Vacation Mavens Travel Podcast

Can you just picture yourself relaxing under a palm tree on a beautiful beach with a tropical drink in your hand? When you are ready to plan a vacation to the Caribbean, get ideas on the best islands and resorts from Caribbean Expert Sarah Gabbadon Greaves. Just keep in mind that some reopening plans have changed or rolled back for Americans since we recorded this episode. Please always check the...

If you are ready to hit the beach, head to Virginia Beach, where there is something for everyone. This week we chat with Brianna Simmons, from The Casual Travelist, about her hometown of Virginia Beach and all it has to offer families. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Talking with Kim and Tamara about the beach 06:20 - Tamara's upcoming trip 12:20 - Talking with Brianna 14:25 - How Virginia is doing with Co...

This summer is definitely bringing back the great American road trip and one of the most beautiful is an Oregon Coast road trip. On the podcast, we talk with Jessica Baker from Boundless Bakers, about the time she spent on the Oregon Coast and she fills us in on the best places to stop, must see towns, and side trips to take along the way. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Talking about future road trips 07:...

If your vacation budget is being squeezed, you are not alone. This week we tackle the topic of affordable vacation destinations (that you can hopefully take this year or in the near future) with Tim Leffel, author of " The World's Cheapest Destinations. " Plus, we share some of our favorite black family travel content creators and commit to bringing more diverse voices onto the podcast.   ON THE P...

With states across the U.S. entering some phase of reopening, Kim and Tamara tackle the  topic of summer travel. What will be open, what should you expect if you travel, and what are the best trips to think about right now? Tune in. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Talking with Kim and Tamara 01:15 - Finding travel information 02:00 - Florida 11:08 - Flying 16:00 - States that are doing well 20:08 - Rentals...

Wondering what is in store for the National Parks this summer? The Vacation Mavens chat with John Tillison, a former park ranger and publisher of the Park Ranger John website, to get his take on planning a visit to the National Parks in 2020 and what to expect. Plus we talk about virtual Junior Ranger programs that you can do at home. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Sponsors - COMRAD Socks and Moon Travel...

We have reached the point in staying at home when we are really missing travel. To get the experience of traveling at home and fighting back boredom, this week Kim and Tamara interview two tour operators and a winery owner about the virtual experiences they offer. Angelo from LivItaly shares the innovative and engaging ways his tour guides are sharing their subject matter expertise (and humor!), w...

If you are starting to feel a little stir crazy at home and missing travel, plan a travel theme night. This week on the podcast we chat with Katja Gaskell from Globetotting about how her family is spending their Friday nights dressing up and cooking recipes from different countries. Kim and Tamara also share some fun ideas for family movie nights. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Sponsor - Comrad Socks 01:3...

Remember travel agents? They are no longer just those storefronts advertising cruises and packaged trips you used to see in shopping malls. Today's travel agents are advisors that can help you design a custom vacation. And in these uncertain times, using one is more important than ever. This week Kim and Tamara talk with Christina from Showcase the World about why to use a travel agent and if ther...

All of this family time has been great, but when this is all over, I think us moms are going to need a girlfriend getaway. This week, Kim and Tamara chime in with their picks for girlfriend getaway destinations and tips for planning a drama-free trip. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Sponsor - Comrad Socks 01:30 - What we are doing to keep active 03:25 - East coast destinations 09:02 - West coast destinatio...

These are tough times but we are here for you! Find out what happened when Tamara cancelled her trip to Europe and what we are doing at home while social distancing. Just remember, we will get through this and someday we will be traveling again. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Talking about Tamara's cancelled trip 14:38 - Should we stay or should we go? 17:22 - Kim's spring break small trip cancellation 19...

Ugh. As much as we don't want to have to tackle this topic, it is at the top of everyone's minds. This week Kim and Tamara share their decisions regarding spring break plans because of the coronavirus. Find out where to find important information regarding COVID-19 and travel warnings, as well as tips for staying healthy during this challenging time. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Talking with Kim and Tam...

Often getting through an airport is the worst part of a trip. The hassle, the rush, the stress -- the people! This week on the podcast, Kim and Tamara share their tips for making the airport experience as low-stress as possible, even when traveling with kids. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Sponsor - Comrad Socks 02:08 - Getting to the airport 14:13 - Getting through TSA security 17:45 - TSA Precheck/Clear...

We have talked about the Big Apple before from a local's perspective and the borough of Brooklyn, but what do you do on your very first visit to NYC? Tamara and Kim talk with Claudia from The Travelling Mom to get her advice (and share their own) about what to do, where to stay, what tours to take, and where to eat for NYC first-time visitors. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Talking with Kim and Tamara abo...

What do you do when you get that dreaded alert on your phone or when your listing on the board of departing flights turns red? This week Kim and Tamara give their past tips as road warriors for what to do when your flight is delayed or cancelled, including how to be prepared for the inevitable. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Talking with Kim and Tamara 01:10 - Planning ahead 08:05 - Flight apps 12:10 - Ti...

Do you think cruising is all about the big ships? Think again. There are many types of cruising including river cruising, sailing cruises, barge cruising, small ship ocean cruises and more. Join us as we chat with Dana from Dana Freeman Travels about all sorts of cruising from the big ships to the smallest windjammers. Don't worry, we also chat about a few of the newer big ships too so you can dec...

Who knew the small city of Madison, Wisconsin could offer so much to do -- especially in the winter? This week Tamara fills us in on her recent trip to the Wisconsin state capital, and home to the University of Wisconsin - Madison and shares why this college town makes a cool winter weekend getaway. Warning: you may end up craving cheese curds if you listen to this episode! This episode is part of...

Nothing like starting off the new year with a bucket list destination! This week we chat with Keri Hedrick, from Family Travel in the Middle East, about visiting Egypt with kids. We dig into what you need to know -- is it safe? how should you book? when should you go? and more. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Talking with Kim and Tamara 04:11 - Talking with Keri Hedrick 06:25 - How long to spend in Egypt 0...

Have you ever traveled to a new city and been overwhelmed by all the hotel choices? Wonder how you go about choosing a hotel or finding the best deals? Wonder why you are stuck in a noisy room by the elevator? Find out our tips for booking a hotel and requesting a hotel room that is best for your family. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Talking about Tamara's recent trip to Naples and Marco Island, FL 12:36...

Most visitors to New York City only explore Manhattan. But what do you do when you want to explore the other boroughs? Local mom Ranjana Armstrong shares what she recommends to do with kids in Brooklyn -- beyond just walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Talking with Kim and Tamara 04:25 - Talking with Ranjana about Nugget 11:05 - Neighborhoods in Brooklyn 18:58 - What to do i...

It is time to head to Miami and explore the street art of Wynwood Walls, the beaches of South Beach, the food of Little Havana, and the wilds of the Everglades. This week we are chatting with Guiomar Ochoa to get her insights on what to do in Miami with kids. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Talking with Kim and Tamara about the holidays 08:06 - Talking with Guiomar 09:40 - How long to spend in Miami 10:20...

At the end of every year we like to look back at some of our favorite travel experiences, destinations, hotels, and products and share those with our listeners. So settle in and listen up as we share our favorites for 2019! At the end of every year we like to look back at some of our favorite travel experiences, destinations, hotels, and products and share those with our listeners. So settle in an...

This week we are chatting with Lee Huffman from the We Travel There podcast about his recent father-son trip to Amsterdam and Billund, Denmark. Learn about everything LEGO including LEGOLAND Denmark, LEGO House, and the LEGO Hotel. ON THE PODCAST 00:30 - Allianz Travel 02:19 - Talking with Kim and Tamara 06:58 - Talking with Lee Huffman 10:10 - Break down of trip 14:45 - LEGO 26:27 - Final tips 32...

The Vacation Mavens love a fun girls' trip and what could be better than pairing up some wine tasting and adventure? This time, we head to Santa Rosa in the heart of Sonoma's wine country to learn all the things to do with friends, or with family. From zip lining to hiking to glamping within view of giraffes, listen to all we experienced during our four days in Santa Rosa, California. ON THE PODCA...

Do you show up to the rental car counter and get overwhelmed with all the choices? Do you want to prepay for the gas? Do you want additional insurance? Do you know what your existing insurance covers? Ack! It is all so confusing, so this week we chat with road warrior Ed Pizzarello and get his car rental tips. Listen to Ed's tips for renting a car so you are armed with the info you need to make go...