In this episode, we’re heading north to explore the magic of Finland with Tarja Koivisto of Visit Finland. 

From the stylish streets of Helsinki to the peaceful beauty of the archipelago, the sparkling waters of the Lakelands, and the snow-covered wonderland of Lapland, we’re covering all the highlights.

And we'll talk about a few hidden gems that make Finland such a unique and unforgettable destination.

Tarja shares her insider perspective on what makes Finland special.

Think saunas, forests, design, delicious Finnish cuisine and a deep connection to nature. 

Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy winter escape or a summertime lake retreat, this episode will inspire you to add Finland to your travel list.

Want to chat more about Finland?

Send me a message at [email protected].

In this episode:

1:12: Intro

2:13: Introducing Tarja Koivisto of Visit Finland (bio)

4:40: Meeting Tarja

5:31: Placing Finland on the Map

5:54: Geography of Finland

7:56: Highlights

9:53: Food

18:01: Sauna Culture

22:53: Helsinki

25:39: Lakeland Area

30:32: Western Finland & Islands

33:40: Golf in Finland

35:05: Making Your Way North

36:17: Lapland

41:18: Seasons 

44:10: Sami Culture

45:25: Travel Considerations + Finnish Happiness

47:48: Finnish Traditions

51:24: Off The Main Tourist Track and Tarja's Favorites

54:20: Practical Information

1:00:16: Wrapping it up with Tarja

1:02:45: Wrapping it up + Final Thoughts

1:06:27: Listener Review

Important links:

Visit Finland

Travel Bucket List Revisited 2025

My Ultimate Europe Wish List — Category By Category

Lonely Planet Finland

Visit Finlandia Instagram

TASC Clothing

Wander Your Way Resources

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Looking for travel inspiration that goes way beyond the typical bucket list? 

In this episode, I’m sharing my favorite sites in Europe.

12 unforgettable places that have wowed me, moved me and stuck with me long after the trip was over.

From Neolithic stone circles in Ireland to ancient Greek ruins, from jaw-dropping cathedrals to iconic art, this list spans the continent and covers thousands of years of human creativity, culture and mystery.

You’ll hear about:

• Newgrange & Loughcrew Cairns – prehistoric magic in Ireland
• Notre Dame & Strasbourg Cathedral – stunning Gothic beauty
• Michelangelo’s David – a Renaissance icon that lives up to its legend
• Salisbury Cathedral – medieval grace and the tallest spire in England
• Culloden Battlefield – a powerful, sobering site in Scottish history
• Beltany Stone Circle – ancient, atmospheric and wildly underrated
• Doune Castle – a must for history buffs and pop culture fans
• Hohenschwangau Castle – Bavaria’s fairytale fantasy
• Olympia & Ephesus – ancient cities where the past comes alive

These are the places I return to in my mind again and again.

And I think you’ll want to visit these and create those memories too.

So whether you’re trip-planning or just dreaming, come wander with me through my favorite sites in Europe and some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring cultural treasures.

Want to chat more about one or a few of these sites?

Send me an email at [email protected]

In this episode:

2:30: Intro

4:08: Newgrange

7:58: Loughcrew Cairns

10:52: Notre Dame

13:16: Strasbourg Cathedral

16:30: Michelangelo’s David

19:29: Salisbury Cathedral & Magna Carta

23:36: Culloden Battlefield

27:53: Beltany Stone Circle

32:45: Doune Castle

36:28: Hohenschwangau

38:43: Archaeological Site of Olympia

43:01: Ephesus

47:31: Recap

48:58: Wrapping it up

Important links:

County Meath • Ireland

Heritage Ireland Brú na Bóinne

Notre Dame Paris

The Best Things To Do in Paris in 4 Days

9 Things You Need To Do on a Day Trip to Beautiful Strasbourg France

Cathédrale Notre Dame Strasbourg

Salisbury • England

Salisbury Cathedral

Culloden Battlefield: One of the Most Important Sites in Scotland

The Ancient Mystery of Beltany Stone Circle

Stirling and Doune Castles • Scotland

Doune Castle — Historic Environment Scotland

Visiting Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles • Germany

Hohenschwangau Castle

The Ancient Site of Olympia • Greece

Lynne's Favorite UNESCO Sites in Europe

REI

Wander Your Way Resources

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

Want to go deeper than guidebooks and monuments?

Try connecting with a place through your taste buds.

In this episode, I chat with Angelo Carotenuto, founder of LivTours, about how to connect with Europe through food — one bite, one story, one unforgettable experience at a time.

Angelo shares how food is more than just fuel when you travel. 

It’s a sensory gateway into culture, history and daily life — whether you're sipping wine at an outdoor cafe in Paris or rolling pasta in a local Tuscan kitchen.

What we dish up in this episode:

• Why food is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with Europe
• How regional traditions shape what (and how) people eat — spoiler: not all carbonara is created equal
• What makes a truly great food tour (hint: it’s not tiny samples)
• Cooking classes that feel like home — and actually teach you something you’ll cook again
• Why small groups create deeper, more personal food experiences

You’ll also get a peek into LivTours' new cooking school and the delightfully personal cooking class set in Angelo’s mom’s Roman kitchen (yes, for real — it’s the dream).

If you’re craving a more authentic way to experience Europe, this conversation will inspire you to explore it one plate at a time.

🎧 Hit play and get ready to connect with Europe through food — the most delicious way to travel.

In this episode:

1:29: Introducing Angelo Carotenuto of LivTours

3:34: Meeting Angelo and Hearing His Story

7:37: Becoming a Tour Guide and Starting LivTours

14:08: Food & Culture

24:03: Tips for Good Food Tours

39:25: Meaningful Travel

44:25: Wrapping Up with Angelo

45:05: Final Thoughts & Wrapping It Up

Important links:

LivTours

Surprising Countries for Good Food in Europe

LivTours Instagram

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Planning a trip to Europe? 

Don’t let these common travel mistakes derail your adventure.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the top travel mistakes I see some travelers make.

And I'm going to offer up some tips on how you can avoid them. 

From overpacking and rushing through your itinerary to arriving at the wrong airport (yep, it happens!), these slip-ups can cost you time, money and a lot of stress.

We'll cover topics such as packing, ensuring you arrive at the correct airport or train station, money and credit card mistakes and visiting sites. 

And we'll talk about tips for best planning your itinerary to make the most of your time without needing a vacation from your vacation.

If you want a smoother, more enjoyable trip, this episode will help you steer clear of the most common travel mistakes — and travel like a pro.

In this episode:

2:08: Intro

3:10: Pre-Planning Mistakes

10:57: Traveling Mistakes

20:55: Paperwork & Money Mistakes

29:53: Other Considerations

35:29: Tech Mistakes

38:33: Insurance

39:27: Recap

40:50: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Safety Wing

Battleface

UK ETA

Tips for Managing Technology in Europe

Tips on Handling Money in Europe

6 Tips For Planning an Amazing Trip to Europe

3 Quick Tips for Planning Your Trip to Europe: The Packing Dilemma

Wander Your Way Resource

In this fun and wanderlust-fueled episode, I'm unveiling My Ultimate Europe Wish List—a curated collection of the top places I most want to visit in Europe, organized by category.

From dreamy castles to vibrant cities, secluded islands to breathtaking mountain ranges, this list is packed with destinations that stir the soul and spark the imagination.

You’ll hear why I’m drawn to the soaring peaks of the Swiss Alps, the café culture of Vienna and the sun-drenched charm of Provence.

I’ll also share the pull of Finland’s forests and saunas, plus some hidden small towns, spiritual sites and nature parks that make me want to ditch my laptop and wander.

🧳 Whether you're planning your own European adventure or just love to dream about travel, this episode will give you serious inspiration—and maybe a few surprises!

💡 Your Turn!
 
Create your own “Europe by Category” wish list! 

Use the categories I did — like Beach, City, Country, Island, Mountains, Castle.

Or invent your own (hello, Best Place for Wine or Most Likely to Run Into a Sheep). 

Tag me on Instagram or share your picks in your favorite travel group. 

Let's turn daydreams into itineraries!

In this episode:

1:41: Intro

5:12: Beach

8:36: Mountains

10:15: City

12:15: Historical

15:43: Castle

18:16: Spiritual

22:14: Small Town

25:20: Island

27:31: Nature Park

29:16: Region

30:41: Country

32:49: Recap

35:34: Listener review

37:31: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Why the Awesome Isle of Lewis and Harris Needs To Be on Your Scottish Itinerary

12 of My Favorite Amazing European Cities

My Favorite 11 Beautiful and Unexpected Beaches in Scotland

My 15 Favorite Amazing Historical Sites in Ireland

Why You Need To Visit the Beautiful Churches on Your Travels to Europe

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

Patagonia

Ever wonder how Wander Your Way came to be?

In this candid (and sometimes hilarious) episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing my full travel origin story. 

Yep.
 
It's finally time you heard Lynne’s Story — how I fell head over heels for travel, became obsessed with Europe and ended up building a life as a  Europe travel advisor, blogger and podcaster.

From my early wanderlust as a kid in Ohio, to solo travel adventures and the life-changing trips that led me to launch Wander Your Way, this episode is packed with personal stories, a few surprises and a whole lot of passion for independent European travel.

In this episode, you’ll hear the story of the very first trip that sparked my travel bug and how Europe quickly stole my heart — and never gave it back.

I’ll walk you through the highs, lows and hard-won lessons of launching my travel business.

And I'll share what truly drives me to help you experience Europe in a way that’s personal, meaningful and completely your own.

If you're curious about the woman behind the mic — and behind the custom travel itineraries — this one’s for you.

Grab a coffee (or a glass of wine 🍷), get comfy and press play.

P.S. Lynne's Story is definitely a little more personal, a little less itinerary — but I hope it gives you a better idea of the travel-loving fool behind the mic.

In this episode:

1:29: Intro

2:13: Way Back When

7:29: First International Trip

15:52: Europe Travel & Planning

21:42: An Idea Takes Hold

37:33: Ebbs and Flows of Business

41:12: Wrapping It Up

Important links:

Itinerary Planning

Customized Travel Planning

Eagle Creek

Outside Agents

Wander Your Way

Ireland may not be very big, but it has some amazing places to go.

Cities, towns, historical sites as well as some gorgeous landscapes.

And, to me, some of the best destinations to visit are the National Parks in Ireland.

There are actually 2 that have been added recently (at the time of this recording) which is why I created this episode.

I'll give a few facts about each of the National Parks in Ireland and then talk about some of the unique features — and why you should visit, including a few tips.

The best thing about these parks?

You don't have to be an avid outdoors person to appreciate the beautiful landscapes.

Want to chat more about the National Parks in Ireland?

Send me an email at [email protected].

In this episode:

3:55: Intro

7:10: Killarney National Park

12:14: Connemara National Park

18:54: Glenveagh National Park

27:32: Burren National Park

33:16: Wicklow Mountains National Park

38:08: Wild Nephin National Park

43:06: Dowth

46:03: Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara

50:05: Recap

50:38: Wrapping it up

Important links:

7 Best Things To Do in Killarney National Park Ireland

Connemara • Ireland

6 Excellent Tips for Hiking the Stunning Diamond Hill in Ireland

Glenveagh National Park: The Jewel of Donegal

Why the Burren is Ireland’s Most Fascinating Landscape

National Parks Ireland

Nord VPN

Soaring peaks? Check.

Gorgeous valleys? Check.

Charming towns and villages? Check.

Stunning lakes? Check.

Delicious food? Check.

Travel to Switzerland is on many of our bucket lists.

And it is as magnificent in person as it is in the photos.

So let's learn more about this amazing country from Switzerland enthusiast, Carolyn Schönafinger.

Carolyn is the founder of Holidays to Switzerland, a website that has loads of information for those wanting to plan a trip to this beautiful country.

And she has a fabulous podcast — also called Holidays to Switzerland — where dishes up more excellent tips for travel to Switzerland.

So if you are intrigued by this mountain-filled country, then you'll want to tune into this information-packed episode.

Want to chat about travel to Switzerland?

Send me an email at [email protected].

In this episode:
1:10: Intro & Carolyn's bio
4:10: Carolyn's story
9:14: First trip recommendations
14:36: Off the tourist track
22:38: Basel

25:32: Lake Geneva
26:42: Lavaux Vineyards / Chexbres

30:26: Carolyn’s Favorites: Lauterbrunnen, Lucerne & Zermatt

34:13: Transportation

40:39: Time of Year to Visit

45:12: Budgeting
49:35: Wrapping it up with Carolyn
53:25: Wrapping it up

Important links:
Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast
Holidays to Switzerland
Exploring Switzerland
Safety Wing
Switzerland Tourism
Wander Your Way
Wander Your Way Adventures

There are so many amazing destinations in Europe.

However many places are very popular and can get quite crowded.

So let's talk about alternative destinations in Europe.

You know, those places that you can travel to instead of one of the more popular spot.

These destinations are often just as special, beautiful and amazing as their more popular counterpart, but you'll find you won't be rubbing elbows with as many people.

In this episode I'll offer up 10 alternative destinations in Europe for you to consider for your next getaway.

And I'll even give you a wee bonus one too!

Want to chat about some this topic more?

Then send me an email at [email protected].

In this episode:
1:32: Intro
3:41: Instead of the Isle of Skye…
7:37: Instead of Paris…

10:01: Instead of the Bavarian Alps…

12:25: Instead of Tuscany…

15:13: Instead of the Ring of Kerry…

18:16: Instead of Stonehenge…

22:08: Instead of Lake Bled…

24:22: Instead of the Greek Islands…

26:55: Instead of the Costa del Sol…

29:06: Instead of the Mediterranean Sea…

31:52: Bonus
33:45: Recap
35:26: Wrapping it up
38:04: Listener review

Important links:
Isle of Lewis & Harris
Isle of Mull
Paris
Hochkönig
Piedmont
Piedmont Tourism
Beara Peninsula
Avebury
Lake Bohinj
Stoupa Greece
Costa de la Luz Tourism
My 10 Favorite Wonderful Underrated Destinations in Europe

Battleface Insurance
Wander Your Way Resources
Wander Your Way Adventures

Support the show

Thanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the audio.

Follow Wander Your Way:
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest

Do you know the island of Malta?

This may be a European country that you aren't familiar with.

But this Mediterranean country has a lot to offer the traveler.

From intriguing history to beautiful landscapes to delicious food, Malta will entice you — especially with its small size and warm climate.

We'll learn all about this fabulous country from Michelle Buttigieg, the North American Representative for the Malta Tourism Authority.

Michelle is a native of Malta who loves her home country, visits it often and enjoys sharing all the amazing things it has to offer.

I am betting you will be adding this incredible country to your list after you listen.

I know that Malta is now firmly on my list!

Want to chat more about Malta?

Email me at [email protected].

In this episode:
1:25: Intro
5:30: Placing Malta on the Map
5:55: Michelle's Story
9:01: Malta History & Culture
16:00: Main Sites of Malta & Sister Islands
23:22: Hiking
25:19: Accommodations
28:43: Food & Drinks
37:29: Transportation
39:51: Off the Beaten Path + Michelle's Favorites
45:32: Wrapping it up with Michelle
50:16: Wrapping it up

Important links:
Visit Malta
Eagle Creek
Wander Your Way
Wander Your Way Adventures

Support the show

Thanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the audio.

Follow Wander Your Way:
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest