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?
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!
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
See the complete index of podcasts by topic!
You’ll never meet a traveler who brags, “Every year I pack more for my trips, and wow, do I love it.” Carry on packers embrace the challenge of packing everything they need in a 22” or smaller bag (plus a personal carry on) whether it is for 7 days or 7 weeks of travel. Join us today with our guest Heidi Rodriguez, a traveler who embraces packing light for a variety of reasons. She has written for Travel Fashion Girl, a web site devoted to packing, packing lists, toiletries, clothing and accessories for travel. Her articles including one on almost liquidless air travel (yes, it is possible!), and another on how to make a tiny custom make up palette. Are you a traveler who brings everything and the kitchen sink when you go somewhere? Get ready to learn some great tips on how minimal packing can change your travels!
*How to get started – change your mindset!
*What are packing cubes and do they save space?
*What goes in the 3-1-1 bag for air travel?
*Tips especially for men
*Cruises and packing light
*Is there a downside to carry-on only travel?
What is your packing and travel style? Share your tips with any of the agents below!
aimee@outlandertravel.com
andy@outlandertravel.com
elizabeth@outlandertravel.com
lindsay@outlandertravel.com
robin@outlandertravel.com
sandy@outlandertravel.com
See the complete index of podcasts by topic!
Group travel can be tons of fun, and a fulfilling experience – but is it for you? There is a group trip for everyone – girls, gamers, dancers, runners, sports, beer lovers, destination weddings – you name it, there is probably a group for it. These trips can be a great way to travel with people who share a common interest.
Listen to Outlander Travel agents Elizabeth, Andy, Sandy, Aimee and Lindsay discuss their favorite group trips, and:
*What are the logistics in planning a group trip?
*Why have a travel agent plan the trip? (Hint: logistics
Listen and learn about all types of group travel opportunities! Have you gone on a group trip? What was your experience? Drop us an email and let us know.
Alaska – the last frontier! Join Outlander agents Elizabeth, Robin, Sandy, and Andy in their Q&A of special guest Amy Newman. Amy moved to Alaska over a decade ago, and has lived in Juneau and Anchorage. She loves her adopted state, and has written various articles for an Anchorage newspaper and several magazines to promote Alaska for tourists. Tune in and learn – why does someone MOVE to Alaska? What is there for tourists to see, do and explore?
Have you visited Alaska? What did you think? Let us know, or maybe you have always wanted to visit – contact us and we can make it happen.
Vacations and great food go together like…wine and chocolate…peanut butter and jelly… cheese and crackers… you get the point! Whether a theme cruise floats your boat, or learning to prepare regional cuisines tingles your taste buds, there is a world of foodie vacations ready for the taking. Now that you are hungry for more, tune in to this week’s episode that centers on the yummy delights of travel!
*Have you ever wanted to take a cooking class?
*Want to learn about wine or beer while sailing Europe’s gorgeous rivers?
*Explore foodie vacations both far and near, sure to whet your palate.
Please leave us a comment below or email any of us with your foodie travel experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
Bon Appétit!
Despite all your careful planning, what happens when your vacation doesn’t go as planned? It happens to all of us, even travel agents. Listen to this week’s episode as we share our disaster stories, and tips on how to cope with travel-related snafus.
*What happens when your careful travel plans fall apart?
*Have unforeseen events required you to make changes on the fly?
*How did you deal with vacation emergencies?
*What have you learned that make you a more seasoned traveler?
*How do travel experts cope with emergencies?
*Learn about the incredible value of a travel agent when you need help.
*The importance of trip insurance, and always having your passport!
How has life throw a kink into your travel plans…and how did you handle it? Please leave us a comment below or email any of us. We’d love to hear your travel stories!
This week we’re attempting to answer a question that has been asked of each of us since we’ve taken on our current job – “Why should I use a travel agent?” When online agencies first appeared on the scene, agents who had been in the business had to restructure their whole business plan. You see less of the traditional “brick and mortar” type stores, and more agents who have adapted to the internet age. No, we are not extinct! In fact, many people are turning back to agents to help with their travel planning. Listen to our latest episode and we’ll tell you some of the trends we’re seeing. Topics include:
- Are the deals you find on the internet too good to be true? Read the fine print!
- Best value vs. best price
- How agents are paid
- Your vacation is an investment!
- How our networking with other agencies and suppliers benefits you
- Make the most of scarce vacation time
- Who do you call when things go wrong?
- We’re referral based! We want you to call us again – and pass our number on to your friends and family!
So what do you think? Have you used an agent? Love to do the research yourself? Let us know! Please leave us a comment below or email any of us. We look forward to hearing from you!
Welcome to Episode 1 of Fly Away… A weekly podcast from Outlander Travel about the thing we love most… Travel! Each week, we will talk about different adventures and vacation options out there, some local, some more exotic. Join us as we chat about our own travels and those of our clients! Hopefully, our talks will help you dream, plan, and get out there!
For our first podcast we wanted to give you a chance to meet the Outlander folks and hear about some of our favorite travel memories as well as where we want to go next. Topics include:
- Europe
- National Parks and family reunions
- The Caribbean
- Disney World
- Traveling with families – why it’s important
- Dream trips
What is your first travel memory? Do you have a dream destination on your bucket list? Any special occasions on the horizon? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave your comments below or contact us via email! Hope to hear from you soon!!
elizabeth@outlandertravel.com
sandy@outlandertravel.com
aimee@outlandertravel.com
andy@outlandertravel.com
lindsay@outlandertravel.com
See the complete index of podcasts by topic!
