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

So, you're traveling to Europe for the first time.

But you have no idea which country to go to because you want to go everywhere.

I understand completely.

In this episode we'll talk the best countries for first time travelers to Europe.

And we'll take into consideration the type of traveler you are — more cautious or a bit more adventurous.

This list of best countries for first time travelers to Europe has something for everyone.

Even if you're not a first time traveler to Europe, you may still want to tune in to see what's on the list — and why I put it there!

Want to chat more about this episode?

Email me at [email protected].

In this episode:

1:11: Intro

3:40: Ireland

9:41: United Kingdom

13:51: Switzerland

18:33: the Netherlands

22:54: Spain

26:45: Italy

31:08: France

37:47: Greece

43:15: Wrapping it up

49:07: Listener review

Important links:

Ireland vs Scotland

Netherlands Tourism

Exploring Switzerland

Aragon • Spain with Meg Zirger

Umbria • Italy

15 of the Most Beautiful Towns in Italy

Cruising the Canal du Midi • France with Chris Christensen

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

Why You Need to Visit the Amazing UNESCO Site of Mystras Greece

The Ancient Site of Olympia • Greece

Thanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the show.

Travel safety is not something we immediately think about when we are planning a trip to Europe.

But staying safe as you travel is essential.

And there are things you can do to ensure you are safe as you travel through Europe.

Carrie Pasquarello is the CEO & Co-Founder of Global Secure Resources Inc, a company that focuses on helping travelers and students studying abroad with travel safety.

She has lived abroad and, because of her unique background, has so much knowledge which leads to amazing tips to keep you safe as travel to Europe

We talk about everything from actual products you may want to pack for travel safety to travel insurance.

This is a short yet jam-packed episode you don't want to miss.

Want to chat more about travel safety?

Email me at [email protected].

In this episode: 

2:00: Intro + Carrie Pasquarello bio

6:16: From Travel to Business

9:45: Top 3 Questions

14:53: Travel Insurance & Other Considerations

24:07: Scams & Crime

32:04: What to Know for 2025

35:40: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Global Secure Resources

Global Secure Student

Instagram — Global Secure

Wanderful

Women in Travel + Solo Travel Tips with Beth Santos

STEP Program

911 Around the World

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

Are you someone who collects points and miles?

Or have you often wondered if you could or should get into collecting miles and points?

If you are a newbie or have delved into points and miles a little bit, then you'll want to listen to this episode with Julian Kheel.

Julian is a points and miles expert and Founder of Points Path.

He talks us through getting started earning points and miles, how to use them and when to use them.

This is a fabulous, educational episode that will help you travel more using those points and miles.

Want to chat more about travel rewards?

Reach out to Lynne at [email protected].

In this episode:

1:35: Intro

2:47: Julian Kheel bio

5:30: Introducing Julian

6:18: WWE to Travel Pro

10:41: Where to Start for Beginners

19:30: Other Experiences and Hotels

26:49: Best Time to Use Points?

31:57: Future of Points

36:05: Airline Alliances

43:21: Final Thoughts & Points Path

51:27: Wrapping it Up

Important links:

Points Path

The Points Guy

Delta Airlines

United Airlines

American  Airlines

Southwest Airlines

Google Flights

Support the show

Thanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the audio.

Follow Wander Your Way:
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest

We all know that there are a lot of countries in Europe that have good food.

Italy is the first one that probably comes to mind.

Maybe France and Spain and Greece come up on your radar.

In this episode we're going to learn about some surprising countries for good food in Europe.

This is a "think outside the box" topic.

And I think you'll be surprised at the good food in these countries.

Tune in to find out abut the surprising countries for good food in Europe.

Want to chat more about food in Europe?

Email Lynne at [email protected].

In this episode:

1:33: Intro

3:45: Ireland

11:24: Scotland

22:19: England

26:43: Slovenia

34:04: Türkiye

41:18: Recap

41:55: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Ireland vs Scotland

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

Slovenia Overview

Go Türkiye

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

Support the show

Thanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the audio.

Follow Wander Your Way:
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest

Are you about to go on a honeymoon?

Or maybe you simply want to go somewhere romantic with your significant other.

In this episode we'll talk about some of the best destinations for honeymooners looking to travel to Europe.

Some of these European destinations will be ones you may be familiar with.

But I will also offer up some places in Europe that you may not have thought about for a European honeymoon.

So tune in to learn about some of the best destinations for honeymooners.

Want to chat more about honeymoon destinations in Europe?

Send an email to [email protected].


In this episode:

2:05: Intro

5:06: Greek Islands

9:54: Andalusia Region Spain

19:36: Italy

29:46: France

35:51: Peloponnese Region Greece / Mani Peninsula

39:31: Italy alternatives

43:18: Slovenia

45:15: Scotland

47:20: Wrapping it up

48:11: Listener reviews



Important links:

Greek Islands

Andalusia Region

Spain — Andalusia Region

Italy

Florence • Italy

7 Reasons to Love Paris: A Photo Essay

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

The 8 Wonderful Things You Need to Do in Beautiful Stoupa Greece

Why You Will Love the Charming Village of Agios Nikolaos Greece

Why You Need to Visit the Amazing UNESCO Site of Mystras Greece

Tips for Visiting the Beautiful and Impressive Milan Duomo Italy

Piedmont • Italy

Why I Keep Returning to the Wonderful Castelrotto and Alpe di Siusi

Slovenia Overview

Lynne's Top 7 Destinations in Scotland

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

Support the show

Thanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the audio.

Follow Wander Your Way:
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest