PODCAST · society
Travel Connections
by Suzanne Stavert
Travel Connections is the show that brings together the people and the companies who create unique experiences for travelers who love to find adventure. Host Suzanne Stavert, a travel writer and brand ambassador, will have lively conversations with travel experts and enthusiasts to share captivating stories that dive beneath the surface of travel.
Episodes
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An Unforgettable Tour of Tuscany
In this episode of Travel Connections, Suzanne welcomes Kimi Mendenhall and Erin Talafus, two adventurous nurses and world travelers, who joined the Spring 2026 Travel Connections Tour in Tuscany. From the moment they arrived at iCastagni in the charming hilltop village of Montefollonico, they…
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A Ten-Year Travel Dream Come True: Chiloé Island, Chile
This is the story of a destination we waited ten years to experience — and why it was worth every moment. Truly a travel dream come true. As we begin 2026 - and publish this special destination episode, we're taking you to one of the most remote and magical places we've ever traveled: Chiloé...
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Tuscany Awaits: Stories, Slow Travel, and One Fabulous Tour
Welcome to another inspiring episode of Travel Connections! If you've been following along, you know how excited I am about our upcoming Travel Connections Tours to Tuscany, launching in spring 2026. Our home base for these unforgettable experiences will be iCastagni, a lovingly restored inn...
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Village Life in Tuscany with Author Angela Correll
Life in Tuscany Today's episode truly is something special—and not just because my guest has become a cherished friend of the show. Angela Correll is back for her third conversation on Travel Connections (yes, she officially holds the record!), and every time we talk, it feels like slipping into…
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Walking the Camino: An Adventurer's Journey with Erik Hulslander
Have you heard of the Camino de Santiago? This centuries-old pilgrimage across Spain draws thousands of travelers each year, each with their own reasons for taking on the journey. The most well-known route, the Camino Francés, stretches more than 500 miles and offers not only a physical challenge...
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Savoring Summer Cocktails with the Simple Goodness Sisters
The Simple Goodness Sisters Return with Summer Cocktails! — Sip, Savor, and Celebrate with "Drink Your Garden" The delightful Simple Goodness Sisters are back on Travel Connections, and they're bringing a bouquet of flavor, fun, and farm-to-glass inspiration with them! Venise Cunningham and…
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The Wild Wonders of Morocco
In this exciting episode, we're taking you deep into the heart of North Africa to explore the enchanting and unforgettable country of Morocco. Have you ever dreamed of off-roading through the Sahara, riding camels through towering dunes, or drinking cocktails on a sun-drenched rooftop in…
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Big Adventures, Big News & A Tuscan Dream Come True
Welcome back to Travel Connections! In this special update episode, I'm catching you up on what's been a whirlwind first half of the year—and sharing some truly exciting news! From holiday travels in London and Paris to an awe-inspiring adventure through South America and a recent return from...
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Getting to Know The Hamptons with Vanessa Gordon
Welcome to another exciting interview with Travel Connections. My special guest today is Vanessa Gordon—a dynamic and knowledgeable force in the world of culinary travel. As the CEO and Publisher of East End Taste, Vanessa curates a digital publication that explores sustainable and international...
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Inspiring Stories of Life in the Italian Countryside
Welcome to a fantastic new episode of Travel Connections! In today's episode, we will cover many of the things that I love most! What are they, you ask? Let me give you a small list. Learning about a delightful new book, traveling to Italy, memorable Italian food and wine, discovering and…
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More Adventures in Patagonia with Special Guest Craig Stavert
Today's episode is near and near my heart. It is part two of the highlights of our tour of Patagonia with our friends from Collette. The tour's name is Patagonia: Edge of the World, and trust me, we actually made it to the edge of the world, and it was exhilarating. In this episode, I will...
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An Extraordinary Tour of Patagonia with Collette
Welcome to an exciting new episode filled with information about a place I would describe as other-worldly and epic. My husband Craig and I traveled to South America to explore the region of Patagonia. Are you intrigued by glaciers, quiet and unspoiled landscapes, warm and welcoming locals, and...
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London and Paris at the Holidays - 100% Yes!
Welcome to another new season of Travel Connections. We are now beginning Season Four, and I'm excited to bring you more travel conversations about intriguing destinations, incredible adventures, and captivating insights with inspiring guests. We will continue to dive beneath the surface of…
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Winter Adventures on Camano Island, Washington
When I think of a quintessential Pacific Northwest setting, I envision nature in abundance! Walking on the beach and strolling through deeply wooded forests with lovely hiking trails, scenic roads, and peaceful breezes are the perfect combination for every traveler. On Camano Island, in the state...
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A Lovely Conversation with Elizabeth Poett - The Ranch Table
Welcome to a wonderful new episode of Travel Connections. My special guest is a personal travel connection for me. On a sunny summer afternoon, my family and I attended the most spectacular Gathering on a ranch called Rancho San Julian, just north of Santa Barabara. We enjoyed a delicious dinner…
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Best of: A California Road Trip Through the Central Coast
Is a California road trip on your bucket list? Have you been? Have you traveled through the Central Coast of California? This episode focuses on a small area of California just north of Santa Barbara. What a place! In this episode, I share what we did, where we ate, and what we sipped. It was a...
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Best of: Our Road Trip to Banff, Lake Louise & Calgary, Canada
A Road Trip to Banff! Welcome to another of my Best of Series of episodes. This is where I talk about the highlights of a fantastic travel itinerary. In this episode, I describe our tremendously successful road trip from Whitefish, Montana, to Calgary, Canada, which includes the most picturesque...
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Best of: Highlights of Our Puglia Itinerary
Are you familiar with the Italian phrase "La Dolce Vita"? It means "enjoying life's pleasures, indulging, and cultivating joy." In this episode, I am thrilled to share our adventures in Italy with you. We just returned from a jam-packed adventure that lasted 12 days. The good news is that we...
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Behind The Scenes: The Good Morning America Interview
Welcome to a special episode of Travel Connections. The original subject of this episode was initially scheduled to focus on our fantastic trip to Puglia, Italy. However, something incredible and unexpected happened to me, and I thought it would be fun to share a little behind the scenes! I…
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Travel with Intention with Travel Expert Susie Chau
Wisdom from a Travel Expert! Today's episode is an important topic near and dear to my travel heart. Are you an intentional traveler? Have you given this idea any thought? I have connected with Susie Chau, a creative go-getter in the travel world. She helps Entrepreneur Moms take month-long…
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Our Epic Cruise to Alaska - A Mother/Daughter Adventure
Have you been on a cruise to Alaska? Welcome to a very special episode of Travel Connections. Why is it so special? Well, it's because I am interviewing my daughter, Alex Karlen. Alex and I took our very first ocean cruise on the Celebrity Edge. And I thought, who better to tell the story and add...
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Three Summer Travel Tips for a Happy Vacation
Are you looking for a couple of ingredients for a successful summer trip? Welcome to this minisode or mini-episode. Do you have 8 minutes? In this quick episode, we catch you up and provide a few bite-size bits of travel news! I share some fun information, and you can check out the highlights...
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Embracing Life with Grace, Grit and Gratitude
Embracing Life - You never know what is around the corner. Today's guest is a very special someone and my personal Travel Connection. She is the queen of embracing life even when it is really hard. I met her not too long ago, in September 2023, while I was a host with Tuscan Women Cook in…
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Save Money on Travel with The Points Mom
So you want to save money on travel? Yes! Me Too! Hello, and welcome to another fantastic episode of Travel Connections. My special guest today is Cindy Greenstein, also known as The Points Mom; she will share with you several brilliant opportunities you may not have known existed. After this...
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A Spectacular Day at the Seattle Center
This is a fun, informative episode. It came about because two weeks ago, I did a road trip episode called Our Epic Road Trip in Arizona. In it, I talked a lot about what we did specifically and gave you the details of where we stayed and what activities we enjoyed. Sharing this itinerary was so...
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Our Epic Road Trip in Arizona
Welcome to today's episode devoted to our epic road trip in Arizona. Don't miss the links at the bottom! If you would like to go straight to the highlights and links to restaurants and activities just scroll on down! This episode was not originally on the editorial calendar. But to be perfectly...
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Making Artisanal Pasta on Whidbey Island
Welcome to another episode of Travel Connections. Once again, we hit a home run with our next guest. Aurora Echo lives on Whidbey Island, WA, and owns a delightfully successful business called Wildly Beloved Foods. It's interesting; Aurora only validates that every time I visit Whidbey Island…
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Travel to Tuscany: Stories From the Heart
In this episode, we travel to Tuscany, but we make a couple of stops first. Angela Correll is one of just a few guests who have appeared on my show more than once. However, back in October 2022, our conversation was not about Italy; it focused on all things Kentucky. She was an essential part of…
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An Exclusive Look Inside An African Luxury Tented Camp
Welcome to our third and final episode devoted to our tour of Southern Africa. We recorded three episodes that focused entirely on this spectacular experience on this tour by Collette. In Episode One, I talk with my husband, Craig, about the tour's unique details. In Episode 2, I interviewed our...
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Travel to Africa with Samantha Johnson of Collette
Welcome to Episode Two of our African Safari series. In Episode One, I interview and talk with my husband, Craig Stavert. We share many details of what it was really like going on safari with Collette. It is a great way to begin this series of episodes. Now, in Episode Two, you meet Samantha...
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An African Safari to Remember
Welcome to Season Three! I so appreciate you joining me as we head into 2024 with the Travel Connections Podcast. Once again, our episodes will be filled with fascinating people sharing unique stories. You will be enlightened and entertained and gain knowledge you didn't know you needed! This...
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A Conversation with Road Trip Expert - Bill Clevlen
Are road trips on your radar? Are you looking for US destinations that are "off the beaten path" and super interesting? You are in the right place. Today's special guest will probably make you laugh as well as enlighten you with his vast knowledge of road trip destinations. Bill Clevlen of Bill…
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The Italian Cooking School of Your Dreams
Hello, and welcome to our newest episode of Travel Connections. If you have been following me for a while, you will probably know that I discovered Tuscan Women Cook back in 2016. I had a friend in common with today's special guest, Coleen Kirnan. Our friend Brenda connected the two of us, and…
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Enjoy The Magic of Skagit Valley with Chef Christy Fox
Are you familiar with a place called Skagit Valley? When I first visited in 2016, I honestly didn't even know how to pronounce it! I went to see The Tulip Festival, which takes place in the Valley in April. I wasn't even living in the Pacific Northwest on that first visit. I fell in love with…
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Let's Go Travel to Thailand!
Let's travel to Thailand! Travel is back, and it is time to plan your next vacation! You will learn so much from my special guest, and I promise you will be well-informed and inspired for your next (or first) trip to this fantastic destination. This episode is a bright and shiny conversation with...
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Kayaking & Island Life on Whidbey Island
Hello, and welcome to another fantastic episode of Travel Connections. In this episode, we talk with Krista Loercher, Co-Owner of Whidbey Island Kayaking in the Pacific Northwest. This interview is part three in a series where we dive deeper into tourism and the benefits of giving back to a...
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Orchard Kitchen: Farm Focused Fine Dining on Whidbey Island, WA
Welcome to part two of our three-part series focusing on Whidbey and Camano Islands. In this series, we talk about how important the concept of regenerative travel can be for the destination and the visitors who spend time there. If you have not had a chance to listen to Part One, you will hear…
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An Invitation to Discover Regenerative Travel with Embrace Whidbey & Camano Islands
Just north of Seattle, in the heart of the scenic Salish Sea, sit two of the most charming island destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Camano and Whidbey Islands offer different experiences with each season. A colorful palate of locally owned shops and restaurants provides deep and delicious...
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Summer Travel News & Special Guest Updates
Welcome to a speedy episode of Travel Connections. Summer Travel? Yes, it has begun! The good news is that travel is back, and I am having a blast, but the not-so-good news is that it doesn't leave time for much else. So instead of an entire episode, I offer you an informative summer travel…
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Travel the World with Collette
We have another fantastic episode devoted to travel! Join me as I go behind the scenes with Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, Collette's President & Chief Customer Experience Officer. My relationship with Collette goes back five glorious years. I have been fortunate to tour with their team on two epic trips. I...
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Let's Talk About Cruising
So you want to learn more about cruising? You have come to the right place! My friends and fellow travel writers Ann and Steve Teget have taken over twenty different cruises - all over the world. If you need a question answered, they are just the pair to do it! Ann and Steve began writing about...
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Take A Viking Cruise With Us
What is it really like to take a Viking Cruise? This episode is part of a three-part series I created to talk about cruising. I invited friends and colleagues Lina and David Stock of Divergent Travelers to speak with me about cruising in Part One. In this episode, we will discuss my experiences...
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Adventure Travel to the Max with The Divergent Travelers
More adventure travel, please! Adventure travel is red hot, and no two people personify this type of travel more than my guests, Lina and David Stock of Divergent Travelers. Holy cow, they are so exciting and have stories that will blow your mind. I am not exaggerating in the slightest. You will...
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Farm-to-Table Cocktail Stories with Simple Goodness Sisters
Farm-to-Table-Talk If you are like me, the words "farm-to-table" make me sit up and take notice. I just love to make and eat food that is fresh and locally sourced. Using ingredients grown and created nearby where I live supports my local community and improves our way of life, but I don't...
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Let's Talk About...Walkabout - Small Group Tours for Women
Are you looking for small group tours for women? I sure am! Once you meet and hear from my special guest, Shelly Wildman of Walkabout Tours, you will be ready to pack your bags! Shelly and I had the best time talking about all things travel. The demand is high and discerning travelers are looking...
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The Most Fun Trip to Dublin and Edinburgh
Do you travel during the holidays? We love to go somewhere where the holiday decor is bright and sparkling. We don't always leave on December 26th, however! Travel during the holiday season can be challenging, but it is also a unique time of year to see a new destination. We tried something new,...
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Travel Inspiration For the Best Travel Year Ever
Are you looking for more travel inspiration? Well, Hi there, everyone. It's been three months, did you miss me? Over here at Travel Connections, we took a three-month hiatus. I wasn't sure I would like it and was kind of afraid you all might forget me. But this is not true, right?? It was great…
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From Your Favorite Travel Podcast: Celebrating the Return of Travel
Exciting News from your favorite Travel Podcast! I am very excited to share this episode with you! I know I say that before every episode, but seriously, this is cause for celebration. In this episode, I will be interviewed by my creative business coach and podcast mentor, Linsi Brownson. We are...
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Angela Correll: Kentucky Writer, Traveler & Hospitality Innovator
Let me introduce you to Angela Correll, a Kentucky writer, world traveler, and hospitality expert. Welcome to Part Four of The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Series, where we delve into the super popular Bourbon Industry, explore beautiful towns in Kentucky, and talk about the fantastic food scene there…
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Delicious Southern Food & The Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Three words. Ouita is delightful. For those who may not know Ouita, this newest episode in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Series is an excellent introduction! Anyone you ask about Ouita says the same thing. "She is amazing! Lovely and delightful!" However, just because she is super lovely doesn't…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Travel Connections is the show that brings together the people and the companies who create unique experiences for travelers who love to find adventure. Host Suzanne Stavert, a travel writer and brand ambassador, will have lively conversations with travel experts and enthusiasts to share captivating stories that dive beneath the surface of travel.
HOSTED BY
Suzanne Stavert
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Travel Connections have?
Travel Connections currently has 77 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Travel Connections about?
Travel Connections is the show that brings together the people and the companies who create unique experiences for travelers who love to find adventure. Host Suzanne Stavert, a travel writer and brand ambassador, will have lively conversations with travel experts and enthusiasts to share...
How often does Travel Connections release new episodes?
Travel Connections has 77 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Travel Connections?
You can listen to Travel Connections on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Travel Connections?
Travel Connections is created and hosted by Suzanne Stavert.
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