In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rosa and Rachel welcome Christopher Hill, the architect of luxury volunteer travel. They explore the intersection of luxury and purpose-driven travel, discussing Christopher's journey from investment banking to creating meaningful travel experiences. The conversation delves into eco-luxury travel, the architecture of volunteer trips, and the profound impact these experiences can have on both travelers and host communities.
Christopher shares touching stories from his clients, insights on family travel, and the importance of planning and preparing for volunteer trips. The episode concludes with encouragement for listeners to embrace volunteer travel and make a positive impact in the world.
Learn more at HandsUpHolidays.com or follow on Instagram @handsupholidays & give us a follow at @BonVoyageBesties
Pack your bags, Besties — we’re heading to France! In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rosa and Rachel dive into the magic of French travel, from the romantic streets of Paris to the hidden gems beyond the city lights. They share personal stories, travel tips, and cultural insights that bring France to life — including the best times to visit, must-see attractions, mouthwatering eats, and smart budgeting advice. With their signature humor and practical wisdom, the duo uncovers what makes France irresistible and helps you plan your own très magnifique adventure.
Rachel and Rosa sit down with travel journalist and blogger Ashley Wali to dive deep into the world of luxury travel. From making five-star experiences more affordable to mastering etiquette and tipping customs, Ashley shares expert advice and personal stories that will help you elevate your next trip.
Learn about the role of butler service, common mistakes first-time luxury travelers make, and thoughtful ways to show gratitude for exceptional service. The conversation also highlights traveler expectations and why kindness and respect are essential in the luxury travel industry.
Whether you’re new to upscale travel or looking to refine your travel style, this episode is packed with practical tips and insider insights. Don’t forget to leave us a review and follow us on Instagram @BonVoyageBesties. You can find Ashley at @wanderlux.official.
On this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rosa and Rachel chat with Dr. Guillel Mercado, a nutrition and weight-loss expert from the Dominican Republic, about staying healthy while traveling.
Learn mindful eating tips, hydration strategies, and how to stay active on the go, plus insights on enjoying local cuisine without overindulging.
Perfect for frequent travelers looking to feel their best on every adventure.
Follow Dr. Mercado on Instagram @Dra.Market and stay connected with us @BonVoyageBesties. If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to leave us a review!
Pack your bags for some hot takes! ✈️ In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel and Rosa unpack their most unpopular travel opinions—from overrated destinations to the way social media shapes our adventures. They tackle the tug-of-war between budget and luxury travel, the stigma of travel shaming, and why personal preferences matter most when planning a trip. With plenty of humor and honesty, the duo reminds listeners that the best journeys are the ones that feel true to you—not to Instagram or anyone else’s expectations. Don't forget to follow us on socials at Bon Voyage Besties and leave us a review!
In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel and Rosa sit down with Amy Green — a seasoned cultural travel blogger with over two decades of experience. Together, they chat about Amy’s journey of learning Portuguese while living in Portugal, how her background in religion and theology shaped her travel lens, and the surprising cultural gems she uncovered in her travels.
From savoring Portugal’s culinary treasures to the importance of speaking the local language, Amy shares practical tips for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and honoring local customs. Plus, she offers her must-know advice for first-time travelers to Portugal.
Follow Amy at TempleSeeker, and don’t forget to connect with us on socials at Bon Voyage Besties!
Get ready to hit the open road! In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, we’re sharing our top road trip tips and revealing the most breathtaking scenic routes to explore this fall.
From vibrant autumn landscapes to must-see stops along the way, we’ve got everything you need to plan the perfect seasonal getaway.
Buckle up and let’s make this adventure unforgettable! Don’t forget to follow us on socials @BonVoyageBesties and leave us a review—we love hearing from you!
Dreaming of an African adventure? In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, we’re joined by Ugandan travel expert Lynett Nakamanya to explore the vibrant world of wellness travel across Africa. From soulful retreats to empowering journeys designed specifically for women, Lynett is reshaping tourism to nourish both body and spirit. Tune in for inspiring stories, insider tips, and a fresh perspective on traveling the continent with purpose. Follow us on socials @BonVoyageBesties and connect with Lynett on Instagram @lynett_luxtravel
Traveling with friends is amazing—until money gets messy. In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rosa and Rachel tackle the sometimes awkward (but oh-so-important) topic of managing finances on group trips.
From bill-splitting blunders to the hidden emotional weight money can carry in friendships, they share stories, tips, and plenty of laughs. Tune in as they unpack the value of setting expectations, embracing compromise, and leaning on tools like Splitwise to keep things fair.
Whether you’re a budget traveler or a luxury lover, this episode is your guide to smoother, stress-free adventures with your besties. As always follow us on socials at @BonVoyageBesties
In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rachel and Rosa, along with guest Samantha, discuss the challenges college students face in balancing academics and travel. They explore strategies for planning trips around academic deadlines, the importance of self-care through travel, and how to stay organized using technology. The conversation also touches on budgeting for travel, choosing the best time to travel, and the benefits of solo travel. Samantha shares her travel essentials and offers advice for students looking to make the most of their travel experiences while managing their academic responsibilities. Don't forget to leave us a review & follow us on socials at Bon Voyage Besties!
Join Rachel and Rosa as they dive into the hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking world of travel fails. From missed flights and food poisoning to unexpected adventures and costly mistakes, these seasoned travelers share their most memorable mishaps and the lessons learned along the way. Whether it's a phone taking a swim in the Gulf of Heraklion or a double-booked hotel in Cusco, this episode is packed with stories that remind us all that the best travel tales often come from the most unexpected moments. Make sure to follow us on socials at BonVoyageBesties
In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, we sit down with solo traveler Jen Hammell as she shares the highs, lows, and transformative lessons of her very first trip abroad. From awkward moments in Vienna to unexpected hurdles, Jen opens up about how travel shaped her resilience and self-confidence. We explore the unique experiences of midlife and plus-size travelers, and why inclusivity and representation in the travel world matter more than ever. Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation that proves solo travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s about who you become along the way. You can follow us on socials at @BonVoyageBesties and Jen at @ChooseJensAdventure
In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rachel and Rosa sit down with the powerhouse writing duo, Ali Brady, to chat about their charming new rom-com, Battle of the Bookstores. From behind-the-scenes inspiration and quirky character creation to the ups and downs of co-authoring, this conversation dives deep into the heart of their storytelling. The duo also shares what it’s like juggling writing with real life, the thrill of book tours, and why indie bookstores mean so much to them. Plus, don’t miss the rapid-fire round where things get personal, fun, and a little unexpected! Make sure to follow us on socials at BonVoyageBesties and Ali Brady at IG:AliBradyBooks and TikTok: Ali_Brady_Books
In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rosa and Rachel welcome Erin, a passionate traveler who shares her journey of exploring the Dominican Republic beyond the typical resort experience. Erin discusses her love for the country, her favorite destinations, and the unique cultural experiences it offers. The conversation also touches on safety misconceptions, the challenges of organizing group trips, and Erin's future travel plans, including a trip to Brazil. Follow Erin at @TheExperienceLover on social media.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Erin's Journey
05:38 Erin's Favorite Destinations in the DR
11:05 Cultural Richness and Culinary Delights
16:32 Erin's Travel Itineraries and Experiences
21:58 The Importance of Tourism in the Dominican Republic
26:25 Travel Safety and Awareness
33:08 Language and Communication Challenges
37:55 Driving in the Dominican Republic
In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rachel and Rosa engage in a heartfelt conversation with Alicia Sims Breeland about her transformative journey into minimalism and downsizing. Alicia shares her experience of trading a spacious home for an Airstream trailer, exploring the emotional challenges of letting go of possessions, the benefits of living with less, and the freedom that comes with financial independence. The discussion also touches on practical tips for downsizing, the art of traveling light with a capsule wardrobe, and the importance of finding joy in everyday moments. Alicia emphasizes that living your best life is about appreciating the little things and making small changes that lead to significant impacts.
In this episode, Rachel and Rosa share their insights and experiences about exploring New York City, focusing on tips for a girlfriend's trip. They discuss transportation options, must-see attractions, budgeting strategies, food adventures, safety tips, and seasonal events, providing a comprehensive guide for anyone planning a visit to the city. Love our show? Leave us a review, and follow us on socials at BonVoyageBesties.
In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, we welcomed Tess Millhollon, founder of HerHouse, an app designed to connect solo female travelers. They discuss the challenges and joys of solo travel, the importance of community, and how to make transformative experiences while traveling alone. Tess shares her personal journey and tips for making solo trips memorable, emphasizing the need to step out of comfort zones and the benefits of journaling. The conversation also touches on the accessibility of solo travel for women of all ages and the best destinations for first-time solo travelers. Follow Tess on socials at HerHouse and us at Bon Voyage Besties!
Get ready to pack your bags with Rachel and Rosa in this episode of Bon Voyage Besties! They’re sharing all their favorite packing tips, from must-have comfort items for flights to clever strategies for staying organized on the road. They chat about everything—what to bring for health and safety, how to avoid those pesky packing mistakes, and the little extras that make traveling with kids a breeze. With plenty of laughs and personal stories along the way, this episode will inspire you to pack smart, travel safe, and enjoy every moment of your journey! Love our show? Leave us a review and follow us on socials at BonVoyageBesties!
In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel and Rosa chat with Robin, a seasoned family traveler and blogger. Robin shares insights on traveling with children, including long flight strategies, packing essentials, and destination tips that blend fun and relaxation. The conversation highlights the joys and challenges of family travel, empowering kids in the planning process, and making milestone birthdays extra special with memorable trips. Tune in for relatable stories, practical tips, and plenty of inspiration to make your next family adventure unforgettable! Follow us on socials at BonVoyageBesties and Robin at AroundTheworldWithKidsBlog!
Summer travel season has arrived! In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel and Rosa share their go-to tips for making the most of your trip—from staying cool and avoiding crowds to packing wisely and staying flexible. With helpful advice and fun personal stories, they’ll get you ready for smooth, unforgettable summer adventures. Stay connected and follow along on Instagram @BonVoyageBesties, @RosaAlexC, and @BlondWayfer to see where summer takes them!