Эпизоды
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Today’s guest is someone whose life feels like a gentle invitation to pause, listen, and truly see. Meet Miyuki Seguchi, a bilingual travel expert, guide, and host of the Japan Experts podcast.
Born among the rice paddies and mountain breezes of central Japan, Miyuki’s path has led her across continents and cultures, all while staying deeply rooted in her homeland’s rhythms and rituals. From working in top global newsrooms like The Wall Street Journal, NHK World, and GE, to interviewing travel industry giants, Miyuki’s journalism background brings a human-centered approach to every story and itinerary.
Today, she channels those storytelling gifts into creating custom travel experiences across Japan, helping travelers slow down, connect deeply, and walk away with lifelong memories. Miyuki shares her journey from rural Japan to global storytelling.
If you're dreaming of cherry blossoms, steaming noodles, and lantern-lit streets, or just craving a slower, more intentional approach to travel, be sure to sign up for a free Japan travel guide and follow Miyuki on Instagram.
A must listen!
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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In this vibrant and heart-centered episode, we sit down with Vanessa K. Harper, founder of Travel Cuba With Us and Support the Cuban People, to explore the powerful intersection of ethical tourism, yoga, and humanitarian support in Cuba today.
Vanessa leads with purpose, offering deeply immersive cultural experiences that directly benefit Cuban communities. Through her travel company, she curates legal, people-to-people exchanges that respect Cuban sovereignty while fostering genuine human connection.
With her nonprofit, Support the Cuban People, Vanessa and husband, Alejandro Berroa Alvarez, help provide food, medicine, and micro-grants to local artists and small entrepreneurs. It's a bold model to travel not as escape, but as impact.
You'll also hear about her Cuba Yoga Retreats, transformative journeys blending spiritual practice, movement, and cultural immersion. These retreats offer participants not only inner peace but the chance to see, feel, and uplift a nation full of resilience, music, and joy.
If you’ve ever been curious about Cuba or want to travel in a way that truly matters, this episode will inspire you to see tourism in a whole new light.
A must listen!
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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Пропущенные эпизоды?
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What if planning your next adventure felt more like a conversation with a trusted friend than a checklist? In this episode of Speaking of Travel, I’m joined by Anna Jaffe and Harriet Brown of Mobi.AI, a powerful new platform reimagining travel planning through the lens of empathy, technology, and storytelling.
This is more than a travel episode. It’s a love letter to curiosity, to wandering with purpose, and to a future where your travel tools know you crave hidden bookstores just as much as beach sunsets.
Together we explore how AI is helping travelers find what really speaks to them beyond the filters and search engines and how this deeply personal approach is changing the way we explore the world.
Anna and Harriet share why travel planning is so complex and so human and how AI tools are learning what you love and helping you discover more of it.
This is a conversation about possibility, connection, and the beautiful future of travel where technology listens, learns, and helps us find joy in the journey.
So if you’ve ever dreamed of travel planning that actually gets you, tune in. You’ll hear about the tech, the heart, and the hope behind a smarter way to see the world. 🎧
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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In this soul-stirring episode of Speaking of Travel, we welcome the radiant and deeply authentic Pilar Guzmán, Editorial Director of Oprah Daily, whose voice has long guided readers toward lives of intention, connection, and beauty.
With grace, warmth, and unflinching honesty, Pilar opens up about her creative vision for Oprah Daily, a space that has become a sanctuary for mindful living, soulful exploration, and profound storytelling.
Pilar shares the inspiration behind the Oprah Daily Travel Issue, a breathtaking invitation for women to rediscover themselves through the liberating lens of travel.
This isn’t just about getting away; it’s about coming home to yourself. Through powerful stories, Pilar reveals how travel can be a sacred act of self-care, a way to realign with your inner compass, and a catalyst for deep emotional renewal.
Together we explore what it means to live well... not in excess, but with presence, wonder, and soul. Pilar reminds us that living well is not about perfection or performance. It’s about pausing long enough to ask what truly nourishes us, finding the courage to follow that answer, and allowing travel to be both a mirror and a doorway.
With poetic insight and a storyteller’s heart, Pilar encourages us to embrace curiosity, awe, and the expansive joy that comes from exploring not only the world but the vast landscapes within ourselves.
This is an episode that will stay with you, awaken your spirit of adventure, and invite you to redefine what it means to live fully and love deeply.
“Travel can be the greatest act of self-care.” ~ Pilar Guzmán
Let this conversation be your permission to wander, to wonder, and to welcome yourself back home.
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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In this unforgettable episode of Speaking of Travel, meet Alexandra Kinias, a fearless trailblazer rewriting the rules on what it means to live boldly, age defiantly, and lead with purpose.
From forging her path as a mechanical engineer in a male-dominated world to becoming a celebrated screenwriter and outspoken women’s rights advocate, Alex’s life is a breathtaking testament to courage, reinvention, and relentless hope. She’s not just breaking barriers though. She’s building bridges for women across cultures and generations.
With unflinching honesty and radiant wisdom, Alex shares her extraordinary journey from the quiet strength it took to walk away from convention, to the power of finding her voice through storytelling and activism, to standing atop Mount Kilimanjaro at 60 as a symbol of resilience and possibility.
This episode is a call to action. A love letter to reinvention. A celebration of every woman who dares to rise and bring others with her.
Whether you're chasing your next adventure or still searching for your spark, Alex’s story will stir your soul and remind you that it’s never too late to begin again.
🎧 Tune in now. Only on Speaking of Travel.
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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Today’s episode is a breathtaking story of courage, healing, and the radical choice to seek joy after unimaginable loss.
I’m so honored to share the journey of Abigail Carter, a writer, artist, and one of the most soulfully brave humans I’ve ever met. After losing her husband in the 9/11 attacks, Abby spent years learning how to live with grief. But when the buzz and blur of life became too much, a quiet whisper inside nudged her toward something new.
So she listened. Fast forward...
She packed up her life and moved to a charming little château in the sun-drenched countryside of southwest France. Yes, France! Picture golden fields of sunflowers, deep breaths, and slow mornings with coffee and birdsong. It’s here that Abby began again.
But this is not just a story about moving to France. It’s about moving forward. About what happens when we follow the gentle pull toward something more, like more peace, more purpose, more joy.
Now Abby has turned her home into a retreat space for women over 50, creating a haven where others can come to rediscover their creativity, reconnect with themselves, and begin their own next chapters.
This conversation is full of heart and wonder. We talk about slowing down, building meaningful community, and what it really means to start over on your own terms. If you’ve ever felt the urge to change your life, to seek beauty after heartbreak, or to step into something wildly new, Abby’s story will light a spark in you.
Come listen. It’s a reminder that no matter where you are, it’s never too late to begin again.
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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Welcome back to a brand-new episode of Speaking of Travel! We’re making a BIG deal out of this one for good reason.
Drumroll, please... The first season of Traveling the Spectrum, the powerful series we highlighted right here on Speaking of Travel, is streaming on Peacock and has just been nominated for an Emmy Award! That’s right! This groundbreaking series is receiving the recognition it deserves for changing lives and redefining travel.
This episode is a celebration and a deep dive into why Traveling the Spectrum is so special, so necessary, and so long overdue. For too long, families with loved ones on the autism spectrum felt that travel was out of reach. But now? The world is opening up and this series is leading the way.
We’re joined by Tommy Caamano and Peter Prokop, visionary producers and co-directors at The Workshop, the creative force behind Traveling the Spectrum. These passionate storytellers are breaking barriers and giving families the tools, hope, and inspiration to confidently explore the world together.
From the inclusive and sensory-friendly beaches of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to touching moments with real families discovering freedom and joy through travel, this episode is filled with heart, authenticity, and empowerment.
Traveling the Spectrum is not just a show. It’s a movement. It proves what we’ve always believed here on Speaking of Travel: Travel is for everyone. 🧡
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or dreaming of your first family getaway, this episode will move you, inform you, and maybe even change the way you see the world.
Listen now and be part of something bigger. Only on Speaking of Travel.
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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In this deeply nourishing episode, we welcome Angela Lightsey, the vibrant soul behind Tybee Wellness Retreats, where transformation and tranquility beautifully intertwine.
Angela has created more than just a getaway. She’s built a sanctuary where women come to heal, grow, and reconnect with their truest selves amid the natural beauty of Tybee Island and beyond.
Together, we dive into what really happens during a wellness retreat and Angela shares how these sacred spaces foster genuine sisterhood, spark inner clarity, and offer a safe, empowering path for solo female travelers and Angela reminds us how each dimension matters and how retreats help rebalance what daily life often pulls out of alignment.
Angela’s work is a joyful invitation to slow down, tune in, and remember who you are. This episode will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to ask: What do I need right now?
Tune in! Only on Speaking of Travel!
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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There’s something in the water in Brevard, NC and we’re not just talking about the waterfalls (though there are plenty of those!). Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this sweet town sparkles with big charm, quirky wildlife (hello, white squirrels!), and the kind of hospitality that stays with you long after you leave.
On this uplifting episode of Speaking of Travel, local legend Clark Lovelace, Executive Director of the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority, shares why Brevard isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience.
From epic bike trails and cozy cafés to how the town is balancing growth and sustainability, Clark dives into what makes Brevard one of the most heartwarming, awe-inspiring places in Western North Carolina.
You're in for a real treat! Start making your plans today.
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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On this episode of Speaking of Travel, award-winning filmmaker Brady Skye joins us to share the powerful story behind his new documentary, Beyond The Ruins, a film that doesn’t just challenge the way we travel, but invites us to reconsider whose stories we center and how we show up in the world.
This is not a film about the past. It’s about the present. About connection. About listening.
Through immersive storytelling, Brady brings us into the homes of contemporary Maya families, where cultural humility, reciprocity, and shared humanity take the spotlight. In his search for deeper meaning, Brady explores the wisdom of Yucatecan Maya traditions, not as an outsider, but as someone striving to live alongside, to learn, and to belong.
He speaks movingly about finding your tribe, not just in people who look or live like you, but in those who open your heart and help you remember that we are all one. Beyond The Ruins is more than a documentary. It’s a call to travel with intention, to engage with respect, and to discover that the greatest journeys begin when we truly see and hear one another.
Ready to rethink your place in the world? Let’s dive in.
Only on Speaking of Travel!
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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Get ready to meet Karlie Loland-Ringer, a powerhouse casting director whose life is anything but ordinary. With a spirit for adventure and a career that spans coast-to-coast, Karlie lives where work and wanderlust collide. One moment she is behind the scenes making casting magic happen and the next, she’s soaking up quiet sunsets on a faraway beach.
In this conversation, Karlie dives into how the casting industry has transformed in a post-pandemic world and what those changes mean for talent, creators, and storytellers everywhere.
But for Karlie, travel isn’t just a getaway. It is fuel for creativity, a way to stay inspired, and a way of life. She opens up about how she finds balance in the chaos, stays grounded through movement and curiosity, and builds deep connections along the way.
Whether you’re a creative, a traveler, or simply someone itching for more adventure in your everyday grind, Karlie’s journey is living proof: you can build a thriving career, chase your passions, and still catch a killer sunset at the end of the day.
Tune in! And visit Karlie's website at KLR Creative Group!
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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In this impactful episode of Speaking of Travel, we shine a light on the incredible resilience of Asheville, North Carolina, a city that turned heartbreak into hope and recovery into a rallying cry.
From the moment disaster struck, this tight-knit mountain town showed the world what community truly means. Neighbors helped neighbors. Local businesses found creative ways to reopen their doors. Artists, chefs, and entrepreneurs proved that Asheville’s spirit could never be washed away.
Joining the show is the amazing Mickey Poandl, the masterful storyteller and PR mastermind at Explore Asheville. Mickey shares honest insights, recovery numbers, and the soul-stirring moments that define Asheville’s comeback.
Together, we reflect on what it means to build back—not just buildings and streets, but trust, joy, and connection.
This episode is more than a story of recovery. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the role travel plays in healing and transformation.
Whether you're a longtime local, a curious visitor, or someone who simply believes in the power of place, this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and filled with gratitude.
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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What if your next adventure wasn’t just about the destination, but the feeling it leaves behind? In this heartwarming episode of Speaking of Travel, we’re heading to a place where waterfalls whisper, trails lead to awe, and kindness is part of the culture... Brevard, North Carolina.
Nestled in Transylvania County in the heart of the Land of Waterfalls, Brevard is more than just a scenic stop. It’s a soulful escape. With its lush forests, world-class biking and hiking, creative community spirit, and yes, even white squirrels, Brevard invites you to slow down and soak in the wonder.
Joining us is Brevard’s hometown hospitality hero, Clark Lovelace, Executive Director of the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority. Clark shares how his family’s legacy in welcoming guests shaped his deep love for this town, what’s new and exciting in the region, and how Brevard is setting the standard for sustainable tourism and meaningful connections.
Whether you’re dreaming of your next mountain getaway, searching for small-town charm with big adventure, or simply need a reminder of the magic that lives in community and nature, this episode is your call to go. Brevard is waiting, and it might just steal your heart.
Tune in, feel inspired, and plan your next trip to the mountains. The waterfalls are calling and all you need to do is answer. 🎧
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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Imagine a place where two oceans meet, rainforests hum with life, and vibrant city streets blend seamlessly with untouched natural beauty. That place? Panama! Whether you're craving adventure, eyeing a tropical escape, or dreaming of a fresh start, Panama has it all with its stunning beaches, a booming economy, modern conveniences, and a welcoming, diverse culture.
On this episode of Speaking of Travel, Melissa Darnay, CEO of Choose Panama, shares how she turned her Panama dreams into reality—and how you can too!
From expat life and smart investments to hidden gems and must-know travel tips, Melissa reveals why Panama is the perfect place to visit, live, and explore.
Melissa is sharing what makes Panama so special with its stunning natural beauty and thriving economy to its welcoming culture and endless opportunities for adventure.
Whether you’re dreaming of pristine beaches, lush mountains, or a vibrant city life, Melissa will show you why Panama might just be the perfect place to write your next chapter.
Get ready to be inspired because this episode will have you packing your bags in no time! Only on Speaking of Travel.
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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For Todd Lester, travel isn’t just about checking destinations off a list. It’s really about embracing the unknown, connecting with people, and finding magic in unexpected moments.
His latest adventure took him to Spain, where he joined Pueblo Inglés, a one-of-a-kind program that brings together native English speakers and Spanish students for a week of immersive conversation, culture, and connection. No textbooks and no formal lessons. Just real conversations, shared experiences, and the kind of learning that happens when walls come down and laughter takes over.
From the lively streets of Madrid to the breathtaking Spanish countryside, Todd found himself swapping stories over tapas, witnessing the fire and passion of this amazing country, and forming friendships that stretched beyond language barriers.
What started as a volunteer experience quickly became something much bigger—a reminder of why travel is so transformative. It’s not just about seeing new places; it’s about discovering new sides of yourself, finding joy in spontaneity, and saying yes to the adventure unfolding in front of you.
So, what lessons did Todd bring home from Spain? And where will his insatiable curiosity take him next? Let’s find out! 🌍
Tune in for a lively conversation and some fabulous storytelling! Only on Speaking of Travel.
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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Guess who’s back? Richard "Ricky" Crawford, the inspiring host of Amazon Prime’s Leave No Trace TV! If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling with purpose, making a positive impact, and immersing yourself in cultures while preserving them, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Ricky is a powerhouse advocate for sustainable travel, conservation, and the power of community. He’s all about showing us how to see the world while protecting it, from choosing destinations that give back to embracing slow travel and minimizing our footprint along the way.
We’ll dive into the most exciting, game-changing ways to rethink how we explore and Ricky will share insider tips on how small actions can lead to big change, making every journey meaningful.
So whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a globe-trotting adventurer, get ready to be inspired. This episode is packed with wisdom, wanderlust, and ways to travel smarter.
Are you ready to see the world differently? Let’s go! Visit the Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace TV series for more great shows.
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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On this episode of Speaking of Travel, we’re exploring the world of music, history, and innovation with the one and only Lara Downes, a pianist, storyteller, and cultural force redefining classical music in bold and unexpected ways.
Lara doesn’t just play music. She tells stories through it. She revives the voices of overlooked composers, blending classical traditions with jazz, folk, and contemporary influences to create something fresh, vibrant, and deeply personal.
Her work is a bridge between the past and the future, proving that music is more than just sound. Lara's music is, in fact, a living, breathing force that connects us all.
But her impact doesn’t stop at the piano. Lara is a champion for inclusivity, using her platform to elevate underrepresented voices and spark conversations that go far beyond the concert hall.
Through her work as a performer, activist, curator, and NPR host, she’s opening doors, challenging conventions, and inspiring audiences around the world.
Today, we’ll dive into her journey and how she’s reshaping the classical music landscape, the stories she’s passionate about telling, and why she believes music has the power to heal, unite, and transform.
So get ready for an inspiring conversation that will change the way you think about music, history, and the power of art. Tune in, turn up the volume, and let’s explore the magic of music together!
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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Some dream of adventure. Others strap their lives to a bicycle and chase it across continents. Meet Jacob Lemanski, the unstoppable explorer behind How To Move The Stars, a video podcast chronicling his extraordinary 38,000-mile solo ride across six continents.
His journey was more than just a test of endurance. It was a deep dive into the unknown, where every pedal stroke became a lesson in resilience, every obstacle a chance to redefine limits.
From battling brutal headwinds to enduring relentless heat, Jacob discovered that adventure isn’t just about conquering miles. It's about surrendering to the experience. He learned that the road is unpredictable, and the only way forward is to embrace both the struggle and the beauty in equal measure.
For Jacob, the journey didn’t end when the wheels stopped spinning. Upon returning home, his creativity took on a whole new form. He began crafting psychedelic ant farms, a reflection of the interconnected, ever-moving world he had experienced on his ride.
The patience, observation, and adaptability he developed on the road translated into his artistic vision, proving that exploration doesn’t stop when the adventure is over. It simply evolves.
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
What keeps a person moving when the road never seems to end? How do you embrace discomfort, push through exhaustion, and find joy in the hardest moments? And what happens when the journey changes you forever?
Join us on Speaking of Travel as we dive into Jacob’s story. This is a story of grit, wonder, and the magic of saying yes to the unknown.
Tune in!
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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Where would we be without music? Without the arts? Imagine a world without the rush of a live performance, the thrill of harmony, or the power of a single note to move you. Music fuels our imagination, sparks emotions, and connects us across generations and cultures. Chamber music, in particular, is storytelling at its most intimate—a soul-stirring conversation between instruments that transcends words.
And thanks to the Cleveland Chamber Music Society, we don’t have to travel to the great concert halls of Europe to experience it. Joining Speaking of Travel is Steve Somach, Program Committee Chair of the Cleveland Chamber Music Society, and Gabe Pollack, the Director of Performing Arts at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
As the Cleveland Chamber Music Society celebrates its milestone 75th anniversary, the organization is expanding its reach, collaborating with the Cleveland Museum of Art to make chamber music more accessible than ever.
This partnership brings performances into one of the city’s most treasured cultural spaces, ensuring that audiences can experience the magic of live chamber music. Don’t miss this unforgettable, and exceptional, season!
Tune in for a fabulous conversation. Only on Speaking of Travel!
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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For many families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, travel has long felt out of reach. But that’s changing. Traveling the Spectrum is a groundbreaking new series proving that inclusive, autism-friendly travel isn’t just possible—it’s transformative.
Destinations like Myrtle Beach, SC, are leading the way with sensory-friendly programs, specially trained businesses, and inclusive experiences, ensuring that every family has the opportunity to explore, connect, and create unforgettable memories together.
Because travel isn’t just about seeing new places. It’s about breaking barriers, fostering joy, and proving that the world is meant for everyone.
Today we’re joined by Stuart Butler, Creator of Traveling the Spectrum and Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Myrtle Beach, and Peter Prokop, Co-Director and Producer at The Workshop.
They’ll share how this series is changing lives, giving families the confidence to embrace adventure, and inspiring destinations to become more inclusive.
A must listen! Only on Speaking of Travel!
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
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