The Travel Brats - podcast cover

The Travel Brats

Sofia Blanno, Natalie Brouwerthe-travel-brats.simplecast.com
Your one-stop media destination for inspiration to create a travel-filled life you don't need a vacation from. The Travel Brats are building a community around a love for travel, uncovering hidden gems with locals, and empowering exploration from your home city to around the globe.
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Episodes

From Boardrooms to Beaches: Karen King's Escapepreneur Plan

Ever dreamed of ditching your 9-to-5 to travel the world? Meet Karen King—the visionary entrepreneur who did just that, kids in tow. In this episode, the Travel Brats chat with Karen about her bold leap from corporate burnout to full-time global adventuring. As the founder of Gold Star Pro, she helps coaches and solopreneurs simplify their systems and embrace location freedom. She also launched Freedom Families, a 13,000-strong community for worldschooling families, and the Escapepreneur Movemen...

Aug 12, 202548 minSeason 5Ep. 230

Meet Missouri: The Show-Me State Uncovered

The Best Things to Do in - 1. St. Louis, MO: St. Louis is often called the “Gateway to the West,” but it’s also a gateway to a memorable, well-rounded travel experience. From world-class art and live entertainment to major league baseball and local culinary treasures, this Midwestern gem packs a punch. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, here are some of the top things to do in St. Louis that highlight the city's diverse appeal. 🌉 Start with a St. Louis Icon: The Gateway Arch No...

Jul 29, 202553 minSeason 5Ep. 229

Would You Rather: Beach & Island Life Edition

🇬🇷 Greece vs. 🇮🇩 Bali: Island-Hopping or Beach Bumming?🛥️ We both said: GREECE ! We’re all about island-hopping vibes — think Santorini sunsets, Mykonos parties, and quiet gems like Zakynthos and Milos . Want the best cruise recs? We gotchu: 🔗 Celebrity Cruises – Greek Island Routes 🔗 Celestyal Cruises – Authentic Greek Vibes 🔗 Windstar Cruises – Yacht-Style Romance 🔗 Seabourn – Ultra Luxe & Culture But hey, Bali isn’t just chillin’ in the corner. It’s got major surf, stunning cliff...

Jul 15, 202548 minSeason 5Ep. 228

Country Roads & Island Vibes: Erica Sunshine Lee on Music, Travel & Trop Rock Dreams

The Travel Brats Q&A with Erica Sunshine Lee Meet the Georgia Gypsy Q: Erica, would you kick us off by telling us more about yourself? Where did you grow up, and how did you become the country star you are today? A: I grew up in a small town called Elberton, Georgia, population 5,000, the granite capital of the world. I loved my small-town upbringing, where you know everybody, and people are genuinely there for you. I was raised on '90s country, '90s rock, and R&B, so music’s just always...

Jul 01, 202536 minSeason 5Ep. 227

Harmony in Transit: An Interview with Traveling Musician Eric Travers

Captivating audiences since his teenage years, Eric Travers has solidified his status as a seasoned musician in the vibrant Asheville music scene. Hailing from the mountains of Black Mountain, NC, Travers first made his mark as the heartbeat behind an acclaimed Rock n Roll, Jam Band, Travers Brothership, which he co-founded with his brother Kyle at just 13 years old. Over the past 15+ years, the group has amassed an impressive catalog of 35+ published tracks and extensive touring experience. Now...

Jun 17, 202557 minSeason 5Ep. 226

Would you Rather: Adventure & Thrill-Seeking Edition

Natalie and Sofia dive head first into some exciting and fun Travel Themed Questions! It's a Would You Rather episode full of lots of helpful tips and tricks for each place that gets talked about! From bungee jumping in South Africa, to whitewater rafting in Costa Rica, to trekking the Inca Trail to Rainbow Mountain, and so so much more, your Travel Brats decide what they would rather do! Play along as you listen and let them know what you think on their Instagram, @thetravelbrats. Enjoy!!...

Jun 03, 202537 minSeason 5Ep. 225

An Extraodinary EPICsode to Remember!

Travel Brats Nat and Matt talk about Universal's newest and most innovative theme park, Epic Universe! The Park is set to have it's Grand Opening in just two days. When it comes to redefining the limits of theme park imagination, Universal Destinations & Experiences has never been one to hold back. But with Epic Universe, Universal is setting a new bar—not just for itself, but for the entire industry. Check out this episode to hear all about the rides, the theming, the food, and more!! What ...

May 20, 202555 minSeason 5Ep. 224

The Ultimate Guide to the 20 Regions of Italy with Italian Experts, the Founders of Tourissimo (Continued)

Beppe, a native Italian, started his journey in active travel over two decades ago and, with the help of his wife Heather, co-founded Tourissimo , one of the top adventure travel companies in Italy. With years of expertise designing cycling and adventure tours across all 20 regions of Italy, Beppe and Heather have the inside scoop on the most authentic and unforgettable experiences Italy has to offer. So grab your espresso (or a glass of vino Italiano), and let’s explore Italy region by region! ...

May 06, 202545 minSeason 5Ep. 223

The Ultimate Guide to the 20 Regions of Italy with Italian Experts, the Founders of Tourissimo

Beppe, a native Italian, started his journey in active travel over two decades ago and, with the help of his wife Heather, co-founded Tourissimo , one of the top adventure travel companies in Italy. With years of expertise designing cycling and adventure tours across all 20 regions of Italy, Beppe and Heather have the inside scoop on the most authentic and unforgettable experiences Italy has to offer. So grab your espresso (or a glass of vino Italiano), and let’s explore Italy region by region! ...

Apr 22, 202551 minSeason 5Ep. 223

Meet the Founders of Tourissimo: Italy’s Premier Hiking and Cycling Tour Company for Authentic Travel

Beppe, a native Italian, started his journey in active travel over two decades ago and, with the help of his wife Heather, co-founded Tourissimo , one of the top adventure travel companies in Italy. With years of expertise designing cycling and adventure tours across all 20 regions of Italy, Beppe and Heather have the inside scoop on the most authentic and unforgettable experiences Italy has to offer.

Apr 08, 202542 minSeason 5Ep. 222

Family Travel and Featured Trips with Travel Agent Erin Morgenthal

Family Travel and Featured Trips with Travel Agent Erin Morgenthal For our final chat with travel guru Erin Morgenthal, we focused on family travel and the incredible featured trips she offers through her work as a travel agent. Family Travel Tips: Erin recommended cruises as a fantastic option for families. "Cruises offer built-in entertainment for all ages, which makes them perfect for family travel," she said. She also shared packing tips, money-saving strategies, and advice for traveling wit...

Mar 25, 202527 minSeason 5Ep. 221

Comparing Travel Experiences with Erin Morgenthal

Comparing & Contrasting Travel Plans with Erin Morgenthal We’re thrilled to have travel expert Erin Morgenthal with us again to dive into the pros and cons of three popular vacation styles: cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and theme parks. All-Inclusive Vacations: In our interview, Erin broke down what’s typically included in all-inclusive packages: meals, drinks, entertainment, activities, airport transfers, and even tips. She shared insights on the dining options, the variety of activities,...

Mar 11, 202543 minSeason 5Ep. 220

Introducing Wander Off Travel with Erin Morgenthal!

Hello, Travel Brats! Today, we’re excited to introduce you to a travel expert and vacation planner extraordinaire, Erin Morgenthal. Whether you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked beach retreat, a mountain expedition, a cultural immersion in a vibrant city, or a luxurious cruise across the seas, Erin’s got you covered! Erin owns Wander Off Travel and holds certifications as a travel associate, cruise counselor, and autism travel professional. Whether you are a family, a solo traveler, or any adventure s...

Feb 25, 202524 minSeason 5Ep. 219

Healthy Traveling with Dr. Erin Kinney

Hydration is Key One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is not drinking enough water. Air travel, hot climates, and constant movement can dehydrate you fast, leading to fatigue and brain fog. The fix? Always carry a reusable water bottle and sip consistently throughout the day. Bonus tip: Add an electrolyte packet to your water to replenish lost minerals and stay even more refreshed! Dr. Kinney recommends using high-quality electrolytes if you want to take your hydration and energy levels up...

Feb 11, 202529 minSeason 5Ep. 218

Dive into Dating, Dallas, and Dreams with Ella Parlor!

In our Part Two of Most Memorable Travel Stories with Ella Parlor, she tells us a little bit about her dating experiences and what made her want to move all the way to Dallas, TX from her life in Cali. Join the fun as Sofia and Ella discuss!

Jan 28, 202517 minSeason 5Ep. 217

Getting to Know Belgian Basketball Pro and Travel Guru Nick Mornard

Nick Mornard is a serial entrepreneur, travel agent, podcaster, and author based in Southwest Florida. After immigrating to the United States in 2013 with the goal of achieving the American dream, he became a leadership and mindset expert. With his unique perspective on success, travel, and influence, Nick has inspired many and penned the book Mindset Is My Degree . Welcome, Nick! Tell us a little about yourself. Thank you for having me! I’m originally from Belgium. When I first arrived in the U...

Jan 14, 202540 minSeason 5Ep. 216

A Travel Brat Kind of Year!

Join Sofia and Natalie as they share some of their Travel Brat Highlights from 2024! From this year's travel spots, to personal highs and lows, to telling you some of their favorite episodes from Season 4, you won't want to miss it.

Dec 31, 202442 minSeason 4Ep. 215

Awesome Times in Australia with Ella Parlor!

In this episode, Ella tells one of her most memorable travel stories about a trip she took to Australia. It will leave you laughing and loving our guest even more!

Dec 17, 202417 minSeason 4Ep. 214

A Tech Travel Conversation with Hayley Melidonis, Founder of Bubbl

Q: Hayley, tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from, and where are you located now? Hayley: I’m originally from Sydney, Australia, and after years of bouncing around the globe, I’m currently based in the Bay Area. But honestly, the world feels like home when you love to travel as much as I do! Q: What sparked your love of travel? Hayley: Growing up, I always had a curiosity about other cultures and places. I loved the idea of meeting people from all walks of life and learning their stori...

Dec 03, 202449 minSeason 4Ep. 213

Skiing During Sundance in Utah with Ski-Bum-Extraordinaire Sebastian Blanno

Utah in winter? Chef’s kiss . Whether you’re a ski bunny or a movie buff, this is the place to be. Picture this: late January rolls in, and Utah transforms into a winter wonderland. Snowy peaks call out to skiers, while Park City turns into a hub of glitz, glamour, and indie-film magic with the Sundance Film Festival . It’s the perfect blend of adrenaline and artsy vibes. This week, Sofia and her mountain-man-extraordinaire and slight-ski-bum brother, Sebastian Blanno , hit the mic to talk about...

Nov 19, 202433 minSeason 4Ep. 212

Livin’ in La Perla del Caribe: Exploring the Dominican Republic with Cassidy & Zeek Marquez

Meet Cassidy & Zeek! Cassidy and Zeek started their journey together in Florida. Cassidy's originally from Maryland but moved to Fort Myers in 8th grade. Zeek is a Florida native, born and raised in the Bonita Springs area. Three years ago, these two lovebirds packed up and moved to the Dominican Republic (DR) with the Christian Missionary Alliance, where they've been sharing their faith, connecting with locals, and building up communities ever since. Discovering the Dominican Republic The D...

Nov 05, 202454 minSeason 4Ep. 211

Halloween Horror Nights 2024 at Universal Studios Orlando: Where Screams Come True (Literally!)

Scare Tactics: What's Haunting Halloween Horror Nights 2024? Universal Studios has pulled out ALL the stops this year, bringing back some of the most iconic horror legends along with fresh, nightmare-inducing frights. Yeah, we're talking Michael Myers, Insidious, a quiet place (that gets not so quiet if you make a sound), and other horror heavyweights stalking you through the streets. A casual stroll through the park? Psh, not this time. Around every corner is something ready to make you scream ...

Oct 22, 20241 hr 11 minSeason 4Ep. 210

Take Yourself to the Transcendent Lake Tahoe

Emerald Bay: A Jewel of Nature Emerald Bay is one of the most picturesque spots in Lake Tahoe, renowned for its striking blue waters and dramatic scenery. This iconic bay is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Tahoe and is often considered the crown jewel of the region. The Beauty of Emerald Bay What sets Emerald Bay apart is its unique topography and rich history. The bay is surrounded by towering granite cliffs and lush forests, creating a stunning backdrop for both photography and outdo...

Sep 24, 202425 minSeason 4Ep. 208

The Queen of The Southern Mines

Discovering Sonora and Pinecrest: Hidden Gems of California When you think of California, you might picture the glitz of Hollywood or the tech hubs of Silicon Valley. But nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains are two charming towns that offer a different kind of California experience: Sonora and Pinecrest. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, these hidden gems are worth exploring. Sonora, California, is a town with deep historical roots...

Sep 10, 202426 minSeason 4Ep. 207

Let's Go to San Francisco, Baby!

Exploring San Francisco: A City of Wonders and Diversity San Francisco, a city of iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled on a picturesque peninsula, this Californian gem captivates visitors with its stunning views, historic charm, and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, San Francisco has something for everyone. The Golden Gate Bridge: A Marvel of Engineering No visit to San Franci...

Aug 27, 202442 minSeason 4Ep. 206

Road Trip Trivia... But Make it Pop!

Join Sofia and Natalie as they test their pop music knowledge! They've created a fun trivia game for a road trip playlist. See if you can get the answers right along side them!

Aug 13, 202413 minSeason 4Ep. 205

Traveling with Ella Parlor, Part 2

Ella Parlor is a marketing powerhouse whose campaigns have yielded over a billion dollars in sales globally. She is a Founding Partner of EP Consulting , podcaster, speaker, real estate investor, and the author of the best-selling book “ High Tolerance .” Ella’s SEFPh Philosophy (Spiritual, Emotional, Financial, and Physical) encourages and empowers leaders to find success across multiple dimensions in life. She dives into the nuances of building success in her Podcast, ‘ Eavesdrop with Ella .’...

Jul 30, 202422 minSeason 4Ep. 204

Ella Parlor's Story - Exploring as an Unaccompanied Minor and a Life Full of Solo Traveling

Ella Parlor is a marketing powerhouse whose campaigns have yielded over a billion dollars in sales globally. She is a Founding Partner of EP Consulting , podcaster, speaker, real estate investor, and the author of the best-selling book “ High Tolerance .” Ella’s SEFPh Philosophy (Spiritual, Emotional, Financial, and Physical) encourages and empowers leaders to find success across multiple dimensions in life. She dives into the nuances of building success in her Podcast, ‘ Eavesdrop with Ella .’...

Jul 16, 202456 minSeason 4Ep. 203

World Trivia For Your World Travels!

Join Sof and Nat on another Trivia Adventure where they ask each other questions about the world to see who can get the most right. This trivia is fun for road tripping, so come join us while you're traveling the world and see how many you can get correct compared to your Travel Brat Gals.

Jul 02, 202415 minSeason 4Ep. 202
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