Speaking of Travel® With Marilyn Ball

Now is the time to plan for your future. Suzan Haskins and Dan Prescher of internationalliving.com are specialists in retiring overseas, particularly in Latin America, although they’ve spent a good bit of time traveling the world in recent years. Suzan and Dan are the go-to experts for those of us looking to retire soon and considering doing that overseas. They explain why now—when we can’t travel...

Mike Andress, founder of Exploration Local, understands first-hand how much the experience of being outdoors in nature reduces stress and increases mental health. Mike explains how his belief in the positive health benefits of nature helped him become intentional about getting outdoors and experiencing local businesses as he created Exploration Local. Also a recap of the week in aviation and what&...

Be swept away with Roland Colton, an author, pianist, attorney and world-traveler. His groundbreaking novel, "Forever Gentleman," mates music with the written word in a style reminiscent of 19th century authors. Some of the compositions in the e-version of the book had never been written (since they are composed by characters in the story). Find out how Roland came up with the idea for a...

Dayna Reggero of the Climate Listening Project details her new documentary, "Planet Prescription." The film connects science and stories and offers hopeful solutions for humanistic health care for a healthier future.  “Planet Prescription” centers around the Southeast: rural Tennessee, city of Atlanta, Georgia, suburbs of North Carolina, listening to an epidemiologist, pulmonologist, int...

In these times of uncertainty, pulling together as a community is crucial to the health, well-being and stability of our local friends and neighbors. Some communities need help more than ever. And although it may seem daunting at first, there are ways to lend support, funds or even a helping hand. New Belgium’s Community Ambassador Mike Craft gives us info on the New Belgium Bar & Restaurant R...

Jeff Greiner, owner of the Adventure Center in Asheville, managing partner at Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours and member of the Wildwater Adventures family, provides tips on how to keep everyone active during challenging times by planning activities together, being outdoors and reconnecting with your youth. Jeff provides a historical overview of how his family's original outdoor adventure busine...

Speaking of Travel provides updates on the coronavirus crisis and ways airports are focusing on safely transporting passengers who need to travel and how to best make changes to their travel plans with guest Tina Kinsey, Director of Marketing, PR & Air Service Development for the Asheville Regional Airport.  Also onboard is Michael Poandl, Development Coordinator of the WNC Aids Project, as he...

Gabe Swinney, founder of Swinney Creative, shares how a pilgrimage is not about the destination but rather a journey of the spirit. He explains how a pilgrimage enhances a person's beliefs and faith and reminds us to live our lives in harmony. Being at a crossroads in our lives, there is no better time to think about how to create a deeper sense of spirituality, healing and forgiveness. Gabe...

A few years ago, I had what I then believed was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was a dream trip on an African safari. And I can tell you, there isn’t much to prepare you for the sheer scale and natural beauty of this amazing landscape and the different sights and sounds you’ll encounter. Now is the time to make your dream trip come true. Toby Brown, marketing director and lead safari coordina...

What makes a river cruise different from an ocean cruise is the emphasis on the places visited and the experiential experiences provided. Kathy Brock with Ama Waterways explains why river cruising is a bucket list vacation idea. Times are changing on Europe's rivers as operators are investing in new ships that incorporate more of today's contemporary features. Find out the essential reas...

Australian singer/songwriter Katie Cole is not afraid to rock the boat with the stories she tells, the emotions she shares and the subjects she covers. Katie’s emotion comes from a real place and people all over the world can relate and ultimately find themselves moved by her emotional honesty. Katie tells us about her epic 2019 world tour with the Smashing Pumpkins and how her life will never be...

James Ziskin discusses his newest novel, Turn To Stone, a 1960s-era locked-room mystery taking Ellie Stone to Italy, a seemingly idyllic setting, which in this case has sinister undertones. The story puts an inventive twist on Boccaccio’s Decameron and takes the reader on a richly-imagined and entertaining journey to Florence and the Tuscan countryside. Jim's books have been finalists for the...

If you love sparkles, smoothies and rock-n-roll, you’re going to love Taraleigh Weathers. With her desire to maintain the magic of live music every day, she helps guide you to rock your most healthy self. Taraleigh does songwriters retreats, retreats with musicians for their fans and curated getaways for live music-loving friends who want an intimate and bonding experience. Live music is what make...

Sisters Katie and Nancy Moore take us along their journey of travel, education, adventure, cheese and cider, culminating in their tours to a region with deep roots and a thriving local food culture. Katie is the executive director of the WNC Cheese Trail, and she and Nancy combined their education and travel experience to create an exciting tour to Northern Spain. The WNC Cheese Trail was started...

Steve Henderson, a Vietnam War vet and Marybeth Burns, a board member of the Blue Ridge Honor Flight, explain how Brothers Like These provides healing for vets through the arts and creative writing. The Blue Ridge Honor Flight is honored to partner with The NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation to present Brothers Like These , a staged reading by Vietnam War Veterans who perform their own writte...

Ida and Bernie are heading home to Washington, D.C., after a quick trip to Asheville for Ida’s birthday. Bernie travels regularly for work, and he picked up a few helpful tips along the way. “I’m always trying to stay hydrated,” Bernie said. “It’s healthy for you, and it helps if you’re going to be on long flights. Bring your own stainless steel, reusable water bottle. [Then you] have… the ability...

Desiree is New York bound for business. She travels regularly for work and leisure, so this frequent flyer knows her way around AVL. “I am always ready to just get home,” Desiree said. “So, I park on the highest [level of the] parking deck. I know exactly where my car is and can find it without forgetting.” Desiree knows that flying AVL means flying home, and she loves the ease and familiarity of...

Diana is kicking off an overnight trip to Orlando for a holiday party, and Asheville’s nonstop flights help her travel with ease. As a flight attendant, Diana is a pro when it comes to making her way through an airport.  “I think passengers don’t realize that they can bring an empty bottle through security and, on the other side of security, fill that bottle up with water,” Diana said. “That way,...

Lance is on his way to Orlando to visit family and friends back home. He currently lives in Waynesville, and he’s no stranger to flying in and out of AVL. He says preparation is the key to stress-free travel. “Pack as soon as you can,” Lance said. “Don’t do it last minute. Just try to relax. Grab a coffee, and just chill.” Lance enjoys the simplicity and efficiency of traveling through the Ashevil...

Jen Stevens is the author of the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program and Executive Editor of International Living. Over the years, Jen has taught hundreds of folks with no prior travel writing experience to get paid to travel. Discover how to travel the world and get paid for your stories and even travel for free. Jen explains how you can get paid to travel and why now is the best time to get into tr...

Nicole Will and Sue Ann Fisher, owners of Asheville Wellness Tours, have created a network of local health and wellness practitioners and craft experiences to encourage connection with ourselves, others and nature. Discover what led them to Asheville and the creation of Asheville Wellness Tours and why they've chosen this niche market of wellness tourism. Nicole and Sue Ann share some great w...

Timmy and Susana have a passion for performing, teaching and entertaining with family concerts and educational school programs. But life as a touring artist sometimes includes the good, the bad and the strange. Traveling for them is a way of life and brings smiles to so many, but some odd things do happen on the road! Timmy and Susana delight us with stories and songs guaranteed to bring a smile t...

Mark Gordon Smith, founder of Private Italy Tours, shares why falling in love with Italy is easy. Italy is more than pasta and wine. With historic cities, beautiful coastlines, endless history and the nicest people, one visit is just not enough. Mark has traveled across Italy for over 35 years and presents small group tours of Italy through its most beautiful and inspiring regions. Find out how to...

Kelly Hayes-Raitt is a full-time traveler and house sitter, journalist and inspiring public speaker. Kelly shares her travel stories and how she discovered house sitting as a flexible way to live and write. For the past decade, Kelly has cared for other people’s homes and pets in far-flung places like Maputo, Mozambique and Ya’an, China, as well as fabulous cities like Hanoi, Paris, Singapore, Ber...

Robert and Scott are The Cerny Brothers, an Americana duo based in Nashville. Their inspiring music is born from traveling and meeting fans on the road in diverse cities and rural areas all over the US. The brothers grew up in the heartland of Illinois, but after college we went to L.A. and had a completely different experience. For Robert and Scott, touring allows them the opportunity to meet all...