Speaking Of Travel ®

Juan Carlos Zuniga is a biologist and the program manager of the Costa Rico site for Ecology Project International (EPI). He shares how their hands-on, science-focused programs around the world are life-changing.Founded as a nonprofit organization in 2001, Ecology Project International creates positive long-term environmental impacts through its science education programs, conservation initiatives, and engagement with local communities and partners. EPI's travel programs are designed to nurture the sense of discovery at the heart of all learning. Juan Carlos shares how students and teachers are free to explore, inquire, and investigate all their curiosities. By working with wildlife and helping out researchers, the program  ignites a passion for science and conservation that lasts a lifetime.Also on Speaking of Travel, Justin Bellame, an innovator, successful entrepreneur and travel industry expert, explains how his companies and partners are supporting each other with resiliency and resolve. And Tina Ki

Chiara and Federico, based in Rome, Italy, created Ideas 4 Travellers to offer authentic Italian walking tour experiences that uncover a different Rome. Explore the Eternal City with people with so much to share.  Chiara and Federico help you see, hear, taste and smell life as a true Roman does, sharing stories and experiences the way an old friend might – with passion, care and love for their special city. If you are traveling to Rome, Chiara and Federico add some unique spices to the classic menu of tours in the Eternal City and you will learn something different from what a typical tourist tour provides. Discover how fellow travelers become like the locals by going off the beaten path, eating great food in open air excursions and sharing informal, heartfelt conversations with these two local hosts. Ciao! Also on Speaking of Travel, discover how Kate Bannasch, co-owner and general manager of the Copper Crown restaurant in Asheville, navigates the changing landscape of best practices with the safety of their

The Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace Series with Richard Crawford of the Amazon Prime TV Show, Leave No Trace, continues to highlight the importance of conservation, sustainable travel and eco-tourism with helpful information to help you create your own personal sustainable travel experience. Through epic travel experiences in Season One of his highly successful show, Richard reflects back on the impact when the world hit the pause button due to a global pandemic. For Richard and his team, being on lockdown provided opportunities they would never have considered. Discover how staying connected to his world-wide community of people making sustainable choices gave them hope. Today, Richard is moving forward into Season Two of Leave No Trace TV and is looking forward to traveling again. Find out what destinations are on his radar and why and how you can travel to places where sustainability is applied to every part of your journey, no matter your budget, style, or destination. Also, Richard shares some exciti

Matt Bowles co-founded Maverick Investor Group in 2007 as a fully remote real estate brokerage company. He also hosts The Maverick Show podcast while living a location-independent lifestyle as a digital nomad with no permanent base since 2013. Over the last nine years, he's run his company from 65 different countries on six continents. Matt shares how he created his travel lifestyle as a full time digital nomad with no permanent base as a way to find financial success and location independence. Also on Speaking of Travel is Andrew Nehlig, founder of the Sauna House in Asheville, NC. Andrew created a communal sauna bathing space that delivers health benefits, boosts your mood and provides human connection in a safe, mindful environment. And join Tina Kinsey at the Asheville Regional Airport for some seasonal travel tips and updates on air travel overall. Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Kim Giovacco, owner of Veg Jaunts and Journeys, shows you the world with a vegan focus by supporting vegan businesses like restaurants, food tours and vegan cooking schools. Kim shares how a vegan lifestyle can be easy and healthy. Her epic tours are expanding to celebrate the whole-food, plant based way of eating which actually differs from vegan way of eating. And instead of mainly offering European tours, half of her tour schedule will now take place in North America, offering vegan tours near national parks in the US and Canada.Find out why this lifestyle is growing globally and what you can do to learn more by traveling with Kim. Lots of good info here!Also on Speaking of Travel, discover how to have a perfect winter getaway with plenty of waterfalls, scenic views, iconic forests and wonderful trails for hiking with Clark Lovelace of the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Development in the beautiful North Carolina mountains. And if you’re thinking of traveling by air and maybe haven’

When you are passionate about something, there's no stopping you. Susan Gibson started volunteering in her hometown of Toronto, Canada as a teenager. And her book, "How To Be An Amazing Volunteer Overseas," is a practical and useful tool to help motivate aspiring volunteers to contribute in the most meaningful ways. Susan has been involved in the non-profit world for more than 35 years and has worked and volunteered in 70 countries. She is also a philanthropist actively engaged in the areas of refugees, human rights and education for girls. Based in London for the past 20 years, today Susan lives in Washington, DC, enjoying promoting her book to young people who are so inspired to have meaningful volunteer experiences locally and overseas.Also on Speaking of Travel, Mark Collins, Partnerships Manager for RomanticAsheville.com,shares how resiliency and caring for others really makes an impact. Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories,

What’s it like to travel internationally today? Join Richard Crawford of Leave No Trace TV as he highlights his recent trip to Scotland and what he recognized looking at the world today as an environmentalist looking at sustainability. Also learn some new terminology to help you find solutions moving forward. Discover what to look for in the destinations you choose and how to be more mindful as we begin traveling again. Richard helps us better understand the difference in eco, green and sustainable tourism, how to be an environmentalist on your trip, and why it's important. Also, a big announcement from Richard on how Leave No Trace TV is growing! 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.

Dayna Reggero, a documentary film director and founder of the Climate Listening Project, is partnering with Kelly Sheehan, Director of Energy Campaigns for the Sierra Club, to create the Gulf Climate Listening Project.Dayna's  work on the Gulf Coast started when she was 19, appearing with animals on television to talk about environmental concerns. 2021 Pulitzer Winner Lauryn Higgins wrote: “By trade, Dayna Reggero is an environmentalist. Her work ranges from filmmaking to beginning her career as a spokesperson. However, her most skilled work might come in the form of organizing conversations, or simply starting them.” Kelly is working in the Gulf with the Sierra Club and local communities to stop fracked gas exports. She shares why we need radical love, real healing, investing in communities and why we all need to all get involved to move beyond fossil fuels and protect the places we love. Also on Speaking of Travel,  discover what we can expect to see in travel in 2022 with marketing and marketing resea

Enter the world of Omileye Achikeobi-Lewis. Omi’s life has prepared us for this moment for her to be our guide. Her name means Water Gives Me Joy, Honor, and Dignity and she shares valuable insights on healing, happiness and mindfulness. Omi is trauma-focused counselor, kids yoga teacher, diversity facilitator, a mom, an artist and an author. She is a total water fanatic and for the last 15 years has traveled to many sacred waterways across the world. And she's been researching the iconography and connecting  stories of African and Asian Water Mother Goddesses and how they connect us to each other, and a world of  peace.A must listen for anyone who wants to reawaken to the fact that it is normal to feel.Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Chantal Patton has traveled to over 100 countries with her husband and three daughters over the last eight years. They document this amazing journey on their YouTube Channel “Growing Up Without Borders.”Chantal is a location independent entrepreneur who has traveled to over 100 countries together with her husband and three daughters over the last eight years. They have a family goal to visit every country in the world together and are documenting their journey on their YouTube Channel “Growing Up Without Borders.” Originally from Canada, the Patton family now world schools their kids while sharing their adventures and showcasing the beauty of different countries and cultures. The three Patton girls have even created a series of online classes for other kids called “Geography Made Fun: Learning Geography from a Kids Perspective.”  And, through it all, Chantal continually prioritizes a healthy work/life/education/travel balance for her family.  Chantal gives tips on designing travel itineraries with kids, creat

Nathan Evans Fox is an accomplished songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His fourth album, Wasted Love, ignites joy, nostalgia and solidarity, shifting simmering anger and contemplative reflection to wry wit and unexpected sass.Writing the album in the midst of all this loss and uncertainty, Nathan wanted to write songs that would provide respite. In this sense, Fox’s music is all about work: blue-collar work, care work, reflective work. "We need music to do work for us that we’re too tired to do ourselves. Our feelings are spent and our ability to do work is exhausted and we just need somebody to put some good feeling back in our body," Nathan said.Nathan was trained as a hospital chaplain and his songs draw on his proximity to grief, his struggles with religion, his love of place, and a fast commitment to reflective work.  A must listen! Also on Speaking of Travel, Jen Brooks of RomanticAsheville.com, the most popular online travel guide to the mountains and foothills surrounding Asheville and We

Enjoy this special conversation on Speaking of Travel with Franny of Franny’s Farm and Mike of Pasta & Prana.What is Pasta & Prana and what does Prana have to do with pasta? It will all be discovered!Franny and Mike share the inspiration in creating an amazing event that's a love story and not about pasta at all. It's all about Food & Love!This new interactive dinner theatre is witty, enlightening and educational. It also tells a story of LOVE with Nona, the star of the show.Franny and Mike are collective thinkers and bring their heart and creative ideas into a system for others to participate, work and thrive. Join in the revitalizing of Franny’s Farm. You'll find love all around. Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

The Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace Series continues and helps inspire actions through environmental stewardship. Richard Crawford is passionate about the health of our planet and finds solutions as he travels the world. During season one of Amazon Prime's "Leave No Trace TV," Richard brought us inside some of the world's most awe-inspiring destinations and connected us with cultures around the globe. And he delivers solutions to becoming more mindful travelers.With season two approaching, Richard fills us in on what's in store and where he's headed as our ambassador to conservation, sustainable travel and eco-tourism today and in the future. Also on Speaking of Travel, laugh to the point of tears with Jen Lauzon, the co-founder of LaZoom Tours in Asheville, NC. Leave your exhausting days and fretful nights behind and get a smile on your face.And be aware of what to expect this holiday season to ensure you’re a savvy and safe traveler. There are things you really must know. T

Mark Gordon Smith, founder of Private Italy Tours, recently returned from a four-week trip through Italy.  Mark shares how easy, based on his experience, travel is today and what you need to know to be stress-free. International travel is changing every day, and Mark provides a first-hand account of what it's really like to embark on a trip overseas to one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Also, Don Cason, Executive Director for the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority in Western North Carolina, fills us in on some fun-filled, and family friendly, winter activities in this beautiful mountain region.And if you’re taking to the skies this holiday season, be prepared for a drama-free experience. Tina Kinsey, Director of Marketing, PR and Air Service Development for the Asheville Regional Airport, provides some useful tips on how to fly safer and what to expect during the holidays. And where to go for sun and fun!Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.

Andrew L. Nehlig, founder of the Sauna House in Asheville, NC, is an ambassador for health and wellbeing. Discover how Andrew's own wellness journey, and his travels around the world, became the catalyst to create a communal bathing experience. And Justin Bellame, the publisher of Romantic Asheville.com, shares what the latest travel trends are looking like and how innovative marketing approaches are soaring high. Also, Tina Kinsey Director of Marketing, PR and Air Service Development at the Asheville Regional Airport, provides an update on their expansion plans for sustainable growth and success as an airport for the next 50+ years. Asheville Regional Airport Is A GatewayAsheville Regional Airport is Western North Carolina’s Gateway. When you fly home, you're home! Prestige Subaru- Welcome To SubievilleWe're grateful to serve our community's local charities and non-profits with our Love Promise! Romantic Asheville Offers Getaway IdeasPlan A Getaway Trip To Asheville & The North Carolina

The Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace Series with Richard Crawford of the Amazon Prime TV Show, Leave No Trace, spotlights Glenn Jampol, an ecotourism pioneer and owner of Finca Rosa Blanca in Costa Rica. Glenn chairs the Global Ecotourism Network, a global group of other ecotourism pioneers and practitioners who want to share their years of experience in ecotourism and sustainable tourism practices, and their wide contact network, to help others.The Global Ecotourism Network brings the world’s regional and national ecotourism associations, networks and destinations, together with indigenous and rural peoples, global operators, professionals and academics, to grow the industry, provide advocacy, encourage thought leadership and innovation, and add greater authenticity to ecotourism.Richard and Glenn encourage greater social entrepreneurship through empowerment, skills transfer and capacity building. A must listen! Also join Katrina Addison Skye-Evans of Asheville Urban Photo Tours as she shares how the amaz

Is there hope for the future?  In his latest book, A Thing of Beauty: Travels in Mythical and Modern Greece, Peter Fiennes travels to the sites of famous Greek myths on the trail of hope, beauty and a new way of seeing what we have done to our world. Peter explores what the ancient Greeks have to say to us today and why it's the people who give us hope. Peter walks through stunning and spoiled landscapes on the trail of dancing activists and Arcadian shepherds, consults the Oracle and loses himself in the cities, remote villages and ruins of this storied land. Find out if the ancient Greeks actually had anything to say to us about our climate crisis and our other ecological concerns. From Greek mythology to Greek food and all the way to picturesque beaches of the Greek islands, Peter draws on dreams and moments of hope that he encountered during the first year of Covid. If you're not able to visit Greece right now, you can visit a little bit of paradise in the North Carolina Mountains. Although ever

The autism journey begins very early for some and it can be an exploration filled with challenges. Michele Louzon, Executive Director of Arms Around ASD, a non-profit center providing holistic therapies for people on the autism spectrum, their families, care givers and the professionals who work with them, created a community of supporters and resources to help ensure a happier and more fulfilled life.The mission of Arms Around ASD is to support the autism community through self-care and development of executive functioning skills promoting the growth of the community as a whole. What makes Arms Around ASD unique is they support the entire family including siblings, caregivers and support staff. The therapies provided are not typically covered by insurance and are all provided by a team of volunteers. They understand the need for self-care is a priority and not a luxury.Learn more about this important organization located at the Asheville Mall and support their community.As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Life is

Ukrainian-born American pianist Inna Faliks was a performer from the earliest time she can remember and her distinguished career has taken her to thousands of recitals and concerts throughout the US, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. She is currently Professor of Piano and Head of Piano at UCLA.  As a concert pianist, Inna's life was often consumed with traveling from performance to performance, across the country and around the world. In Spring 2020, all that stopped for over a year. Inna explains how she occupied herself through this drastic lifestyle change and began her weekly Corona Friday series.  She also managed to release two new albums, one with music by Robert and Clara Schumann, and the other in which living composers responded to music by Beethoven and Ravel. In addition to performing and teaching, Faliks founded and is the curator of Music/Words, an award-winning series of collaborations between musicians and distinguished poets, which was the genesis of her current autobiographical show, “

 Suzanne Stavert of AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com is a travel writer, brand ambassador and culinary explorer and she recently returned from a trip to Italy. Find out how she planned her international travel and what you can do to make your travel dreams come true. Her work with Collette Travel, China Southern Airlines, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Viking Cruises, Hotels.com, Expedia, Oldways, and most recently with Tuscan Women Cook has taken her on culinary journeys through Italy, Japan, Iceland and many other countries in Europe. But it's been a while since traveling and going to Italy during this time of Covid provided some strategies and preparation to make that dream a reality.  Find out what it was like for Suzanne not to travel for so long and what it's like to be traveling in Italy today. Suzanne explores what stood out after all this time and offers some helpful and timely tips for people getting ready or dreaming of travel. Italy is one of our favorite bucket list destinations but has had