Wander Your Way: Europe Travel Your Way

What if where you stayed actually changed the way you traveled?

For several weeks this summer, I tried house sitting in England, piecing together three different dog sits as I traveled through the southern part of the country. 

Along the way, I spent time in places I might never have visited otherwise, from rural Hampshire and Winchester to Bradford on Avon and Axbridge.

In this episode, I’m sharing what house sitting is really like, how I made it work without a car, and some of the new places I discovered along the way.

I’ll also talk about the benefits — and responsibilities — of house and pet sitting and why it can be an interesting way to travel longer, spend less on accommodations and experience a destination a little more like a local.

If you love dogs (or cats or any other animals), slower travel and discovering places beyond Europe’s usual stops, house sitting might just be another way to Wander Your Way.

Want to chat more about pet sitting or any of these destinations?

Send me a message at [email protected].

In this episode:

1:40: Intro

2:39: How housesitting works

10:53: Worthing

12:34: Winchester

18:12: Droxford

24:55: Bradford-on-Avon

30:15: Bath

33:36: Badgworth & Axbridge

37:07: Final thoughts

42:33: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Trusted Housesitters

Mind My House

Nomador

TASC Clothing

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

Do you learn a few words of the local language before traveling to another country?

Even knowing how to say hello, please and thank you can make a difference.

But learning a little more can open the door to deeper connections with the people you meet along the way.

In this episode, I’m joined by Margherita Berti, founder of Italian Matters, to talk about how learning and using the local language can lead to a more meaningful travel experience.

Margherita grew up in Bergamo, Italy, and has spent years studying languages, linguistics and how we actually learn to communicate in another language.

She shares practical tips for learning before you travel, from flashcards and podcasts to music, movies and the shadowing technique.

We also talk about which words and phrases are most useful, why it helps to prepare for situations you know you'll encounter, and how to get past the fear of making a mistake and actually speak the language once you're there.

Because you don't need to be fluent.

And you definitely don't need to be perfect.

Sometimes simply making the effort to speak a few words in the local language can create a connection — and become one of those moments you remember long after the trip is over.

In this episode:

1:10: Intro

1:53: About Margherita Berti

4:02: Italy to Indiana

10:24: Various learning tools

16:04: Key phrases to learn

18:01: Understanding creates connection

19:40: Using translating apps

22:51: Teaching English speakers

27:31: Advice for confident speaking

33:44: Margherita's final tips & thoughts

36:18: Lynne's final tips & thoughts

41:10: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Italian Matters

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

Safety Wing

Tips For Traveling in Another Language

I love independent travel. 

I love being able to go where I want, when I want, and experience a destination in my own way.

So I wasn't entirely sure how I would feel about small group travel.

Yes, I know. 

I offer small group trips. 😄

But turns out, I love it.

In this episode, I'm sharing 9 reasons why independent travelers might just love small group travel too — from handing over the logistics and having knowledgeable local guides to getting into places that can be more difficult to experience on your own.

We'll also talk about soft adventure, spending time in nature, experiencing the culture of a destination, leaving room for spontaneity and — perhaps most importantly — sharing those incredible travel moments with a small group of like-minded travelers.

And small group travel doesn't mean giving up your independence completely. 

There's still room for downtime, wandering on your own and simply doing your own thing.

Small group travel may not be for everyone. 

But if you're an independent traveler who has always thought, "Group travel isn't for me," this episode might just change your mind.

In this episode:

0:50: Intro

7:30: First...a story

11:34: Don't have to worry about logistics

13:47: Experience places you may not get to on your own

17:02: Local guides and their knowledge

20:50: Time for soft adventure and in being nature

27:22: Cultural experiences as well

31:00: Allows for spontaneous moments

34:41: Sharing moments with others

39:31: Small means small

41:49: Maintain your independent time

44:57: Recap

47:05: Final thoughts

53:39: Wrapping it up

In this episode:

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

What if traveling more slowly isn’t about how much time you have, but how you choose to use that time?

In this episode, I’m joined by Renee Hannes of Dream Plan Experience to talk about slow travel, intentional travel and the joy of returning to places we’ve already visited.

We chat about why asking “How do I want this trip to feel?” can completely change the way you plan, how leaving more unplanned time can lead to some of your favorite travel memories, and why you don’t have to see everything on one trip.

We also delve into the benefits of revisiting destinations — one of my favorite things to do.

Returning to a place you love gives you the chance to peel back another layer, discover something you missed the first (or second) time and experience it through a completely different lens.

And Renee and I share a few simple ways to incorporate slow travel into your next trip to Europe — even if you only have a week or two.

If you’re ready to travel with a little more intention and a little less rushing, be sure to tune in.

Want to chat more about slow travel?

Send me a message at [email protected].

In this episode:

2:28: Renee Hannes' bio

5:40: Renee's travel story rooted in Germany

12:08: Starting a travel business

15:55: Tuscany retreat

17:40: Mindset for slow travel

27:17: Revisiting places

39:07: Same place, new discoveries

50:00: Revisiting places is for some and not for others

55:25: Final thoughts from Renee

57:40: Some final thoughts from Lynne

1:01:28: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Dream Plan Experience

Slow Travel

10 Helpful Things I Wish More Travelers Knew About Europe

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

Eagle Creek

Germany is so much more than Bavaria, beer gardens and castles.

In this episode of the Wander Your Way podcast, I’m joined by Germany travel expert Cate Brubaker of My Germany Vacation to dig a little deeper into this fascinating and diverse country.

Cate has been traveling to and living in Germany since she spent her senior year of high school there. 

She went on to earn bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees in German and has spent decades exploring the country. 

So when it comes to Germany, she has a lot of knowledge to share!

We talk about some of Cate's favorite places, including history-filled Berlin, the lively university city of Freiburg and the beautiful Black Forest, and the maritime city of Hamburg in northern Germany.

But we venture even farther beyond the usual stops as Cate introduces us to Germany's northern islands, including Sylt, Rügen and the car-free island of Hiddensee, where you'll find beaches, hiking trails and landscapes that might completely change the way you picture Germany.

Along the way, Cate shares practical advice about traveling by train versus renting a car, getting around without speaking German and why your travel style should help determine how you move around the country.

And, of course, we couldn't talk about Germany without talking about Christmas markets! 

Cate shares some of her favorites and explains why smaller neighborhood markets can sometimes offer an even more memorable experience than the famous ones.

If you've only thought of Germany as Munich, Bavaria and the Alps, this conversation just might inspire you to dig a little deeper.

Want to chat more about Germany?

Send me a message at [email protected].

In this episode:

1:58: Intro

4:08: Getting to know Cate

13:46: Cate’s top 3 destinations

16:40: Berlin: The Wall

25:51: Freiburg: The Black Forest

39:54: Hamburg: Harbors, Canals, Lakes

48:15: Honorable Mention: The Islands

52:12: Logistics & Tips

55:45: Christmas Markets

1:06:06: Final thoughts

1:08:18: Wrapping it up

Important links:
 
My Germany Vacation

Germany Travel Planning Podcast

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

REI

Planning a trip to Europe?

Before you book your flights or start mapping out your itinerary, there are a few things I wish more travelers knew before they go.

In this episode, I share 10 helpful insights I've learned through years of traveling throughout Europe and helping clients plan their adventures.

We talk about why Europe's famous cities are only part of the story, why distances can be deceiving, and why trains aren't always the best transportation option.

I also explain why you don't need to see every famous attraction to have an incredible trip.

You'll learn how Europe's national parks differ from those in North America, why walking is a part of everyday life, and why leaving room for spontaneity often leads to the most memorable travel experiences.

Whether you're planning your first trip to Europe or your tenth, I hope these tips help you create a journey that's less rushed, more meaningful, and truly your own.

Want to chat more about this topic?

Email me at [email protected]

In this episode:

1:01: Intro

3:39: More than big cities

6:35: Natural destinations are amazing

8:21: National parks are different

10:27: Trains aren’t always best option

13:16: Europe doesn't have to be expensive

17:27: Distances can be deceiving

20:14: Walking is a way of life

23:14: Each country is unique

24:33: You don't have to see it all

27:21: You don't have to have it all planned

29:38: Recap and final thoughts

32:34: Wrapping it up

Important links:

6 Tips to Help You Travel Cheaper to Europe

Tips for Train Travel in Europe

Discover Soft Adventure: Easy Ways to Explore Europe's Outdoors

Slow Travel

3 Quick Tips for Planning Your Trip to Europe: Making the Plan

20 Essential Travel Tips You Need To Know Before Visiting Europe

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

Patagonia

Despite what some people may believe, Europe isn't too crowded.

Sure, some places certainly are.

But there are still a plethora of destinations where you can escape the crowds and feel like you've discovered something special.

One of the questions I get asked all the time is, "How do you find these places?" especially when people see me in a destination they've never even heard of.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the process I use to uncover those "hidden feeling" places in Europe that are just a little off the main tourist track.

These aren't secret destinations.

They're simply places that are often overshadowed by their more famous neighbors and don't usually show up at the top of a Google search.

I'll share the 6 tips I use when researching my own travels — as well as the custom itineraries I create for my travel clients — from exploring maps in a different way to asking locals the right questions.

Whether you love researching every detail yourself or would rather leave the planning to someone else (like me!), these ideas will help you find destinations that feel less busy and more connected to the landscape, history, local people, and culture.

If you've ever wondered how to discover places that feel like your own special find, this episode is for you.

Want to chat more about this topic?

Email me at [email protected]

In this episode:

1:48: Intro + background

6:43: Explore the map

8:57: Follow travelers who travel like you

10:37: Search by interest

14:00: Beyond famous places

17:57: Stay longer in fewer places

22:26: Talk to the locals

24:43: Recap
 
26:42: Final thoughts

29:20: Wrapping it up

32:55: Listener reviews

Important links:

12 Destinations in Europe That Deserve More Love

Slow Travel

Tips for Traveling Off the Main Tourist Track

6 Tips For Planning an Amazing Trip to Europe

Slow Travel Europe

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

TASC Performance

Chatsworth House is one of England's most spectacular stately homes.

And in this episode, I'm taking you inside one of the Peak District's most iconic landmarks.

You'll learn about its fascinating history, explore the grand rooms and beautiful gardens, discover filming locations from Pride & Prejudice and other productions, and get plenty of practical tips to help you plan your own visit.

I’ll also share why I think Chatsworth is worth visiting even though it’s one of the busier sights in the Peak District.

From avoiding the busiest times to making the most of the gardens, estate walks, farm shop, and nearby trails, this episode will help you experience Chatsworth House at a slower, more enjoyable pace.

Want to chat more about Chatsworth House?

Contact me at [email protected]

In this episode:

1:56: Intro

2:44: Placing Chatworth House on the map

3:30: History

6:22: Rooms you can visit

11:29: Logistics & advice

13:38: The Garden

18:27: Nearby trails & parking

20:04: Additional planning considerations

26:22: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Chatsworth House

Discovering the Diverse and Beautiful Peak District England

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

Eagle Creek

Looking for destinations in Europe that deserve more love?

In this episode, I'm sharing 12 places across Europe that I think deserve a spot on more travelers' wish lists.

These aren't unknown destinations. 

Because, let's face it, there are very few truly undiscovered places. 

Instead I'd describe them as places that often get overshadowed by more famous neighbors.

From wild Irish coastlines and peaceful English countryside to mountain landscapes in Slovenia, Scotland, Austria, and Italy, these destinations offer a variety of experiences. 

Along the way, you'll find charming villages, fascinating history, outstanding food and wine, and plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors. 

All are places I believe deserve more attention from curious travelers.

Some are easy additions to a European itinerary, while others require a bit more patience and a sense of adventure. 

And of course, all of them are places I've personally visited and would (and have) happily return to.

Join me as I share why places like the Yorkshire Dales, Lake Bohinj, the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, Piedmont, the Hochkönig region, and the Mani Peninsula deserve more attention from travelers looking to venture beyond Europe's usual stops.

Whether you're actively planning a trip or simply dreaming about future travels, I hope this episode inspires you to discover a few destinations in Europe that deserve more love.

Want to chat more about these destinations or this topic?

Email me at [email protected].

In this episode:

2:45: Intro

6:18: County Donegal, Ireland

10:30: Normandy, France

14:28: Yorkshire Dales, England

19:19: Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

23:09: Ardnamurchan, Scotland

30:17: Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland

37:22: Scottish Borders

41:08: Isle of Mull, Scotland

46:37: Piedmont, Italy

51:20: Val di Fassa, Italy

54:28: Hochkönig region, Austria

58:05: Mani Peninsula, Greece

1:03:04: Recap

1:03:54: Wrapping it up

Important links:

County Donegal • Ireland

Exploring Beautiful Normandy, France: Going Beyond the D-Day Beaches

Amazing Things To Do in the Yorkshire Dales England

Lake Bohinj • Slovenia

Dumfries & Galloway • Scotland

Exploring the Scottish Borders

Isle of Mull • Scotland

Piedmont • Italy

6 Reasons to Visit the Beautiful Val di Fassa Italy

Discovering the Stunning and Beautiful Hochkönig Region of Austria

Stoupa • Greece

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

Nord VPN

Portugal is a fascinating country, but there is so much more to discover beyond Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

In this episode, I'm joined by Portugal travel expert Julie Fox of Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal, who has called Portugal home for nearly 20 years. 

Julie shares how she ended up moving from the UK to Portugal, why the country immediately felt like home, and what has kept her there ever since.

Together we explore some of Portugal's lesser-known destination — from charming riverside towns and medieval villages to beautiful natural areas filled with walking trails and stunning scenery. 

Along the way, Julie introduces us to places such as Ponte de Lima, Buçaco National Forest, Marvão, Alcobaça, Monchique, Penha Garcia, and several coastal communities that offer a quieter and more authentic experience of Portugal.

We also discuss Portugal's only national park — Peneda-Gerês National Park, scenic hiking trails (Julie is a keen hiker), and practical tips for travelers who want to venture beyond the country's biggest cities. 

Julie shares advice on the best time to visit, whether a rental car is worth it, and how to make the most of Portugal's incredible mix of history, culture, nature, and outdoor adventure.

If you enjoy slower travel, spending time outdoors, discovering charming small towns, and getting beyond the usual stops, this episode will inspire you to explore a different side of fascinating Portugal.

Want to chat more about Portugal?

Send me an email at [email protected].

In this episode:

1:32: Introducing Julie Fox

4:24: Julie's travel story

10:21: Lisbon & Porto

16:27: North Portugal: Ponte de Lima

20:09: Peneda-Gerês National Park

23:45: Central Portugal: Buçaco National Forest

28:36: Eastern Border: Penha Garcia

32:39: Central: Alcobaça

38:09: Moving South: Alentejo Region

49:10: Algarve Region: Monchique & Alvor

57:12: Additional hiking

1:02:21: Travel tips plus a few more spots

1:13:13: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal

Visit Portugal

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

Vuori