Travel Squad Podcast

We spent 7 days in Costa Rica hiking to waterfalls, spotting wild sloths in the jungle, soaking in volcano-fed hot springs, and exploring our way through this amazing country. On this trip we flew in and out of San Jose and bookended our trip there. We spent two nights in Arenal and two nights in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Episode Highlights: Costa Rica Travel Tips Hiking to the best views of th...

We’re sharing the best restaurants in San Diego—from waterfront dining and rooftop hotspots to must-visit local favorites. As locals and former residents, we break down where to eat, what to order, and which spots are perfect for date nights, happy hour, and special occasions. Plus, we cover how to maximize dining credits from cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, and Amex Gold to save...

We’re sharing how to spend four full days enjoying all the best Miami Beach has to offer. We share amazing beachfront properties to stay at, great places to eat, where to get Miami Beach drinks, beautiful rooftop bars, how to enjoy the beach beds and umbrellas, and where to go out dancing for some of that iconic Miami nightlife! We break down the differences between South Beach, Mid-Beach, and Nor...

On this week's Just the Tip, we give our honest opinion about the amazing experience of flying business class with Singapore Airlines. We discuss whether it's worth the price, walk you through the whole experience, and share how you can book this with points. Download our ⁠Singapore Itinerary⁠ for the perfect plan to spend two days in this amazing island nation and keep the fun going after...

We went to Singapore on a two-day stopover, in true TSP fashion we saw and did a lot in these 48 hours and are sharing it all in this episode.  Highlights of Singapore in this episode: Hawker food halls  Gardens by the Bay  The St. Regis hotel for an ultra luxurious experience. Chinatown  Marina Bay Sands  The underground malls in Singapore  Singapore Airport and its impressive amenities. If you w...

We’re sharing our full experience at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay from epic roller coasters like Iron Gwazi and SheiKra to safari-style animal encounters. Get insider tips on tickets, lockers, crowds, and must-ride attractions to plan the perfect visit to one of Florida’s top theme parks. If you are spending more time in the Tampa area, check out the Tampa Bay CityPASS Hotels near Busch Gardens we reco...

We’re sharing the full-day experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom inside Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. We share tips to maximize your day at Disney to see the best and do it all. From Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest to Na’vi River Journey and the immersive lands of Africa and Asia, we break down the must-do attractions and timing tips to help you maximize your visit. Disney Animal Ki...

Come with us to swim with the most adorable manatees in Crystal River, Florida with Explorida . In this episode we share what we learned in the experience including the best time to visit, what to expect, and expert tips from our unforgettable eco tour experience. If you’re staying overnight in Crystal River, here are a few places to consider: Paddletail Waterfront Lodge , Holiday Inn Express , or...

We continue with part 2 of this historic 9-day adventure through Egypt exploring the impressive Abu Simbel, and continuing on our Nile River cruise stopping in Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, and ending in Luxor - a literal open air museum. In Luxor we take you into the most colorfully preserved tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the impressive cliffside Temple of Hatshepsut, take you through the lar...

Find a great flight deal to Cairo with Thrifty Traveler Premium ’s flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription. If you’re planning a trip to Egypt, listen to part 1 (Pyramids of Giza, Aswan, and a Nubian Village) and part 2 (Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu Temple, Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings) of our Egypt episodes! On this trip we...

We take you along for part 1 of a 9-day adventure through Egypt starting with the iconic Pyramids of Giza, Great Sphinx of Giza and the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum and then taking to the seas for a 4-day Nile River cruise stopping at ancient temples in Aswan and taking a side quest to a colorful Nubian village. On this trip we went with Gate, cruised on the Queen of Hansa and in Cairo staye...

We break down the full-day experience at QC NY Spa, luxury wellness retreat of wonder on Governors Island with heated outdoor pools overlooking the Manhattan skyline. This spa is so creatively stimulating, energetically calming, and blissfully relaxing. We cover it all: hydrotherapy circuits, skyline-view saunas, hidden waterbed room, Vichy showers, red light therapy, lavender foot rituals and so...

We’re taking you on a weekend trip to New York City! In this episode we explore Manhattan’s top attractions, give you a taste of some of the best things to eat in NYC, take you to one of the most beautiful bars in New York, recommend a few great places to stay in NYC for a splurge or a save, and tips for navigating the subway. You can take this exact trip by downloading and following our 2-day NYC...

We’re sharing our no-filter review of a 3-night stay at Four Seasons Los Cabos Costa Palmas , an ultra-luxury, secluded resort on the East Cape of Cabo, Mexico. From a $1,600-per-night ocean-view room and 13 dining options to the Oasis Spa, swimmable beaches, pools, and a marina island escape, we break down the experience and pricing on food, spa treatments, transportation, and excursions. You’ll...

We're sharing our experiences from five amazing days in Chiang Mai, Thailand. In this episode, we talk about the city's rich history, cultural attractions, and travel tips, including the best temples to visit, local cuisine, and unique experiences like visiting Tiger Kingdom, participating in a cooking class, and an overnight jungle trek adventure. Download our ⁠ 5 Days in Chiang Mai Itine...

On this week's Just the Tip, we're taking you along with us for 24 hours in Bangkok. In this whirlwind trip we explore the city's rich culture and temples, vibrant street food scene, and give some essential travel tips for navigating the bustling capital. Download our ⁠ 1 Day Bangkok Itinerary ⁠ Visit ⁠Wandr Health⁠ and use promo code TravelSquad10 to get 10% off your made-to-order tra...

In this episode we take you on a 7 hour road trip from Austin to Big Ben National Park for a weekend trip to glamp at Bubble Terlingua , explore the desert town of Terlingua, see the most amazing starry night sky and ride donkeys from Big Bend into Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico. We updated our Big Bend Itinerary to now cover 4 days in the park and nearby areas. If Bubble Terlingua is fully booked,...

In this week’s Just the Tip, we’re going on an overnight getaway to Temecula, California for a wine tasting getaway in this small, but mighty Southern California wine region. Just an hour from San Diego and about 90 minutes from Los Angeles, Temecula is known for its beautiful rolling vineyards, Mediterranean-style climate, and nearly 50 amazing wineries to explore. We share experiences and wine n...

In this episode the squad is taking you to Phuket, Thailand to spend two days enjoying its amazing beaches, exploring nearby islands by boat, eating amazing Thai cuisine and experiencing the ionic Phuket nightlife on Bangla Road. We share tips for visiting, navigating, and where to stay in Phuket. Download our ⁠ 2 Day Phuket Itinerary ⁠ We went to the ⁠Simon Cabaret Show⁠ and did the ⁠James Bond I...

Planning the ultimate girls trip or Galentine’s getaway? In this Just the Tip episode, we’re sharing the best girls trip destinations from beachy Tulum to wine-filled Napa, adventurous Sedona, relaxing Austin, and nightlife-packed Miami. We break down what to pack (matching PJs included), where to stay, and exactly why each destination is perfect for bonding, relaxing,  Beach Destination: Tulum  S...

We’re exploring the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York, a perfect fall destination known for dramatic waterfalls, scenic lakes, and world-class wineries. From hiking the iconic Watkins Glen State Park and chasing Ithaca’s best waterfalls to sipping Riesling at Sheldrake Point Winery and driving the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway, we’re sharing our full Finger Lakes weekend itinerary, travel tips, a...

On this week's Just the Tip, Kim is taking you along on a bucket list experience The Blue Lagoon in Iceland! This world-renowned steamy turquoise spa experience is as amazing as it looks. In this episode, we bust a few mistruths and share the full experience to get you excited to visit yourself! You can book the same ⁠Combo Blue Lagoon & Transfer ticket on Viator⁠ that we used. Since you a...

Come with us to the land of fire and ice for a week in Iceland - in the dead of winter! On this wintry adventure we go to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, The South Coast, The Blue Lagoon, on an epic Northern Lights chasing tour in the middle of the night, and even saw some real lava! This episode is full of tips for visiting Iceland in the winter, how to navigate stormy roads, and how to plan for this fini...

In this week’s Just the Tip, we’re breaking down whether the Amex Platinum Card is actually worth its $895 annual fee. We walk through the benefits, credits, points-earning potential, and personalized welcome offers, including how we’ve used real credits for flights, luxury hotels, lounges, and everyday perks. By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly who this card is (and isn’t) for, how to...

In this episode we chat with Jocelyn and Justin, the owners and captains of the historic Schooner J & E Riggin , for an inside look at life and travel aboard a nearly 100-year-old windjammer. We talk about what makes sailing the Maine coast so special, from wind-powered routes and themed sailings to cozy onboard life and fresh, locally sourced meals cooked on a classic wooden stove. We also di...