Tourpreneur is a community of passionate tour business owners eager to improve their skills and increase their profits. Our community is passionate about helping each other. As small tour business owners, we understand it’s a lonely job, a daily grind, and easy to become a busy fool… working harder but not smarter. The Tourpreneur community helps you get advice from your peers as well as experts in the areas you need to grow your business and make it more profitable. Whether you explore our ...
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Do you love travel? Are you always searching for the absolute best experiences? Join us each week for an insightful chat with some of luxury travel’s most iconic people. We’ll interview travel experts like Robert Bowe who has been part of the guest experience at Ashford Castle for 33 years; Jamie Gaymer, the lead conservation manager at an ultra-luxe safari lodge; or the Owners and General Managers of some of the world’s top hotels like Amangiri, Canaves Oia, and Zannier Hotels. You’ll leave ...
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I didn’t set out to become a paid speaker or a professional podcaster. But those things happened. And it all began the day I started telling one simple personal story. You have a story like that. On The Aaron Schlein Story, I share everything I learn about building your personal network, expanding your influence, and monetizing your expertise. It all starts with that ONE damn story.
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The Maldives | Velaa Private Island: Hospitality Done Differently
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45:21Today we’re headed back to the Indian Ocean to visit a slice of the Maldives. This archipelago, spanning 500 miles north to south, is the stuff dreams are made of. Landing in the Noonu Atoll, we’re diving into all things Velaa Private Island resort with its General Manager, Wayne Milgate. One of the most luxurious retreats in the world, Velaa Priva…
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Building a Next-Generation Multi-Day Tour Brand through Community
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1:06:43Katalina Mayorga is the powerhouse founder of El Camino Travel, a multi-day tour company reimagining the group trip experience for a new generation. But she's also much more than a tour operator. To sell her trips she's leaned heavily into community, creating a membership that serves not only as a customer base, but a space for likeminded 'bold wom…
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GetYourGuide analyzed 3.1 Million Reviews. Here’s What Tour Operators Need to Know.
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51:44We all know good reviews are important, but what deeper insights can reviews give us about our tour businesses, and our industry? To answer that, Anna Cashman, Head of B2B Brand & Insights for GetYourGuide, led an effort to analyze 3.1 million reviews with comments. Her team parsed the data to understand trends and takeaways for tour operators. She…
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LTI Special Announcement | From Listener to Guest: Claim Your Spot on Our Birthday Special!
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4:04Today’s episode is a little different — and very special. Not only are we celebrating five incredible years of Luxury Travel Insider… but I am, for the first time ever, inviting YOU to come on the show. To celebrate this five-year milestone, I’m inviting three of our listeners to join me as guests for a special anniversary episode. If you love the …
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A Look at the New Airbnb Experiences Reboot
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40:26Well, the new Airbnb 2025 Summer Release is upon us. The just hosted a big, splashy launch event for its reboot of Experiences, and also introduced Airbnb Services, featuring dozens of categories of new bookable offerings, from nail care to personal chefs. What does this mean for the future of Airbnb, for the tours & activities sector, and for Expe…
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Today we’re headed south to the tiny but intriguing country of Belize. Nestled into Central America surrounded by Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras - Belize will capture your imagination. Experience dense rainforest, the second largest barrier reef in the world, phenomenal wildlife, and ancient Mayan culture and history. Joining me today is Martin Kr…
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The Transformational Power of Walking (w/ Joao of Walking Mentorship)
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1:20:25Mitch Bach sat down with João Perre Viana, the founder of Walking Mentorship, to talk one thing we tour operators are all familiar with: walking. But not many of us design week-long trips where all you do is walk. Sometimes alone. Sometimes in a group. That's it. Beyond some shared meals and moments, there isn't much of a plan. Each group takes on …
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Today we’re in for some adventure. We’ll start off white water kayaking, sprinkle in a little bungee, and end by summiting a mountain. Along the way we’ll hear stories about a truly unique landscape, rich cultural history, and incredible food to boot. Joining me today to chat all things New Zealand is our adventure partner in the country, Phil Boor…
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Connectivity Series: Multi-Day Tour Connectivity - Past, Present & Future
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49:19Kelly Tompkins is the Founder & CPO of ReserveX, building software infrastructure that connects the components of our whole industry: Multi-Day tours, Day tours, Travel Advisors, OTAs, Meta-Search, and more. He's also been in the industry for a long, long time. Together with Tourpreneur host Peter Syme, Kelly talks about where the industry has been…
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Today, we're headed deep off the beaten path to a forgotten island in Indonesia called Sumba. While it’s twice as large as Bali and has only 700,000 inhabitants - Sumba has barely any tourism to the island. If it’s starting to sound TOO remote, don’t worry because we uncovered a luxury gem, or as our guest, James McBride, would call it - geographic…
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Today, we're venturing off the beaten path to explore the lesser-known gems of Greece. Picture yourself wandering through the picturesque streets of Tinos, soaking in the stunning views of Folegandros, and discovering the ancient beauty of Meteora. From the charming towns of Syros to the vibrant culture of Thessaloniki, we'll uncover hidden treasur…
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Today we’re visiting my personal favorite destination in the Caribbean. The beaches beckon with white powdery sand, crystalline turquoise waters, and the easiest drinking rum punch in the islands. Add in some amazing resorts, and this is the stuff of your vacation dreams. Joining me to talk all things Turks & Caicos is the COO of Grace Bay Resorts,…
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Connectivity Series: Demystifying APIs, and Why Tour Operators Should Care
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45:28TP team members Mitch Bach and Peter Syme talk to Chris Mark, Head of Connectivity for GetYourGuide. As we continue our Connectivity Series, we're looking at the people building the plumbing that make our industry work. When you list your tour on GetYourGuide, you might not understand the way in which it gets shared on other platforms, and how it i…
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Big Sky, Montana | One & Only Moonlight Basin
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46:14Today we’re enjoying wide open skies, magical rivers, and the jagged peaks of the Madison mountain range. Sprinkle in a little cowboy culture, love for the land, and a much needed break from the hustle and bustle.. And we’ll find ourselves in Big Sky, Montana. Today I’m joined by my friend Serge Ditesheim, the General Manager of the highly anticipa…
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Today, we’re heading to one of the world’s most magical cities—Venice. Imagine wandering through winding canals, admiring centuries-old architecture, and indulging in traditional ciccheti and a select spritz. Whether you're here for the art, the food, or the timeless beauty, Venice has something special waiting for you. I’m joined by two incredible…
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Today we’re heading to the capital of Spain, a city in Europe that is certainly having a moment. To sum it up, a quote from Lope de Vega says, “When you are in Madrid, you are among friends.” So, joining me today to explore this charming capital city, is my friend, Friedrich von Schönburg, the General Manager of the beautiful Rosewood Villa Magna. …
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TP Exclusive: Chris Torres sells Tourism Marketing Agency (TMA) to the Trikon Group
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30:58In this episode, Mitch Bach and Pete Syme interview fellow Tourpreneur partner Chris Torres, a seasoned marketing expert, who shares insights from his extensive career in the industry. Chris announces the sale of his business, discusses the evolving landscape of marketing, and emphasises the importance of storytelling and innovation in attracting c…
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Today we are headed to a magical slice of Oman called the Musandam Peninsula. This part of the country is completely isolated from the rest of the mainland and so has maintained its wild natural beauty and authentic culture. Joining me today is Diletta Guarino, the General Manager of Six Senses Zighy Bay, recently named one of the 50 Best Hotels in…
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Hong Kong | Rosewood GM, Hugo Montanari: Urban Gardens, People Watching, and a Sense of Place
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35:55Today we’re heading to the bustling, yet beautiful metropolis of Hong Kong. Instead of telling you about it in my own words today, I have a couple quotes that I think really sum it up: Journalist Peter Lindberg “Life in Hong Kong transcends cultural and culinary borders, such that nothing is truly foreign and nothing doesn’t belong.” And then a lit…
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Connectivity Series: Understanding How Travel Advisors work with Tour Operators
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39:57As we continue our connectivity series, we look at the landscape of B2B sales for tour operators as it evolves thanks to new technology, connectivity, and companies changing how travel is sold. Evan Frank has been the CEO of a tour company (Context Travel), founder of a short-term rental pioneer (onefinestay), and is no co-founder of Fora Travel, l…
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Today… we’re going skiing! And we’re doing it in style in France, Switzerland, Italy, and other European destinations. I wanted to pull together this episode not only because skiing in Europe is an amazing cultural experience, but also because it’s looking pretty darn good from a value perspective right now. The Euro and Dollar are currently on par…
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Connectivity Series: Leveraging Short Term Rental Partnerships to Sell Tours
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56:20This week we begin a mini-series on connectivity: interviews with people helping tour operators grow their B2B partnerships through tech tools that connect with other industry sectors. We start the series off looking at short term rentals. This is often a desired B2B relationship for tour operators, but one that's hard to decipher and connect with.…
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Today, we're escaping to the breathtaking Garden Isle of Kauai. With its emerald valleys, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches, Kauai offers a serene escape like no other. We're checking into the stunning 1Hotel Hanalei Bay, where eco-conscious design meets upscale comfort. Joining us is Nicholas Gold, the VP of Operations on property. We'll …
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Faroe islands | Expert Panel: Peace & Quiet (and Puffins!)
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47:43Today we’re headed well off the beaten path, to the area nestled between the North Atlantic and the Norwegian Sea. The secluded Faroe Islands boast rugged cliffs, emerald green landscapes, puffins galore, and a vibrant local culture for such a small population. You might come here for the hiking or the bird life, but what you’ll leave with is a sen…
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The Dominican Republic | Eden Roc Cap Cana
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34:41I’m excited for you to join me today to head to the gorgeous island of the Dominican Republic. There’s something about the turquoise water fringed with the most amazing palm trees you’ve ever seen - that gives you a sense of calm and relaxation here. Add in the incredible history, gorgeous resorts, world class golf courses - and you’re truly on vac…
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Today, we’re headed to the vibrant and historic city of Cartagena, Colombia. Imagine strolling through cobblestone streets lined with pastel buildings, enjoying the rhythm of cumbia music in the distance, or setting sail on turquoise waters to visit nearby islands. Joining me today are three incredible guests who know this city inside and out: my p…
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Dan Christian's 5 Lessons From Large Multi-Day Tour Operators on Marketing & Scaling
1:24:34
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1:24:34Dan Christian has spent decades in the industry working at some of the world's largest travel brands: The Travel Corporation, G Adventures, Lonely Planet. Today he's the host of the Travel Trends podcast and CEO of the Acceleration Team, helping travel companies achieve rapid growth. Dan knows marketing and business transformation like nobody else,…
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Travel Trends 2025 | CEO, Jonathan Epstein
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1:01:30Today, we’re diving into the trends that are shaping the way travelers are exploring the world. I’m joined by my good friend Jonathan Epstein, the CEO of Celebrated Experiences, one of our partners for curating authentic and luxurious travel experiences in Europe. Jonathan and I discuss everything from the growing demand for slow, intentional trave…
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GetYourGuide’s Evolving Approach to Curating an Experience Marketplace (w/ Tao Tao, COO)
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1:02:19GetYourGuide has recently surpassed 200 million tickets sold. Co-Founder & COO Tao Tao sits down with Tourpreneur's Mitch Bach, Peter Syme and Chris Torres to talk about the challenges and surprises of 16 years of scaling an online experiences marketplace. As always, we focus on takeaways for tour operators as Tao Tao shares data and insights. We e…
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Today we’re setting off on a journey through the misty glens and rugged coastlines of Scotland—a land where history and legend intertwine. Joining me today are Christopher Sleigh and Euan House, two incredible storytellers and partners of ours in the region. Together, we unravel the history of the clan structure, explore the difference between a ta…
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Expedition Cruising | Ponant Explorations
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39:56My guest today is my friend Sam Chamberlain, CEO of the Americas for Ponant Explorations - one of the most interesting expedition cruising companies out there. Whether you dream of experiencing the world’s most technical luxury icebreaker, enjoying the company of penguins, having fabulous French food on board, or exploring typical destinations in n…
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Azores & Madeira | Expert Panel: A Unique Expression of Portuguese Culture
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41:03Today we’re venturing into the Atlantic, making stops on the islands of The Azores and Madeira. Imagine stunning verdant volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastal cliffs, and temperate weather all year round. Don’t forget incredible food and a unique expression of Portuguese culture. My guests today are Filipe Fraga from Madeira and Beatriz Sousa from …
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Welcome to the 2024 besties episode of Luxury Travel Insider. I’ve invited two of my best friends, Kristen Sandvig and Hao Tang, to join me to dish on all things travel. All three of us are professional travelers, spending up to a third of our years out of the country. It’s our job to be discerning… and maybe a little snobby! So, in this unfiltered…
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Holiday Special | Expert Panel: Festivals, Christmas Markets, and Pillow Fights
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38:13
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38:13Though we may celebrate some of the same holidays across regions and countries, we all do them so differently. Understanding those differences can help us to understand each other, it adds beauty to the season, and might even give you a new destination for your wishlist. Chatting holiday traditions with me today are Cristina Consuegra, our partner …
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A Christmas Eve gift for you! We're just days away from 2025, so it's clearly time to start thinking about how you're going to grow and improve your business next year! Tourpreneur hosts Mitch Bach and Peter Syme have a conversation about what Pete calls the 70-20-10 rule for how to spend your time doing business development in the off season. (You…
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Holiday Special | Holiday Traditions from Australia, Argentina, and Sweden
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45:45Though we may celebrate some of the same holidays across regions and countries, we all do them so differently. Understanding those differences can help us to understand each other, it adds beauty to the season, and might even give you a new destination for your wishlist. This year I’m chatting about holiday traditions with Samuel Dabinett, the GM o…
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6 Easy Fixes to Improve Your Tour Business Immediately
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45:05TP hosts Mitch Bach, Peter Syme and Chris Torres have just returned from their California Road Show, in partnership with GetYourGuide. We spent a week hosting business development workshops in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles, meeting dozens of operators in all sorts of verticals. Thanks to everyone who showed up, and to Ge…
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French Polynesia | Raphael Bernard: Getting to the Heart of Tahiti
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40:11Today we’re headed to experience a tapestry of turquoise lagoons, emerald-green islands, and coral-fringed shores. Whether you’re diving with sharks, climbing the ridge of a volcanic peak, or relaxing in your overwater bungalow - French Polynesia, or Tahiti for short - is sure to be nothing short of spectacular. We have a fun show for you today, wi…
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Scaling a DMC that's Challenging Conventions & Changing Communities (w/ Rodrigo Atuesta of Impulse Travel)
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1:11:30This episode is going to inspire and surprise you. Rodrigo Atuesta is the CEO of Impulse Travel. From humble beginnings as a guide and Couch Surfer, Rodrigo and his partners have built a DMC in Colombia that has now served over 30,000 travelers. But the way he's built it has been extraordinary, challenging assumptions about how DMCs should work, an…
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Peru | Silvia Rico: PachaMama, Indelible Experiences, and a Layer Cake of Cultures
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38:02Today we’re discussing the country of Peru, and all the riches it has to offer. While many people think of Peru synonymously with Machu Picchu, the country is twice the size of Texas and has so much more to offer. After exploring the incredible culture of the Incas and modern day Peruvians living in the Andes, you can also visit the Amazon, enjoy s…
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Fiji | COMO Laucala Island: An Untouched Paradise
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46:00Today, we’re escaping to one of the most exclusive private islands in the world— COMO Laucala. The island is tucked away in the shimmering South Pacific in the north of Fiji. This stunning destination is more than just a tropical paradise; it’s a celebration of untouched beauty, sustainable luxury, and authentic Fijian culture. Joining me is Gary H…
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Norwegian Fjordland | Åmot: Fjords, Food, and Folklore
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41:45Today we are taking a very special trip into the heart of Norwegian Fjordland. And when I say the heart, I don’t just mean the heart of the land. Because today we’re chatting with two locals who are so enthusiastic about welcoming you to their homeland, that you can’t help but feel the love. My friend Steinar Soerli is the fifth-generation owner of…
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Rethinking Travel Necessity and Sustainability with Xavier Font
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46:43In this episode of Tourpreneur, we dive into the intricacies of sustainable travel with Xavier Font, a seasoned expert in travel and sustainability. With over two decades of experience and a professorship at the University of Surrey, Xavier brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. We explore the necessity of rethinking travel for environment…
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Greece | One&Only Aesthesis and One&Only Kea Island: A Preview
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38:07Today we’re headed to Greece - land of crystalline seas, fabulously fresh food, and the cradle of democracy. My guests today are Yann Gillet and Jerome Colson, General Managers of the highly anticipated One&Only Aesthesis and One&Only Kea Island. I love this episode because we explore some lesser visited areas of Greece - the glamorous Athenian Riv…
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Strategies to Attract Corporate Clients for Tour Operators
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8:35Today, we're tackling a crucial topic for those looking to expand their business into new territories: B2B marketing strategies for tour operators. If you're aiming to attract corporate clients or promote team-building experiences, this episode is a must-listen. Chris Torres provides some quick tips on how to build a strong brand, utilise SEO, leve…
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Today, we're being whisked away to the Big Island of Hawaii, the largest of the Hawaiian islands. This incredible destination offers so much more than just stunning beaches. It's a place where you can experience everything from lush rainforests to snow-capped volcanoes and explore a vibrant culture that's deeply connected to the land. We're checkin…
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Halloween Special | Ghost Stories From Prague
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49:02In honor of Halloween, today’s show is all about legends, ghost stories… and the beautiful city of Prague. My guest today is Katerina Sedlakova, one of the top guides in the city. She shares how storytelling in Prague has been a way to pass down lessons and legends for generations. We cover ghosts and ghouls as well as the history of the city and w…
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I’m excited for you to join me today to head back to my favorite city, the eternally beautiful Rome. There’s something about this place that draws you in, makes you feel alive, and gives you a deeper perspective on the passing of time. We’re checking into one of the top new hotels in the world, The Bulgari Rome. The hotel is situated right next to …
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Austria | Expert Panel: Culture, Coffee, Cuisine, and Countryside
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59:10Today we’re headed to a small country, nestled in the heart of Europe. Austria surprises and then charms its visitors with stunning Alpine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and elegant imperial architecture. Whether you’re searching for the perfect apple strudel, want to hike in hills filled with the “Sound of Music,” or experience the famous cof…
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Today I’m inviting you out on a luxury yacht to swim in crystal clear coves, smell the scent of lavender, and enjoy a cocktail under the pink skies of sunset. We’re setting out to explore the Dalmatian Islands off the coast of Croatia and enjoy all the culture, food, wine, and beauty they have to offer. Our guests today are my friends in the region…
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