Adventure Begins Podcast

If you've been following along with us, you know that we are a group of ladies that happily explore the world one good meal at a time.  We are constantly talking about a favorite beer, or cheese, or meal that leaves us craving more.   We are so honored to have Sasha Martin join us this episode. Sasha is the author of LIFE FROM SCRATCH: A MEMOIR OF FOOD, FAMILY, AND FORGIVENESS. She is also the founder of the blog GLOBAL TABLE ADVENTURE, with recipes from every country in the world. Her work has been featured in Food and Wine, the Oprah Magazine, People Magazine, AFAR, and on NPR. * PLUS * - Emily shares some updates on Fathom - Jaimie has a long weekend in Atlanta - Jennifer reminds us to get packing  ... So pack your bags and tune in, and let the adventure begin!

On this episode we are chatting with Stephanie Johnson once again - she has returned from an amazing trip across Spain. She shares her adventures exploring the bustling cities, marketplaces and incredible architecture.  * PLUS * - Emily Hartzog - affiliated with MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan travel lets us know what the Queen of England packs on the go - Melissa Ruggieri, CTA ACC - Travel Planner Affiliated w/ MEI Travel can't wait to head back to Chicago to stay in a new hotel - Jaimie takes a visit to Amish Country ... So pack your bags and tune in, and let the adventure begin!

Hawaii is known for so many things - stunning beaches, volcanos, surfing, and incredible adventures around every corner.  So, of course, since we are huge Disney fans, some of us go to to Hawaii to explore another Disney property! We were super lucky to have Scott Barrett from Mouse Geek Radio (and formerly Beta Mouse) join in our conversation.   * PLUS * - Emily shares a hotel change to the Vegas strip - Melissa has some information regarding Global Entry ... So pack your bags and tune in, and let the adventure begin!

Emily took some time to interview her dear friend Chris, who recently had the amazing opportunity to go to the Olympics in South Korea! He talks all about his adventure, from his time at the Olympics and their quick trip over to Seoul.  And of course, we get a full scoop on the food and drink ;-) * Plus * - Emily went to the Travel & Adventure Show and brought back a present! - Jennifer has a new beer for us to try.... maybe - Melissa is a germophobe  Pack your bags and tune in... and let the adventure begin!

Solo travel can be daunting and intimidating, but we take some time to debunk some of the concerns and show you that solo travel can be a liberating experience!  Our dear friend Kathy joins us in our round table conversation as we talk about navigating an adventure on your own * Plus * - Emily has some skin care tips - Melissa can't wait for BrewDog to open their new hotel Pack your bags and tune in... and let the adventure begin!

Celebrity Cruise Line prides itself in modern luxury.  From its exquisite staterooms, gourmet dining and broadway performances, Celebrity offers a high class cruising experience for the modern traveler.  Jennifer Emily and Melissa recently sailed on the Celebrity Equinox and they have a lot to say about it! * Plus *  - Emily loves a good onesie - Jaimie untaps a blossoming beer region Pack your bags and tune in... and let the adventure begin!

We invited our dear friend Kelli to the show to tell us all about The Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. SO many people see the advertisements, and hear about a few of the activities offer, but many people still aren’t sure what it’s all about.  She breaks down the property, the activities, and tells us about what you can expect on your next trip! * Plus *  - Emily shares her WDW Marathon Weekend experience - Jaimie makes us all want to run out to get burgushi Pack your bags and tune in... and let the adventure begin!

Who hasn't dreamt about going on an amazing African Safari?  It's the kind of adventure that everyone hopes to do once in their lifetime! Stephanie Johnson is back with us, and shares her experiences in Africa - from wine tasting to swimming with sharks, its an amazing journey! Pack your bags and tune in... and let the adventure begin!

Join the ladies for their annual holiday shenanigans!  In this episode, we chat about trips to New York City, our holiday book exchange, and provide some tips to make travel during the holidays a bit easier Pack your bags and tune in... and let the adventure begin!

Last episode, we started our conversation with Kristen Pfeiffer from the Mousetalgia podcast about her recent trip to China with Adventures by Disney.  Let’s catch up with her as she travels to Beijing and Shanghai where she will visit some of the country’s highlights and another Disney park.

China has long been viewed as a country of mystery and wonder. With its mix of skyscraper studded cities and vast natural beauty, where do you start?  With a guided tour of course!  Luckily, our very special guest Kristen had the chance to experience China through Adventures by Disney.  This episode covers the first part of her trip in Hong Kong, with more to come next time. * PLUS * - Jaimie tells us all about a new way to travel - Jennifer reminds us to pack a present ... So pack your bags and tune in, and let the adventure begin!

Disney Cruise Line's four ships – Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy– receive high praises from families and couples alike for their upbeat atmosphere, amazing amenities and spacious staterooms. Both Melissa and Jennifer had an opportunity to experience two of the four ships, and we can’t wait to hear all about their adventures. * PLUS * - Emily went on a backyard adventure to Disneyland - Jaimie is always be on the hunt for a good discount ... So pack your bags and tune in, and let the adventure begin!

Jaimie recently spent 14 days visiting 6 countries in Europe by plane, train and ship…. * PLUS * - Jennifer reminds us to return those "souvenirs" from the hotel - Melissa always packs a tennis ball ... So pack your bags and tune in, and let the adventure begin!

Jaimie recently spent 14 days visiting 6 countries in Europe by plane, train and ship, and wow does she have a lot to say!   * PLUS *  - Jennifer goes to San Diego for a long weekend - Melissa shares a few ways the tourism industry is helping with hurricane relief - Emily reminds us to GET EXCITED ... So pack your bags and tune in, and let the adventure begin!

The rail system of the United States has been a cornerstone of the country’s expansion and history for over a hundred years - now it’s a great vacation option for those wanting to use alternative travel and see the side of America less seen. Emily just returned from a week long adventure across the American West and we can’t wait to hear how it went. * Plus * - We all adventured into our backyard to check out the eclipse - Melissa chats about an airport that now allows gate drop offs and greetings - Jennifer reminds us to carry alternative credit cards and cash, just in case ... Pack your bags and tune in, and let the adventure begin!

To celebrate our one year birthday, we answer some listener questions, respond to a few voicemails, and speculate where we might like to go in the future....

This episode, we chat with Stephanie Johnson. Her passion for exploration has taken her to over 30 countries, and she continually looks forward to sharing her experiences with clients and fellow travelers alike * Plus * - Emily shares an adventure she had over at Union Station in Denver - Jen shares some news for folks traveling on Delta through Atlanta Pack your bags and tune in... and Let The Adventure Begin!

Jennifer, Melissa and Emily just returned from the D23 Expo in Anaheim!  The Expo is held every other year and is the coming together of everything in the Disney Universe.  All the big news from both animated and live action movies, upcoming video games and our favorite….Disney theme park news! * Plus * - Jaimie Hanson- Vacation Planner Affiliated with MEI -Travel shares a new travel tool to explore in a foreign country - Emily Hartzog - affiliated with MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan travels has a great new travel dress to throw in your carry-on bag Pack your bags and tune in... and Let The Adventure Begin!

If you are a fan of Disney parks you have most likely heard of and dreamt of traveling to this holy grail of Disney parks. Tokyo Disney is made up of two parks in the suburbs of Tokyo, Japan.  Emily wraps up her trip to Japan exploring this amazing park! * PLUS * - Jennifer shares a new way to explore London - Melissa provides a tip when traveling someplace where you don't speak the native language Pack your bags and tune in... and Let The Adventure Begin!

Known for its snazzy shorts and triangle, Bermuda is a 21 square mile island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and is considered by many as an escape to paradise.  Jennifer visited during her recent cruise and wants to tell us all about this not so hidden gem.   * PLUS * - Emily ran the Bolder Boulder  - Melissa can't wait to explore the Dr.Seuss Mueseum  - Jaimie provides a useful summer reminder! Pack your bags and tune in... and Let The Adventure Begin!