https://feeds.libsyn.com/148427/podcast

December 21, 2021 ~ Bundled up under your coat and scarf, with a cup of hot mulled wine or cocoa for a hand warmer, you find yourself wondering down cobbled lanes lined with twinkle-lit chalets, each overflowing with handmade treats and treasures. By any standard, a Christmas village experience is magical, with destination choices that dot Europe from November through December. But which destinations top the list, and what are the attractions you should not miss while you're there? Start your tour here, as we speak with European holiday time expert Samantha Brown, the host of PBS' Emmy Award-winning "Places to Love With Samantha Brown."

November 16, 2021 ~ Time was, the term "independent traveler" conjured up images of overstuffed backpacks, under-stuffed hostel pillows, and a world's worth of word-of-mouth bargain recommendations. While there will likely always be explorers who roll that way, independent travel has come to mean and include so much more. Hear the joys of independent travel – and get some great tips too – from the Emmy Award-winning host of PBS' "Places to Love," Samantha Brown.

October 19, 2021 ~ The recent global pause showed us many instances of nature re-staking it's claim. Reduced boating pollution giving way to jellyfish serenely swimming in the canals of Venice. South African lions napping in a road free from its usual bustling traffic. The white peaks of the Himalayas visible for the first time in decades through the typically toxic skies of Uttar Pradesh. These occurrences and more are sparking a renewed interest in sustainable travel. But do we have the will and the resources to balance environmental and sociocultural preservation with the economic impact of tourism? Get the answers and learn the green future of travel with the Emmy award-winning host of PBS' "Places to Love," Samantha Brown.

September 28, 2021 ~ We all have in our cinematic minds a taste of international rail travel. The intrigue of the Orient Express, the romance of the Budapest to Vienna route in "Before Sunrise," and the fantasy of the Hogwarts Express over Glenfinnan Viaduct, to name a few. But when your rail journey moves from the realm of the imaginary to real life, that's when the true magic begins. Get on track with some of these unforgettable experiences with Krystle Sampson of Rocky Mountain Mountaineer, and Jim Marini of Amtrak Vacation and Rail Bookers.

September 21, 2021 ~ When most picture rail travel in the states, towering red rock canyons, scenic ocean views, and breathtaking mountain vistas might not immediately pop to mind. These are however in fact just some of the epic experiences that await you alongside the nation's rail system. Preview these and more with train travel experts Krystle Sampson of Rocky Mountain Mountaineer and Jim Marini of Amtrak Vacation and RailBookers.

August 17, 2021 ~ There's no one reason people fall in love with cruising. Value and variety are just a few, with options that are right for families, couples, and friends, and a seemingly endless selection of exotic and inspiring destinations. But if you've never cruised before, or if it's been some time since you've set sail, then what are the right options for you? We ask industry expert John Chernesky of Princess Cruises to preview for us modern cruising, with some insider tips that will help you plan an unforgettable voyage.

July 20, 2021 ~ Alaska offers a magnitude and magnificence that tests the limits of language. The US' tallest peeks, largest coastline, biggest national forest, and only artic territory. Preview a life-altering visit to The Great Land with Holland America Lines Senior Director of Consumer Programs Bill Fletcher.

June 15, 2021 ~ Beaches packed with waddling penguins, bus-sized whales leaping from the waters, and coves filed with other worldly ice are just a few of the sites that await you on Earth's southernmost continent. Preview these and other Antarctica attractions with American Polar Society Board Member and travel expert Denise Landau.

Tuesday, May 18, 2021 ~ Epic scenery spans the Centennial state, from vibrant red rock canyons to the majestic peeks of the Rocky Mountains. Getting by on natural beauty alone however clearly isn't Colorado's style. Join Samantha Brown, Emmy Award-winning host of PBS' "Places to Love With Samantha Brown," as she previews for us just some of the culture, attractions, shopping, and cuisine that keeps travelers returning time and time again.

April 29, 2021 ~ It's a globetrotting style that goes by many names: group tours, escorted vacations, and guided group travel, to name a few. Odds are you haven't tried it in a while, or ever for that matter. The options however are growing, with thoughtful and innovative new ways to discover destinations together. Join Travel Corporation Director of European Operations Gillian Cattrall and Professional Development Manager Nikki Cakebread as they guide you through some of the World's most unforgettable group travel experiences.

April 29, 2021 ~ Travel Corporation Director of European Operations Gillian Cattrall and Professional Development Manager Nikki Cakebread talk about travel in the post-COVID era, with details on what travel providers are doing to help keep guests safe.

April 21, 2021 ~ Join us as we experience a day in the life of a river cruise, a unique kind of voyage that puts you right in the heart of the places you're visiting. These cultural excursions take you from wondering the local lanes and immersing yourself in the local culture, to relaxing shipboard as majestic castles, bountiful vineyards, and charming villages drift in and out of view. Ready to set sail?!? Preview the options with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises CEO Ellen Bettridge.

March 24, 2021 ~ Family travel means reconnecting with loved ones; both ones you see every day, and those you haven't seen in a while. As we move past the experiences of 2020, these kinds of trips are sure to mean more than ever. Join Samantha Brown, Emmy Award-winning host of PBS' "Places to Love with Samantha Brown," as she puts her years of travel experience behind helping your family connect like never before.

March 3, 2021 ~ Join guest Samantha Brown, host of the Emmy Award-winning "Places to Love with Samantha Brown" on PBS, as she introduces us to some of the most intriguing women she's met on the road, yet off the beaten path. From a dancehall darling in Texas, to a beading genius in Baltimore, to the kiwi queen of competitive costuming, these women shine all types of fabulous from destinations across our globe.

February 10, 2021 ~ If you're a fan of paintings, sculptures, historic artifacts, or just about anything else that can be displayed in an exhibition, odds are your next trip will include a visit to a museum. Join Samantha Brown, Emmy Award-winning host of "Samantha Brown's Places to Love," as she highlights some of her favorite museums, then takes us beyond to see the instillations, studios, and artisan shops that make each destination truly unique.

January 20, 2021 ~ Thanks to a star-turn in "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of The Rings," we all have in our imaginations what New Zealand might be. When you're there in person however, the landscapes are even more other-worldly. Join Samantha Brown, Emmy Award-winning host of PBS' "Samantha Brown's Places to Love," as she previews majestic mountaintops ringed with waterfalls, quaint vineyards by the sea, and dreamy boat rides that take you to the seeming ends of the Earth, and back.

Monday, December 14, 2020 ~ A small country with outsized beauty, Switzerland is the kind of place that lets you experience alpine peaks, glistening lakes, and medieval city centers, all in a single day. Join Emmy Award-winner Samantha Brown, host of PBS' "Samantha Brown's Places to Love," as she tours us through some of her favorite Swiss experiences and insider finds.

November 16, 2020 ~ Go beyond the palm-lined streets, laid-back vibes, and epic sunsets of the Florida Keys to discover a vibrant local life that few visitors get to experience. Join Samantha Brown, Emmy Award-winning host of PBS' "Samantha Brown's Places to Love," for a look at the most amazing Florida Keys experiences you may otherwise never have known existed.

October 19. 2020 ~ Looking for a frightfully fun escape?!? Join Samantha Brown, Emmy Award-winning host of PBS's "Places to Love," as she takes us to some spook-tacular vacation destinations. Stops include a haunted hotel in the Scottish Highlands, a hair-raising cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, and a spirited old jail in Charleston, South Carolina.

September 21, 2020 ~ Food allows us to connect to cultures in wonderful ways. This week, Emmy Award-winning travel host, Samantha Brown takes our taste buds on a trip around the globe for a look at foods that comfort, as well as ones that take us out of our comfort zones.

September 8, 2020 ~ From its low country delicacies to its high-flying spires, Emmy Award-winning television host Samantha Brown takes us on a tour that helps us understand why Charleston South Carolina has been consistently voted one of the best small towns in America.

August 12, 2020 ~ From the Eastern Seaboard's tallest mountain, to the nation's oldest intact wooden shipyard, with lobster, blueberry pie, and microbrews dotting the landscape in-between. In this edition of "Well-Traveled with AAA," Emmy Award-winning PBS host Samantha Brown takes us to Maine for an insider's take on one of Earth's most iconic coastlines.

Wednesday, July 15, 2020 ~ Majestic redwoods, miles of coastline, and a bounty of farmland, orchards, and vineyards are just some of the attractions that await you in Sonoma County. In the edition of "Well-Travelled with AAA," correspondent Samantha Brown, host of PBS' "Samantha Brown's Places to Love," lets us in on the must-see attractions and experiences of this northern California jewel.

Celine Cousteau defies easy categorization. Filmmaker. Explorer. Public speaker. Storyteller. Spokesperson. As she says, "the method varies, but the message is the same." And that message is about connecting people to each other, and our environment.

More than three hundred million people visit our country's national parks every year. Explore experiences in America's Western National Parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, and the Black Hills of South Dakota.

April 20, 2020 ~ "Well-Traveled with AAA" Contributor Samantha Brown brings us the sites, sounds, and tastes of Miami. Have a glimpse of the area's art and culture, learn where to get the city's best Cuban-inspired cuisine, and find the sun-drenched beach that's just right for you.

April 1, 2020 ~ On part two of our journey through Africa, travel expert, Kevan Cowie from African Travel takes you gorilla tracking in the mountains of Rwanda and Uganda. We'll also visit the island of Madagascar, where more than 85% of the animals and plants are found nowhere else on earth. Plus, we'll hear the stories of the varied tribes, cultures, and personalities that make your trip to Africa complete.

On this edition of "Well-Traveled with AAA," Kevan Cowie from African Travel shares the best ways to experience Africa's Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, African buffalo, and rhinoceroses. We'll also look at some of the continent's most unique craft collectives, plus historic attractions, and some truly unique resort destinations.

Correspondent, Samantha Brown takes us to Vienna for a preview of the sights, culture, and tastes that await you in one of Europe's greenest and most walkable cities.

Discover the beauty of North America in your own backyard. Whether your staring up a thousand foot canyon walls or down a thousand of earth inspires natural amphitheaters, the awe inspiring of National Parks is essential boundless. Discover the beauty of North America in your own backyard.

Imagine traversing an ancient, storied waterway in a floating boutique hotel. Watching castles, villages, vineyards, farms and scenic landscapes drift by. Periodically, you pull into the very heart of a place to have a look around, whether on a guided walking tour, in a family-run cooking class or on a laid-back bike ride.

"Well-Traveled" Correspondent, Samantha Brown, host of the Emmy-winning PBS program, "Places to Love," discovers more than just sunshine and desert in Arizona's capital city.

This was taken from our interview with Trafalgar French travel expert Marie Dubois, which you can find on the Well-Traveled with Triple-A feed on iTunes and Spotify. We hope you'll rate us or leave a comment and let us know what you think.

Wondering how you can immerse yourself like a local while in Budapest? In this episode of Well-Traveled with AAA, travel expert Samantha Brown recounts her experiences of Budapests traditions - including which thermal spa to visit, the city's café culture, why locals never take coffee 'to go', and more local insights.

Listening to the music, laughter and conversation spilling out of the cafes of Montmartre. Smelling the fields of lavender, gently waving in the fields of Provence. Tasting a freshly-made croissant at a patisserie or a glass of wine at the vineyard. Seeing the beautiful colors of fruits, vegetables and flowers at a town square market. France is the place to indulge all of your senses. Marie Dubois is a travel director with Trafalgar, helping guests experience the very best of her native France, and we're very glad to talk with her today to talk about her journeys.

TV Travel Host, Samantha Brown joins Well-Traveled with AAA as a recurring contributor. In this episode, Samantha talks about the journey of her career, why she loves telling the stories of her destinations, and what we can expect from the third season of her Public Television program, "Samantha Brown's Places To Love."

This was taken from our interview with Insight Vacations Greece travel expert Nedelisky, which you can find on the Well-Traveled with Triple-A feed on iTunes and Spotify. We hope you'll rate us or leave a comment and let us know what you think.

From the time we're children we learn the stories of the Greek gods and goddesses, we hear about Athens and Mykonos — the bleached white buildings against a sparkling blue sea. A trip to Greece means those things and so much more. Monasteries carved right out of the mountains. Kind, friendly people who love to share their culture with travelers. Food experiences from family-style seafood right on the beach to cosmopolitan restaurants in the city. Erin Nedelisky fell in love with Greece at a young age, and has made Athens her home since 1999. As a tour guide with Insight Vacations, she leads travelers on adventures from the islands to the mountains, introducing them to Greek culture all along the way.

This was taken from our interview with European travel expert Sabrina Tsimonidis, which you can find on the Well-Traveled with Triple-A feed on iTunes and Spotify. We hope you'll rate us or leave a comment and let us know what you think.

Winding its way south from Germany to the Black Sea, the Danube river flows through some of the most beautiful cities, small towns and landscapes in Europe. Travel the Danube and experience historic Passau, at the border of Germany and Austria, with storybook views and winding old town alleys. Enjoy a night out in Vienna at the waterside "beach bars." Sample Hungarian street food from a market in Budapest. Sabrina Tsimonidis guides travelers spring, summer and fall on the Danube, bringing a wealth of experience — and a love of the river and the communities along the way.

This was taken from our interview with Michelle Worthington about Scotland and the UK, which you can find on the Well-Traveled with Triple-A feed on iTunes and Spotify. We hope you'll rate us or leave a comment and let us know what you think. I'm Abbie Kozolchyk. Thanks for listening.

For the traveler looking to experience world history and tradition first-hand or enjoy city nightlife, England and Scotland should be at the top of the list. During the day you can hear the sound of the wind blowing across the moor, smell the peat and the earth in a glass of whiskey, wander around medieval castles, or enjoy a traditional tea. At night, you can explore the trendy restaurants and bars of Edinburgh, one of the food capitals of Scotland, or dance all night in a London Club.

This was taken from our interview with Gianmarco Nagni, which you can find on the Well-Traveled with Triple-A feed on iTunes and Spotify. We hope you'll rate us or leave a comment and let us know what you think.

To the north, Venetian lagoons. To the south, Mt. Vesuvius rising above the turquoise bay of Naples. Medieval villas with their characteristic walled cities spread across Tuscany's rolling hills. Deep in the heart of Italy, as you drink wine made from the locals, life moves at a different pace. One where every night, dinner is lovingly prepared with ingredients freshly picked that day. Each region of Italy has its unique charms, customs, crafts and cuisine, and Trafalgar tour director Gianmarco Nagni is passionate about immersion in the many local flavors. He was born and raised in Rome, and has come to know all of Italy – always finding fresh perspectives and spirited people sharing specialties, secrets and stories.

This was taken from our interview with Insight Vacations tour director and Italian travel expert Anna Targett, which you can find on the Well-Traveled with Triple-A feed on iTunes and Spotify. We hope you'll rate us or leave a comment and let us know what you think.

There are plenty of wonderful and famous places to visit in Italy — enough to fill a whole trip and then some. But what about the lesser-known Italy? The places that only a seasoned guide would know? Where the locals eat, and shop, and vacation. Sergio the gelato maker. The limoncello farm. Handmade textiles in Umbria. Salteno: the heel of the boot. We invited Insight vacations travel director and Italy expert Anna Targett to give us a glimpse at some of the lesser-known wonders of Italian travel.

Floating markets. Sacred islands. Houses rising from the water on stilts. One of the best things about cruising the Mekong is that local life happens right on the river—all around you. So whether you're taking in the scene from the deck of your ship—or from the little wooden sampan or pedal-powered rickshaw that's whisking you off to your day's adventure—you feel fully immersed. Of course, in a region of jungle-shrouded temples, sparkling emerald rice paddies and layer upon layer of history, terra firma is just as absorbing, as Astrid Vedwijk can tell you. As an expert for Uniworld River Cruises, she's been exploring Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong for years and she's here to share her best stories and secrets.

Floating markets. Sacred islands. Houses rising from the water on stilts. One of the best things about cruising the Mekong is that local life happens right on the river—all around you. So whether you're taking in the scene from the deck of your ship—or from the little wooden sampan or pedal-powered rickshaw that's whisking you off to your day's adventure—you feel fully immersed. Of course, in a region of jungle-shrouded temples, sparkling emerald rice paddies and layer upon layer of history, terra firma is just as absorbing, as Astrid Vedwijk can tell you. As an expert for Uniworld River Cruises, she's been exploring Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong for years and she's here to share her best stories and secrets.

This was taken from our interview with Alan Cook, which you can find on the Well-Traveled with Triple-A feed on iTunes and Spotify. We hope you'll rate us or leave a comment and let us know what you think.

Picture yourself at Machu Picchu, entering the citadel along the same path as the Inca. Fly above the mysterious geoglyphs of Nazca and boat to the Ballestas Islands – where the incredible diversity of animals includes immense bird colonies, seals, penguins, and dolphins. Visiting the villages of Peru's Sacred Valley and Altiplano, you'll be welcomed into family homes for amazing Peruvian food—one of the many local passions of Trafalgar tour coordinator Alan Cook, who's here to share his travel secrets with us.