Wander Your Way: Europe Travel Your Way

The 2027 Wander Your Way Adventures are open for booking!

In this short episode, I introduce four small group tours through England, Scotland and Ireland, sharing the dates and a brief overview of what makes each adventure special.

• From Sea to Sea: The Complete Hadrian’s Wall Walk, England — Walk across northern England from the River Tyne to the Solway Firth, following ancient Roman history through rolling farmland, open moorland and some of the Wall’s most spectacular stretches.
• Scotland’s Wild Isles: Walking Arran, Mull & Beyond — Explore islands with their own character and rhythm, with coastal walks, ancient sites and a wee taste of whisky.
• Atlantic Edge: Clare, Mayo & Connemara, Ireland — Discover Connemara’s wild beauty, the Burren’s limestone landscapes and two islands, with scenic walks, local stories and welcoming towns along the way.
• Walking England’s Timeless Landscapes: Dales, Lakes & Peaks — Discover three distinct English landscapes, blending scenic walks with historic places, villages and market towns.

Each adventure brings together time in nature, history, culture and meaningful connections.

And I’ll be joining you as your host!

You’ll find links to all four adventures below, where you can explore the day-to-day itineraries, dates, pricing, what’s included and the practical details to help you choose the right trip for you.

Have a listen and see which adventure calls to you.

Links for trips:

From Sea to Sea: The Complete Hadrian’s Wall Walk, England
Scotland’s Wild Isles: Walking Arran, Mull & Beyond
Atlantic Edge: Clare, Mayo & Connemara, Ireland

Walking England’s Timeless Landscapes: Dales, Lakes & Peaks

Other important links:

Wander Your Way Adventures
Wander Your Way

Lynne@WanderYourWay.com

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Have you ever visited a place in Europe and loved it so much that you couldn't wait to go back?

I certainly have!

While I love discovering new destinations, there's something special about returning to a place I've already visited.

Each visit brings new experiences, different perspectives, and opportunities to peel back another layer — to dig a little deeper.

And sometimes it's simply the comfort of being somewhere familiar that keeps drawing me back.

In this episode, I'm sharing 15 amazing places in Europe I've visited at least twice and would happily return to again in a heartbeat.

From the stunning mountains of the Italian Dolomites to charming towns and wild landscapes in Ireland and Scotland, along with a few of my favorite European cities, these are places that have captured my heart.

I'll share what makes each destination special to me, why I keep returning, and what I still want to discover.

Because returning to a favorite place doesn't mean having the same experience all over again.

Sometimes the best travel experiences come when we return, slow down, and discover something we missed the first time.

So come along as I share 15 places in Europe I just can't get enough of!

And I'd love to know — what places in Europe have you visited more than once that you'd return to in a heartbeat?

In this episode:

1:47: Intro

8:25: Alpe di Siusi & Castelrotto, Italy

11:41: San Vigilio di Marebbe & Fanes-Senes-Braies, Italy

14:17: Florence, Italy

16:15: Verona, Italy

18:25: Paris, France

20:41: Kenmare & Killarney National Park, Ireland

23:41: Connemara, Ireland

26:22: Westport, Ireland

28:48: West Cork, Ireland

30:57: St Andrews & East Neuk Villages, Scotland

33:31: Pitlochry & Blair Atholl, Scotland

36:39: The Cairngorms, Scotland

39:22: Northwest Scotland

41:42: Isle of Mull & Isle of Iona, Scotland

43:53: Strontian, Scotland

45:38: Final thoughts

48:34: Wrapping it up

Important links:

How to Embrace the Joy of Slow Travel in Europe with Renee Hannes

Why Independent Travelers Will Love Small Group Travel

Hotel Olympia San Vigilio di Marebbe
Otterburn B&B Strontian
Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

Wander Your Way Travel Shop

Oofos

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What if where you stayed actually changed the way you traveled?

For several weeks this summer, I tried house sitting in England, piecing together three different dog sits as I traveled through the southern part of the country.

Along the way, I spent time in places I might never have visited otherwise, from rural Hampshire and Winchester to Bradford on Avon and Axbridge.

In this episode, I’m sharing what house sitting is really like, how I made it work without a car, and some of the new places I discovered along the way.

I’ll also talk about the benefits — and responsibilities — of house and pet sitting and why it can be an interesting way to travel longer, spend less on accommodations and experience a destination a little more like a local.

If you love dogs (or cats or any other animals), slower travel and discovering places beyond Europe’s usual stops, house sitting might just be another way to Wander Your Way.

Want to chat more about pet sitting or any of these destinations?

Send me a message at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com.

In this episode:

1:40: Intro

2:39: How housesitting works

10:53: Worthing

12:34: Winchester

18:12: Droxford

24:55: Bradford-on-Avon

30:15: Bath

33:36: Badgworth & Axbridge

37:07: Final thoughts

42:33: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Trusted Housesitters

Mind My House

Nomador

TASC Clothing

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

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Do you learn a few words of the local language before traveling to another country?

Even knowing how to say hello, please and thank you can make a difference.

But learning a little more can open the door to deeper connections with the people you meet along the way.

In this episode, I’m joined by Margherita Berti, founder of Italian Matters, to talk about how learning and using the local language can lead to a more meaningful travel experience.

Margherita grew up in Bergamo, Italy, and has spent years studying languages, linguistics and how we actually learn to communicate in another language.

She shares practical tips for learning before you travel, from flashcards and podcasts to music, movies and the shadowing technique.

We also talk about which words and phrases are most useful, why it helps to prepare for situations you know you'll encounter, and how to get past the fear of making a mistake and actually speak the language once you're there.

Because you don't need to be fluent.

And you definitely don't need to be perfect.

Sometimes simply making the effort to speak a few words in the local language can create a connection — and become one of those moments you remember long after the trip is over.

In this episode:

1:10: Intro

1:53: About Margherita Berti

4:02: Italy to Indiana

10:24: Various learning tools

16:04: Key phrases to learn

18:01: Understanding creates connection

19:40: Using translating apps

22:51: Teaching English speakers

27:31: Advice for confident speaking

33:44: Margherita's final tips & thoughts

36:18: Lynne's final tips & thoughts

41:10: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Italian Matters

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

Safety Wing

Tips For Traveling in Another Language

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I love independent travel.

I love being able to go where I want, when I want, and experience a destination in my own way.

So I wasn't entirely sure how I would feel about small group travel.

Yes, I know.

I offer small group trips. 😄

But turns out, I love it.

In this episode, I'm sharing 9 reasons why independent travelers might just love small group travel too — from handing over the logistics and having knowledgeable local guides to getting into places that can be more difficult to experience on your own.

We'll also talk about soft adventure, spending time in nature, experiencing the culture of a destination, leaving room for spontaneity and — perhaps most importantly — sharing those incredible travel moments with a small group of like-minded travelers.

And small group travel doesn't mean giving up your independence completely.

There's still room for downtime, wandering on your own and simply doing your own thing.

Small group travel may not be for everyone.

But if you're an independent traveler who has always thought, "Group travel isn't for me," this episode might just change your mind.

In this episode:

0:50: Intro

7:30: First...a story

11:34: Don't have to worry about logistics

13:47: Experience places you may not get to on your own

17:02: Local guides and their knowledge

20:50: Time for soft adventure and in being nature

27:22: Cultural experiences as well

31:00: Allows for spontaneous moments

34:41: Sharing moments with others

39:31: Small means small

41:49: Maintain your independent time

44:57: Recap

47:05: Final thoughts

53:39: Wrapping it up

In this episode:

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

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What if traveling more slowly isn’t about how much time you have, but how you choose to use that time?

In this episode, I’m joined by Renee Hannes of Dream Plan Experience to talk about slow travel, intentional travel and the joy of returning to places we’ve already visited.

We chat about why asking “How do I want this trip to feel?” can completely change the way you plan, how leaving more unplanned time can lead to some of your favorite travel memories, and why you don’t have to see everything on one trip.

We also delve into the benefits of revisiting destinations — one of my favorite things to do.

Returning to a place you love gives you the chance to peel back another layer, discover something you missed the first (or second) time and experience it through a completely different lens.

And Renee and I share a few simple ways to incorporate slow travel into your next trip to Europe — even if you only have a week or two.

If you’re ready to travel with a little more intention and a little less rushing, be sure to tune in.

Want to chat more about slow travel?

Send me a message at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com.

In this episode:

2:28: Renee Hannes' bio

5:40: Renee's travel story rooted in Germany

12:08: Starting a travel business

15:55: Tuscany retreat

17:40: Mindset for slow travel

27:17: Revisiting places

39:07: Same place, new discoveries

50:00: Revisiting places is for some and not for others

55:25: Final thoughts from Renee

57:40: Some final thoughts from Lynne

1:01:28: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Dream Plan Experience

Slow Travel

10 Helpful Things I Wish More Travelers Knew About Europe
Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

Eagle Creek

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Germany is so much more than Bavaria, beer gardens and castles.

In this episode of the Wander Your Way podcast, I’m joined by Germany travel expert Cate Brubaker of My Germany Vacation to dig a little deeper into this fascinating and diverse country.

Cate has been traveling to and living in Germany since she spent her senior year of high school there.

She went on to earn bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees in German and has spent decades exploring the country.

So when it comes to Germany, she has a lot of knowledge to share!

We talk about some of Cate's favorite places, including history-filled Berlin, the lively university city of Freiburg and the beautiful Black Forest, and the maritime city of Hamburg in northern Germany.

But we venture even farther beyond the usual stops as Cate introduces us to Germany's northern islands, including Sylt, Rügen and the car-free island of Hiddensee, where you'll find beaches, hiking trails and landscapes that might completely change the way you picture Germany.

Along the way, Cate shares practical advice about traveling by train versus renting a car, getting around without speaking German and why your travel style should help determine how you move around the country.

And, of course, we couldn't talk about Germany without talking about Christmas markets!

Cate shares some of her favorites and explains why smaller neighborhood markets can sometimes offer an even more memorable experience than the famous ones.

If you've only thought of Germany as Munich, Bavaria and the Alps, this conversation just might inspire you to dig a little deeper.

Want to chat more about Germany?

Send me a message at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com.

In this episode:

1:58: Intro

4:08: Getting to know Cate

13:46: Cate’s top 3 destinations

16:40: Berlin: The Wall

25:51: Freiburg: The Black Forest

39:54: Hamburg: Harbors, Canals, Lakes

48:15: Honorable Mention: The Islands

52:12: Logistics & Tips

55:45: Christmas Markets

1:06:06: Final thoughts

1:08:18: Wrapping it up

Important links:

My Germany Vacation

Germany Travel Planning Podcast
https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

REI

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Planning a trip to Europe?

Before you book your flights or start mapping out your itinerary, there are a few things I wish more travelers knew before they go.

In this episode, I share 10 helpful insights I've learned through years of traveling throughout Europe and helping clients plan their adventures.

We talk about why Europe's famous cities are only part of the story, why distances can be deceiving, and why trains aren't always the best transportation option.

I also explain why you don't need to see every famous attraction to have an incredible trip.

You'll learn how Europe's national parks differ from those in North America, why walking is a part of everyday life, and why leaving room for spontaneity often leads to the most memorable travel experiences.

Whether you're planning your first trip to Europe or your tenth, I hope these tips help you create a journey that's less rushed, more meaningful, and truly your own.

Want to chat more about this topic?

Email me at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com

In this episode:

1:01: Intro

3:39: More than big cities

6:35: Natural destinations are amazing

8:21: National parks are different

10:27: Trains aren’t always best option

13:16: Europe doesn't have to be expensive

17:27: Distances can be deceiving

20:14: Walking is a way of life

23:14: Each country is unique

24:33: You don't have to see it all

27:21: You don't have to have it all planned

29:38: Recap and final thoughts

32:34: Wrapping it up

Important links:

6 Tips to Help You Travel Cheaper to Europe

Tips for Train Travel in Europe

Discover Soft Adventure: Easy Ways to Explore Europe's Outdoors

Slow Travel

3 Quick Tips for Planning Your Trip to Europe: Making the Plan

20 Essential Travel Tips You Need To Know Before Visiting Europe

Wander Your Way
Wander Your Way Adventures
Wander Your Way Resources
Patagonia

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Despite what some people may believe, Europe isn't too crowded.

Sure, some places certainly are.

But there are still a plethora of destinations where you can escape the crowds and feel like you've discovered something special.

One of the questions I get asked all the time is, "How do you find these places?" especially when people see me in a destination they've never even heard of.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the process I use to uncover those "hidden feeling" places in Europe that are just a little off the main tourist track.

These aren't secret destinations.

They're simply places that are often overshadowed by their more famous neighbors and don't usually show up at the top of a Google search.

I'll share the 6 tips I use when researching my own travels — as well as the custom itineraries I create for my travel clients — from exploring maps in a different way to asking locals the right questions.

Whether you love researching every detail yourself or would rather leave the planning to someone else (like me!), these ideas will help you find destinations that feel less busy and more connected to the landscape, history, local people, and culture.

If you've ever wondered how to discover places that feel like your own special find, this episode is for you.

Want to chat more about this topic?

Email me at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com

In this episode:

1:48: Intro + background

6:43: Explore the map

8:57: Follow travelers who travel like you

10:37: Search by interest

14:00: Beyond famous places

17:57: Stay longer in fewer places

22:26: Talk to the locals

24:43: Recap

26:42: Final thoughts

29:20: Wrapping it up

32:55: Listener reviews

Important links:

12 Destinations in Europe That Deserve More Love

Slow Travel

Tips for Traveling Off the Main Tourist Track

6 Tips For Planning an Amazing Trip to Europe

Slow Travel Europe

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures
Wander Your Way Resources

TASC Performance

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Chatsworth House is one of England's most spectacular stately homes.

And in this episode, I'm taking you inside one of the Peak District's most iconic landmarks.

You'll learn about its fascinating history, explore the grand rooms and beautiful gardens, discover filming locations from Pride & Prejudice and other productions, and get plenty of practical tips to help you plan your own visit.

I’ll also share why I think Chatsworth is worth visiting even though it’s one of the busier sights in the Peak District.

From avoiding the busiest times to making the most of the gardens, estate walks, farm shop, and nearby trails, this episode will help you experience Chatsworth House at a slower, more enjoyable pace.

Want to chat more about Chatsworth House?

Contact me at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com

In this episode:

1:56: Intro

2:44: Placing Chatworth House on the map

3:30: History

6:22: Rooms you can visit

11:29: Logistics & advice

13:38: The Garden

18:27: Nearby trails & parking

20:04: Additional planning considerations

26:22: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Chatsworth House

Discovering the Diverse and Beautiful Peak District England

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources
Eagle Creek

★ Support this podcast ★

Looking for destinations in Europe that deserve more love?

In this episode, I'm sharing 12 places across Europe that I think deserve a spot on more travelers' wish lists.

These aren't unknown destinations.

Because, let's face it, there are very few truly undiscovered places.

Instead I'd describe them as places that often get overshadowed by more famous neighbors.

From wild Irish coastlines and peaceful English countryside to mountain landscapes in Slovenia, Scotland, Austria, and Italy, these destinations offer a variety of experiences.

Along the way, you'll find charming villages, fascinating history, outstanding food and wine, and plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors.

All are places I believe deserve more attention from curious travelers.

Some are easy additions to a European itinerary, while others require a bit more patience and a sense of adventure.

And of course, all of them are places I've personally visited and would (and have) happily return to.

Join me as I share why places like the Yorkshire Dales, Lake Bohinj, the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, Piedmont, the Hochkönig region, and the Mani Peninsula deserve more attention from travelers looking to venture beyond Europe's usual stops.

Whether you're actively planning a trip or simply dreaming about future travels, I hope this episode inspires you to discover a few destinations in Europe that deserve more love.

Want to chat more about these destinations or this topic?

Email me at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com.

In this episode:

2:45: Intro

6:18: County Donegal, Ireland

10:30: Normandy, France

14:28: Yorkshire Dales, England

19:19: Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

23:09: Ardnamurchan, Scotland

30:17: Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland

37:22: Scottish Borders

41:08: Isle of Mull, Scotland

46:37: Piedmont, Italy

51:20: Val di Fassa, Italy

54:28: Hochkönig region, Austria

58:05: Mani Peninsula, Greece

1:03:04: Recap

1:03:54: Wrapping it up

Important links:

County Donegal • Ireland
Exploring Beautiful Normandy, France: Going Beyond the D-Day Beaches

Amazing Things To Do in the Yorkshire Dales England

Lake Bohinj • Slovenia
Dumfries & Galloway • Scotland
Exploring the Scottish Borders
Isle of Mull • Scotland
Piedmont • Italy
6 Reasons to Visit the Beautiful Val di Fassa Italy

Discovering the Stunning and Beautiful Hochkönig Region of Austria

Stoupa • Greece
Wander Your Way
Wander Your Way Adventures
Wander Your Way Resources
Nord VPN

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Portugal is a fascinating country, but there is so much more to discover beyond Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

In this episode, I'm joined by Portugal travel expert Julie Fox of Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal, who has called Portugal home for nearly 20 years.

Julie shares how she ended up moving from the UK to Portugal, why the country immediately felt like home, and what has kept her there ever since.

Together we explore some of Portugal's lesser-known destination — from charming riverside towns and medieval villages to beautiful natural areas filled with walking trails and stunning scenery.

Along the way, Julie introduces us to places such as Ponte de Lima, Buçaco National Forest, Marvão, Alcobaça, Monchique, Penha Garcia, and several coastal communities that offer a quieter and more authentic experience of Portugal.

We also discuss Portugal's only national park — Peneda-Gerês National Park, scenic hiking trails (Julie is a keen hiker), and practical tips for travelers who want to venture beyond the country's biggest cities.

Julie shares advice on the best time to visit, whether a rental car is worth it, and how to make the most of Portugal's incredible mix of history, culture, nature, and outdoor adventure.

If you enjoy slower travel, spending time outdoors, discovering charming small towns, and getting beyond the usual stops, this episode will inspire you to explore a different side of fascinating Portugal.

Want to chat more about Portugal?

Send me an email at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com.

In this episode:

1:32: Introducing Julie Fox

4:24: Julie's travel story

10:21: Lisbon & Porto

16:27: North Portugal: Ponte de Lima

20:09: Peneda-Gerês National Park

23:45: Central Portugal: Buçaco National Forest

28:36: Eastern Border: Penha Garcia

32:39: Central: Alcobaça

38:09: Moving South: Alentejo Region

49:10: Algarve Region: Monchique & Alvor

57:12: Additional hiking

1:02:21: Travel tips plus a few more spots

1:13:13: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal

Visit Portugal

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures
Wander Your Way Resources

Vuori

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In this short Listener Q&A episode, I’m tackling a thoughtful question from Miranda that more of us should probably be asking — how do you find cultural experiences that are both authentic and environmentally responsible when you travel in Europe?

I share practical ways to travel more consciously — from choosing locally owned accommodations and guides to supporting small restaurants and seeking out truly local experiences.

I also talk about eco-certifications — and why they don’t always tell the full story — plus a few simple ways to be a more responsible traveler without overcomplicating things.

Then I shift gears and answer a second question from Miranda about traveling to Finland’s Lapland region, including why timing matters and where to start your research if it’s on your list.

It’s a short episode, but one packed with ideas to help you travel more meaningfully.

And maybe think a little differently about the choices you make along the way.

Got a question you want answered?

Head over to https://wanderyourway.com/podcast/ and fill out the form!

Note: These Listener Q&A episodes don’t have a companion blog post, so you’ll only find this one in your favorite podcast app. Happy listening!

Important links:

How To Travel Sustainably in Europe: Inspiring Tips From Carolyn S. Boyce of Eco Wander Woman

Best Sustainable Experiences in Europe

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In this episode, I’m taking you to beautiful Loire Valley France — a region known for fairytale châteaux, sparkling wine, charming villages, and wonderfully relaxed countryside travel.

I share some of my favorite experiences in the Loire Valley including visits to stunning castles like Château de Chenonceau, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, and Château de Villandry, along with wine tastings at local vineyards and easy walks through the French countryside.

I also talk about wandering the lively market in Amboise, discovering quiet villages, and why slowing down in the Loire Valley made the experience even more meaningful.

Whether you’re interested in château hopping, cycling and walking trails, local wine, or simply soaking up small-town France at a gentler pace, this episode will give you plenty of inspiration for planning your own Loire Valley adventure.

Want to chat more about the Loire Valley?

Email me at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com

In this episode:

1:22: Intro + announcements

4:42: Placing the Loire Valley on the map

9:04: Where to stay

10:54: Château de Chenonceau

15:38: Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

18:58: Château de Villandry

24:20: Vineyards

31:00: Towns & villages

41:01: Getting around

42:05: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Loire Valley Tourism
Loire Lovers

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

Safety Wing

Château de Chenonceau

Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

Château de Villandry

Plou et Fils

Alain Robert

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Whitby, England.

It’s iconic.

It’s atmospheric.

And yes, it’s definitely on the tourist trail.

In this episode, I’m taking you to this seaside town on the Yorkshire coast to share what it’s really like to visit.

From wandering the cobbled streets and climbing up to the ruins of Whitby Abbey, to walking the beach in search of sea glass and getting out on the Cleveland Way, there’s a lot to love here.

But I’ll be honest — it’s also busy.

Like, really busy.

So I’m breaking it all down for you — what I loved, what surprised me, where I found quieter moments, and whether I think Whitby is actually worth your time.

Especially if you tend to avoid more touristy spots like I usually do.

If you’re curious about this historic coastal town — or trying to decide if it fits your travel style — this episode will help you figure it out.

Want to chat more about Whitby, England?

Email me at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com.

In this episode:

2:00: Intro

2:45: Placing Whitby on the map and some history

7:39: Lynne’s Story of choosing Whitby

13:12: Fish & Chips

16:20: Arch and Abbey

18:40: Shops

22:17: The Beach

24:16: Pier & Jetty

25:57: Old Town, Whitby Abbey & St. Mary’s

34:53: The Cleveland Way

38:48: Other things to do

40:44: Logistics

42:44: Final thoughts

48:20: Wrapping it up

Important links:

York England

The Full English

Magpie Cafe

The Fisherman's Wife
Arch and Abbey

Youngs Jewellers
Visit Whitby

Whitby Abbey

The Cleveland Way

Safety Wing

Wander Your Way Resources

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

★ Support this podcast ★

It’s time for another Listener Q&A — and this one gets right to the heart of how you travel.

Johanna is planning a trip to Italy with two first-time travelers and asks a great question: is it better to pack in as much as possible or slow things down and focus on just a few places?

In this episode, I talk through the pros and cons of both approaches, why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and how to find that sweet spot between seeing a lot and actually enjoying where you are.

From bouncing between cities to choosing a home base and taking day trips, I share some practical ways to think about pacing — especially for a first trip to Europe.

If you’ve ever wondered how much is “too much” when planning your itinerary, this one’s for you.

Got a question you want answered?

Head over to https://wanderyourway.com/podcast/ and fill out the form!

Note: These Listener Q&A episodes don’t have a companion blog post, so you’ll only find this one in your favorite podcast app. Happy listening!

Important links:

5 Tips to Manage Feelings of Overwhelm When Planning a Trip to Europe

3 Quick Tips for Planning Your Trip to Europe: Making the Plan

Travel Mistakes to Avoid on Your Next European Trip

★ Support this podcast ★

If you’re looking for Netherlands hidden gems, this episode is your invitation to discover the country beyond Amsterdam.

I’m joined by Rachel Heller, a longtime resident and Founder of Rachel's Ruminations, who shares what it’s really like to explore the Netherlands beyond the main stops.

We talk about life in Groningen, visiting Amsterdam in a more thoughtful way, and why hopping on a bike outside the city might be one of the best things you do.

Rachel also introduces lesser-known spots — like Bourtange and the historic towns of Friesland — that offer a quieter, more local feel.

If you’re looking for a more meaningful way to experience the country, this episode will give you a few ideas.

And maybe shift how you think about visiting altogether.

Want to chat more about the Netherlands?

Send me a message at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com

In this episode:

1:07: Introducing Rachel Heller

3:50: Rachel’s Story

6:27: Placing the Netherlands on the map

7:13: Amsterdam

12:40: Bourtange, Friesland and Elfsteden

18:55: Cities near Amsterdam

20:05: Tulips & Windmills

26:36: Islands & Coastline

30:15: Favorite places

38:12: The Hauge & Rotterdam

40:10: Logistics & Tips

49:31: Take aways

53:05: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Rachel's Ruminations
World Heritage Travel
The Netherlands Tourism

Boat Bike Tours
Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

Oofos

Wander Your Way Resources

Wander Your Way Podcast

★ Support this podcast ★

What exactly is soft adventure?

And how can you use it to explore Europe in a way that feels both meaningful and doable?

In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite ways to travel — soft adventure — and sharing easy ways to explore Europe’s outdoors without needing to be an extreme hiker or adrenaline junkie.

This is about getting outside, soaking in the landscapes, and experiencing a place more deeply — all at a pace that actually feels good.

I’ll walk you through what soft adventure really means — and why I love it so much — along with simple, accessible ways to bring more of it into your travels—sharing some of my own experiences along the way.

Think scenic walks, coastal paths, gentle hikes, time in nature, paired with local culture, great food, and those little moments of connection that make a trip unforgettable.

I also share practical tips to help you plan your own soft adventure experiences in Europe — whether you’re brand new to spending time outdoors or just looking to add a bit more movement and fresh air into your itinerary.

And if you’re feeling a little unsure?

Don’t worry.

We’re starting small and building from there.

Because exploring Europe’s outdoors doesn’t have to be hard to be incredible.

If you’re craving a trip that blends landscapes, culture, and connection—with just the right touch of adventure—this episode is for you.

Want to chat more about soft adventure?

Send me a note at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com

In this episode:

1:50: Intro

5:33: What is "soft adventure"?

9:27: Finding soft adventure

10:44: Cities & towns

12:32: Mountains

14:34: Coastal areas

16:40: Rivers & canals

18:01: Lakes & bays

21:50: Rural landscapes, forests & protected parks

25:24: Historical sites

27:20: Foraging & wildlife viewing

28:22: Defining soft adventure

31:11: Logistics & Tips

38:00: How I travel and why I love soft adventure travel

43:15: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Soft Adventure: The Wonderful Mix of Nature and Culture with The Wilderness Group

Tips for Solo Travel
Women in Travel + Solo Travel Tips with Beth Santos

Outdoors Ireland
REI

Wander Your Way Adventures
Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Resources
Wander Your Way Podcast

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In this episode, I’m taking you to one of England’s most beautiful and underrated corners — the Yorkshire Dales.

I share why this national park has been on my list for so long, why I finally made it there in 2025, and why I fell so hard for it.

From green valleys and windswept hills to charming villages, scenic drives, and easy walks, this is the kind of place that feels made for travelers who love nature, quieter destinations, a little culture, and a touch of soft adventure.

We’ll explore some of the amazing things to do in the Yorkshire Dales, including walks to Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, time in villages like Grassington, Hawes, and Askrigg, and a visit to Bolton Castle.

I also share what it’s like to stay in places like Malham and Bainbridge — and why slowing down here is part of the magic.

Plus, I cover the practical side of planning your trip, including where to stay, whether you need a car, and how to explore the Yorkshire Dales at your own pace.

If you’ve ever thought England was just about cities and famous sights, this episode might just change your mind.

Want to chat more about Yorkshire Dales?

Email me at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com

In this episode:

1:00: Intro

2:27: Placing Yorkshire Dales on the map

4:06: Learning about Yorkshire Dales

8:44: Malham and Malhamdale

17:14: Skipton & Grassington

21:55: Bainbridge & Wensleydale

27:40: Askrigg

28:37: Bolton Castle

32:50: Logistics & final thoughts

38:22: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Discovering the Diverse and Beautiful Peak District England

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Eagle Creek

Wander Your Way Resources

Holiday Cottages UK

Map of Malham Cove

The Kitchen at Beck Hall

The Buck Inn

Bolton Castle

The Middle House

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Curious about using AI to plan your trip to Europe?

In this bonus episode, I share my honest take on using AI to plan your trip — where it can be helpful, where it can fall short, and why a little caution goes a long way.

While tools like ChatGPT can be great for gathering ideas or sketching out a rough itinerary, they don’t always catch the nuances that come from real, on-the-ground experience.

I walk through a real client example where AI missed a simple (and better) travel option, along with common pitfalls like outdated recommendations, closed sites, and logistics that don’t quite add up.

You’ll also hear my thoughts on the bigger picture — how AI is shaping travel planning, the pros and cons of using AI to plan your trip, and why having a real human in your corner still matters when things don’t go as planned.

If you’re thinking about using AI to plan your trip, this episode will help you do it smarter—so you can take advantage of the good without getting tripped up by the not-so-good.

And if you decide you’d rather hand things over — or just want a second set of eyes on your plans — I’m always here to help.

Want to chat more about this topic?

Feel free to email me at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com.

In this episode:

0:54: Intro

1:47: Ethical considerations of AI

2:42: Using AI for planning your trip

3:53: Some examples

5:18: More considerations in using AI

8:07: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

★ Support this podcast ★