Episode 34: Movie-Inspired Travel

We all love movies. And we all love travel! So what better topic could there be than a combination of the two?  Have you ever been inspired to travel somewhere after seeing it on the big screen? There are so many ways to incorporate your favorite movie into your next vacation. Let’s take a look at a few!

*Locations for the James Bond series
*Austria – The Sound of Music
*Tunisia – Star Wars
*New Zealand – The Hobbit
*Paris and the Eiffel Tower (so many movies!)
*London (European Vacation, anyone?)
*Hollywood!  (Pretty Woman – Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, CA)
*Seattle (Sleepless in…)
*New York City (Elf, Spiderman, When Harry Met Sally)
*North Carolina (the mountains, WIlmington)
*New England (Mystic Pizza)

Have you ever loved a movie so much that you traveled to the location? Let us know!

Episode 33: New York City

One of America’s most popular destinations and one of it’s largest cities, New York City, is the topic of this week’s podcast. Five boroughs, a harbor, and almost 8.5 million people make this a vibrant, exciting and culturally diverse destination. Whether you are a foodie, a theater junkie, an art enthusiast, a history buff, or just a super shopper, the Big Apple offers something for everyone. So let’s explore it!

*Which is the best airport to arrive at?
*How family-friendly is the city?
*What are terrific activities with kids?
*Tell me about the theater!
*How many days should I plan to see the sights?

Have you traveled to The Big Apple – tell us your experiences! Have you always wanted to go?  We can  help!

Episode 32: Mount Everest – Earthquake – Interview with Ron Wahula

This week we’re very excited to have special guest Ron Wahula joining us. Ron is the Race Director for the City of Oaks Marathon in Raleigh, North Carolina,  as well as the director of the Raleigh Galloway running program where he is an inspiration to hundreds of runners who want to train for half and full marathons and beyond.  In May 2015 Ron got to take his bucket list trip to Mount Everest Base Camp and on that trip, disaster struck. An earthquake hit Nepal during the climbing season and devastated the country.  Ron was caught in an avalanche and had to spend 5 days climbing back down the mountain before he was able to return home to Raleigh.  He’s here to tell us about his adventure..

*How crazy is the airport and landing to start the trek?
*What made Ron take on Everest?
*What kind of training did he do to prepare?
*What happened when the earthquake struck?
*What was Kathmandu like before and after the earthquake

If you would like to help Nepal we have two charities that we recommend.  One is TourismCares.com which is putting aside funds from donations to help rebuild the tourism industry which is so important to the overall economy of Nepal.  The other is the Planeterra Foundation, which is the nonprofit arm of G Adventures.  G Adventures covers the administrative expenses so that 100% of donations can go to rebuilding these communities.

We welcome your comments and feedback on this episode or any episode. We would love to hear from you!

Episode 31: Quantum of the Seas

The new Quantum Class from Royal Caribbean takes cruising to a whole new level with the most technologically advanced ships at sea. The Anthem of the Seas is currently cruising around Europe and will be moving to Cape Liberty starting in November. She is replacing the Quantum, which was sailing out of Cape Liberty up until May. She is now traversing the globe to settle in her new home in China. Elizabeth and her family were on board for her last US itinerary before she set off to the East. So let’s talk about this class of ship and what it has to offer

*How high-tech is the ship?
*What is a “virtual balcony?”
*Why is this class so great for families?
*How was the food/dining?
*This was an 8-night itinerary… how was the longer cruise experience?
*Entertainment on board – tell all about it!
*What unique bars are there?

We welcome your comments and feedback on this episode ! You can also like us at “Fly Away” on Facebook , or email us.  We would love to hear from you!

Episode 30: England

This week, we virtually visit Outlander agent Andy’s homeland… Mother England! This is one of our most popular European destinations and we thought we’d talk about it with someone who really knows it well, sharing not only some of the obvious and popular places to visit, but also talk about some places lesser known to Americans but worth adding to the “must do” list.

*Does it really rain all the time?
*When is the best time to visit?
*After London, where should Americans visit?
*Any recommendations for best eats?
*Tell us about the beer!
*Should we cruise around the Isles, or stick to land tours?

Have you been to England? Tell us about your trip!

Episode 29: Beaches Resorts

Beaches, which is owned by the Sandals Corporation, offers its brand of Luxury Included Vacations to the family market, with resorts in Ocho Rios, and Negril, Jamaica, as well as Turks and Caicos.  The popularity of all inclusive vacations has been on the rise, with family options becoming more and more in demand.   Here at Outlander Travel we are fortunate enough to have had agents visit all three of these, so we can answer your questions.

*Why Beaches?
*What can I expect from an All Inclusive?
*How is Beaches different from other resorts out there?
*How long should I plan to stay?
*Is there a minimum age?
*Would young kids enjoy it?  What about teenagers?
*Can adults still have some alone time?
*How is the food?
*What if I want to leave the resort?  Is it safe?

Are you ready for an amazing all-inclusive tropical vacation? Have you been to beaches? Let us know!

Episode 28: The Five Senses of Travel

Have you ever had your memory jogged by a certain smell or sound?  Maybe a taste of an exotic fruit or the feel of the wind in your hair transports you to another place and time.  We rely on our senses more than we realize, not just for our immediate surroundings, but for their power to make us remember events.  It today’s episode we thought it would be fun to explore what recalled memories have been triggered by our senses.

* Smells – shampoo, flowers, food or drinks, fireworks, campfire
* Taste – recreating a vacation dessert or meal, something you only eat on a trip
* Sight – sunset, pictures, commercials
* Sound – songs or soundtracks
* Touch – ocean breeze, heat from a campfire, sunburn

What sensory memory is evocative of travel for you?

Episode 27: Beer Tours

Hop on in and learn about the ever-popular world of beer tourism. Many people are familiar with culinary tours or even wine tours, but people might not be as familiar with brewing or beer tourism. Craft beer is being produced at a level not seen in the US since the late nineteenth century. There are more breweries currently in the US than at any time since the 1870’s.  And while craft brewing still only accounts for a relatively small % of the overall brewing industry, people are attracted to the wide variety of beers and ales being produced – jalapeno and cilantro pale ale; oyster stouts; imperial stouts infused with cocoa nibs, graham crackers and marshmallows, for example.  This is one of our favorite topics, so let’s get started!

* Where are the most popular beer tours and breweries?
* Do I have to travel to Europe?
* What can I expect on a beer tour?
* Why do people like craft beers so much?
* How do I find a local brewery near me?
* What if you don’t like heavy beers?  Will there be something for me?

Are you a beer aficionado? Have you tried a beer tour? Interested in a beer tour? Let us know!

Episode 26: Germany

Guten tag! Today, our attention drifts across the Atlantic to the beautiful European continent. In particular, we’d like to leverage the expertise of our friend Andy here to talk about Germany. Andy spent 3 years working for a large tour operator as a tour director, taking travelers all over Germany (and a few other countries here and there). Andy is fluent in German and French and can talk for HOURS about the history and sites of Germany in particular. We’ll try to keep it closer to twenty minutes for you today though.

* What are the largest attractions in Germany? Where should we be sure to go?
* What is a hidden gem that not as many people might know about?
* How easy is it to get around? Should we drive? Train?
* What’s the weather like? When is the best time to go?
* Beer? Do tell!
* What are some customs we should know so that we aren’t so touristy when we go?
* What are some common “myths” about Germany?
* Are there places that are very different from what we might expect them to be like?

Have you visited Germany – what were your impressions? Let us know!

Episode 25: What Does $3K Get Me?

Vacations are important, and everyone wants the most value for the dollar.  The problem is that there is no “one size fits all” vacation out there.  What is perfect for a couple or small group of friends might not be the best option for a family on a budget.  Also, how do you know what is realistic for your budget?  This week we wanted to take a look at different types of vacations you can experience with a $3000 budget.  And guess what? There are many and they are exciting! We explore…

*7-night all-inclusive beach resort in Cancun for two
*9-nights in Italy for two – including several nights in a Tuscan villa!
*7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on a mid-priced line
*7-nights in a luxury Jamaican resort with a butler
*Tahiti/Bora Bora cruise on a luxury yacht…and more!

Do you keep to a budget when traveling? What is the best “budget” trip you’ve taken? Let us know!

aimee@outlandertravel.com
andy@outlandertravel.com
elizabeth@outlandertravel.com
lindsay@outlandertravel.com
robin@outlandertravel.com
sandy@outlandertravel.com

 

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