Brilliance of the Seas transatlantic cruise review.
Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas takes center stage this week as John shares his 23-night back-to-back cruise from Barcelona to Boston.
The cruise combined an eight-night Western Europe sailing with a 15-night transatlantic cruise featuri…Brilliance of the Seas transatlantic cruise review.
Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas takes center stage this week as John shares his 23-night back-to-back cruise from Barcelona to Boston.
The cruise combined an eight-night Western Europe sailing with a 15-night transatlantic cruise featuring Iceland, Greenland, Scotland, Portugal, Spain, and Atlantic Canadian maritimes. He discusses the ship's classic Radiance-class design, oceanview cabin, dining, entertainment, rough seas, and why Brilliance remains a favorite despite being more than 20 years old.
Plus, hear what it's like to visit the Blue Lagoon, chase the Northern Lights, explore Greenland's remote villages, and whether a transatlantic cruise is worth adding to your bucket list.
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In this episode of Amateur Traveler, host Chris Christensen talks about his press trip through Aragon, Spain, joined by fellow travelers Kevin Revolinski and Cathy Bennett Kopf. Aragon sits in northeastern Spain, west of Catalonia, and stretches from Zaragoza north to the Pyrenees and the French bor…In this episode of Amateur Traveler, host Chris Christensen talks about his press trip through Aragon, Spain, joined by fellow travelers Kevin Revolinski and Cathy Bennett Kopf. Aragon sits in northeastern Spain, west of Catalonia, and stretches from Zaragoza north to the Pyrenees and the French border.
Why Visit Aragon?
Aragon offers Roman ruins, Mudéjar architecture, cathedrals, castles, abbeys, Garnacha wine, medieval villages, mountain scenery, and outdoor adventure, without the crowds of Spain’s better-known cities.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/zaragoza-and-aragon-spain/
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Emmy winning TV host and producer Christine van Blokland just released the 8th season of “Curious Traveler” and she shares some of the exciting places she visited. There’s the giant mechanical steampunk elephant in Nantes, France, a penguin “highway,” and why people from Malaga are called Bonquerone…Emmy winning TV host and producer Christine van Blokland just released the 8th season of “Curious Traveler” and she shares some of the exciting places she visited. There’s the giant mechanical steampunk elephant in Nantes, France, a penguin “highway,” and why people from Malaga are called Bonquerones. Plus, an odd cookie calendar, swooning over Galettes, and going to Antarctica for Chinese food! [Ep 397]
Show Notes:
Venice, Italy food & travel guide
Curious Traveler with Christine van Blokland websitemore
Hear about travel to Jerez de la Frontera and the province of Cádiz in Spain as the Amateur Traveler talks about a recent press trip to the 2026 Culinary Capital of Spain.
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Che…Hear about travel to Jerez de la Frontera and the province of Cádiz in Spain as the Amateur Traveler talks about a recent press trip to the 2026 Culinary Capital of Spain.
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel here.
This episode is based on a recent press trip to Cádiz and Jerez, with guest Kristen Henning from Travel Past 50 joining Chris to talk about why travelers should consider this corner of Andalusia.
Why Visit Cádiz Province and Jerez?
The focus of the trip was Jerez de la Frontera, recently named Spain’s Culinary Capital for 2026. But as Chris and Kristen discovered, Jerez is not just about food. It is also about sherry, Andalusian horses, Carthusian monks, flamenco, history, and easy access to the beaches and ports of Cádiz Province.
Kristen describes Jerez as best known for sherry wine production, but says there is far more to the region than she expected. Travelers will find horses, especially the Andalusian horse, a deep history stretching from Roman times to the Moors, connections to Columbus and Magellan, flamenco, beaches, golf, and a strong food culture.
Chris starts by adding context for Cádiz, the oldest city in Spain, founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 BC. Cádiz later became Carthaginian, Roman, Visigothic, Moorish, and, after the Reconquest, Spanish. Its maritime history made it one of Spain’s most important ports, especially once trade with the New World shifted from Seville to Cádiz.
...
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This week on Out Of Office, Ryan and Kiernan explore Spain's Costa del Sol, from Málaga's layered history of Roman and Moorish influence to Marbella's relaxed, sun-soaked Old Town. It's a quick dive into how this region became a global tourism hotspot, blending culture, beaches, and just the right a…This week on Out Of Office, Ryan and Kiernan explore Spain's Costa del Sol, from Málaga's layered history of Roman and Moorish influence to Marbella's relaxed, sun-soaked Old Town. It's a quick dive into how this region became a global tourism hotspot, blending culture, beaches, and just the right amount of indulgence.more
Haley shares her experience on a nine-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Equinox, sailing from Barcelona to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Haley reviews the ship's service, buffet, and specialty dining, while discussing port days, including visiting a dog shelter in Portug…Haley shares her experience on a nine-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Equinox, sailing from Barcelona to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Haley reviews the ship's service, buffet, and specialty dining, while discussing port days, including visiting a dog shelter in Portugal. She also shares valuable tips on Celebrity's status matching perks and advice for managing jet lag on European cruises.
Dan Skilken, President of TripInsurance.com, answers questions about travel insurance coverage for geopolitical events, missed ports, and flight delays.
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Ever dreamed of packing your bags and moving abroad but worried about how you’d make a living?
Kiersten Brown did just that. At 27, she left California to move to Panama. She later found a program to teach in Spain, expecting to teach English. But when she found herself struggling financially, she …Ever dreamed of packing your bags and moving abroad but worried about how you’d make a living?
Kiersten Brown did just that. At 27, she left California to move to Panama. She later found a program to teach in Spain, expecting to teach English. But when she found herself struggling financially, she pivoted—building a successful freelance writing career from scratch.
Kiersten shares what life in Spain is really like, the biggest cultural and financial adjustments, and how she overcame income instability as an expat freelancer. Plus, dive deep on important topics like cost of living and whether Spain is actually a good place for remote workers.
Thinking about freelancing abroad? You won’t want to miss this. Let’s dive in!
Resources
• So You’re Inspired, Now What? A Guide For Women of Color on How To Use Inspiration To Create a Life You Love (book on Amazon)
Connect with Kiersten Brown
Website: https://www.kikimarieb.com/
Follow on Instagram: @kikimarieb15 (Link: https://www.instagram.com/kikimarieb15)
Follow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/kierstenbrown101
Other Episodes You’ll Love
• Moving to Argentina: How Laura Marks Transformed Her Career and Lifestyle As a Digital Nomad - Episode 181
• How To Break Into Freelance Writing with Terri Huggins Hart - Episode 20
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Mentioned in this episode:
Check out the Smart Travel Podcast
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
Smart Travel Podcast
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.
Send us Fan Mail Travel expert Onanta Forbes was exploring Mount Etna in Sicily and sampling some of Sicily's tasty food last week, so on this week's show Onanta will join us to share her experience. Then we'll head over to Valencia in Spain to learn about some of the events coming up and see why it…Send us Fan Mail Travel expert Onanta Forbes was exploring Mount Etna in Sicily and sampling some of Sicily's tasty food last week, so on this week's show Onanta will join us to share her experience. Then we'll head over to Valencia in Spain to learn about some of the events coming up and see why it's becoming an popular place for visitors in 2026. Support the showmore
Peter Barron, one of the authors of the just published guidebook "Frommer's Spain", discussed ways to enjoy the uncrowded side to Spain, by going to less popular (but still tremendously appealing) regions and cities, and visiting the country when others don't.
Takeaways:
• The just published Fromm…Peter Barron, one of the authors of the just published guidebook "Frommer's Spain", discussed ways to enjoy the uncrowded side to Spain, by going to less popular (but still tremendously appealing) regions and cities, and visiting the country when others don't.
Takeaways:
• The just published Frommer's Spain guidebook is a substantial resource for travelers, meticulously written and edited to ensure accuracy and depth.
• This podcast emphasizes the importance of responsible tourism, particularly in over-touristed areas like Barcelona and Mallorca.
• Listeners are encouraged to explore lesser-known regions of Spain, such as Extremadura, which offers rich history and beautiful sights without the crowds.
• The discussion highlights unique cultural experiences, including a visit to Barcelona's Hospital de Sant Pau, showcasing architectural beauty and historical significance.
Companies, places and people mentioned in this episode:
• Frommers
• Prado Museum
• Barcelona
• Hospital de Saint Pau
• Celler de Can Roca
• Esperit do Roca
• Vii
• Casa Bigote
• La Gitana
• Jerez
• San Lucar
• Costa Brava
• Girona
• Ronda
• Cuenca
• Philippe Stark
• Jesus Segura
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.
Star of Downton Abbey and Paddington Hugh Bonneville joins Tanya Rose to share his travel secrets this week.
In this episode, Hugh unpacks his treacherous journey to the best hidden restaurant in Spain, reveals why he believes everyone should visit the South Downs and tells the story of the worst h…Star of Downton Abbey and Paddington Hugh Bonneville joins Tanya Rose to share his travel secrets this week.
In this episode, Hugh unpacks his treacherous journey to the best hidden restaurant in Spain, reveals why he believes everyone should visit the South Downs and tells the story of the worst hotel he’s ever stayed in!
Plus, Hugh shares his top travel tip and recalls his cathartic experience confronting grief whilst filming in India.
Don’t forget to follow @travelsecretsthepodcast and remember, you can watch all of our episodes on YouTube.
Places mentioned:
Tamariu, Costa Brava, Spain
Aigua Xelida, Tamariu
South Downs, England
The Pub With No Name, Petersfield, England
Goodwood, Chichester, England
Córdoba, Spain
Noor Restaurant, Córdoba, Spain
Jodhpur, India
Grand Canyon, United States
Amangiri, Utah, United States
Vienna, Austria
Maldives
Mihir Gahr, Rajasthan, India
Cheltenham Literary Festival, England
Texas, United States
Las Vegas, United States
Chapters
00:00 Intro
06:11 Secret 1: Number 1 travel destination everybody should go to
09:37 Secret 2: Most unexpected travel experience
11:30 Secret 3: Most Over or Underrated travel experience
17:56 Secret 4: Best Food & Drink while travelling
Pauline Frommer discusses her recent trip to Spain with Jason Cochran, Editor in Chief of Frommers.com
Takeaways:
• In this episode, we discuss the cosmopolitan nature of Madrid, highlighting its expansive avenues, walkability, top restaurants and extraordinary museums.
• The culinary experiences …Pauline Frommer discusses her recent trip to Spain with Jason Cochran, Editor in Chief of Frommers.com
Takeaways:
• In this episode, we discuss the cosmopolitan nature of Madrid, highlighting its expansive avenues, walkability, top restaurants and extraordinary museums.
• The culinary experiences in Madrid are diverse, ranging from molecular gastronomy to traditional tapas, showcasing the city's rich gastronomic culture.
• Our exploration of Madrid includes visits to renowned museums, where masterpieces from artists like Bosch and Goya captivate the imagination.
• The flamenco show at Corral de la Moreria stands out as a cultural highlight, demonstrating the city's historical significance in the flamenco tradition and its artistic vibrancy.
• A side trip to Toledo is the perfect add on to an adventure in Madrid, as it's a very different city, with extraordinary religious heritage, and only 30 minutes away by train
Companies and sights mentioned in this episode:
• Frommers.com
• Melt the band
• DSTAgE Restaurant
• Doppelganger Bar
• Coral de la Moreria
• Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
• El Prado
• Primatial Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Toledo
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 some of the world’s most coveted destinations, tourism is fueling a crisis that's pushing locals out of their own neighborhoods. Venice's new tourist taxes and Barcelona's growing anti-tourism protests show how beloved destinations are fighting back against over-tourism. And as travelers, it's ti…In some of the world’s most coveted destinations, tourism is fueling a crisis that's pushing locals out of their own neighborhoods. Venice's new tourist taxes and Barcelona's growing anti-tourism protests show how beloved destinations are fighting back against over-tourism. And as travelers, it's time we listen.
In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes Daniel Maurer, a James Beard Award-winning food and travel journalist who has contributed to the New York Times, New York Magazine's Eater, and Atlas Obscura. As the former editor of Grub Street and author of the new book The Future of Travel, Daniel shares firsthand experiences from his digital nomad journey across Spain, Japan, and beyond—witnessing both the beauty of cultural exchange and the burden of mass tourism.
You'll learn how to travel with respect for local communities, with insights that will show you why Catalan speakers aren't being snobbish and why that to-go coffee cup matters more than you think. Daniel reveals practical ways to lighten your footprint, connect authentically with locals, and travel with reciprocity in mind. You’ll discover what gives him hope for the future of travel and how Anthony Bourdain's philosophy can transform the way you experience the world.
What You’ll Learn:
3:30 Why Barcelona became ground zero for anti-tourism protests and what travelers need to understand before going
7:08 How tourist taxes and etiquette campaigns are reshaping popular destinations
13:35 The role technology should (and shouldn't) play in authentic travel experiences
18:32 How to move through destinations with reverence rather than extraction
21:44 What connecting with locals teaches us about breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions
Rick shares his review of a 14-night transatlantic cruise on Holland America Line's ms Oosterdam. This was a one way eastbound from Port Everglades, Florida to Barcelona, Spain. Dan Skilken from TripInsurance.com breaks down buying travel insurance during hurricane season.
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Cruise line pro…Rick shares his review of a 14-night transatlantic cruise on Holland America Line's ms Oosterdam. This was a one way eastbound from Port Everglades, Florida to Barcelona, Spain. Dan Skilken from TripInsurance.com breaks down buying travel insurance during hurricane season.
Sponsor
Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise.
Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues.
Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com.
This week travel writer Dan Stables takes us on a thought-provoking journey through festivity, exploring some of the most eye-catching celebrations around the world from Gloucester's quirky cheese rolling contest to ritual mortification on the Thai island of Phuket. We discuss Spain's unmatched abil…This week travel writer Dan Stables takes us on a thought-provoking journey through festivity, exploring some of the most eye-catching celebrations around the world from Gloucester's quirky cheese rolling contest to ritual mortification on the Thai island of Phuket. We discuss Spain's unmatched ability to party, Sulawesi's unique approach to death and whether or not you can visit the underworld from a shed in Lancashire.
Dan's brand new book Fiesta is out now! Get it online and in all good book stores.
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What is hiking a camino really like? Can you do it even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, or don’t have a big, life-changing quest in mind?
Shawn and Lainey are the husband-and-wife team behind Days We Spend, where they share stories and videos about their experiences walking Caminos and slow travel…What is hiking a camino really like? Can you do it even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, or don’t have a big, life-changing quest in mind?
Shawn and Lainey are the husband-and-wife team behind Days We Spend, where they share stories and videos about their experiences walking Caminos and slow traveling across Europe. Both are experienced travelers -Lainey is a swing dance teacher who once built a global dance tour from scratch, and Shawn is a writer and creative whose love for "not hiking" somehow led him to walk over a dozen pilgrimages. Together, they’ve built a lifestyle around the kind of travel that slows you down, invites connection, and helps you hit the reset button on life.
In this episode, we explore the modern pilgrimage lifestyle and why walking across Spain (or Portugal… or France…) might be the most human thing you ever do.
Shawn and Lainey share an honest, down-to-earth look at what it’s actually like to walk a pilgrimage route, from navigating albergues to letting go of itineraries. You’ll hear what draws people to walk hundreds of kilometers (sometimes again and again), how to plan a Camino no matter how much time you have, and why these long walks are more about transformation through stillness than any big dramatic revelation. Whether you're craving community, solitude, or just a break from the algorithmic noise of modern life, this one will leave you thinking about what it means to just… walk.
What kind of reset are you craving right now, and do you think a slower, more intentional kind of travel could help you find it? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
Tune In To Learn:
Why Lainey’s first Camino de Santiago completely changed how she viewed Spain
How Lainey and Shawn went from New York hustle to full-time pilgrims
Advice to anyone who thinks they’re “not a hiker” (and why Shawn still doesn’t identify as one)
What makes the Camino different from other travel experiences
How walking helps you reset physically, mentally, and emotionally
Why the Camino doesn’t have to be life-changing to be meaningful
How to plan a Camino if you only have 1 or 2 weeks off
Why the Camino Primitivo might be your perfect first (or second) pilgrimage
Logistics tips: booking, WhatsApp hacks, and when to ditch your plans
How to avoid crowds and find less-traveled but equally beautiful routes
What it’s like to walk with a partner (and even a donkey!)
And so much more
Resources:
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Days We Spend website
YouTube
Instagram
Buen Camino App
Wise Pilgrim App
Gronze
Los Pueblos Mas Bonitos de Espana
The Chemin du Puy (Via Podiensis, Le Puy Camino, GR65)
The Way of Compostela
Want More?
Hiking the Camino De Santiago, Painting Your Travels, Letting Curiosity Rule, and Tiny House Living with Kari Gale
How to Plan a Trip to Europe in 2025 with Lynne Nieman
Walking Europe’s GR5, Mindful Self-Compassion, and Wise Strength With Kathy Elkind
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Today, we're venturing to a corner of Europe that feels like a world all its own - the Basque Country. Straddling Spain and France, this is a place where ancient traditions meet avant-garde cuisine, where surfers ride some of the best waves in Europe, and where you can hear one of the oldest living …Today, we're venturing to a corner of Europe that feels like a world all its own - the Basque Country. Straddling Spain and France, this is a place where ancient traditions meet avant-garde cuisine, where surfers ride some of the best waves in Europe, and where you can hear one of the oldest living languages on the continent.
There's a saying in Basque, "Izena duenak izana du," which means, "That which has a name, exists." The Basque Country is a place that names its mountains, its winds, its waves – and by doing so, keeps its ancient identity alive.
Joining me today is Frederic Du Coral, who takes us deep into this interesting culture. We talk about everything from medieval history to the modern spirit of resilience that defines the region today.
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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/
In this episode of Low Season Traveller Insider Guides, Ged heads to a lesser-known gem of Northern Spain: Lleida, Catalonia’s beautiful and diverse region that's still flying under the radar.
Joining Ged is Silvia Vidal, a local expert from Outdoor Adventour, who shares her deep love and knowledge…In this episode of Low Season Traveller Insider Guides, Ged heads to a lesser-known gem of Northern Spain: Lleida, Catalonia’s beautiful and diverse region that's still flying under the radar.
Joining Ged is Silvia Vidal, a local expert from Outdoor Adventour, who shares her deep love and knowledge of Lleida—from the snow-capped Pyrenees to the fruit-laden plains, ancient Romanesque churches, and Michelin-starred cuisine.
Discover why spring and autumn offer the most rewarding and authentic experiences in this region, with tips on:
For the first time on the Globetrotters Podcast, we’re joined by a pastor — or rather, a former pastor. Douglas Brouwer spent 45 years in ministry across the U.S. and Europe, leading mission trips, cultural tours, and walking solo pilgrimages across Spain and Portugal. But this conversation goes bey…For the first time on the Globetrotters Podcast, we’re joined by a pastor — or rather, a former pastor. Douglas Brouwer spent 45 years in ministry across the U.S. and Europe, leading mission trips, cultural tours, and walking solo pilgrimages across Spain and Portugal. But this conversation goes beyond religion — into longing, identity, and what it really means to find home through travel. It’s a deeper, more reflective kind of episode — one that explores the spiritual side of movement in ways we haven’t before.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.more
If you grew up in the 80s like I did, you know Andrew McCarthy from Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo’s Fire.
But Andrew is more than an actor and director. He’s also an award-winning travel writer.
His writing is introspective, vulnerable and self-deprecating. He weaves memoir with vivid descriptions o…If you grew up in the 80s like I did, you know Andrew McCarthy from Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo’s Fire.
But Andrew is more than an actor and director. He’s also an award-winning travel writer.
His writing is introspective, vulnerable and self-deprecating. He weaves memoir with vivid descriptions of people and place, and grapples with questions like how to balance a solitary nature with the desire for intimacy.
I reached out to ask him about walking across Spain, a journey he made twice: first alone, and then with his teenaged son.
I thought he might give me some insights and inspiration as I prepare for a long farewell-to-Europe hike.
We spoke about Andrew's Brat pack years, walking the Camino with his son, and how a hike can change your life.
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