Pure Life Podcast

In this episode, we're continuing to highlight one of our favorite destinations, Japan! For first time travelers, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out how to get around, what to bring, and how best to prepare for all that awaits you in Japan. So, we break it all down in this ultimate Japan Survival Guide - based on first-hand, native-Japanese experience - to help you make the most of...

In this episode, we dive into the vibrant heart of Tokyo, exploring the top areas to stay in Tokyo that promise unforgettable stays. Whether you are looking for bustling streets filled with shops, towering skyscrapers, or the tranquil and traditional beauty of old Japan, Tokyo offers some amazing neighborhoods - or wards - that are sure to indulge your senses and immerse you in unforgettable exper...

In this captivating episode of Pure Life Podcast, we dive into the heart of Tokyo to explore the new Toyosu Manyo Club, the city's latest addition to its esteemed luxury onsen and spa culture. Join us as we uncover the allure of this premier destination, from its tranquil hot springs, rejuvenating spa treatments, to its exquisite dining experiences. We'll share insider tips on making the most of y...

In this podcast episode, we continue our Disney exploration and delve into the enchantment of Walt Disney World for adults. Join us as we uncover the top locations for adult beverages in Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. From delightful and refreshing sips to surprisingly potent concoctions, we offer our expert recommendations that guarantee a truly enjoyable Disney World experience fo...

Maximize Your Disney World Adventure with Lightning Lane and Genie Plus In this episode, we dive into the best strategies for exploring Disney World in Florida, focusing on how to make the most of your visit using the Lightning Lane and Genie services to truly unlock the Disney magic. Learn how to skip the long lines, plan your day efficiently, and enjoy more attractions with these time-saving too...

Pura Vida and welcome to our latest episode - Episode 44: Tuscan Cooking Classes. In this episode, we continue our adventures through the Tuscany region of Northern Italy and explore some amazing Tuscan Cooking Classes. Tuscany is world-renown for its wine, culture and cuisine but the best way to experience all three is by partaking in some cooking classes and we discovered two incredible gems you...

In this episode of Pure Life Podcast, we dive into some of Northern Italy's finest Wineries! We love Italy - the food, the culture, the scenery and of course, the wine - and we recently planned a gastro tour of Northern Italy where we could explore some of the famed wineries of the Tuscany. So strap yourselves in as we embark on a sensory journey through the lush vineyards and historic cellars of...

In this episode of Pure Life Podcast, we discuss a road trip we took across the Western United States. We kick off this episode right where it all began; Day 1 of our road trip for a quick over-nighter in lovely Mammoth Lakes, California on our way through Las Vegas and onto Utah. We’d never been to Mammoth before, so we thought this would be a great way to break up the first leg of our journey an...

In this episode of Pure Life Podcast, we kick things off with our "drink of the week" - the perfect piña colada cocktail. With summer always around the corner, beach vacations and tropical settings tend to dominate all thoughts. Regardless of what time of year it happens to be, it's easy to bring the beach to us with a perfect piña colada cocktail. This satisfyingly refreshing recipe is sure to se...

Pura Vida and welcome to our latest podcast - Ultimate Mojito Virtual Happy Hour! With the hectic pace of modern day life, it's always a good idea to celebrate hope and reconnecting with each other - with a delicious cocktail of course! So grab your glass and plenty of ice, because it's time for a trip to our virtual happy hour! This week, we kick off the happy hour with our "drink of the week" ho...

Pura Vida! We kick off this podcast with our "drink of the week" segment. This weeks concoction is a delicious and delectable cocktail called the Buffalo Bramble. Made with Vodka, Creme de Cassis and fresh blackberries, it's a refreshing addition to our coping cocktails series, packing an equal punch of potency and flavor! Next we shift gears and dive into our latest findings on all things travel,...

In this episode of Pure Life Podcast, we take a pause for our travel topics and dive into keeping your private information secure with some important online safety tips while also discussing one of our featured drinks. This weeks feature is not a cocktail but one of my favorite bourbons: Basil Hayden's. Basil Hayden's is a light-bodied small-batch bourbon that goes down smoothly either neat or on...

With so many challenging things going on all at once, we could all use a break from the news to focus on more enjoyable distractions. And one of our favorite distractions is doing research on traveling. So in this episode we continue our discussion on the best credit cards by diving into research we have been doing on airline rewards cards and programs . Before discussing the best airline credit c...

In this episode, we venture away from our normal format and dive into some topics we hope you find helpful during stressful times and in-between travels. In particular, we will be highlighting some of our favorite cocktails you can craft at home - with the right tools and ingredients. In this episode, we will break down a simple but satisfyingly delicious margarita. As we’ve mentioned before, we a...

In the last episode, we provided some tips on how to identify the best credit card rewards program for your travel needs. In this episode, we go a bit deeper and explore some of the cards we personally own that have worked well for us. Whether traveling domestically or internationally, there are some great programs to satisfy where ever your travels take you. Now is the perfect time to start doing...

Every day we see ads for various credit cards. Whether it’s Capital One, American Express, Chase, or Discover, they all offer attractive rewards programs geared toward travel. But that begs the question: which are the best credit card rewards programs for me? Choosing the right travel rewards program can be time consuming, confusing and frustrating. In this episode – Best Credit Card Rewards Progr...

In this episode, we continue our adventures in and around Tokyo with some of our top day trip destinations for exploring the area around Tokyo. As amazing as Tokyo is, the surrounding countryside, coastlines and rustic beauty of Honshu Island are in full display when you venture just a bit south and west of the city. Some of our favorite destinations that are within an hour or two of Tokyo include...

With this episode of Pure Life Podcast, we start a much anticipated series on Japan with a special focus on Tokyo and the area around Tokyo. Tokyo holds a special place in our hearts and has been a frequent destination for us – both for pleasure and business – that covering all must-see and must-do activities can’t be done in just one episode. For first timers or seasoned travelers to Japan, this...

In this episode, we return to Mexico to continue exploring the Yucatan Peninsula. Before we jump into exploring the area, we share some advice and things to look out for when selecting your next all-inclusive resort to ensure you maximize your stay and avoid any unintended surprises. Next, we jump into some of the sights and sounds that we recommend for first-timers as well as seasoned travelers t...

In this episode of Pure Life Podcast, we dive into a rather important topic we hope you will find useful; air travel without identification. We’ve all been there; rush to get out of the house, running a little late, holiday season craziness has us running around in circles, and on and on it goes. Now, we’re at the airport about to go through security and we notice that we forget to bring our ident...

In this episode of Pure Life Podcast, we travel south of the US boarder to one of our favorite areas of Mexico – Cancun. Located on the Eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun and the Riviera Maya region boast some of the most beautiful beaches and resorts in all of Mexico. If tropical beach settings, tons or water activities or archaeological excursions are on your to-do list, please be sur...

In this episode, we take a detour from international travel and focus on the U.S. as we discuss the wine country in the Livermore Valley of Northern California. Just a short hop east from San Francisco or north east of San Jose, Livermore is nestled in a small valley of rolling hills, natural beauty and really good wineries! Livermore is home to some of the oldest wineries in California. It’s warm...

In this podcast episode, we uncover the origin of our site and podcast name – Pura Vida or Pure Life – from an eco-tourism jaunt to Costa Rica. Located just north of Panama, Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate year round that makes it a perfect destination for travelers seeking beach, jungle or other tropical activities. If you love nature and rustic adventures, then Costa Rica is a perfect desti...

This week we continue exploring French Polynesia with a trip to beautiful Bora Bora. Located about 143 miles north west of Tahiti in the western part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, Bora Bora is best known for its tranquil turquoise lagoon and numerous over-water bungalows and resorts. While in Bora Bora, we took in a variety of activities, including the not-to-be-missed shark feeding...

In this episode we set out to explore the South Pacific on an exotic get-away to French Polynesia. As a young couple, especially before kids, we couldn’t think of another place more romantic than the islands of French Polynesia, so we booked a vacation on the islands of Tahiti and Mo’orea. Tahiti is probably better known than Mo’orea but only because to get to French Polynesia you have to fly in a...