, and wandering the property in robes on your way to breakfast (or feeding baby alpacas). No TVs means you actually unplug - but between the scenery, spa, and wine, you won’t miss a thing.
Farm-to-Table Experience at Hacienda Sarapama - One of the most memorable meals of the trip. Set on a working farm known for Peru’s famous giant white corn, you’ll learn about traditional agriculture and enjoy a multi-course lunch.
Trader Joe’s Giant Peruvian Inca Corn Snacks - This farm was the sole supplier for this Trader Joe’s snack! To be called Peruvian Incan Corn, it must be grown in the Sacred Valley.
Enigma Travel - They handle everything from expert guides to meaningful cultural experiences - the kind of details that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
Huffman Travel - The team behind making it all feel seamless. From big-picture planning to elevated touches, they help design trips that feel thoughtful, personal, and just the right amount of luxe.
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew
Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy
Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler
...more
36min
March 29, 2026Florida: Miami - Family Adventures from Little Havana to Beachside Fun
18. Join Jill and her son Graeme as they share their spontaneous family trip to Miami, exploring beaches, iconic landmarks, and local culture. From watching manatees right outside their hotel window to walking to a Miami Heat game, the trip blended big moments with simple joys. Traveling with kids, navigating unexpected changes, and making unforgettable memories showed us that sometimes the best trips are the ones you didn’t plan.
Travel & Experience Highlights:
Where to Stay
Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay - Waterfront hotel with bay views, walkable to downtown attractions and the arena - a great home base for a mix of relaxation and activities
Things to Do
ToursByLocals (Little Havana Neighborhood) - Connects you with local guides for personalization and immersive experiences. Guide recommendation: Maria Morales Prieto ([email protected])
CubaOcho Museum & Performing Arts Center - A vibrant cultural hub showcasing Cuban art, live music, and history in Little Havana
Ball & Chain - Historic Little Havana venue known for live Latin music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere
Azucar Ice Cream Company - Famous for Cuban-inspired ice cream flavors and its iconic giant cone storefront
Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina - Classic Cuban fare served in a vibrant setting - don’t be surprised by roaming roosters
El Pub - A Little Havana institution known for traditional Cuban sandwiches and comfort food
La Colada Gourmet Coffee & Cafe - a must stop for authentic Cuban coffee - strong, sweet, and energizing
Domino Park - A cultural landmark where locals gather daily to play dominoes and connect
Bay of Pigs Memorial - A historic memorial honoring Cuban exiles and the events tied to the Cuban Missile Crisis
Paradox Museum Miami - An interactive illusion museum filled with mind-bending exhibits and photo-worthy moments
Miami Beach Golf Club - Scenic and well-maintained course perfect for a fun and competitive round
South Beach Cabana Club - Relaxed beachfront cabana experience - ideal for families and groups (book through hotel concierge or local providers)
Yachts Miami Vice - Private yacht charters for cruising Biscayne Bay, spotting celebrity homes, and celebrating in style
Where to Eat
Rao’s Miami Beach - Legendary Italian restaurant known for its intimate setting, rich history, and iconic meatballs
Nobu Miami Beach - Elevated Japanese-Peruvian dining with standout dishes like wagyu and ceviche tacos
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew
Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy
Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler
...more
34min
March 22, 2026Burgundy: France - Long Dinners, Great Wine, & Even Better Company
17. In this episode of True Travel Talk, Jill heads to Burgundy, France, for a wine-filled escape rooted in friendship, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences.
Chatting with her friend Brad Gibson, they reflect on traveling through Burgundy with a group of close friends - from landing in Paris and road-tripping into the countryside, to Champagne waiting upon arrival, and evenings spent around the table. This trip captures what travel is really about - connection, slowing down, and savoring the moment.
Along the way, Jill explores Chablis and Côte de Nuits, visits iconic wineries, enjoys a vintage van wine tour through Burgundy, and dines at a 2-Michelin-starred restaurant in Sauleiu.
Travel & Experience Highlights:
Bistrot Loiseau du Morvan - Related, terroir-driven dining
La Côte d’Or (2 Michelin Stars) - A standout fine dining experience
William Fèvre & La Chablisienne - Iconic Chablis producers
La Chablisienne - A cooperative winery known for producing high-quality Chablis
Domaine Gueguen (Chablis) - A family-run estate founded in 2013, known for elegant, terroir-driven wines and a welcoming tasting experience
Hostellerie des Clos - A classic French lunch spot (escargot included)
My French Tour - A vintage van wine tour through Burgundy
Jean-Claude Boisset - Cellar tasting in Nuits-Saint-Georges
Gevery-Chambertin - One of Burgundy’s most beautiful wine villages
La Maison du Vigneron - A casual, cellar-style lunch experience offering simple, authentic Burgundian dishes in a relaxing setting
Château Corton C. - A historic Burgundy estate owned by the Frey family, producing wines across prestigious appellations including Corton and Corton-Charlemagne
La Vielle Auberge (Saulieu) - A cozy, local restaurant experience with a classic French menu and relaxed neighborhood charm
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew
Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy
Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler
...more
44min
March 15, 2026Uganda: Gorilla Trekking and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Adventure
16. In this episode, Jill and her soon-to-be sister-in-law Emily continue the Africa Adventures series with an unforgettable journey into Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to endangered mountain gorillas.
After traveling across Uganda by charter flight, Jill and her group trek deep into the rainforest to spend time with the Rushegura gorilla family, observing babies climbing trees, teenagers playing, and a powerful silverback leading the group.
The adventure also includes visits with the Batwa people, fresh-roasted coffee in a local village, and inspiring conversations with women and scholarship students supported by Global Partners for Development. It’s a powerful travel experience filled with challenge, connection, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Travel & Experience Highlights:
Mahogany Springs Lodge - A serene rainforest retreat near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where we unwound after long trekking days. With forest views, warm hospitality, and peaceful surroundings, the lodge offered the perfect place to recharge before the next jungle adventure
Global Partners for Development - The nonprofit organization that helped connect us with local communities during our time in Uganda. Through scholarship programs, women’s groups, and community partnerships, Global Partners supports education and opportunity across the region.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park - A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the only places on Earth where travelers can trek to see endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Dense rainforest, steep terrain, and unforgettable wildlife encounters make Bwindi one of Africa’s most extraordinary travel experiences.
Dennis - Sail Adventures Safaris - Our trusted driver and guide throughout our Uganda journey. Dennis navigated winding mountain roads, shared insight into local life, and ensured the adventure ran smoothly from the airport to the remote forests of Bwindi.
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew
Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy
Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler
...more
47min
March 08, 2026 Unpacked: When Travel Goes Wrong & How to Handle It (Part 2) | Lost Items & Medical Mishaps
15.2 Travel rarely goes exactly as planned - especially when you're traveling with kids, grandparents, and a full itinerary.

In Part 2 of this Unpacked series on when travel goes wrong, Jill and her husband, Paul, revisit another side of travel reality: losing things and navigating unexpected medical moments on the road.
From backpacks left on trains in Norway to phones sliding off the roof of a car in Bosnia, these stories capture the small mistakes and chaotic moments that can happen on even the most carefully planned trips. Some were stressful in the moment. Others became funny in hindsight.
The episode also reflects on the more serious side of travel surprises - including burns at Christmas markets, injuries far from home, and the challenges of caring for family members when health issues arise during a trip.
Over the years, Jill and Paul have learned that when things go wrong, staying calm, adapting quickly, and supporting each other can turn a difficult moment into a story that becomes part of the adventure.
Because travel isn't about everything going perfectly - it's about flexibility, resilience, and learning how to roll with the unexpected.
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41min
March 04, 2026 Unpacked: When Travel Goes Wrong & How to Handle It (Part 1)
15.1 Travel rarely goes the way you want it to - especially with kids, grandparents, and a full itinerary.
In this episode of True Travel Talk, Jill and her husband, Paul, unpack years of real-life travel mishaps across the all-too-relatable theme: delays and disruptions.
Some moments were stressful. Some were funny in hindsight. A few were genuinely hard. But over time, they’ve learned something important: when you lean into what goes wrong instead of resisting it, those road bumps often become the stories that define the adventure.
From missed flights and wet passports to urgent care visits on vacation, this episode is a reminder that travel isn’t about perfection - it’s about flexibility, resilience, and recognizing the bright side along the way. Because sometimes the detour is the destination.
...more
44min

FAQs about True Travel Talk:

How many episodes does True Travel Talk have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.