Leah Goerke: Choosing Between Ocean and River Cruising – Tips, Stories, and Travel Insights

“Believe in your heart that you’re meant to live a life full of passion, purpose, magic and miracles.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

Guest Introduction: 

Hey there, friend! Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and founder of Pangea World Travel Agency.

Whether you’re a busy midlife professional, an empty nester, or a woman with a heart for adventure, you’re in the right place!

This podcast isn't just about travel—it’s about how travel connects with the broader themes of life: growth, discovery, and reinvention. Join me and inspiring guests as we share personal stories of adventure and meaningful transformation. We’ll explore everything from hidden travel gems to life-changing experiences.

So grab your coffee, get cozy, and let’s embark on this adventure together!

Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest, Leah Goerke.

Leah owns Escape The Nest Travel, specializing in empty-nester group travel. Globetrotting is her passion. She has explored 40 countries with family and friends. Leah has a doctorate in education and applies her research and teaching skills to create and prepare her clients for life-changing vacation experiences. She is a Certified Travel Associate and a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors.

Here’s a glimpse of our conversation:

Welcome to the podcast, Leah.

2:33 Every summer, my mom and dad would pack us up in the station wagon and we would head out to either Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach.

4:31 It's the only place that you can see certain species like marine iguanas, the giant tortoises, and the blue-footed booby, my favorite.

7:30 I'm an empty nester too, and I've learned to take full advantage of traveling during off-peak seasons. The pricing is better, the crowds are smaller, and you get to enjoy more personalized attention, especially on the islands or in these destinations. If the Galápagos is on your bucket list, you're on the right track with all your research. I encourage everyone to do the same!

17:32 Well, it all goes down to what type of activities they're interested in, who they're traveling with, you know, because you're picking a vacation, not just for yourself, but who you're traveling with. Also, what time of year? What destinations are you interested in and what kind of vibe do you want?

18:49 River cruises are what we call port-intensive. It's all about the ports, and in some cases, you may even visit two different ports in the same day.

24:55 On our ocean cruise with my family, we went ziplining in Roatan, off the coast of Honduras. We zipped through the rainforest and ended up on a private beach. My kids still rave about it to this day—it was an unforgettable experience. A friend recommended it to me, as we were relatively new to cruising, and they had just been on the same trip. It was extremely memorable, and there are so many similar touchpoints with the Galápagos.

You can find Leah Goerke at:

Website | Facebook | 

Thank you for tuning in to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, and I’m truly grateful to have you on this adventure with me. As a travel advisor and transformational coach, I believe in the power of both travel and personal growth to shape our lives.

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I’d love to connect with you! Follow me on Instagram @pangeaworldtravelagency for travel inspiration, personal insights, and updates on upcoming journeys.

Until then, keep exploring, growing, and embracing the journey. I can’t wait to see you next time!