Episodes

  • Destination: Nova Scotia and Jekyll Island Adventures

    Destination: Nova Scotia and Jekyll Island Adventures
    Mar 11 2025
    Destination: Nova Scotia and Jekyll Island Adventures History, Adventure and Cuisine Nova Scotia and Jekyll Island adventures are waiting for you. I can take you on a journey to the world’s most captivating destinations! Today, we’re heading to the stunning province of Nova Scotia, Canada and Jekyll Island, Georgia for adventures, history and cuisine. Known for its rugged coastline, breathtaking landscapes, and rich maritime history, Nova Scotia is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Whether you're into hiking, whale watching, or just soaking in the salty sea air, there’s something for everyone in this coastal gem. It is truly an outdoor playground. Nova Scotia and Jekyll Island adventures are on a long, long list. So, let’s start with hiking and Coastal Adventures along the beautiful shores of Nova Scotia. One of the best ways to experience Nova Scotia is on foot. The province boasts hundreds of scenic trails, but if you’re looking for the ultimate hike, the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park should be at the top of your list. With sweeping views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this easy-to-moderate trail offers a chance to spot bald eagles, and even whales from the cliffs above. For those who prefer a mix of history and nature, the Old Town Lunenburg is a must-visit. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site… I love finding these historic sites and this is one of the best-preserved examples of a British colonial settlement and offers colorful 18th-century architecture, along with charming waterfront trails. I think everyone loves to see whales in their natural habitat and whale Watching in Nova Scotia is certainly a highlight. You can also get out on the water for sporting activities. Nova Scotia is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, making it a haven for marine life. Hop on a boat in the Bay of Fundy, home to some of the world’s highest tides and an excellent place to spot humpback, minke, and even the rare North Atlantic right whale. There in the Bay of Fundy an astonishing 160 billion tons of seawater flow in and out every day, creating dramatic tidal shifts up to 50 feet. When you visit, it is a magnificent site to see the drastic change in water level as the tides change. This unique environment not only supports diverse marine life but also offers incredible experiences like tidal bore rafting on the Shubenacadie River, where visitors can ride the powerful incoming tides in a thrilling adventure. Kayaking along the coastline is another unforgettable experience—paddle through sea caves, past rugged cliffs, and alongside playful seals. It’s all there…. All you need to do is bring along you desire to have a grand adventure. This is one you can definitely share with family and friends back home. You may even have a chance to brag a bit about this one. Speaking of being out on the water. There are tasty bites that come from the waters too. What’s top of the list is Lobster! After a day of adventure, there’s no better way to refuel than with some fresh Nova Scotia seafood—especially lobster! For an authentic experience, head to The Shore Club in Hubbards, where they’ve been serving traditional lobster suppers since 1936. If you’re in Halifax, don’t miss The Five Fishermen, known for its rich seafood history and legendary lobster dishes. But, my favorite and I highly recommend this experience of eating, driving to the area and seeing the climate and weather change right before your eyes. Come for a casual but equally delicious meal, at Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound where you’ll enjoy a classic maritime experience - you can choose your own lobster fresh from the tank and enjoy it overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Afterwards, walk around the small town and check out the area. You’ll thank me for this one… for sure. Traveling along the shore has always been fascinating … to see small towns and fishing villages, a more relaxed way of life…. But, our great fascination is with lighthouses. And,
    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • Destination: Canada Black Loyalists and American Revolutionary War

    Destination: Canada Black Loyalists and American Revolutionary War
    Feb 27 2025
    Canada Black Loyalists and American Revolutionary War Canada Black Loyalists and American Revolutionary War have a very unique Black history connection. Our history dates before Harriet Tubman and her march to freedom. The underground railroad’s path to Canada is well known and documented. From 1820 to 1861, those seeking to find freedom would go north to Canada on the Underground Railroad’s secret network - a path helping those enslaved find freedom. Did you know, that more than 30 years before the underground railroad, Blacks immigrated to Canada. Here’s the story, where we learn more about the things we thought we already knew. The American Revolution which started in 1775, was not just a war for American colony’s independence—it was also a fight for freedom for thousands of enslaved Blacks. Both the Patriots - the Americans and British - the Loyalists used enslaved people in their armies. It was the British who offered a path to freedom for those who were - loyal to the British military. Many were able to escape their enslavers in Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia, joining to support the British. With the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, the war ended. And, now it was time for the British to hold true to their promise of freedom. New York was the last British held port and it became the place of gathering for those who had fought with the British. For more than 3000 British loyalist, both black and white, it was the location to get their names on an important ledger. There were two ledgers created, one for the Americans listing those who had escaped documenting their financial value and help with compensation for their loss. For the British, it was the list of those who would embark on a journey to a British held land…. The journey to freedom, to a new life, to a choice to be valued as human beings. This list became known as the Book of Negroes, listing if they were a slave or free, indentured servant, age, their enslaver, their work, also listed was their ship’s name, and the port they would enter in their new home - Nova Scotia. One settlement is Birchtown, the location where today you can visit the Black Loyalitst Heritage center where you’ll be immersed in the history, bravery, courage and fortitude of the Black Loyalist. The museum features exhibits the names and stories of thousands who escaped the bounds of slavery to freedom. On our show, we talk with Andrea Davis, Executive Director of the Black Loyalist Heritage Center and a descendant of Black Loyalists about the history of those who sought freedom and their stories. Take a listen. We think you'll find this history fascinating and more about the things you thought you already knew. Ready to plan your trip to Nova Scotia? Visit the Black Loyalist Heritage Center Revolutionary War Museum More about the Revolutionary War and the museum in Yorktown.
    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • Destination: Harriet Tubman – Cayuga, New York

    Destination: Harriet Tubman – Cayuga, New York
    Feb 24 2025
    Destination: Harriet Tubman Cayuga, New York Harriet Tubman & Cayuga, New York are both a story of resilience, commitment and dedication. Harriet Tubman chose Cayuga, New York as her home Choosing the city of Auburn as the place to settle with her family. After working on the Underground Railroad, she moved to Cayuga County. Although she is best known for her daring missions to free enslaved people via the Underground Railroad, her work as an activist in her new hometown is one not as well known. In her later years, Tubman settled in Cayuga County, NY, with her family. She continued to fight for justice, dedicating her life advocating for civil rights, women's suffrage, and providing care for those in need. Tubman's great, great, great grand-niece Deanna Stanford Walz shared, "Harriet was courageous to put her life in danger to not only be a spy in the armed forces but also to go back to Maryland to bring family and friends up north and into Canada; that's so courageous to care so much about your people to put your own life in danger to set them free and take care of them." On this show, Deanna talks with Annita about her great, great, great grand aunt and how she was dedicated to helping others. Also, during the Civil War, Tubman was a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union Army. She played a critical role in the Combahee River Raid in 1863, guiding Union forces to liberate over 700 enslaved people in South Carolina. She is the first woman in U.S. history to lead an armed military operation. As an activist and humanitarian she established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, assisting elderly and formerly enslaved people. She became an advocate for women's suffrage, aligning with leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Her speeches inspired many, as she linked the struggles of Black Americans with the broader fight for gender equality. Take a listen to the show and start planning your trip - www.tourcayuga.com Enjoy the photos from Annita's trip to walk the same streets as Harriet and visit her home. Take a look at our Harriet Tubman video.
    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • Destination: Adventures in Botswana and Zimbabwe

    Destination: Adventures in Botswana and Zimbabwe
    Jan 25 2025
    Adventures In Botswana and Zimbabwe Some places are magical with the people and spaces you visit. Africa holds some of the worlds most dramatic locals where you can have the best time of your. Having adventures in Botswana and Zimbabwe is on so many bucket lists and here's a plan for taking it off your bucket list and making it happen. Take a listen to the show where I act as your safari guide taking you from the fascinating ecosystem of Botswana's Okavango Delta to Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls. It's a spectacular journey and you'll hear all about it. On the show I share my favorite adventures in Botswana and Zimbabwe however, I can say my most memorable and the one which took me completely out of my comfort zone was staying in the wild camp or bush camp as it is also called. Before I go into it all, let me tell you a bit about Botswana and the Okavango Delta. The Okavango River is located 995mi from the highlands of Angola where it's water originates. It reaches the Kalahari and spreads into a large swamp where the water feeds the plant life, evaporates, and stays there, never reaching the sea. Some refer to the Okavango Delta, as a swamp however, I prefer delta. It is one of the largest inland deltas on Earth and a true natural wonder and should be on everyone's bucket list. It is an African jewel. The area is home to a vast array of wildlife - elephants, hippos, lions, zebra and more along with a long list of birds. Adventures in Botswana and Zimbabwe are not complete without maneuvering through the waters and through the delta's think, tall water grasses. You're gliding through in Mokoro dugout canoes poled by local villagers who have grown up here. The highlight is reaching your camping site where our local guides jump in right away to preparing the camp. The polers are multi-talented and get our camp prepared with canvas dome tents with camp stretchers, mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows all provided to make bush camping comfortable. In the delta, you get to experience African wilderness at its fullest - day time walking safaris and night time around a campfire admiring the Milky Way and sky with a billion twinkling stars. There so much more. Take a listen to the show by clicking the link below. I share the whole experience and how you can too. You can do it all with Exodus Travels where they'll give you the choice of all camping or camping and lodging. Visit their website - Exodus Travels. Take a look at photos from my recent visit.
    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • Destination: Adventure Canada Expedition Cruises

    Destination: Adventure Canada Expedition Cruises
    Jan 11 2025
    Destination: Adventure Canada Expedition Cruises Adventure Canada Expedition Cruises let you go exploring the Arctic and Inuit towns offering a unique and enriching experience, combining stunning landscapes with the opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Inuit people. I had a chance to travel with Adventure Canada Expedition Cruises on their Heart of the Arctic itinerary. There were vast tundras, icy fjords, glaciers and the polar nights were filled with bright stars. Wildlife included polar bears, whales and migratory birds nesting and circling the rocky sea side, making our expeditions extraordinary and spectacular. Adventure Canada takes you on a cultural experience. Visiting the Inuit villages and towns were a great way to learn about the traditional practices such as hunting, fishing, and dog sledding. I had a chance to see artists working with tricot carvings... right in front of you. Artists making beadwork clothing and jewelry. So much of what they use is locally sourced materials like bone, ivory and sealskin. Community Life on Adventure Canada Expedition cruises is an opportunity to visit with close-knit communities and see how they adapt to extreme weather conditions, learn about day-to-day life, try local foods including seal, caribou, Arctic char and if you're lucky a little taste of whale. Visit their website - Adventurecanada.com Bring along your travel insurance too - Allianz Travel Insurance Take a look at the photos below for a view of life on a journey with Adventure Canada. The photos can only slightly capture the beauty, the wonder and the amazing time sailing through the Arctic. The cold breezes on your face while watching waterfalls, the spectacular luckiness catching an iceberg shifting and turning, spotting a polar bear swimming along the shore. It is all so unbelievable and breathtaking. It is a dream trip and one to put top of your list for your next adventure. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy the photos. If you're interested in another icy destination, check out my time sailing Antarctica.
    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • Destination: Sailing With Riverside Luxury Cruises

    Destination: Sailing With Riverside Luxury Cruises
    Jan 2 2025
    Sailing With Riverside Luxury Cruises If you're. new to river cruising or you've been on several, this show will get you ready for an extraordinary experience. Riverside Luxury Cruises may be new to the list of river cruise options, however, they have been in the business of hospitality and luxury for over 40 years. Seaside Collection is a total of twelve hotels in Germany, Spain and on the Maldives, including the Grand Hotel Residencia, the only member of the Leading Hotels of the World on Gran Canaria, and the Maldives resort Finolhu. All owned and managed by Gregor and Anouchka Gerlach. In 2022 Riverside Luxury Cruises was created placing luxury hotels on the water. Riverside Luxury Cruises, three ships cruise on the Rhône, Rhine and Danube with exceptional service, accommodations, cuisine and fine details, placing it high above other ships sailing the waterways. On this show Riverside Luxury Cruises North America CEO, Jennifer Halboth shares all the details to get your excited and booking your next river cruise. Karolina, the Excursions Director, shares all the exciting tours and experiences you can have off the ship and on the ship too. Take a look onboard and some of the Christmas Markets are featured below.
    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • Destination: Old Ninety-Six District, South Carolina

    Destination: Old Ninety-Six District, South Carolina
    Nov 21 2024
    Old Ninety-Six District, South Carolina Georgia’s neighboring state and Old Ninety-Six District is close by, filled with opportunities to hike, fish, learn more about history, experience old traditions and two of my favorite things to do; shop and eat. A couple of years ago I was invited to visit Old Ninety-Six District, South Carolina located in the Upper Western section of the state. First I was excited to find how close it is and how easy it is to discover so many things to do over a weekend. Next, I loved how relaxed the area is for time to shop, enjoy the local cuisine and explore historic sites. The friendly and warm people were welcoming made it feel like home. Driving around the area made this road trip one I have been recommending for years. The Old 96 District is home to amazing outdoor adventures - from hiking, biking, walking trails and my favorite is getting out on the several lakes you’ll find in the area. Walking along the shore or deciding any one of the lakes is perfect for paddle boarding. I loved a stroll along the lake side. There are several counties which make up the old 96 district. Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, McCormick and Laurens. Each county is filled with history, perfect for those who love exploring the areas where our U.S. history took place. It's a history lover's destination. I love the feel of Stepping back in time - the historic homes and buildings, town squares and the ease of walking the cities blocks to check out shopping, restaurants, distilleries and attractions. If you love the feel of visiting small towns… you know the stepping in to a norman Rockwell painting…. Old Ninety-Six District, South Carolina is your spot. Take a listen to my chat with various chefs in the area who share the culinary experience you can have while visiting. It's a delicious destination. Dr. Mays Preservation Center and Home Delicious food at Indigenous Underground Kickers Farm to Fork Restaurant Great shopping for crafts, beverages, art and more food Relaxation History around the district Outdoor adventures BnB stay at Shannon Manor
    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • Allianz Travel Insurance Bad Weather Travel Tips

    Allianz Travel Insurance Bad Weather Travel Tips
    Oct 21 2024
    Allianz Travel Insurance Bad Weather Travel Tips Travel is all about the fun and excitement of all your plans coming together for a wonderful getaway. What happens when travel is impacted by bad weather? One thing is we are very disappointed and can even be devastated. Our plans are delayed or, in some cases, completely changed or canceled. Allianz Travel Insurance - bad weather travel tips can help you ensure your travel investment, worry less, and focus on getting back on track. Planning travel during the seasons where the weather is lousy means paying close attention to all aspects of our travel itinerary. I talked with my travel buddy, Allianz Travel Insurance, about the steps we can take when booking travel, while en route, and when we are at our destinations having fun. I asked my friends at Allianz Travel Insurance U.S. to come on the radio and share tips for being prepared. Dan Durazo, director of external affairs at Allianz Partners talked about several scenarios. His tips are helpful. There are many situations which are caused by bad weather and storms impacting travel in many ways, including: Flight cancellations and delays Storms can cancel or delay flights near the airport you're leaving or heading to. Hotel closures Hotels may close in preparation for severe weather and not just once the storm starts. They may also be damaged and unavailable for vacationers before starting or completing their stay. They can remain closed for days after the weather has passed. This can directly affect plans where you feel you've dodged the storm, but nope, the destination may have damages that last long into the next weeks or months. Transportation delays There are more ways to travel than airplanes. Trains, planes, and automobiles are getting us to our vacation spot. What about once we're there - public transportation and other commuter travel may be delayed before a storm or may be damaged or closed during the storm. Allianz Travel Insurance - bad weather travel tips can help us with what to do next when things change before or during our travel. Evacuations The weather can take the fun out of our vacations. Sometimes, we must get out of the way even before the weather comes our way. This is an important part of vacationing during rough weather seasons. During hurricane season, evacuations from areas with forecasted stormy weather are essential. You certainly can't play around with this. Bad weather reports to evacuate means it's time to go now—no questions about it. If a hurricane's path is in a major travel destination, travelers may be ordered to evacuate, with no option to stay. Photo credit: Rawpixel Cruise lines Heading out on a cruise during hurricane season means being flexible. I know you've wanted to go to dream ports, but here comes the storm. Cruise lines may alter their itineraries or delay departures from certain ports. Make the most of it. What's fun about cruising is the cruise line's ability to change the itinerary yet keep everything focused on exploring great destinations. Tours and attractions Plans can change, and disappointment is a real thing. Tours, attractions, events, festivals - all the things you plan to do can be affected by the weather. It is no fun to arrive at your event and see a sign saying - canceled. Yikes, that's the worst. It happens, and you need to know the next steps. Hold on to those tickets and receipts and get ready to make new plans. Tourist attractions may close in preparation for severe weather and may be damaged and remain closed. We can't tell Mother Nature what to do. There are no magic wands to wave, but there are ways to keep the stress down, feel comfortable being flexible, and know what to do to protect your travel investment and recover from unexpected delays, cancellations, and trip interruptions. Travel insurance can protect you and Allianz Travel Insurance bad weather tips can help.
    Show more Show less
    41 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup