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."

Season 1 wraps up, but Auntie Rae's journey is just getting started! Get ready for a thrilling sneak peek into her Season 2 European odyssey.

Welcome back to "Not Your Average Hot Pants Wearing Auntie Travel & Adventures"! In this special Season 1 Finale, Auntie Rae takes a moment to reflect on the incredible journey so far. From the initial "breaking point" and defiant self-reclamation to battling budgets and navigating the chaotic, yet transformative, travel to the Queen Mary 2, she's shed old skin and rediscovered her fierce spirit. She's embraced life on the open seas, found kindred spirits, weathered alarms, and learned profound lessons in grace and resilience.

Now, as Season 1 comes to a close, Auntie Rae sets the stage for an even deeper dive into her European odyssey. Season 2 promises to plunge further into the heart of Europe, beyond just collecting passport stamps. Get ready for thrilling city explorations, unexpected encounters, and continued personal growth.

In this episode, you'll get a glimpse of:

• A powerful recap of Auntie Rae's transformation throughout Season 1.
• The promise of a deeper, more immersive exploration of Europe in Season 2.
• Upcoming adventures through the ancient mysteries of the British Isles (from dramatic cliffs to soulful streets) and the complex history of places like Belfast and Berlin.
• Vibrant journeys through Northern Europe (surprising delights in Copenhagen, revisiting Brussels).
• Sun-drenched explorations of the Iberian Peninsula (rhythms of Lisbon, architecture of Barcelona, Mediterranean gems).
• The continued challenges of balancing grand dreams with real-life responsibilities and a new job.
• More laughter, wisdom, and unapologetic sass from Auntie Rae.

#AuntieRae #SeasonFinale #Season2Teaser #EuropeanOdyssey #TravelPodcast #SoloFemaleTravel #LifeTransformation #PodcastLife #NextAdventure

From Cunard's elegance to Carnival's party vibe, Auntie Rae takes on the ultimate European travel transition. Get ready for chaos, grit, and unexpected kindness!

Welcome back to "Not Your Average Hot Pants Wearing Auntie Travel & Adventures"! In this episode, Auntie Rae recounts the raw reality of transitioning from the serene elegance of the Queen Mary 2 to the lively, boisterous chaos of her next European cruise. The moment she thought the hard part was over, the universe said, "Oh, sweetie, sit down!"

Join Auntie Rae as she navigates the "European transportation tango" , battling flaky WiFi, uncoordinated timetables, language gaps, and her own "rookie moves". Experience the humor and grit of becoming a "certified travel logistics ninja" as she cobbles together a plan from Southampton to Dover, making it by the skin of her teeth. This journey, funded by champagne dreams on a tap water budget, hammers home that true freedom is found in the hustle.

Discover Auntie Rae's first impressions of Carnival – a "backyard cookout" vibe that's a sensory explosion after Cunard's hushed elegance. She shares her strategy for finding peace amidst the party, and how embracing both the calm and the chaos makes her journey uniquely her own. Learn why "kindness is a universal dialect" as unexpected moments of help light her way through foreign lands. This episode is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the deepening of her philosophical wisdom.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• The unexpected challenges of European land travel between major cruises.
• Auntie Rae's transformation into a "travel logistics ninja" through sheer will and humor.
• The stark, yet welcome, contrast between the refined Queen Mary 2 and the lively Carnival atmosphere.
• Her initial experiences finding her rhythm on a new ship, from vibrant pool decks to the peaceful Serenity Deck.
• The wisdom of embracing both chaos and calm on a journey of self-discovery.
• How simple acts of kindness, like a local helping her in a bustling market, transcend language barriers.
• A poignant reflection on her journey's end, carrying profound stories and a transformed spirit.

#AuntieRae #CruiseLife #TravelChaos #EuropeanAdventure #BudgetTravel #SoloFemaleTravel #PodcastLife #TravelTransformation

Join Auntie Rae, your hot pants-wearing, truth-telling storyteller, as she dives deep into the soul-soothing embrace of the legendary Queen Mary 2. After years of corporate exhaustion, Auntie Rae finds the ultimate antidote in the calm elegance of Cunard, feeling her spirit expand and breathe for the first time in years.

In this episode, Auntie Rae recounts serene days at sea, unexpected connections forged over fish and chips with globe-trotting veterans Richard and Debra, and a profound realization about finding kindred spirits beyond complexion. But the tranquility is shattered by a ship-wide medical emergency that sends the Queen Mary 2 on a dramatic detour, forcing Auntie Rae to confront human vulnerability and the preciousness of every breath.

Experience the powerful "plot twist" of an emergency evacuation, a poignant encounter with history near the Titanic's resting place, and Auntie Rae's vow to stop waiting to live. This episode is a testament to slowing down, finding presence, and discovering that joy, love, and wisdom are companions, not distant goals. From the quiet rituals of balcony reflections and elegant tea times (and one too many hazelnut tarts!), to forming an unexpected tribe of resilient souls, Auntie Rae discovers that sometimes, the greatest leaps of faith are taken in stillness.

Tune in to witness how a transatlantic crossing becomes a profound journey back to self—grounded, lit up, and truly ready for whatever new horizons await.

From night-before chaos to the majestic Queen Mary 2! Auntie Rae takes on the ultimate travel challenge and proves that freedom is worth every struggle.

Welcome back to "Not Your Average Hot Pants Wearing Auntie Travel & Adventures"! In this exhilarating episode, Auntie Rae throws open the doors to the wild, last-minute chaos of her travel day. After her fierce wardrobe hunt, the real test begins: navigating the final, frenzied hours before her transatlantic flight to the Queen Mary 2.

Join Auntie Rae as she hilariously recounts the pre-dawn madness of her "Grand Adventure," from her sister's 4 AM "Bryant Uber" drop-off and a frantic game of car Tetris with her multiplying luggage. Discover how she strategically booked not just one, but

four back-to-back Carnival cruises through the Mediterranean, embracing the "gift of sudden unemployment" as a catalyst for a "Sea, Sip, and Self-Discovery Tour".

Experience the unfiltered reality of modern air travel: a red-eye flight into LaGuardia, the "Hot Mess Express" through the airport, battling airlines that behave like a "sitcom". But through every obstacle, every missed nap, and every unexpected 'what if,' witness Auntie Rae's unwavering faith and her ultimate triumph as she lays eyes on the magnificent Queen Mary 2. Feel the "pure, uncut, soul-wakin’ magic" as she finally steps aboard, the culmination of decades of wanderlust and a defiant choice to live free.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• The humorous, yet real, chaos of Auntie Rae's night before her grand transatlantic voyage.
• Her strategic (and sometimes audacious) booking of a multi-cruise European adventure, fueled by newfound freedom.
• The unfiltered reality of air travel: from airport dashes with overflowing bags to navigating challenging public transit.
• Auntie Rae's profound philosophy on facing fear and trusting flow, no matter what sideways turns travel throws.
• The triumphant, soul-stirring moment of seeing the Queen Mary 2 for the very first time and realizing dreams are worth chasing.
• A reflective look back at her 17-year-old self, connecting past dreams to her present courage and gratitude.

From Zoom-call hoodies to Cunard glamour! Join Auntie Rae on a frantic, fabulous hunt for the perfect gala dress.

Welcome back to "Not Your Average Hot Pants Wearing Auntie Travel & Adventures"! In this sparkling episode, Auntie Rae dives into a true pre-trip crisis: the wardrobe emergency. With Cunard's "Black Tie Optional" emails serving as divine instructions, she faced a formidable challenge: transforming from years of stretch pants and work-from-home comfort to "Gala-Ready Grace Kelly."

Join Auntie Rae on a frantic hunt through consignment boutiques and department stores, where every dress is either whispering sweet nothings or "hollering disrespect." Experience the humor and frustration of zippers fighting for their lives and bust darts betraying her, as she searches for magic, drama, and most importantly, comfort. Discover the profound moment when she finds "the one"—a black and gold dress that didn't just fit, "it forgave."

This episode isn't just about fashion; it's about reclaiming joy and self-expression that got sidelined by years of corporate expectations. It’s about packing confidence, swagger, and a little bit of "just-in-case magic" to sparkle, shimmy, and maybe even shut down a chandelier or two on the high seas.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Auntie Rae's "wardrobe emergency of the highest order" before her grand cruise.
• The humorous and relatable challenges of transforming from a work-from-home persona to red-carpet ready.
• Her frantic hunt for the perfect gala dress and the dresses that "hollered disrespect."
• The emotional triumph of finding an outfit that "didn't just fit—it forgave."
• Why her meticulous packing, complete with backup platforms for her knees, is an act of "packing joy."
• A powerful message about reclaiming self-expression and dignity after years of feeling overlooked.

Welcome back to "Not Your Average Hot Pants Wearing Auntie Travel & Adventures"! In this hilariously relatable episode, Auntie Rae confesses her biggest travel secret: she's a chronic overpacker. After gallivanting across 40 countries, you'd think she'd have it down to a science—but you'd be "dead wrong!"

Join Auntie Rae as she takes you into the glorious chaos of her packing process, where sundresses and evening shoes form a mountain on her bed, and her bags multiply overnight into "rolling closets." Discover the "panic" that sets in, her attempts at "suitcase yoga," and why her luggage is a "Black Girl Magic apothecary" packed with just-in-case essentials for any travel emergency (or rooftop soirée!).

This episode also gives you a raw look into Auntie Rae's work-from-home life—the "dream turned domestic dilemma"—and how it fueled her inner fashionista. Witness her transformation from "pajama philosopher by day" to "glam goddess by night," reclaiming her dignity and style after years of casual comfort. Finally, brace yourself for the thrilling, nerve-wracking night before her grand adventure, a whirlwind of last-minute mayhem and a 4 AM airport drop-off with her sister.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Auntie Rae's unapologetic confession as a chronic overpacker and her "zombie apocalypse" packing philosophy.
• The hilarious struggle of wrangling an entire wardrobe into bursting suitcases.
• Why her overpacking is actually "preparation, passion, and just-in-case magic."
• A candid look at the realities of working from home and the "business mullet" fashion trend.
• The exhilarating transformation from homebound comfort to glam goddess, reclaiming her style and spirit.
• The chaotic, yet heartwarming, night before her transatlantic flight, filled with nervous energy and sisterly love.