Welcome to The Travel Diaries: Unpacked, your weekend dose of wanderlust. I’m Holly Rubenstein, and today I’m joined by travel and design editor Amira Hashish, founder of creative studio Rapport, who spent 12 years at the Evening Standard, where she was executive editor. From antiques hunting in Nic… Welcome to The Travel Diaries: Unpacked, your weekend dose of wanderlust. I’m Holly Rubenstein, and today I’m joined by travel and design editor Amira Hashish, founder of creative studio Rapport, who spent 12 years at the Evening Standard, where she was executive editor. From antiques hunting in Nice to finding the quieter side of Capri, we’re exploring some of her favourite escapes, with a little Florence inspiration and insider tips for making the most of three days in LA. Plus, I’m sharing my family-friendly Hotel of the Week.

Destination Recap:

• Nice, France
• Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
• Hudson, New York, USA
• Joshua Tree, California, USA
• Florence, Italy
• Milan, Italy
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Arrowtown, South Island, New Zealand
• Silverton, Colorado, USA
• Capri, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Marina Grande, Capri
• Anacapri, Capri
• The Grove, Hertfordshire, England
• Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, England
• Rome, Italy
• Los Angeles, California, USA
• West Hollywood, Los Angeles
• Silver Lake, Los Angeles
• La Brea, Los Angeles
• Larchmont, Los Angeles
• Malibu, California
• Santa Monica, California
• Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, Los Angeles
• Venice, Los Angeles
• Downtown Los Angeles
• Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
• Pasadena, California
• Palm Springs, California
• Santa Barbara, California
• Montecito, California
• Brooklyn, New York, USA
• Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Splendido, Portofino, Italy

A huge thank you to Amira for joining me, and leaving us with quite the travel wish list! Find out more about Amira's work at Club Rapport.

If you’d like to find out who’s joining me next Tuesday, come and follow me on Instagram and TikTok, I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you.

With thanks to...

Airbnb - Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at airbnb.co.uk/host

I’ll be back on Tuesday.

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On Fridays this October, we're surfacing strange, incredible, sometimes haunted and sometimes spooky places. This episode takes us back to1976, when a television crew filming an episode of the show “The Six Million Dollar Man” descended on a rundown funhouse in Long Beach, California. While filming,… On Fridays this October, we're surfacing strange, incredible, sometimes haunted and sometimes spooky places. This episode takes us back to1976, when a television crew filming an episode of the show “The Six Million Dollar Man” descended on a rundown funhouse in Long Beach, California. While filming, they accidentally broke the arm off a wax dummy. Except...it wasn't a wax dummy. It was a real body. The body of a notorious train robber from the early 1900s, named Elmer McCurdy. more

Celebrity stylist Elizabeth Saltzman joins Tanya Rose to share her Travel Secrets.

Having dressed some of the world’s most celebrated women, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jodie Comer, Sandra Oh, Julia Garner and Saoirse Ronan, Elizabeth has travelled the world for decades. Along the way, she’s come to… Celebrity stylist Elizabeth Saltzman joins Tanya Rose to share her Travel Secrets.

Having dressed some of the world’s most celebrated women, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jodie Comer, Sandra Oh, Julia Garner and Saoirse Ronan, Elizabeth has travelled the world for decades. Along the way, she’s come to believe that travel is the greatest education of all.

In this episode, Elizabeth shares:



why she believes everyone should visit the place their family comes from

the trip to India that gave her the greatest culture shock of her life

the destination that disappointed her more than anywhere else

the one packing rule she swears by after decades of travelling

why she wore exactly the same outfit to Fashion Week every day for two years — and nobody noticed

why she is building a family home in Costa Rica

the terrifying hike in Maui that helped her understand the power of nature

her favourite restaurants, bars and hidden local spots around the world

the legendary Paris bar where she started one of her favourite travel traditions

Chapters

02:00 How travel became Elizabeth’s greatest education

10:04 Secret #1: The one place everyone should visit

12:58 Secret #2: Her most unexpected travel experience

16:36 Secret #3: Most overrated (and underrated) destinations

21:40 Secret #4: Favourite food, restaurants and hotel bars around the world

29:13 Secret #5: Elizabeth’s best travel tip

41:54 Secret #6: Her most poignant travel memory

Places mentioned

New York City

The Carlyle Hotel, New York

London

Russia

Poland

India

Las Vegas

Grand Canyon

Costa Rica

Maui, Hawaii

Palm Beach

Los Angeles

Wisconsin

Mexico

Venice

Paris

Hemingway Bar, Paris

Harry’s Bar, Venice

River Cafe, London

Croatia

Kenya

Hydra, Greece

St Barths

East Hampton

The Hamptons

California

Shanghai

London Hampstead Ponds

Serpentine, London more

Gerald Casale is the co-founder, co-lead vocalist and bass player for the ground breaking band Devo. He’s also a foodie and the owner of The Fifty by Fifty winery. For this special 400th episode of Destination Eat Drink, Jerry tells Brent about landing in California in the 70s during a revolutionary… Gerald Casale is the co-founder, co-lead vocalist and bass player for the ground breaking band Devo. He’s also a foodie and the owner of The Fifty by Fifty winery. For this special 400th episode of Destination Eat Drink, Jerry tells Brent about landing in California in the 70s during a revolutionary time for wine and cuisine. Jerry also talks about surviving on fast food in Devo’s early days, playing Coachella this year, and why Devo’s music is timeless. Plus, tons of Napa restaurant recommendations! [Ep 400]

Show Notes:

Venice, Italy food & travel guide from Destination Eat Drink

The Fifty by Fifty winery

Devo tour dates and tickets more

Baseball superstar, 3 time manager of the year, and World Series champ Dusty Baker got interested in wine courtesy of Hall of Famer Willie Stargell who told him about wine while trying to pick him off first base! Dustry, along with vitners Chik Brenneman, and Polly Brenneman talk with Brent about Ca… Baseball superstar, 3 time manager of the year, and World Series champ Dusty Baker got interested in wine courtesy of Hall of Famer Willie Stargell who told him about wine while trying to pick him off first base! Dustry, along with vitners Chik Brenneman, and Polly Brenneman talk with Brent about California winemaking. Dustry tells Brent about making a special wine for Dusty’s friend and teammate Hank Aaron, eating too much steak in Chicago, and pairing Dusty’s wine with seafood and sausage! [Ep 399]

Show Notes:

Venice, Italy food and travel guide from Destination Eat Drink

Baker Family Wines website

Crossroads: A Memoir in Baseball and Life more

American actress and Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford joins Tanya Rose to reveal the travel experiences that have shaped her life.

 

From growing up in California to building a life between New York and Monaco, Kelly reflects on family heritage, the cities she called home and the destinations she… American actress and Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford joins Tanya Rose to reveal the travel experiences that have shaped her life.

 

From growing up in California to building a life between New York and Monaco, Kelly reflects on family heritage, the cities she called home and the destinations she returns to time and time again. Together, they discuss everything from her favourite cafés and travelling with children to life in Monaco and the Italian road trip she hopes to repeat with her daughter.

In this episode, she talks about:

Discovering her English and Danish roots

Losing her passport in France

Kelly’s favourite city in the world

Raising children in New York vs Los Angeles

Her favourite cafés in Paris, London and New York

What it’s like to live in Monaco

The simple suitcase rule she always follows

The best way she has found to get her children to go to museums with her

Her favourite magazine for travel recommendations

The unforgettable Italian road trip she took with her daughter

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to @TravelSecretsThePodcast and remember you can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts.

Places mentioned

New York City, USA

Los Angeles, USA

Palm Beach, Florida

Paris, France

Monaco

Nice, France

Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France

Saint-Tropez, France

Florence, Italy

Rome, Italy

Umbria, Italy

Copenhagen, Denmark

Stockholm, Sweden

English countryside

Istanbul, Turkey more

Dan Opalacz is the co-founder and co-owner of Bedrock Sandals, an adventure footwear company he launched in 2011 alongside Nick Pence after the pair met while serving as AmeriCorps conservation workers in Northern California. Inspired by long days restoring rivers and hiking rugged terrain, Opalacz … Dan Opalacz is the co-founder and co-owner of Bedrock Sandals, an adventure footwear company he launched in 2011 alongside Nick Pence after the pair met while serving as AmeriCorps conservation workers in Northern California. Inspired by long days restoring rivers and hiking rugged terrain, Opalacz helped transform a handmade minimalist sandal into an award-winning outdoor footwear brand known for its durability, repairability, and innovative design. Based in Missoula, Montana, Bedrock Sandals has grown from a Kickstarter startup into a globally recognized company while remaining committed to environmental stewardship through its partnership with 1% for the Planet. As co-founder, Opalacz continues to lead product innovation, company strategy, and sustainability initiatives, driven by a passion for adventure, thoughtful design, and creating gear built to last.

Show notes:

00:03:45 - From Skiing to Surfing to Barefoot Running

00:07:19 - From Orthotics to Minimalist Footwear Founder

00:12:27 - Ancient Footwear Origins and Timeless Design

00:15:58 - Simplicity and Durability in Sandal Design

00:17:58 - Bedrock Sandals Durability and Grand Canyon Adventures

00:20:00 - Designing Sandals Built to Last Decades

00:22:14 - From Patagonia Repairs to Bedrock Clogs

00:24:47 - Bedrock's Clog Success and Mountain Shoe Innovation

00:27:53 - Advice for Following Through on Your Idea

00:31:16 - Acid Rain: A Growing Environmental Threat

00:36:31 - Humanity's Dominance Threatens Our Own Survival

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This week on RV Miles, California begins its crackdown on campsite no-shows, new data shows what RV sites and campgrounds really cost right now, used RV values continue to rise, and new RV shipments are down again. Plus, Ford sees a major quality turnaround, Rossmonster debuts an adventure van, Cany… This week on RV Miles, California begins its crackdown on campsite no-shows, new data shows what RV sites and campgrounds really cost right now, used RV values continue to rise, and new RV shipments are down again. Plus, Ford sees a major quality turnaround, Rossmonster debuts an adventure van, Canyonlands closes The Needles district due to wildfire danger, and one RV owner gets their motorhome seized over stolen corn.
Get free shipping on orders over $99 at Etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001
******************************Connect with RV Miles: RV Miles Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rvmilesShop the RV Miles Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/rvmilesRV Miles Mailing List: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglistMile Marker Membership: https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers
Tickets for HOMECOMING are on sale! Learn more at: https://RVMiles.com/homecoming
00:00 Headlines And Intro00:48 California No Show Crackdown03:13 Sponsor eTrailer04:00 What Campgrounds Cost Now05:30 Rossmonster Loft Debut07:37 Used Values Up New Shipments Down09:32 Bike Friendly Campground App10:26 Ford Quality Rebound12:08 National Park Emergency Closures13:12 Stolen Corn RV Impounded14:36 Wrap Up And Newsletter more

In this RV Miles mini episode (415), Jason and Abby share a special trip report from Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California, based on Abby’s weeklong May vacation with longtime friends Jenny and Grant. Abby recaps hikes and highlights, including Fern Canyon, Lady Bird Johnson Grove,… In this RV Miles mini episode (415), Jason and Abby share a special trip report from Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California, based on Abby’s weeklong May vacation with longtime friends Jenny and Grant. Abby recaps hikes and highlights, including Fern Canyon, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Trillium Falls, Big Tree Wayside, Stout Grove, Grove of Titans, and the Newton B. Drury Scenic Drive, plus RV access cautions for narrow roads and small parking. She also recommends stops like SeaQuake Brewing, Hey Juan, McIntosh Farm Country Store, and the Sequoia Park Zoo’s Redwood Sky Walk.
*Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/414*Support RV Miles and independent RV journalism 👉 https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers*Curated, not Regurgitated. Sign up for the RV Miles Newsletter: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist/*HOMECOMING tickets are on sale: https//rvmiles.com/homecoming
Support our Sponsors:*Check out all Blue Ox has to offer at https://BlueOx.com*Find all the RV parts and gear you need at etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001*Get 30% off your next mattress at https://rvmattress.com/rvmiles with code RVMILES*Start your worry-free trial of Travlfi at https://travlfi.com*Find Liquified at https://liquifiedrv.com/ and get 20% off with code RVMILES
Track SSTK_MUSIC_ID  437726– Monetization ID MONETIZATION_ID AMXDXB4BX5FLHUYE
00:00 Intro02:49 Why Abby Went Solo05:25 Airbnb Coastal Stay08:44 Park Basics13:53 Sponsor Break15:27 Fern Canyon24:44 Lady Bird Grove Climb25:31 Trillium Falls Payoff26:34 Big Tree, Stout Grove, and Grove of Titans30:43 Sponsor Break32:28 Food Stops And Breweries39:05 Botanical Garden And Zoo42:24 Relaxing At The Beach House43:27 Episode Wrap Up more

We’re taking you on a relaxing 2 night glamping getaway at Summit Trail Glamping in Jamul, California. Just outside of San Diego, this peaceful glampsite is the perfect nature retreat for couples, friends, families, or even larger groups since both glamping sites can be rented together. In this epis… We’re taking you on a relaxing 2 night glamping getaway at Summit Trail Glamping in Jamul, California. Just outside of San Diego, this peaceful glampsite is the perfect nature retreat for couples, friends, families, or even larger groups since both glamping sites can be rented together. In this episode we share our experiences hiking for sunset on the property and soaking in the pool and hot tub plus the fun add-ons we did like homemade sourdough bread, s’mores kits, sound baths, and goat meet and greets

Summit Trail Glamping provides everything from a comfortable furnished canvas tent to bedding, extra blankets, camp seating, cooking supplies, compostable toilet, and private shower, making it an easy option for a last minute weekend escape into nature.

You can book this stay directly through their listing, where they offer availability, pricing, and all the details to plan your visit.

Follow Summit Trail Glamping on Instagram: @summittrailglamping

We also cover nearby adventures including hiking Stonewall Peak, Julian apple pie, and wine tasting.

Shop our hiking gear favorites here: Amazon Hiking Storefront

Find more San Diego travel inspiration, check out our San Diego Itinerary to help you plan the perfect trip.

—---------------------------------------

Shop: Trip Itineraries ⁠& ⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠

Connect: ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, and ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠and contact us at [email protected] to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.

Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast! more

New York Times reporter John Branch tells us how one family in southern Utah keeps a cowboy tradition alive at rodeos across the West. Then an award-winning travel journalist recommends itineraries for scenic road trips and sites to explore across California. And an environmental history scholar pay… New York Times reporter John Branch tells us how one family in southern Utah keeps a cowboy tradition alive at rodeos across the West. Then an award-winning travel journalist recommends itineraries for scenic road trips and sites to explore across California. And an environmental history scholar pays tribute to the American bald eagle, whose recovery from the brink of extinction is an environmental success story that can inspire everyone. more

Today we’re heading to the sun-soaked Southern California coast in the USA, arriving at Newport Beach.

Now, if you’re listening in the UK and thinking, hang on, where exactly is Newport Beach? - it’s just south of Los Angeles, in Orange County. 

For a lot of you listening, that name might immediat… Today we’re heading to the sun-soaked Southern California coast in the USA, arriving at Newport Beach.

Now, if you’re listening in the UK and thinking, hang on, where exactly is Newport Beach? - it’s just south of Los Angeles, in Orange County. 

For a lot of you listening, that name might immediately conjure up The O.C., or the The Real Housewives of Orange County - it’s one of those places that really captures that classic California coastal lifestyle: long sandy beaches, a beautiful harbour dotted with boats, waterfront restaurants serving the freshest seafood, surf culture, spectacular houses, and that sense that life is lived largely outdoors.

It’s glamorous, yes, but it’s also very accessible for all price points and surprisingly varied once you get to know it - and that’s what this episode is all about.

I’m joined today by Gary Sherwin, a Newport Beach local for the last 25 years, travel expert and CEO of Visit Newport Beach - he knows the area inside out.

He shares the places, experiences and little details that really give you a feel for the destination. Because this isn’t just somewhere to come for a quick beach stop. It’s a destination in its own right, and one that seems to offer a really lovely mix of things: that classic California coast feeling, yes, but also a lot of variety within it - from smart hotels and great food to beach days, boat days, family-friendly experiences, little pockets with their own personality, and plenty of ways to slow down and enjoy being by the water.

So whether you’re plotting a wider California trip, looking for a different side of Southern California, or just in the mood for a little armchair travel to somewhere sunny and coastal, this should give you a very good feel for it.

Destination Recap:

• Newport Harbor
• Gulfstream Restaurant
• Louie’s by the Bay
• A Restaurant
• 21 Oceanfront Restaurant
• Balboa Bay Resort
• Pendry Newport Beach
• VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa
• The Resort at Pelican Hill (becoming A St. Regis Estate in 2027)
• Crystal Cove
• Balboa Island
• Inspiration Point, Corona del Mar
• Mastro’s Ocean Club
• Blackie’s by the Sea
• Fashion Island
• Back Bay (Upper Newport Bay)

You can discover more about Newport Beach here.

As always, thank you so much for listening. If you enjoyed it, do share it with someone who’s planning a California trip, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe on your podcast app so you never miss an episode.

I’ll be back on Tuesday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Jason covers a busy week in RV and camping news as Washington’s Department of Natural Resources will fully close four campgrounds for the 2026 season and reduce services elsewhere; California proposes three new state parks in the Central Valley; An update on the potential Lippert (LCI) and Patrick I… Jason covers a busy week in RV and camping news as Washington’s Department of Natural Resources will fully close four campgrounds for the 2026 season and reduce services elsewhere; California proposes three new state parks in the Central Valley; An update on the potential Lippert (LCI) and Patrick Industries merger includes a letter from Senator Mike Lee seeking details due to antitrust concerns; RV shipments fell in March, and more.
'Get free shipping on orders over $99 at Etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001
******************************Connect with RV Miles: RV Miles Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rvmilesShop the RV Miles Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/rvmilesRV Miles Mailing List: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglistMile Marker Membership: https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers
Tickets for HOMECOMING go on sale for Mile Marker members on April 1st and for the general public on May 1st. Learn more at: https://RVMiles.com/homecoming
00:00 Intro00:28 Washington Campground Cuts01:41 California Park Expansion02:46 Alabama Gulf RV Resort03:47 Sponsor Etrailer04:33 Merger Antitrust Scrutiny08:28 RV Shipments Slide09:26 Airstream Parts Policy10:08 Airstream F1 Track Tow10:32 Grand Design Roof Upgrade11:18 Fantasy Raises Money12:09 Outro more

Learn everything you need to plan the perfect 2-day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. We’ve been three times now and are telling you the best hikes, scenic stops, and must-see rock formations like Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, Arch Rock, and Ryan Mountain. Plus we share tips for how to prepare for des… Learn everything you need to plan the perfect 2-day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. We’ve been three times now and are telling you the best hikes, scenic stops, and must-see rock formations like Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, Arch Rock, and Ryan Mountain. Plus we share tips for how to prepare for desert conditions, where to find the best stargazing spots, what to download before entering the park and where to eat near Joshua Tree.

You can download our Joshua Tree hiking Itinerary to do this exact same trip on your own, or download our 9 California National Parks Road Trip Itinerary and make plans to visit them all!

Here are a few places to stay near Joshua Tree: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, & RESET Hotel. You can also check out a full list of hotels near Joshua Tree for more options.

Find a great flight deal to SoCal, or anywhere else, with Thrifty Traveler Premium’s flight deals alerts. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.

—---------------------------------------

Shop: Trip Itineraries ⁠& ⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠

Connect: ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, and ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠and contact us at [email protected] to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.

Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast! more

Buying a Home in France: Lessons from a Real-Life House Hunt in the South of France is the focus of this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast. Annie Sargent chats with Juliana Linssen and her husband Craig about their journey from California to Provence and what it's really like to search… Buying a Home in France: Lessons from a Real-Life House Hunt in the South of France is the focus of this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast. Annie Sargent chats with Juliana Linssen and her husband Craig about their journey from California to Provence and what it's really like to search for a home in France.

Listen to this episode ad-free

They share what drew them to France in the first place. They talk about lifestyle, food, and the appeal of the South of France. They also explain how they narrowed their search to beautiful villages in the Var and the arrière-pays, in places like Seillans, Fayence, and Montauroux.

Annie, Juliana, and Craig walk through the reality of house hunting. It's not always easy. Inventory can be limited. Listings can be confusing. And homes can be very different from what buyers expect. They also share a big moment. They had an accepted offer, then had to walk away after discovering structural issues. It's a tough lesson, but an important one.

They also talk about financing, timelines, and the role of language. You don't need perfect French, but it helps. And patience is essential when buying property in France.

This conversation is honest, practical, and full of insight. It's useful if you're dreaming about moving to France. It's also fun if you just love discovering beautiful places.

If you're curious about what it really takes, press play and listen now. And if you enjoy the episode, be sure to subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast so you never miss an episode.

Table of Contents for this Episode




• Episode Intro and Preview
• Today on the podcast: Buying a Home in France: Lessons from a Real-Life House Hunt in the Var
• Podcast supporters
• Magazine segment
• Meet Juliana and Craig
• Why France and the Var / Alpes-Maritimes
• Learning French and Work Plans
• Tech Ties and Visa Thoughts
• The House They Almost Bought Immediately
• Beware of Falling in Love with a House
• Var vs Luberon Search Expansion
• Working with French Realtors
• Inspections and Buying Advice
• The Buying Process Typically Takes 6 Months
• Var Highlights and Must Sees
• Perched Village Charm
• Skydiving and Gliders
• Accessibility in Hill Towns
• Meeting Neighbors Fast
• Pets and Moving Plans
• Work Transfers and Passports
• Patience and Due Diligence
• Financing with French Loans
• Verdon and Outdoor Life
• Thanks and Patron Support
• RER B Overhaul Updates
• Cathar Castles Revisited
• Layers of History and Farewell
• Next week on the podcast
• Copyright More episodes about moving to France

  more

Whether you’re taking in world-class entertainment, strolling gallery-lined streets, or heading out on the ocean in search of marine life, Orange County has something for everyone. Its diverse communities each tell their own story, reflecting a distinct and dynamic side of California that demands a … Whether you’re taking in world-class entertainment, strolling gallery-lined streets, or heading out on the ocean in search of marine life, Orange County has something for everyone. Its diverse communities each tell their own story, reflecting a distinct and dynamic side of California that demands a closer look.

In this episode, host Angie Orth explores three Orange County communities with locals who know them best. Chris Do, Entertainment Manager at Knott's Berry Farm, discusses Buena Park's central location and the evolution of one of America's first theme parks. Logan Crow of the Frida Cinema shares how Santa Ana's collaborative arts culture creates a vibrant downtown unlike anywhere else. And Donna Kalez, owner of Dana Wharf Sport Fishing and Whale Watching, explains how Dana Point earned its title as the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World.

You'll hear about Knott's Berry Farm's growth from a roadside berry stand to an amusement park with seasonal festivals and incredible food. You'll discover Santa Ana's monthly Art Walk, the Frida Cinema's mission as Orange County's only nonprofit cinema, and the city's expansive mural program. You'll also learn why Dana Point's unique coastline attracts whales and dolphins year-round, what to expect on a whale-watching excursion, and the best times to spot whales, dolphins, and maybeeven orcas.

What You’ll Learn:

3:40 Why every boysenberry in the world traces back to Buena Park

19:36 The monthly Art Walk that transforms downtown Santa Ana into a creative hub 

35:07 Inside Santa Ana's diverse gallery scene46:43 Why Dana Point is the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World

58:07 Expert tips for your first whale watching adventure

Connect with:

In Santa Ana:

Logan Crow

The Frida

Art Walk

In Dana Point:

Donna Kalez

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

In Buena Park:

Chris Do

Knotts Berry Farm

What are YOU most excited to see and do in Orange County? Tell us in the comments! 

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprises

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises more

In this week’s Just the Tip, we’re going on an overnight getaway to Temecula, California for a wine tasting getaway in this small, but mighty Southern California wine region. Just an hour from San Diego and about 90 minutes from Los Angeles, Temecula is known for its beautiful rolling vineyards, Med… In this week’s Just the Tip, we’re going on an overnight getaway to Temecula, California for a wine tasting getaway in this small, but mighty Southern California wine region. Just an hour from San Diego and about 90 minutes from Los Angeles, Temecula is known for its beautiful rolling vineyards, Mediterranean-style climate, and nearly 50 amazing wineries to explore.

We share experiences and wine notes from:

• Ponte Vineyard
• Bottaia Winery
• Wiens Cellars
• Europa VillageWhere we recommend you stay in Temecula

• Ponte Vineyard Inn - We stayed here, beds are amazing and the property and views from your room’s patio is gorgeous
• Europa Village Resort - Gorgeous, huge property with different European themed villages
• If those are fully booked, check out these highly rated hotels in TemeculaCheck out our Temecula experiences in our Viator Shop for all activities we recommend and even some that we wanted to do but couldn't get to.

Find a great flight deal to nearby San Diego or Riverside by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.

—---------------------------------------

Shop: Trip Itineraries ⁠& ⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠

Connect: ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, and ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠and contact us at [email protected] to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.

Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast! more

We recently returned to Pinnacles National Park, a place we hadn’t visited since our first trip in 2013. Situated about 75 minutes south of Monterey, California, Pinnacles is known for its dramatic volcanic rock formations, remnants of a once 8,000-foot volcano.

When we first visited, Pinnacles had… We recently returned to Pinnacles National Park, a place we hadn’t visited since our first trip in 2013. Situated about 75 minutes south of Monterey, California, Pinnacles is known for its dramatic volcanic rock formations, remnants of a once 8,000-foot volcano.

When we first visited, Pinnacles had just become a national park, and we stopped there as part of our journey to visit all the U.S. national parks. This time, we had a different reason to return. Karen wanted to explore one of the park’s talus caves.

In this episode, we discuss our visit to the park, where we hiked into the lower portion of Bear Gulch Cave, then to Bear Gulch Reservoir, and finally into the high peaks.

We also dive into the park’s fascinating geology, its history as a national monument established by Theodore Roosevelt, and the role of the Civilian Conservation Corps in building many of the trails and structures still used today.

And of course, no visit to Pinnacles would be complete without talking about California condors. Pinnacles is the only national park that actively manages a condor release site, and we explain how these remarkable birds were brought back from the brink of extinction.

If you’re planning a visit to Pinnacles, this episode is for you, as we also share practical tips to help you make the most of your time in the park.

-----

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In this episode, Jason shares the early reopening of Highway 1 through Big Sur, California, which restores travel between Carmel and Cambria, updates on vehicle restrictions at Zion National Park, and the timed entry reservation at … Get 30% off at rvmattress.com/rvmiles with code RVMILES at checkout
In this episode, Jason shares the early reopening of Highway 1 through Big Sur, California, which restores travel between Carmel and Cambria, updates on vehicle restrictions at Zion National Park, and the timed entry reservation at Mount Rainier National Park for 2026. Will contract cancellations with Booz Allen Hamilton and the federal government affect recreation.gov? Plus, the settling of a marketing dispute between RV product companies and the RV industry's 2025 performance results.
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00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:08 Highway 1 Reopens in Big Sur02:16 Zion National Park Vehicle Restrictions03:40 Mount Rainier National Park Entry Update04:57 Sponsor Message: RV Mattress by Brooklyn Bedding05:48 Booz Allen Hamilton Contract Cancellations06:48 Camco Advertising Claims Dispute08:06 RV Industry 2025 Performance Results09:09 Conclusion and Farewell more

The wonderful TV presenter, model and actress Laura Whitmore joins Tanya Rose to share her travel secrets this week.

In this episode, Laura unpacks her first work trip flying to Los Angeles to interview Coldplay, recalls her epic 14-day road trip across America and shares her hack for booking cheap… The wonderful TV presenter, model and actress Laura Whitmore joins Tanya Rose to share her travel secrets this week.

In this episode, Laura unpacks her first work trip flying to Los Angeles to interview Coldplay, recalls her epic 14-day road trip across America and shares her hack for booking cheap 5* hotel rooms…

Plus, Laura discusses her love of her home country of Ireland and tells the story of how she found her favourite restaurant ever in Bali during monsoon season!

Don’t forget to follow @travelsecretsthepodcast and remember, you can watch all of our episodes on YouTube.

Places mentioned:

London, England

Dublin, Ireland

Wicklow, Ireland

Kerry, Ireland

The Merrion Hotel, Dublin, Ireland

Ballyfin, Laois, Ireland

The K Club, Kildare, Ireland

Niagara Falls, Canada

Pale Hall Hotel, Snowdonia, Wales

San Francisco, California, United States

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Reno, Nevada, United States

Lake Tahoe, Nevada, United States

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, United States

Wyoming, United States

Bali, Indonesia

Mozaic, Ubud, Indonesia

Cape Town, South Africa

Majorca, Spain

Marrakesh, Morocco

Thailand

Los Angeles, United States

Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:53 Secret 1: Number 1 travel destination everybody should go to

08:10 Secret 2: Most unexpected travel experience

11:13 Secret 3: Most Over or Underrated travel experience

15:04 Secret 4: Best Food & Drink while travelling

21:16 Secret 5: Number 1 travel tip

28:28 Secret 6: Poignant memory from a trip

31:11 Secret 7: Special travel photograph

34:37 Outro more