EP-182 APPALACHIAN TRAIL JOURNEY: Embracing Change and Adventure with Author Sally Chaffin Brooks

In this episode, we sit down with Tim and Renee, better known as the "thruhikers" on YouTube and social media. They share their incredible journey of balancing busy careers while completing some of the world’s most iconic long-distance hikes. From their first steps on the Pacific Crest Trail to setting record trail times and creating a hiking app in Germany, Tim and Renee offer a wealth of insight for both novice and seasoned adventurers.   We dive into the highs and lows of thru-hiking, the lessons they’ve learned, and how the simplicity of trail life continues to shape their daily routine. Plus, we explore their new book, Through Hikers: A Guide to Life on the Trail, which is packed with expert tips for anyone dreaming of their own adventure.   Check out Tim and Renee’s social media and grab their book for more inspiration! And if you’re feeling ready for your next adventure, visit 10Adventures to browse tours and start planning your journey.   Tim and Renee's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@reneeandtim Check out their website: https://thruhikers.co Find their book here: https://sites.prh.com/thruhikers   About Us 🌍   10Adventures 🌟 was founded with one goal in mind: to make active travel accessible, promoting mental and physical well-being. 🚶‍♀️🚴 Our mission is to eliminate the stress of holiday planning, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your journey. We offer seamless trip coordination, handling accommodations, meals, transfers, and guides 🗺️ through our network of vetted local tour operators in over 80 countries. For those who prefer a lighter load, we arrange luggage transfers, ensuring a stress-free biking or hiking experience. 🧳🌄   Specializing in private and personalized travel experiences, our team 🧑‍💼🌐 is dedicated to tailoring trips to your preferences. We understand that travel is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to build stronger relationships and create lasting memories. As fellow active travelers, we provide genuine, human support to ensure your journey with 10Adventures is as unique and fulfilling as possible. 🤝✨   To learn more, visit https://www.10adventures.com/ 🌐 Or contact us at https://www.10adventures.com/contact/

In this episode of The 10Adventures Podcast, we sit down with Thai Hang, a local guide based in Saigon, to explore why Vietnam is a top destination for winter cycling escapes. Thai shares his insights on Vietnam’s diverse regions, each offering unique experiences for cyclists—from the mountainous North to the flat, lush Mekong Delta in the South. Whether you’re craving an adventurous ride through terraced rice paddies or a more relaxed journey along stunning coastlines, Vietnam has something for everyone. Plus, Thai highlights the rich cultural experiences and delicious regional foods that make cycling through Vietnam unforgettable.   Don’t miss the details on two incredible tours on sale for a limited time, perfect for escaping the cold Northern Hemisphere winter. Check out the links below or the 10Adventures website to browse these tours and start planning your next adventure!   Ultimate Saigon to Nha Trang Cycling Tour: https://www.10adventures.com/tour/saigon-nha-trang-cycling-tour/ Cycling from Saigon to Mekong Delta Tour: https://www.10adventures.com/tour/saigon-mekong-delta-tour/   About Us 🌍   10Adventures 🌟 was founded with one goal in mind: to make active travel accessible, promoting mental and physical well-being. 🚶‍♀️🚴 Our mission is to eliminate the stress of holiday planning, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your journey. We offer seamless trip coordination, handling accommodations, meals, transfers, and guides 🗺️ through our network of vetted local tour operators in over 80 countries. For those who prefer a lighter load, we arrange luggage transfers, ensuring a stress-free biking or hiking experience. 🧳🌄   Specializing in private and personalized travel experiences, our team 🧑‍💼🌐 is dedicated to tailoring trips to your preferences. We understand that travel is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to build stronger relationships and create lasting memories. As fellow active travelers, we provide genuine, human support to ensure your journey with 10Adventures is as unique and fulfilling as possible. 🤝✨   To learn more, visit https://www.10adventures.com/ 🌐 Or contact us at https://www.10adventures.com/contact/

For the next few weeks on the 10Adventures Podcast, our host Richard will be embarking on his own adventure across the globe, so instead of a new episode, we’re revisiting one of the most memorable past episodes of the podcast. Although it originally aired some time ago, the stories and insights remain just as compelling. We hope you find it as enjoyable as ever and we look forward to sharing new content with you very soon.   Show Notes:   On this episode we dive head first into the incredible trekking regions known as the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Huayhuash in Northern Peru. If you’re a lover of high altitude trekking, you don't want to miss this in depth look at the 3 most popular treks here, the Alpamayo, Santa Cruz and Huayhuash. Find out what goes into preparing for these types of high adrenaline adventures from acclimatization plans, transporting gear, and best times to travel.    Tune in as our guest Christian Valencia, owner of Juarez based adventure tour operator Go2Andes, shares his expertise on these two incredible mountain ranges and the most epic  main treks they offer.   Check out a full list of Go2Andes incredible trekking tours on 10Adventures.   About Us 🌍   10Adventures 🌟 was founded with one goal in mind: to make active travel accessible, promoting mental and physical well-being. 🚶‍♀️🚴 Our mission is to eliminate the stress of holiday planning, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your journey. We offer seamless trip coordination, handling accommodations, meals, transfers, and guides 🗺️ through our network of vetted local tour operators in over 80 countries. For those who prefer a lighter load, we arrange luggage transfers, ensuring a stress-free biking or hiking experience. 🧳🌄   Specializing in private and personalized travel experiences, our team 🧑‍💼🌐 is dedicated to tailoring trips to your preferences. We understand that travel is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to build stronger relationships and create lasting memories. As fellow active travelers, we provide genuine, human support to ensure your journey with 10Adventures is as unique and fulfilling as possible. 🤝✨   To learn more, visit https://www.10adventures.com/ 🌐 Or contact us at https://www.10adventures.com/contact/

For the next few weeks on the 10Adventures Podcast, our host Richard will be embarking on his own adventure across the globe, so instead of a new episode, we’re revisiting one of the most memorable past episodes of the podcast. Although it originally aired some time ago, the stories and insights remain just as compelling. We hope you find it as enjoyable as ever and we look forward to sharing new content with you very soon.   Show Notes:   On this episode, we discover one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world, Cusco Peru. Joined by Frank Jara, a local guide with Cusco based adventure tour operator, Valencia Travel, we find out why Cusco is one of the most beautiful trekking cities to be based in.   Brimming with ancient history, Cusco is home to a wealth of relics from the famous Inca Empire as well as stunning architecture influenced by Spanish colonization. Learn the ins and outs of Cusco based treks from the expert himself who leads them. For the Classic Inca Trail, alternative routes to Machu Picchu like the Salkantay and Lares Treks, and many more, check out 10Adventures full line up of incredible trekking adventure with Valencia Travel Cusco here, https://www.10adventures.com/tour-operator/valencia-travel-cusco/   About Us 🌍   10Adventures 🌟 was founded with one goal in mind: to make active travel accessible, promoting mental and physical well-being. 🚶‍♀️🚴 Our mission is to eliminate the stress of holiday planning, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your journey. We offer seamless trip coordination, handling accommodations, meals, transfers, and guides 🗺️ through our network of vetted local tour operators in over 80 countries. For those who prefer a lighter load, we arrange luggage transfers, ensuring a stress-free biking or hiking experience. 🧳🌄   Specializing in private and personalized travel experiences, our team 🧑‍💼🌐 is dedicated to tailoring trips to your preferences. We understand that travel is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to build stronger relationships and create lasting memories. As fellow active travelers, we provide genuine, human support to ensure your journey with 10Adventures is as unique and fulfilling as possible. 🤝✨   To learn more, visit https://www.10adventures.com/ 🌐 Or contact us at https://www.10adventures.com/contact/

For the next few weeks on the 10Adventures Podcast, our host Richard will be embarking on his own adventure across the globe, so instead of a new episode, we’re revisiting one of the most memorable past episodes of the podcast. Although it originally aired some time ago, the stories and insights remain just as compelling. We hope you find it as enjoyable as ever and we look forward to sharing new content with you very soon.   Show Notes:   This week we hear about one of the most epic trips on earth, kayaking Canada's inside passage.  Here to talk to us is Chris Whittaker, who released a YouTube series of his 2022 expedition from Lund, BC to Skagway, Alaska.   Learn about the experience of an incredible trip like this, as well as the logistics of a 72-day sea kayak trip. You'll also hear about how to get started sea kayaking, and how to lead a more fulfilled life.   You can check the video on  https://www.youtube.com/@ffsexpedition, and find out more about Chris on social media at @global_shenanigans.   About Us 🌍   10Adventures 🌟 was founded with one goal in mind: to make active travel accessible, promoting mental and physical well-being. 🚶‍♀️🚴 Our mission is to eliminate the stress of holiday planning, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your journey. We offer seamless trip coordination, handling accommodations, meals, transfers, and guides 🗺️ through our network of vetted local tour operators in over 80 countries. For those who prefer a lighter load, we arrange luggage transfers, ensuring a stress-free biking or hiking experience. 🧳🌄   Specializing in private and personalized travel experiences, our team 🧑‍💼🌐 is dedicated to tailoring trips to your preferences. We understand that travel is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to build stronger relationships and create lasting memories. As fellow active travelers, we provide genuine, human support to ensure your journey with 10Adventures is as unique and fulfilling as possible. 🤝✨   To learn more, visit https://www.10adventures.com/ 🌐 Or contact us at https://www.10adventures.com/contact/

For the next few weeks on the 10Adventures Podcast, our host Richard will be embarking on his own adventure across the globe, so instead of a new episode, we’re revisiting one of the most memorable past episodes of the podcast. Although it originally aired some time ago, the stories and insights remain just as compelling. We hope you find it as enjoyable as ever and we look forward to sharing new content with you very soon.   Show Notes:   If you've wanted to hear about an epic journey, this week we talk with Mike Keen about his upcoming sea kayak adventure up the Western coast of Greenland.  This 2,600 km journey will push Mike to his limits, and also allow him to support research around microplastics in our environment and the benefits of eating local.   Check out some epic tours in Greenland at 10Adventures.    About Us 🌍   10Adventures 🌟 was founded with one goal in mind: to make active travel accessible, promoting mental and physical well-being. 🚶‍♀️🚴 Our mission is to eliminate the stress of holiday planning, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your journey. We offer seamless trip coordination, handling accommodations, meals, transfers, and guides 🗺️ through our network of vetted local tour operators in over 80 countries. For those who prefer a lighter load, we arrange luggage transfers, ensuring a stress-free biking or hiking experience. 🧳🌄   Specializing in private and personalized travel experiences, our team 🧑‍💼🌐 is dedicated to tailoring trips to your preferences. We understand that travel is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to build stronger relationships and create lasting memories. As fellow active travelers, we provide genuine, human support to ensure your journey with 10Adventures is as unique and fulfilling as possible. 🤝✨   To learn more, visit https://www.10adventures.com/ 🌐 Or contact us at https://www.10adventures.com/contact/

In this episode of the 10Adventures podcast, we explore the breathtaking Arctic region with Martin Aldrich from Adventure Canada, an expert in cruises to some of the world’s most remote locations. We dive into the fascinating contrasts between the Arctic and Antarctica, revealing the unique cultural and natural wonders found in the North. Martin shares his insights on what makes the Arctic so special, from its stunning fjords and diverse wildlife to the rich Inuit culture.   We also discuss the incredible experience of expedition cruising, which allows travelers to reach secluded places that are otherwise inaccessible. Martin explains how these small-scale cruises offer a more intimate and educational adventure compared to traditional large-scale cruises, making it a perfect choice for those looking to connect deeply with nature and local communities.   If you’re inspired to embark on your own Arctic adventure, be sure to check out the tours below or the 10Adventures website to browse their tours and start planning your next journey!   Heart of the Arctic Expedition https://www.10adventures.com/tour/heart-of-the-arctic-expedition/ Into the Northwest Passage https://www.10adventures.com/tour/into-northwest-passage-expedition/ Out of the Northwest Passage https://www.10adventures.com/tour/out-of-northwest-passage-expedition/ Baffin Island and Greenland Expedition https://www.10adventures.com/tour/baffin-island-greenland-expedition/ Iceland to Greenland Cruise Expedition https://www.10adventures.com/tour/iceland-greenland-cruise-expedition/   About Us 🌍   10Adventures 🌟 was founded with one goal in mind: to make active travel accessible, promoting mental and physical well-being. 🚶‍♀️🚴 Our mission is to eliminate the stress of holiday planning, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your journey. We offer seamless trip coordination, handling accommodations, meals, transfers, and guides 🗺️ through our network of vetted local tour operators in over 80 countries. For those who prefer a lighter load, we arrange luggage transfers, ensuring a stress-free biking or hiking experience. 🧳🌄   Specializing in private and personalized travel experiences, our team 🧑‍💼🌐 is dedicated to tailoring trips to your preferences. We understand that travel is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to build stronger relationships and create lasting memories. As fellow active travelers, we provide genuine, human support to ensure your journey with 10Adventures is as unique and fulfilling as possible. 🤝✨   To learn more, visit https://www.10adventures.com/ 🌐 Or contact us at https://www.10adventures.com/contact/

In this episode of the 10Adventures podcast, we catch up with Sally Chaffin Brooks, author of the upcoming book Going to Maine. Sally shares her incredible journey on the Appalachian Trail, a 2,200-mile adventure that stretched from Georgia to Maine. We dive into her spontaneous decision to hike the trail, despite a less-than-stellar first backpacking experience, and what it was like to tackle such a feat with little preparation.   Sally paints a vivid picture of life on the trail, from the camaraderie in the shelters to the unexpected challenges and joys of hiking through snow and rain. We also explore the mental and emotional aspects of through-hiking, including the unique sense of disconnect from the outside world and the surprising ways it can be life-changing.   Tune in to hear Sally’s inspiring story, and don't forget to check out her book, visit her website and explore the 10Adventures website for exciting tours and adventures of your own!   Check out Sally's book Going to Maine here:  https://www.sallychaffinbrooks.com/general-8 Or get it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNTVYT1M?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_BRH0J0X5GRESH91SHB7A Find out more on Sally's website: https://www.sallychaffinbrooks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesallybrooks   About Us 🌍   10Adventures 🌟 was founded with one goal in mind: to make active travel accessible, promoting mental and physical well-being. 🚶‍♀️🚴 Our mission is to eliminate the stress of holiday planning, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your journey. We offer seamless trip coordination, handling accommodations, meals, transfers, and guides 🗺️ through our network of vetted local tour operators in over 80 countries. For those who prefer a lighter load, we arrange luggage transfers, ensuring a stress-free biking or hiking experience. 🧳🌄   Specializing in private and personalized travel experiences, our team 🧑‍💼🌐 is dedicated to tailoring trips to your preferences. We understand that travel is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to build stronger relationships and create lasting memories. As fellow active travelers, we provide genuine, human support to ensure your journey with 10Adventures is as unique and fulfilling as possible. 🤝✨   To learn more, visit https://www.10adventures.com/ 🌐 Or contact us at https://www.10adventures.com/contact/

In this episode of the 10Adventures podcast, we sit down with Krista Halling, co-founder of DogPacking.com, to explore the exciting world of adventuring with your dog. Krista, a veterinarian with a passion for outdoor activities, shares her journey of starting DogPacking.com after struggling to find reliable information on how to bring her mini Goldendoodle, River, along on her biking trips. We dive into the benefits of including your dog in your outdoor adventures, from fostering a deeper bond to the physical and mental health benefits for both you and your furry friend.   Krista also shares some of her favorite dog packing experiences, like biking in Colorado and surfing in Cozumel, Mexico, offering practical tips on how to get started with dog packing, whether it's a simple hike or an ambitious biking adventure. If you've ever wondered how to safely and enjoyably take your dog on an adventure, this episode is for you.   Be sure to check out Krista's website, DogPacking.com, for more science-backed tips and ideas. And if you're inspired to embark on your own adventure, visit 10Adventures to browse tours that could be perfect for you and your pup!   Find out more on Krista's website: https://dogpacking.com Subscribe to the DogPacking newsletter: https://dogpacking.com/subscribe/   About Us 🌍   10Adventures 🌟 was founded with one goal in mind: to make active travel accessible, promoting mental and physical well-being. 🚶‍♀️🚴 Our mission is to eliminate the stress of holiday planning, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your journey. We offer seamless trip coordination, handling accommodations, meals, transfers, and guides 🗺️ through our network of vetted local tour operators in over 80 countries. For those who prefer a lighter load, we arrange luggage transfers, ensuring a stress-free biking or hiking experience. 🧳🌄   Specializing in private and personalized travel experiences, our team 🧑‍💼🌐 is dedicated to tailoring trips to your preferences. We understand that travel is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to build stronger relationships and create lasting memories. As fellow active travelers, we provide genuine, human support to ensure your journey with 10Adventures is as unique and fulfilling as possible. 🤝✨   To learn more, visit https://www.10adventures.com/ 🌐 Or contact us at https://www.10adventures.com/contact/

In this episode of the 10Adventures podcast, we catch up with Nate Jetter, a cyclist and adventurer who first joined us over a year ago when he was just starting his journey. Back then, Nate was navigating his way through Europe with little cycling experience, but a lot of determination. Now, he's in rural Australia, having cycled across multiple countries, from the Balkans to Turkey, and even backpacking through Southeast Asia after a health setback.   We discuss Nate's ever-evolving travel plans, the beauty of spontaneous exploration, and the unique experiences that come with slow travel on a bike. Nate reflects on some of his favorite spots, including the hidden gems of Montenegro and Bosnia, and shares stories of unexpected encounters that made his journey unforgettable.   Don't miss this episode if you're looking for inspiration to embark on your own adventure. Be sure to check out Nate's social channels and visit the 10Adventures website to explore tours that could kickstart your next big trip!   Find out more on Nate's website: https://www.secondhand-experience.com/ Check out his YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@secondhandexperience     About Us 🌍   10Adventures 🌟 was founded with one goal in mind: to make active travel accessible, promoting mental and physical well-being. 🚶‍♀️🚴 Our mission is to eliminate the stress of holiday planning, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your journey. We offer seamless trip coordination, handling accommodations, meals, transfers, and guides 🗺️ through our network of vetted local tour operators in over 80 countries. For those who prefer a lighter load, we arrange luggage transfers, ensuring a stress-free biking or hiking experience. 🧳🌄   Specializing in private and personalized travel experiences, our team 🧑‍💼🌐 is dedicated to tailoring trips to your preferences. We understand that travel is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to build stronger relationships and create lasting memories. As fellow active travelers, we provide genuine, human support to ensure your journey with 10Adventures is as unique and fulfilling as possible. 🤝✨   To learn more, visit https://www.10adventures.com/ 🌐 Or contact us at https://www.10adventures.com/contact/