Stacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story

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 wind...

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 ...

What happens when you take a bus to Travel Con, pack a Pilates bar, and chase the best local experiences? Crystal finds out.

Crystal Hammond returns from Travel Con with her backpack full of insider tips, unexpected laughs, and some seriously useful travel hacks. From the moment she stepped on a shuttle in Tucson, this adventure was all about curiosity, connection, and clever ways to travel smarter.

🧭 In this episode:

Is stacking just a fun pastime… or is there real science behind the obsession?

Today, we go deep—clinically deep—into the phenomenon of stacking with Dr. Nicole Meli from Moreland Hills University, the leading researcher on the psychology and history behind our favorite pastime. Joining the conversation is Crystal Hammond, world record holder in Lego stacking (yes, really), and Joe Saul-Sehy, who may not hold any records but defi...

Do you dream of embarking on a legendary pilgrimage filled with breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable encounters, and just enough unexpected twists to keep things interesting? This episode, we lace up our boots and dive into the adventure of a lifetime: hiking the Camino de Santiago with special guest Tom Schwab (founder: Interview Valet).

Tom trekked 500 miles in 26 days alongside his wife, Karen, and he’s here to spill the detai...

Ever dreamed of jetting off to Thailand for a mix of adventure, culture, and surprisingly affordable luxury? Crystal takes center stage in this episode, sharing her 2019 journey across three stunning islands, giving us an inside look at Thailand’s vibrant food scene, picturesque beaches, and budget-friendly splurges.

• Flights with Qatar Airlines – Was the experience worth it, and what should you know before booking?
• Bangkok lik...

Strap on your hiking boots (or just grab a comfy chair) as Crystal, Joe, and a crew of adventure enthusiasts take you on a journey through the wild wonders of Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Muir Woods. Expect epic tales, unexpected detours, and a few moments of sheer survival mode—because what’s a national park trip without a little chaos?

In this episode:

• Amanda’s Grand Canyon Trek – She and her friends tackled the canyon, bu...

Today we talk to not one but TWO guests who BOTH know how to save TONS of money on travel. First, Chris Hutchens from All The Hacks podcast LOVES to find ways to travel the world for nothing (or next to nothing). Second, George Igoe has a top series on the Million Stories YouTube page about seeing different cities for $100 or less. He shares some of his favorites on today's show! 

These interviews are from 2022, so if there's any m...

Remember when Libby Gifford raved about Olympic National Park being her all-time favorite? Well, we took that as a challenge and just wrapped up an epic two-day adventure through its jaw-dropping landscapes. Spoiler alert: Libby was absolutely right.

From the snow-capped peaks of Hurricane Ridge to the rugged coastline of Rialto and Ruby Beach, we packed in as much as possible—including hidden gems like Crescent Lake, unforgettable...

Today Joe and Crystal embark on a journey to the world’s most romantic destinations. From the sun-kissed beaches of Indonesia to the charming gondolas of Venice, they reveal their top five picks for couples seeking unforgettable getaways. Along the way, they explore breathtaking hotels, intimate dining spots, and hidden gems in Greece, France, Italy, and beyond. Even if you're not romantically involved, you'll find yourself falling...

Can a pigeon lead to an Italian adventure? Turns out, yes! 🐦 Join Crystal and Joe as they chat with Adventure Annette about a spontaneous, bird-inspired journey through Rome, Venice, and Pompeii—all thanks to her son's unexpected obsession with pigeons.

What’s Inside This Episode?

🏛 Rome: The Eternal City – Walking is the best way to explore (and dodge tourist traps). Annette shares insider tips on hidden gems, cheap eat...

Ever wonder which U.S. national parks are truly breathtaking—and which ones might not live up to the hype? Today, Joe and Crystal sit down with Libby Gifford, a seasoned park explorer and co-organizer of TravelCon, to swap stories about awe-inspiring landscapes, unexpected surprises, and the parks that didn’t quite make their bucket list.

Along the way, you’ll hear:

• 🏕️ Crystal’s shocking confession—why she hasn’t set foot in ...

Here's the revised version without timestamps:

Ready to swirl, sniff, and sip your way through some unforgettable wine-tasting adventures? Today’s episode of Stacking Adventures is a toast to wine tours, featuring hilarious and heartfelt stories, practical tips, and a few spills (hopefully just metaphorical).

Crystal shares her dream of leading wine tours in retirement—because why not get paid to drink wine and look fancy? J...

Ready to dive into the charm of the Emerald Isle? In this episode, we’re taking you on a journey through Ireland’s rugged countryside, lively cities, and ancient landmarks. Whether you’re chasing rainbows or trying to master driving on the other side of the road, we’ve got stories, laughs, and plenty of tips to inspire your next great adventure.

Sheena starts us off with her unplanned escape to Dublin—because sometimes the best adv...

Planning a dream vacation shouldn’t feel like a nightmare for your wallet. In this episode, Crystal and Joe unpack practical strategies to make your 2025 travels more affordable, enjoyable, and stress-free.

Crystal is inspired as Joe shares his plan to extend FinCon with an unforgettable visit to Crater Lake National Park and Willamette Valley wineries. From there, they dive into how smart budgeting and planning can transform your ...

What better way to kick off the new year than by planning your next great adventure? On this episode, we're sharing another podcast which will make your adventures brighter, the Everyday Bucket List Podcast. Karen Cordway and her husband (and co-host) Rich share their best tips for setting ambitious but achievable travel goals and bucket list ideas for 2025.

From sparking brain growth (yes, really!) to dreaming so big it makes othe...

Ever wonder where to find the most haunted hotspots in the country? Buckle up, because in this episode, Joe and Crystal share the spine-tingling ghost tours recommended by our Adventurers! From Savannah’s famous hearse ghost tours to the mysterious halls of the Winchester Mystery House and Salem’s historical haunts, we’ve got your next spooky adventure covered.

Plus, we highlight our Gear of the Day, swap some amusing travel storie...

Are you making the most of your travel points? Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just dipping your toes into the world of rewards, this episode of Stacking Adventures is a must-listen. We’re joined by Cindy Greenstein, aka The Points Mom, who shares her insider secrets for getting top value from your travel rewards. From transferring points for better deals to stacking perks for triple the benefits, Cindy's advice will help you...