S1 E20- 20 Years of Travel: GoAbroad Founder Troy Peden
May 09, 2017
To mark our 20th episode, we're meeting up with GoAbroad.com founder & CEO Troy Peden, also celebrating 20 years of his massive travel website. Thanks to GoAbroad, millions of Americans with a craving for travel have found their perfect study, intern, volunteer or work organizations.
We discuss the evolution of the study abroad experience and the growing desire for meaningful and sustainable travel. Troy talks about the shift of singular destination semesters to the multi-city adventures during a term away from home. His personal experiences abroad have influenced the transformational value of international education, especially during this critical time in American history. He stresses the crucial role international travel has in shaping perspectives and broadening horizons of the youth.
S1 E19 - GREECE: Ouzo, Island-Hopping & Ancient Ruins
May 03, 2017
It’s Greek week on the podcast! Greece is full of gems to explore, from iconic Athens, to the monasteries of Metéora, to its 6,000 islands scattering the sea. Local guide Angelos Kokkaliaris shares with us the sumptuous eats, social culture and stunning retreats (Santorini and Mykonos, sure- but have you heard of Amorgos?) that make up an authentic Greek experience.
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"You can use these points for expensive hotel rooms, first class seats... It’s a game; you’ve just got to do your research."
John E. DiScala, or Johnny Jet, flies about 150,000 miles and 20 countries per YEAR. He is one of the world’s most established experts on budget and point-based travel. Johnnyjet.com has an impressive collection of flight tips, hacks and last-minute specials he stumbles across. I’ve been in touch with Johnny since I was still in high school with my very first travel blog. Today, we cover his best budget tips, discuss the recent United Airlines controversy, and hash out our theories on airline credit cards.
- How Johnny got his start in travel (overcoming a number of obstacles along the way) - How to get an upgraded flight- easily - When to book and score the cheapest flight prices - Reward flights & credit cards: How it all works - The perks of airline/hotel memberships - Why travel is important (and why we love it!)
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A few years back, Allison Fleece & Danielle Thornton met through a mutual interest in climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. This bonding experience led to them starting their own company: WHOA (Women High on Adventure) travel. From the peaks of Machu Picchu to the urban jungles of India, these women empower communities around the world with a new style of adventure.
S1 E16 - AMSTERDAM: "Sex, Dutch and Rock & Roll"
Apr 11, 2017
We dive into Europe's most eclectic city, joined by my longtime guide and local Dutchie, Arthur Bijlholt. As a professional tour guide by day and comedy club owner by night, Arthur shares with us the deeper side of Amsterdam, beyond its many vices (although we cover those, too). This episode tackles Dutch politics, culinary highlights (vending machine fast food, anyone?) and the culture behind that unique, urban vibe you can only find in Amsterdam.
S1 E15 - Inside Study Abroad
Apr 04, 2017
Brooke Roberts, the founder of Inside Study Abroad and certified study abroad guru, is an international education professional, turned entrepreneur (she runs three of her own companies!) Brooke helps people skip to the front of the line and transform their approach to launching and growing an international education (or any) career.
S1 E14 - How to Stay in Shape While Traveling
Mar 28, 2017
Let's be honest... staying fit while traveling is tough. With the swap of atmosphere and routine, plus the temptation of ALL that delicious food... it's easy to let yourself go overseas.
Today, we learn from the pro's how to enjoy travel without throwing away our physical and mental health. Ryan O’Donnell, a CrossFit instructor who has taken up the expat life in Prague, shares his essential tips for fellow travelers. We also cover some of the finer points of Prague: favorite restaurants, sights, and, of course, nightlife. Enjoy!
S1 E13 - When in WALES
Mar 22, 2017
If you’ve had the incredible opportunity to study abroad, you may relate to that feeling of fulfillment that comes with it; that you’ve found a new place to call “home". For Dr. Maggie Parke, abroad ‘home' was the small city of Bangor, Wales. Her overseas experience was so powerful that she was back to the UK in no time.
Now an International Education Officer at Bangor University, Maggie shares what to expect when you take on the expat life, how students can maximize their own experiences abroad, and of course what makes Wales so magical (aside from all the castles).
S1 E12- Welcome to My Palace: PRAGUE's Noble Family
Mar 15, 2017
The story is something out of a fairy tale: Typical American family, happily settled in Boston, gets called upon to collect their ancestors’ royal fortune in Europe. For the Lobkowicz clan, this is was indeed real life. Today, William Lobkowicz Jr. shares what it’s like to call a 40,000 square-foot castle home. His family has been a part of Czech nobility for 1000 years. All of their possessions were lost to the Nazi’s- and then again to communists. In Prague, the beautiful Lobkowicz Palace that looms over the city is one of 13 restored castles, now hosting a collection of paintings, musical scores (including Beethoven’s original sheet music) and old firearms. William's personal account on the family's history and palace, which otherwise would have just been another building, brings Prague even more to life.
S1 E11 - ROME: How to Best Experience the Eternal City
Mar 08, 2017
Learn the secrets to maximizing your visit to ROME. Sean Finelli, co-founder of The Roman Guy, shares insider tips on top restaurants to taste, sights to see, and immersing into the Italian way of life.
La Bella Figura is the driving force behind that “cool” Italian way of life. Translating to “the beautiful figure”, it is essentially “the idea that you always have to be the best you can possibly be. This why the Italians start smoking when they’re young , they drink coffee all the time, sitting at their cafés… and they dress to the nines for every occasion . It’s about keeping up appearances.”
FOODIE TIPS
In Rome, you'll often be lucky enough to stumble upon restaurants that . "I hate choosing food. In the states, I ask a waiter what I should order and they get flustered. In Italy, they'll just say 'this this and this'. Sometimes I'll just be like 'we're hungry just get us some food, and they'll do your whole meal for you. At my favorite, Le Mani in Pasta, you don't even need to look at your menu, and they'll set you up."
JUST DO IT
“I have a rule for myself: if the activity looks cool, and other people are doing it, then DO the activity. Don’t wimp out. If it’s expensive, just try to cut somewhere else, so that you can see the sights you’re supposed to see.”
IMMERSING INTO ITALIAN CULTURE
“Italians love Americans in general, but they also have a resentment towards Americans when they visit with their ‘American’ style and ‘American’ culture, the Italians say, ‘no- you can’t do it this way’. It goes beyond can’t have a cappuccino after 1pm, it translates to the point where the Italians will give bad service out of resentment. We [at the Roman Guy] let know how things are done here. If you want to put grated cheese on your fish pasta, that in Italy is completely taboo. We let you know what’s publicly accepted and what’s not. “
Co- owners Sean and Brandon during Trasterere Food Tour
Sean on his scooter in Italy
LINKS & INFO
- The Roman Guy is a team of creative travel & Italy vacation experts operating small group & private tours, day trips, shore excursions, complete vacation packages and trip planning services across Italy. - Food Tours in Rome - Hotel Tonight app: Last-minute deals on top hotels - Trastevere food highlights: Le Mani in Pasta (13:30) , Il Gabriello (14:10) Podcast featured by: - Andy Steves' Europe: City-Hopping on a Budget Europe essentials & Guidebook- View on Amazon
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S1 E10 - IRELAND: Heritage, Pubs, and St. Paddy's Day
Mar 01, 2017
With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, today we're getting the full Irish experience! I'm joined by special guest Stephen McPhilemy- certified Ireland guru with near 20 years of tour guide experience, as well as starting his own tour company, hostel and now a B&B. We discuss Ireland's deep culture & traditions, including the country’s struggle to keep Irish Gaelic alive, and share fun stories such as past hostel experiences (bed bugs, anyone?) and St. Paddy's Day shenanigans in Dublin. If you enjoyed my interview with UpRoxx writer Steve Bramucci, you'll love this one. Sláinte!
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S1 E9 - Serial Entrepreneurship: How to Win Shark Tank with Will McLeod
Feb 21, 2017
LISTEN:
Today we’re zeroing in on the world of business and entrepreneurship as I’m interview with serial entrepreneur Will Mcleod. Will is a co-founder of Keen Home, a Smart Vent system featured on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank that landed a $750,000 deal from Robert Herjavec, one of the biggest offers in the show’s history. He was named to the Forbes’ 30 under 30 list in 2016, and has won over 2 million dollars in funding from business competitions.
We discuss the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the process of forming the perfect team around your idea, and the realities of taking a concept all the way to become a winning product.
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S1 E8 - Unlocking Adventure Travel with Steve Bramucci, UPROXX Life Editor
Feb 14, 2017
Pirate graveyards. Whirlpools in the Mekong Delta. Traveling without a cellphone *gasp!*
Steve Bramucci has years of adventures under his travel belt. Currently the editor of UPROXX Life, Steve has written for the likes of Nat Geo and Afar, and interviewed the experts such as Anthony Bourdain.
We discuss everything from rowing the Mekong river via Vietnamese sampan to studying Komodo dragons in Indonesia. His story of encountering a real-life pirate graveyard in Madagascar won the Trazzler Oasis prize, and his trip across Australia in a car fueled with french fry oil was adapted into an Australian TV show. Steve’s first novel, The Danger Gang and the Pirates of Borneo!, will be published in August 2017. Also featured: This week’s “Ask Andy” segment, where listeners send in those burning travel questions.
"Ask Andy":What souvenirs do you like to bring home, or what have you found is the best token of past memories of trips? - Marie, Portland Submit your travel questionhere!
Steve's Background: Backpacking for 13 months, going from grade school teacher to writing for "glossies", developing the "Life" platform of UPROXX
The secret to adventure travel: embracing your inner “kid”
That time Steve tumbled upon a real-life Pirate Graveyard
Finding the world's best hospitality in Laos
Crossing Australia in a car powered by french fry oil
Unplugging for travel- Why Steve puts his cellphone away before a trip
Stranded in Tanzania, trekking Eastern Africa in a broken down Jeep
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The vibrant city Barcelona offers white sandy beaches by day, and glitzy dance clubs by night. But even beyond that, this town has it all: surreal modernist architecture, bustling markets with fresh local produce and seafood, and nightlife that continues through sunrise. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, Spain’s north-easternmost territory, and the regional pride here is fierce. Get ready to soak in the culture and pick up some tips on living like a local from this fun conversation I have with fellow guide Lauren Fokas.
But first, we open the show with our newest segment—where listeners send in, comment and post their questions to us. This week, I answer: “What are the main travel apps you use?” and share essential apps to download before your trip- including local Ideas, cheap flight trackers, and a few that you may not expect will come in handy during travels.
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S1 E6 - 95 Countries Down: How to Travel the World for a Living
Jan 31, 2017
I’m sure we’d all love to be friends with the guy who breaks Guinness travel records as a hobby. This is how today’s guest, Drew Goldberg, aka travel expert Drew Binsky spends his spare time, already making his mark by traveling to the most UNESCO sites in 24 hours.
Thousands of millennials are already familiar with Drew, especially his social media profiles. He’s consistently ranked as THE top travel account (he’s even been called “the king”) of Snapchat, and with over 200,000 fans total, He's kinda a big deal in the travel world. Drew is supporting himself through sponsorships and travel gigs to achieve his goal to hit all 195 countries before turning 30. He’s 25 now and at 95 countries so far, so is well on his way.
If you enjoyed the Nomadic Matt episode, you’ll love this one.
WHAT WE TALK ABOUT:
- How Drew started traveling with study abroad (and hasn't stopped since) - From nightlife blog (The Hungry Partier) to established resource (Drew Binsky) - Breaking the world record: Visiting the most UNESCO World Heritage site in 24 hours - What it takes to create (and maintain) a successful travel brand
Aspiring to explore the world, whether it be for vacation or long-term? Today, we share how to make it happen.
I'm joined by my dear friend and fellow global backpacker, Carey Carpenter, otherwise known as CareBear Abroad. She is a proud "traveling addict (with no need for an intervention)" who packed her bags with a one-way ticket to Prague. Three years later, Carey has made a living for herself on the road by teaching English and creating her own inspiring travel brand. I chat with Carey about the lessons, triumphs and challenges of life as a female nomad.
WHAT WE TALK ABOUT:
Carey's background and finding her passion of travel through study abroad and a life-changing trip to Croatia
Taking the leap to teach abroad with the TEFL program
How to make money on the road & budget for travel
Tips for independent female travelers
How bloggers and digital nomads
Social media as a power tool in travel entrepreneurship
Marketing yourself and working with brands
& a few Czech phrases! (hey, you never know when you'll need 'em)
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S1 E4 - Biting Octopus Heads in CROATIA
Jan 18, 2017
Today, we’re heading to the beach in sunny Croatia. You’ll probably recognize this coastal destination by the picturesque white sandy beaches, or possibly by its cameo appearances in the popular series “Game of Thrones”. There’s tons to discover in Croatia, which hit its record-high in tourism this past year in 2016. I’m joined by Ashley Colburn, the two-time Emmy-winning TV producer & host who turned her passion for travel into a career.
Today, Ashley shares with me her secret to living the dream-life abroad, as well as how to best experience Croatia’s breathtaking national parks, delicious seafood --which includes live octopus, apparently…-- and addicting atmosphere.
LINKS & NOTES
Wonders- Ashley's TV Show
Instagram: @ashley_colburn
Facebook: ashley_colburn
Twitter: @ashleycolburn
Ashleycolburnproductions.com
S1 E3 - Nomadic Matt: From Backpacker to Best-Seller
Jan 18, 2017
Matthew Kepnes runs the award winning budget travel site, Nomadic Matt, and wrote the New York Times best-seller, How to Travel the World on $50 a Day. After a trip to Thailand in 2005, Matt decided to quit his job, finish his MBA and head off into the world. His original trip was supposed to last a year. Over ten years later, he is still out roaming the world. He's scuba dived in Fiji, was a poker player in Amsterdam, taught English in Thailand, got lost in a jungle in Central America, and broke down in the middle of Australia's outback. His writings and advice have been featured in The New York Times, CNN, The Guardian UK, Lifehacker, Budget Travel, BBC, Time, Yahoo! Finance and countless other publications. He also regularly speaks at travel trade and consumer shows, leads group tours in Europe and Southeast Asia, opened a hostel in Texas, and launched a non-profit called FLYTE, that sends kids abroad to bring their classroom experience to life.
WHAT WE TALK ABOUT:
How Matt turned his life around from an office job to traveling the world Kicking off Nomadic Matt and his travel resource platform Google SEO for travel blogs Travel Tips: Skipping the line, planning ahead, saving your budget Best credit cards for travel Cheap flight search engines
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S1 E2 - PARIS: Politics, Pop Culture & Pastries
Jan 18, 2017
Bonjour!
This episode is all about Paris. I'm today joined by my close friend and fellow guide, Kevi Donat. Kevi runs his own alternative tour company - Le Paris Noir, or 'the Black Paris', providing walking tours focused on Paris’ overlooked black history, musical influence and culture. He of course shares his thoughts on the must see sights and top neighborhoods and tips on how to avoid the crowds in one of the world’s most visited cities. We also discuss politics and discuss some of the most contentious issues in French and American politics. It’s one of my favorites conversations, and I hope you enjoy!
WHAT WE TALK ABOUT: Following Kevi's passion: From Public Health to Tour Guiding The birth of “Le Paris Noir”, or Black Paris Walks What you'll really get from a Free Walking tour Exploring Paris 101:
Where to find the trendy neighborhoods (St. Martin, Latin Quarter, etc.)
S1 E1 - BUDAPEST: Ruin Bars, Baths and Boyz II Men
Jan 17, 2017
Our first episode is focused on beautiful, bustling Budapest. Today, we visit the jewel of Central Europe with professional guide, entrepreneur, Budapest local and Boys II Men aficionado Bogi. Bogi takes us through top highlights of her hometown, plunging into the trendy nightlife and culture Budapest has to offer. We discuss the latest trends that even locals are buzzing about, which neighborhoods are best to explore, and the countless activities that you just can’t find anywhere else but funky Budapest. Bogi’s been a guide at my tour company, Weekend Student Adventures, for 5+ years now, and I also rely on her to help me update my guidebook, "Andy Steves’ Europe: City-Hopping on a Budget." Chatting about the food and fun experiences in Budapest has me dying to get back ASAP. I hope you enjoy and as they say in Budapest, Eggeshegadre!
WHAT WE TALK ABOUT:
The history behind one-of-a-kind ruin bars
Bogi's B-Side Tours: A “remix” on the typical tour experience
Caving in Budapest
Typical Hungarian cuisine (including ingredients you wouldn't expect!)
host of the Andy Steves Travel Podcast. My background is all about Europe—I wrote a guidebook on it—but I don’t want to limit ourselves in the first season. I’m joined by some of the most interesting people I've had the pleasure to meet around the world. From the NY Times Bestselling author Nomadic Matt, to an Emmy-winning travel show host who bit an Octopus' head in Croatia as her "rite of passage", to my local guides with endless history and stories to share; it was almost a crime to keep these fascinating tales to myself.
Of course, this is a travel podcast, so you can expect tons of our expert travel tips and tricks as well. I've dedicated my life to helping travelers toward the best experiences abroad through my tour company, Weekend Student Adventures, my new guidebook "Andy Steves' Europe: City-Hopping on a Budget", and now with this podcast. Our style is still evolving and improving, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy the stories my friends and I have to share. If you’re looking for more, we’ve got this podcast and all its show notes, European tours, an online store, travel tips and more all here at AndySteves.com.
Subscribe to our podcast, and leave us a review if you like it! Cheers and Happy Travels