Marine Sergeant Julian Ponce joins me today to talk about life in the Marine Corps and how it's helped him see the world. Sgt. Ponce takes us on a tour of the American Embassy in Budapest, and we discuss the deep camaraderie between fellow marines. And then we digress to chat a bit about Colombian and Latino culture as well--I've lived here in Medellin when not traveling in Europe and I'm working on my Spanish and Salsa skills. I can't help bringing it up with a Colombian-American. References in the episode: Go caving underneath Budapest - caving.hu

Listen in on this fascinating conversation between two travel entrepreneurs. Today, I have social media influencer, Carmina of LaCarmina.com on the show to talk about her style of travel--goth, subcultures, body mods, alternative fashion and more. She runs a website packed with information and tips for those looking for off-beat travel experiences. Carmina has collaborated on travel TV with ABC, National Geographic, Travel Channel, Andrew Zimmern and Anthony Bourdain (RIP). Our conversation ranges from Tokyo’s disciplinary Maid bars where you get slapped for misbehaving, to goth travel culture and pioneering space tourism. References in the episode: Carmina's Website: lacarmina.com Carmina's Instagram @lacarmina Read up on how LaCarmina saw a man getting his mouth sewn shut: http://www.lacarmina.com/blog/2012/07/prague-castle-goth-clubs-alternative-travel-tips-cross-club-steampunk-bar-st-vitus-cathedral-hell-club/

Get ready for Season 2 because we're about to drop our first episode Sunday December 9th

Back in the day, the Romans conquered Scottish territory only to decide it was too cold and too barbaric to govern. Their loss. Today, Scotland is renowned for its rugged beauty, dark medieval history and rebellious nature, luring millions of visitors each year. We're exploring the capital city of Edinburgh: a striking cityscape with both architectural elegance and dramatic, rolling hills. This time we're joined by two local guides, Colin Mairs (Excursion Scotland) and Sabela (Weekend Student Adventures), to share about Scotch whisky, Harry Potter inspirations, legends of Edinburgh's chilling past, and key highlights you can only experience in "Auld Reekie". (Season 1 finale)

"Night seeing is just as important as sightseeing." Today, we get an inside look at Budapest's thriving hostel scene from Smike Letwinsky, a Pennsylvania native and manager of the notorious Budapest Party Hostels chain. 

To mark our 20th episode, we're meeting up with GoAbroad.com founder & CEO Troy Peden, also celebrating 20 years of his massive travel website. Thanks to GoAbroad, millions of Americans with a craving for travel have been connected to study, volunteer, intern and work opportunities around the world.

It’s Greek week on the podcast! Greece is full of gems to explore, from iconic Athens, to the monasteries of Metéora, to its 6,000 islands scattering the sea. Local guide Angelos Kokkaliaris shares with us the sumptuous eats, social culture and stunning retreats (Santorini and Mykonos, sure- but have you heard of Amorgos?) that make up an authentic Greek experience.

John E. DiScala, or Johnny Jet, flies about 150,000 miles and 20 countries per YEAR. He is one of the world’s most established experts on budget and point-based travel. Johnnyjet.com has an impressive collection of flight tips, hacks and last-minute specials he stumbles across. 

I’ve been in touch with Johnny since I was still in high school with my very first travel blog. Today, we cover his best budget tips, discuss the recent United Airlines controversy, and hash out our theories on airline credit cards.

A few years back, Allison Fleece & Danielle Thornton met through a mutual interest in climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. This bonding experience led to them starting their own company: WHOA (Women High on Adventure) travel.  From the peaks of Machu Picchu to the urban jungles of India, these women empower communities around the world with a new style of adventure.

Brooke Roberts, founder of Inside Study Abroad and certified study abroad guru, is an international education professional, turned entrepreneur (she runs three of her own companies!) Brooke helps people skip to the front of the line and transform their approach to launching and growing an international education (or any) career. 

Let's be honest... staying fit while traveling is tough. With the swap of atmosphere and routine, plus the temptation of ALL that delicious food... it's easy to let yourself go overseas. Today, we learn from the pro's how to enjoy travel without throwing away our physical and mental health. Ryan O’Donnell, a CrossFit instructor who has taken up the expat life in Prague, shares his essential tips for fellow travelers. We also cover some of the finer points of Prague: favorite restaurants, sights, and, of course, nightlife. Enjoy!