Normandy France is often synonymous with the D-Day beaches.

And for good reason.

But this remarkable region offers far more than its powerful World War II history. 

In this episode, I invite you to look beyond the shoreline and discover the quieter, richer layers of Normandy that many travelers miss.

Alongside reflections on visiting the D-Day beaches — including a deeply moving guided tour that brings the history to life with care, context, and respect — I also share why Normandy’s culture and landscapes left such a lasting impression on me. 

From creamy local cheeses and crisp apples to coastal views and rural countryside dotted with small towns, Normandy is a place that rewards those who slow down and wander a little further.

This episode is about honoring history while also embracing the present-day heart of the region — its people, its flavors, and its sense of place. 

If you’re planning a trip to France, or simply curious about what lies beyond the most well-known sites, this episode offers inspiration for traveling through Normandy in a more meaningful, connected way.

Want to chat about Normandy, France?

Email me at [email protected]

In this episode:

1:10: Intro & Updates

6:08: Intro to Normandy France

6:34: Placing Normandy France on the map

8:36: Food of Normandy

12:16: Places to visit and stay

14:59: D-Day Beaches & surrounding areas

24:49: Gold Beach & British War Memorial

30:17: Moving inland: Bayeux, Espins, Clécy

43:40: Falaise

53:06: Final thoughts on Normandy

56:57: Listener review + Wrapping it up

In this episode:

Normandy France Tourism

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Overlord Tours

Vuori

Falaise Castle

Falaise Memorial Museum

It’s a birthday episode 🎉 — and a milestone one at that. 

This short and sweet listener Q&A marks 5 years of the Wander Your Way podcast, recorded and released on my birthday (because why not?). 

I’m officially in a new decade, still young at heart, and celebrating with reflection, gratitude — and yes, a little bubbly.

In this very first Q&A episode, I answer a practical (and very common) Europe travel question: Should you exchange money before you leave home or wait until you arrive? 

I break down the smart, stress-free approach to cash, ATMs, credit cards, and how things have changed since COVID.

Plus a few important tips to help you avoid bad exchange rates and unnecessary fees.

These new Q&A episodes are designed to be quick, helpful and to the point — bite-sized travel wisdom to make planning your Europe trip easier.

Have a question you want answered in a future episode?

Fill out the form right here.

Until next time… happy travels (and happy birthday to me). 🥂

Important links:

Tips on Handling Money in Europe

3 Quick Tips for Planning Your Trip to Europe: Show Me the Money!

Listener Question Form

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Resources

In this milestone episode, I’m celebrating 5 amazing years of the Wander Your Way podcast.

And I'm reflecting on the journey that started during the COVID pandemic and grew into a space for curious, independent Europe travelers.

To mark the anniversary, I’m sharing my 5 favorite travel experiences — moments that shaped not only how I travel, but why. 

From my very first trip to Spain, to standing in awe inside Notre Dame Cathedral, to the electric atmosphere of The Open Championship in Scotland, these stories span cities, mountains, and deeply personal moments.

I also reflect on my love for the dramatic landscapes of the Dolomites, the transformative experience of walking the West Highland Way, and the lasting memories I made traveling through Ireland with my parents — a powerful reminder that travel isn’t just about where you go, but who you share it with.

So I’ll leave you with this question — what are some of your favorite and most memorable travel experiences?

If you feel like sharing, I’d love to hear them.

You can email me at [email protected]

And if you’re up for it, let me know.

I may read one or two on a future episode of the podcast.

In this episode:

0:53: Intro

5:55: Bonus: Andalucía, Spain

8:56: Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

11:38: The Open Championship at Royal Troon, Scotland

15:51: Dolomite Peaks, Italy

19:30: West Highland Way, Scotland

24:05: Three Weeks in Ireland

28:30: Wrapping it up

Important links:

The Best Things To Do in Paris in 4 Days

Notre Dame Paris

Tips for Attending a Sporting Event in Europe + My Experience at The Open Championship

Overview of the Dolomites • Italy

Visit the Dolomites

Walking the West Highland Way Scotland

West Highland Way

County Clare • Ireland

Podcast Listener form

Battleface Insurance

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Resources

In this episode, I’m sharing my experience exploring the Peak District, England — a place I truly fell in love with. 

From dramatic limestone edges and sweeping views to rolling green hills dotted with sheep (soooo many sheep), quiet walking trails, and storybook villages, the Peak District completely won me over. 

In fact, I loved it so much that it’s very likely making its way onto a future Wander Your Way Adventures itinerary.

I talk about what makes the Peak District so special — how the landscapes shift from one area to the next and why it’s such a rewarding destination for travelers who enjoy walking, nature, and a slower pace of exploration. 

I also touch on the region’s incredible stately homes — including the iconic Chatsworth House — for those who want to pair beautiful scenery with history, architecture and a glimpse into England’s past.

If you’re dreaming of visiting the Peak District, England, curious about why it left such an impression on me, or simply love hearing about places that feel both grounding and inspiring, this episode is for you.

Want to chat more about the Peak District?

Message me at [email protected]

In this episode:

1:10: Intro and thanks

3:45: Placing the Peak District on the map

4:40: Things to know about the Peak District

11:00: Trails

26:26: Chatsworth House & historic sites

30:05: Bakewell & other towns

34:26: Where to stay and eat

37:31: Getting there & around

39:12: More tips

41:23: Final thoughts

44:40: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Peak District National Park

Peak District

Chatsworth House

Brosterfield Farm

Manor House Farm

Hilltop Farm

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Resources

Listener Question Form

Patagonia

As the new year begins, I’m revisiting my Europe travel bucket list for 2026.

So I'm sharing the destinations that are calling my name — along with a few beloved places I’m eager to return to.

This annual tradition is less about rigid travel plans and more about dreaming, reflecting and noticing how our travel wishes evolve over time.

In this episode, I walk through my Travel Bucket List for 2026, highlighting a mix of new destinations and long-time favorites across Europe.

From England’s countryside and dramatic coastlines to iconic regions of France, Italy, Ireland and Scandinavia, I share what’s drawing me to each place and why they’ve earned a spot on my travel bucket list this year.

I also touch on the places I’m most excited to revisit — destinations that left a lasting impression and still have more stories to reveal.

Whether it’s returning to wild landscapes, exploring quieter regions, or imagining a future long-distance walk, this episode is about how travel dreams shift as we do.

If you love Europe travel, reflective planning, and using a travel bucket list as a source of inspiration rather than pressure, this episode is for you.

Want to chat more about travel to Europe?

Send me a message at [email protected]

In this episode:

1:30: Intro

5:05: Places I crossed off from my 2025 list

7:02: Rome, Italy

8:45: Sligo & Donegal, Ireland

11:40: Iceland

13:27: Lake Como, Italy

15:41: Slovenia

18:00: Brittany, France

19:45: Grindelwald / Lauterbrunnen / Interlaken, Switzerland

21:59: Finland

24:36: Cornwall & Devon, England

26:34: The Shetland Islands & Orkney Islands, Scotland

31:24: Bonus item

34:30: Return list

45:55: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Discover Sligo

County Donegal • Ireland

Exploring Astonishing Iceland with Monika Pronczuk: Beyond the Golden Circle

Slovenia Overview

Travel to Switzerland with Carolyn Schönafinger of Holidays to Switzerland

Discovering Amazing Finland with Tarja Koivisto of Visit Finland

Exploring the Islands of Scotland with Bo Fraser

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Resources

Safety Wing Insurance

As 2025 comes to a close, I’m looking back on a remarkable year in travel where I explored some new places in some old countries. 

In this Year of Travel in Review 2025, I’m sharing a high-level overview of where I traveled during the year — from England’s countryside and dramatic coastlines to iconic regions of France, with the Italian Dolomites, where I led my very first Wander Your Way Adventures small group tour, woven in between. 

This episode isn’t a deep dive into each destination (those are coming!), but rather a big-picture look at how this intensive travel season shaped my perspective, my work and what’s ahead. 

During a late-summer and fall travel window, I explored several of England’s most beloved (and quietly spectacular) regions, including Oxfordshire, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales and the coastal town of Whitby in North Yorkshire. 

Each place offered a different pace and personality — and plenty of inspiration for future episodes. 

France was another highlight of 2025, with time spent in Normandy, the Loire Valley, and my favorite city, Paris — reinforcing why France remains such a cornerstone of European travel.

And reminding me that I still have so much more of this fabulous country to explore). 

Finally, one of the most meaningful parts of this Year of Travel in Review 2025 centers on Italy — specifically the Dolomites — where I led and hosted the inaugural Wander Your Way Adventures small group tour. 

What an experience!

Leading this first small group adventure was a defining moment for me and for my business — truly unforgettable. 

So tune in as I reflect on my Year of Travel in Review 2025, a season that left a lasting mark.

Want to chat more about travel to Europe?

Email me at [email protected]

In this episode:

0:45: Intro

3:25: Oxfordshire England

6:02: Peak District England

7:40: Yorkshire Dales England

8:51: East to Whitby England

12:30: Back to the Peak District

14:18: Normandy France

19:03: Loire Valley France

21:41: Paris

22:32: First Wander Your Way Adventures Small Group Tour

31:31: Wander Your Way Adventures 2026 Tours

35:49: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Peak District

Yorkshire Dales

Normandy France

Loire Valley France

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Resources

In this episode of the Wander Your Way Travel Podcast, Lynne sits down with author Kat Koch to dive into the magic, mystery, and everyday beauty of West Cork, Ireland — the place that inspired her memoir, Rainbow Weather: Stories from a Beautiful Nowhere.

Kat shares how a childhood dream, sparked by a piece of film music, eventually pulled her across the Atlantic and into the rugged, soul-stirring landscapes of West Cork. 

She spent four and a half years living there, following her intuition, navigating challenges, and discovering the serendipitous moments that shaped both her book and her personal journey.

Together, Lynne and Kat chat about the warmth of the West Cork community, the power of traveling with an open heart, and how letting curiosity lead the way can create the most unexpected connections. 

Kat reflects on how the Irish countryside — its coastline, its quiet, its raw beauty — changed her, grounded her, and helped her integrate the highs and lows of living abroad.

If you’re dreaming of Ireland or searching for a destination rich with culture, scenery, and soul, this conversation delivers plenty of inspiration.

Kat leaves listeners with thoughtful travel wisdom and her favorite hidden gems across West Cork — the kind of places that make you want to pack a bag and chase a little “rainbow weather” of your own.

Want to chat more about West Cork?

Email Lynne — [email protected]

In this episode:

1:19: Intro + Kat Koch bio

5:20: Placing West Cork Ireland on the map

5:45: Kat's story

12:07: Writing a book

15:19: Challenges & perks

23:43: Ending a chapter

26:49: Favorite places

39:07: Standout stories

45:12: More popular places

54:08: Final thoughts

1:02:33: My final thoughts on Kat's book

1:04:39: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Rainbow Weather: Stories From a Beautiful Nowhere by Kat Koch

Rainbow Weather Instagram

West Cork Ireland

The Best Things to Do in Schull and West Cork Ireland

Tracy's List (Solo Traveler)

West Cork (Ireland tourism)

Wander Your Way Resources

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

In this episode, we dive into the charm of Strasbourg — a city where French and German influences blend beautifully and every stroll feels like stepping into a storybook. 

It’s the perfect intro if you’re dreaming about visiting Strasbourg or just want a taste of what makes this Alsatian gem so irresistible.

We start in UNESCO-listed Petite France, the postcard-perfect corner of Strasbourg famous for its half-timbered houses, flower-filled balconies and winding canals.

It’s one of those spots where you swear you’ll stop taking photos… and then immediately take five more.

Then it’s on to the showstopper: the Strasbourg Cathedral.

This Gothic marvel is impossible to miss — soaring spires, an astronomical clock that’s downright mesmerizing and stained glass that turns sunlight into magic.

If you’re visiting Strasbourg, this is the landmark you’ll remember long after you’ve left.

Of course, tasting Flammekueche (tarte flambée) is practically a rite of passage here. 

Thin, crispy, creamy, and totally addictive — think Alsace’s take on pizza, and yes, it’s every bit as delicious as it sounds.

Whether you hop on a river boat tour, join a walking tour, or let your feet guide you, Strasbourg is a city that rewards wandering. 

And don’t forget the local shops — perfect for picking up wine, treats, or that just-right souvenir.

Tune in to get a feel for Strasbourg, spark some travel inspiration, and maybe set the wheels in motion for your own Alsatian adventure.

In this episode:

1:03: Intro

2:40: Placing Strasbourg on the map

6:59: Fun small day trip stops

11:16: Wandering the Petite France

14:39: Strasbourg Cathedral

21:55: Flammekueche & Food

23:47: River Cruise & Walking Tour

25:14 Le Comptoir des Vignerons Alsaciens

27:31: Other Tips

31:21: Final Thoughts

32:53: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Strasbourg Cathedral

Le Gruber

Le Comptoir des Vignerons Alsaciens

Solo Traveler Tracey's List

Wander Your Way Resources

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

In this episode, I chat with Patricia Doe from The Wilderness Group about the beauty of soft adventure travel — those immersive, outdoor experiences that blend nature, culture, and connection in the most meaningful way.

Patricia shares her story (including what it was like growing up in a castle-turned-hotel!) and how The Wilderness Group designs soft adventure experiences across the British Isles — from the rugged Highlands of Scotland to the serene landscapes of Ireland, England, and Wales.

I also share that I'm collaborating with The Wilderness Group (and why) to create the upcoming 2026 Wander Your Way Adventures to Scotland.

And that I'll  be working with them again on future small group tours launching in 2027.

Patricia and I dive into how soft adventure in Europe opens doors to local culture through gentle hikes, village walks, and authentic encounters that reveal the heart of a place.

We also highlight hidden gems, underrated destinations, and easy ways to get outdoors that make travel both enriching and approachable.

Hint: You don't have to be an über fit under 30!

If you’ve ever wanted to experience Europe beyond the main tourist trail and embrace the outdoors, this episode is packed with inspiration and ideas for your next journey.

Want to chat more about soft adventure travel?

Email lynne at [email protected]

In this episode:

1:03: Intro and Introducing Patricia Doe

4:27: Patricia’s background

7:01: The Wilderness Group

10:54: Special place for Patricia

14:06: Patricia’s picks

19:05: Trip expectations

28:10: Cities vs Nature

35:30: More of Patricia's favorite places

39:13: Fitness level

49:00: Final thoughts

54:58: Soft adventures and Wander Your Way

1:02:47: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Wilderness Scotland

Wilderness Ireland

Wilderness England

Wander Your Way Adventures

Solo Traveler Tracey's List

Why Europe Is an Amazing Destination for Nature Lovers

Outdoors Europe with Jackie Nourse

Wander Your Way Resources

Wander Your Way

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