5 Magical Pacific Northwest Destinations You Must Visit On this week’s Just The Tip we’re taking you on a quick journey through 5 magical spots in the Pacific Northwest. From secret beaches and misty rainforests to glacier-carved peaks and waterfall hikes, this episode is packed with jaw-dropping nature, hilarious travel mishaps, and must-visit gems in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Perfect for road trippers, nature lovers, and weekend wanderers. PNW hotels we recommend: Brookings, OR - Hotels: ...
Jul 18, 2025•14 min•Ep. 68
We’re taking you on a wellness journey to Mykonos, Greece for a weeklong retreat with Thrive Retreats and shining a light on the world of retreat travel. This was SO MUCH more than a wellness retreat for fitness, it took self-care into all areas of life for one of the best vacations possible. This weeklong retreat was at the most beautiful boutique fitness resort and perfectly paired workouts, nights out, boat days, spa treatments, beach clubs, and plenty of time to explore this fun island of My...
Jul 15, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 302
In this Just The Tip episode, we’re taking you on a dreamy, slow-travel day trip from Nice to Monaco, where elegance meets coastal beauty and every step feels cinematic. This guide is packed with tips on timing, transportation, and where to go for the best views, snacks, and surprises—even if you're skipping the casino tables. Kim shares exactly how to spend a day soaking up Monaco’s highlights, including: How to get there: Uber vs. train Watching the Changing of the Guard at the Prince’s Palace...
Jul 11, 2025•17 min•Ep. 67
In this episode, we share the whirlwind 3-day journey through the stunning South of France! We explore the vibrant streets of Nice, get lost in the winding medieval alleyways of Eze Village, and relax by the colorful coastline of Villefranche-sur-Mer. We’re sharing the best pharmacy skincare to buy, beach clubs to hang at, and places to eat on a French Riviera escape + giving some tips for navigating medical emergencies while in the area. Nice hotels we recommend: Hotel Splendid - Central locati...
Jul 08, 2025•56 min•Ep. 301
In this Just The Tip episode, we’re sharing how to make the most of a super quick 8-hour stop in Paris. Kim and Zeina met up in the City of Light and see as much as possible before catching a train to Nice In this Paris episode we cover: Climbing to the top of Sacré-Cœur for panoramic city views Wandering Jardin du Luxembourg for history, fountains, and peaceful vibes Taking in iconic views from the Montparnasse Tower rooftop The best spot for Eiffel Tower photos (without the crowds) Lunching li...
Jul 04, 2025•14 min•Ep. 66
In this week's Travel Flashback Episode, we’re taking you on an epic road trip through the Dakotas! In this episode we detail our 6-day road trip that takes you through both North and South Dakota as we explore new cities, state parks, national parks, and unique roadside attractions including: Mount Rushmore National Memorial Custer State Park Jewel Cave National Monument Wind Cave Tour National Park Badlands National Park Theodore Roosevelt National Park Crazy Horse Memorial Wall Drug Spearfish...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 300
In this “Just The Tip” mini episode, we share exactly how to spend 48 hours in Florence, Italy. Whether you're coming in from Rome or stopping by during a longer trip, Florence is full of Renaissance charm and easy-to-love moments. Highlights include: Walking the city’s streets and soaking in the architecture Visiting the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David Climbing the Duomo for panoramic views Watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo Shopping and snacking on the Ponte Vec...
Jun 27, 2025•14 min•Ep. 65
In this episode, we explore the coastal charm and rich history of Rhode Island and Connecticut! From Newport’s iconic Cliff Walk and Gilded Age mansions to Mystic’s seaside vibes and Yale’s historic campus, we’re sharing the top sights, foodie finds, and travel tips you need for the perfect New England getaway. We recommend staying in any of these New England hotels on this trip: Providence, RI: Omni Providence or Residence Inn Providence Downtown Newport, RI: Newport Bay Club and Hotel or Marsh...
Jun 24, 2025•48 min•Ep. 299
On this week’s Just the Tip, Kim shares her best tips for solo travel she learned through her new solo adventures. She weighs the pros and cons and inspires you take your own trip solo. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube , TikTok , and Instagram and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about gues...
Jun 20, 2025•12 min•Ep. 64
In this Travel Flashback Episode, we're taking you on a road trip through the Gulf Coast and sharing the best things to do in New Orleans, LA, Orange Beach, AL, and Biloxi, MS along the way. Check out our curated Gulf Coast experiences and New Orleans experiences on our Viator shop for all activities we recommend and even some that we wanted to do but couldn't get to. Stay in the same hotels and do the same tours we did on this trip: Hilton Garden Inn , Orange Beach, AL The Hotel Lege...
Jun 17, 2025•47 min•Ep. 298
In this week’s Just The Tip we’re sharing the must-have summer travel items you need to keep you happy while on the go this season! Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Duffel Dagne Dover Sydney Checked Luggage Cerave tinted moisturizer SPF Rechargeable bladeless neck fan Anti-chafe stick Laptop Sun Shade Lux Hood - Screen Shade Liquid IV Phone Lanyard Crossbody with Phone Tab Supergoop! (Re)setting Refreshing Mist, SPF 40 Zumi 100% Cotton Quick Dry Large Travel Towel Mesh Shower Caddy Portable Shower Ba...
Jun 13, 2025•18 min•Ep. 63
We’re taking you to the magical world of EPCOT at Disney World! In this episode we share everything you need to know to make the most of your one-day visit from the best rides and hidden gem bathrooms to festival tips, must-try drinks, and what to eat in every country around the World Showcase. We highly recommend staying at the nearby Signia by Hilton in Orlando . It is a Disney affiliated property with a free shuttle to the park and an amazing lazy river! Tips for planning the perfect one-day ...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 297
In this weeks Just The Tip flashback episode, we reveal the top 10 items we always pack to make traveling more smooth, comfortable, and fun. Packing cubes Shoe bags Jewelry organizer Pill organizer Collapsible water bottle Takon travel neck pillow Laundry bag Carabiners Air Pods Travel toothbrush and toothpaste set ------------------------------------------------------------------ Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube , TikTok , ...
Jun 06, 2025•17 min•Ep. 62
We went to Rome, Italy and we’re sharing the must-see highlights and attractions! We share all the attractions, what is worth the entrance fee, and how to see and do it all with just a few days. Highlights of the City Include: Trevi Fountain Spanish Steps Colosseum Roman Forum Palatine Hill Vatican City Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Scavi Tour Pantheon If you want to take this exact trip, you can download our Rome Itinerary . The Rome itinerary gives travel tip...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 296
We’re sharing four of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S., sharing our experiences and why we did them anyway despite the risks. From Zion's heart-pounding Angel's Landing and The Narrows, to the intense scramble up Mount Storm King in Olympic National Park, we break down the deadly features of each trail. We also tackle the brutal 20-mile trek to Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon. Join us as we discuss the thrills, the dangers, and our personal stories from these adrenaline-pumping hikes! Tu...
May 30, 2025•18 min•Ep. 61
We’re taking you with us to vibrant, bustling Tokyo! From theme parks to tea ceremonies, ancient temples to glowing digital art museums, we packed our itinerary with the best of Japan’s capital city—and now we're sharing it all with you. Whether it’s your first trip to Tokyo or you’re planning a return visit, this episode is full of helpful travel tips, must-do activities, and honest insights to help you experience the magic of Tokyo like a squad pro. Download our 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary to make...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 295
We’re taking you aboard Singapore Airlines’ Premium Economy for their 10-hour flight from Tokyo to LAX. Was the experience worth the points? How does it compare to flying economy or splurging on business class? (P.S. We’ve reviewed Singapore Airlines Business Class too—check that one out after this! We’re breaking down the entire experience: Booking with points & paying extra for those prime bulkhead seats Pre-flight perks like priority check-in and 2 free checked bags The seat comfort (hell...
May 23, 2025•18 min•Ep. 60
We’re taking you on a fast-paced, culture-packed journey through Seoul, South Korea. From digging into crispy Korean fried chicken and sizzling BBQ, to exploring ancient palaces and tea houses, to stepping foot near the tension-filled border of the DMZ, we made the most of every moment. Jamal shares the wild adventure of navigating Seoul’s public transit, Brittanie gets cozy with traditional teas and sweets, and we offer travel tips to help you explore Seoul like a pro. Don’t miss this episode f...
May 20, 2025•58 min•Ep. 294
We finally went to Hong Kong Disneyland and completed visiting every single Disney park in the world! For those Disney adults or anyone visiting this park, we’re sharing tips on how to get the most out of your day, wait in the least lines and what food to get and what to skip. We went to Disneyland on one of our four days in Hong Kong. You can follow the other parts of our trip in our Four Day Hong Kong Itinerary . Get an eSim from Airalo before you go, stay at the The Salisbury YMCA Hotel and m...
May 16, 2025•22 min•Ep. 59
We’re taking you on a 4 day Hong Kong adventure exploring the city and Hong Kong Disneyland! If you want to take this exact trip, you can download our Hong Kong Itinerary It gives travel tips, restaurant and hotel recommendations, links to every activity we booked, packing list, and a day by day itinerary for you to follow. Highlights of Hong Kong: Stay at the The Salisbury YMCA Hotel Get an eSim from Airalo before you go Reserve your Hong Kong Disney passes ahead of time Visit Avenue of Stars, ...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 293
We’re giving you the inside scoop on what it’s really like to fly Premium Economy with Cathay Pacific. From priority check-in to mid-air meals and in-flight sleep quality, we break down every part of the 16-hour red-eye journey from Los Angeles to Hong Kong. Whether you're considering an upgrade or just curious if it’s worth the points, this honest review covers everything: seat comfort, service, entertainment, food, and overall experience. Enjoy bulkhead seats with extra legroom, located right ...
May 09, 2025•16 min•Ep. 58
We spent 7 days in Costa Rica hiking to waterfalls, spotting wild sloths in the jungle, soaking in volcano-fed hot springs, and exploring our way through this amazing country. On this trip we flew in and out of San Jose and bookended our trip there. We spent two nights in Arenal and two nights in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Episode Highlights: Costa Rica Travel Tips Hiking to the best views of the Arenal Volcano Things to do in La Fortuna including: The Springs Resort, Sky Adventures Arenal Par...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 292
In this week's Travel Flashback mini episode, we each share our #1 favorite country destination that we have been to. It's hard to pick just one, but tune in to hear which 3 countries made our list, what we loved about it, and what we would want to do differently and experience next time we go back. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube , TikTok , and Instagram and contact us at ...
May 02, 2025•18 min•Ep. 57
In this episode we explore the growing multi-billion dollar lifestyle travel industry, starting with a full review of one of the world’s most famous clothing-optional resorts, Hedonism II in Negril, Jamaica. We share what it’s like from a first-timer's perspective, what the resort and amenities have to offer, what to expect from the all-inclusive food, drinks, parties and theme nights, what the people at Hedo are like, and paint an open and honest picture of what it's like to spend a week-long v...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 291
This week's Just the Tip shares 10 airlines that offer free stopover products with flight and/or hotel perks that allow you to see one or more destinations for free! Find a killer flight deal with these airlines by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium to get daily flight deals (points & cash) emailed directly to you! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Shop: Trip Itineraries and Amazon Storefront Connect: YouT...
Apr 25, 2025•15 min•Ep. 56
On this Travel Flashback we’re sharing everything you need to know about the epic Havasupai Falls backpacking adventure! This 4 days, 3 night trip was our first backpacking experience, and we learned A LOT, so learn from us! We take you through the whole trail, to all 5 waterfalls, and along every step of this epic road trip and hiking girls adventure. Make sure to come prepared with the Havasupai Backpacking Essentials we mention in this trip, all of which can be found in our Amazon storefr...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 290
This week's Just the Tip episode will help you choose which Hawaiian island to visit (or in which order!) to best match your travel style and what you want to see and do in Hawaii. Download our Big Island itinerary and check out these recommended activities to optimize your time there! Where to stay in Big Island (Kona Hotels): PACIFIC 19 Kona , Royal Kona Resort , Courtyard by Marriott Download our 8-day Kauai itinerary and check out these recommended activities for all the best things in Kauai...
Apr 18, 2025•16 min•Ep. 55
We went to Door County, Wisconsin and are sharing the best experiences, places to eat, hikes, and boat rides to do on a long weekend in this midwest vacation destination. Highlights of the Door County: Sturgeon Bay Lighthouses State Parks Hikes and overlooks Fish boil Sunset boat cruise If you want to take this exact trip, you can download our Door County Itinerary. This guide to Door County gives you your daily schedule, hikes and boat cruise experiences , time allotments, costs, travel time be...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 289
On this week's Just the Tip, we're taking you along to experience Spa Castle in Dallas, Texas! The 3-story, 140,000 sq ft. urban spa resort blends diverse Asian saunas with luxurious European spa experiences, indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools, tranquil resting areas, and spa treatments to provide a full-day, holistic retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Shop: Trip Itineraries and Amazon Storefront ...
Apr 11, 2025•22 min•Ep. 54
In this week's Travel Flashback we take you on a beach-filled adventure to the iconic Jersey Shore! We're sharing all our tips and highlights from our weekend getaway celebrating Brittanie and Jamal's 8th wedding anniversary. We flew into Philadelphia, so in this episode, we talk all about our day seeing the main historic highlights of Philadelphia before driving to the Jersey Shore and the charming Victorian seaside town of Cape May, New Jersey. Highlights of Philadelphia Include: Independence ...
Apr 08, 2025•57 min•Ep. 288