Speaking Of Travel ®

Vincenzo Lodato is a true Renaissance gentleman and skilled at all things he attempts to do. Vincenzo has wide-ranging knowledge in many fields and loves life. Now living in Florence, Italy, Vincenzo shares why being a huge dreamer and putting yourself out there, past your comfort zone, is the best way to live life to the fullest. And Vincenzo provides hands-on tips for even considering a move to Italy. His straight-forward observations will save you much time if living in Italy is on your bucket-list. A must listen!Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Noted motorcycle journalist Neale Bayly had two goals when he went off to Ukraine to bring attention to what journalists are experiencing in this war-torn country and to give victims of the war in Ukraine the chance to tell their stories. He hoped to somehow ease their burden by providing an opportunity to tell their stories.Neale recently returned from a three-week, 6,600-km (approx. 4,100 miles) motorcycle trip across Europe and into war-torn Ukraine under the constant threat of Russian rockets and bombs. He describes Ukraine as a “beautiful country with incredible people standing resiliently against a brutal regime intent on their destruction.” Neale shares his thoughts and feelings of what he saw while riding his BMW GS motorcycle and how this humanitarian adventure in Ukraine reignited his purpose. "My purpose is very simple," he said. "My goal is to help and bring attention to the underserved. I just want to do more good.” Please do not miss this incredible story and find out how you can

Don Bunnell is a serial entrepreneur passionate about the environment and he is the founder of Swank Guide, a travel platform that helps people uncover exotic destinations, unique lodging, and insider activities.Don shares how and why he created Swank Guide and how his background in travel, the environment, energy policy, design, and architecture brought him to the intersection of all those things to create a platform to help others have their best travel adventure.Also on Speaking of Travel, Justin Bellame, founder of the JB Media Group, co-founder of the JB Media Institute and the DIY Tourism Marketing Workshop, and the publisher of Romantic Asheville.com, shares why his deep commitment to the future of sustainable travel is the foundation for his businesses model and how B-Corp companies are benefiting people and the planet.Tune in! Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Michael Juergens is a courageous serial entrepreneur and certified sommelier. As the founder of the Bhutan Wine Company, he is leading the development of the wine industry in the magical Himalayan country.Michael is an adventure race addict who optimized the runners mindset in all areas of his life. He's a sought-after speaker and author and owns the award-winning SoCal Rum company. Add to this he's a professor at the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of CA, Irvine. And remember, he invented the wine industry in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Discover how he defies a comfort zone and looks for adventure whenever, and wherever, he can.Also on Speaking of Travel, Mark Robertson, founder of the destination elopement and micro wedding company, Simple I Do's, shares how his company was founded to bring people together for their special day.And Tina Kinsey from the Asheville Regional Airport shares some groundbreaking news on how the investments for their future are in motion today. Stay tuned

Dee Flower made her dreams come true over her life. Her book, "Where The Wind Wills," tells her story of visiting over 40 countries on six continents and embracing cultural differences while seeing all humanity as one tribe.Dee shares why it's never too late to live the life you have dreamed about and how patience is the solid force necessary for waiting for the opportunities to show up for you to grab them.Also on Speaking of Travel, Kaye Bentley, founder of Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours, has a passion for her town and its history. And bringing people together. Find out why taking a tour provides the opportunity to learn about the destination and the culture.Tune in to these wonderful conversations! Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Spanish-born Jambo Naphula is a traveling artist and troubadour who goes around the world performing and making music and art to make people happy.  Jambo shares why his love of travel and performing brings him much joy and why his belief that travel facilitates understanding between people of different racial, cultural or national origin promotes world-peace. Discover why Jambo is passionate about promoting inclusiveness, the values of a culture of tolerance, peace and non-violence.Also on Speaking of Travel, Jen Brooks of RomanticAsheville.com, the popular online travel guide to the mountains and foothills surrounding Asheville and Western North Carolina, shares why your winter-destination vacation in the Blue Ridge Mountains with cozy accommodations, mouthwatering restaurants, and breathtaking scenery, is a must!Tune in!Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

The Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace Series with Richard Crawford, host of the popular TV series, Leave No Trace, continues. Ricky shares some exciting upcoming news on a huge adventure he's embarking on that will push his boundaries and even take him out of his comfort zone. He's off to Antarctica, a bucket list destination!Discover how Ricky stays inspired to put his dreams and plans into action leading to this amazing journey. And find out how Antarctica is more than just a sprawling white landmass and how it plays a vital role in supporting life around the world. Also, Ricky answers your questions about sustainability, global warming, and what lessons we can learn from nature. And he has some helpful tips for you on how to create sustainable solutions right in your own backyard. A must listen! And be sure to watch Season One of Leave No Trace TV on BingeNetworks.Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a mo

With long-lasting traditions of winemaking, culinary delights, awe-inspiring landscapes, and certified organic wineries, Tuscany is a shining star.Mary Shea is the Director of Marketing and Hospitality at the organic winery and agriturismo, Querceto di Castellina, in the Tuscan region of Chianti. Mary shares how this handcrafted, sustainable winery began in 1998 and how they are intensely focused on the art of great Italian winemaking and equally passionate about the Earth. From the process of pruning vines to the selection of grapes, today all the wines are certified organic. And she explains why hospitality is so important at Querceto. With a heartfelt goal to  make their guests feel relaxed, renewed and reconnected, Mary shares why providing an exceptional guest experience is paramount. Also on Speaking of Travel is Clark Lovelace, Executive Director of Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority in Western North Carolina, to share why this region in the Blue Ridge Mountains is so rich in nature and

This year marks a milestone for Speaking of Travel... 10 years! And more good news... While people are totally wired to visuals, the podcast industry just continues to grow over the years. Adam Stoker, President and CEO of Relic, host of the Destination Marketing Podcast, and founder of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network, explains how to use the destination’s resources to plan your trip. Adam recounts his backstory and why owned media is so important in tourism today. And find out some of Adam's favorite destination podcasts. Also on Speaking of Travel is Kevan Frazier, one of the co-owners of Well Played Board Game Café in Asheville's South Slope, to share why playing games just leaves you happy and why playing board games is a thing!And Tina Kinsey at the Asheville Regional Airport shares how airports prepare and keep you safe during the winter months and offers up some tips to make sure your flying experience is awesome.Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net

HATCH founder Yarrow Kraner is a pioneer of social networking and a creative alchemist with a long history of building communities.Yarrow is a change maker and with his vision and HATCH community unites creative leaders for a better world through mentorship in creativity and innovation. Think of it as an ecosystem of transformative experiences helping to create a beautiful, sustainable, and just world.Yarrow shares how his early memories of travel impacted his world view and how he incorporated travel into HATCH. He explains how creativity is a critical leadership skill in the new innovation economy. Growing up in Montana helped Yarrow imagine a bigger world. He said he would "think big and wonder what's on the other side of those horizons." Follow Yarrow as he tells his recent story of going down the Nile River with extraordinary people while hatching a better world for us all. Find out more about HATCH and the important work the organization is doing to help preserve and protect our planet an

Larry Bleiberg is a delightful, curious and imaginative travel writer who uses all his senses to engage his readers to feel the human experience. He is thoughtful and honest with a passion to inspire others to travel more.  Larry is an eight-time Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award winner and was honored for editing the best newspaper travel section in the country. He served on a Pulitzer Prize team, is past president of the Society of American Travel Writers, and he writes for some of the top publications. Larry shares how he created his passion project, CivilRightsTravel.com, a travel guide to historic sites from the Civil Rights movement. And find out why traveling with a purpose today is more important than ever before. You won't want to miss this show!A must listen!Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

The Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace Series with Richard Crawford Continues.Richard is the host of the popular TV series, Leave No Trace, and he highlights the importance of conservation, sustainable travel and ecotourism. Ecotourism has become increasingly popular over the past years with more and more people wanting to spend their vacations in natural environments without disturbing or damaging natural habitats. Ecotourism helps protect natural habitats and pristine environments and allows countries and communities to build their economies without harming the environment which means that local wildlife can thrive and visitors can enjoy untouched destinations. Ricky shares examples for reducing our carbon offset and discusses the relationship between nature and happiness. Discover how a personal connection to the living world not only has a positive influence on mental wellbeing, but also brings deeper meaning to your life.There is also new news about Leave No Trace TV and what’s up next and Ricky tells u

Corey Costanzo and Robin Fann of Still Point Wellness Spa, a destination wellness spa in Asheville, NC, provide effortless relaxation through a combination of world-class services designed to reconnect to your body’s wisdom.Corey and Robin share what makes Still Point Wellness unique as a destination spa and how their special combination of top quality services—including Saltwater Floatation (sensory deprivation), Esalen® Massage, Cranial Sacral Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing—are designed to support personal development through deep relaxation and self exploration.Also on Speaking of Travel, Mark Collins, Partnerships Manager for RomanticAsheville.com, the online travel guide to Asheville and the Western North Carolina region, looks back over this incredible year to acknowledge everyone who has worked so hard to be a big part of what makes Western North Carolina, and the travel and tourism industry over, so successful.A must listen! Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for

The Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace Series with Richard Crawford continues. Richard is the host of the popular TV series Leave No Trace, now on Binge.com and other global platforms.Ricky immerses himself into local cultures and understands what brings people together. Fresh from filming Season Two of Leave No Trace TV, Ricky shares how his trip to Costa Rica unfolded and how much he learned at Finca Casa Blanca, an inn and organic coffee farm. The people of Finca Rosa Blanca take sustainability and regeneration seriously, because as they say, “It’s the right thing to do.” Costa Rica is considered among the most progressive nations on Earth with respect to climate change.Also, Ricky explains how we can research our favorite destinations to learn about environmental and social challenges and guide us to be more mindful of what we want to take part in, where to visit, and where to spend our money. And find out what’s next for Leave No Trace TV! Lots of big news and more ways to get connected to Ricky and the

The Speaking of Travel + Gulf Coast Love Story series with Dayna Reggero of the Climate Listening Project is a platform to keep you informed on what’s happening in one of the most beautiful and vulnerable areas, The Gulf Coast. Joining Dayna is Ebony Stewart,  an elite performer, brilliant lyricist and award-winning playwright. Her newest collection, Bloodfresh, blends her understanding of craft with her keen ear for orality.Ebony stars in Dayna's Climate Listening Project film project: Gulf Coast Love Story, where she is listening to artists and activists working together in the Gulf Coast. Bloodfresh is a celebration of identity and Ebony reclaims her own narrative to speak against the racism and colorism she's experienced, while criticizing society's treatment of women as sexual objects. This collection is an open letter to acknowledge, overcome, and learn new ways to use poetry as a coping technique. Cheers to Dayna and Ebony and all the people on the Gulf Coast for sharing their stories.Th

Southern Scotland is a magical land and is on Lonely Planet’s list of top 30 places to travel in 2023. You can go visit with tour leader Tebbe Davis and Mark Nicol, a native of the Scottish Borders. Mark and Tebbe will be visiting sites taking guests back in time through the tumultuous history of the area from Roman and Viking invasions to the 400 year wars of Independence with England. They will also visit sites which allude to the areas with great spiritual heritage like Stone Circles, Iron Age hill forts and portals to the other world. Mark shares why trees are sacred to the people of Scotland and explains why in the South there are some fine examples of ancient historical and biologically fascinating trees, particularly the Yew tree, revered through history as magical beings with powers to give and take life.Also on Speaking of Travel, Jen Brooks of RomanticAsheville.com, the most popular online travel guide to the mountains and foothills surrounding Asheville and Western North Carolina, gives us the scoo

Mark Wolters helps people help themselves when they are traveling so they can take charge of their own vacations. Mark shares his family's success as influencers and as our travel go-to resources. Mark is committed to telling it like it is. So, he does. Honest travel isn’t a catch phrase for Mark - it's a way of life for him and his family.Mark's day job is as a Professor of Marketing (PhD) and he has worked, lived, studied, and taught in more than a dozen countries and traveled to many dozens more. His passion for teaching and helping others to see and experience the world is legendary.Also on Speaking of Travel, Justin Bellame, founder of the JB Media Group and the publisher of Romantic Asheville.com, shares some guidance, knowledge, and insight on creative ideas to help push nonprofits forward.  And if you're thinking of traveling by air anytime soon, remember it can sometimes be confusing so it's always a good idea to be prepared. Tina Kinsey, VP of Marketing, PR and Air Service D

What do you remember most about the '70s? Many people certainly went through a lot of changes in the 70s, but not nearly as many as Amy Edelstein. Amy is a transformative educator, mediation teacher, founder of Inner Strength Education, co-founder of Emergence Education Press and the author of a number of books, including Adventure In Zanskar: A Young Woman’s Solitary Journey To Reach Physical And Metaphysical Heights.Amy shares why she embarked on this solitary journey to reach physical and metaphysical heights and some of the most important things she learned while being there. And she explores how these early awakenings relate to her work establishing Inner Strength Foundation and bringing mindfulness and systems thinking tools to over 20,000 inner city high school students.A must listen! Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

We continue The Speaking of Travel + Gulf Coast Love Story series with Dayna Reggero of the Climate Listening Project to keep you informed on what’s happening in one of the most beautiful and vulnerable areas, The Gulf Coast. The Gulf is unlike anywhere else in the world. The people and environment combine to form a place with a rich culture tied to the ocean. The Gulf Coast Mural Project is a collaborative of Gulf Coast artists, activists, communities, and allies remembering and visioning.Special guests to discuss the Lake Charles mural located at 1704 Broad Street in Lake Charles, LA, is Derrick Thornton and Shannon Denise DeJean, both selected as the Gulf Coast Murals project muralists for Lake Charles coordinator Tasha Guidry. The site of the mural was purposely selected for many reasons, one of which is it's located in the heart of the city on a major artery and secondly it's located on a street where many black owned businesses were located prior to Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Those businesses

Jake Sasseville, co-founder of the Imiloa Institute, shares how to experience an awakening of consciousness through a variety of transformational retreats and group experiences in the jungle of Costa Rica. Jake has been on his own transformational journey and he shares his life challenges and describes his spiritual path and the spiritual markers along the way. Find out ways the unique culture of Imaloa helps you make progress in your own life. "This jungle has brought up so much for me. Imiloa is going to transform your life." Discover how Jake continues to clarify his vision and how he's learning to let go. If you are on a personal mission to become a better person, this episode of Speaking of Travel is a game-changer. And a must listen!Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.