Speaking Of Travel ®

I recently read a study showing how researchers have found that when we look at maps, our brains are activated in different ways, creating this unique and enjoyable experience. Enter the future. Today, there are ways to look and interact with maps we could never have dreamed of even just a few years back. AJ Brau is CEO of Wandermap, a map solution where you can explore every nook and cranny of your chosen destination before you even set foot there. AJ shares the Wander story and explains how tourism boards are key to a sustainable tourism future and what’s next with their new interactive itineraries

I’ve had some amazing travel experiences when I was sharing those experiences with others on the trip. Traveling with other people provides opportunities to try new things and even increases courage when there are other people around encouraging you to try something new and jump into that opportunity. Matthew Kent is the founder of Kent World Travel. With his career in professional golf across South Africa, Europe and the USA, and living and playing in over 50 countries worldwide, Matt now spends his time between South Africa and the US hosting his clients on trips around the world. Also, Noah Kleiner, owner of Equinox Guiding Service in Maine, is dedicated to providing transformative outdoor experiences to empower participants in overcoming fears, embracing challenges, and developing new skills in a supportive and encouraging environment, while challenging them to step out of their comfort zones and create unforgettable memories.Tune in and discover the importance of getting outside, being with others, and e

The Speaking of Travel And Leave No Trace TV series continues with host Richard Crawford. Richard talks to us while in Australia editing the epic Season Two of the popular Leave No Trace TV show with producer and cameraman, Ben Alcott. Ricky and Ben share updates and tell us about their day-to-day progress and how they go about editing the show. And all the places we can watch Leave No Trace TV.And discover how to be more of a savvy traveler and stay safe when traveling. Also, Ricky and Ben provide some examples from their trips  and explain why it's important for people to continue exploring and traveling and share the many reasons sustainable travel is important.A must listen. Only on Speaking of Travel! Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Liza Rutledge is the owner of Happy Hiking Company, specializing in leading captivating overnight guided backpacking tours across the stunning landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Liza shares the benefits of a guided trip over a non-guided trip and why these experiences in nature are beneficial to your mental and physical health, builds outdoor skill sets, and is a great means of meeting new people. Also on Speaking of Travel, Tina Kinsey, VP of Marketing, PR, and Air Service Development at the Asheville Regional Airport, shares some of the stories of an industry in constant evolution and what the Asheville Regional Airport is doing to transform for this region’s future growth. A must listen! Only on Speaking of Travel! Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

LoAnn Halden (she/her) is the VP of Communications for the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, IGLTA. Their mission is to provide information and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers and expand LGBTQ+ tourism globally.IGLTA, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, was founded in 1983 and is the world's leading network of LGBTQ+-welcoming tourism businesses. They provide free travel resources and information while continuously working to promote equality and safety within LGBTQ+ tourism worldwide. IGLTA’s members include LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations, transport, destinations, service providers, travel advisors, tour operators, events and travel media located in over 80 countries.LoAnn shares how the LGBTQ+ community as a whole has made progress over the past few decades and explains how the transgender community still faces major challenges, particularly in the tourism industry. Their IGLTA Foundation works with tourism businesses and transgender community leaders to develop a plan for making tourism

Ariel Haas and Jason Moon, business partners at Glassy Stays, Asheville, NC's exclusive glass mirror house, share the benefits of staying at an eco-conscious accommodation for a vacation in the heart of the forest. Today, the old-school, off-grid lifestyle is not as attractive as it once was, except maybe for those who like the camping lifestyle. Now it’s more about a luxury off-grid lifestyle as people are becoming more mindful of how they travel and where they stay.  Ariel and Jason explain how this sustainable haven is bringing modern luxury into nature. And what makes Glassy Stays and the mirror house special.Also on Speaking of Travel is Justin Belleme, founder of the JB Media Group, co-founder of the JB Media Institute and the DIY Tourism Marketing Workshop, and the publisher of Romantic Asheville.com.  Justin is a leader in helping shape the future of sustainable travel and shares how alternative accommodations are becoming more popular and necessary. Tune in! Only on Speaking of Travel.Thanks for

Travel the world with LEAF Global Arts. Their mission is to connect cultures and create community through world music, arts education, preservation, and experiences.Join Chinobay, LEAF Global Arts Chairman of the Board of Directors and a catalyst for positive change through his multifaceted journey beginning in Uganda, and Ryan "RnB" Barber, LEAF’s Spark the Arts artist-in-residence for Black History Month and a staple of Asheville NC's legendary music scene, as they share why music is the world's universal language. Chinobay and Ryan explain how the world-changing theme for LEAF 2024 resinates with their desire to enhance the lives of children across the globe.Together they share how music is their vehicle to travel the world and showcase the universal language of music, transcend borders, and unite people in a shared musical experience.Join artists from around the world at the LEAF Global Arts Experience in downtown Asheville year-round, or at LEAF Global Arts Retreat each May, and LEAF

Ever wonder why it feels so great to be out in nature? Amanda Baker, Partner Marketing Manager with Visit North Carolina and oversees North Carolina’s Outdoor NC initiative, and Clark Lovelace, Executive Director of the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority, share how the love for the outdoors makes us feel happy, inspired, and excited to explore more. And why it's important to to build awareness around responsible travel, destination stewardship, and sustainable tourism concepts.Amanda explains how North Carolina has a strong commitment to protect and preserve the culture and natural resources of the state. With three flagship programs in place: Leave No Trace, Accessible Outdoors & Trail Town Designation, they have expanded their initiatives beyond responsible travel by providing educational workshops, along with a practical tool-kit, to advance stewardship activities and communications.  Clark shares how Transylvania County is recognized for their long-standing roll in sustainability b

Omi Salevea of the McDowell County Tourism Development Authority in the Blue Ridge Mountains, shares why outdoor recreation is important in preserving natural landscapes and for protecting culture and heritage. And why it's good for your body too!One of my favorite places to get outdoors is in Old Fort, a small town not far from Asheville in McDowell County, NC. It's a mountain town in the way the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Mountains surround this beautiful place. And there’s a rich history dating back to before the Revolutionary War and so many incredible things to do outside. Omi fills us in on all there is to see and do in this special area and why one trip is just not enough.Also on Speaking of Travel, Tina Kinsey, Vice-president of Marketing, PR, and Air Service Development at the Asheville Regional Airport, provides an update of the largest construction project in the airport’s history and how they have marked yet another record-breaking year in 2023.With about a 22.2% increase

Enock Glidden is an accomplished outdoorsman and is found adventuring every season of the year. Born with Spina Bifida, Enock has learned to do things differently than others and shares how attitude is everything.Also on Speaking of Travel, discover why collaboration and meaningful relationships provide a framework for inspiration. Guest Mark Collins, Partnerships Manager for RomanticAsheville.com, builds strategic partnerships and combines responsibility, sustainability and safety into one coherent voice to help foster conservation and inspiration for growing stronger as a community and as good people.People making a large positive impact in the world sometimes attribute their passion by what they do differently. And then they inspire others who might recognize they have something special that other folks don’t and can finally move forward to have their voices heard.A very special Speaking of Travel. Only on Speaking of Travel!Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel

The Speaking of Travel And Leave No Trace TV Series with Richard Crawford, host of the popular TV series, Leave No Trace, continues with new stories and tips to help change your life for the better and see sights so rich in wonder they will take your breath away.In this, the first episode of the new year, discover Ricky's backstory...  How does a small boy from Paisley, Scotland, end up traveling the globe? And have the opportunity to visit some amazing places that life has to offer? What was it like going from being a  luxury brand ambassador to creating a show with an emphasis on protecting the environment?And Ricky shares some best practices in this tourism sector and how these leaders are making a difference. And find out what it was like to have traveled to all seven continents for Season Two.The Speaking of Travel audience wanted to find out how Ricky and Ben (cameraperson/producer) decide on the best ways to capture the essence of a destination. Discover how they do it and how they train for their

Real Asia Founder Nick Wang and Associate Nina LaFerla share their passion for Asia and its diverse cultures with US teachers and students and create ways to utilize travel as a means to deepen the understanding between us and the destinations we visit. Nick has extensive business relationships with Chinese schools, companies, and NGOs and has been leading Real Asia to help many schools across the US with their faculty-led study trips.Nina is a devoted educator whose engaging, award-winning teaching style has taken her to classrooms around the world, from France to the Tibetan regions of China. Nina fell in love with China on her first trip there when she was only 14 and since then has spent many years studying, teaching, and guiding in China.  Discover why Asia is such a unique travel destination and how Nick began Real Asia to provide the most authentic experience with an immigrant's perspective of helping others travel. Also, Tina Kinsey, Vice-president of Marketing, PR, and Air Service Development at

Tess Vigeland is a longtime journalist and podcaster. And she is an avid photographer who shoots mainly landscape photos around the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Tess shares how sometimes wanderlust shows up and she just must go.It's been more than five years since Tess returned from her time abroad and she describes what it's like to go so long without real international travel and why she's super excited to get back out again. Tess is a wanderer and her upcoming trip to Portugal is no exception to her wanderlust. Find out how she rolls with no real plans except to rent a car, get out a map, and just go. And Tess shares how these last five years of no real international travel has given her more perspective of how much she loves traveling throughout her home region of the Pacific Northwest. She explains how countless road trips, many of them 1,000+ miles within two states, fills her soul to travel this way in an extraordinarily beautiful corner of the globe, one that draws photographers from al

Jane Adams, former director of Partnership Relations with Jane Fortune and Advancing Women Artists,  a non-profit organization that was dedicated to rediscovering, restoring, and exhibiting works by women artists found in Florence’s Museums and State deposits, shares how she is continuing to raise awareness about forgotten artists and reclaim their rightful place in history.Jane explains how meeting Jane Fortune and Advancing Women Artists led to one of the most recent examples of lost art and also one of the most impressive. Sister Plautilla Nelli’s (1524-1588) The Last Supper is the only known depiction of Christ’s last meal by a female artist in the pre-modern age. The self-taught artist’s massive canvas—about 21 feet long and 7 feet high—is one of the largest works by a woman artist of the pre-modern era in the entire world. Though women were banned from studying anatomy, Nelli defied conventions of the time by taking on a theme reserved for male artists and creating 13 life-size male figures. There are s

The Asheville Art Museum is an example of how museums engage, inspire and enlighten communities. Museum leaders Kate Faulkner and Neal Page share how the Asheville Art Museum transforms lives through art.When I’m visiting new places, I like to prepare my options for what to see and do. And one thing always on my agenda is going to a museum. Usually more than one. And why not? Museums are community centers and always make you feel good. Even smarter! And most likely there is a museum near you right now. And lucky for us right here in Asheville, NC, the Asheville Art Museum was established by local artists  and is the third oldest art museum in the state. Big changes happened in the museum building during their major expansion and renovation project a few years ago and now it’s time to catch up! Tune in! Only on Speaking of Travel! Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Italy looks like a high heeled boot and Puglia is the heel of that boot. Mark Gordon Smith, founder of Private Italy Tours, shares how the eclectic history of Puglia left an imprint on what we see today.I’d fallen in love with Italy a few times before I traveled with Mark Gordon Smith, and it’s no wonder people love traveling with him. He could be the ambassador to Italy. He knows this country like the back of his hand. Or should I say the heel of the boot!Travelers new to the region might wonder if Puglia is worth visiting? Mark is here to answer with a resounding yes!Mark shares why this wonderful part of the world is unique, magical and friendly. With some of the best food, historical sites and deep, rich history, Puglia and Basilicata is a great region to avoid the chaos of the crowds found in other parts of Italy. Join Mark as he shares all there is to know about traveling  in Puglia and Basilicata — some of the most surprising and least traveled of Italy’s regions — and see another side of Bella Italia.

The Speaking of Travel And Leave No Trace TV Series with Richard Crawford continues, highlighting the importance of conservation, sustainable travel and eco-tourism. And sharing what the new year has in store.This is the best time to catch up with Season One of Leave No Trace TV and Ricky shares the details so you can tune in and enjoy.  And he provides some updates on Season Two and where you can watch some fun trailers. And Ricky shares how traveling and seeing the world inspires him. And will inspire you! Also, Ricky loves answering questions from you! If you have questions for Ricky, email mb@speakingoftravel and send along. On this episode of Speaking of Travel, Ricky shares what it's like for him to be on TV and what was his biggest travel mistake.  And he tells us about some weird food experiences. Spoiler alert...ICK!And good news! Being a holiday episode, Ricky sings for you! A must listen!Only on Speaking of Travel! Tune in and Happy Holidays!Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit sp

Maria Grazia Marini, Director of Tourism for Ravenna, Italy, shares why this special city, once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, is today a blend of ancient mosaics, Roman architecture, and Dante magic.I was recently in Italy and among the many places I visited, one of my favorites was the beautiful city of Ravenna. It is impossible to forget the incredible number of historic sites, remarkable buildings, museums, and churches, as well as an important list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Ravenna is a city of inspiration and Maria Grazia explains the story of Dante Alighieri and why his writings and poetry has made him an important voice for our modern times as he emerged as the poet of hope and desire and mercy.Maria Grazia also shares why the fabulous restaurants and food in Ravenna is reminiscent of what it might have been like a hundred years ago. The food transports you to another time. This is truly a magical place! A must listen, especially for anyone wanting to visit a part of Italy you might not

Justin Belleme, founder of the JB Media Group and publisher of Romantic Asheville.com and Tina Kinsey, VP of Marketing, PR, and Air Service Development at the Asheville Regional Airport, share how they are working to shape this region’s future growth.Justin is a travel industry leader and provides strategic direction and expertise in the travel and tourism industry. He shares his recent experience at a sustainable travel conference called Tourism Cares: The Power of Partnership Stewardship Summit. The summit represented an opportunity to come together and envision a collaborative, cross-sectoral, and inclusive future for travel and tourism. Justin explains how the industry is recognizing a renewed sense of hope and what actionable steps are available to contribute to a more sustainable travel industry and a healthier planet. Also on Speaking of Travel, the Asheville Regional Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in the country  Tina Kinsey, Vice-president of Marketing, PR, and Air Service Development

Lisa Jansen, a traveler and writer based in New Zealand, spent almost five years living in a camper van traveling around New Zealand. Lisa shares her experience and what inspires her to travel unconventionally. Lisa embarked on a life-changing adventure when she left her successful corporate career at 33. Her mission was to discover life beyond the conventional paths of marriage, parenthood, mortgages, and corporate life. Discover how these five transformative years spent as a nomadic lifestyle not only provided a broader picture of the world around her, but also unearthed profound answers within herself.Her latest book - Life Done Differently: One Woman’s Journey on the Road Less Travelled, is a compelling memoir exploring the challenges and triumphs of navigating an alternative path in a world that often follows convention. Also on Speaking of Travel is Tina Kinsey, Vice-president of Marketing, PR, and Air Service Development at the Asheville Regional Airport  to share updates on the new terminal constructi