Vacation Station

Lessons Learned from Travel: High Sierra Adventure & Wilderness Safety

July is Parks & Recreation Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate the beauty of America's public lands while learning how to explore them safely and responsibly.
In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Podcast, award-winning travel writer Linda Ballou shares one of the most unforgettable stories from her memoir "Lost Angel Walkabout: One Traveler's Tales." Inspired by naturalist John Muir, Linda embarked on a horseback journey through California's magnificent High Sierra wilderness where unexpected accidents, injuries, and a dramatic helicopter rescue became powerful lessons in outdoor adventure.
As part of her Lessons Learned from Travel series, Linda discusses how to choose reputable outfitters, why guide training matters, the importance of emergency medical evacuation insurance, and how proper preparation can help travelers safely enjoy national parks, wilderness areas, and other outdoor destinations.
Whether you're planning a hiking trip, horseback ride, rafting adventure, or visit to a national or state park, this episode offers practical advice for exploring responsibly while protecting the wild places we love.
Resource Links
📖 Read Linda's companion article:https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/adventure-travel/not-all-outfitters-are-created-equal/ 
🎧 Listen to the audiobook edition of Lost Angel Walkabout: One Traveler's Tales:https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Angel-Walkabout-Travelers-Tales/dp/ 
🌍 Linda Ballou:https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com 
🎧 Subscribe:https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com 
📖 Explore the NEW Lost Angel Travel Adventures Digital Podcast Magazine:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/podcast-retrospective/ 

Escape to Mission Resort + Club: A Luxury Getaway in Central Florida

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Leigh Cort shares the story behind Mission Resort + Club, a historic resort in Central Florida that blends timeless Old Florida charm with modern luxury.
Discover the resort's fascinating history, championship golf courses, relaxing spa and wellness experiences, exceptional dining, tennis, pickleball, croquet, scenic natural surroundings, and personalized hospitality. Leigh also highlights nearby attractions and day-trip opportunities that make Mission Resort + Club an ideal base for exploring Central Florida.
Whether you're planning a golf getaway, romantic escape, wellness retreat, family vacation, wedding, or special event, this episode offers plenty of inspiration for your next Florida adventure.
👉 Learn more about Mission Resort + Club:https://www.missionresortandclub.com/ 
🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
🌐 Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
📰 Check out the Big Blend Radio Travel Food & Wine Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Inside The Roosevelt New Orleans: History, Luxury & Legendary Hospitality

Step inside one of America's most legendary luxury hotels!
Recorded on-site, this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel with Terri" Podcast features travel journalist Terri Guthrie in conversation with Les Patin, Marketing Manager of The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
Since opening in 1893, The Roosevelt has welcomed presidents, celebrities, Mardi Gras royalty, and generations of travelers seeking timeless elegance in the heart of New Orleans. Originally opened as The Grunewald Hotel, this iconic property has survived fires, Prohibition, the Great Depression, Hurricane Katrina, and today shines following its spectacular restoration as part of the Waldorf Astoria collection.
From Huey P. Long's famous suite and secret passageway to the legendary Sazerac Bar, elegant Fountain Lounge, historic Blue Room, rooftop pool, luxurious Waldorf Astoria Spa, beautifully restored guest rooms, and the beloved Waldorf Wonderland holiday display, discover why The Roosevelt remains the Crown Jewel of the Crescent City.
Whether you're planning your next New Orleans getaway, love historic hotels, or simply enjoy fascinating stories of American hospitality and architecture, this episode offers an insider's look at one of the country's most iconic destinations.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this episode also celebrates one of the nation's most storied historic hotels and its enduring place in American history, hospitality, and culture.
Learn more about The Roosevelt New Orleans:https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/msyrhwa-the-roosevelt-new-orleans 
Learn more about Terri's travels:- Travel with Terri: https://www.travelwithterri.com/ 
- Travel with Terri Podcast (airs every other Tuesday):https://www.travelwithterri.com/podcast 
- The Luxe Explorer Magazine:https://www.travelwithterri.com/magazine 

Traveling Europe Across Generations: Castles, Culture & Curiosity

Can travel connect generations?
In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wanderer's Compass" Travel Podcast, travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough explore how traveling through Europe—from France and Belgium to Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands—creates meaningful connections through castles, history, culture, food, and local traditions.
This inspiring conversation celebrates the educational value of travel, showing how exploring together encourages curiosity, confidence, cultural appreciation, and lifelong learning for travelers of every age.
⭐ Stay through the end to hear Ryan's son make his first-ever podcast appearance, sharing his favorite memories from the journey and what travel has taught him.
In celebration of French-American Heritage Month, this episode also explores France's rich cultural and historical heritage.
- Read their companion article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/traveling-europe-with-a-child 
- Hear about their adventures in Ireland last year: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/e/travel-ireland-with-kids/  - Follow Wanderer's Compass: https://wandererscompass.com 
- Listen to More Wanderers Compass Podcast Episodes: https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/ 
- Check out the Wanderers Compass Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/WANDERERS-COMPASS-MAG-2026/ 

America the Beautiful Road Trip: History, Adventure & Hidden Gems

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark celebrates the beauty and diversity of America with an unforgettable road trip through scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, cultural treasures, and memorable local experiences.
From soaring above Upstate New York in a glider and marveling at West Virginia's New River Gorge Bridge, to winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains, exploring South Carolina's Lowcountry, discovering Gettysburg's rich Civil War history, and visiting California's Point Reyes National Seashore, this episode highlights the incredible variety of destinations that make the United States so rewarding to explore.
Along the way, Jo shares travel tips, local food and wine experiences, farmers markets, and the stories of communities that preserve America's heritage, including the rich traditions of the Gullah Geechee people. Whether you're planning your next road trip or simply looking for travel inspiration, this episode celebrates the history, nature, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered across America.
📖 Read Jo's companion article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/america-road-trip 
📖 Check out Jo's New "JO GOES EVERYWHERE!" Digital Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/kkbr/ 
📲 Follow Jo: https://haveglasswilltravel.com/  | https://recipestravelculture.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoGoesEverywhere Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaveGlassWillTravel/ 
🎧 New episodes air every 2nd Sunday. Listen:https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 

Kansas Gunsmoke Trail: An Old West Road Trip Through History

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Robin O'Neal Smith shares her unforgettable journey along the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, exploring legendary Old West towns, fascinating museums, historic landmarks, and the stories that helped shape the American frontier.
Travel through iconic destinations including Dodge City, Abilene, Wichita, and Hays, where you'll discover attractions like Boot Hill Museum, Old Cowtown Museum, the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Keeper of the Plains, Fort Hays, and more. Robin also discusses how television classics like Gunsmoke helped preserve interest in America's western heritage while highlighting the real history behind these remarkable communities.
Perfect for history lovers, road trippers, and anyone planning an unforgettable Kansas adventure, this episode celebrates the people, places, and stories that continue to define the American West—making it a fitting listen as America commemorates its 250th anniversary.
Read Robin O'Neal Smith's article:https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/kansas-gunsmoke-trail 
Plan your own Kansas Gunsmoke Trail adventure:https://www.kansasgunsmoketrail.com/ Learn more about Robin O'Neal Smith: https://robinonealsmith.com/ 
Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
Check out the Big Blend Radio Travel Food & Wine Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Cruising France's Canal du Midi with French Waterways

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her unforgettable journey through southern France aboard a luxury hotel barge with French Waterways. 
Cruising along the historic Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre World Heritage Site, Rose discovers the joys of slow travel while exploring charming villages, remarkable engineering marvels, regional cuisine, celebrated wines, and authentic French culture.
Traveling aboard an intimate hotel barge, Rose enjoys exceptional hospitality while cruising through one of France's most picturesque regions. Along the way, she visits centuries-old locks and aqueducts, samples local vermouth, wines, and olive oils, explores the magnificent medieval fortress of Cité de Carcassonne, and uncovers hidden gems that many travelers never experience.
This immersive journey celebrates the beauty of slowing down, connecting with local communities, and discovering the history, traditions, and flavors that make southern France so unforgettable. Whether you're dreaming of a European canal cruise, love French food and wine, or enjoy exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this episode is sure to inspire your next adventure.
Celebrate French-American Heritage Month by discovering the history, culture, cuisine, and timeless beauty of France through one of Europe's most memorable slow travel experiences.
📖 Read Rose's Articles:- A Luxury Barge Cruise Through History, Wine & Good Food: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/barge-cruise-french-waterways - Athos Barge Cruise Review: https://quiltripping.com/athos-barge-cruise-review/ 
🚤 Learn More About French Waterways: https://www.french-waterways.com/ 
🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/ 
📰 Check out the Quiltripping Travel Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG 
🎧 Subscribe to Quiltripping Travel with Rose Podcast: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/ 

Experience Outdoor Theater in Asheville with Montford Park Players

Experience the magic of outdoor theater in Asheville, North Carolina, on this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast, cohosted by Steve and Karen Wilson, owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville's historic Montford District.
Featured guest is Audrey Kopp of Montford Park Players, one of Asheville's most treasured performing arts organizations. Audrey shares the company's mission of making live theater accessible to everyone through free outdoor performances of Shakespeare, classic works, and contemporary productions at the beautiful Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre.
Hear about this summer's swashbuckling production of "The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel," upcoming auditions for "Romeo and Juliet," and how Montford Park Players continues to enrich Asheville's thriving arts community. The conversation also explores Asheville's creative spirit, the city's cultural renaissance following Hurricane Helene, exciting updates in the River Arts District, and why supporting local arts organizations helps keep Asheville vibrant year-round.
Whether you're planning a summer getaway, love live theater, or simply want to discover another side of Asheville beyond the Blue Ridge Parkway and breweries, this episode offers plenty of inspiration.
🎭 Montford Park PlayersFree outdoor Shakespeare, classic and contemporary theater: https://montfordparkplayers.org/ 
Summer ProductionThe League of the Scarlet PimpernelFridays, Saturdays & Sunday eveningsAugust 7–29, 2026(Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre)
Upcoming AuditionsRomeo and JulietJuly 11–12, 2026
🏡 Stay at The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville's Montford Historic District: https://www.lion-rose.com/ 
🎧 LISTEN:• Check out the NEW Big Blend Radio "Adventures in Asheville" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ADVENTURES-IN-ASHEVILLE/ 
• New episodes air every 1st Tuesday:https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/