Europa Park has a coaster that drops you inside the Phantom of the Opera. Knoebels, in rural Pennsylvania, has free admission and food that tastes like a real home-cooked meal. Neither one is a household name, but they just might be the best theme park days you'll ever have.
In this episode, host …Europa Park has a coaster that drops you inside the Phantom of the Opera. Knoebels, in rural Pennsylvania, has free admission and food that tastes like a real home-cooked meal. Neither one is a household name, but they just might be the best theme park days you'll ever have.
In this episode, host Angie Orth continues her conversation with Zachary Laks, travel journalist and theme park expert who has written for Fodor’s, The Points Guy, and Lonely Planet. He shares his favorite, most underrated parks worth going out of your way for.
You'll learn which European parks belong on your travel itinerary, why family-owned parks often outperform the big chains, and the single unmissable ride Zachary would book a flight for right now.
What You’ll Learn:
0:26 Why Europa Park is the essential first stop for any European theme park itinerary
3:23 What keeps wooden coaster loyalists coming back to Knoebels in Pennsylvania
5:16 How to make the case for adding Efteling to a European trip
8:22 Why independent, family-owned parks deliver a guest experience the big chains can't replicate
10:01 The one ride at Silver Dollar City that Zachary would hop on a plane for today
Connect with Zachary Laks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachlaks/
Website: https://www.zacharylaks.com/
Which theme park are you adding to your itinerary? Tell us in the comments!
In her new book “Revolutionary Road Trip: Hidden Stories from America’s Founding Journey”, PBS T.V. host Darley Newman has found a number of vacation-worthy sites and activities that bring history to life. In this episode, she discusses what to see and do in Princeton, New Jersey; Brandywine, Pennsy…In her new book “Revolutionary Road Trip: Hidden Stories from America’s Founding Journey”, PBS T.V. host Darley Newman has found a number of vacation-worthy sites and activities that bring history to life. In this episode, she discusses what to see and do in Princeton, New Jersey; Brandywine, Pennsylvania; and Charleston, South Carolina.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com.
If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.
Jack Rathmell grew up in Pennsylvania Amish country and after only a year in college, decamped to South Africa, first as a volunteer and later as a student and resident. He now lives in London and has written a memoir about his experiences, "How The Rhino Lost His Horn."
Mentioned in this episode:
…Jack Rathmell grew up in Pennsylvania Amish country and after only a year in college, decamped to South Africa, first as a volunteer and later as a student and resident. He now lives in London and has written a memoir about his experiences, "How The Rhino Lost His Horn."
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com.
If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.
In this episode, we dive into all the highlights from the Hershey RV Show in Pennsylvania, covering what's new and what's not in the RV world. We also explore the local opposition to turning Ocala National Forest into Florida Springs National Park and the potential implications of such a move. Plus,…In this episode, we dive into all the highlights from the Hershey RV Show in Pennsylvania, covering what's new and what's not in the RV world. We also explore the local opposition to turning Ocala National Forest into Florida Springs National Park and the potential implications of such a move. Plus, we share updates on our ongoing road trip with our three boys and the latest in RV innovations and notable products. Join us for episode 378 of RV Miles!
*Become an RV Miles Mile Marker member and get your first month for $3
*Get your FREE weekly Road Signs Newsletter at https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist/
*Get all the details about Homecoming 2025 here: https://rvmiles.com/homecoming/
Support our Sponsors:
* Harvest Hosts: Save 15% on a Harvest Hosts membership with MILES at https://harvesthosts.com*Check out all Blue Ox has to offer at https://BlueOx.com*Get 25% Off RV Life Pro here: https://my.rvlife.com/bill/signup/3?s=rvtw&coupon=QE7KAHVF3E.*Find Liquified at https://liquifiedrv.com/
Track SSTK_MUSIC_ID 437726– Monetization ID MONETIZATION_ID AMXDXB4BX5FLHUYE
00:00 Introduction06:13 Debate on Florida Springs National Park21:40 Hershey RV Show Highlights and Impressions37:02 Affordable Travel Trailers39:35 Winnebago Thrive: A New Contender49:27 Camping World Controversy56:01 Innovative RV Products01:00:26 Homecoming Preparations01:06:29 Wrapping Up and Thank Youmore
In this week's episode, we preview "America's largest RV Show" in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and discuss the relevance of RV shows today. We dive into safety concerns and a response from Love's Truck Stops regarding their RV stops and tornado shelter preparedness. We also share feedback on the podcast f…In this week's episode, we preview "America's largest RV Show" in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and discuss the relevance of RV shows today. We dive into safety concerns and a response from Love's Truck Stops regarding their RV stops and tornado shelter preparedness. We also share feedback on the podcast format and updates about upcoming events. Plus, headlamps, the invasion of big spiders, and more.
*Become an RV Miles Mile Marker member and get your first month for $3
*Get your FREE weekly Road Signs Newsletter at https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist/
*Get all the details about Homecoming 2025 here: https://rvmiles.com/homecoming/
Support our Sponsors:*https://liquifiedrv.com/RVMilesRVGiveaway* Harvest Hosts: Save 15% on a Harvest Hosts membership with MILES at https://harvesthosts.com*Check out all Blue Ox has to offer at https://BlueOx.com*Get 30% off your new RV mattress at https://rvmattress.com/rvmiles with code RVMILES
Track SSTK_MUSIC_ID 437726– Monetization ID MONETIZATION_ID AMXDXB4BX5FLHUYE
00:00 Introduction01:24 Podcast Format and Listener Feedback02:03 News and Industry Updates07:45 Controversial Speed Record at Grand Teton15:12 Love's RV Stops and Tornado Preparedness21:40 Sponsorship Break23:05 Hershey RV Show Overview36:50 RV Show Insights and Supplier Importance37:52 Unique Aspects of Different RV Shows38:52 The Value of Suppliers and Vendors44:39 Fresh Tank - Black Tank01:02:36 Conclusion and Farewellmore
Today we're wrapping up our special series on the intersection of positive psychology and travel, and we're doing it with one of the most inspiring voices in the field.
James Pawelski is the Director of Education at the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania. He's also a philo…Today we're wrapping up our special series on the intersection of positive psychology and travel, and we're doing it with one of the most inspiring voices in the field.
James Pawelski is the Director of Education at the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania. He's also a philosopher, Fulbright Scholar, and the founding director of the Humanities and Human Flourishing Project, which explores how art, music, literature, and sacred experiences can help us live more vibrant and meaningful lives.
James and I first connected through my studies at Penn, where he opened my eyes to the power of the humanities—not as subjects to study in school, but as practices that help us become more whole.
In this episode, we talk about why humans have always turned to art and story, how awe and sacred moments can transform us, and why travel is such a powerful gateway to beauty, meaning, and wonder.
If you've ever stood before a masterpiece, heard a piece of music that gave you chills, or felt something shift inside you while traveling, this conversation is for you.
Sit back, relax, and let's explore how the humanities—and your next adventure—might just add more happiness to your life.
Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Luggage Forward.
Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels
If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/
Beneath the abandoned streets of Centralia, Pennsylvania, a coal mine fire has been burning since 1962, and it’s still smoldering today. In this episode, we delve into how a small town with a vibrant community evolved into the ghost town it is today.
Hosted by: Brooks Smothers of the RV Out West P…Beneath the abandoned streets of Centralia, Pennsylvania, a coal mine fire has been burning since 1962, and it’s still smoldering today. In this episode, we delve into how a small town with a vibrant community evolved into the ghost town it is today.
Hosted by: Brooks Smothers of the RV Out West Podcast
Produced by: Jason and Abby Epperson for Lotus Media, LLC and the RV Miles Network.
Connect with See America on social media:
Instagram: @SeeAmericaPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeeAmericaPodcast
See America Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SeeAmericamore
Today, I'm kicking off something a little different on the show — a mini series exploring the intersection of positive psychology and travel. If you've ever come home from a trip feeling more connected, more curious, more yourself — there's actually science behind that. And over the past year, I've …Today, I'm kicking off something a little different on the show — a mini series exploring the intersection of positive psychology and travel. If you've ever come home from a trip feeling more connected, more curious, more yourself — there's actually science behind that. And over the past year, I've been studying it deeply through my master's at Penn — not just as a travel professional, but as a human who believes that travel can be truly transformative.
To launch this series, I'm so honored to welcome one of my mentors and dear friends, Leona Brandwene. Leona is the Associate Director of Education at the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania, where she helps lead the renowned MAPP program. She's also a master teacher, a coach, a mom, and someone who lives and breathes this work in such an authentic and inspiring way.
In this conversation, we explain the basics of positive psychology. And then we explore how travel sparks awe, builds agency, strengthens relationships, and helps us find deeper meaning.
If you've ever felt that your best self shows up on the road, this episode will give you language, insight, and maybe even a few ideas to bring that feeling into everyday life.
In episode 127 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by Melissa Jones, a first-time international traveller from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who shares her exciting London trip report. Melissa recounts her solo adventures in London, from iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square…In episode 127 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by Melissa Jones, a first-time international traveller from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who shares her exciting London trip report. Melissa recounts her solo adventures in London, from iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square, Kensington Palace, and the Tower of London, to cultural gems such as the Victoria and Albert Museum. Discover her tips for planning an itinerary, navigating public transport, and the importance o...more
What happens when a childhood road trip sparks a lifelong passion for adventure and discovery? Meet Beth Binger, better known as Bing, the founder of WonderBing Travel. In this episode, Bing takes us back to her transformative journey from Pennsylvania to the Grand Tetons at the age of 12, a trip th…What happens when a childhood road trip sparks a lifelong passion for adventure and discovery? Meet Beth Binger, better known as Bing, the founder of WonderBing Travel. In this episode, Bing takes us back to her transformative journey from Pennsylvania to the Grand Tetons at the age of 12, a trip that ignited her love for solo travel. With her trusty Golden Retriever, Lexi, by her side, Bing now dedicates her life to empowering women to break free from fear and embrace the liberating experien...more
Today we are chatting with Tory (@torytalkstrails) who is speaking again at our summit in May, on Finding Feral: Embracing the Outdoors. Tory is a Pittsburgh-based adventurer who loves exploring her home state of Pennsylvania. She believes that you don't have to travel far to find amazing places …Today we are chatting with Tory (@torytalkstrails) who is speaking again at our summit in May, on Finding Feral: Embracing the Outdoors. Tory is a Pittsburgh-based adventurer who loves exploring her home state of Pennsylvania. She believes that you don't have to travel far to find amazing places to explore. Tory got into travel and exploring as a kid, thanks to her family's focus on experiences rather than material possessions. As an adult, she has moved around a lot, which has made her appreciate the beauty of her home base and the local adventures it offers. Tory shares her tips for finding budget-friendly and PTO-friendly spots for adventuring close to home. In this episode, you will learn:
• You don't have to travel far to find amazing places to explore.
• Moving around frequently can help you appreciate your home base and the local adventures it offers.
• Use your weekends and limited vacation time to explore nearby destinations.
• Borrow or rent gear before buying to find what works best for you.
...and more!
You can find Tory on instagram here!
instagram.com/torytalkstrails
You can grab your ticket to the Summit in May here, where you can catch Tory's session!
You can find our FREE Travel Beginner's Blueprint Here:
https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/457913/90732056966858389/share
Want to submit a question or comment to our Bougie Mailbag? You can do so here:
Be sure to join our facebook community: facebook.com/groups/bougieinabackpack
Bougie in a Backpack is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Milevalue.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
One of the best cards for beginners is the Chase Sapphire Preferred, and it has an elevated welcome offer! Learn more at our affiliate link.
If you need help figuring out the next credit card to open, check out our top credit card recommendations here if you want to learn more!
