Speaking Of Travel ®

Trevor is on his way to a coaching convention in Tampa with a unique accessory. As a director of basketball operations, his hat was prominently adorned with a piece of a basketball net — telling a story of its own. The piece was cut from a net the night before, symbolizing Appalachian State University’s Women’s Basketball Team’s victory in the Invitational National Tournament. As a professional tasked with arranging travel for the team, Trevor is a seasoned pro.“A big thing for us is making sure you always have your ID,” Trevor said. “People take that for granted. We’ve gotten into situations when it’s not necessarily where you think its going to be all the time. Make sure you always have that, even before you get in your car.” This marks Trevor’s first time flying AVL. “This is definitely one of the better regional airports I’ve ever been to,” he said. “It’s clean. There’s a great restaurant and a great shop inside once you get in. Getting through security maybe took… five minutes. It was great and this plac

Burt is to off Tampa. The trip has become routine, as he flies down most weekends to continue the process of becoming permanently settled in Florida. As a frequent flyer, Burt knows how to make the most of his time in the airport.“If you can get TSA Pre-[check] or Global Entry, you can get through security lines much, much quicker,” Burt said. “There’s usually no line, so that saves 15 or 20 minutes.”Burt loves the stress-free experience of flying AVL. “There is very little stress to fly here,” he said. “It is very relaxed. You don’t see a lot of people very nervous… it’s about as laid-back an airport as you’ll ever find.” Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Alice and Chuck meet up with friends in different locations every year, and this year’s vacation brought them to WNC. They are originally from Ohio and decided to explore Asheville after hearing that it was a great place to be. When it comes to taking vacations, Alice likes to be prepared.“I’m a great organizer,” Alice said. “I have things planned out. I start laying stuff out. By the time I’m ready to pack, it only takes minutes because everything is right there.”Alice and Chuck love the relaxed nature of AVL. “I like small airports. They’re much more comfortable and relaxing,” she said.Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Joseph is heading home. Some might call it St. Petersburg, but Joseph calls it paradise. While he may not be a native, Joseph is a regular visitor to Asheville; and he has a few tips when it comes to smooth travel.“Depending on the airline… make sure you download the app,” Joseph said. “You can check in.”Joseph loves the ease of traveling through AVL. “The one thing about Asheville Regional is that it’s a smaller airport,” he said. “The rental cars are on-site… and baggage claim is a few yards away from the gate. Everything is concise and expedites the whole process — getting in, getting out and getting on your way.”Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Since 2006, the Blue Ridge Honor Flight, a non-profit organization, has been transporting veterans from WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War to Washington, DC on an all-expense paid visit to the memorials dedicated to their honor.Honor Flight Board VP Marybeth Burns and Fundraising Chair Lisa Parham share how the efforts of a community help to honor our veterans for the sacrifices they have made and how you can get involved. On May 4, 2019, they will fly again, giving those who have served our country a chance to experience the hope, healing, and welcome home they so deserve.   Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

The Speaking of Travel + Climate Listening Project Series continues with Dayna Reggero and celebrates Earth Day with guests Jill Kubit of DearTomorrow and Frida Berry from Parents Roar in Sweden. Dayna heads to New York to participate in the United Nations Women's International Forum (WIF) Leave It Better Than We Found event and Earth Day 2019 with women from around the world. Jill Kubit tells us about DearTomorrow, a digital and archive project for people to personally connect with the issue of climate change. Frida Berry called in from Sweden and is the founder of Our Kids' Climate, a global network of parent-focused climate organizations, and is the spokesperson for Swedish parent and climate organization Föräldravrålet (Parents Roar).      Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Bruce T. Martin is an American Fine Art photographer who uses photography to document the world, explore perceptions and question our viewpoints. Using his knowledge and imagination, Bruce blends a unique mosaic of visual details in his photographs to create a fresh perspective on the Maya's endangered worldview and disappearing legacy. His book, Look Close See Far, A Cultural Portrait Of The Maya, is a collection of images and ideas gathered while traveling throughout the Maya region of Central America. Since 1987, he has taken more than 10,000 photographs over a range of landscapes and attitudes in an attempt to make a distinctive portrait of the Mayan Culture. Bruce is also a leading architectural photographer, making photographs for the nation's foremost architects, designers and publications.   Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

The Speaking of Travel + Climate Listening Project Series continues with Dayna Reggero and guests. Artist/biologist Shannon Bodeau has a new Climate Listening Project – From The Same Soil, a collaboration with the UNC Asheville McCullough Fellowship. Shannon interviewed people from around the world and created hand-drawn graphite portraits, weaving science and storytelling through art. Also, two 9th grade students and their teacher Jerry Lubos from the Franklin School of Innovation in Asheville, NC. They are creating podcasts focused around relevant connections to the guiding question “how do small actions lead to big changes?”  Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Daniel Young is a talented and highly successful badass of fun and travel and has created a lifestyle that’s truly coming from a soulful place. Daniel is known for his gift of spreading positive energy and charisma, and know-how, in whatever scene he chooses to show up. From 2012 to 2014 he worked as a guide to whitewater kayaking in Costa Rica and Ecuador. Also being a talented musician, he looked for drum and bass shows in Quito and San Jose. Eventually he was performing internationally. Daniel discusses how his new platform for promoters and musicians, Beatdrifters, was inspired and how he figured out how to connect artists with promoters while traveling. Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

The Honor Flight Network flies WWII, Korean and Vietnam vets to DC to experience their memorials. Guests include Jeff Miller, president and co-founder of the Honor Flight Network, board member Marybeth Burns and Viet Nam War vet Warren Dupree. The Blue Ridge Honor Flight is dedicated to honoring our veterans for the sacrifices they have made to keep our nation safe by providing them with an all-expense paid trip to visit the memorials in Washington that symbolize the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of these American heroes. Jeff Miller has distinguished himself as an advocate for America’s veterans and his commitment has led to thousands of veterans being able to visit their war memorials in Washington, DC. Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Hunter is headed back home to Maine after a busy semester at Brevard College. After locating his gate, he also found he had some company to help him pass the time. Samson, one of the airport’s Paws for Passengers therapy pets, was there to offer Hunter an enthusiastic greeting.“We have 23 registered therapy dogs who volunteer here at the Asheville Regional Airport,” said Karen, Samson’s handler. “They volunteer to help mitigate travel stress or boredom or entertain people who happen to be at the airport.”There are several things that Karen enjoys about the airport, but she thinks the therapy pets are a special touch to the AVL experience. “It’s a cool airport,” Karen said. “We have rocking chairs and wi-fi, but we also have 23 fuzzy little ambassadors who are here to make you appreciate your time while you’re at the Asheville Regional Airport.”Hunter echoes that sentiment, explaining that it was a great part of his travel experience. “It’s really unique,” Hunter said. “I’ve never seen a program like that. Whe

EJ is gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime. EJ works with a Christian outreach ministry in Brevard, and he is excited for his 15-day excursion exploring the history behind biblical texts in Israel. With an extensive packing list and a family at home, EJ understands the importance of preparation.“I needed to look over the packing list a million times,” EJ said. “This is a trip I have been preparing for [over] the last six months, so this week has been wrapping things up.”EJ loves his hometown airport. “I love flying in and out of Asheville Regional Airport because it is so efficient and quick,” EJ said. “I checked my watch when I came through security and… from the time my wife dropped me off until the time I came through security took 14 minutes. That’s really awesome. It’s also 25 minutes from my house which makes it extremely convenient.”Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Straw hat in tow, Wesley and Madison are ready for a sunny escape. The couple is flying to Fort Lauderdale for a tropical cruise around the Mexican Riviera. This adventure marks Wesley’s first-ever flying experience, so he is depending on Madison’s expertise to navigate the airport smoothly.“Always plan early. Traffic, TSA – you never know if they are going to get something in your bookbag or not,” Madison said. “Make sure you have all of your toiletries in your checked bag or in a quart size bag.”Madison and Wesley enjoy taking the easy way out at AVL. “It’s small,” Madison said. “I can park right outside and come right in [without having] to worry about getting a bus over here or spending two hours waiting in line at TSA. It’s in and out.”Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Taylor and Natalie are coworkers who enjoy traveling together for business. When they realized they were both scheduled to fly through the same airport for connecting flights to their differing final destinations, they decided to seize the opportunity to chat and catch up in the terminal. The Denver-based friends are experienced travelers and know how to make the most of their trips.“Always be nice to your flight attendants,” Taylor said. “Say hi to them on the way in, maybe buy them a snack. I’ve gotten lots of free drinks and snacks on the plane from it. Always give them a smile and say 'hey.' They appreciate it.”For Natalie, a well-planned itinerary is the key to success while traveling.“I get to the airport extremely early just in case something random happens,” Natalie said. “It’s always nice to have some wine or beer along the way.”Taylor and Natalie love flying through AVL. “It’s really personal,” Taylor said. “You don’t have to worry about long security lines. They have a great little restau

Doreyl Ammons Cain, co-founder of the Appalachian Mural Trail, explains how honoring the rich mountain heritage through the arts is the core essence of the Appalachian Mural Trail’s vision and how storytelling is a vivid part of Appalachian culture, folk tales, Cherokee legends, mountain music & the beauty of nature. There are over 75 murals online at muraltrail.com and you can find directions for where to go and how to view these magnificent murals in the communities and towns of the Appalachians.Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Travel South USA is the official regional destination marketing organization for the southern United States. This non-profit organization promotes travel to and within its member states  of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Speaking of Travel is on location at the Travel South USA Domestic Showcase in Myrtle Beach, SC, where over 700 tourism professionals gathered for collaborative meetings with a goal of delivering more visitors in the South. Travel South USA was formed in 1965 by a resolution presented at the Southern Governor's Conference by the Southern Travel Directors Council.Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Speaking of Travel is in Myrtle Beach, SC, for the Travel South Domestic Showcase, the premier marketplace event in the South where over 700 tourism professionals gather for three days of collaborative meetings with a goal of delivering more visitors to spend more time and money in the South. Travel South USA serves as an information source for journalists, tour operators, retail travel agents and other travel professionals. Find out from industry leaders how the Travel South USA partnership provides a foundation for collaboration by state tourism offices to position tourism as a vital and dynamic element in the region’s economic development. And enjoy some great travel storytelling!  Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

LaBet Prichard knows travel changes us. She entered an eight-year solo vision quest to find her authentic voice with a soul-searching travel process that has carried her through many high and low roads. Her openness and willingness required courage, trust, and faith as this serendipitous and synchronistic pilgrimage took her from the mundane through the threshold into the miraculous. Her faith in intuition to guide and support her, although her the path isn’t always clear, has freed her to find delight in the unknown and embrace uncertainty. She explains how getting out of her head and living in the present to find joy of being feels good.  And LaBet believes in the words of Ram Dass... "We are all just walking each other home.”Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Dayna Reggero of the Climate Listening Project and Suzan Satterfield, director of the PBS series Ecosense for Living, share solutions geared for treading lighter on the planet and improving the quality of life. Ecosense for Living aims to empower viewers with practical solutions to help save money, leave no trace and improve our quality of life. All important things we need to know inside/out. A must listen! Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Town Mountain is an independent-minded steward of classic bluegrass, but their take on Appalachian music is infused with a modern-day feel that allows the group freedom of expression. With Town Mountain's newest album, New Freedom Blues, the band discovered a way to build off their past to craft something new and exciting, and so authentic in terms of who they are as musicians and as people. Banjo/vocalist Jesse Langlais, mandolin/vocalist Phil Barker, and bass player Zach Smith share what life on the road means to the band, change, bluegrass and how their creative process unfolds. Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.