When it comes to creating memories, few things resonate as deeply as shared experiences with loved ones. In this episode, Bill Roehm sits down with Paul Partridge, a seasoned travel writer and the founder of Travel Villa Guide, to explore how group travel can foster connections that last a lifetime.

Paul's path to becoming a travel expert is as unique as the trips he now curates. Starting his career as a financial advisor, his passion for writing and travel blossomed alongside. "I started as a sports writer and transitioned into travel writing, which became a passion project while I ran my own business. Eventually, I turned my side gig into a full-time endeavor," Paul shares.

At Travel Villa Guide, Paul emphasizes creating a world where families and friends can celebrate life's significant moments together—birthdays, anniversaries, or simply a long-overdue reunion. "We create experiences where everyone who matters can gather under one roof, allowing those unforgettable stories to unfold," he explains.

This philosophy stems from personal experiences, especially a family trip planned for his father-in-law's 80th birthday. The desire to be together in one space sparked a realization for Paul that group travel could be transformative.

Planning a trip for a large group can be daunting. Paul notes, "The hardest part is getting everyone together. You have people scattered across different states or even countries, and accommodating various ages and preferences is no small feat."

He points out that one person often takes on the role of planner, which can lead to stress and missed connections. "You want to enjoy the vacation, but instead, you're juggling logistics. We aim to alleviate that chaos by providing spaces that allow for gathering without the hassle of coordination."

Unlike hotels, where guests can feel isolated, villas offer the perfect environment for groups. Paul describes the advantages:

Paul's passion for travel is evident, particularly when he recounts his first trip to Italy with his wife, a journey that solidified his love for exploring new places. "Staying in a former papal retreat, the experience was magical. The chef would ask what we wanted for dinner, which was unlike anything I'd ever encountered."

Through his stories, it's clear that travel is more than just a pastime for Paul—it's a way to bond, connect, and make lasting memories.

As you consider your next adventure, think about the moments you'll create with those you love. For more insights on group travel and creating unforgettable experiences, check out Paul’s work at Travel Villa Guide.

Paul has given our listeners a FREE GIFT!! Head to https://gift.travelvillaguide.com/ to collect yours! Thank you, Paul!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelvillaguide

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@travelvillaguide

Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send Bill Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

Travel isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the experiences that shape us. Jewel Rozanski, a former educator turned travel entrepreneur, believes in the transformative power of travel and education. She runs Cultured Travel, a company dedicated to designing educational group tours around the globe.

Jewel’s love for travel began in her early teaching days when she took students to explore the Yucatan in Mexico. “I felt it was challenging to teach them Spanish and teach them about the culture when they really never saw people who lived that culture or who spoke that language natively,” she shared. This experience ignited her passion for creating opportunities for students to learn through travel.

After years of organizing trips while teaching, Jewel had a pivotal conversation with a parent who shared her values on the importance of travel. In 2019, they launched Cultured Travel, offering meticulously designed tours that prioritize education and cultural immersion. Jewel emphasizes, “I build a community too...having the right type of people who know that they’re sort of in it to learn something.”

Every trip is a labor of love. Jewel spends up to two years researching and planning each itinerary, ensuring strong local connections to provide authentic experiences. For example, she created a Whiskey Rebellion tour in Pittsburgh, blending history with local insights to enrich participants' understanding. “I like to actually research a place first,” she explained, highlighting the importance of preparation in crafting memorable journeys.

When asked about her favorite destination, Jewel surprised many by naming New Orleans. "It's addicting. Everything... the music, the architecture, the food," she enthused. Jewel finds the city’s blend of cultures and rich history captivating, making it a place where she feels truly alive.

Jewel's story is a testament to the power of travel as a tool for education and personal growth. As she prepares for her upcoming trip to Iceland, her passion for exploration continues to inspire those around her.

To discover more about Jewel and her adventures with Cultured Travel, visit culturedtravel.org.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/culturEDtravel/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CulturedTravelUSA

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/cultur.ed.travel/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jewel-rozanski-39721228b

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@culturedtravel

Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send Bill Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

This week I had a really great conversation with Dustin Tichenor. Dustin emphasizes that travel doesn’t always have to be about luxury or big destinations like Disney World. He believes that making memories is what truly counts. It’s about engaging experiences, whether it’s a visit to a local museum or a weekend getaway to a nearby state. He shares insights on how families can enjoy travel without breaking the bank, focusing on the joy of discovery and the value of time spent together.

Find Dustin's website here: https://www.thecwgt.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canwegothere

Pinterest: https://pin.it/JIGBP0oUe

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Can_We_Go_There

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/can_we_go_there

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecwgt

Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send Bill Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

I apologize in advance - had some minor audio difficulties with Cliff. Tried to iron them out the best I could and I think the result was okay...

This week I had a fascinating conversation with Cliff Brown, a former USAID mission director, who shares his extensive travel experiences and insights on foreign aid. Cliff discusses his journey from a young man working on an oceanographic ship to a seasoned traveler covering various countries across Latin America, Africa, and Central Asia. He reflects on the impact of foreign aid, the importance of cultural understanding, and the beauty of places like Guatemala, where he spent five years. The conversation highlights the significance of language in connecting with people and the rich tapestry of experiences that travel offers. 

Find Cliff's website here: https://cliffordhbrown.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clifford8brown

Twitter (X): https://x.com/bliffordcrown

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jefferdogY

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clifford-brown-2608428/

Substack: https://cliffordbrown.substack.com/

Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send Bill Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

In this episode I have the pleasure to interview AJ, a passionate traveler and language learner. AJ shares his journey of exploring various countries for educational purposes, immersing himself in different cultures, and learning multiple languages. He reflects on the transformative experiences that travel has brought into his life, particularly his time in Japan and China, which ignited his desire to explore further. AJ also recounts his adventures in Egypt, highlighting the cultural nuances and challenges he faced while navigating new environments. This conversation emphasizes the importance of travel as a means of personal growth and understanding the world.

Find AJ on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1J58tVPTDR/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ajkposowa?igsh=YTU4MWN2ZTVqZThk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augustine-joseph-kposowa-2bb80795?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android

Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send Bill Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

This week I chatted with Derrik Dyka, a traveler and author who shares his journey of exploration following the loss of his wife. Derrik discusses his extensive travels, the life lessons he's learned, and the travel tips he's gathered along the way. He reflects on the impact of grief on his travels, the importance of sharing his story through writing, and how his family influenced his love for travel. The conversation also touches on practical advice for long-haul flights and the significance of leaving a legacy through meaningful gestures.

Find Derrik's website here: https://goodgrieftravel.com/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/good_grief_travel/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrik-dyka/

Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send William Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

As the World Cup is reaching the final rounds I thought it was a perfect time to bring back this which was my 4th episode from April 6th of 2025. My friend Renato has been to many World Cup matches and told some incredible stories. Please forgive my amateur interview skills in this as it was very early on in my podcasting career! Enjoy!

From the original episode:

Today we get some incredible stories with my friend Renato. Renato was born in Lima, Peru and even just his story of why his family moved to the states is incredible. We barely scratch the surface on where Renato has been...but get ready to hear about what happens when you accidentally end up in the geisha district, communicating through karaoke, a near hi-jacking...and some other really fantastic and touching stories. Relax and enjoy this episode. It's lengthy - but I promise it could be 10x longer and we'd still be talking. This is another good one, folks! Thanks for being here! (Apologies for my overstating the elevation in Cusco - it's more like 11k feet above sea level!)

You can find Renato on Playback HERE

Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send William Roehm a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

In this week's episode, Amanda and I explore various themes related to travel, cultural awareness, and personal experiences across the United States. Amanda shares her upbringing in a health-conscious family, her travels, and the importance of respecting local cultures and languages. They discuss the diversity of experiences in different states, particularly Alaska and Texas, and the significance of summer camps in childhood. The conversation also touches on the warmth of Southern hospitality and the unique atmosphere of Seattle & Portland, emphasizing the spirit of generosity found throughout America.

Find Amanda's website here: https://www.straightsmilesolutions.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StraightSmileSolutions/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Straightsmilesolutions

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/straightsmilesolutions/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dramandawilson/

Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send William Roehm a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

In this episode of the Where Have You Been podcast, I interviewed Neil Solomon, an author and avid traveler who began his journey at the age of 40. Neil shares his transformative experiences, including a life-changing trip to Costa Rica that inspired him to embrace adventure and write his book, 'The One Percent Door.' The conversation delves into Neil's travel philosophy, memorable experiences in various countries, and the importance of connecting with people during travels. Neil emphasizes the value of stepping out of comfort zones and the lessons learned through exploration.

Find Neil's website here: https://www.theonepercentdoor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOnePercentDoor

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theonepercentdoor

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/the1percentdoor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theonepercentdoor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theonepercentdoor

Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send William Roehm a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

This week I welcome back my good friend Derek Cole. Derek shares his experiences working in the film and sports production industry, particularly his involvement with Star Wars and tennis. He reflects on his travels to Australia, Madrid, Rome, and France, highlighting the cultural experiences and connections he made along the way. The discussion touches on nostalgia, the importance of family and friendships in the industry, and the unique moments that come from working in diverse environments.

You can find Derek on IMDB HERE

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DerekColeTheLittleGuy

Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send William Roehm a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast