Travel Connections

Travel Connections is the show that brings together the people and the companies who create unique experiences for travelers who love to find adventure. Host Suzanne Stavert, a travel writer and brand ambassador, will have lively conversations with travel experts and enthusiasts to share captivating stories that dive beneath the surface of travel.

A Ten-Year Travel Dream Come True: Chiloé Island, Chile 02/13/2026

A Ten-Year Travel Dream Come True: Chiloé Island, Chile This is the story of a destination we waited ten years to experience — and why it was worth every moment. Truly a travel dream come true. As we begin 2026 - and publish this special destination episode, we’re taking you to one of the most remote and magical places we’ve ever traveled: Chiloé Island, located off the southern coast of Chile. This journey has been more than a decade in the making, ever since my husband Craig first discovered a remarkable hotel called Refugia Chiloé. Once again, Craig Stavert is back to share his colorful insights and fun sense of humor! After a recent trip to South America and reconnecting with our incredible guide, Sol Maranon, we knew this was finally the year to make the dream a reality. What followed was an unforgettable journey by plane, car, and ferry — one that led us to an idyllic luxury hotel surrounded by dramatic coastal landscapes, deep cultural history, and nature at every turn. In this episode, we share what drew us to Refugia Chiloé and why it exceeded every expectation — from its sea-to-table cuisine and striking architectural design to its emphasis on rest, connection, and complete immersion in natural surroundings. We talk about the historic stilt houses of Castro, the magic of personalized touring, and our first experience with a “nature bath.” More than just a travel story, this episode explores our passion for destinations that allow us to slow down, absorb a culture, and truly connect — with the land, the people, and each other. It’s a conversation about choosing places that enrich you, invite presence, and leave a lasting imprint long after you return home. For more details about our tour with Sol Maranon, please email suzannestavert@me.com and I will connect you with Sol and her husband, Antonio. Their knowledge of Chile and Patagonia is unsurpassed! Patagonia Podcasts: Important Links: Instagram: Facebook: Amazon /episode/index/show/travelconnections/id/40102245

Tuscany Awaits: Stories, Slow Travel, and One Fabulous Tour 11/19/2025

Village Life in Tuscany with Author Angela Correll 10/10/2025

Village Life in Tuscany with Author Angela Correll Life in Tuscany Today’s episode truly is something special—and not just because my guest has become a cherished friend of the show. Angela Correll is back for her third conversation on Travel Connections (yes, she officially holds the record!), and every time we talk, it feels like slipping into an easy, meaningful conversation over a cappuccino in a sunny piazza. Angela and her husband Jess have been traveling to Italy for more than 25 years, and recently, they restored a former horse stable within the medieval walls of Montefollonico, a tiny Tuscan hilltop village. Their love of this slow, intentional lifestyle inspired Angela’s newest book: Village Life: Discover Tuscan-Inspired Hospitality and Intentional Living. She’s also the author of Restored in Tuscany—a moving memoir about loss, beauty, and hope—and a trilogy of novels, including Grounded, which was recently adapted into a movie for the Great American Family network. In this episode, Angela transports us straight to the cobbled streets and vine-covered walls of her village, sharing not just stories, but also ways to bring a little slice of Tuscany into our own lives. Episode Highlights ~ Why Tuscan village life feels so magical and grounding The meaning behind Vi Aspettiamo—a phrase that captures the heart of Italian hospitality The joy of Aperitivo (and why we should all embrace it!) Angela’s suggestions for books, movies, and music that let you infuse la dolce vita at home If you’ve ever dreamed of lingering in a small Italian village, sipping wine at sunset, and embracing the rhythm of slow travel, you’ll adore this conversation. Angela’s stories, insights, and her gorgeous new book will whisk you away—no passport required. And here’s the best part: I’ve that takes you right into this same magical Tuscan village. Imagine wandering the same charming streets, tasting the local flavors, and maybe even crossing paths with Angela at the neighborhood alimentari. With only 10–14 guests, these trips are designed to feel as intimate and special as the village itself. So—who’s ready to fall in love with Tuscany? Find all the details, links, and resources ! Important Links: Instagram: Facebook: Amazon /episode/index/show/travelconnections/id/38543920

Walking the Camino: An Adventurer’s Journey with Erik Hulslander 09/08/2025

Savoring Summer Cocktails with the Simple Goodness Sisters 08/08/2025

The Wild Wonders of Morocco 06/13/2025

Big Adventures, Big News & A Tuscan Dream Come True 05/09/2025

Getting to Know The Hamptons with Vanessa Gordon 04/04/2025

Getting to Know The Hamptons with Vanessa Gordon Welcome to another exciting interview with Travel Connections. My special guest today is Vanessa Gordon—a dynamic and knowledgeable force in the world of culinary travel. As the CEO and Publisher of East End Taste, Vanessa curates a digital publication that explores sustainable and international culinary travel, with a strong focus on seasonal coastal destinations. Her passion for food and travel is infectious, making her a go-to expert for anyone looking to enhance their travel experiences. In 2018, Vanessa launched the Hamptons Interactive Brunch, an annual summer event series that has become a must-attend gathering for food enthusiasts and notable personalities. With her finger on the pulse of the Hamptons lifestyle, she is often sought after for her insights on travel, personal finance, and parenting, establishing herself as a trusted voice in these areas. Her expertise has been featured in prestigious outlets such as The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, BBC Radio, and more. Whether she’s sharing her insights in Success Magazine or contributing to Parents Magazine and Psychology Today, Vanessa's writing resonates with a diverse audience, inspiring them to embrace a life filled with adventure and mindful living. Highlights in this episode - How Vanessa curates sustainable travel narratives through East End Taste - Her engaging personality and extensive knowledge of global experiences, travel, and exciting adventures - Insights into events in Italy, including delicious details about Florence Cocktail Week - The joys of meeting collaborators in person rather than just communicating online - Secrets to Vanessa’s organizational skills - A discussion on whether Albania is the "new and exciting" travel destination - And so much more! Tune in for a captivating conversation filled with insights and inspiration! Important Links: Instagram /episode/index/show/travelconnections/id/36004785

Inspiring Stories of Life in the Italian Countryside 03/21/2025

Inspiring Stories of Life in the Italian Countryside Welcome to a fantastic new episode of Travel Connections! In today's episode, we will cover many of the things that I love most! What are they, you ask? Let me give you a small list. Learning about a delightful new book, traveling to Italy, memorable Italian food and wine, discovering and exploring new destinations, and living a life devoted to less stress and more calming views of Italy. How does that sound? In today's episode, I talk with Barbara Boyle. Barbara enjoyed a colorful worldwide career as a creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi, Grey, Lowe, and other advertising agencies, creating commercials and stories for Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Mars Inc., and dozens of other marketers. Always a writer, this is the first time she has had the time required to author a book. Her inspirational new memoir, "Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse," is an evocative account of leaving the frenetic life of an advertising creative director to create a dream life in the faraway hills of Northern Italy. This book tells the story of how she leaves her life behind in San Francisco and takes apart a 300-year-old stone barn to build a new home, a new life, in Italy. Newly retired and traveling through Europe, Barbara stumbles upon the ancient Italian hill town of Monforte. She is enchanted by the castles and the sweeping vistas reaching out to the Alps, captivated by the region's cuisine and confounded by its extraordinary culture of kindness. And then, one morning, she awakes and looks out over the valley, and she realizes that she longs to be there in her own home, drinking her coffee and watching the sunrise. To live a life in the Italian countryside. Highlights in this episode: Imagine trading the hustle and bustle of a corporate career for the gentle rhythms of an enchanting Italian town Barbara's leap into retirement was not just a change of scenery but a plunge into a deeper, richer existence. What is it like to wake up in a fully renovated 300-year-old Italian farmhouse? Details of a memoir filled with food, friendships, and scenes of Italy How can we learn from Barbara's bold life change? /episode/index/show/travelconnections/id/35809035

More Adventures in Patagonia with Special Guest Craig Stavert 03/06/2025

An Extraordinary Tour of Patagonia with Collette 02/21/2025

An Extraordinary Tour of Patagonia with Collette Welcome to an exciting new episode filled with information about a place I would describe as other-worldly and epic. My husband Craig and I traveled to South America to explore the region of Patagonia. Are you intrigued by glaciers, quiet and unspoiled landscapes, warm and welcoming locals, and delicious food? Have you ever wondered what it was like to speed across the ocean in zodiac boats to see penguins living in their natural habitat?- We did it all and so much more. We were invited to join a Small Group Explorations Tour with Colette. The tour is called Patagonia: Edge of the World. We traveled so far that at one time, we were sailing at the southern tip of South America; we were only 500 miles from Antarctica. This journey was filled with unique experiences that left us feeling like true explorers, just like Magellan. In this episode, I interview Sol Maranon—an outstanding tourism professional with 36 years of experience. Sol grew up in Chile and knows practically everything you need to know about Patagonia; plus, her knowledge of glaciers is impressive! Highlights of this episode Details of the spectacular itinerary Descriptions of the incredible national parks on the tour - Torres del Paine, Tierra del Fuego, plus others The grandeur of Perito Moreno Glacier - Ice calving! A visit to a sheep ranch, enjoying time with locals, and viewing the extra-special herding skills of Fayo, the sheep herding dog! What is a guanaco? Details of the unique architecture of the accommodations (Suzanne's favorite) Climbing on Magellan's ship Riding in zodiac boats to see the penguins in their natural habitat This is Part One of our two podcast episodes devoted to our tour of Patagonia. There is so much to share that we created TWO! Next up, I interview my tour partner and husband, Craig Stavert. We will dive deeper into what it really feels like to travel to the End of the Earth! This episode will be published on Friday, March 7th. It is EPIC! Important Links /episode/index/show/travelconnections/id/35379485

London and Paris at the Holidays - 100% Yes! 02/07/2025

Winter Adventures on Camano Island, Washington 01/28/2025

A Lovely Conversation with Elizabeth Poett - The Ranch Table 11/01/2024

A Lovely Conversation with Elizabeth Poett - The Ranch Table Welcome to a wonderful new episode of Travel Connections. My special guest is a personal travel connection for me. On a sunny summer afternoon, my family and I attended the most spectacular Gathering on a ranch called Rancho San Julian, just north of Santa Barabara. We enjoyed a delicious dinner as we sat at long ranch tables under the shady canopy of 150-year-old vines. It was just dreamy! Elizabeth Poett is a seventh-generation cattle rancher, author of the bestselling cookbook The Ranch Table, and star-host of the cooking and lifestyle show Ranch to Table, one of the founding shows of the Magnolia Network. Elizabeth was born and raised on Rancho San Julian, her family's historic 14,000-acre cattle ranch on California's Central Coast. In 2007, Elizabeth started Rancho San Julian Beef, a business selling her family's ranch-raised, grass-fed beef directly to chefs and consumers. Her meats quickly became popular with California cooks and local chefs and have been served at restaurants across California. Elizabeth is also the author of the blog The Ranch Table and hosts a number of Ranch Table events, cooking workshops, educational events, and intimate farm-to-table meals throughout the year. In this episode, you will hear all of the details of The Ranch Table from the lovely Elizabeth Poett. Highlights in this Episode! What is the origin of The Ranch Table? How does Elizabeth inspire people to have fun in the kitchen? Why cooking doesn't have to be perfect How her cookbook was a year-long journey created right on the ranch What happens at a Gathering at Rancho San Julian? Hint: It's fantastic and delicious! How farmer's markets influenced Elizabeth's passion for cooking How our connection through food brings people together The 2025 dates for Gatherings at Rancho San Julian with Elizabeth Poett Related Episode - A companion episode to the interview with Elizabeth Poett. In this episode, I share the road trip itinerary that was created around our dinner at The Ranch Table. Important Links: Instagram: Facebook: /episode/index/show/travelconnections/id/33735957

Best of: A California Road Trip Through the Central Coast 10/04/2024

Best of: A California Road Trip Through the Central Coast Is a California road trip on your bucket list? Have you been? Have you traveled through the Central Coast of California? This episode focuses on a small area of California just north of Santa Barbara. What a place! In this episode, I share what we did, where we ate, and what we sipped. It was a glorious road trip curated by my daughter-in-law, Kylie. However, I had a BIG reason for creating this adventure! I discovered Elizabeth Poett through her television show called Ranch to Table. Once I learned more about her unique Gatherings at their 14,000-acre ranch, Rancho San Julian, I knew I had to go! We created a California road trip to the Central Coast all around this special dinner at Rancho San Julian, which is about an hour north of Santa Barbara. I share the details of this exceptional dinner, highlights of our meals along the way, and excellent wineries you need to visit! I love that this itinerary was specially curated for our taste, but once we went, I knew that you needed to hear all about it. Thank you, Kylie, for your incredible eye for detail and for creating such a fantastic itinerary. Here we go! Highlights: Our exceptional experience at a delicious Ranch Table Event at Rancho San Julian with host Elizabeth Poett Fly into Santa Barbara Airport - It's fantastic! Travel for a reason Plan in advance The benefits of reserving an Airbnb with a small group Leave room for spontaneity and serendipity in your travels The unique details of our winery tours and dining experiences in the area are incredible! See the links below! Next on Travel Connections! A special interview with Elizabeth Poett from Ranch to Table - Publishing November 1, 2024 Suzanne's Next BIG Trip: ! Stay Tuned - There are a few introductory details in this episode! Check out our social media channels to follow along: on Instagram and on Facebook. Dining on this California Central Coast Road Trip Wineries: Other Road Trip Episodes Mentioned in this Episode: Kentucky: From Montana to Calgary /episode/index/show/travelconnections/id/33330027

Best of: Our Road Trip to Banff, Lake Louise & Calgary, Canada 09/20/2024

Best of: Highlights of Our Puglia Itinerary 09/06/2024

Behind The Scenes: The Good Morning America Interview 08/23/2024

Travel with Intention with Travel Expert Susie Chau 08/09/2024

Travel with Intention with Travel Expert Susie Chau Wisdom from a Travel Expert! Today's episode is an important topic near and dear to my travel heart. Are you an intentional traveler? Have you given this idea any thought? I have connected with Susie Chau, a creative go-getter in the travel world. She helps Entrepreneur Moms take month-long summer sabbaticals and consistent vacations to strengthen family bonds through travel. Susie and I met over eight years ago at a conference, but I saw a recent video of hers on Instagram. I loved what she was saying and knew I had to ask her to come on Travel Connections! As a travel expert, Susie Chau's perspective on intentional travel is unique and inspiring. A Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist since 2021 and a Certified Travel Designer by the Transformational Travel Council, she brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her journey began in 2016 when she founded Carpe Diem Traveler after a year-long sabbatical to all seven continents with her husband. As Susie and I both believe, travel can be so much more than just an escape. It's about relaxation, exploration, and, most importantly, personal growth. When done with intention, travel can have many layers, each offering a unique experience. We talk at length about what makes a travel experience go even deeper. And also, how can your travel be a positive experience for the places you go and the people you meet? Does every traveler realize how they contribute to a destination? These ideas about travel are so exciting and can bring a travel experience to an even higher level of enjoyment! Come join in the conversation! Highlights in this Episode! Why travel can be so much more than a means to escape What is transformational travel and the Transformational Travel Council? How Susie created a course for entrepreneurial Moms Why should we travel with intention? What does the acronym S.O.U.L stand for? (Hint: It's brilliant!) Important links: Instagram: Facebook: /episode/index/show/travelconnections/id/32516292

Our Epic Cruise to Alaska - A Mother/Daughter Adventure 07/26/2024

Our Epic Cruise to Alaska - A Mother/Daughter Adventure Have you been on a cruise to Alaska? Welcome to a very special episode of Travel Connections. Why is it so special? Well, it's because I am interviewing my daughter, Alex Karlen. Alex and I took our very first ocean cruise on the Celebrity Edge. And I thought, who better to tell the story and add her colorful insights than my exceptional and clever daughter? We have not traveled together in quite a while, and I was thrilled she could clear her calendar to come with me! Her fantastic husband, Brent, took care of their four-year-old twins while she and I embarked on our unique Alaskan Adventure. In her work world, Alex is a Director and Branch Manager for the Pacific Northwest in the creative space. She is a fantastic baker, an excellent home cook, and a voracious reader when she has any spare time. You will hear us talk about Ann and Steve Teget. Ann and Steve organized this special group of guests for a Friends of Postcard Jar Cruise. They are experts on cruising and have written a lot about it on their website, Postcard Jar. They are my go-to people for cruising. I was curious if I would be a good fit for an enormous, 3,000-person ocean liner, but this incredible ship was perfect for me to see if we liked it. We loved it! The ship design was over the top incredible, the service was top-notch, and Alaska—oh wow. Nature on such a grand scale is a sight to behold. And the cruise embarked from our hometown of Seattle! It was kind of a no-brainer! Highlights in this episode! What is it really like on a Celebrity Edge Cruise to Alaska? Alex and Suzanne pro-tips! All of the amenities on The Celebrity Edge What is a flair bartender? Why Alaska is a MUST-see! Details of the Spectacular Dawes Glacier! Let me know what you think about cruising! Have you been to Alaska? I'd love to hear about your experiences. Essential links in this episode: - Fantastic news of cruises and travel by Ann & Steve Teget Instagram: Facebook: /episode/index/show/travelconnections/id/32304027

Three Summer Travel Tips for a Happy Vacation 06/07/2024

Embracing Life with Grace, Grit and Gratitude 05/23/2024

Embracing Life with Grace, Grit and Gratitude Embracing Life - You never know what is around the corner. Today’s guest is a very special someone and my personal Travel Connection. She is the queen of embracing life even when it is really hard. I met her not too long ago, in September 2023, while I was a host with Tuscan Women Cook in Tuscany. You may remember from a prior episode , the owner of Tuscan Women Cook. JeriLynne Clifford and her husband Scot were part of a group participating in a week-long immersive experience in Tuscany. We learned cooking techniques from the local Italian nonnas or grandmas, sampled delicious local ingredients, and visited other neighboring towns. Meeting this special couple was a treat, but what you don't know is that we learned prior to their arrival that JeriLynne and Scot's house burned down while they were traveling in Italy. Lightning struck the house, and they lost absolutely everything. Embracing life with gratitude even through the tears Understandably, our first encounter was during probably one of the more difficult times of her life. Impossible to imagine, right? However, she was gracious and inspiring and I couldn't believe how engaging they both were. The entire week was a tremendous success and the two of them fit in with the group seamlessly. JeriLynne talks about how Italy was instrumental in the start of the healing process for them. JeriLynne is known as The Hill County Bon Vivant and has been a tastemaker for as long as she can remember. She was 16 when she catered her first wedding and continued to cater full and part-time throughout her life. She first realized her love for adventure in food, entertaining, and traveling when she started planning family vacations and events. In this episode, she shares her personal (and inspiring) saga and then gives us the delicious details of her new weekly subscription, . Every week, she shares a new menu, recipes, and a grocery and prep list to help you be successful in the kitchen. Highlights in this episode How to move forward when tragedy happens Living with gratitude What is a bon vivant? How Italy helped start the healing process What the arches in her new home will mean to her What is the secret to success in the kitchen The importance of learning to pivot What is Mastering the Ease of Home Cooking? For all of the details of JeriLynne's new business Mastering the Ease of Home Cooking - Click Important Links: Other episodes featuring Italy: /episode/index/show/travelconnections/id/31443237

Save Money on Travel with The Points Mom 05/10/2024

A Spectacular Day at the Seattle Center 04/26/2024

Our Epic Road Trip in Arizona 04/12/2024

Making Artisanal Pasta on Whidbey Island 03/28/2024

Making Artisanal Pasta on Whidbey Island Welcome to another episode of Travel Connections. Once again, we hit a home run with our next guest. Aurora Echo lives on Whidbey Island, WA, and owns a delightfully successful business called Wildly Beloved Foods. It's interesting; Aurora only validates that every time I visit Whidbey Island, WA, I meet someone new who impresses me. I am once again reminded of how exceptional this destination truly is. My husband and I have visited the island many times, rain or shine, during the summer or while the snow is falling. It is located only about an hour north of Seattle, depending on traffic and ferry wait time. We absolutely love it. Whidbey Island and the people who live there are so fascinating that you will find that we have created several podcast episodes in which I have interviewed many intriguing guests who all live on the island. What better way to share a destination than to tell the story through the locals who live there? Artisanal Pasta on Whidbey Island, WA Recently, I had the opportunity to meet a powerhouse of a woman who created her own business out of necessity and from a passion for culinary adventures. Aurora Echo created Wildly Beloved Foods, where she makes delicious pasta with healthy, organic ingredients. The minute I met her, I knew she had to come on the podcast and tell her story. It's just too good! Her tenacity and strength to overcome many challenges and succeed to where she is right now inspires me! Highlights in this episode: How passion and tenacity helped to create an organic pasta business Why organic food matters- What is the 'Dirty Dozen'? Aurora shares sage advice about starting a new business How does Whidbey Island fit into the success of Wildly Beloved Foods? What are some of the challenges that female business owners face? Why is environmentally friendly packaging important to Aurora? Suggestions for a trip to Whidbey Island, WA! Website: Instagram: Other Podcast Episodes Featuring Whidbey Island: /episode/index/show/travelconnections/id/30589298

Travel to Tuscany: Stories From the Heart 03/14/2024

Travel to Tuscany: Stories From the Heart In this episode, we travel to Tuscany, but we make a couple of stops first. Angela Correll is one of just a few guests who have appeared on my show more than once. However, back in October 2022, our conversation was not about Italy; it focused on all things Kentucky. She was an essential part of a three-episode series devoted to my passion for this beautiful state and, of course, the Bourbon Trail. Here's an interesting side story: Angela and I first met in Tuscany when she and her husband Jess were saying goodbye to friends in front of their home. I was in Tuscany working with Tuscan Women Cook, an Italian Cooking school inside the medieval walls of Angela's Italian village. Our travel connection in Tuscany allowed for further connections with Kentucky. What a fantastic coincidence! I intentionally share these travel connections with you because stepping out of our comfort zone, especially while traveling, so often enhances our lives in ways we never dreamed of. I love sharing my travel connections with you! Here's more about Angela! Angela Correll is the author of Restored in Tuscany, released in March 2024. She also has written Grounded, Guarded and Granted, a trilogy of novels that became Amazon bestsellers and have been adapted to the stage for sold-out audiences at the Pioneer Playhouse, Kentucky's oldest outdoor theater. I have read them all and absolutely loved them! Angela and her husband Jess are co-founders of Wilderness Road Hospitality, a suite of businesses on Main Street of Stanford, Kentucky's second-oldest city. The couple have been traveling to Italy for nearly twenty-five years but recently made a second home in a small hilltop village by restoring a former horse stable inside the medieval walls of a tiny town called Montofollonico. These experiences formed the basis of her travel memoir, Restored in Tuscany: A True Story of Facing Loss, Finding Beauty, and Moving Forward with Hope. I have the unique perspective of spending a great deal of time in this magical Italian town, and I am so excited to share our conversation about one of my favorite places on Earth. Highlights in this Episode: How did Angela transition from writing fiction to memoir? Why is Italy such a healing place? Why are the natural rhythms of the Tuscan village so soothing? What steps must we take to slow down and enjoy life more? Excellent advice from Angela on how to do some "pruning" before we can embark on new adventures Thoughtful lessons from her book Restored In Tuscany What must we do to embrace a new season of life? Important Links: Instagram Facebook /episode/index/show/travelconnections/id/30375328

An Exclusive Look Inside An African Luxury Tented Camp 03/01/2024

An Exclusive Look Inside An African Luxury Tented Camp Welcome to our third and final episode devoted to our tour of Southern Africa. We recorded three episodes that focused entirely on this spectacular experience on this tour by Collette. In Episode One, I talk with my husband, Craig, about the tour's unique details. In Episode 2, I interviewed our tour manager, Samantha Johnson, who ensured we all had everything we needed and the tour ran smoothly. I am sad to see the end of this series. This Southern Africa tour was incredible and magical, and I truly enjoyed sharing these details with you. The tour by Collette is called Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land and By Water. You can find the links to the tour and other things we discussed below. In this episode, I interview Terry Anders, the owner and operator of Iganyana, a luxury tented camp in Zimbabwe. During our stay at Iganyana, Terry and his team are responsible for creating some of the most amazing experiences of our tour! Terry Anders grew up in a small country town in Zimbabwe, and during our conversation, he shared how growing up in the outdoors shaped who he is today. He started as a young apprentice, and then after 4-5 years of education, experience, and rigorous testing, he began his travel career. He and his wife created Iganyana, and Iganyana means spotted dog. You will hear all the details of the camp, which is located on the African savannah in Hwange National Park. When I envisioned what I thought a tented camp would look and feel like, ironically, it looked just like Iganyana. Terry's stories are captivating and he describes the African- tented camp as "simple luxury". I concur! Our experience at the camp included the "most memorable travel experience of my life." Truly. Highlights in this episode: Hospitality in Africa The beauty of simple luxury and how to define it Details of The Presidential Herd of elephants that live nearby How to keep the pool clean when the elephants come to visit How Iganyana was constructed to blend in with nature What is the benefit of a walking safari, and why is it different? The huge impact and importance of tourism in Africa Important Links: Facebook: Instagram /episode/index/show/travelconnections/id/30189448

Travel to Africa with Samantha Johnson of Collette 02/16/2024

Travel to Africa with Samantha Johnson of Collette Welcome to Episode Two of our African Safari series. In Episode One, I interview and talk with my husband, Craig Stavert. We share many details of what it was really like going on safari with Collette. It is a great way to begin this series of episodes. Now, in Episode Two, you meet Samantha Johnson. She was our Collette tour guide, and she managed our experience perfectly. The tour is called Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land and By Water. This is a small group tour, where we bonded easily with the guests and had a blast getting to know each other. This woman has touched my heart, and I cannot wait for you to get to know her as well. It is an extraordinary experience for me to meet someone like Samantha. I don't mean to be dramatic, but meeting her has absolutely 100% changed my life for the better. She introduced me to a world in Africa I never knew. It's a wonderful privilege. Samantha has 27 years of experience in the tourism business in Africa; she is highly knowledgeable and passionate about sharing her beloved Africa with all of the guests on tour. Samantha begins our interview by telling us a little bit about growing up in Apartheid, having a black father and a white mother, and the struggles that they had to endure. You will be captivated. We then talk about what it is really like on safari with Collette. (It's out of this world!) She shares how wild animals are a part of everyday life in Africa and that her "peace" came from the animals. Highlights in the episode: Details of Chobe National Park, where there are 70,000 elephants, several prides of lions, 450 species of birds, enormous giraffes, dazzles of zebras, herds of kudu, impalas everywhere, leopards, hippos and so much more! The importance of tourism in Africa Why Africa should be at the top of your bucket list and doable! How the local people enhance your experience in Africa The many incredible surprises that the tour offers How Collette creates the perfect tour by land and by water Important Links: Facebook: /episode/index/show/travelconnections/id/29984848

An African Safari to Remember 02/02/2024

An African Safari to Remember Welcome to Season Three! I so appreciate you joining me as we head into 2024 with the Travel Connections Podcast. Once again, our episodes will be filled with fascinating people sharing unique stories. You will be enlightened and entertained and gain knowledge you didn't know you needed! This episode is the perfect way to add to your research for your next trip. In today's episode, we begin a three-part series featuring our recent tour of Southern Africa with Collette. I have been traveling as a Brand Ambassador with Collette for the past six years, where I have been to Japan, Iceland, and now Africa. Everyone at Collette does a superb job planning and executing their tours. To learn more about my first two tours, visit and type Japan and Iceland in the search bar. The link is also listed below. My husband Craig and I were invited to join a small group tour called . Oh my goodness, I can't say enough about this experience. It was a dream trip and exceeded all of my expectations, and you will have the opportunity to hear so much in this episode, as well as Episodes 2 and 3. But first, let me tell you a little about my husband, Craig Stavert. Craig and I met in high school, went to different colleges, and will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary in October. Where did the time go? We have been traveling together since our honeymoon to Maui & Kauai. We did not travel that much when our kids were younger due to school activities and sports obligations. However, once the kids left the nest, it was game on, and we have not stopped exploring the world. Craig's business career has been in the tech industry, running global sales organizations. He was traveling a great deal, and since the kids were grown, it was time for me to get back out there. I created the Adventures of Empty Nesters blog ten years ago. I was initially writing about life in the Empty Nest but then pivoting to writing about my travel experiences. Now, I work with global travel brands, sharing their destinations and stories through my podcast. Now that you have a little background on the two of us, here are some of the episode's highlights! Highlights: Why is Africa a bucket list destination? What is a typical day like on safari? Lunch at the home of a local woman named Audrey in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe The astounding access to wildlife in their natural habitat The power, size, and magnitude of Victoria Falls "Ellies at night" - The extraordinary gift The special benefits of small group tours and how Collette gets it right Craig explains his quote, "You go to Africa for the wildlife, but it's the people that you remember the most." PLUS SO MUCH MORE! Important Links: Facebook: Instagram: /episode/index/show/travelconnections/id/29770983

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