2027 Tours Announcement

A Roman harbor beneath the sea. Seaside towns filled with ancient stories. And an Italy that many travelers pass right by.I’m joined by historian Joseph Walker of Italian History with Joseph to explore Italy beyond its most famous destinations. From Gaeta and the coast between Rome and Naples to the towns of Umbria and northern Italy, Joseph shares some of his favorite places and brings their history to life.We also chat about his book, Buried Italy, how a swim near Naples sparked his passion for sharing Italy’s past, and why connecting with local people can lead to some of your most memorable travel experiences.If you’re curious about exploring Italy beyond the usual stops, this conversation will give you plenty of inspiration.Want to chat more about Italy?Send me an email at [email protected] this episode1:10: Intro1:53: Joseph's bio4:14: Joseph's story16:18: Buried Italy book and tours mention17:44: Southern Italy favorites31:04: Central Italy39:32: Northern Italy44:30: Meaningful relationships51:33: Final thoughts55:28: Lynne's final thoughts58:49: Wrapping it upImportant links:Italian History with Joseph (special link)Italian History with JosephWander Your Way AdventuresWander Your WayWander Your Way ResourcesPatagonia ★ Support this podcast ★

The 2027 Wander Your Way Adventures are open for booking!In this short episode, I introduce four small group tours through England, Scotland and Ireland, sharing the dates and a brief overview of what makes each adventure special.From Sea to Sea: The Complete Hadrian’s Wall Walk, England — Walk across northern England from the River Tyne to the Solway Firth, following ancient Roman history through rolling farmland, open moorland and some of the Wall’s most spectacular stretches.Scotland’s Wild Isles: Walking Arran, Mull & Beyond — Explore islands with their own character and rhythm, with coastal walks, ancient sites and a wee taste of whisky.Atlantic Edge: Clare, Mayo & Connemara, Ireland — Discover Connemara’s wild beauty, the Burren’s limestone landscapes and two islands, with scenic walks, local stories and welcoming towns along the way.Walking England’s Timeless Landscapes: Dales, Lakes & Peaks — Discover three distinct English landscapes, blending scenic walks with historic places, villages and market towns.Each adventure brings together time in nature, history, culture and meaningful connections.And I’ll be joining you as your host!You’ll find links to all four adventures below, where you can explore the day-to-day itineraries, dates, pricing, what’s included and the practical details to help you choose the right trip for you.Have a listen and see which adventure calls to you.Links for trips:From Sea to Sea: The Complete Hadrian’s Wall Walk, EnglandScotland’s Wild Isles: Walking Arran, Mull & BeyondAtlantic Edge: Clare, Mayo & Connemara, Ireland Walking England’s Timeless Landscapes: Dales, Lakes & PeaksOther important links:Wander Your Way AdventuresWander Your [email protected] ★ Support this podcast ★

Have you ever visited a place in Europe and loved it so much that you couldn't wait to go back?I certainly have!While I love discovering new destinations, there's something special about returning to a place I've already visited. Each visit brings new experiences, different perspectives, and opportunities to peel back another layer — to dig a little deeper.And sometimes it's simply the comfort of being somewhere familiar that keeps drawing me back.In this episode, I'm sharing 15 amazing places in Europe I've visited at least twice and would happily return to again in a heartbeat.From the stunning mountains of the Italian Dolomites to charming towns and wild landscapes in Ireland and Scotland, along with a few of my favorite European cities, these are places that have captured my heart.I'll share what makes each destination special to me, why I keep returning, and what I still want to discover.Because returning to a favorite place doesn't mean having the same experience all over again.Sometimes the best travel experiences come when we return, slow down, and discover something we missed the first time.So come along as I share 15 places in Europe I just can't get enough of!And I'd love to know — what places in Europe have you visited more than once that you'd return to in a heartbeat?In this episode:1:47: Intro8:25: Alpe di Siusi & Castelrotto, Italy11:41: San Vigilio di Marebbe & Fanes-Senes-Braies, Italy14:17: Florence, Italy16:15: Verona, Italy18:25: Paris, France20:41: Kenmare & Killarney National Park, Ireland23:41: Connemara, Ireland26:22: Westport, Ireland28:48: West Cork, Ireland30:57: St Andrews & East Neuk Villages, Scotland33:31: Pitlochry & Blair Atholl, Scotland36:39: The Cairngorms, Scotland39:22: Northwest Scotland41:42: Isle of Mull & Isle of Iona, Scotland43:53: Strontian, Scotland45:38: Final thoughts48:34: Wrapping it upImportant links:How to Embrace the Joy of Slow Travel in Europe with Renee HannesWhy Independent Travelers Will Love Small Group TravelHotel Olympia San Vigilio di MarebbeOtterburn B&B StrontianWander Your WayWander Your Way AdventuresWander Your Way ResourcesWander Your Way Travel ShopOofos ★ Support this podcast ★

What if where you stayed actually changed the way you traveled?For several weeks this summer, I tried house sitting in England, piecing together three different dog sits as I traveled through the southern part of the country. Along the way, I spent time in places I might never have visited otherwise, from rural Hampshire and Winchester to Bradford on Avon and Axbridge.In this episode, I’m sharing what house sitting is really like, how I made it work without a car, and some of the new places I discovered along the way.I’ll also talk about the benefits — and responsibilities — of house and pet sitting and why it can be an interesting way to travel longer, spend less on accommodations and experience a destination a little more like a local.If you love dogs (or cats or any other animals), slower travel and discovering places beyond Europe’s usual stops, house sitting might just be another way to Wander Your Way.Want to chat more about pet sitting or any of these destinations?Send me a message at [email protected] this episode:1:40: Intro2:39: How housesitting works10:53: Worthing12:34: Winchester18:12: Droxford24:55: Bradford-on-Avon30:15: Bath33:36: Badgworth & Axbridge37:07: Final thoughts42:33: Wrapping it upImportant links:Trusted HousesittersMind My HouseNomadorTASC ClothingWander Your WayWander Your Way AdventuresWander Your Way Resources ★ Support this podcast ★

Do you learn a few words of the local language before traveling to another country?Even knowing how to say hello, please and thank you can make a difference.But learning a little more can open the door to deeper connections with the people you meet along the way.In this episode, I’m joined by Margherita Berti, founder of Italian Matters, to talk about how learning and using the local language can lead to a more meaningful travel experience.Margherita grew up in Bergamo, Italy, and has spent years studying languages, linguistics and how we actually learn to communicate in another language.She shares practical tips for learning before you travel, from flashcards and podcasts to music, movies and the shadowing technique.We also talk about which words and phrases are most useful, why it helps to prepare for situations you know you'll encounter, and how to get past the fear of making a mistake and actually speak the language once you're there.Because you don't need to be fluent.And you definitely don't need to be perfect.Sometimes simply making the effort to speak a few words in the local language can create a connection — and become one of those moments you remember long after the trip is over.In this episode:1:10: Intro1:53: About Margherita Berti4:02: Italy to Indiana10:24: Various learning tools16:04: Key phrases to learn18:01: Understanding creates connection19:40: Using translating apps22:51: Teaching English speakers27:31: Advice for confident speaking33:44: Margherita's final tips & thoughts36:18: Lynne's final tips & thoughts41:10: Wrapping it upImportant links:Italian MattersWander Your WayWander Your Way AdventuresWander Your Way ResourcesSafety WingTips For Traveling in Another Language ★ Support this podcast ★

I love independent travel. I love being able to go where I want, when I want, and experience a destination in my own way.So I wasn't entirely sure how I would feel about small group travel.Yes, I know. I offer small group trips. 😄But turns out, I love it.In this episode, I'm sharing 9 reasons why independent travelers might just love small group travel too — from handing over the logistics and having knowledgeable local guides to getting into places that can be more difficult to experience on your own.We'll also talk about soft adventure, spending time in nature, experiencing the culture of a destination, leaving room for spontaneity and — perhaps most importantly — sharing those incredible travel moments with a small group of like-minded travelers.And small group travel doesn't mean giving up your independence completely. There's still room for downtime, wandering on your own and simply doing your own thing.Small group travel may not be for everyone. But if you're an independent traveler who has always thought, "Group travel isn't for me," this episode might just change your mind.In this episode:0:50: Intro7:30: First...a story11:34: Don't have to worry about logistics13:47: Experience places you may not get to on your own17:02: Local guides and their knowledge20:50: Time for soft adventure and in being nature27:22: Cultural experiences as well31:00: Allows for spontaneous moments34:41: Sharing moments with others39:31: Small means small41:49: Maintain your independent time44:57: Recap47:05: Final thoughts53:39: Wrapping it upIn this episode:Wander Your Way AdventuresWander Your Way ★ Support this podcast ★

What if traveling more slowly isn’t about how much time you have, but how you choose to use that time?In this episode, I’m joined by Renee Hannes of Dream Plan Experience to talk about slow travel, intentional travel and the joy of returning to places we’ve already visited.We chat about why asking “How do I want this trip to feel?” can completely change the way you plan, how leaving more unplanned time can lead to some of your favorite travel memories, and why you don’t have to see everything on one trip.We also delve into the benefits of revisiting destinations — one of my favorite things to do.Returning to a place you love gives you the chance to peel back another layer, discover something you missed the first (or second) time and experience it through a completely different lens.And Renee and I share a few simple ways to incorporate slow travel into your next trip to Europe — even if you only have a week or two.If you’re ready to travel with a little more intention and a little less rushing, be sure to tune in.Want to chat more about slow travel?Send me a message at [email protected] this episode:2:28: Renee Hannes' bio5:40: Renee's travel story rooted in Germany12:08: Starting a travel business15:55: Tuscany retreat17:40: Mindset for slow travel27:17: Revisiting places39:07: Same place, new discoveries50:00: Revisiting places is for some and not for others55:25: Final thoughts from Renee57:40: Some final thoughts from Lynne1:01:28: Wrapping it upImportant links:Dream Plan ExperienceSlow Travel10 Helpful Things I Wish More Travelers Knew About EuropeWander Your WayWander Your Way AdventuresWander Your Way ResourcesEagle Creek ★ Support this podcast ★

Germany is so much more than Bavaria, beer gardens and castles.In this episode of the Wander Your Way podcast, I’m joined by Germany travel expert Cate Brubaker of My Germany Vacation to dig a little deeper into this fascinating and diverse country.Cate has been traveling to and living in Germany since she spent her senior year of high school there. She went on to earn bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees in German and has spent decades exploring the country. So when it comes to Germany, she has a lot of knowledge to share!We talk about some of Cate's favorite places, including history-filled Berlin, the lively university city of Freiburg and the beautiful Black Forest, and the maritime city of Hamburg in northern Germany.But we venture even farther beyond the usual stops as Cate introduces us to Germany's northern islands, including Sylt, Rügen and the car-free island of Hiddensee, where you'll find beaches, hiking trails and landscapes that might completely change the way you picture Germany.Along the way, Cate shares practical advice about traveling by train versus renting a car, getting around without speaking German and why your travel style should help determine how you move around the country.And, of course, we couldn't talk about Germany without talking about Christmas markets! Cate shares some of her favorites and explains why smaller neighborhood markets can sometimes offer an even more memorable experience than the famous ones.If you've only thought of Germany as Munich, Bavaria and the Alps, this conversation just might inspire you to dig a little deeper.Want to chat more about Germany?Send me a message at [email protected] this episode:1:58: Intro4:08: Getting to know Cate13:46: Cate’s top 3 destinations16:40: Berlin: The Wall25:51: Freiburg: The Black Forest39:54: Hamburg: Harbors, Canals, Lakes48:15: Honorable Mention: The Islands52:12: Logistics & Tips55:45: Christmas Markets1:06:06: Final thoughts1:08:18: Wrapping it upImportant links: My Germany VacationGermany Travel Planning PodcastWander Your WayWander Your Way AdventuresWander Your Way ResourcesREI ★ Support this podcast ★

Planning a trip to Europe?Before you book your flights or start mapping out your itinerary, there are a few things I wish more travelers knew before they go.In this episode, I share 10 helpful insights I've learned through years of traveling throughout Europe and helping clients plan their adventures.We talk about why Europe's famous cities are only part of the story, why distances can be deceiving, and why trains aren't always the best transportation option. I also explain why you don't need to see every famous attraction to have an incredible trip.You'll learn how Europe's national parks differ from those in North America, why walking is a part of everyday life, and why leaving room for spontaneity often leads to the most memorable travel experiences.Whether you're planning your first trip to Europe or your tenth, I hope these tips help you create a journey that's less rushed, more meaningful, and truly your own.Want to chat more about this topic?Email me at [email protected] this episode:1:01: Intro3:39: More than big cities6:35: Natural destinations are amazing8:21: National parks are different10:27: Trains aren’t always best option13:16: Europe doesn't have to be expensive17:27: Distances can be deceiving20:14: Walking is a way of life23:14: Each country is unique24:33: You don't have to see it all27:21: You don't have to have it all planned 29:38: Recap and final thoughts32:34: Wrapping it upImportant links:6 Tips to Help You Travel Cheaper to EuropeTips for Train Travel in EuropeDiscover Soft Adventure: Easy Ways to Explore Europe's OutdoorsSlow Travel3 Quick Tips for Planning Your Trip to Europe: Making the Plan20 Essential Travel Tips You Need To Know Before Visiting EuropeWander Your WayWander Your Way AdventuresWander Your Way ResourcesPatagonia ★ Support this podcast ★

Despite what some people may believe, Europe isn't too crowded.Sure, some places certainly are.But there are still a plethora of destinations where you can escape the crowds and feel like you've discovered something special.One of the questions I get asked all the time is, "How do you find these places?" especially when people see me in a destination they've never even heard of.In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the process I use to uncover those "hidden feeling" places in Europe that are just a little off the main tourist track.These aren't secret destinations.They're simply places that are often overshadowed by their more famous neighbors and don't usually show up at the top of a Google search.I'll share the 6 tips I use when researching my own travels — as well as the custom itineraries I create for my travel clients — from exploring maps in a different way to asking locals the right questions.Whether you love researching every detail yourself or would rather leave the planning to someone else (like me!), these ideas will help you find destinations that feel less busy and more connected to the landscape, history, local people, and culture.If you've ever wondered how to discover places that feel like your own special find, this episode is for you.Want to chat more about this topic?Email me at [email protected] this episode:1:48: Intro + background6:43: Explore the map8:57: Follow travelers who travel like you10:37: Search by interest14:00: Beyond famous places17:57: Stay longer in fewer places22:26: Talk to the locals24:43: Recap 26:42: Final thoughts29:20: Wrapping it up32:55: Listener reviewsImportant links:12 Destinations in Europe That Deserve More LoveSlow TravelTips for Traveling Off the Main Tourist Track6 Tips For Planning an Amazing Trip to EuropeSlow Travel EuropeWander Your WayWander Your Way AdventuresWander Your Way ResourcesTASC Performance ★ Support this podcast ★