YOUR Theme Park Adventure Tales
Stacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story
Release Date: 06/17/2025
Stacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story
Think theme parks are just for kids? Think again. We heard people who are VERY MUCH adults sharing their stories today...as we asked YOU for your theme park tales. On this episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond head to the gates of Cedar Point, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Holiday World, and beyond to relive the thrills, spills, and surprisingly refined etiquette of amusement park life. From world-class coasters to pro tips on navigating crowds (and even riding solo!), this one’s your summer soundtrack for theme park success. Adventurers Randy and Nikki...
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Think cruises are just buffets and bingo? Think again. In this episode, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond hoist the anchor on all your cruising questions with travel agent Donna Pelletier (we call her the cruise director!)—who's seen it all from the Lido Deck to the lifeboats. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or still Googling “Do cruise ships have brakes?”, we’ve got you covered. 🛳️ Donna walks us through choosing the right cruise line and ship size (spoiler: not all floating cities are created equal). 🎟️ Learn the tricks to booking like a pro, from early bird perks...
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What happens when your brother calls and says, “Want to meet me in Japan?” If you’re Adventurer Cosette, you don’t think twice. In this episode, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond sit down with Cosette to unpack a spontaneous, unforgettable journey that crisscrossed South Korea and Japan. From wandering Seoul’s vibrant night markets and exploring the DMZ, to immersing herself in the peaceful reflection of Hiroshima and hiking snowy trails to spy on wild snow monkeys, Cosette’s story is packed with cultural depth, scenic beauty, and a little chaos (including a rough flight...
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Ever dream of ditching your deadlines for a hammock in Belize? Cris did just that—and she’s not looking back. In this episode, we follow digital nomad and slow travel pro Cris, who’s been globe-hopping since 2018 and swears by one golden rule: travel slower, live deeper. Her favorite spot to soak it all in? Belize. And after this episode, it might be yours too. From Placencia Village’s laid-back charm to underground river caves and grilled lobster tail under the stars, Cris walks us through how to make the most of Belize — not just as a tourist, but as someone who belongs....
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Ever dreamt of riding the world’s fastest roller coaster or discovering the next big Disney park before the crowds? This week on Stacking Adventures, Crystal and Joe Saul-Sehy trade hiking boots for roller coaster harnesses in a theme park episode packed with thrills, insider tips, and laugh-out-loud travel tales. They’re joined by legendary theme park journalist Robert Niles from Theme Park Insider, who spills details from his recent globe-trotting adventure—including a massive announcement about a brand-new Disney theme park coming to Abu Dhabi. From planning hacks and...
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What do you get when you mix alpine grandeur, French wine, and a few awkward encounters with public transportation? The trek of a lifetime. Joe and Crystal sit down with globe-trotting guest David to relive his incredible Tour du Mont Blanc—an iconic hike that crosses France, Italy, and Switzerland. From cultural quirks to culinary delights (hello, croissants and polenta!), David shares what it’s really like to hike Europe’s most scenic loop. You’ll hear trail-tested tips on how to train, what to pack, and how to avoid blowing your budget—or your knees—on the way. Whether...
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Is it Caribbean or Caribbe-an? We kick off this episode of Stacking Adventures with the great pronunciation debate—then head straight into a destination you can explore without needing a passport: Puerto Rico. Hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond welcome travel advisor Donna Pelletier from Vacations by Donna, who shares highlights from her recent pre-cruise mini-adventure in Puerto Rico. While it wasn’t a deep-dive vacation, Donna packed in just enough to give us a taste of what’s possible in a short visit—and how to make the most of your own. In this episode: Where to stay...
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Trading skills, transporting pigs, and building a life of freedom on the open road. What if instead of budgeting your way around the world, you bartered your way through it? In this episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond sit down with travel writer and full-time nomad Heather Jacks, who has turned bartering into an art form while living in her beloved bus, Bubba. From growing up on Indian land to crossing the Australian outback, from working at Starbucks to navigating the uncertainty of the COVID era on the road, Heather shares how she’s learned to trade what...
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What happens when you ditch the itinerary, close the spreadsheet, and simply wander? In this episode, we meet Kate and Kimberly, two adventurous travelers who swapped rushed vacations for a months-long slow travel journey across Europe and Latin America. And trust us—it’s not just about beautiful views (though there are plenty of those). They share with Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy what it’s really like to: Roam the winding streets of Venice, Florence, and Cinque Terre without a rigid plan Embrace the unexpected—from Christmas markets in Austria to Carnival in Brazil ...
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We're BACK in Thailand with YOU, and the stories are (as expected) all over the map, and incredible. From backpacking to ending up in the ER, you've had some southeast Asian adventures. So...what happens when your perfect travel plans meet reality? In this episode, we dive into real-life stories from travelers who found magic in the mayhem—and lessons in the chaos. You’ll hear: Jesse Cramer’s wild honeymoon tale from the Phi Phi Islands (spoiler: scuba diving doesn’t always go to plan) A heartwarming and eye-opening moment from listener Denise at an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai...
info_outlineThink theme parks are just for kids? Think again. We heard people who are VERY MUCH adults sharing their stories today...as we asked YOU for your theme park tales. On this episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond head to the gates of Cedar Point, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Holiday World, and beyond to relive the thrills, spills, and surprisingly refined etiquette of amusement park life. From world-class coasters to pro tips on navigating crowds (and even riding solo!), this one’s your summer soundtrack for theme park success.
Adventurers Randy and Nikki call in with nostalgic favorites—including Indiana’s under-the-radar Holiday World, home of the holy grail: free parking, drinks, sunscreen, and splashy water coasters. You’ll hear why this park might just beat the big boys on value and fun.
Joe and Crystal also debate which parks cater more to grown-up thrill seekers, unpack listener horror stories and etiquette fails, and reveal a travel MVP: a humble sweat towel that moonlights as a scarf, napkin, and workout essential.
Plus, are solo trips to Disneyland underrated? Spoiler: Yes. You’ll hear why going it alone can be a magic trick for skipping lines, recharging your social battery, and doing the park your way.
In this episode:
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The adult-friendly charm of Cedar Point vs. Busch Gardens
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Hidden gems like Holiday World (hello, free sunscreen!)
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Theme park etiquette that keeps the magic alive
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The thrill—and peace—of a solo Disneyland day
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Memories of the Gatekeeper, Magnum, and the dearly departed Witch’s Wheel
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Versatile travel gear you didn’t know you needed
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A call for your best stories from Belize and cruise adventures
Whether you’re a coaster connoisseur or just plotting your next getaway, this episode is packed with travel tales, practical tips, and all the community spirit Adventurers love.