Send us a text Dreaming of the perfect getaway but overwhelmed by endless planning details? You're not alone. The latest wave of travel innovation is here, and it's transforming how we discover, plan, and experience destinations around the world. As I reveal in this episode, nearly 20% of millennials turned to artificial intelligence for trip planning in 2024 - and I'm among the growing number of travelers leveraging these powerful tools despite being decidedly outside the millennial demographic...
Jun 04, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 39
Send us a text Tucked away in the northwest corner of South Carolina, Oconee County reveals itself as an undiscovered treasure where natural beauty intertwines with captivating history. As I wandered through this Blue Ridge Mountain paradise, I uncovered the poignant legend of Issaquena, a brave Choctaw maiden who risked everything for love, leaving her name on what is now a magnificent 200-foot waterfall – just one of over 300 cascades dotting the county's landscape. My journey took me to Patri...
May 28, 2025•18 min•Season 5Ep. 38
Send us a text Every monument tells a story. Every museum preserves voices that might otherwise be forgotten. As a veteran who served for two decades, I've always been drawn to military history – not for political reasons, but because these sites connect us to our shared human experience. From the moment you step into the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, you're walking above a symbolic field of 9,000 poppies, each representing 1,000 combat deaths during that conflict. This museum isn'...
May 22, 2025•27 min•Season 5Ep. 37
Send us a text The famous historical landmarks of Texas like the Alamo and San Jacinto battlefield draw thousands of visitors each year, but the Lone Star State harbors dozens of lesser-known historic treasures that tell equally compelling stories without the crowds. In this episode, we uncover twenty overlooked historic sites across Texas that reveal surprising chapters of the state's rich past. These overlooked historic gems provide a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Texas history than yo...
Apr 17, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 36
Send us a text Uncover the secret weapon that savvy travelers have been using for years – local Visitor's Bureaus. These often-overlooked offices hold the keys to transforming good vacations into unforgettable journeys, and today we're diving into exactly why you should make them your first stop in any new destination. Whether you call them welcome centers, tourism boards, or CVBs (Convention and Visitors Bureaus), these modest offices staffed by passionate locals are goldmines of information th...
Apr 10, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 35
Send us a text What happens when you venture beyond the bright lights of Austin, the packed River Walk of San Antonio, or the urban sprawl of Dallas-Fort Worth? Texas reveals itself in ways no guidebook fully captures—through towns with characters as big as the state itself but too often overlooked by travelers chasing the obvious. From Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas that has flown nine different flags across its 300-year history, to the Victorian charm of Waxahachie with its perfect repl...
Mar 27, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 34
Send us a text Ever feel like you're stuck in a tourist trap, surrounded by selfie sticks, waiting in line just to glimpse something you've already seen a thousand times on social media? There's a better way to travel, and it doesn't require visiting the Eiffel Tower or Times Square. Drawing from personal stories that span from small-town Texas to Czech beer halls and Filipino prisons, I reveal how real travel magic happens when you ditch the guidebooks and tourist hotspots. Through five practic...
Mar 20, 2025•27 min•Season 5Ep. 33
Send us a text In this episode, we tackle the crucial topic of respectful travel and how to avoid the all-too-common pitfalls that turn people into "bad tourists." From respecting local customs to understanding food etiquette, we discuss ten essential tips to ensure your travels are both enjoyable and considerate to the cultures you are visiting. Subscribe, share your thoughts, or tell us about your travel blunders to keep the discussion alive! Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. Fee...
Mar 13, 2025•21 min•Season 5Ep. 32
Send us a text Experience the thrill of the open road as we delve into the advantages of road trips in our latest episode. Join me as I share my personal journey preparing for an exciting drive from Texas to South Carolina, discussing why I prefer the freedom of the highway to the chaos of airports. Hear stories from past adventures, sprinkled with insights about ensuring your vehicle is ready for long travels and packing the essentials to make the journey enjoyable. Please subscribe and leave a...
Mar 06, 2025•21 min•Season 5Ep. 32
Send us a text Ever wondered how a cryogenically preserved grandfather became the life of the party? Join me, as we uncover the story behind this festival and other eccentric festivals, where the bizarre meets the beautiful, and communities come alive in the most unexpected ways. But that's not all—we're cooking up a storm with some of the quirkiest food festivals across the globe. Each festival provides a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of human celebration, proving that food and fun are univ...
Jan 30, 2025•36 min•Season 5Ep. 31
Send us a text Ever wondered how a small town became the birthplace of a state as vast as Texas? Join me as I unravel the history and charm of Brenham and Washington County, Texas. From the hallowed grounds of Washington on the Brazos, where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed, to the intriguing exhibitions of the Star of the Republic Museum and Independence Hall, this episode promises to enrich your understanding of Texas' storied past. Together, we’ll step back in time at Barringt...
Jan 23, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 30
Send us a text Slow travel transforms vacations into meaningful journeys by encouraging travelers to take their time and connect with the places they visit. In this episode, we explore practical tips for embracing slow travel, the surprising encounters it can lead to, and why depth of experience matters more than the number of destinations. Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. Feel free to drop me an email I would love to hear from you [email protected] You can sign up for ...
Jan 16, 2025•15 min•Season 5Ep. 29
Send us a text What draws people to places marked by tragedy and suffering? Join me as we explore the fascinating and often misunderstood world of dark tourism on "The Traveling Fool." We examine why sites like Auschwitz, Pompeii, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial attract millions each year—is it morbid curiosity or a deeper quest for understanding and connection with history? I share my personal experiences visiting Civil War battlefields and Alcatraz, driven by a passion for history rather than...
Jan 09, 2025•14 min•Season 5Ep. 28
Send us a text Ever wondered how to balance thrill and relaxation during the winter months? Get ready to explore some of the most exciting and lesser-known travel destinations for January and February. Discover why Park City, Utah, is a paradise for snow enthusiasts and film lovers alike, and how Galveston, Texas, provides a warm escape filled with history and vibrant festivals. Let me guide you through these remarkable U.S. spots, offering a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and tranquility. I...
Dec 19, 2024•27 min•Season 4Ep. 27
Send us a text Discover the liberating world of solo travel for seniors, as I share personal stories about newfound independence and adventure.This episode paints a vivid picture of why more seniors, especially women, are seizing the opportunity to explore the world on their own terms. With 84% of solo travelers being female, the adventurous spirit of senior women is truly inspiring. Journey through practical advice for senior solo travelers, from overcoming language barriers with translation ap...
Dec 05, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 26
Send us a text Experience Wichita like never before as I share a whirlwind three-day adventure through this fascinating city, promising insights into its rich Wild West history and modern marvels. From the legendary tales of Wyatt Earp to the authentic Old Cowtown Museum, this journey captures the essence of Wichita's past and present. We'll explore the legacy of Oscar-winning actress Hattie McDaniel, celebrated at the Kansas African American Museum, and reveal the humble beginnings of Pizza Hut...
Nov 14, 2024•25 min•Season 4Ep. 25
Send us a text Escape the winter blues with us as we uncover hidden gems that promise warmth and adventure without the need for a passport. Ever dreamt of swapping snow for sunshine? From charming towns, outdoor activities like fishing, snorkeling and hiking, to casino escapades. Then, picture yourself basking in the sun on a beautiful beach with no stress. Enjoy National Parks or indulge in the bustling markets or immerse yourself in the local culture. As we wrap up, we'll beckon you with a tan...
Nov 07, 2024•25 min•Season 4Ep. 24
Send us a text Unlock the secrets to affordable travel as I share a wealth of money-saving tips for your next getaway. Discover how a simple browser extension like can transform your booking experience by scouting for the best coupon codes, and learn about exclusive resources for active, retired military and veterans. These tools could be your ticket to a more budget-friendly vacation, whether you're planning a solo escape or a group adventure. Craving a bargain on flights and accommodations? I ...
Oct 31, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 23
Send us a text Ready to transform your travel experience? Discover how Europe and the UK are redefining border security and streamlining processes with groundbreaking measures. Get the inside scoop on Europe's Entry and Exit System (EES) launching this November, and prepare for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) coming in 2025. Plus, learn about the UK's upcoming Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) that will affect non-European travelers by early 2025. While these...
Oct 09, 2024•30 min•Season 4Ep. 22
Send us a text Step aboard history and prepare for an unforgettable journey through Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama! Ever wondered what it feels like to be inches away from a Pershing tank or to navigate the decks of a colossal WWII battleship? This episode promises an immersive adventure as we explore an extraordinary collection of military tanks, artillery, and aircraft from key historical conflicts. We’ll guide you through the iconic exhibits, including Army One, the President's h...
Oct 02, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 21
Send us a text What secrets do the bastions of Fort Gaines hide from the Civil War era? Journey with us to Dauphin Island, where we'll uncover the rich history of Fort Gaines, a pivotal stronghold in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Explore the pentagon-shaped fortification that protected the port of Mobile and discover the stories of soldiers who lived within its walls. From its completion in 1861 to its strategic significance during the Civil War and beyond, this episode offers a deep dive into Ameri...
Sep 18, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 19
Send us a text Is artificial intelligence ruining travel writing? Join me, Bob Bales, on The Traveling Fool Podcast as I confront the relentless invasion of AI in the travel industry. AI-generated content is drowning out authentic voices, overshadowing the unique perspectives of independent travel bloggers and personal websites. Drawing from my own journey as a ghostwriter, I highlight how AI's presence has weakened the richness of personalized biographies. Stay with me until the end for a pract...
Sep 11, 2024•19 min•Season 4Ep. 18
Send us a text What if the most serene, adventure-filled getaway was right in your backyard? Join me, Bob Bales, on the Traveling Fool Podcast as we uncover the charm of the Redneck Riviera, a stretch of paradise from Fort Morgan, Alabama to Panama City, Florida. Fresh from the Southern Travelers Explorer Conference, I share my firsthand experiences of this beloved Emerald Coast destination. From the powdery white sands of Gulf State Park Beach and the tranquil shores of Fort Morgan Beach, to hi...
Sep 04, 2024•19 min•Season 4Ep. 17
Send us a text What if you could transform every trip into a more enriching and memorable experience by simply adopting a theme? Join me, Bob Bales, in this episode of the Traveling Fool, where I reveal the magic of theme travel. From immersing yourself in military history to exploring local food and drink scenes, we'll discuss how selecting a travel theme can open doors to hidden gems and fascinating stories. I'll share my adventures, like visiting the haunting "Prison Without Walls" in the Phi...
Sep 04, 2024•13 min•Season 4Ep. 20
Send us a text Eager to embark on an adventure that takes you off the beaten path? Prepare to be armed with an extensive toolbox of road trip planning strategies. From the comfort of our studio, we take you through every aspect of road trip preparation, from prepping your vehicle to planning your route. Not only will we cover the basics, but also dive into how to use Google Maps beyond just directions. This versatile tool can help you explore alternate routes and discover fascinating points of i...
Oct 25, 2023•18 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Send us a text Why do small towns often hold the most intriguing histories? What if secrets of famous figures from the past are just waiting to be uncovered in places many people overlook? Join me, Bob Bales, on a journey to an unsuspecting place that's been home to supermodels, outlaws, and even the King of Rock and Roll himself. That's right, we're heading to the heart of Texas, to a small town, packed with stories and historic events that will make you see small towns in a different light. In...
Oct 18, 2023•9 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Send us a text The Traveling Fool Episode 14 / How To Make Memorable Moments On Your Trip Without Spending A Lot Ever dreamt of embarking on unforgettable travels without emptying your wallet? In this episode I talk about how to make your trip memorable without breaking the bank. I'll share stories of simple and inexpensive experiences that turned out to be the most cherished moments, proving that travel isn't always about luxury hotels and pricey tourist attractions. Get ready to embark on a jo...
Oct 11, 2023•13 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Send us a text Ever dreamed of escaping to a tropical paradise that requires no passport for Americans to visit? Your dream is about to become a reality as we journey to the United States Virgin Islands, the overlooked treasure often eclipsed by Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Join your host, Bob Bales, as he peels back the layers of the islands' rich history, from Christopher Columbus' discovery to its interesting ties to figures such as Alexander Hamilton and the infamous Caribbean pirates. We're not ...
Oct 04, 2023•16 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Send us a text More and more tourists are behaving badly. Wether it is defacing historic properties, disrepecting cultures or putting themselves and others in danger. Is it because of likes on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook or are they just plain morons? Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. Feel free to drop me an email I would love to hear from you [email protected] You can sign up for my email list Past Podcasts Follow me on social media FaceBook Twitter now X LinkedIn In...
Sep 27, 2023•49 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Send us a text Tips for traveling solo. Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. Feel free to drop me an email I would love to hear from you [email protected] You can sign up for my email list Past Podcasts Follow me on social media FaceBook Twitter now X LinkedIn Instagram...
Sep 17, 2023•11 min•Season 3Ep. 11
