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Guest: Amy Lipka, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Marketing - Travel + Leisure GO Booking travel should feel exciting, not like a gamble. I’ve loved Travel + Leisure since I was a teenager, so getting to talk with Amy Lipka at Travel + Leisure feels like a full-circle travel moment. We dig into Travel + Leisure GO, the new membership platform designed to pair the brand’s iconic travel inspiration with real tools to plan and book: hotels, cruises, airport transfers, activities, and the kind of experiences that turn a normal trip into a story you’ll tell for years. We get specific about what “smart travel” really means. Sometimes it’s chasing the best travel deals. Sometimes it’s building a tight itinerary when you have limited vacation days. Amy shares how she booked a Budapest trip by choosing a few key pieces and how the savings can add up fast. We also break down GO Points (yes, points equal dollars), how they sit in a digital wallet you can actually redeem easily, and why the platform is built to help you use points, not just collect them. If you want backup, the VIP Concierge service is included, so you can plan everything yourself, hand off the whole trip, or tap an expert halfway through when decision fatigue hits. We also talk the Best Value Guarantee, cruise options across multiple lines, surprisingly affordable resort stays, and extra perks like a digital Travel + Leisure subscription plus partnerships that make travel with family easier. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with your favorite travel planner, and leave a review so more travelers can find the deals, tools, and inspiration to book the trip they keep talking about. CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 - Welcome And Guest Introduction 00:02:20 - Why Trust Matters In Booking 00:05:55 - What Travel + Leisure Go Does 00:09:45 - Smart Travel And Real Savings 00:14:05 - Membership Perks And GO Points 00:17:25 - Best Value Guarantee Explained 00:20:55 - Cruises Resort Stays And Extra Perks 00:23:10 - How To Sign Up And Use Promos 00:28:20 - Lightning Round Favorites And Farewell Videos and images courtesy of and episode in collaboration with Travel & Leisure. For more information: travelandleisurego.com @travelandleisurego Special Offer: Join and activate by 11/30/26 to get 90-day Premium membership and 25 GO Points. Make a first booking of $400 or more by 12/31/2026 and earn an additional $50 GO Points. Special Offer Promo Code: GOCOLLEEN26 https://www.travelandleisurego.com/sign-up?locale=en-US&currency=USD&promo_code=GOCOLLEEN26 Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: [email protected] #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #travelandleisure #travelandleisurego #travelexpert #booking #traveldeals #vacationplanning #specialoffer #tripplanner #resorthotels #traveltipsandtricks #membershipclub #worldtravel

We Interrupt This Program - Stage Comedy & Multimedia Event, Virginia Theatre in Champaign, IL - October 16 & 17, 2026 Guests: - Bill Odenkirk - Show Writer + Executive Producer, Emmy Award-winning writer (The Simpsons/Futurama) - Sarah Edwards, Tell Host + Executive Producer, Mid-America Emmy-winning Illinois Public Media TV Host (Prairie Fire) An alien landing in an Illinois cornfield is funny until you realize how quickly it turns into the biggest question humans can ask. We sit down with Emmy Award-winning writer Bill Odenkirk and Illinois Public Media host Sarah Edwards to talk about We Interrupt This Program, a live, two-part theatrical event coming to the Virginia Theatre in Champaign, Illinois, on October 16th and 17th. First, we get the story behind the play: a small-town radio station tries to report on a world-changing arrival, channeling the spirit of War of the Worlds while pushing it into modern comedy. Bill shares how the project grew from a simple stage reading into a full production with a powerhouse cast that includes Bob Odenkirk and Jill Talley, plus a technical approach that expands what live theater can do. The rear projection setup brings film-like visuals into a real-time performance, creating an experience that feels part play and part immersive event. Then we shift into the second half of the night: a moderated conversation about UAPs, government-released footage, and what “proof” would even look like. Sarah explains how the panel balances skepticism and wonder, featuring Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb and artist and Afro-futurist Ahmed Best to explore both the science and the cultural fallout of discovery. We also dig into the Great Filter theory and why the lack of clear answers might be the point, at least for now. If you love travel, arts and culture, live theater, or the UFO vs UAP debate, this one is for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who argues about aliens at dinner, and leave a review to help more listeners find Round Trip with Colleen Kelly. For more information: weinterruptthisprogram.com | thevirginia.org @show.tell.productions Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: [email protected] #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #illinois #illinoistravel #champaignil #aliens #midwesttravel #alieninvasion #rurallife #odenkirk #comedy #theater #stageplays #waroftheworlds #radioshow #localtheatre #otherworldly #weinterruptthisprogram

Guest: Jessica Mlinaric, Author of Secret Illinois: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure A fire-breathing dragon you trigger with a token. A cemetery sitting quietly inside the sprawl of O’Hare. A real Viking ship that crossed the ocean and somehow ended up in Illinois. If any of that made you stop scrolling, you’re our kind of traveler and you’re going to love this ride through the state’s most unexpected corners. We’re joined by author Jessica Mlinaric to talk about her book Secret Illinois and the 6,000 mile road trip it took to make it real. We dig into how she chooses a “secret” worth sharing, the joy of finding a backstory that changes how you see a place, and why the best travel moments still come from talking to the people who live there. Along the way, we hit Illinois hidden gems you can actually visit, including a haunted-themed mini golf course in a funeral home, Opera in Focus puppet performances, Bishop Hill’s Swedish roots, and a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Rockford designed with accessibility in mind. We also lean into pure roadside wonder, from Route 66 Illinois favorites like the American Giants Museum’s muffler men to Casey’s Guinness World Record “world’s largest” attractions. Then we zoom out to the deeper history many people skip, from Cahokia Mounds to stories tucked into tiny towns that deserve a detour. If you’re planning an Illinois road trip, looking for Chicago day trips, or just craving fresh travel inspiration, you’ll leave with a long list of stops and a bigger sense of what’s possible close to home. Subscribe so you don’t miss the next adventure, share this with a friend who loves a good detour, and leave a review to help more travelers find the show. Chapter Markers0:00 Welcome, Kitten, And A Tease3:57 Route 66 Giants And Record Town8:10 Viking Ship And Airport Cemetery15:34 Prohibition Clues And Prairie Oddities23:20 What Makes A Place A Secret26:33 Rapid Fire Illinois Favorites31:07 Where To Get The Book Videos and images courtesy of Jessica Mlinaric For more information: secretillinois.com @urbnexplorer Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: [email protected] #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #illinois #illinoistravel #secret #roadtrip #midwesttravel #roadside #southernillinois #rurallife #author #travelwriter #historicalfacts #illinoishistory #guidebook #chicago

Madison, Wisconsin looks like a postcard, but what surprised me most is how much you can actually do without trying too hard. I’m joined by Ellie Westman Chin, CEO of Destination Madison, to share the kind of inside guidance that turns a “maybe someday” city into a locked-in weekend plan. If you’re searching for things to do in Madison Wisconsin, a walkable Midwest getaway, or a lake vacation with great food, this conversation is your shortcut. We dig into summer staples that locals genuinely love, including free outdoor concerts on Capitol Square, the Dane County Farmers’ Market circling the Capitol, and why Madison earns its reputation as a platinum-rated bike city. Ellie explains how the city’s unique geography on an isthmus creates constant lake access, from skyline-view paddles on Lake Mendota to easy walks that hop from Lake Monona to downtown in minutes. We also talk about the restaurant scene, from brats and cheese curds to upscale supper clubs and an impressive roster of James Beard recognized talent. Madison is not only a warm-weather trip. We cover annual festivals like the National Mustard Festival, Pride celebrations that stretch through August, and winter travel highlights when the lakes freeze for the Frozen Assets Festival with skating, hockey, ice fishing, kite flying, and even ice sailing. Plus: museums, campus energy, Union Terrace sunsets, and a nightlife scene that includes vinyl listening bars and standout breweries. Subscribe for more travel stories and smart trip planning, share this with your favorite travel buddy, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. Chapter Markers0:00 Why Madison Makes A Great Getaway1:10 Music Nights On Capitol Square2:25 Bike Trails And The Free Arboretum3:35 Walking Madison And The Farmers Market5:00 From Comfort Food To Fine Dining6:40 Life On The Isthmus And Lakes8:25 Capitol Stops Campus Fun And Museums11:05 Summer Festivals Mustard And Pride12:55 Winter On Frozen Lakes And Holidays15:10 Adult Book Fair For Readers16:20 Nightlife Vinyl Bars And Breweries17:20 Where To Get Info And Wrap Guest: Ellie Westman Chin - President & CEO of Destination Madison Videos courtesy of and episode in collaboration with Destination Madison For more information: visitmadison.com @destinationmadison #destinationmadison #madisonwi Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: [email protected] #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #madison #madisonwisconsin #wisconsintravel #capitolbuilding #farmersmarket #biking #citylife #midwesttravel #harrystyles #wisconsinlife #fourseasons

Guest: Megan Kudla, Producer & Travel Writer Portugal has a way of feeling both easy and full of discovery, and Porto is a perfect example. In this travel conversation, we map out why Porto belongs on any Portugal itinerary, especially if you want a city that feels lively without feeling overwhelming. Porto sits in northern Portugal along the Douro River, with hills, cobblestone lanes, staircases, and viewpoints called miradouros that reward anyone willing to walk. The Ribeira riverfront is the classic place to linger with a drink at sunset, while Vila Nova de Gaia across the water is where many of the famous port wine cellars age their bottles. If you’re building a Porto travel guide for yourself, start with the river, plan for slow wandering, and treat the views as part of the experience, not a quick photo stop. Where you stay can shape the whole trip, and Porto has options that range from budget-friendly to full-on luxury. One memorable choice is São Bento train station, famous for its blue-and-white azulejo tiles, and yes, you can even find lodging tied to the station experience. It’s a reminder that in Portugal the logistics can be beautiful too, especially if you travel by rail. Porto is also a strong base for exploring the Douro Valley wine region, the birthplace of port wine and a top destination for vineyard tours and tastings. Staying in the valley lets you wake up surrounded by terraced hillsides, vineyards, and the winding river that defines the landscape. For travelers who want a “city plus countryside” plan, Porto makes the transition simple. For a standout Douro Valley stay, Octant Douro is designed to mirror the vineyard terraces as it cascades down the hillside, blending into the scenery while still feeling modern and calm. Inside, the style leans minimal so the view can be the star: floor-to-ceiling windows, bright rooms, and a sense of quiet that makes it easy to actually rest. The property offers multiple room types, from terraces and balconies to private pools, plus shared pools including adults-only space. There’s also a spa with a heated indoor pool, sauna, and gym, which matters if you’re planning a wellness-forward Portugal trip or a celebratory escape like a honeymoon or friends getaway. Add in pet-friendly and kid-friendly policies and it becomes a flexible luxury hotel in Portugal that works for different travel styles. Food and culture round out the best Portugal travel tips. In the Douro, the experience pairs naturally with local wine, including creative port wine cocktails and a more ambitious tasting menu at RAIVA, noted as Michelin Guide featured, where the meal becomes a kind of storytelling. Beyond the plate, the region invites you onto the water: a small-group Douro River tour on a refurbished Rebello boat connects you to the history of transporting port barrels back to Porto. Back in the city, many cellar tours weave in Fado, Portugal’s soulful music tradition. For practical planning, English works well in Lisbon and Porto, but learning a simple “Obrigado” goes a long way. Take the Lisbon to Porto train if it fits your route, pack supportive walking shoes, and show up hungry: pastel de nata, bacalhau (cod), and the Porto classic Francesinha should all be on your list. Finally, ask locals for recommendations because the best meals are often down the side streets Google won’t highlight. Chapters 0:00. Welcome And Guest Introduction1:00 Porto And The Douro In Context5:00 Porto Stays And Iconic Tile Stations6:15 Octant Douro Rooms, Pools, And Spa12:20 Food With Port Cocktails And Michelin15:10 Douro Adventures On Boats And Fado21:10 Travel Logistics And Must-Eat Tips29:45 Resources, Social Links, And Farewell Photo credits: Megan Kudla For more information: douro.octanthotels.com/en visitporto.travel @octant.hotels | @octant.douro @megan.kudla Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: [email protected] #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #octantdouro #octanthotel #luxuryhotel #dourovalley #douroriver #portugal #portugaltravel #porto #portwine #vineyard #michelin #luxurytravels

Guest: Alexa Lazerow, Head of Public Relations, Scenic Group (Scenic Cruises, Emerald Cruises) A cruise can be flashy, crowded, and overwhelming or it can feel like you’ve checked into a calm, floating boutique hotel that just happens to move you to a new destination every day. That’s the lane we’re exploring with Alexa Lazerow, Head of Public Relations for Scenic Group, the parent company behind Scenic Cruises and Emerald Cruises. We get clear on what people mix up all the time: both Scenic and Emerald offer luxury river cruises and luxury yacht-style cruising, but they’re not identical. We talk about the small differences that shape the whole experience, from Emerald’s more active excursion options to Scenic’s headline-grabbing discovery yacht concept. Alexa paints the picture of super yacht life, including the marina platform at the back of the ship and the onboard water toys, and why small-ship capacity changes everything for solo travel, meeting people, and genuinely getting to know the crew. Then we go deeper into the behind-the-scenes details that make luxury feel effortless. Scenic Group designs and builds its ships in-house, and their teams are full-time employees, which helps create consistent service. We also get practical about what first-time cruisers care about most: cabin space, storage, laundry options, and how “unpack once” can transform the way you see Europe. Finally, we dig into what’s hot right now, from Christmas market cruises and Mediterranean sailings to new growth areas like Portugal’s Douro, India, and the Seychelles and we don’t skip the bucket-list dream of Antarctica aboard Scenic Eclipse with an expedition team onboard. If you’re planning a river cruise, a luxury yacht cruise, or an expedition cruise and want to book smarter, listen through, then subscribe, share this with a travel buddy, and leave a review with the destination you’re chasing next. Chapters: 0:19 Welcome To Scenic And Emerald2:50 River Cruises Vs Super Yachts8:39 Why In-House Shipbuilding Matters10:26 Small-Ship Capacity And Solo Travel11:40 Cabins Storage Laundry And Ease15:03 Where Cruisers Are Going Next16:59 Antarctica On A Luxury Discovery Yacht18:54 First-Timer Tips Service And Booking Deals Videos courtesy of and episode in collaboration with Scenic Group. For more information: Scenic.Cruises Emerald.Cruises @scenic.luxurycruisestours | #ScenicCruises @emeraldcruises.global | #EmeraldCruises Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: [email protected] #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #cruiseship #cruising #scenic #sceniccruise #emeraldcruise #yacht #rivercruise #marina #yachtlifestyle #multigenerational #excursions

Guest: Suzanne Kenzer, Travel Journalist Budapest doesn’t just surprise you, it keeps changing on you. Cross the Danube and you’re suddenly in a different mood, a different landscape, and almost a different city. We sit down with our longtime friend Suzanne Kenzer, a freelance travel journalist, to unpack why Budapest, Hungary belongs near the top of your Europe travel list, especially if you want big history and big beauty without the Western Europe price tag. We talk through the fundamentals that make planning easier: the real difference between Buda and Pest, what it feels like to stay on each side, and what Americans should know about the Hungarian forint (HUF). Suzanne also shares why she loves tools like the Budapest Card for transportation and attraction access, plus how to build a trip that feels smooth instead of rushed. If hotels are part of your travel experience, you’ll want to hear her take on the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, including its famous New York Cafe and why it’s considered one of the most beautiful cafes in the world. From there, we get into the can’t-miss experiences for a smart Budapest itinerary: thermal baths like the Széchenyi Baths (and how to avoid peak crowds), a walking tour that brings the Jewish Quarter to life, and a Danube River cruise at night for those unforgettable views of the Hungarian Parliament Building. We also cover Castle District highlights, reconstructed landmarks after World War II, what to eat first (goulash, lángos, chimney cake), and why restaurant reservations can require real lead time. If you’re choosing dates, we share the best time to visit Budapest for pleasant weather and fewer lines. If this travel conversation helps you plan, please subscribe, share the episode with a friend heading to Europe, and leave a review so more travelers can find us. What’s the one Budapest question you want answered before you go? Chapters: 0:00 Welcome And Why Budapest1:30 Buda Versus Pest Basics3:18 Currency And Affordability Reality Check4:29 Getting Around With The Budapest Card5:24 Choosing A Hotel With Local Flavor10:03 New York Palace And New York Cafe11:13 Hotel Spa And Jet Lag Reset14:46 Thermal Baths And The Beer Bath15:51 Walking Tours And The Jewish Quarter18:44 Danube Night Cruise And Parliament22:58 Castle District And WWII Rebuilds26:25 What To Eat And Where28:54 When To Visit For Fewer Crowds29:50 Andrássy Avenue Heroes Square Opera32:02 Final Tips And How To Follow Photos courtesy of Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel For more information: anantara.com budapestinfo.hu/en Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: [email protected] #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #budapest #anantara #luxuryhotel #palace #travel #europetravel #castle #hungary #goulash #spa

Guest: Heidi Hayes - Director of Public Relations, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Las Vegas is having a moment, but not for the reason most people think. The city is still great at the classics like casinos, nightlife, and people-watching, yet what surprised us most is how much Vegas has expanded into a true travel hub with next-level entertainment, immersive attractions, a serious food scene, and easy access to iconic outdoor adventures. We’re joined by Heidi Hayes, Director of PR for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, to break down what’s new and what’s essential. We talk standout shows and residencies across the destination, then go deep on the Las Vegas Sphere and why it’s become a must-see experience even if you’ve “done Vegas” before. From there, we dig into interactive options like Area15 and Omega Mart, plus local favorites beyond the Strip including downtown, the Arts District, Chinatown, and neighborhood restaurants in Henderson. If you’re planning your first trip or bringing family for a multi-stop road trip, we share simple, practical ideas: free icons like the Bellagio Fountains and Conservatory, the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, and how to set a gambling budget as “entertainment.” We also cover the outdoor side of a Las Vegas vacation, with quick wins like Red Rock Canyon and bigger day trips to Valley of Fire, Lake Mead, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon. Heidi even flags budget-friendly options, including new all-inclusive deals at Luxor and Excalibur. Chapter Markers0:19 Welcome And Vegas On Fire1:50 How Las Vegas Has Matured3:47 Must-See Shows And The Sphere7:52 Interactive Vegas At Area159:25 Hidden Gems For Food And Neighborhoods12:11 Red Rock And Epic Day Trips17:08 First-Timer Vegas Must-Dos19:00 New Hotels Sports And Big Events21:21 Budget Vegas Deals And Best Timing23:54 Where To Get Info And Wrap For more information: VisitLasVegas.com ► @vegas Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: [email protected] #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #lasvegas #thestrip #nevada #lasvegashotel #thesphere #lasvegasmusic #lasvegasraiders #nationalparks #casino #nightlife #lasvegastravel

Guest: Amanda Marr, Director of Marketing & Communications, Visit Sevierville You know that feeling when a place surprises you fast and then somehow sticks with you for years? That’s Sevierville, Tennessee for me. It’s set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so you get big mountain scenery and outdoor adventure, but you also get an easy home base with true small-town warmth. Amanda Marr from Visit Sevierville joins me to share what’s new and why this area keeps giving travelers fresh reasons to come back. We get into the Smokies themselves, including why the park’s no admission fee is such a game-changer for family vacations and outdoor trips. Then we talk about how Sevierville does lodging differently: modern luxury cabins with hot tubs and views, boutique stays downtown, glamping, and even a full treehouse resort experience. If you’re the kind of traveler who thinks the place you stay sets the whole tone of the trip, you’re going to want to hear these ideas. From there, it’s all about the experiences you can’t fake. Amanda breaks down animal encounters like the sloth experience at Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo, plus an axolotl exhibit that connects kid curiosity to real science. We also talk bald eagles, conservation, and the American Eagle Foundation’s up-close opportunities. And of course, we go deep on Dolly Parton’s hometown pride: downtown tributes, murals, the statue, festivals, Dollywood’s latest updates, and the spots where Dolly’s story still feels close enough to touch. If Sevierville is on your spring, summer, or fall list, press play, take notes, and then subscribe, share the show with a travel-loving friend, and leave us a review so more listeners can find Round Trip. What would be your first Sevierville stop? Chapter Markers0:00. Welcome To Round Trip1:06 Why Sevierville Feels So Special4:12 The Smokies And Cabin Life6:18 Sloths, Axolotls, And Animal Encounters10:54 Bald Eagles Up Close12:52 Dolly Parton’s Hometown Downtown15:36 Dolly Celebrations And Live Competitions18:52 Dollywood Tips And New Rides22:26 Water Parks And Unique Places To Stay26:58 Dig’n Zone And Trip Planning Tools29:44 Getting There And Final Travel Notes For more information: VisitSevierville.com Episode in collaboration with Visit Sevierville. Broll credit to Visit Sevierville. Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: [email protected] #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #sevierville #tennesseetravel #tennessee #seviervilletn #dollywood #waterpark #animalencounters #treehouse #themepark #smokymountains

Guest: Jane Wooldridge - Award-winning travel and business journalist & Author of Frommer’s Comfort in the Wild:100+ Idyllic Nature Destinations, No Roughing It Required You can love wild places and still want high-thread-count sheets. Travel journalist and author Jane Wildridge joins me to talk about Frommer’s Comfort in the Wild, a beautiful, practical guide to 100+ nature destinations where you get the hiking, wildlife, and wide-open views without the misery factor. If the idea of camping has ever stopped you from booking the trip, this conversation is your permission slip to do it differently. We dig into what “no roughing it required” really means, from a jaw-dropping stay in Cambodia where you can zipline into camp and unwind with gourmet food, to an ingenious Montana farm near Glacier National Park that turns grain silos into cozy, self-contained lodging with the one amenity we both agree is non-negotiable: a bathroom. Along the way, Jane shares how comfort-forward travel can still bring you closer to conservation, local culture, and the kind of outdoor quiet that resets your whole nervous system. We also explore expedition cruising and why small ships have become one of the most comfortable ways to reach remote nature destinations, including Antarctica. Think “safari at sea” vibes: intimate groups, incredible wildlife access, and a warm, welcoming place to come back to at the end of the day. Plus, we get into elevated treehouses, creative stays, and how to choose an experience that fits your real-life comfort level so you actually go. If you like smart travel ideas, unforgettable nature stories, and planning tips you can use right now, hit follow, share this with your favorite travel buddy, and leave a review so more listeners can find Round Trip. Chapter Markers0:19 Welcome And Guest Introduction1:30 Why Comfort Belongs In Nature4:55 Cambodia Luxury Camp With Zipline6:43 Montana Silo Stays Near Glacier9:26 Expedition Ships And Antarctica12:07 Treehouses With Real Amenities14:26 Wildlife Moments And Nature’s Pull15:26 The Core Message Get Outside18:05 How To Reach Us And Subscribe For more information: frommers.com janewooldridge.com ► IG: @frommers | @janewooldridge ► FB: @FrommersTravelGuides You can find Frommer’s Comfort in the Wild:100+ Idyllic Nature Destinations, No Roughing It Required on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books & Books. Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: [email protected] #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #camping #glamping #wild #adventuretravel #frommers #guidebook #traveljournalist #treehouse #antarctica #ziplining

Guest: Megan Kudla, Producer & Travel Writer Rome is iconic, but it can also feel like a lot, especially when you’re trying to pick the right neighborhood, book tickets, and squeeze the “big stuff” into a short stay. We wanted a plan that feels chic, simple, and actually doable, so I brought on my producer Megan Kudla to break down her Rome girls trip and the exact choices that made two nights feel full without feeling frantic. We talk through the Chic in Italy Set Jet Stays package from Minor Hotels Collection, including what you get, how customizable it is, and why built-in breakfast matters more than people think when you’re sightseeing all day. Megan shares what it’s like staying at nHow Roma after its renovation, how walkable the area is for Rome first-timers, and the kind of modern comfort that makes it easy to recharge before heading back out to the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the city’s endless layers of history. Then we get practical: how long to stay in Rome, how to think about a short Rome itinerary, and why Vatican tickets and Colosseum tickets should be booked online ahead of time. Megan also shares the standout experience from her trip, a custom Fiat 500 tour with a local guide who tailored the route to what she’d already seen, turning Rome travel tips into something you can actually feel in real time. We also touch the Venice and Milan legs of the Italy itinerary, with add-ons like Murano glass, mask-making, and a Milan cosmetics workshop. If you’re planning travel to Rome and want fewer decisions with better results, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a friend who loves Italy, and leave a review with your best Rome question so we can answer it next. Chapters: 0:00 Meet Megan And The Rome Plan1:08 Why Rome Works For Friends3:02 Chic In Italy Package Breakdown5:18 First Impressions Of Rome6:49 NOW Roma Style And Rooms8:56 Walking Rome From A Smart Base10:32 Breakfast Perks And Ludo Dinner12:52 How Long To Stay In Rome14:40 Vatican And Colosseum Ticket Tips16:18 The Fiat 500 Tour Finale20:18 Venice And Milan Extras Plus How To Book For more information: minor-hotels.com ► IG: @minorhotels | @avani_hotels | @nhcollection | @nhow | @nhowroma | @avanivenice | @nhcollectionmilanocitylife Email: [email protected] Mention «CHIC IN ITALY» in the subject line when making your enquiry with preferred dates of travel, number of guests and full booking details Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: [email protected] #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #italy #rome #girlstrip #italytravel #chicinitaly #minorhotels #nhow #fiat500 #travelexpert

Guest: Audrey Huttert, General Manager of The St. Regis Venice Water taxis, soft pastels, and a view that steals your breath—our Venice journey starts inside the St. Regis Venice, a historic palazzo reimagined with contemporary art and quiet, personal service. We sit down with General Manager Audrey to trace the hotel’s path from Europa Regina and Britannia days to its 2019 rebirth, and we unpack how design choices—Scarpa-inspired lines, Monet-hued rooms, and curated installations—turn a storied address into a living gallery on the Grand Canal. Food lovers get their moment on the heated terrace at Gio’s, where Venetian ingredients meet a Puglian soul, while night owls follow us to the St. Regis Bar for the signature Bloody Mary and then to the Arts Bar for bespoke cocktails served in hand-blown Murano glass. We talk location strategy too: steps to Piazza San Marco, a stroll over the wooden Accademia Bridge to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and evenings at La Fenice. If you’re timing a trip, we weigh the case for winter’s hush, October’s golden calm, and the high-energy pulses of the Biennale and the Film Festival. To deepen the craft story, we ferry to Murano and bypass the tourist shows for the oldest working glass factory, Barovier & Toso. Watching masters shape molten color reframes every glass on your table, and a night at NH Collection Murano Villa—tucked behind historic doors with modern lofted rooms—lets the island’s rhythm slow you down. By the end, you’ll know how to choose a suite with the right view, where to book, when to come, and how to explore Venice with intention so the city gives more back. Love travel stories that double as a guide? Follow, subscribe, and leave a quick review to help others find the show—and tell us your perfect Venice month so we can tailor future tips. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Welcome And Venice Tease0:49 Meeting The St. Regis GM2:32 Hotel History And Rebirth5:55 Arrival By Water And First Impressions8:50 Dining At Gio’s And Bars12:45 Suites, Views, And Design16:40 Venice Then And Now19:10 Neighborhood, Museums, And Access21:06 How To Book And When To Visit25:10 Collaborations, Art, And The Garden For more information: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/vcexr-the-st-regis- venice/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0 ► IG: @stregisvenice Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: [email protected] #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #stregis #venicetravel #venice #venicehotel #hotel #marriott #hoteltips #italytravel #italytips #suite

Want New York City without the New York price tag? We brought in Pauline Frommer to show exactly how to make it happen, with practical strategies that stretch your budget while keeping the magic intact. From rush seats on Broadway to off-season hotel wins, this conversation is a masterclass in traveling well without overspending—or getting fooled by AI-driven pricing. We dig into the Frommer legacy and why real, on-the-ground reporting still matters in a web full of influencer hype and fake reviews. Pauline lays out a clear playbook: visit January through March for hotel deals that drop by hundreds, lean on rush tickets and TodayTix for theater savings, and time your attraction visits at mid-day to avoid AI’s hourly price surges. She also shares a crucial tactic for fair pricing everywhere: use a VPN. By switching your search location, you can sidestep geographic price profiling and reveal fees upfront like EU shoppers see. There is fresh excitement in the city too. Times Square is adding a new observation deck with a quirky “ball experience,” complete with crystal wishes woven into New Year’s lore, plus LAVS—yes, a floor of paid bathrooms designed for real convenience. The Studio Museum in Harlem unveils its striking new home, the Jewish Museum’s reimagined core exhibit spotlights artifacts with powerful stories, and the Frick’s reopened second floor reframes Gilded Age life with intimacy. We round it out with dining trends—like Korean-forward wine bars on the Lower East Side—that locals love and visitors rarely find without a guide. If you value honest recommendations over algorithmic guesswork, this one is for you. We talk tools that actually find cheaper flights (hello, Momondo), how to avoid AI-generated guidebook spam, and why turning off ad blockers helps keep real travel journalism alive. Subscribe, share with a friend planning a trip, and leave a review with your favorite NYC money-saving tip—we might feature it next time. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introducing Pauline Frommer1:33 The Frommer Story And Mission5:15 Why Trusted Guidebooks Still Matter9:05 New York On A Middle-Class Budget13:15 How To Score Discount Broadway Tickets16:50 Hotel Strategy And Off-Season Wins21:00 What’s New In New York Culture27:10 Times Square Deck, Ball Experience, And LAVS31:00 Museum Revivals And Hidden Stories35:20 Dining Trends And Secret Finds

Guest: Jenny Gowan, Special Events Manager at Wilderness Travel Looking for travel that does more than check boxes? We sit down with Wilderness Travel’s special events manager, Jenny Gowen, to unpack how truly adventurous journeys are built: small groups, local leadership, and a guiding principle that we’re not spectators. From the company’s pioneering roots in 1978 to today’s topic-driven itineraries, Jenny shares how curiosity and humility turn a trip into a deeper experience. We dive into eclipse travel that sells out in hours, including why 2027 Egypt is a standout with six minutes and twenty-two seconds of totality over Luxor. Jenny reveals how they balance maximum totality, historic cloud cover, and the cultural story of a place while partnering with expert astronomers like UC Berkeley’s Alex Filippenko. You’ll hear the strategy behind short, flexible event trips in Europe with smart add-ons, plus longer, immersive routes in destinations like Egypt, Patagonia, and Mongolia. If you’ve wondered how to pick the right adventure, we break down Wilderness Travel’s trip rating system, the benefits of small groups capped at 15, and why even level-one journeys involve authentic walking and real access. We talk logistics in remote regions such as Namibia, included meals and scheduling that reduce friction, and the upside of traveling with an outfitter that keeps funds local and opens doors independent travelers rarely reach. Jenny also shares practical booking advice: use the website’s search bar, join interest lists, act early, and flip to the back of their stunning annual catalog to spot new itineraries. With generous cancellation policies on most small-group trips, you can plan ahead with confidence. Ready to chase totality, reconnect with family, or revisit a place with new eyes and expert context? Hit follow, share this episode with your favorite travel buddy, and leave a review to help more curious travelers find us. Safe travels! 0:00     Meet Jenny From Wilderness Travel1:45      Origins And Ethos Of Adventure Travel3:35     Travel With Purpose And Local Impact5:36      Eclipse Travel And The Expert Factor8:10      Why 2027 Egypt Is A Standout10:30    Trip Lengths, Add-Ons, And Flexibility13:20    Small Groups And Trip Ratings16:15    Scheduling, Dining, And Remote Logistics19:30    Value, Access, And Stress-Free Planning22:45    Booking Early, Catalog Secrets, Waitlists26:00    Topic-Driven Travel And Renewed Wonder28:20    Family Travel And Generational Legacy30:00   How To Book, Deposits, And CTA32:30   Host Closing And Follow Us For more information: https://www.wildernesstravel.com/  2025 Eclipse trip in Northern Spain:  https://www.wildernesstravel.com/trip/total-solar-eclipse-2026-northern-spain/ 2026 Eclipse trip in Luxor, Egypt:  https://www.wildernesstravel.com/trip/total-solar-eclipse-2027-luxor-egypt/  ► IG:   @wildernesstravel ► FB:   @wildernesstravel ►YouTube: @Wildernesstravel ►LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wilderness-travel/ Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG:   @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB:   @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: roundtripc

Steve Guilday - Director of Travel at AARP Services Inc. What if a $20 membership could make your bucket list trip finally happen? We sit down with Steve Guilday, Director of Travel at AARP, to reveal practical, stackable ways to cut costs on flights, hotels, rental cars, tours, and cruises—without sacrificing comfort or adventure. Steve explains how AARP’s nonprofit model passes negotiated savings directly to members, why international travel intent is surging among the 50+ crowd, and how to turn once‑in‑a‑lifetime ideas into booked itineraries that fit your budget. We dig into the biggest trends shaping smart travel right now: intergenerational getaways that build deeper bonds, Alaska cruises that put the destination center stage, and the art of choosing secondary cities for Europe to dodge crowds while keeping the culture. You’ll hear how to time trips for shoulder season, why weekday departures stretch dollars, and how to make road trips easier by renting instead of racking up miles on your own car. From British Airways flight savings to hotel deals across major brands, we outline where the real, usable discounts live and how to stack them with your credit card rewards. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to go, consider this your sign. Pick your destination, choose the smarter route, and put the savings to work so the memories last longer than the bills. For links and details on member perks and current travel offers, head to aarp.org/save. If you enjoyed the conversation, subscribe, share with a travel‑loving friend, and leave a quick review—it helps more people discover the show and start planning the trip they’ll talk about for years. For more information: aarp.org & aarp.org/save @aarp & @aarpmemberbenefits https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/travel-trends-survey/ Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG:   @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB:   @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: [email protected] #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #aarp #travelsavings #multigentravel #traveldiscounts #membership