The Travel Brats
by Sofia Blanno, Natalie Brouwer
Your one-stop media destination for inspiration to create a travel-filled life you don't need a vacation from. The Travel Brats are building a community around a love for travel, uncovering hidden gems with locals, and empowering exploration from your home city to around the globe.
Episodes
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Olá, Porto! An Insider’s Guide to Portugal’s Northern Gem
What makes Porto so special? This week on The Travel Brats Podcast, Natalie is joined by her friend and fellow performer Raquel, who grew up in northern Portugal, to explore one of the country’s most beautiful and character-filled cities. From winding cobblestone streets and breathtaking river...
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Solo, Together: Why Group Travel Is Taking Off with WeRoad
In This Episode ✈️ How WeRoad works 🌎 Why 90% of WeRoad travelers travel solo 👯 How strangers become travel friends—and sometimes lifelong friends 🧳 What makes WeRoad different from traditional group tours 🌍 The role of WeRoad’s group leaders 💬 Why connection has become such a major part of...
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Where Do Solo Travelers Go… and Where Don’t They?
Guest: Clarissa Cappelletti Company: WeRoad Episode Focus: Solo travel, destinations, travel confidence, safety, age, and finding connection on the road In This Episode What happens when someone who has visited 58 countries gives us the real talk on solo travel? We sit down with Clarissa...
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Travel Insurance Secrets Every Traveler Should Know
In This Episode We Discuss: Why travel insurance isn't just for expensive vacations The difference between travel medical insurance and trip cancellation coverage The biggest misconceptions travelers have about insurance What your regular health insurance actually covers abroad (hint: probably…
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Let's Take a Gap Year in Ecuador with Lindsey Goldstein
Ecuador Isn't Just a Destination—It's a Fresh Start. What if one trip had the power to completely change the direction of your life? For author Lindsey Goldstein, that's exactly what happened. Long before she became a published novelist, Lindsey spent a gap year living in Ecuador—a decision that...
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How to Plan a Vacation Step-by-Step (Budgeting, Booking & Travel Tips)
Planning a vacation should be exciting—not overwhelming. But between choosing a destination, booking flights, creating an itinerary, and figuring out logistics, it's easy to feel stressed before your trip even begins. At The Travel Brats, we've planned everything from last-minute city getaways to...
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Travel with Purpose: Volunteer Travel & Impactful Adventures with Kimberly Haley-Coleman
Serving the World: Travel, Impact & Adventure with Kimberly Haley-Coleman What if your next vacation could change not only your perspective—but someone else’s life, too? In this episode of The Travel Brats Podcast, we sit down with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, the founder and Executive Director of…
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Get Lost, Eat Well, Travel Deeper: City Explorations Around the World
Tokyo vs. Paris: Two Completely Different Kinds of Magic Would you rather wander the electric streets of Tokyo or get cozy inside a vintage bookstore in Paris? Tokyo is a sensory overload in the best way possible. It’s the kind of place where you don’t need a plan—just walking around becomes the...
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Beyond Paris & Rome: The Rise of Heritage Travel in Europe with Bryan Lewis
The Moment That Changed Everything Like so many travelers, Bryan’s love for exploring started with one unforgettable trip. At just 18, he took a road trip to Florida — and saw the ocean for the first time. It wasn’t just about the destination. It was about: Meeting new people Experiencing a...
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Travel Planning 101: How to Choose the Best Time to Travel & Plan a Stress-Free Trip
How to Get Around Like a Local: Choosing the Best Transportation Transportation can make or break your travel experience. Choosing the best way to get around while traveling depends heavily on the destination. In some places, high-speed trains are the fastest option, while in others renting a car...
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How Travel Can Change Your Life: Transformative Travel with Caitlyn Lubas
The Trip That Started It All: Ghana 🇬🇭 Like many great travel stories, Caitlyn’s journey started with one life-changing trip. When she was just 18 years old, she signed up for a college course that included a trip to Ghana focused on social entrepreneurship. Instead of a typical tourist...
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Sailing Away with Seabourn: What It’s Really Like on a Luxury Cruise Around the World
What Makes Seabourn Different? Seabourn is known for its intimate, yacht-like ships. Instead of mega-ships carrying thousands, ships like Encore host around 600 guests — with nearly as many crew members onboard. That nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio translates into highly personalized service.…
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Off-the-Grid Adventures & Ancestral Travel Stories with Ting Ting Guan
From Vacation Mode to Purpose-Driven Travel Like many of us, Ting Ting didn’t always travel with intention. Early trips were about fun, escape, and ticking destinations off a list. But over time, something shifted. Nature-based experiences, cultural immersion, and meaningful connections started…
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Life on Two Wheels: Embracing Uncertainty Through Travel with Nathaniel Allenby
The Unexpected Path to Cycling Nathaniel's journey began on a small family farm in rural Oregon, where he faced significant challenges during his childhood. Struggling with family dynamics and a deep-seated desire for justice, he initially pursued a political career, enrolling in a prestigious...
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Our Top Destinations Visited in 2025 That You Should Hit in 2026
A Year of Adventure: Why 2025 Set the Bar High 2025 was stacked. International trips, deep dives into U.S. cities, mountain towns, beach escapes, national parks, and friendships that only happen when you travel together. From Europe to the Caribbean to coast-to-coast U.S. adventures, this year...
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How I Tore My ACL Skiing on Tucker Mountain (Ski Accident Lessons Learned)
President’s Day Weekend 2025 started like any other legendary Colorado ski day: fresh “pow,” bluebird vibes, and me—Skier Sof—feeling like the queen of Tucker Mountain. Copper locals know Tucker used to be snowcat- and hike-only, which gave it this mysterious backcountry allure. Now it’s still...
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Splashes & Putts: Disney's Chill Side
To finish up our Disney Series, we wanted to talk about a few things you can do that don’t involve the four main parks. Putt Putt and Water Parks! Winter Summerland Mini Golf It’s festive, holiday-themed mini-golf, featuring two unique 18-hole courses (Winter & Summer) that tell the story of…
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From Tower of Terror to Galaxy’s Edge
Here’s what a perfect day in Hollywood Studios looks like! Morning: Rope Drop Energy & Star Wars Dreams If you arrive at rope drop, you’ll find excitement buzzing through the crowd. The sun is barely up, but everyone is already strategizing. For many, the first mission of the day is navigating...
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Lions & Rhinos & Giraffes, Oh My!
A Day in Disney’s Animal Kingdom: A Complete Guide to Adventure and Awe Arriving early is one of the best ways to experience Animal Kingdom. As you walk across the bridge from the Oasis toward the Tree of Life, the park begins to reveal itself slowly. Birds call from hidden perches, foliage...
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Around the World in 24 Minutes!
Epcot at Walt Disney World is unlike any other theme park. It blends innovation, culture, and entertainment into one unforgettable experience. Whether you’re fascinated by technology, drawn to global flavors, or simply want to enjoy a different kind of Disney day, Epcot has something for…
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The Most Magical Day at Disney World
How to Do a Full Day at Magic Kingdom in Orlando For many travelers, Magic Kingdom is the heart of Walt Disney World — the park that captures the essence of Disney storytelling and wonder. With iconic attractions, timeless parades, and dazzling nighttime fireworks, it’s where fairytales truly…
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Solo Travel Day to Mechelen, Belgium!
What to Do When Visiting Mechelen, Belgium Nestled between Brussels and Antwerp, Mechelen is one of Belgium’s most charming yet often overlooked cities. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere, it offers visitors an authentic Belgian experience without the crowds. Whether...
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Beyond Boston: Epic Day Trips & Weekend Getaways in New England
Beyond Boston: Epic Day Trips & Weekend Getaways in New England Boston is amazing, but here’s the thing: sometimes you’ve gotta escape the city limits to really soak in New England magic. Lucky for us wanderers, Boston sits at the heart of some of the coolest, quirkiest, most historic little…
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Exploring Boston: History, Culture, and Hidden Gems in the Cradle of Liberty
Boston is one of those cities that just gets under your skin in the best way possible. Equal parts old-school history and modern-day hustle, it’s where cobblestone streets meet glass skyscrapers, where the story of America was born, and where you can eat your body weight in lobster rolls without…
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How to Become an Escapepreneur
The Travel Brats Podcast had the pleasure of sitting down with Karen King, the OG “escapepreneur” and founder of Gold Star Pro, who helps solopreneurs and small business owners build a lifestyle of freedom. Karen shares how automation, AI, and smart business systems can unlock more time for…
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From Boardrooms to Beaches: Karen King's Escapepreneur Plan
Ever dreamed of ditching your 9-to-5 to travel the world? Meet Karen King—the visionary entrepreneur who did just that, kids in tow. In this episode, the Travel Brats chat with Karen about her bold leap from corporate burnout to full-time global adventuring. As the founder of Gold Star Pro, she...
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Meet Missouri: The Show-Me State Uncovered
The Best Things to Do in - 1. St. Louis, MO: St. Louis is often called the “Gateway to the West,” but it’s also a gateway to a memorable, well-rounded travel experience. From world-class art and live entertainment to major league baseball and local culinary treasures, this Midwestern gem packs a...
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Would You Rather: Beach & Island Life Edition
🇬🇷 Greece vs. 🇮🇩 Bali: Island-Hopping or Beach Bumming? 🛥️ We both said: GREECE! We’re all about island-hopping vibes — think Santorini sunsets, Mykonos parties, and quiet gems like Zakynthos and Milos. Want the best cruise recs? We gotchu: 🔗 Celebrity Cruises – Greek Island Routes 🔗...
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Country Roads & Island Vibes: Erica Sunshine Lee on Music, Travel & Trop Rock Dreams
The Travel Brats Q&A with Erica Sunshine Lee Meet the Georgia Gypsy Q: Erica, would you kick us off by telling us more about yourself? Where did you grow up, and how did you become the country star you are today? A: I grew up in a small town called Elberton, Georgia, population 5,000, the granite...
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Harmony in Transit: An Interview with Traveling Musician Eric Travers
Captivating audiences since his teenage years, Eric Travers has solidified his status as a seasoned musician in the vibrant Asheville music scene. Hailing from the mountains of Black Mountain, NC, Travers first made his mark as the heartbeat behind an acclaimed Rock n Roll, Jam Band, Travers...
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Would you Rather: Adventure & Thrill-Seeking Edition
Natalie and Sofia dive head first into some exciting and fun Travel Themed Questions! It's a Would You Rather episode full of lots of helpful tips and tricks for each place that gets talked about! From bungee jumping in South Africa, to whitewater rafting in Costa Rica, to trekking the Inca Trail...
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An Extraodinary EPICsode to Remember!
Travel Brats Nat and Matt talk about Universal's newest and most innovative theme park, Epic Universe! The Park is set to have it's Grand Opening in just two days. When it comes to redefining the limits of theme park imagination, Universal Destinations & Experiences has never been one to hold…
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The Ultimate Guide to the 20 Regions of Italy with Italian Experts, the Founders of Tourissimo (Continued)
Beppe, a native Italian, started his journey in active travel over two decades ago and, with the help of his wife Heather, co-founded Tourissimo, one of the top adventure travel companies in Italy. With years of expertise designing cycling and adventure tours across all 20 regions of Italy, Beppe...
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The Ultimate Guide to the 20 Regions of Italy with Italian Experts, the Founders of Tourissimo
Beppe, a native Italian, started his journey in active travel over two decades ago and, with the help of his wife Heather, co-founded Tourissimo, one of the top adventure travel companies in Italy. With years of expertise designing cycling and adventure tours across all 20 regions of Italy, Beppe...
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Meet the Founders of Tourissimo: Italy’s Premier Hiking and Cycling Tour Company for Authentic Travel
Beppe, a native Italian, started his journey in active travel over two decades ago and, with the help of his wife Heather, co-founded Tourissimo, one of the top adventure travel companies in Italy. With years of expertise designing cycling and adventure tours across all 20 regions of Italy, Beppe...
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Family Travel and Featured Trips with Travel Agent Erin Morgenthal
Family Travel and Featured Trips with Travel Agent Erin Morgenthal For our final chat with travel guru Erin Morgenthal, we focused on family travel and the incredible featured trips she offers through her work as a travel agent. Family Travel Tips: Erin recommended cruises as a fantastic option…
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Comparing Travel Experiences with Erin Morgenthal
Comparing & Contrasting Travel Plans with Erin Morgenthal We’re thrilled to have travel expert Erin Morgenthal with us again to dive into the pros and cons of three popular vacation styles: cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and theme parks. All-Inclusive Vacations: In our interview, Erin broke down...
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Introducing Wander Off Travel with Erin Morgenthal!
Hello, Travel Brats! Today, we’re excited to introduce you to a travel expert and vacation planner extraordinaire, Erin Morgenthal. Whether you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked beach retreat, a mountain expedition, a cultural immersion in a vibrant city, or a luxurious cruise across the seas, Erin’s…
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Healthy Traveling with Dr. Erin Kinney
Hydration is Key One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is not drinking enough water. Air travel, hot climates, and constant movement can dehydrate you fast, leading to fatigue and brain fog. The fix? Always carry a reusable water bottle and sip consistently throughout the day. Bonus tip: Add...
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Dive into Dating, Dallas, and Dreams with Ella Parlor!
In our Part Two of Most Memorable Travel Stories with Ella Parlor, she tells us a little bit about her dating experiences and what made her want to move all the way to Dallas, TX from her life in Cali. Join the fun as Sofia and Ella discuss!
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Getting to Know Belgian Basketball Pro and Travel Guru Nick Mornard
Nick Mornard is a serial entrepreneur, travel agent, podcaster, and author based in Southwest Florida. After immigrating to the United States in 2013 with the goal of achieving the American dream, he became a leadership and mindset expert. With his unique perspective on success, travel, and...
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A Travel Brat Kind of Year!
Join Sofia and Natalie as they share some of their Travel Brat Highlights from 2024! From this year's travel spots, to personal highs and lows, to telling you some of their favorite episodes from Season 4, you won't want to miss it.
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Awesome Times in Australia with Ella Parlor!
In this episode, Ella tells one of her most memorable travel stories about a trip she took to Australia. It will leave you laughing and loving our guest even more!
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A Tech Travel Conversation with Hayley Melidonis, Founder of Bubbl
Q: Hayley, tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from, and where are you located now? Hayley: I’m originally from Sydney, Australia, and after years of bouncing around the globe, I’m currently based in the Bay Area. But honestly, the world feels like home when you love to travel as much as…
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Skiing During Sundance in Utah with Ski-Bum-Extraordinaire Sebastian Blanno
Utah in winter? Chef’s kiss. Whether you’re a ski bunny or a movie buff, this is the place to be. Picture this: late January rolls in, and Utah transforms into a winter wonderland. Snowy peaks call out to skiers, while Park City turns into a hub of glitz, glamour, and indie-film magic with the...
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Livin’ in La Perla del Caribe: Exploring the Dominican Republic with Cassidy & Zeek Marquez
Meet Cassidy & Zeek! Cassidy and Zeek started their journey together in Florida. Cassidy's originally from Maryland but moved to Fort Myers in 8th grade. Zeek is a Florida native, born and raised in the Bonita Springs area. Three years ago, these two lovebirds packed up and moved to the Dominican...
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Halloween Horror Nights 2024 at Universal Studios Orlando: Where Screams Come True (Literally!)
Scare Tactics: What's Haunting Halloween Horror Nights 2024? Universal Studios has pulled out ALL the stops this year, bringing back some of the most iconic horror legends along with fresh, nightmare-inducing frights. Yeah, we're talking Michael Myers, Insidious, a quiet place (that gets not so...
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Geography Trivia | The Travel Brats vs AI
Have fun with your Travel Brats as they face off against AI in a friendly round of Geography Trivia!
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Take Yourself to the Transcendent Lake Tahoe
Emerald Bay: A Jewel of Nature Emerald Bay is one of the most picturesque spots in Lake Tahoe, renowned for its striking blue waters and dramatic scenery. This iconic bay is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Tahoe and is often considered the crown jewel of the region. The Beauty of…
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The Queen of The Southern Mines
Discovering Sonora and Pinecrest: Hidden Gems of California When you think of California, you might picture the glitz of Hollywood or the tech hubs of Silicon Valley. But nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains are two charming towns that offer a different kind of California…
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About this show
Your one-stop media destination for inspiration to create a travel-filled life you don't need a vacation from. The Travel Brats are building a community around a love for travel, uncovering hidden gems with locals, and empowering exploration from your home city to around the globe.
Hosted by
Sofia Blanno, Natalie Brouwer
Categories