Do you love trying the local food when you travel? When you think of Italy, do you think of pizza? Does France mean breads and pastries? Would you love to try some authentic Mexican fare right about now? Maybe you’re like me and love rolling up your sleeves and helping create that deliciousness, so that you take home not just memories, but also an ability to recreate the amazing dishes right in your own kitchen. Food brings people together, both in creating and sharing wonderful culinary tastes!...
Feb 03, 2022•14 min•Ep. 42
Just vacationing in a new place can be quite an adventure - especially these days! Traveling in itself is a wellness activity - it is great for the brain; we expand and engage our minds as we explore new places and cultures, try new foods and problem-solve as we navigate our new destination. Many also like to include adventure in their travel - adding the physical component of wellness. Whether you want to do some adventure activities during your trip, or you want your vacation to revolve around...
Jan 20, 2022•30 min•Ep. 41
Wellness starts with a good night's sleep, especially on vacation. Maybe you've experienced a holiday where you've booked a nice hotel in a relaxing place, only to toss and turn all night on an uncomfortable bed! Sleep can make all the difference between feeling exhausted vs. excited to explore your destination. More and more hotels are specializing their sleep services, offering pillow menus and mattress topper choices, because they know your sleep can make or break your stay. In this episode, ...
Jan 06, 2022•18 min•Ep. 40
One thing I love about travel is the opportunity to look forward to and dream about something great in the future. How does glamping (glamorous camping) near national parks sound for this next summer? Kind of like a dream come true? For those who love to camp but aren't as crazy about planning and packing for the experience, glamping (glamorous camping) is a great option! There are lots of different types of glamping out there but in this podcast episode, I'm talking about glamping near some of ...
Dec 16, 2021•21 min•Ep. 39
Guests Suzy Ekman and Kathleen Holmgren have friends for a long time. Living in different cities, they wanted a getaway that would allow them to relax and rejuvenate. Like many busy women, researching options for their vacation was overwhelming, so they contacted me for help. They settled on two resorts and spent a few days at each: Sedona's Enchantment Resort and Canyon Ranch in Tucson. They are so fresh from their trip - I interview them while they're still together at the airport waiting to g...
Dec 02, 2021•19 min•Ep. 38
Go to this website for more details: https://barbara6469.wixsite.com/blackfridaysale Need some help booking your next trip? At Suite Dreams Travel, we work with those who want to connect with themselves, those they travel with, and their surroundings, to create a perfectly customized wellness travel experience. As your wellness travel experts, we take care of all of the planning, research, and arrangements, so that you can focus on the important part: creating memories and changing your life, on...
Nov 24, 2021•10 min•Ep. 37
Most people are at least aware of ocean cruising, but river cruising may not be as familiar. So, what's the big deal about river cruising? In this episode, I talk about the differences between the two, highlighting the many benefits and I touch on my own recent experience sailing in Europe with AmaWaterways. Cruising the Rhine river with AmaWaterways is such an enchanting experience and extremely personalized, as you sail to famous towns and hidden gems where the locals are friendly, the sites a...
Nov 18, 2021•37 min•Ep. 36
My sister Jenni has cerebral palsy. A couple of years ago someone asked her if there was anything she hadn't done that she would want to do. Jenni said, “Well, I've never been on a cruise.” So we started planning Jenni’s cruise, ensuring from start to finish that everything was wheelchair accessible. We recently returned from this cruise, a Royal Caribbean five-day Mexican cruise from Galveston, Texas, where we celebrated Jenni's birthday and our anniversary. The trip was seamless from start to ...
Nov 04, 2021•38 min•Ep. 35
In this episode, I talk with Haley Trujillo, who has just returned from a family reunion in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Finding a destination that could accommodate 38 family members ranging in age from 9 months to 70+ years was a challenge, but after giving several options, the family chose the luxury Royalton Splash Punta Cana, a luxury resort on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic. Listen to find out how the vacation went, about their favorite excursions, the food, the pools, and mu...
Oct 28, 2021•31 min•Ep. 34
Have you always dreamed of visiting the Wild West? In this episode of the Suite Dreams Travel podcast you'll learn about an 8-day, done-for-you itinerary that allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the American West! On this trip, you'll travel in a comfortable motorcoach with a guide all along the way, making frequent stops for snacks, bathroom breaks, and seeing great sites, including Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore. Hotels are included; your luggage is handl...
Oct 07, 2021•23 min•Ep. 33
Find out what it was like to be one of the first cruise ships in Alaska after the Covid-19 shutdown! In this episode of the Suite Dreams Travel podcast, Bryan and Joanne Weston join host Barbara to talk about their long-awaited trip to Alaska from Seattle via cruise ship. They share the highlights of their trip, talk about shore excursions they loved the most, and discuss what it was like day-to-day on the ship amidst a pandemic. If you're keen on taking a cruise, now is a great time. With low t...
Sep 16, 2021•23 min•Ep. 32
If you're like most people, When you think of Tahiti you probably think of swaying palms and overwater bungalows. But what do you REALLY know about Tahiti? Did you know that Tahiti receives the same amount of tourists in one year as Hawaii does in just 10 days?! Whether you’re into adrenaline-pumping vacations or luxurious spa vacations, Tahiti has it all. In this episode of the Suite Dreams Travel podcast, I highlight some of the popular activities, including those in the water, on land, and in...
Aug 31, 2021•22 min•Ep. 31
What makes AmaWaterways unique? During the pandemic, they were the only US-based river cruise line that was cruising in Europe, serving guests from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, doing 5-night cruises on the Rhine River. This created a seamless transition moving into this season. AmaWaterways was the first river cruise line to include French balconies and full verandahs. The AmaMagna, launched in 2019, is the most unique river cruise vessel in operation. She is double the width but only carr...
Aug 18, 2021•29 min•Ep. 30
It's not just great, it's BEYOND great! Celebrity Beyond is the newest ship by Celebrity cruises, due to set sail in April 2022. Get ready for luxury travel at its finest, with wellness top of mind. From AquaClass Suites, to The Spa offering more than 120 treatments, to fitness programming by F45, Celebrity Beyond is ready to give you the wellness holiday you've been dreaming of. In this episode, learn the exciting features of the ship, as well as the exciting destination options depending on th...
Aug 05, 2021•26 min•Ep. 29
In this episode, guest Shae Gines shares the details of her trip with her husband and one of her eight children. The trip served as a bonding opportunity for the parents and their special needs son after a hard year struggling through the pandemic. After calling me and getting information on ideas for a trip, Shae and her husband decided their pre-teen son would most enjoy Universal Studios. In this episode, Shae shares information about the hotel she chose (which she loved), as well as the perk...
Jul 15, 2021•32 min•Ep. 28
As the stunning backdrop for the hit musical-made-into-movie, Mama, Mia, Greece is a wonderfully scripted scene for your next adventure! The cradle of western civilization also boasts some of Europe's most beautiful beaches and historic cliffside towns. Find out which ones you don't want to miss! Greece is currently open to tourists with only a few modifications due to Covid. In this episode, I talk about the Covid precautions required to visit Greece, but more importantly, I highlight an amazin...
Jul 01, 2021•23 min•Ep. 27
When Michele Hardman was put in charge of planning a business retreat in Hawaii for 8 women, she turned to Suite Dreams Travel for help. In this episode, Michele talks about where they stayed and why she'd definitely choose the same destination again. She also has some valuable advice about car rental and activities her group enjoyed. While travel is definitely back, there are still a few hoops to jump through depending on your destination. The Hawaiian Islands, for example, requires a negative ...
Jun 17, 2021•22 min•Ep. 26
Many are familiar with ocean cruises but are you familiar with river cruising ? These cruises offer more intimate ships with fewer passengers, more agility to get into the hearts of cities and wonderful wellness opportunities as well! In this episode, I cover Christmas cruises that sail through the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and more, with stops at - you guessed it - Christmas markets! While it's hard to resist the magic of a Christmas river cruise, these itineraries are available outside...
Jun 04, 2021•22 min•Ep. 25
Canyon Ranch is a trailblazer in wellness, with award-winning resorts in Tucson, Arizona, and Lenox, Massachusetts, a new wellness retreat in Woodside, California, and the largest day spa in North America at The Venetian® Resort in Las Vegas. Canyon Ranch guests can expect lasting transformation, with experience pathways composed to answer their wellness intentions. Behind it all, personal guidance from world-class experts in health and healing, food and nutrition, spa and skincare services, fit...
May 20, 2021•31 min•Ep. 24
More than one million Americans venture abroad each year, seeking high-quality medical care and procedures for a fraction of the cost. Join me as I talk I cover the most popular destinations for medical tourism and the procedures most likely to be performed in those countries. I also talk about the things you'll be likely to want to see and do while you're there, and comfortable places to stay pre and post-procedure. Want to book a wellness trip? Contact us! At Suite Dreams Travel, we work with ...
May 06, 2021•21 min•Ep. 23
With travel opening back up and families looking to reconnect, places like Orlando are a hot destination. Today I’m talking to Marie Schenk, who just returned from a spring break trip to Orlando with her family of five. Did it live up to expectations? Listen and find out what family travel is like in the pandemic and what to expect at places like DisneyWorld, Universal Studios and the beaches. Want to book a wellness trip to Orlando? Contact us! At Suite Dreams Travel, we work with those who wan...
Apr 22, 2021•25 min•Ep. 22
Do “Las Vegas” and “wellness” even belong in the same sentence? Unbelievably, yes! No city seems to reinvent itself faster or more often than Las Vegas. “Sin City” has gone through many changes since I first visited as an awe-struck child and stayed in the Circus Circus hotel! The lure of the bright lights and slot machines is still there, but Las Vegas has transitioned into a more upmarket destination, where those looking for wellness and pampering can find beautiful suites designed for a whole...
Apr 08, 2021•22 min•Ep. 21
Chenille talks about the flights from Salt Lake City, COVID restrictions, why she loved the swim-out suite, and how she rates the bed and the food. She talks about their spa experience, the beach, and the excursions she experienced--and which was her favorite. At the end she gives some great tipping advice for Mexico. Experience Croatia with us! I’ve put together an amazing group trip in April 2025 with my local Chamber of Commerce. You don’t have to be a chamber member, or even reside in Salt L...
Apr 01, 2021•14 min•Ep. 20
Some of my reasons to visit the Maldives include: most resorts are situated on their own private island; you don't have to break the bank to get there; it's a sun-lover's and watersports-lover's dream; the spas are plentiful and amazing, and the architecture and craftsmanship are breathtaking. Listen for more details! Experience Croatia with us! I’ve put together an amazing group trip in April 2025 with my local Chamber of Commerce. You don’t have to be a chamber member, or even reside in Salt L...
Mar 19, 2021•23 min•Ep. 19
The islands include: Nantucket, Massachusetts, where I'd stay at the Nantucket Hotel and Resort Little St. Simons Island, Georgia, where I'd stay at The Lodge at Little St. Simons Captiva & Sanibel Islands, Florida, where I'd stay at the Sanibel Moorings San Juan Islands, Washington, where I'd stay at Pebble Cover Farm on Orcas Island Catalina Island, California, where I'd stay at the Hotel Metropole Experience Croatia with us! I’ve put together an amazing group trip in April 2025 with my lo...
Mar 05, 2021•33 min•Ep. 18
This small-group guided trip is amazing! What I love about sending families on guided trips is that it ends up being a vacation for everyone. Mom & Dad don’t have to do all the entertaining. They get a chance to relax and enjoy the experience as well, so that everyone feels like they’ve had a vacation. This trip includes three experienced trip leaders, including a dedicated kids’ adventure leader. It’s perfect: you enjoy a combination of parent time, kid time, and family time, and activities...
Feb 19, 2021•24 min•Ep. 17
California: Vera Via in Carlsbad A few years ago I spent a day at the Vera Via Resort, located in the Hyatt Aviara. Vera Via’s program includes assessments of every kind, followed by a customized personal trainer, nutritionist, and various health coaches. You can customize your length of stay. Arizona: Civana in Carefree, 15 miles northeast of Phoenix The Civana Wellness Resort’s spa has 22 treatment rooms and an Aqua Vitality circuit. Their treatments include a range of therapeutic and rejuvena...
Feb 05, 2021•26 min•Ep. 16
Janae & Claudio talk about their whole Disney trip experience. The hardest part of going to Disney World right now, they say, is getting on the Disney calendar and scheduling which park you want to visit on which day. They discuss flights, the 4-bedroom townhome where they stayed, the weather, and of course the Disney World experience, complete with tips on rides and food. Experience Croatia with us! I’ve put together an amazing group trip in April 2025 with my local Chamber of Commerce. You...
Jan 18, 2021•35 min•Ep. 15
My advice for the best fares: Travel during slower periods, such as January or May. Fares usually have the most adjustment 90-120 days prior to traveling. This can be good or bad, either raising or lowering flight costs. Some people say that certain days of the week are better for finding low fares. This is a myth. Airfares are constantly adjusting, and you can get low fares any day of the week, and any time of day. It IS true that flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays are often the least...
Dec 31, 2020•36 min•Ep. 14
Cheryce stayed at the Ocean Riviera Paradise for 7 nights. This beautiful all-inclusive resort is located right on the beautiful beaches south of Cancun. It boasts spectacular swimming pools, beautiful rooms with a variety of locations based on preferences and the makeup of your group, a wide range of cuisine, a Despacio Spa Centre, Privilege, Exclusive Rooms and Services, a Dive It! diving center and a great choice of entertainment for the whole family. Here she shares her experiences with airp...
Dec 16, 2020•28 min•Ep. 13
