Traveling through Europe doesn’t have to drain your wallet.

And honestly, some of the most memorable moments come from the free or nearly free experiences. 

In this episode, I’m sharing my favorite tips for finding free and inexpensive things to do in Europe, whether you’re wandering a big city like Paris or Rome, or exploring a small village in Ireland or Slovenia.

We’ll talk about how to take advantage of free museum days, join donation-based “free” walking tours, and enjoy Europe’s beautiful parks and gardens. 

I’ll also dive into the simple pleasures — like discovering street art in unexpected corners, stepping inside centuries-old churches, and hitting local trails for a scenic walk that costs absolutely nothing.

You’ll hear how to blend these low-cost activities into your travels, creating a richer, more authentic experience that connects you with local culture and daily life — without overspending.

Because the truth is, you don’t need a big budget to have a big adventure in Europe. 

You just need curiosity, a good pair of walking shoes, and a few smart strategies to make the most of every day.

In this episode:

1:54: Intro

3:31: Check with tourism boards & free museum days

6:55: Free walking tours

8:33: Wander

9:02: Churches

9:44: Festivals and local events

12:20: Public parks

14:45: Historical and cultural sites

16:54: Public art

17:37: Hiking and walking

18:20: City passes

19:37: Wrapping it up

Important links:

50 Things To Do in Europe for Free

Solo Traveler - Tracey's List

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

Wander Your Way

In this episode I chat with Monika Pronczuk, the adventurous traveler and creator of Plan Pack Explore, a go-to resource packed with Iceland travel tips and inspiration.

Originally from Poland, Monika has found her true passion in Iceland — a place that captured her heart and changed her travels forever. 

She shares her top recommendations for first-time visitors, including the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Golden Circle, but also takes us off the beaten path to explore Iceland’s remote Northeast and the wild Highlands.

Expect stories, insider advice, and Monika’s contagious enthusiasm for the landscapes, culture, and spirit of this stunning island.

Whether you’re planning your first Iceland adventure or dreaming of going back, this episode will inspire you to see the astonishing side of Iceland — beyond the usual routes.

Want to chat more about Iceland, email Lynne at [email protected].

In this episode:

0:45: Intro

2:17: Monika's bio

5:40: Introducing Monika

7:44: Placing Iceland on the map

8:36: Falling in love with Iceland

11:18: First visit recommendations

22:21: Snæfellsjökull & Golden Circle

27:00: A week trip

33:15: Off the main tourist track

41:17: Northeast section

46:44: The Highlands

55:09: Monika’s favorites

56:20: Logistics & tips

1:06:06: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Plan Pack Explore (you'll be able to find all the places Monika talk about using her Iceland guides)

Visit Iceland

Wander Your Way Resources

REI

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

Exploring beautiful Ambleside in the Lake District, England is the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and rich history. 

Tucked at the northern edge of Lake Windermere, Ambleside is a charming village that offers some of the best walks in the Lake District along with fascinating stories from its past.

In this episode, we set out on hikes like Todd Crag and Loughrigg Fell — both delivering sweeping views without an all-day climb. 

We’ll also wander to Rydal Water and Grasmere — landscapes that inspired poets and still feel timeless today.

But Ambleside isn’t just about the trails. 

The village is full of history, from Roman ruins to centuries-old stone buildings that give it that unmistakable Lakeland character. 

Along the way, I’ll share tips on where to eat, shop and relax, plus the best times to visit so you can soak up Ambleside’s charm without the crowds.

Whether you’re here for the hiking, the history or simply the atmosphere of one of the Lake District’s most beloved spots, Ambleside is a destination that deserves a place on your travel list.

Tune in for:

• Scenic walks with unforgettable views (Todd Crag, Loughrigg Fell & more)
• A peek into Ambleside’s Roman and cultural history
• Village highlights: cafés, shops & places to explore
• Travel tips on when to go and how to get there

Whether you come for the trails or the tales, Ambleside, England is the kind of place you carry home with you.

Want to chat more about this destination?

Send me a message at [email protected]

In this episode:

1:11: Intro

2:28: Placing it on the map

6:09: Todd Crag and Loughrigg Fell

11:56: Rydal Waters

16:15: Grasmere

19:59: Roman Ruins

23:09: Lake Windermere

24:51: The Village of Ambleside

27:40: Food recommendations

38:17: Shops

43:20: Logistics

49:16: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Lake District National Park

Ambleside

Apple Pie

Copper Pot

Fellinis

Lucy's on a Plate

Wander Your Way Resources

Eagle Creek

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

Lakeland Retreats

Autumn in Europe is pure magic. 

Forests blaze in shades of red and gold, vineyards glow against rolling hills, and crisp air makes every walk feel like a storybook moment. 

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the best of fall foliage in Europe, this episode is for you.

I’ll take you to places where autumn truly comes alive — from the golden vineyards of Umbria, Italy, to the misty woodlands of Scotland, where every turn feels like stepping into a painting. 

Along the way, I’ll share why these landscapes are so breathtaking in autumn and give you tips for planning your own seasonal escape.

Whether it’s strolling through historic towns framed by fiery hillsides, hiking trails that crunch with fallen leaves, or settling into a cozy pub after a day outdoors, Europe in the fall has a rhythm all its own.

So brew a cup of something warm, wrap yourself in a blanket, and hit play. 

Let’s chase autumn together and discover some of the most spectacular places to see fall foliage in Europe. 🍁

Want to chat more about great fall destinations in Europe?

Send me a message at [email protected]

In this episode:

3:21: Intro

4:59: Umbria Region, Italy

8:27: South Tyrol Region, Italy

12:25: Lake District, England

15:50: Pitlochry, Scotland

20:17: Connemara, Ireland

21:52: Lake Geneva, Switzerland

25:23: Other places in Europe

28:22: Wrapping it up

31:15: Listener review

Important links:

Umbria • Italy

South Tyrol Italy in Autumn

The 11 Best Things To Do in Ambleside, Lake District England

20 Reasons Why You Need to Visit the Charming Town of Pitlochry Scotland

Connemara • Ireland

Visit Scotland — Pitlochry

South Tyrol

Lake District National Park

Umbria Tourism

Connemara Tourism

Switzerland Tourism — Lake Geneva

Vuori

Wander Your Way Resources

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

There’s something irresistible about Lewis & Harris in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides — an island that feels both timeless and alive. 

Here ancient history meets wild natural beauty. 

And life moves to a slower, more grounding rhythm.

In this episode, I share the moments that made me fall head over hiking boots for Lewis & Harris. 

Standing among the Calanais Standing Stones, I could almost feel the hum of thousands of years of history. 

On the sweep of Luskentyre Beach, golden sands and turquoise waters reminded me that yes — this really is Scotland! 

And when the sun finally dipped below the horizon (midges included), it was pure magic.

Of course, no visit is complete without a stop at the Isle of Harris Distillery — I might have gone twice — where island pride pours into every drop of their famous Harris gin. 

Warm hospitality, beautiful botanicals, and honestly, one of the most stunning bottles you’ll ever see.

This is the gin that made me fall in love with the spirit.

I also wandered into St Clement’s Church in Rodel, a hauntingly beautiful spot with intricate stone carvings whispering stories of centuries past and walked along other amazing beaches.

Lewis & Harris isn’t just a place you visit — it’s a place that stays with you.

If you’re craving wild landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences, tune into this episode and let the Isle of Lewis and Harris capture your heart.

Plus get a few tips on getting there and getting around.

Want to chat more about this destination?

Send me a message at [email protected]

In this episode:

1:21: Intro

2:15: Placing the Isle of Lewis & Harris on the map

3:54: Getting there

8:08: Why Lewis & Harris?

11:08: Stornaway

12:41: Calanais Standing Stones

17:01: War Memorial & More

20:14: Tarbert

21:40: Isle of Harris Distillery

25:21: Luskentyre Beach & More

30:27: St Clement's Church & More

34:19: Wrapping it up

41:10: Listener review

Important links:

Visit Scotland

Exploring the Islands of Scotland with Bo Fraser

CalMac Ferries

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

Calanais Standing Stones

Isle of Harris Distillery

Wander Your Way Resources

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

Overtourism isn’t just a travel buzzword — it’s a growing challenge that can impact the places we love most.

In this episode, I break down exactly what overtourism is and how it changes a destination — from overcrowded streets to rising prices that push out locals. 

I share a personal story from my own life about how it affected a place I once called home.

And we’ll look at the ways governments are trying to tackle the problem.

Most importantly, I’ll give you practical, doable tips for being a responsible traveler — so you can still enjoy incredible destinations while helping to protect them for future generations. 

Whether you’re planning your next trip or just curious about how tourism shapes the world, this episode will inspire you to travel a little smarter and a lot more thoughtfully.

Want to chat more about overtourism?

Send me a message at [email protected]

In this episode:

1:55: Intro

2:52: What is overtourism?

11:38: Pricing out locals

14:51: Government measures

19:55: What YOU can do

24:26: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Responsible Tourism Partnership

Here Not There with Andrew Nelson

My 10 Favorite Wonderful Underrated Destinations in Europe

Sustainable Travel International

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