Send us a text Imagine pulling your sailboat into a tiny Greek fishing village where tourists rarely venture, dining at a local taverna where fishermen gather, and experiencing authentic Mediterranean life beyond the postcard views. For travel writer and photographer June Russell-Chamberlain, this freedom to discover hidden gems represents the magic of charter sailing. "The freedom to choose where you go and how long you stay," June explains when asked what draws her to this unique form of trave...
Jul 03, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 53
Send us a text What happens when a couple of American retirees tackle the United Kingdom, complete with driving on the "wrong" side of narrow roads, navigating London's famous tube system, and an unexpected series of medical adventures? Join us as we share the highs and lows of our journey through Britain. London welcomed us with its iconic landmarks and efficient public transportation. Armed with the TFL Go app, we explored Westminster, the British Museum, and vibrant Camden Town while masterin...
Jun 26, 2025•50 min•Season 2Ep. 52
Send us a text What would it take to stop you from exploring the world? For Penny Zubula, even total blindness couldn't dampen her wanderlust. This remarkable travel writer navigates foreign countries with her photographer husband Simon and guide dog Splendid—proving that disabilities don't have to limit adventure. Penny's journey from Jerusalem-born, Montreal-raised TV host to acclaimed travel writer showcases an extraordinary life dedicated to experiencing new cultures. Through her website "Si...
Jun 19, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 51
Send us a text Fifty episodes in, and we're still discovering what retirement travel truly means to us. After a health challenge forced us to pivot from our original three-year international adventure, we've established a new rhythm – a home base in Tennessee with 6-9 months of global exploration annually. Our latest journey began with a two-week exploration of Portugal and Spain that revealed surprising preferences and unexpected gems. The adventure started somewhat roughly – an overnight trans...
Jun 12, 2025•24 min•Season 2Ep. 50
Send us a text Travel writer Linda McCarley joins Jim and Rita to share her remarkable journey from childhood trips to Scotland through her recent decision to purchase a villa in Tuscany. Born in Canada to Scottish parents, Linda's travel adventures began at just three years old, planting seeds for a lifelong passion that would eventually lead her to Italy. With refreshing candor, Linda reveals how her approach to travel evolved from standard tourism to meaningful cultural immersion—a shift that...
Apr 16, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Send us a text Curious about cruise vacations but not sure where to start? Veteran cruiser Babs Dearmond joins us to unpack the fascinating world of cruise travel - from Caribbean beach-hopping to sophisticated global exploration. Babs shares her journey from first-time cruiser seeking winter escape to seasoned traveler who's sailed the Mediterranean, European rivers, and Asian waters. What began with a mother-daughter Caribbean adventure uncovered a passion for this unique travel style that com...
Apr 09, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 48
Send us a text What's driving more and more women to travel solo or join women-only travel groups? This episode dives deep into the transformative power of travel with Sonja Thayer, founder of Rom-Soul Escapes, who specializes in creating women-focused retreats in Italy and Greece. Sonja shares her journey from backpacking through Europe in the 1990s to creating curated travel experiences that combine wellness practices with deep cultural immersion. She explains why retreat-style travel provides...
Apr 02, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 47
Send us a text What happens when you combine a passion for travel, a gift for storytelling, and a heart for helping others overcome their deepest struggles? You get Lori Bruton, our fascinating guest who shares her remarkable journey from trauma to transformation. Lori opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her path as an author, travel writer, speaker, and breakthrough coach. Her story begins with childhood road trips that sparked her love for exploration and continues through personal ...
Mar 26, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Send us a text Roy McGinnis and Julie Tallman return to the podcast with exciting news – they've officially committed to building a retirement home in Panama's Azuero Peninsula. After their initial exploratory visit left them enchanted with the rural charm of Petasi, they returned for two weeks to confirm their decision and put down a deposit on property in an expat development. Their journey through Panama reveals a country of surprising contrasts. Panama City dazzled them with its ultramodern ...
Mar 12, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Send us a text Our podcast episode takes you on an informative journey through the ups and downs of travel life as Jim and Rita explore resilience in the face of unexpected health challenges. Discover their adventures that led them back to the U.S. after a critical health scare in Latvia and learn how they’ve adapted their plans to embrace a balanced lifestyle that accommodates health and travel. With honesty and playfulness, they share detailed insights into establishing a home base in Tennesse...
Feb 26, 2025•23 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Send us a text Retiring to Panamanian paradise might sound like a dream, but for Dave and Debora Haughton, it has become their fulfilling reality. They share their journey from Virginia to Pedasí, shedding light on the joys and challenges of expat life and embodying the warmth of community found in a new land. • Transitioning from a busy life in Virginia to the peaceful beaches of Panama • Discovering the beauty and culture of Pedasí • Embracing retirement through community involvement and perso...
Feb 17, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 43
Send us a text Ever wondered what it's like to trade the familiar buzz of home for the charm of European living? Neil and Denise Johnson share their captivating stories of expatriate life, from the enchanting yet quiet winters of Sardinia to the vibrant streets of Milan and the cozy town of Słupsk. Get a taste of their unique experiences as they navigate cultural exchanges, like hosting a Thanksgiving dinner in Poland, and laugh along with them as they recount an unexpected hospital visit thanks...
Feb 10, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 42
Send us a text Ever felt like a "gringo" in a foreign land, navigating cultural nuances and the occasional price gouging? We take you on a thrilling ride through the vibrant streets of Ecuador, sharing personal tales of what it truly means to "get gringoed" and why these experiences are often the exception rather than the rule. Join us as we explore how mutual respect and a splash of humor can transform everyday interactions into genuine connections, even when language barriers seem insurmountab...
Jan 31, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 41
Send us a text Embark on an exhilarating journey through Panama with us, as we uncover the diverse landscapes and cultures of this fascinating country. We kick things off welcoming our friends, Julie Tallman and Roy McGinnis. They captivate us with tales of their September 2024 exploration, weaving through lush mountain retreats like Anton's Valley and Santa Fe, and finding a surprising gem in Pedasi—a coastal village that might just be their future home. Julie and Roy's stories offer a charming...
Jan 18, 2025•34 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Send us a text What do cobblestone streets, ornate architecture, and a surprise health scare have in common? They're all part of our unpredictable adventure through Eastern Europe! Join us, Jim and Rita, as we recount our travels from Warsaw to Vilnius and Riga. Our journey took an unexpected turn with a health challenge in Riga, but it didn't stop us from first exploring the city's vibrant history and culture. From the charming old towns and picturesque landscapes to the fascinating stories beh...
Dec 23, 2024•26 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Send us a text Ever wondered what life was really like behind the scenes at the US Senate? Picture this: a snowy evening in Washington DC, a bustling tech support subculture, and a cast of unforgettable characters like Rob and Becky. Join us as we pause our home renovation chaos to take you on a whimsical journey back to Jim's time as a senior network technician—a time filled with camaraderie, humorous insults, and a tale that captures the essence of the spirited Senate tech team. It's a story d...
Nov 22, 2024•11 min•Season 2Ep. 38
Send us a text Join us, Jim and Rita, as we explore the decision to establish a home base in the U.S., balancing family ties and future surgeries while considering the allure of new experiences abroad. Listen in as we discuss whether leaving the country due to political reasons is truly the driving force for successful expats or if it's the promise of adventure that beckons. With fresh health updates, including a successful gallbladder surgery and some welcome insurance news, we set our sights o...
Nov 10, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Send us a text After a whirlwind journey through Eastern Europe, we found ourselves in an unexpected twist when Jim faced a serious health challenge in Latvia. Amidst these challenges, we hold onto our zest for travel, with hopeful plans for a springtime excursion to the UK and Ireland, cherishing the journeys yet to come. A train ride from Berlin to Prague rekindled our love for these vibrant cities, despite past trips being clouded by illness. The marvels of Prague—its captivating architecture...
Oct 11, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Send us a text Ever wondered how a seemingly innocent meal could turn your dream vacation into a medical nightmare? Join Rita and me as we recount our wild ride through Eastern Europe that left us grappling with mysterious, severe pains striking at the worst possible moments. From the first alarming symptoms in Krakow to a dramatic ambulance ride in Riga, our journey became an unexpected test of endurance and adaptability. You'll hear all about our encounters with healthcare professionals in a f...
Oct 04, 2024•12 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Send us a text Julie Tallman has spent over 15 years navigating the globe on horseback, forging unforgettable connections and experiences. This week, Julie brings us a heartwarming tale from her recent adventure in Serbia, weaving through the countryside on a progressive ride and staying with locals who embody the true spirit of hospitality. Learn how she uncovers these hidden gems through specialized agencies like Hidden Trails and listen to her recount the endearing encounter with a Serbian fa...
Sep 06, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Send us a text What happens when a retired Army veteran channels her passion for exploration into a thriving luxury travel business? Meet Jenifer Breaux, owner of JB Travel Pros, who shares her incredible journey from her roots in northeastern Ohio to becoming an expert in crafting unforgettable travel experiences. Inspired by family trips and a life-changing study excursion to the Bahamas, Jenifer’s love for travel guided her through a military career specializing in chemical, biological, and n...
Aug 30, 2024•37 min
Send us a text Ever wondered how a childhood passion can blossom into a prolific career? Join us as we chat with Julie Diebolt Price , a seasoned travel writer and photographer who transformed her early love for snapping photos with a Brownie camera into a life filled with published works and global adventures. Julie shares her unexpected journey, overcoming her fear of English classes to become a celebrated author and mentor. She reveals the magic of capturing travel experiences through timely ...
Aug 23, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Send us a text Can one transformative trip change your entire life? Neo Johnson's story suggests it can. Starting from a dark period in 2019, Neo recounts how a tragic loss prompted his journey towards a life filled with travel, personal growth, and unexpected discoveries. Listen as Neo details his experience of visiting 72 countries, from his first significant trip to Barbados amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, to his current adventures in Colombia. This episode promises an inspiring deep dive into ...
Aug 16, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Send us a text What does it take to leave a stable career in Corporate America and become a globetrotting travel writer? Join us as we journey with Amy Piper , who did just that! Amy's transition is nothing short of inspiring, and she brings us along on her adventures from a thrilling photo safari in Tanzania to an eagerly anticipated culinary expedition in Italy. Her tales of unusual foods will fascinate both travel enthusiasts and food lovers. Discover the magic of finding hidden culinary gems...
Aug 09, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Send us a text Ever wondered if a shared love for travel could reignite the spark in a long-term marriage? Meet Zeke and Terri Mead, who were on the verge of divorce after 25 years together until the COVID-19 lockdown forced them into close quarters. Discover how daily intimacy, vulnerability, and therapy, combined with their mutual but diverse interests—Zeke's love for cycling and Terri's passion for museums—breathed new life into their relationship. They recount their adventures from quaint bi...
Aug 02, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Send us a text What happens when a young couple swaps their wedding vows for an epic global adventure? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Seth and Sarah, who did just that—and came back with more than souvenirs. This episode unveils their incredible journey from backpacking across continents to the unexpected joy of parenthood, all while navigating the challenges of a world on lockdown. Discover how they resumed their travels with baby Millie in tow, from traversing Canada to soaking u...
Jul 26, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Send us a text Imagine going from the daily grind of dairy farming and city commuting to embracing the freedom of life on the road. Meet Mandy and Tui Travers, native New Zealanders who, after a life-altering accident at 60, decided to sell their home and embark on an adventurous journey in a caravan. In our latest episode, they share their incredible story of transition from rigorous work schedules to a nomadic lifestyle, offering personal insights into the benefits and challenges of house sitt...
Jul 19, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Send us a text Can eSIM technology transform your travel experience for good? In the 26th episode of "Travels with Jim and Rita," we celebrate a significant milestone by sharing the tech and travel hacks that have shaped our journey over the past six months. From the game-changing convenience of eSIMs and Global Entry passes to the luxury of airport lounges, we reveal the tools that have made our globe-trotting life more manageable. Also, get a sneak peek into our upcoming 70-day tour of Eastern...
Jul 12, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Send us a text Have you ever wondered how to travel the world on a tight budget while experiencing life-changing adventures? Join us as we chat with Laura Lisensky, a high school biology teacher and host of the " Travel Along with Laura " podcast, who shares her incredible journey from studying in Scotland to serving in the Peace Corps in Benin, West Africa, and beyond. Laura uncovers the myths around the cost of travel and offers insightful tips on how to explore places like Thailand and South ...
Jul 05, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Send us a text Ever wondered how to balance life's responsibilities while nurturing a passion for exploring the world solo? Join us in our latest episode featuring Clarice Pereira, an intrepid solo traveler from Singapore. Clarice shares her incredible journey of caring for her family while pursuing her love for travel, offering invaluable insights and practical tips. Discover how she navigates the bustling, multicultural life in Singapore and why she chose Germany for her first solo European ad...
Jun 28, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 24
