Bon Voyage Besties: Travel and Friendship

In this episode, we sit down with Mélissa Monaco, a travel blogger, podcast host, and solo travel advocate who has been inspiring travelers since 2010. As one of the pioneers of travel blogging in French-speaking Belgium, Mélissa has built a platform dedicated to uncovering hidden gems, sharing unforgettable city breaks, and encouraging women to explore the world with confidence. She is also a con...

This week, we're celebrating our home state of New Jersey! With America commemorating its 250th anniversary and New Jersey proudly standing as one of the original 13 colonies, we thought it was the perfect time to spotlight the Garden State. Join Rosa and Rachel as they share what makes New Jersey so special—from charming small towns and diverse communities to hidden gems that often fly under...

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel sits down with wellness traveler and content creator Malikah Kelly to explore the growing world of wellness travel and how travelers can create more intentional, restorative experiences. Malikah shares how her background in fashion eventually led her toward wellness-focused travel and explains the difference between a traditional vacation and a trip de...

Join Rosa and travel journalist Carley Rojas Avila for an insider's guide to one of Latin America's most exciting cities. Carley shares how Medellin has transformed from its turbulent past into a thriving cultural hub, and why its warm community spirit keeps travelers coming back. The conversation covers the city's best neighborhoods, from El Poblado and Laureles to hidden gems beyond...

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel is joined by award-winning travel expert and author Danielle Desir Corbett to share practical tips for traveling to Iceland on a budget. Known for its stunning waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal lagoons, and black sand beaches, Iceland is often considered an expensive destination, but Danielle explains how travelers can experience the country affordably...

In this episode, Rosa and Rachel dive deep into the phenomenon of travel FOMO by exploring how social media, societal pressures, and personal expectations fuel the fear of missing out on travel experiences. Through personal stories, honest reflections, and practical strategies, they help listeners navigate these feelings in a healthy and grounded way. The conversation kicks off with a look at the...

Join us in this episode as seasoned traveler and travel photographer Julie Diebolt Price shares her extensive experience planning and executing a six-week trip across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Whether you're a solo traveler or planning a long journey, get inspired by her practical tips, cultural discoveries, and travel lessons. This episode delivers actionable travel insights, heartfelt st...

It's a MDW surprise! Join us as Amy shares her passion for Route 66, exploring its history, iconic stops, hidden gems, and culinary delights. Perfect for travel enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to one of America's most legendary roads. You can give Amy a follow at @amybizzarri and don’t forget to check out her books “The Best Hits on Route 66:...

Welcome back to Bon Voyage Besties—your go-to podcast for friendship, travel inspiration, and a little humor along the way. In this episode, we’re heading off the beaten path to explore the vibrant and underrated city of Tucson, Arizona. From breathtaking desert landscapes to a rich and diverse culinary scene, Tucson offers the perfect warm-weather escape filled with charm, culture, and unforgetta...

What if you could land in any city in the world and immediately have a trusted local woman by your side? That's exactly the vision behind Greether. This week, Rachel and Rosa sit down with its founder, Vanessa Karel, to hear how she turned her own travel experiences into a global platform connecting women across more than 100 countries. Vanessa opens up about the personal moments on the road t...

In today’s episode, Rachel and Rosa chat about one of their favorite Pennsylvania getaways: the charming town of New Hope in Bucks County. From scenic strolls and local hotspots to the best times to visit, they’re sharing everything you need to plan the perfect quick escape. Tune in for insider tips, must-do activities, and a few hidden gems that make this riverside town so special. Don’t forget t...

Thinking about booking your first cruise but feeling completely overwhelmed by all the options? In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rosa and Rachel sit down with cruise expert Theresa Russell for an in-depth conversation packed with first-time cruiser tips, honest advice, and everything you need to know before setting sail. Theresa breaks down the biggest benefits of cruising, how to choo...

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rosa and Rachel dive into the less glamorous side of travel: the unexpected disasters that can derail even the most carefully planned trips. From flight delays and cancellations to lost luggage and last-minute friend cancellations, they unpack the reality that travel isn’t always picture-perfect. They also explore how social media often portrays travel as sea...

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, we’re joined by outdoor TV host Misty Wells, who shares how she turned her love for adventure into a full-time career in travel television. Her series, "Let's Take it Outside," is an award winning TV show connecting readers and viewers with the great outdoors. From planning and choosing filming destinations to building authentic connections with...

Travel with purpose in this episode as Rosa and Rachel are joined by travel expert Audra Morris to dive into the fascinating world of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They unpack why these places matter, how they connect us to history and culture, and how adding them to your trips can make travel more meaningful. From iconic landmarks like Notre Dame, Machu Picchu, and the Statue of Liberty to lesser-...

In today’s episode of Bon Voyage Besties, we’re taking you on a journey to Japan. We’re joined by Adeline Kuroki, founder of Savor and Soak Travel Co, who shares expert insights on how to plan an unforgettable trip to Japan. From navigating cultural differences to crafting a personalized itinerary, this episode is packed with practical tips for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. We d...

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel and Rosa share their insights on planning a summer getaway to Europe. They discuss the challenges of high season travel, including crowds and costs, and provide tips on how to navigate these issues effectively. The conversation covers common mistakes travelers make, the importance of booking accommodations and attractions in advance, and the benefits o...

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rachel and Rosa are joined by Tory, a passionate advocate for local travel. They discuss the importance of shifting the mindset around travel, emphasizing that meaningful adventures can be found close to home. Tory shares her experiences exploring hidden gems in Pennsylvania, the benefits of maximizing PTO for local getaways, and how to find budget-frie...

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel interviews Melissa Rodway, a Canadian writer and traveler, about her experiences traveling through Southeast Asia and the insights she gained along the way. Melissa discusses her debut book, 'The People You Meet,' which is based on emails she sent home during her travels. The conversation explores themes of identity, the impact of travel on personal gr...

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rachel and Rosa welcome Chris Giuliano, a passionate traveler who shares his experiences from his recent trip to China. Chris discusses his travel style, the road trip that ignited his love for travel, and the challenges of planning a trip to China, including navigating the visa process and creating an itinerary. He shares insights on the vibrant cities...

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel and Rosa discuss the challenges of turning group trip ideas from the group chat into reality. They explore the dynamics of group travel, the importance of having a decisive friend, and how age and responsibilities affect travel plans. The conversation also covers budgeting, red flags in group planning, and tips for making trips happen, emphasizing the...

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel and Rosa discuss the transformative power of solo travel with guest Jess, a seasoned traveler and entrepreneur. They explore the personal growth that comes from traveling alone, the importance of stepping outside comfort zones, and the cultural insights gained through immersive experiences. The conversation emphasizes overcoming fears, the value of com...

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rachel and Rosa welcome travel writer and foodie Valerie, who shares her deep insights on traveling like the "one and only" -- Anthony Bourdain. The conversation explores the importance of food as a connector between cultures, the value of empathy in travel, and the beauty of embracing the imperfections of the journey. Valerie emphasizes the s...

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rosa and Rachel dive deep into the topic of travel anxiety, discussing common fears and personal experiences. They explore the importance of planning, budgeting, and coping strategies to manage anxiety while traveling. The conversation emphasizes the significance of listening to one's instincts, the value of travel insurance, and the need for flexibility...

In this episode, Rosa and Rachel welcome Heidi K. Brown, a former lawyer turned law professor and writer, who shares her passion for solo travel and her deep love for Rome. Heidi discusses her transition from law to writing, the joys of solo travel, and why Rome has captured her heart over 20 visits. She provides insights on the best neighborhoods to stay in, dining recommendations, and how to sta...