The Great Escape

We're counting down my top 5 cities in the world to celebrate New Year's Eve.  These aren't just places with fireworks — though trust me, the fireworks are EPIC.  These are destinations where the entire city comes alive, where millions of people gather with one shared mission: to ring in the new year in the most unforgettable way possible.  

If you’re someone who hears sleigh bells the moment Halloween ends, this one’s for you. We’re packing our imaginary passports, grabbing a mug of something mulled, and skipping our way through some of the most magical Christmas markets around the world — and yes, even a few right here in the U.S. that will scratch that European-Christmas itch without requiring a 9-hour flight or pretending you unde...

It’s that time of year again when your family’s asking you for your holiday wish list and you can’t remember any of the things you said “ooh I should ask for this for Christmas” months ago.  Or maybe you’re good yet you’re having trouble coming up with the perfect gift for your friend.  Here are my top 10 gift suggestions for travelers this holiday season. 

This time we’re headed to the majestic Rocky Mountain state of Wyoming to explore Grand Teton National Park.   Let’s dive into one of America’s most scenic parks with peaks, lakes, wildlife—and yes, trails that’ll make you ache in places you forgot you had.

We’re back with another round of National Park Fun Facts. If you liked Parts 1 and 2, you’re in for a treat today because we’ve got six more amazing parks, wild records, and jaw-dropping details that will have you reaching for your hiking boots—or at least your Google map. So strap in, because we’re about to nerd out about:- Death Valley- Channel Islands- Carlsbad Caverns- Acadia- Redwoods- Glacie...

Today, we’re talking about what to pack for a day hike — because nothing ruins a beautiful overlook faster than realizing you forgot water, snacks, or, you know… common sense. Whether you’re heading out on a quick 2-mile out-and-back, a strenuous loop in the wilderness, or just trying to survive the heat in Death Valley, this episode will help you make sure you’ve got everything you need without o...

Here is the 2nd half of my interview with my friend Brad Felker on his epic trip to India earlier this year. In ep 43 he talked about planning the trip and the first half in Delhi. Now he tells us about the experiences in Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj. If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to India—or just want the inside scoop from someone who’s been—you won’t want to miss this conversation. ✈️ Don’t...

We’re heading west to one of my favorite playgrounds in the United States — Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. Each one is completely different, totally unforgettable, and together they form one of the greatest road trips in America. So buckle up, because we’re going to explore them one by one — the history, the highlights, and some tips to m...

🌏 Ready to explore India? In this episode of The Great Escape , I sit down with my friend Brad Felker to talk all about his epic trip to India earlier this year. We cover the nitty-gritty of planning the trip, navigating transportation, what foods you have to try, and Brad’s experiences in Delhi. Spoiler: it’s busy, it’s bold, and it’s unforgettable. If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to India—o...

Today we’re heading deep into the heart of Texas — San Antonio. This city has it all — history, food, culture, and a river that basically exists for people-watching and margarita-sipping. If you’ve only got a few days here, I’ll help you make the most of it. I’ve got the perfect mix of classic sights, quirky finds, and plenty of food and drink recommendations, because — let’s be real — we don’t tr...

Think you’re brave enough for Angel’s Landing? 🏞️ In this episode, I’m taking you to the heart of Zion National Park to hike one of the most famous — and most intimidating — trails in the U.S. We’ll talk about: ✨ What it’s really like to climb the steep switchbacks and chain section (spoiler: my palms were sweating).✨ How the permit lottery system works and what you need to know before you go.✨...

Think you know your U.S. National Parks? 🌲 Think again. In this episode of The Great Escape Podcast, I’m sharing 6 jaw-dropping, funny, and “wait…WHAT?!” facts about parks you thought you knew. From Yosemite’s magical moonbows 🌙🌈 to Alaska’s Wrangell–St. Elias being literally bigger than Switzerland 🏔️ (because of course Alaska went extra), to Hawaii’s Mauna Loa casually being the biggest mount...

🌍✨ Ready to go underground? In this episode of The Great Escape , I’m taking you deep into Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico — one of the most jaw-dropping cave systems in the world. From massive underground rooms that could fit a Taylor Swift concert to the legendary bat flight that first caught a cowboy’s eye in the 1900s, this adventure is full of history, humor, and a little sass....

Today we're boarding a cruise ship!   I know what you’re thinking: buffets and bingo? No, friend...buckle up, because we’re talking glacier views, surprise wildlife sightings, and local lore. I’ve got a special guest joining me who just got back from an Alaskan cruise, and she’s bringing the real talk—what shocked her and what she’ll never forget. Let’s dive in!

Looking for the best hikes in Acadia National Park? In this episode of The Great Escape , I’m sharing my top 3 favorite adventurous hikes in the park—yes, the ones with metal rungs, ladders, and views that’ll make your jaw drop . If you’re up for a little thrill and don’t mind some steep climbs, these are for you. But don’t worry—if you’re more into peaceful trails and ocean views, I’ve also inclu...

Today we’re diving into camping in national parks—because nothing screams "I love nature" like voluntarily sleeping on the ground next to raccoons who have absolutely no respect for personal space. Whether you're a tent-slinging rookie or an RV queen with solar panels and a kitchen island, this episode is your ultimate guide to camping in national parks—what to know, what to bring, a...

Climbing Mount Whitney is not for the faint of heart - it is the tallest mountain in the lower 48 at 14,505ft. The 21.2 mile hike took me 17 long hours. Here is my mile-by-mile recap of the journey and my tips and tricks for tackling it yourself.

Here are the fun things to do and see in our country's 2nd oldest national park, Sequoia. Top sites include General Sherman, Mount Whitney, and all the big trees and beautiful trails!

This episode is all about fun facts about some of our 63 US National Parks. My goal is for you to be empowered to adventure, and I think visiting our national parks is a great way to do that. So here are 6 facts you probably didn’t know about some of our national parks.

This episode is all about Guadalupe Mtns National Park in Texas - fun facts, what to do, and where to stay.  I camped there with my dog, Molly, in June 2023 and did some great hikes.  So here are my tips for a trip there

My friend Noah shares what it's like to spend a month in Israel, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Eilat, and Rosh Pinna. They rode camels, visited the Western Wall, slept in bedouin tents, and went hiking.

I’m keeping it short and sweet with a super important topic — Leave No Trace: 7 Principles in 7 Minutes. Whether you’re hitting the trail, pitching a tent, or just enjoying a picnic in the park, these principles help protect the wild places we love. These guidelines are easy to remember and crucial to practice.

My friend Marki shares all her trials, tribulations, and tips from her two trips to Thailand. #thailand #thailandtravel #travel

I love a good road trip and have taken a bunch from just a few days to 2 months long.  So I thought I’d share how I plan and map out my road trips. Whether you’re an experienced nomad, would like to get out more, or have one coming up you’d like some last-minute tips for, this is the episode for you.

This episode is about Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, what fun cave tours and trails to do, and cool things outside of the park you can enjoy as well.