Me and the Magic

Attending a music festival alone might seem daunting, but it can be one of the most liberating and rewarding experiences you'll ever have. In this episode, we discuss what you need to know to attend a music festival solo, including why you should go solo and tips on how to stay safe. We share some of the more popular music festivals around the world. And we discuss what to pack for your music fest...

In this episode of the Me and the Magic podcast, host Amanda Bauner chats with seasoned solo traveler Dr. Mary Beth McCabe (AKA Dr. Mary Travelbest). They discuss essential safety tips for women traveling alone, including the use of VPNs, privacy screens, and registering with consulates. Mary Beth shares insights from her 90-day global adventure, offering practical advice on maintaining safety, st...

In this episode, we are diving deep into the enchanting world of cruising with a special focus on Celebrity Cruises. Joining me is Grace Korba, a travel planning expert from MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel, who has an unmatched passion for all things Celebrity Cruises.  Connect with Grace online on Facebook , or email Grace at grace.korba@mei-travel.com . Also, you may contact Grace through MEI-Tr...

Let's explore the best summer road trips in the USA and Canada. Whether you're planning an epic solo adventure or a memorable family getaway, this episode is packed with incredible destinations, practical tips, and inspiring stories. Road Trip Resources USA Road Trips The book that Amanda references for her road trips is Fodor's Best Road Trips in the USA.  Here is Roadtripper's guide to the top t...

In this heartfelt episode, Amanda Bauner explores why people might try to discourage your travel dreams and how best to react to them. Drawing from personal experiences, Amanda discusses various reasons behind these objections, from fear of the unknown and safety concerns to the fear of losing you or feeling left behind. She shares insightful tips on setting boundaries, reassuring loved ones, and...

In this episode of *Me and the Magic*, host Amanda Bauner explores why now is the perfect time to embark on your next travel adventure. Amanda dives deep into why you shouldn't wait to travel, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of life and how recent events, like COVID travel restrictions, have underscored the importance of making the most of our precious time.  Amanda discusses the profound edu...

In this exciting episode of the Me and the Magic podcast, host Amanda Bauner is joined by special guest Morgan Ambler to dive deep into the charm and allure of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Amanda shares her long history with the island, dating back to childhood family vacations and leading to her parents' initial retirement there. Amanda starts off by sharing her real-time trip reports duri...

Join host Amanda Bauner as she chats with travel expert Linda King about global solo travel tips. Discover money-saving strategies, safety tips, and how to blend group and solo travel experiences for a well-rounded adventure. Learn about hybrid travel, utilizing AI technology, and uncovering the magic of exploring the world on your terms. Tune in to elevate your solo travel game and start planning...

Danielle Desir Corbett shares her expertise from traveling to 27 countries while being financially savvy. Learn practical tips to manage your finances, so you can afford to travel more while also building wealth. Connect with Danielle at The Thought Card for great tips in the blog and podcast. Also, enjoy The Thought Card Episode 164 about how to save money on cruises , with guest Amanda Bauner. A...

Get ready to explore the world with these 50 travel bucket list ideas for each continent, including adventure travel ideas, cruises, city explorations, and tranquil vacations. Plus, learn why creating your own travel bucket list helps you turn your travel dreams into a reality. Resources Learn more about New Orleans from the Beyond Bourbon Street podcast . Explore the Conrad Maldives Rangali Islan...

Do you have lofty travel goals? Learn how to set long-term travel goals so that you can make your dreams a reality! Plus, don't miss Amanda's big announcement of her major travel goal for 2025! Resources Check out Nomad List to find the best places in the world to work remotely. Explore Roadtrippers for route and itinerary ideas for your next road trip. Visit one of the many Travel & Adventure Sho...

Come visit with us Aulani, a Disney Resort on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Learn from our guests why this resort is so special to so many people who return again and again to Aulani. Connect with Angie Connect with Angie Robinson on Facebook or Instagram , and check out Angie's website to see what Angie offers as a leadership development coach. Also, listen to Angie's podcast, Leadership Magic ,  R...

Today, we are talking about Universal Orlando Resort! We dive deep into the parks and their rides, shows, and dining. We discuss the different hotel categories and which ones we recommend. We share upcoming special events and seasonal offerings. And of course, we talk about Epic Universe, the new park that will open in 2025! Connect with Angela Batista at AdventuresByAngela.com , on Facebook and o...

In this episode, we are heading to the United States to discuss the best places to visit in spring.  Resources See when the cherry blossom trees will be in full bloom in Washington, D.C., and learn more about the National Cherry Blossom Festival . Learn more about the Santa Fe Society of Artists and the second largest art market in North America. Learn about Breckenridge, Colorado's live music sce...

Discover spring destinations in Mexico that are not the typical touristy, party places. Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Me Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic...

In this episode, we explore the best places to visit in Canada, particularly in the spring when the snow is melting, the flowers are blooming, and the maple syrup is being harvested! Resources Learn more about Iceberg Alley, icebergs and draw an iceberg to see how it floats at NewfoundLabrador.com .   Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel...

From theme parks to March Madness, we are talking about various spring events in North America this year. Learn about the spring offerings at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Dollywood. Find out how you can experience college basketball's most exciting time of the year with March Madness. Discover the best locations to watch the total solar eclipse on April 8th that will traverse across Mexico,...

Learn why you need to visit Hong Kong Disneyland. Julie Voris shares her recent trip to Hong Kong Disneyland with her family, including details on the recently opened World of Frozen and the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. Julie also shares recommendations for other activities to do around Hong Kong and how she prepared for the long trip from Orlando to Hong Kong. Resources Listen to Episode 044 with...

Come along for this review of the book "100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime: Magical Experiences from Around the World", and find new Disney adventures to add to your wish list! Resources Read the book discussed in this episode, "100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime: Magical Experiences from Around the World" by Marcy Carriker Smothers. Join us for our next group trip together, the Adventures by Di...

What is a microadventure? Learn about this type of local travel that just may be a perfect fit for someone traveling solo for the first time, or for those who want some wonder and awe in their lives without traveling a long distance and spending a ton of money. Resources Read the full New York Times article, "Who Needs the Grand Canyon? Try a Microadventure" by Emily Pennington. Read the book Micr...

Why is solo travel beneficial for you to experience? In this episode, Amanda gets vulnerable as she shares how solo travel benefits both you and others in your life.  Resources Listen to Episode 089, My Big Secret, to find out what I really think about traveling solo.  Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with ne...

Explore with me the Top 10 travel trends in 2024. Learn about astro-tourism, find the latest wellness travel offerings, and discover off-the-beaten-path destinations in this fun episode about what's trending this year for travel. You may find yourself inspired by one of these travel trends! Resources Listen to the Me and the Magic podcast Episode 113, "Why You Need to Experience Small Group Advent...

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, this special episode highlights various destinations along the United States Civil Rights Trail. Discover new places to visit, to learn more about the US Civil Rights Movement. Resources Click here to learn more about St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Click here to watch the January 14th contemporary service that I discuss in...

In this episode, we are sharing all about our Me and the Magic 2025 group trip, an Alaska cruise from Seattle on the Celebrity Edge! We will sail July 11-18, 2025 on this 7-night cruise. The cruise includes 2 sea days, a stop in Ketchikan, sailing through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, a stop in Skagway, sailing through the Inside Passage, a stop in Juneau, and then a stop in Victoria (British Co...

In this special episode, we have part of our group who sailed together on our first Me and the Magic group cruise. We recap the cruise, sharing our favorite memories as we talk about the Disney Fantasy ship, the Eastern Caribbean itinerary, excursions at Tortola and St. Thomas, activities on board the ship, and what it was like to sail on a Very Merrytime cruise.  Thanks to everyone for being on t...