Want to uncover the best of London's rich culture, history, and culinary delights? Join us and our special guest, Peter Anderson, Managing Director of Luxury Travel and Lifestyle Concierge Membership Knightsbridge Circle, as we embark on a journey through vibrant London. From the historic East End to the bustling West End, we'll reveal top attractions, neighborhoods, and experiences that make this city unique. Together, we'll explore London's fascinating history and magnificent green spaces,...

Ann Williams' experiences as a journalist specializing in archaeology has taken her around the world. We talk of what it's like on a dig, Lea shares various places around the world where she's experiences sites, and we focus on Ann's fascinating first-hand tales of discoveries and surprises  from Panama, Turkey, China and Egypt. We also mention a few links for those who are interested in volunteering or participating in an archaeology experience. Maximo Knievel's anthropology university...

Are you lucky enough to travel in luxury? Or do you aspire to? In any case, it’s fun to hear about the world’s most upscale travel from someone who experiences it all the time. Cleo Anderson knows about luxury travel and she shares info on all aspects. She is Founder of The Anderson Media Group a luxury lifestyle PR agency She is host of Wanderluxe, on LUXE TV. We start by talking of luxury swag bags for the Oscars, including travel treats. After defining what luxury travel is, we talk of...

Jane Mathews, a tour guide for Overseas Adventure Travel, highlights the wonders of her home country, Australia. The in-depth discussion starts with excellent suggestions for travel Down Under, and about the Aboriginal culture. She goes on to share her expertise about, among many other things: Sydney, Melbourne, the Blue Mountains, Ayers Rock (Uluru), the island of Tasmania, and of course, the Great Barrier Reef. Jane ends with a fond memory, and we finish the interview with the...

As a travel agent, Gary Loupassakis  has inspired his clients to travel the globe. And in his new book, Go Dat Way and Go Dere: Around the World in 50 Years, he details some of his many experiences and stories. After offering some travel tips, Gary tells of his favorite flight, on the supersonic Concorde.  He and Lea talk of culture, traditions  and tourist attractions in countries including Australia, Switzerland, South Africa, Greece, Romania, Turkey, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia and...

Israel offers energy -- from its ancient wonders to the adventures and celebrations of its vibrant present. Dana Anesi, who has lived and studied in Israel, shares both the dynamic pleasures and the historical treasures. Beyond the cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv,  we talk of northern Israel, including the city of Haifa, and the beauty and adventures of the Galilee.  We then go south to the sands of both the desert and the Red Sea, the fort at Masada in the Negev, and Eilat's Med...

One of the world's greatest travel experiences is to visit the mountain gorillas of Central Africa.  Lea just returned from this once-in-a-lifetime quest, including other animal safaris, and talks with Africa travel expert Chris Johnston about the how-tos, what-to -expects, and special memories of this aspirational adventure. _____ Chris Johnston of Steppes Travel in England, wrote this great bio: "I  first visited Africa over 26 years ago and the trip took on a life of its own. I planned for...

Five authors discuss special aspects of Florida with Lea, (who lives in the state). Discussions range from history to natural history. Florida was under many flags and offers special and unusual flora and fauna. This interesting episode is a must, for those who travel --or plan to travel, to Florida. _____ A History Lovers Guide to Florida is written by historian James Clark. Award-winning journalist Craig Pittman has written Manatee Insanity: Inside the War over Florida's Most Famous...

David Downie shares insights about the great Italian capital city, used as the setting for his new mystery/thriller Roman Roulette. He tells us why he chose Rome as the setting of his newest book, and talks with Lea about not-to-miss sites and insider suggestions of what to do and see. We talk of food specialties, and top destinations just outside of Rome, including Ostia, and Tivoli. David ends the episode with a special memory of Rome that brings together past and present. _____ Born in...

Patricia Schultz, author of the mega-best seller 1000 Places to See Before You Die, says to Lea: "We're kindred spirits." And that's part of what makes this conversation based on her new book, Why We Travel: 100 Reasons to See the World so special. The two seasoned travelers converse with wisdom and laughter, and share  tips, memories, stories both profound and funny, ending up figuring out why, indeed, we travel. And Patricia ends the episode with a truly unforgettable memory of a...

Beautiful Dominica has been named the top island in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas for 2022 in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. Yet most travelers have yet to discover it. Dominicans Colin Piper and Aziz Roberts share Dominica's geography and history,  and sights/sites to experience -- from "boiling lakes" and "champagne snorkeling" to  trails by waterfalls,  river rafting, black and silver beaches, hot springs, and whale watching. We also discuss cultural festivals, luxury and...

Podcast host Lea Lane chooses favorite excerpts from Episode 63 to Episode 74. (And check out Part One , in the previous Episode, 75, including favorites from the first half of 2022.)   In this "best of" sampling for the second half of 2022 you'll learn about a South African garden where you walk among the treetops, hiking and skiing, pandas and parks in China, and prehistoric caves in Germany. You'll hear about surprises in Saudi Arabia, Williamsburg, Virginia and Madrid, Spain, and...

In honor of this 75th episode,  podcast host Lea Lane chooses favorite excerpts from Episode 48 to Episode 62 (Part Two, in the next episode, will include favorites from the rest of 2022.) Excerpts include beautiful memories of the Serengeti plains and Pacific Northwest waterfalls, twilight train rides in Finland, swimming in the Baths of Virgin Gorda, and seeing Icelandic geysers through the eyes of a child. Hear about customs that are odd and fascinating in Russia, India and China. And...

Harvey Bierman is a championship skier with loads of info about the snow sports he knows and loves. He offers us tips including, learning to ski,  back country skiing, and a nuanced comparison of  skiing and snowboarding. Harvey goes on to discuss what makes a great ski resort, offering  his choices of the best international and U.S.  ski areas. He ends with a personal memory of his favorite ski experience. _____ Harvey Bierman is Chief Digital officer for Christy Sports. He is one of the...

Hotels and resorts that have a sense of place and tell a story are the ones we remember most. Tim Peck, chairman of the luxury design and architectural firm OBMI, has based his projects on that theme, and shares his insights and experiences. We hear about an ultra-luxury hotel in Marrakesh designed as a souk, a palace updated to a hotel in Saudi Arabia, and other fabulous places around the world, and we discuss the future of sustainable travel in design. Tim ends with a tale of an island...

San Miguel de Allende the colonial town in the highlands of central Mexico has won numerous awards. Tania Castillo, tells why it was chosen by Conde Nast travel for the sixth year as "Best World's Best Small City." Art, good food, hot-air balloons, vineyards, hot springs, top hotels, plus day trips -- there's much to enjoy in San Miguel and the surrounding area of the state of Guanajuato. And last, Tania shares a special personal memory of San Miguel de Allende. _____ Tania Castillo is...

The simple pleasures of recreational walks -- hiking -- is our topic.  Jeff Herman, avid hiker, first talks with Lea about the Appalachian Trail and The Pacific Crest Trail. Lea discusses hiking jargon: "Zero Hike,""Nero Hike" and others.  We also discuss top hikes around the country.  Jeff then talks with Lea about his company's survey of the 10 best places to hike near U.S. cities.  We end with Jeff's favorite hiking memory . _____ Jeff Herman is editor and chief of Lawnstarter, a...

Did you ever want to ask a hotel General Manager the best way to get a good rate? How to get an upgrade? Do you wonder if  they clean the throw pillows? How much to tip the housekeeper? The oddest thing a hotel guest left behind? In this episode (with lots of laughs as well as loads of info) we talk with four hotel GMs from top hotels around the U.S. They cover questions and offer memories about their hotels: from ghosts, to celebs, to favorite personal memories. _____ Peter Yeung is...

Natalie Dietl, and Cornelia Stahr, who represent Southwest Germany and the spa city of Baden-Baden, describe their favorite things about this special area. They cover cities including Heidelberg and Stuttgart; natural beauty in and around the Black Forest and Lake Constance; historical sites; outdoor activities, arts, and festivals; summer and winter pleasures -- and their personal special memories. _____ Natalie Dietl is team manager of international marketing of the State Tourist Board,...

One of the nicest ways to take a break from the rush of sightseeing as you travel is to enjoy a garden. And throughout the world  you will find spectacular ones, charming ones, traditional ones -- all designed to please your senses. Beverly Hurley is passionate about gardens, and of  natural places filled with flora and fauna, wherever she travels. She defines a botanical garden versus a conservatory or arboretum, and then she and Lea share their favorite gardens around the world, including...

Paul Spencer Sochaczewski has been a conservationist with the World Wildlife Fund for over 40 years. He tells of his boyhood adventure in upstate New York State. He talks of following in the steps of his idol, Alfred Russell Wallace, who studied species with Charles Darwin, and of later quests in the jungles of Borneo, Laos and other exotic destinations around the world. Paul tells  of pandas, palm oil, orangutans -- ending with everything you want to know concerning a search about...

What are special pleasures of a river cruise experience? The biggest differences between river cruising and ocean cruising? How can you convince a cruise skeptic to try river cruising? AmaWaterways co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst answer these questions, and tell us about some of the best river cruises in the world, on major rivers and also less-traveled ones in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Rudi and Kristin share thoughts about  typical travelers/activities on river...

Madrid is a grand capital city of Spain, and David Paul Appell and Jose Balido moved there to enjoy it. We compare the city to Barcelona, and discuss the history, art scene, food, gardens, architecture and vibe of this great city from the viewpoint of insiders who love it. David and Jose then offer info about outstanding day trips from Madrid including to  El Escorial, Toledo, Segovia, Avila and Cordoba. Jose and David end with special memories of their adopted Spanish  city. _____ David...

Living history can be informative and fun. And visiting the early settlements and battlefields of America's Historic Triangle -- Jamestown, Yorktown and WIlliamsburg -- offers both. Beyond learning and better understanding the  past, there are the modern pleasures of dining, shopping and recreating. Victoria Cimino, CEO of Visit Williamsburg, takes us along. We begin with Jamestown, the earliest settlement. Go on to Yorktown, where the culminating battle of the American Revolution took...

We are in the midst of a worldwide golden age of park creation, and featured in this episode are powerful examples. This recent surge of park development offers us much to celebrate.  Parks are being designed as proactive, dynamic green spaces. Our guests, Victoria Newhouse and Alex Pisha,  are the authors of Parks of the 21st century: Reinventing Landscapes, Reclaimed Territories. They discuss how neglected places have become glorious public parkland. Parks are becoming reinvented and...