Season 2 of Wander Every Day kicks off with a personal trip recap as I take you along on Nick and I’s September journey through Switzerland and Italy, a perfect mix of smooth logistics, unforgettable scenery, and seriously good food.

We start in the sky, reviewing our business class flights from Toronto to Montréal with Air Canada, then onward to Zurich with Swiss Air. From there, I share highlights from a day exploring Zurich, followed by an unexpectedly magical evening in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town, where we enjoyed some of the best food and drinks of the entire trip.

Next up is one of Europe’s most iconic train journeys: the Bernina Express. I break down what makes this route so special, what to expect onboard, and whether it lives up to the hype. From the Alps, we head south to Lake Como, spending a weekend in Vezio just outside Varenna, soaking up lake views, charming villages, and slow Italian mornings.

The journey continues with a high-speed train to Naples, followed by a dreamy escape to Ischia. I talk seafood-filled meals, the island’s relaxed pace of life, and a deep dive into the Poseidon Thermal Gardens. We wrap up the trip back in Naples, staying in the Spanish Quarter, eating plenty of pizza, and exploring the city with the help of a Rick Steves free audio walking tour.

This episode is packed with practical tips, honest reflections, and inspiration for combining Switzerland and Italy into one unforgettable itinerary. It’s the perfect way to kick off Season 2 of Wander Every Day!

🎧 Let’s wander.

Timestamp:

0:00 Intro: What I’ve Been Up Too + Season 1 Stats!!

7:36 Business Class Experience: Toronto Pearson Airport, Maple Leaf Lounge vs Air Canada Café, Swiss Business Class + the Business Arrivals Lounge in Zurich

14:22 Zurich: Day-Trip Logistics, the Aqueduct Market + Frau Gerolds Garden

18:55 The Bernina Express: Highly Recommended Food and Drink in Chur, Info for Booking + Expectations

28:11 Lake Como: Train Accessibility, Accomodation Options + Varenna and Bellagio Food Recs 

35:42 Trains: Possible Delays, Milano Centrale Station + High Speed Overview

39:23 Ischia: Seafood Galour, Taking the Bus, Ischia Porto Fest + Poseidon Thermal Gardens

46:06 Naples: Best accommodation of the trip, Popular Pizza Spots, Travel Mishaps + Rick Steve’s Free Audio Tours

51:20 Final Recommendations: Weather variations, eSims + the Strong Suggestion to Travel Deeper

In the second half of my conversation with Al, we dive into two of Italy’s most iconic cities: Florence and Rome. From cozy agriturismos in the Tuscan countryside to sipping wine at charming Roman bars, this episode is a foodie and culture lover’s dream.

In Florence, we talk Air bnbs, sandwiches from All’Antico Vinaio, coffee culture across Italy, exploring the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, and whether Florence has lost a bit of its sparkle under the weight of tourism.

In Rome, it’s all about the food and atmosphere: we break down the four classic Roman pastas, debate Roman vs Neapolitan pizza, and talk about what it’s like to explore the Colosseum during the Ryder Cup crowds. Plus, wine bar recommendations, aperitivo culture, and plenty of travel tips for making the most of these vibrant cities.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first Italian adventure or planning a return to soak in more pasta, pizza, and history—this episode will give you insider tips and inspiration to experience Florence and Rome like a local.

🎧 Let’s wander.

Timestamp:

2:03 Florence: Air B&B, Al Antico Vinaio Sandwiches, Utilitarian Coffee, Uffizi Gallery, Agriturismos + Has Florence Lost its Sparkle?

11:01 Rome: The Ryder Cup, the Four Pastas of Rome, Neapolitan Pizza vs Roman Pizza, Wine Bar Recommendations, Apperitvo Culture, Colosseum Tour + Pre-planning Attractions

25:37 Reflections on Italy Trip and Recommendations

29:36 This or That: Bella Italia Edition

30:34 Listener Questions: Is Rome Overhyped + Best Restaurants in Italy

In this episode of Wander Every Day, my friend Al joins me to dive into the first half of her Italian adventure – exploring the island charm of Ischia and the bustling streets of Naples.

🌊 Ischia: We chat about staying in Ischia Porto, sipping rucolino, taking a boat tour to see La Mano di Dio and the Green Grotto, riding the island bus, soaking in thermal bath parks, and of course trying the island specialty, coniglio all’ischiatana. Plus, we compare Ischia to nearby Capri and the Amalfi Coast – is it the hidden gem worth choosing?

🍕 Naples: From exploring the Catacombs of San Gennaro to diving deep into Naples’ legendary pizza scene, we review Michelin-recognized favourites like L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, Gino e Toto Sorbillo, Pizzeria Vincenzo Capuano and Pepe in Grani. We also share a wine-filled stop at Vineria Bandita and chat about Naples’ complicated reputation.

✈️ Italy Travel Tips: We round out the episode with practical advice – from avoiding pickpockets, to navigating Italy’s mix of trains, ferries, and metros, to cost expectations and the best times of year to visit.

If you’ve ever wondered whether to put Ischia or Naples on your Italy itinerary (or if you’re just here for the pizza talk), this episode is packed with insight.

🎧 It’s time to experience la dolce vita!

Timestamp:

2:47 Introduction to Al: Frequenter of Italy, Lover of Pizza and Wine + Discovering Italy without a Car

12:56 Travel Tips: Planning in Advance, Accommodation Accessibility, Avoid August Travel? + General Review of our Budgets and Cost

25:07 Arrival in Italy, Beware of Pickpockets + Every Mode of Transport in Italy

31:53 Ischia: Getting Around the Island with the Bus, Boat Trip Around the Island, Coniglio all'ischiatana, Rucolino Amaro, Thermal Baths + Comparison to Amalfi and Capri

51:37 Naples: The Grit, Character and Authenticity, the Pizza Journey, the Catacombs of San Genaro and San Genaro Day, and using the Michelin Guide while Traveling (it’s not always super expensive!)

In this deliciously travel-filled episode of Wander Every Day, I sit down with my friend Emily — culinary school graduate, owner of @ems_treats, and mom of two — to hear all about her 10-day winter adventure in Lisbon, Portugal.

Emily, her husband Kyle, daughters Spencer (3) and McKenna (8 months), her mom, and her sister stayed in a cozy Airbnb and explored Lisbon’s charm one cobblestoned hill at a time. 

From day trips to the stunning Botanical Gardens, seaside Cascais, and the magical castles of Sintra, to soaking up the culture at LX Factory and Time Out Market, they made the most of their family getaway.

Of course, no trip with Emily is complete without a food quest — and this time, it was all about pasteis de nata. Hear how she tried 30 different custard tarts to find the ultimate winner, plus her thoughts on the city’s fresh fish, potatoes, and mouthwatering restaurants. You’ll also get tips for tackling Lisbon’s famously steep, cobblestone streets with little ones.

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Lisbon, especially with kids, or simply want the inside scoop from a foodie’s perspective, this episode is packed with inspiration, travel tips, and (of course) plenty of pastry talk.

🎧 Listen now and get ready to fall in love with Portugal!

Timestamp:

0:00 Introduction to Emily and Wander Every Day

3:30 Camping in New Zealand: Bringing Tents, Unpredicted Rain + Wild Animals of the Region

6:54 Pasteis de Nata with a Culinary School Grad, Emily’s Travel Tips and Style + Shareable Google Maps Map

18:06 Day 1: Down Down with Illness + Air B&B

24:35 Day 2: the Best Cafe in Lisbon (spoiler - it’s vegan!), Botanical Gardens + Beautiful Dinner in Lisbon

30:04 Day 3: Beach in Cascais + Best Gelato in Lisbon

33:31 Day 4: Castle Sao Jorge, the Real Facts about Pasteis di Nata + SOL Restaurant (10/10!)

37:26 Day 5: Timeout Market, Pasteis de Belem + Hilly, Hilly Lisbon

45:47 Day 6: Sintra, Castles like Hogwarts + Quinta da Regaleira

50:12 Day 7-10: Wandering the Cobblestone Streets, LX Factory + Baixa

56:38 Trip Reflections

1:00:38 Rapid Fire

1:03:41 Listener Questions: Balancing Sight-seeing + Parenting, Lisbon Stroller Accessible + Public Transportation

Links:
Lisbon Sharable Google Map Locations
Lisbon Air B&B

Recommended Restaurants: Javá, SOL Restaurante e Jardim
Best Café: Gal Café (Vegan Cafe)
Best Gelato: Insano Gelato
Best Pasteis di Nata: Aloma

In this solo episode of Wander Every Day, we’re diving into the art of using Aeroplan points and Membership Rewards to make travel more affordable—and sometimes downright luxurious.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your strategy, this episode breaks down the essentials of both collecting and redeeming points in Canada.

We cover:
✈️ What your Aeroplan points are actually worth
💳 How to collect more points through sign-up bonuses, strategic credit card spending, and bonus offers
📊 How to optimize redemptions using the Aeroplan Flight Reward Chart, understanding dynamic pricing, and calculating cost-per-point (CPP)
🧠 Tools & experts to help you maximize value—like Roame, Ricky Zhang from Prince of Travel, and Canadian Jetsetters

From roundtrip economy to dream-worthy business class flights, this episode is packed with practical advice, real examples, and personal wins that prove points can take you further than you think—if you use them wisely.

Links:

American Express Cobalt Card Referral Link

Aeroplan Flight Rewards Chart

Prince of Travel Aeroplan

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction to Point Collection and Redemption

8:03 Optimizing Point Collection: Sign-up Bonuses with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card

11:32 Optimizing Point Collection: Day-to-day Spending with the Amex Cobalt Card

13:05 Optimizing Point Collection: Bonus Offers and Promotions

12:49 Optimizing Redeeming Points: Star Alliance Price Chart

14:04 Optimizing Redeeming Points: Dynamic Pricing

15:28 Optimizing Redeeming Points:Cost-per-point Ratios

17:37 Closing Tips: Roame, Ricky Zhang + Other Resources

This week on Wander Every Day, I’m joined by my sister-in-law Christina, who went on a month-long slow-travel adventure across Switzerland, Italy, and Spain. From postcard-perfect aperitivo moments in Milan to a hidden gem village in Cinque Terre, Christina shares not just where she went — but what it felt like to be there.

We talk honestly about the cost of traveling Switzerland (is it worth it?), the simple magic of sipping wine in small Italian towns, and how meeting a local artist in Florence became a highlight of her trip. And when Spain came calling… did she secretly regret leaving Italy behind?

🗺️ In this episode, we chat about:
• Why Switzerland’s beauty requires planning to allow for a budget price tag
• The perfect aperitivo moments in Milan 🍸
• A hidden gem in Cinque Terre (that isn’t where most tourists go)
• Meeting a passionate artist in his Florence gallery 🎨
• Second-guessing whether leaving Italy for Spain was the right move
• The slower, reflective side of travel — and what Christina would change next time

We also talk European trains, review some top bar cafés in Milano, and really dive into whether traveling Europe in summer is worth the price, traffic + heat. 

Whether you're mapping out your next Europe trip or wondering if Italy deserves more of your itinerary — this episode’s for you.

🎧 Let's wander.

Recommendations:

Felix - Milano

Mag Cafe - Milano

Bar Bello - Montreal

Pastaficio di Canneto - Genova

Il Gattaccio - Vernazza

Timestamp

0:00 Introduction to the Pod
2:41 Christinas Travel Style: Travelling with Friends, Authentic Travel Experiences + Preferred Pace of Travel

19:18 Switzerland: Fribourg, Montreux Jazz Fest, Gruyère cheese, Lausanne Beach Day + Marzili Bern

29:25 Switzerland is Expensive: Food + Trains (including the Bernina Express)

37:23 Milan: Appetitivo Hour, Duomo at Golden Hour + Speak Easy Culture

43:03 Genoa: Pastaficio di Canneto Pasta Restaurant, Unexpected Beach Vibes + Castelletto Views

46:47 Cinque Terre: Hidden Gem Town + Hiking Path, Overtourism in the Main Towns + Efficiency of the Train (Unless it’s on strike…)

57:50 Firenze “Florence”: Art Gallery Socials, Surviving the Heat + Day's Flashback to Engagement Pics in the Bardini Gardens

1:02:52 Quick Taste of Bologna: Bolognese, Food and Wine

1:04:37 Madrid: Spain Regrets?, El Retiro Park + Navigating Madrid Train Station

1:10:51 Barcelona: Beware of Phone Thieves, Jamon Iberico + Sitges

1:23:55 This or That: Euro Summer Edition

1:24:47 Listener Questions: People Watching at Apperitivo Hour + Where Would You Go Back

In this episode of Wander Every Day, I’m joined by my friends Gates and Laura, who recently returned from a 10-day family trip to Spain with their two boys — Ian (5) and Logan (3) — and Gates’ mom, Lynn. From the beaches of Salou to family-friendly adventures in Barcelona, they’re sharing the highs, the meltdowns, and everything in between.

We dive into what it’s really like to travel Europe with little ones in tow — including what to bring (and what to leave behind), how to adjust to jet lag, and how to balance naps, snacks, and sightseeing without losing your mind.

👶✈️ Perfect for parents dreaming of big trips but unsure if now’s the right time — this is the real talk you need.

🗺️ In this episode, we cover:
• 5 days in Salou: beaches, PortAventura World, and a day trip to Siurana
• 5 days in Barcelona: Sagrada Familia, a mosaic class, and a kid-focused walking tour
• How they planned and booked Airbnbs for 3 generations
• Packing essentials: car seats, strollers, carriers & kid entertainment
• Managing jet lag, meals, and meltdowns on the road
• Encouragement for parents who want to keep traveling with their kids — not wait until they're older

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Real advice from real parents who are making it work — one gelato and playground stop at a time.

🔗 Links:

Salou Air B&B
Barcelona Air B&B
Barcelona Kids and Family Walking Tour
Top 40 Things to Do with Kids in Barcelona

🎧 Hit play and let’s wander.

This week on Wander Every Day, I’m joined by my cousin-in-law Francesca, to review her action-packed and unforgettable trip through Tanzania and Zanzibar — a journey that had everything: wildlife, wonder, and a few unexpected bumps (literally).

She takes us along on her 6-day Serengeti safari, where she:
🦓 Witnessed the legendary wildebeest river crossing
🚙 Survived a couple of safari vehicle breakdowns
🎈 Soared over the plains on a sunrise hot air balloon ride
🦁 Explored the incredible Ngorongoro Crater — home to some of Africa’s densest wildlife

Then it was off to Zanzibar for some well-earned rest and exploration:
🌴 Beachfront chill time in Kendwa
🌶️ A deep dive into culture on a Stone Town spice tour

Oh, and did they see a kill on safari? You'll have to listen to find out 👀

Whether you’re dreaming of a Big Five safari, craving clear turquoise waters, or just curious what it’s like when your safari truck breaks down in lion territory — this one’s got stories.

🎧 Hit play and let’s wander.

00:00 Introduction to Tanzania and Zanzibar

3:07 Even Experienced Travellers Make Mistakes - the Soon-to-Expire Passport Story

9:24 African Safari Planning: When To Go, the Great Migration + Preparatory Info

15:20 Francesca’s Trip to Tanzania + Zanzibar: Ethiopian Airlines, How to Choose A Safari Tour + Cost Expectations

26:58 Serengeti Safari Day 1: Truck Breakdown Part I, Seronera + Overview of the Camps

35:55 Serengeti Safari Day 2: Truck Breakdown Part II + Safari Meals

41:52 Serengeti Safari Day 3: Hot Air Balloon, Up Close Lions + Flash Flooding Dangerous River Crossing

52:09 Serengeti Safari Day 4: Wildebeest Crossing + Elephants

55:05 Serengeti Safari Day 5: The Kill!? + Pamoja African Lodge

1:01:36 Serengeti Safari Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater + How Many Gazelle are There?!?

1:04:55 Zanzibar: Arusha Airport, Italian Invasion in Kendwa + Stonetown

1:14:54 Respecting Culture, Diving + Canadians Owning the Zanzaibarian Resort

1:22:52 Rapid Fire Round

1:24:57 Listener Questions: Other Safari Locations in Africa, Bathrooms?, and the Beaches in Zanzibar 

This week on Wander Every Day, I’m joined by my wonderful friend Maddie, who’s no stranger to Japan — she’s traveled there three times, spent over six weeks exploring the country, and just so happens to be married to someone who grew up there.

In this episode, Maddie takes us along on her most recent trip:

✨ Visiting her husband’s hometown of Misaki in Chiba
🌸 Exploring Nikko and sipping morning coffee by the river
🎤 Singing karaoke and missing the last train in Tokyo
🦌 Traveling solo to Nara with a peaceful day trip to Minoo waterfall
🚄 Experiencing her first bullet train ride
🍱 And of course — the food: tonkatsu, konbini snacks, and all-you-can-drink beer

She also reflects on highlights from previous visits to Kyoto, Okinawa, and Hakone, sharing tips, funny stories, and favourite off-the-beaten-path moments.

If Japan is on your list — or you just love hearing honest, thoughtful travel stories — this episode is packed with inspiration, laughs, and seriously great recs.

🎧 Press play and let’s wander.

00:00 Overview of Travel to Japan

4:00 Japan Working Holiday Visa

8:11 Overview of Maddie: Previous Trips to Japan, Solo Travel + Budget Style and Planning Approach

18:51 Chiba: Authentic Japan, Socializing Customs + Surfing

22:50: Nikko: Dewy Mountain Vibes, Hostel Coffee by the River + See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil

30:32 Tokyo: Overview of Tokyo Regions, Tonkatsu/Ramen + Missing the Last Train

38:27: Nara: Aggressive(ish) Deer, Japanese Customs + the Shinkansen

48:48 Osaka, Kyoto + Tokyo: General Overview of the Golden Route

54:46 Okinawa: Beaches, Mazemen + Zamami Island

57:17 Hakone: Onsens, Mount Fuji + Japanese Food Talk

1:03:55 Final Review of Japanese Activities and Reflection on Trip

1:06:42 This or That: Japan Edition

1:07:52 Listener Questions: Luggage Forwarding, Where to Revisit in Japan + Is Cherry Blossom Season Worth It?

This week, I’m joined by my brilliant friend and 3-time Jeopardy! champion Diandra, who took on 6 countries in 10 days on a whirlwind Contiki tour through Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, and Italy — all during the cozy (and sometimes chilly!) Christmas Market months of November and December.

From making pierogies in Warsaw to ice skating outside in Budapest, visiting Auschwitz, sailing through Venice on a gondola, and even exploring Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg, Diandra shares the highs, the heart, and the unexpected magic of fast-paced group travel.

We talk about:

• How to make the most of a tightly packed itinerary
• Contiki tips for all travelers
• Balancing heavy historical moments with lighthearted memories
• What she’d do differently — and what she’d do again in a heartbeat

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a lot in not a lot of time, this one’s for you.

🎧 Hit play — and let’s wander.

Timestamp:

00:00 Varadero, Cuba: The Not-As-Planned Group Trip with Diandra in 2017

5:40 Overview of Contiki

13:28 Warsaw: Meeting the Contiki Tour, Palace of Culture and Science + Blueberry Pierogis? 

15:15: Krakow: Hourly Trumpets, Pazcki + Somber Reflection at Auschwitz

21:50 Overview of Ibis Hotels

24:17 Banská Bystrica: A Little Taste of Slovakia

26:08 Budapest: Goulash, Ice Skating + Danube River Cruise

31:37 Salzberg: Mozart, Mulled Wine + Ribs and Schnapps

36:47 Ljubljana: Picturesque Lake Bled, Traditional Slovenian Dancing + Canadian Karaoke

39:32 Venice and Rome Recap: Wine and Cicchetti Tours, Gondola Rides + Rome Tourist Highlights

43:36 Contiki Reflections

47:47 This or That: Eastern Europe + Italia Edition

48:25 Listener Questions

48:58 Closing Recommendations and Thoughts