Where Next? Travel with Kristen and Carol

Colorado and California both look like the “best place to live” from a distance, but the truth shows up in the small stuff: how often you sit in traffic, whether you can find parking, how far you drive to hike, and what it costs to do the fun things more than once. We’ve lived in both, so we put the hype aside and compare them the way real people experience them day to day.

We start in Colorado, from the Mountain Time Zone...

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Brills, co-founder of Pamoja Safaris, to learn about Tanzania and unpack what it actually takes to climb Kilimanjaro safely, see the Serengeti well, and travel in a way that respects people, wildlife, and your own limits.

Scott’s story starts far from Africa: a year abroad in Japan that flipped a shy, game-loving kid into a traveler, entrepreneur, and eventually a guide to some of th...

eDreaming of Ireland but not sure where to start? We sit down with Lynne Nieman from Wander Your Way to map a smarter route: skip the bottlenecks, use Shannon as your launchpad, and find the coastal corners where the country’s character runs deepest. We talk through the big calls travelers face—Dublin for a day or two, or straight to the west; Ring of Kerry by bus, or quieter peninsulas that pack more into fewer miles; Blarney Ston...

Jet lag isn’t just about time zones—it’s an inflammation problem you can solve. We sit down with Andrew Herr, founder and CEO of FlyKitt and former human performance strategist at the Pentagon, to unpack why flights drain you and how to land clear-headed, calm, and ready to sleep on night one. Andrew connects dots most travelers miss: rapid cabin pressure shifts mimic an 8,000-foot ascent, low-oxygen air boosts oxidative stress, an...

What if the dream trip starts feeling like a job? We sit down with traveler and author Melissa Rodway to unpack the real highs and lows of a life built on movement—starting with a wild childhood year in Western Australia, a no-guidebook leap through Europe in the 90s, and the pre-smartphone hacks that kept her safe and curious in Costa Rica.

The story turns when she quits an advertising job and heads to Southeast Asia for ...

We’re so excited to have Lyle and Leanne back from the Beach Travel Wine Podcast to dive into it all with us! Their stories and laughs always make the journey even better.

This time, we’re stepping into the “cathedrals of wine” at Lustau, chasing legends at Tío Pepe, and getting into the nitty-gritty of how sherry is made—humidity, flor, patience—and why it smells like caramel dreams. The Royal Andalusian School’s dancing horses bri...

Have you ever wondered what it's really like to live in paradise? Wonder no more as Carol takes us behind the postcard-perfect beaches of Hawaii to reveal the authentic island experience that changed her life forever.

Carol's journey began as a college exchange student at the University of Hawaii, where her perspective on travel—and life—underwent a profound transformation. Far from the Brady Bunch or Gilligan&ap...

Yosemite National Park captivates millions of visitors annually with its towering granite monoliths and thundering waterfalls, but few experience it with the intimate knowledge of someone who returns multiple times each year. In this special episode, Carol interviews Kristen about her profound connection to this natural wonder in California's Sierra Nevada mountains.

Kristen shares her annual January ritual of hiking ...

Looking to escape the typical tourist experience in Thailand? Rick is back again to reveal some of the country's hidden treasures and practical wisdom that most travel blogs won't tell you.

Forget what you think you know about Thailand. While Phuket might dominate travel magazines with its luxury resorts and premium prices, Rick guides us through extraordinary alternatives where authentic experiences await. From ...

Today we are joined by Lynne Neiman, host of the Wander Your Way podcast and experienced travel planner. Lynne takes us on a captivating journey through Scotland's diverse landscapes, from the rugged Highlands to its 94 inhabited islands with pristine beaches. She shares insights from her multiple extended stays in Scotland, revealing why this northern country has completely stolen her heart. 

Scotland offers extraordinary dive...

In this episode, we meet with Maryann Walters who navigates life as a true digital nomad, exploring Europe with her husband, their dog, and their bicycles.

 Maryann's journey began with determination in 2020, when she specifically sought out remote work that would accommodate a travel lifestyle. After securing a remote position and spending three years renovating their Reno home to make it rental-ready, she and her hu...

In this episode of Where Next? Travel with Kristen and Carol, we return to Mongolia—this time through the eyes of Tugso, a Mongolian native now living in the U.S. She shares a deeply personal and vibrant portrait of her home country, from nomadic life in the northern mountains to the unique blend of traditional and modern living in Ulaanbaatar. We talk about everything from shamanism and Soviet influence to the fierce independence ...

 
Journey through central Japan with Miyuki, a licensed Japanese travel guide, who unveils the secrets of this stunning region nestled between Tokyo and Osaka. Discover how Japan's superb public transportation system can whisk you away to hidden gems like Hamamatsu, known for its lush tea fields and vibrant musical instrument manufacturing scene, and Nagoya, a city that stands as a beacon of manufacturing prowess and samur...

In this episode, we explore Piemonte in Northern Italy with our guest, Barbara Boyle, author of Pinch Me. Situated at the foot of the Alps, this region blends Italian and French influences, creating a unique cultural experience. Barbara shares her insights on Piemonte’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and lesser-known travel gems. From rolling vineyards to the peaceful Italian lake district, this destination offers a perfect bal...

Unlock the secrets of the Maldives with our guest, David Brodie, as we explore this mesmerizing tropical paradise. Discover how the Maldives, a stunning collection of over 1,100 islands, offers a wide range of experiences from lavish luxury resorts to budget-friendly stays on vibrant local islands. David uncovers the evolving landscape of tourism in the region, where travelers can now experience the local culture and breathtaking b...

Kat Medina, takes us on an unforgettable journey through her life-altering experiences in Ecuador and other parts of South America. A spontaneous move to Loja during the 2009 recession led her to co-found a web design company that fuels her passion for travel and writing.

Discover the secrets of budget travel as Kat shares her insights on exploring South America affordably. From thrilling micro-bus rides to the cultural w...

Ever wondered what makes Sri Lanka a must-visit tropical paradise? Join us as we uncover the island's secrets with our insightful guest, Frank, a native of this exotic country rich in culture, history and nature. Growing up amidst lush greenery, sunny beaches, and the cooler hill country, Frank offers an insider's perspective on Sri Lanka's unique charm. Known as the 'Hawaii for Europeans,' this destination...

What if a simple relocation could completely transform your life? Meet Steve Hoffman, who took his family from Minnesota to a small village in the Languedoc region of Southern France and discovered a world of cultural immersion and personal growth. Through a chance encounter with an Irishman, Steve and his family were gifted a six-month stay in a picturesque setting far from the beaten path. This episode shares Steve's incredi...

Join us as we chat with avid traveler Ella Parlor, who turned her solo honeymoon in Sydney into an ecological escapade in Cairns. After a lackluster cultural outing in Sydney, Ella shares how a retired travel guide and Airbnb host helped her discover the wonders of the Daintree Rainforest, revealing its stunning beauty and deep significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Kuku Yalanji tribe for over 50,000 years. Di...