Sunshine Travelers Podcast

We lived about an hour from St. Augustine for over four years and only ever took day trips. So after we sold our house and moved into our RV full-time, we spent a full week in America's oldest city with our doodles, Lottie and Rupert. Find out why we made the Fountain of Youth our first stop.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Sunshine Travelers Podcast. Same travel, new home.

IN THIS EPISODE
We share what surprised us about St. Augustine's history, from the Fountain of Youth to Fort Mose, the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what is now the US. We talk about where we parked the RV and what it cost, the three very different sides of St. Augustine, where to stay if you're not camping, and the places we go back to every time. Plus, the dog-friendly state parks we found just outside of town, including a garden in Palatka built during the Great Depression that turned out to be a real hidden gem.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
* St. Augustine came before Jamestown and Plymouth, and the Fountain of Youth is much more than a fountain: a planetarium, a blacksmith demonstration, and the story of the Timucua, the local Native people.
* Stagecoach RV Park cost us $479 for the week with full hookups. It's 15 to 20 minutes from downtown and has a dog park with separate areas for big and little dogs.
* Anastasia State Park has a maximum camper length, and our rig was too long. Dogs aren't allowed on Florida state park beaches.
* St. Augustine has three sides: the touristy downtown, the historic district, and the beaches. They're all worth exploring.
* Not camping? Stay downtown near the historic area, at a B&B, or across the bridge closer to the beach. Fly into Jacksonville or Daytona and rent a car.
* Bring bug spray and wear loose long sleeves on the trails. The mosquitoes are real.
* Flagler College's rotunda is free to walk into, and it's stunning.
* Our Florida State Parks annual pass paid for itself in one week.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Why St. Augustine was our first stop
01:14 America's oldest city and what we learned at the Fountain of Youth
03:30 Our RV and truck costs are coming to YouTube
04:17 Where we stayed: Stagecoach RV Park (and the turkeys)
05:48 The three sides of St. Augustine: downtown, historic and the beaches
07:44 Anastasia State Park, big rigs and dogs on state park beaches
09:58 Flying in: Jacksonville or Daytona
10:25 A day trip from Orlando, and what Stagecoach cost us
11:26 The dog park and why we stay a week
12:23 Bug spray, long sleeves and the mosquitoes
13:12 Castillo de San Marcos
13:57 Fort Mose Historic State Park
16:57 Flagler College
18:51 The St. Augustine Lighthouse
19:20 Nights of Lights
19:48 The Old Town Trolley, the distillery and more to do
21:10 First Friday Art Walk and Scott's Jensen Pottery mug
21:49 Where we eat: Treylor Park, Kilwins, Mayday Ice Cream, Cap's on the Water and Kookaburra
25:14 Faver-Dykes State Park
26:51 Palatka and Ravine Gardens State Park
29:45 Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, and our next stop: Orlando and Mount Dora

YOUR HOSTS
Scott and Melissa are the Sunshine Travelers. After years of exploring the world and leading group trips, they went full-time RVing across North America in October 2026 with their doodles, Lottie and Rupert.

RESOURCES MENTIONED
* Read our full St. Augustine guide with photos and links: https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog/st-augustine-florida-hidden-gems-state-parks-and-what-surprised-us-in-america-s-oldest-city
* What we paid for our RV and truck: our bonus video is coming to YouTube
* Places we mention: Stagecoach RV Park, Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Mose Historic State Park, Flagler College, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, Nights of Lights, First Friday Art Walk and Jensen Pottery, Treylor Park, Tootsy's Footsies, Kilwins, Mayday Ice Cream, Cap's on the Water, Kookaburra, Faver-Dykes State Park, Ravine Gardens State Park and Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
* Germany Christmas Markets group trip (Dec 2027), join the interest list: https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/christmas-markets
* Want us to plan your next trip? https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com
* RV gear we use: https://a.co/d/0fj6ObAU
* Missed last week? Episode 189, Our First Week Full-Time RVing: https://youtu.be/gRsDLGSyL_Q
* Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bDLakFY6EuE

Some links in these show notes are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Disclosure: https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/disclosure-and-disclaimer

SHARE YOUR FAVORITE ORLANDO STOPS
We're spending the next three weeks in the Orlando area, including Mount Dora and Winter Park. Have a favorite state park, local restaurant or unexpected stop? Leave your suggestions in the comments. We'd love to add them to our list!

SUBSCRIBE FOR THE RV SERIES
Our bonus video on what we invested in our RV and truck is coming to YouTube. Coming up: monthly RV living costs, memberships we're trying, a full RV tour, and more destination guides as we explore. Follow on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube so you don't miss an episode. See you down the road!

Keywords: St. Augustine Florida, things to do in St. Augustine, America's oldest city, Fountain of Youth, St. Augustine with dogs, dog-friendly Florida state parks, RV camping near St. Augustine, Ravine Gardens State Park, Faver-Dykes State Park, Fort Mose, Nights of Lights, full-time RV living

One week into full-time RV living, do we miss our house? Can we really share 400 square feet without driving each other crazy? And where are we going first? We’re answering six of the questions we’ve heard most since selling our Florida home and hitting the road with our doodles, Lottie and Rupert.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Sunshine Travelers Podcast. Same travel, new home.

IN THIS EPISODE
We share what our first week of full-time RV living has been like, what we kept in storage, and why we’re still finding things to donate. We talk about sharing a small space as a couple, dividing campground setup responsibilities, and the hitching challenge that tested our communication. Plus, we explain our holiday plans, what happens to the dogs and RV when we travel internationally, and why our first stops are close to home in Florida.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

•

One week in, we don’t miss the house—and we’re still downsizing.

•

Our storage unit holds a few sentimental items, travel mementos, golf clubs and family belongings. We already think we could use a smaller one.

•

We don’t have an end date for full-time RV life. We’ll keep going as long as it works for us.

•

Sharing 400 square feet feels familiar after years of working from home and traveling together. Outdoor space helps, too.

•

Dividing inside and outside tasks makes moving days easier, but clear communication matters when hitching up.

•

Setup and teardown take us about an hour or more each move, so we’re choosing slower travel.

•

When we travel internationally, the dogs will stay with friends and family, with boarding as a backup.

•

Give yourself breathing room after selling a house and downsizing. You don’t have to begin RV life with a cross-country drive.

CHAPTERS
00:05 Our first week of full-time RV living
00:45 Do we miss the house, and how long will we do this?
03:47 What we got rid of—and what we’re still donating
05:35 What did we keep, and did we get a storage unit?
11:33 How RV life changes our holiday plans
12:07 Germany Christmas markets and a future group trip
13:30 What happens to the dogs and RV when we travel abroad?
16:02 Living together in 400 square feet
18:32 Splitting setup and teardown responsibilities
20:48 Our biggest hitching challenge so far
21:56 Where are we going first?
23:35 Why we’re starting slowly in Florida
24:40 Exploring St. Augustine and meeting other RVers
25:51 Help us find Florida stops beyond the theme parks
27:01 Coming next: what our RV and truck cost

YOUR HOSTS
Scott and Melissa are the Sunshine Travelers. After years of exploring the world and leading group trips, they went full-time RVing across the USA and Canada in October 2026 with their doodles, Lottie and Rupert.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

•

St. Augustine, Florida, including the Fountain of Youth

•

Florida destinations on our radar: Mount Dora, Winter Garden and springs near Orlando

•

Germany Christmas markets: we’re scouting a future small-group trip. Stay tuned for details.

•

Dog care options we’ve used: boarding, Rover and TrustedHousesitters

SHARE YOUR FAVORITE FLORIDA STOPS
Have a favorite state park, local restaurant, spring or unexpected stop around St. Augustine or Orlando? Leave your suggestions in the comments. We’d love to add them to our list!

SUBSCRIBE FOR THE RV SERIES
Next week, we’re sharing what we invested in our RV and truck, why we bought new, and more from our time in St. Augustine. Coming up: monthly RV living costs, memberships we’re trying, a full RV tour, and more destination guides as we explore. Follow on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube so you don’t miss an episode. See you down the road!

Keywords: full-time RV living, first week of RV life, RV living in retirement, RV living as a couple, living in 400 square feet, downsizing for RV life, full-time RV with dogs, slow RV travel, RV life in Florida

We sold our Florida house to RV full-time in retirement, and this is the honest story of why. After 32 years of homeownership, we traded a house for 400 square feet in a Brinkley 4100G toy hauler, towed by an F-350, with our doodles, Lottie and Rupert, along for the ride.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Sunshine Travelers Podcast. Same travel, new home.

IN THIS EPISODE
Scott retired in March, and on a three-month trip through Europe and Africa, we realized the only thing we truly missed was our dogs. We share how we downsized 32 years of belongings and sold our house furnished, why we kept a 10x10 storage unit as a safety net, why we skipped renting an RV first, and how Melissa's Airstream dream turned into a toy hauler. We also cover the Florida homeownership costs we won't miss and why we decided not to wait.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Three months in small apartments showed us we could live happily in a small space.
- We still had boxes we'd never opened from our last move, and we didn't miss what was in them.
- Selling the house furnished made downsizing much faster.
- Floor plan first, brand second. Ours had to have a half bath, room for a washer and dryer, and a patio for the dogs.
- We wanted room for our kids and grandkids to visit, and that ruled out an Airstream.
- Our shortlist: Brinkley 4100G, Jayco Pinnacle, and Grand Design Solitude.
- An RV loses value over time, so talk to your financial advisor before you buy.
- Don't wait for "someday." Retirement plans can change quickly.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Selling our house: 32 years of stuff into 400 sq ft
01:21 Scott retires, and the dogs decide it
03:30 Our 3-month trip: the only thing we missed
05:22 Downsizing and selling our house furnished
07:18 Our 10x10 storage unit safety net
09:40 Could we really live in 400 square feet?
11:14 The Brinkley videos that changed our minds
13:50 Why we didn't rent an RV first
15:56 Floor plans, and why we chose a toy hauler
18:27 Brinkley vs. Jayco Pinnacle vs. Grand Design Solitude
19:11 A depreciating asset, and what RV life will cost
21:33 Why North America, and why now
24:32 Slow travel, group trips and what's next
27:05 Traveling full-time with dogs

YOUR HOSTS
Scott and Melissa are the Sunshine Travelers. After years of exploring the world and leading group trips, they went full-time RVing across the USA and Canada in October 2026 with their doodles, Lottie and Rupert.

RESOURCES MENTIONED
- Brinkley RV: brinkleyrv.com
- Jayco Pinnacle: jayco.com
- Grand Design Solitude: granddesignrv.com

SEASON 1 RETIREMENT TRIP:

- Start our 3-month retirement trip series with Episode 168: https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/podcasts/sunshine-travelers-podcast/episodes/2149189521

- Follow Sunshine Travelers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast

SUBSCRIBE FOR THE RV SERIES
Coming up: what our RV and truck really cost, what RV life costs each month, and a full RV tour. Follow on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube so you don't miss an episode. See you down the road!

Watch our RV Videos on YouTube https://youtu.be/hqM0yIF1XAk

Keywords: RV full-time in retirement, sell house to RV, full-time RV with dogs, toy hauler, Brinkley 4100G, downsizing for RV life, retire and RV

Most people picture Amelia Island as a summer beach destination, but as locals, we consider fall our favorite season on the island. The heat and humidity ease up, the crowds thin out during the week, and a string of festivals leads all the way to our favorite tradition, Dickens on Centre. In this episode, we're breaking down what fall on Amelia Island actually looks like, month by month. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

In This Episode

• Why fall weather works in your favor without ever feeling "cold"
• What changes on the island once the summer crowds go home
• September: the quiet transition month (and the last of sea turtle nest excavations)
• October: craft beer, arts markets, and Taste of Amelia
• November: cooler temps, Thanksgiving travel, and the Pétanque Amelia Island Open
• December: Dickens on Centre and why it's one of our favorite events of the year
• Who fall on Amelia Island is really for (hint: pretty much everyone)

Fall Events & Links Mentioned in this Episode

• Sea turtle nest excavation schedule: ameliaislandseaturtlewatch.com
• Island Hop Craft Beer Festival — October 3, 1–4pm: https://www.ameliaisland.com/activity/island-hop-craft-beer-festival-3/
• Taste of Amelia— October 24, 11:30am–3:30pm
• Pétanque Amelia Island Open — November 13–15
• Dickens on Centre — December 11–14
• Amelia Island Museum of History Holiday Tour of Homes: https://ameliamuseum.org/holiday-home-tour/
• Fort Clinch activities: https://www.fortclinch.org/Activities
• Full calendar of Amelia Island events: https://www.ameliaisland.com/activities/

Get Our Amelia Island Travel Guide

Want our full list of favorite things to do, places to eat, and events all year round? Grab our free Amelia Island Travel Guide HERE

Get more of our Amelia Island Tips on our Amelia Island Blog Posts

https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog/search?q=amelia+island

Sunshine Travelers Experiences

Come with us on Safari in Kenya in June 2027. We are hosting a maximum of 10 on a luxury, privately guided safari to 3 places in Kenya, where we have been on safari twice in order to bring you the best experience. Click HERE to learn more and sign up.

Get help planning your next trip. Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/ or http://sunxtravel.com

More Resources & Links

• Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide
• See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources

Canceled or delayed flight? Airhelp can help get you $$$$ - Learn more here. We got over $900 when our flight from CDG was canceled - even though we booked it on points and were rebooked the same day

Follow Sunshine Travelers

• Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
• https://youtube.com/Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG
• https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blogFollow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blogGet travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast

Music: This Acoustic Happy

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

When most Americans think beach vacation, Spain doesn't usually make the list. But after a week based in Estepona visiting our daughter and her family with day trips to Málaga, Mijas, Marbella, Ronda, and Gibraltar, we came home convinced Costa del Sol is one of the most underrated beach destinations we've visited. In this episode, we're sharing why, plus exactly where we'd stay and what we'd do again. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

What You'll Discover in This Episode

• Why Estepona made the perfect home base and landing in town during Semana Santa
• A full day in Málaga: where to get breakfast, the hike up to Castillo de Gibralfaro, and lunch at Mercado Central de Atarazanas
• Mijas, the whitewashed mountain village 20 minutes from the coast
• Marbella's split personality Puerto Banús glamour vs. Old Town charm
• Why Ronda is worth a full day away from the beach
• Gibraltar as a day trip, and what's changed since our last visit
• Where we'd recommend staying, depending on the trip you want

Places Mentioned

• Estepona — our home base; Old Town + beach, walkable, easy jumping-off point
• Málaga — La Recova (breakfast), Alcazaba & Castillo de Gibralfaro, Mercado Central de Atarazanas (lunch), Picasso Museum
• Mijas — whitewashed hilltop village, donkey taxis
• Castillo Monumento Colomares — a "medieval" castle actually built 1987–1994; €3.50 adults / €2.50 kids & pensioners
• Marbella — Puerto Banús, Old Town, Plaza de los Naranjos
• Ronda — El Tajo gorge, Puente Nuevo, Arab Baths
• Gibraltar — cable car closed for refurbishment until sometime in 2027; bring your passport

Where to Stay

• Málaga for a walkable city base with museums and beach access
• Marbella for nightlife, luxury, and a more international scene
• Estepona for something relaxed with easy access to explore the whole region

Come with us on Safari in Kenya in June 2027. We are hosting a maximum of 10 on a luxury, privately guided safari to 3 places in Kenya, where we have been on safari twice in order to bring you the best experience. Click HERE to learn more and sign up.

Get help planning your next trip. Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/ or http://sunxtravel.com

More Resources & Links:

• Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide
• See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources
•

Canceled or delayed flight? Airhelp can help get you $$$$. Learn more here. We got over $900 when our flight from CDG was canceled - even though we booked it on points and were rebooked the same day

Follow Sunshine Travelers

• Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
• https://youtube.com/Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG
• https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blogFollow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blogGet travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast

Music: This Acoustic Happy

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

We recently went back to Seville with our kids and grandkids and spent several days exploring the Royal Alcázar, Plaza de España, the historic bullfighting arena, flamenco, tapas, churros, and the streets around Seville Cathedral.

We also learned a few things along the way, including what you need to book before you arrive and why you probably don't want to drive into the historic center.

Today we're talking about what we loved about Seville, what we'd do differently, and some things that will hopefully help you plan your own trip.

This was actually our second trip to Seville. The first time was a rushed half-day cruise excursion. This time, we came back with our kids and grandkids and stayed several days, and it completely changed how we experienced the city. So, if you're planning a trip to Spain, Seville is one of those cities that's worth giving more than a day.

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Episode Links:

Tablao Flamenco Pura Esencia Ticket

Hotel Alfonso XIII

BAR POSTIGUILLO TAPAS

Where we Stayed - The Zentral Suites & Apartments

What you'll discover in this episode:

• Why we rented an apartment in the historic center instead of a hotel — and our go-to tip for finding family-sized apartment stays (booking.com, Airbnb, VRBO)
• Scott's parking horror story: reversing a 9-passenger van a quarter mile down a narrow Seville alley (don't skip this one)
• What to book in advance for the Royal Alcázar — including the Royal Apartments, which sold out on us
• The tilework, ceilings, fountains, and courtyards that made the Alcázar Melissa's favorite stop
• Seville Cathedral, La Giralda, and the surprisingly wild 500-year journey of Christopher Columbus's tomb
• Touring the Plaza de Toros bullring — history, costumes, and why Scott recommends the tour even if you're not sure how you feel about bullfighting
• Plaza de España and María Luisa Park — plus the story of Melissa convincing a stranger Scott was a professional photographer
• The rowboats we missed (and would try again), and the Star Wars filming-location claim to fame
• The playground that became the grandkids' favorite spot in the city, and a bonus tram ride for our grandson
• Flamenco with kids: how a small, intimate theater made all the difference
• Where to get real churros, and why the ones in Seville taste more like funnel cake
• Our Seville date night on Calle Mateos Gago — and the standing-room-only local bar we stumbled into
• How we use AI to sanity-check restaurant recommendations (and where it still gets things wrong)
• How much time you actually need in Seville (hint: more than a day trip)

Episode Links:

Tablao Flamenco Pura Esencia Ticket

Hotel Alfonso XIII

BAR POSTIGUILLO TAPAS

More Resources & Links:

Come with us on Safari in Kenya in June 2027. We are hosting a max of 10 on a luxury privately guided safari to 3 places in Kenya, where we have been on safari twice in order to bring you the best experience. Click HERE to learn more and sign up.

Get help planning your next trip. Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/ or http://sunxtravel.com

• Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide
• See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources
• Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear!
• Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan.

Follow Sunshine Travelers

• Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
• https://youtube.com/Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG
• https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blogFollow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Follow us onhttps://x.com/sunshinetrvlrsX @sunshinetrvlrs
• Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blogGet travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast

Music: This Acoustic Happy

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

Most people plan an African safari without realizing the Indian Ocean is right there. We've now added a beach stay to our safari, where we checked out both Diani Beach in Kenya and Zanzibar and we are here to say we think it's an excellent idea before heading home. In this episode, we introduce you to Diani Beach, Kenya, compare it honestly with Zanzibar, and help you decide which one might be the best fit for the end of your safari trip.

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

What We Cover in This Epsiode

Why you should consider adding a few days at the beach to your safari. The journey home from East Africa can be brutal, and after a week of 5 am game drives, you may not be as rested as you think. We make the case for four or five extra days in one of these locations and explain why it's a lot easier to pull off than most people assume. (We went from a morning game drive in the Maasai Mara to sitting on a beach by that same afternoon.)

Diani Beach: the one you probably haven't heard of is on the Kenyan coast, south of Mombasa, and it's quieter, more local, and considerably less expensive than Zanzibar. We stayed at Eleven Pearl Boutique Hotel, a 20-room property right on the beach. Our honest review: what it delivers, what it doesn't, and who it's perfect for.

Other Diani options worth knowing. We also visited the Sands at Nomad and the very unique Chale Island Resort, where the tide determines how you arrive. At low tide, a tractor pulls you across. We'll explain.

Zanzibar vs. Diani: the real comparison. Beach quality, water clarity, activities, food, vibe, beach vendors, getting around, and the price difference that genuinely surprised us. (The food and drink total for four nights in Diani will raise your eyebrows.)

Matching the destination to the traveler. Honeymooners, luxury seekers, budget travelers, first-time visitors to Africa, families. We go through them all and tell you which destination fits which traveler, without preparing our answers in advance.

Here are our Quick Tips

• No extra visa needed for Diani if you're already on a Kenya safari since you're still in Kenya
• Zanzibar requires a Tanzania visa plus their own mandatory travel insurance (~$45/person) — factor that into the total cost
• Getting around Diani: tuk-tuks during the day, Uber at night — your hotel can call a trusted one
• At both destinations, tides are dramatic and affect where you can walk and when excursions run.
• If you want to buy from beach vendors, ask for exactly what you want since custom is often on the table

Resources

• Episode 183 — our full Zanzibar episode (Turaco Nungwi Beach Resort, the Dream Dhow, Stone Town, and the mandatory insurance explained): listen before this one
• Dream Dhow snorkeling trip near Mnemba Island
• Kenya Group Safari, June 2027 — we're leading a small group, vehicles capped at 3–4 guests: https://sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/safari-group-trip
• Plan your trip: https://sunshinetravelersexperiences.com

More Resources & Links:

• Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide
• See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources
• Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear!
• Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan.

Follow Sunshine Travelers

• Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
• https://youtube.com/Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG
• https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blogFollow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Follow us onhttps://x.com/sunshinetrvlrsX @sunshinetrvlrs
• Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blogGet travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast

Music: This Acoustic Happy

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

Zanzibar delivers on the turquoise water and white sand — but there are a few things we wish we'd known before landing. In this episode, we share our honest firsthand take on the arrival process, where to stay, what the beach is really like, and the one decision we'd make differently next time.

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

What You'll Discover

The airport surprise most travelers miss — Zanzibar now requires visitors to purchase a specific travel insurance policy before arrival. It's not your existing policy. It costs around $45/person and you won't get through without it. We learned this the hard way at the terminal. We'll tell you exactly what to do before you fly.

Nungwi vs. Stone Town — These two parts of the island offer completely different experiences, and staying in one makes it hard to visit the other. We break down how to choose and what we'd do differently if we went back.

Turaco Nungwi Beach Resort — our honest review of this Marriott Autograph Collection property, the dining plan we chose, and what surprised us about the beach itself (tides, vendors, and a nightly soccer match we didn't expect).

The Dream Dhow — our private snorkeling excursion near Mnemba Island was the highlight of the trip. We cover what made it special, what it cost, and what to look for if you book one.

Stone Town and the Freddie Mercury Museum — we didn't go. Scott still regrets it. We'll tell you why it ended up on the cutting room floor and how we'd plan it next time.

Spice farms, village tours, and the real Zanzibar — what you see beyond the resort walls, and why the conversations we had off the beach stayed with us long after we left.

Quick Tips

• Buy Zanzibar's required travel insurance before you leave home — save the QR code offline
• Every person needs hotel name, address, and reservation details on their own phone for immigration
• Pack water shoes — the water bottom is rocky in places
• Check tide times before planning beach walks; the beach changes dramatically throughout the day
• Arrange airport transfers through your hotel in advance — it's 90 minutes to Nungwi

Resources

• Dream Dhow excursion
• Zanzibar required travel insurance: Visit the official Visit Zanzibar insurance site before your trip
• Kenya Group Safari, June 2027: https://sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/safari-group-trip
• Plan your trip with us: https://sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/

Sneak Peek - Next week — Episode 184: Diani Beach vs. Zanzibar. Should you add a beach stop after an East Africa safari, and which one is right for you? We compare costs, logistics, beaches, and atmosphere.

More Resources & Links:

• Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide
• See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources
• Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear!
• Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan.

Follow Sunshine Travelers

• Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
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Music: This Acoustic Happy

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We'd looked at photos of Mont-Saint-Michel for years. They didn't prepare us for what it's actually like to walk toward it. In this episode, we share what it's really like to spend a full day at Mont-Saint-Michel — the walk in from the parking area, the climb to the abbey, a lunch mistake worth avoiding, and why we think this is one of the best day trips in Normandy. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Quick Answer: Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth a Day Trip?

Yes — if you give it a full day and base yourself in Normandy (we stayed in Bayeux) rather than doing a rushed round-trip from Paris. Between the walk in, the village, and the abbey climb (roughly 350 steps once you reach the entrance), you'll want 5–7 hours minimum to do it without feeling rushed.

Episode Highlights

Why we based ourselves in Bayeux, not Paris Mont-Saint-Michel is doable as a day trip from Paris, but by the time you factor in travel time both ways, you're spending nearly as much time in transit as at the destination. Staying in Normandy (we used Bayeux as our base for both the D-Day sites and Mont-Saint-Michel) let us take the day at a slower pace.

Parking, the shuttle, and why we walked Private vehicles can't cross onto the island — everyone parks on the mainland. From there, you can take a free shuttle (runs roughly every 15 minutes) or walk the causeway, which takes about 30–40 minutes. We walked, and it turned into one of our favorite parts of the day: the view builds gradually instead of arriving all at once.

First impressions and the causeway The geography is what makes this place — a rock rising out of the bay with an entire medieval village built up its side and the abbey crowning the top. Trail markers near the entrance are a reminder that pilgrimage routes still end here today, just as they have for centuries.

Entering the village The main street climbs steadily from the gates toward the abbey, lined with shops, cafés, and a few small hotels. A small number of residents still live and work on the island. It's touristy, but it doesn't feel manufactured — you can still picture daily medieval life happening here.

Our lunch mistake We ate at Le Logis Saint Catherine partway up the hill. The menu posted outside didn't match the one we were handed once seated (higher prices, smaller selection), and we were too hungry to go looking elsewhere. The food and the courtyard view over the bay were genuinely good — but if that matters to you, confirm the menu before you sit down, or eat before you start the climb.

The climb to the abbey (bring the right shoes) Walking through the village is uphill almost the entire way, and once you reach the abbey entrance itself, there's still about 350 steps to the top where guided tours begin. It's manageable — we saw families and visitors of all ages make it — but budget more time than you think you'll need, especially after a meal.

Touring the abbey The included guided tour runs 30–45 minutes in English or French, and you sign up for a specific tour time when you buy your ticket (a separate step from the ticket purchase itself — easy to miss). Tour groups are capped at 10–12 people, so slots fill fast even though hundreds of people hold tickets for the same entry window. After the guided portion, you're free to explore on your own.

Walking the bay — and why we didn't do it ourselves At low tide, the water pulls back dramatically, exposing sand and mudflats around the mount. It's not illegal to walk out on your own, but it's strongly discouraged — there are pockets of quicksand that aren't obvious, and the tide comes in fast (our guide described it as "the speed of a galloping horse"). If this interests you, hire a licensed local guide.

What we'd do differently Arrive earlier for cooler temperatures and better light, eat before the climb rather than mid-schedule, and walk the causeway again — some of our favorite photos were taken before we ever reached the gates.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Details

• Village access: Free, always. Only the abbey at the top requires a ticket.
• Abbey ticket prices (2026): €16 high season (April 1–September 30), €13 low season (October 1–March 31).
• Booking window: Tickets are timed entry and release about 30-60 days ahead of your visit date on the official site — abbaye-mont-saint-michel.fr. Put the release date on your calendar; popular time slots fill up.
• Guided tour sign-up: Included in your abbey ticket, but requires a separate time-slot booking — look for "guided tour with ticket" or select "I already have a ticket" if booking it after the fact.
• Hours: Vary seasonally with daylight; last entry is one hour before closing.
• The climb: Uphill through the village, plus ~350 steps once inside the abbey grounds.
• Restrooms: Available at the visitor center by the parking lot (free) and near the village entrance. Limited and inconsistent once you're higher up — go before you start climbing.
• Drones: Strictly forbidden and fineable. An action camera on a pole is your best alternative for aerial-style shots.
• Overnight stays: Possible in the village, but you'll need to carry your own bags in (the shuttle is your friend for this) — pack light.
• What3Words for the classic photo spot: ///muddier.graphs.accordingly

FAQ

Is Mont-Saint-Michel worth visiting if I only have one day? Yes, but plan for a full day rather than a half-day. Between the walk from parking, the village, and the abbey tour, most visitors need 5–7 hours.

How many steps are there at Mont-Saint-Michel? Roughly 350 steps once you reach the abbey entrance, on top of a steady uphill walk through the village streets to get there.

Can I drive onto Mont-Saint-Michel? No. All private vehicles park on the mainland; you reach the island by free shuttle or by walking the causeway (30–40 minutes).

Is it better to visit Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris or from Normandy? Basing yourself in Normandy (we used Bayeux) gives you a slower, less rushed day. A Paris day trip is possible but adds significant travel time on both ends.

Can you walk out onto the bay at Mont-Saint-Michel? It's allowed but strongly discouraged without a guide — there are areas of quicksand and the tide comes in quickly. Guided bay walks are available and recommended if you're interested.

Resources Mentioned

• Official abbey tickets: abbaye-mont-saint-michel.fr
• Lunch spot: Le Logis Saint Catherine (confirm the menu before being seated)
• What3Words classic photo location: ///muddier.graphs.accordingly

Have questions about planning your own Normandy or Mont-Saint-Michel trip? Find us at https://sunshinetravelers.com/ or on social @sunshinetravelerspodcast.

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Music: This Acoustic Happy

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

For more information about our Safari Group Trip in June 2027, Click HERE.

If you are looking to plan a private custom safari, please click here. We have a form specific to safari planning.

We just got back from another Kenya safari, and once again, it's confirmed what we already knew: this is our favorite trip in the world. In this episode, we walk through our full itinerary and share why each stop earns its place on our 2027 group safari. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

What you'll discover in this episode:

• Why were're adding Nairobi National Park game drive on day one for our group trips— and the rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and more we spotted right on the edge of the city
• Our visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage and why we now sponsor an orphaned elephant for our granddaughter
• Learning about endangered Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Center near Giraffe Manor
• Solio Ranch - one of the best places anywhere to see black and white rhinos, plus a rare evening feeding a baby rhino at the rhino orphanage and why we may not be able to continue to visit here long term, but will in 2027.
• Samburu National Reserve — the "Samburu Special Five," riverside elephant families, and our first big cat sightings
• The scenic (and slightly wild) bush-plane transfer into the Maasai Mara
• Big cat encounters in the Mara, lion pride dynamics, and seeing the Big Five twice on one trip
• Exploring the quieter Mara Triangle and staying at Mara Engai Lodge
• Why we personally visit and vet every camp and lodge before recommending it to clients
• Details on our June 2027 small-group safari through Solio, Samburu, and the Maasai Mara

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Music: This Acoustic Happy

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There are some places you visit because they have always been on your bucket list. Then there are places that mean something to you long before you ever arrive. Normandy was one of those places for Scott. Both of his grandfathers served in the Army in the European theater during World War II. Neither of them stormed the beaches of Normandy, but one of my grandfathers helped build temporary bridges during the war, helping Allied forces continue moving across Europe.

His brother also served and received both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his acts of valor. I remember being a child and my great-aunt showing me those medals. At that age, I do not think I fully understood what they represented, but I remembered them.

Now, all these years later, we were heading to Normandy. We were going to stand on the beaches, walk through the cemeteries, see the remains of the German defenses, and visit the places where thousands of young men were asked to do something almost unimaginable.

We often call them the Greatest Generation. After visiting Normandy, I understand that description a little differently than I did before.

But our trip to Normandy actually started somewhere completely different. It started with Monet's garden, a tiny Citroën, two very aggressive truck drivers, and my sudden discovery that apparently I like quiche. This episode takes you through the places we visited, along with tips and suggestions for planning your trip. This was as emotional to record as it was walking through these sites when we visited. Standing in the places where this happens makes me realize just how much this one day changed the course of our history forever, and the bravery and sacrifice that took place here. We think it is a place that every American who is able should visit at least once in their life. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Here are a few resources to help you plan your trip to Normandy:

Where to stay - Bayeux

You can take guided tours from here

Here are a few suggestions of things to watch or read before you go:

We found this Rick Steves Podcast Episodeextremely helpful. The museum at Arromanches is recommended by a local tour guide. We started our day there.

Saving Private Ryan

Band of Brothers

The Longest Day

Delta's D-Day Survivors documentary where they fly WWII survivors to Normandy

MORE TRAVEL RESOURCES

Get help planning your trip to Normandy or your next trip. Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/ or http://sunxtravel.com

SUNSHINE TRAVELERS GROUP TRIP

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Music: This Acoustic Happy

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Planning a Multi-Generational Trip to Paris? Here’s What We Learned

What started with one question from our granddaughter: "Will you meet us in Paris before we fly home?" turned into a multi-generation trip exploring Paris, and it isn't the landmarks we'll remember the most.

We learned what's most important about traveling as a family of three generations, including where to stay, how to survive a heat wave we didn't see coming, and the one thing our daughter found on Instagram that ended up being the best decision of the whole trip.

In this episode, we're sharing what worked, what we'd do differently, and the moments that stuck with us most, and the ones you can't really plan, and why you need to take a multi-generational trip with your family now.

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Get help planning your next trip. Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/ or http://sunxtravel.com

Come with us on Safari in Kenya in June 2027. We are hosting a max of 10 on a luxury privately guided safari to 3 places in Kenya, where we have been on safari twice in order to bring you the best experience. Click HERE to learn more and sign up. (Multi-generations welcome)

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Music: This Acoustic Happy

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We just spent an amazing month in Italy but there were quite a few things that really surprised us, both good and bad. Join us as we give out Italy Travel Awards for our favorite food destination, where we would return to, best experience, and more...plus the Italy tips we would give you and what we would do differently. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

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Come with us on Safari in Kenya in June 2027. We are hosting a max of 10 on a luxury privately guided safari to 3 places in Kenya, where we have been on safari twice in order to bring you the best experience. Click HERE to learn more and sign up.

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Venice had a bad reputation, at least that's what we had heard. For years we'd heard it was overcrowded, overpriced, and honestly not worth the hassle. So when we added it to the end of our month-long Italy trip, it got the least planning of any stop on our itinerary.

That became obvious the moment our taxi driver dropped us off at the edge of the city, unloaded our bags, and pointed toward the water. No cars. No motorcycles. No bikes. Just boats and your own two feet and two unprepared travelers who had no idea what they'd gotten themselves into.

What followed was a crash course in how Venice works. And the city we were honestly not looking forward to ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the entire trip. In this episode we're sharing what we learned, what we wish we'd known before we arrived, and why Venice completely changed our minds.

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Here's exactly how to find our recommended Gondolier, Matthew. You can also use Google Maps to locate Hutte (pizza) and then right across the bridge you'll find the gondolier station. You can wait on the bench until one comes by (rides until 8:30 pm - in May anyway).

Find all our Italy Guides & Resources Here

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Music: This Acoustic Happy

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Whitewashed towns, trulli houses, and incredible food, Puglia delivers on every postcard image you've seen. But after a month exploring this region, we discovered it's so much more than that. From a hidden tiki bar in Lecce to a scooter rescue mission for our laundry in Bari, from the centuries-old lime-wash tradition protecting Ostuni to an accidental focaccia-pizza discovery in Alberobello that was actually in the food guide we used to help us navigate the unique food of this region, Puglia kept surprising us at every turn. In this episode, we share what we didn't expect, who this region is really for, and why the best parts of our trip had almost nothing to do with what we'd planned. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Here's the Puglia food guide we used from our blog and YouTube Friends, Never Too Full.

• Come with us on Safari in Kenya in June 2027. We are hosting a max of 10 on a luxury privately guided safari to 3 places in Kenya, where we have been on safari twice in order to bring you the best experience. Click HERE to learn more and sign up.
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Music: This Acoustic Happy

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Here's the thing nobody tells you before you go to the Amalfi Coast is it requires understanding of what you actually want from the experience before you go. Because the version you've seen on Instagram and the reality of being there are two very different things.

We spent several days exploring the coast and made a choice that ended up defining our entire trip. Instead of staying in Positano or Sorrento like most people think they want to, we based ourselves in Atrani, a tiny town just around the corner from Amalfi that most people walk right past. And honestly, it changed everything.

In this episode, we're getting into the real Amalfi Coast. The ferry logistics, the stairs, the beaches, the transportation. The smaller towns that might actually be a better fit than the famous names on every highlight reel. And what we'd do again without hesitation.

If the Amalfi Coast is on your list, this episode is one you don't want to miss.

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

LINKS Related to this Episode:

For transfers and transporation (including transporation for tours) reach out to Amalfi Coast Chauffer Service on Whats App at +39 3881679075

This is who we used and they are fantastic. Please let them know that you heard about them from Scott & Melissa on the Sunshine Travelers Podcast. You can check them out on instagram @allthewayamalfi

__________________________________

Come with us on Safari in Kenya in June 2027. We are hosting a max of 10 on a luxury privately guided safari to 3 places in Kenya, where we have been on safari twice in order to bring you the best experience. Click HERE to learn more and sign up.

__________________________________

Get help planning your next trip to the Amalfi Coast or anywhere. Learn more about what we offer at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/ or http://sunxtravel.com

Want to learn more about making money planning and booking travel for yourself and others. Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/become-an-advisor

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There are some cities in the world that instantly pull you in the moment you arrive. Florence wasn’t one of those cities for us. In fact, when we first arrived in Florence, we honestly wondered if we had made a mistake.

Normally, when we visit an Italian city, one of our favorite things to do is wander. We’ll head down side streets, get lost a little bit, and usually discover quiet piazzas, local restaurants, or neighborhoods that feel authentic and alive. But Florence didn’t really work that way for us.

But this episode isn’t about why you should avoid Florence. Over the next few days, we started figuring out how Florence actually works. We learned the times of day when the city became enjoyable. We found the places locals seemed to escape to. And once we stopped trying to experience Florence the way social media tells you to, the city slowly started opening up to us. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Links for this episode:

Here's the link for the cooking classwe did in the Lemon House in the Hills of Florence with Cristina. It was a 10/10, booked through Cesirine and we highly recommend it.

Get Trip Planning Hellp or Become a Travel Advisor with Us;

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• https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blogFollow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Follow us onhttps://x.com/sunshinetrvlrsX @sunshinetrvlrs
• Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blogGet travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast

Music: This Acoustic Happy

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

This week we are taking a break to spend some time with our kids and grandkids in Paris before they leave to return home to the US. In the meantime, we invite you to enjoy one of our absolute favorite destinations that we will continue to visit over and over again.

This is one of our earliest episodes, so audio quality may not be the same as we were learning to do a podcast.

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This episode we continue our “recorded onsite” series as we discover St John in the US Virgin Islands. No need for a passport this week as St John is another US Territory. We will talk about where to stay on the Island, where to eat, and what to do along with conversations that we’ve had over the last few days. So pack a bag and come join us on St John. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Get our full 7 Day St John Itinerary Here! It is a customizable itinerary but we've filled in our favorite places to snorkel and the hidden beaches we love! This is a must have when planning your trip to Saint John, USVi.

In the esisode did forget to mention how to get here. To get to St. John you'll need to fly to St. Thomas and take a ferry over to St. John. The ferry runs from Red Hook on St. Thomas to Cruz Bay. You can take a taxi from the airport on St. Thomas to Red Hook to take the ferry. Check here for the ferry schedule. If you are staying at the Westin there is a separate ferry that is available. Check into their desk in the baggage claim area and they provide a shuttle to Red Hook. It is more expensive to take their ferry but it takes you directly to the resort and you can go back and forth to St. Thomas as much as you would like during your stay. Check with the Westin St John for the most up to date ferry schedule.

Where to stay:

Westin St. John Resort & Villas (this is where we have stayed twice)

Gallows Point Resort- right in Cruz Bay

Other places to stay in Cruz Bay andin Coral Bay

All on St John

Eco lodge on St John - Concordia Eco Resort in Coral Bay

What to do:

Rent a car to drive to all the beaches on the island

O’Connor Car Rental (this one has a location at the Westin as well)

Courtesy Car Rental

St. John Car Rental

Snorkel - this is what we spent most of our time on this trip doing!

Our Top 5 Snorkel Beaches from this Trip

• Hawksnest
• Watermelon Cay
• Truck Bay
• Cinnamon Bay
• Maho Bay - to see the turtles

You Tube of Snorkeling Video Link

If you are staying on St Thomas or are on a Cruise that ports in St Thomas here are some day trip options so you can see St. John

Day trips to St John from St Thomas

St John Island Sightseeing Tour from St Thomas

St John Island and Trunk Bay Beach Tour from St Thomas

Other tours to St John

Where to Eat on St. John

Mongoose Junction

St. John Brewers Tap Room

Our Market Smoothies - tell our friend Karen that Scott & Melissa sent you

Tap & Still - burgers, wings, fries, beer

Grocery options - we recommend packing lunches for the beach and picking up breakfast items

Dolphin Market - has gluten free, keto etc. options

Starfish Market

Other Resources

Get our full itinerary here

St. John App

St John Packing List is Here

Full St John Blog Post Guide is Here

Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG

Follow our travels on Facebook

Follow our travels on Instagram here and here

Save our travel ideas on Pinterest

Music Credit

Music by OYStudio from Pixabay

Have you ever wondered what happens when you stop simply sightseeing and start participating in a destination?

There’s a point on many trips where you realize what you remember aren’t the famous landmarks, museums, and attractions. For us, this trip through Spain and Italy started to change when we stopped simply looking at places and started participating in them. Some of our favorite moments happened sitting around tables, helping prepare food, hearing family stories, and learning how people actually live in the places we were visiting.

In this episode, we wanted to talk about three experiences that completely changed how we connected with this trip and encourage you to seek out similar experiences on your next trip.

All three experiences had something in common. They helped us appreciate these destinations in a way that went far beyond sightseeing.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why local food experiences create stronger travel memories
• A private cooking class in the hills outside Florence
• Traditional Italian food culture and family life
• Cheese making at Masseria Fragnite near Ostuni
• Learning to make mozzarella and burrata by hand
• Why Puglia feels different from other parts of Italy
• The value of slowing down while traveling
• How meaningful travel often happens outside the main tourist areas
• The role food, wine, and conversation play in Italian culture
• Why immersive travel experiences help destinations feel more personal

Resources and Links from this Epsiode (Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure)

If you'd like to connect with Marina and Nacho to book this experience, you can reach out to her on Instagram here. Or to book with them via EatWith, Click here.

Or book one of their on-site properties, here and here. You'll also be able to book cooking classes and dining experiences with them once you book.

To see more EATWITH Experiences, click here.

For the Cesarine experience we booked with Cristina, Cooking class in a lemon grove in the hills of Florence and other Cesarine experiences in Italy, click here.

For the Cheese Tour and tastings at Masseria Fragnite click here - be sure to choose the private experience to be able to make the cheese.

More Resources & Links:

• Get help planning your next trip. Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/ or http://sunxtravel.com
• Want to learn more about making money planning and booking travel for yourself and others. Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/become-an-advisor
• And if you’re a content creator like us, why not turn your passion for travel and the resources you’re already sharing into even more of an income? You can learn more at https://https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/contentcreators

• Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide
• See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources
• Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear!
• Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan.

Follow Sunshine Travelers

• Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
• https://youtube.com/Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG
• https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blogFollow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Follow us onhttps://x.com/sunshinetrvlrsX @sunshinetrvlrs
• Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blogGet travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast

Music: This Acoustic Happy

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

• Italy travel
• Spain travel
• Food tourism
• Cooking classes in Italy
• Agriturismo and Masseria experiences
• Slow travel
• Authentic local experiences
• Cultural travel experiences
• Tuscany travel tips
• Puglia travel inspiration

Last year, we partnered with Macs Adventure for their Umbria Short Break, a self-guided walking trip through the Italian countryside where we moved from town to town each day while our luggage was transferred ahead for us. It completely changed how we thought about adventure travel.

So this year, we decided to experience a different style of trip with Macs Adventure, the Relaxed Trails of Tuscany.

Instead of packing up and moving every day, this itinerary slowed things down a little more. We spent multiple nights in each destination, used walking trails to explore both the countryside and the towns themselves, and had more time to get to know Tuscany.

In this episode, we’re going to share what our days actually looked like on the trail, introduce you to some new friends we made along the way, and talk about why these self-guided walking trips have become one of our favorite ways to experience Europe. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Click here to learn more about the Relaxed Trails of Tuscany walk we did with Macs Adventure and all of their walking trips in Italy and Europe

Click here to hear more about our Macs Adventure Short Break in Umbria last year.

Resources & Links

Get help planning your next trip. Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/ or http://sunxtravel.com

Want to learn more about making money planning and booking travel for yourself and others. Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/become-an-advisor

And if you’re a content creator like us, why not turn your passion for travel and the resources you’re already sharing into even more of an income? You can learn more at https://https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/contentcreators

More Resources & Links:

• Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide
• See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources
• Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here.
• Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear!
• Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan.

Follow Sunshine Travelers

• Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
• https://youtube.com/Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG
• https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blogFollow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Follow us onhttps://x.com/sunshinetrvlrsX @sunshinetrvlrs
• Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blogGet travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast
• Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast

Music: This Acoustic Happy

Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay