Travel Is Back : Travel Fast, Travel Smart, 10-Minute Travel Tips

186 Episodes

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185. Big Bear California in Summer and Fall: Alpine Slides and Yellow Hoodies

2025-12-1410:37

Experience Big Bear Lake when the snow melts and the mountains open up for summer recreation. Johnny Mac rides the Alpine Slide (and survives the lines), finds the perfect yellow hoodie at the local running store, indulges in ice cream at North Pole Ice Cream & Fudge, and discovers that a simple chicken sandwich at Social Kitchen & Lounge becomes transcendent when accompanied by a two-person band (plus dog) playing Tom Petty covers. Explore how this accessible mountain town delivers genuine alpine escape without Aspen pretension, and why fall's golden aspens make this the best season to visit.

184. The Road to Big Bear - Conquering California's Switchbacks

2025-12-0707:53

Some drives are destinations themselves. Johnny Mac tackles California State Route 18, the mountain road that climbs nearly 5,000 feet in thirty miles using switchbacks so numerous that counting them becomes futile. Experience the challenge of the Rim of the World Highway as it hauls you from San Bernardino's valley floor to Big Bear Lake at 7,000 feet, passing through multiple ecosystems and testing both your driving skills and your vehicle's capabilities. Learn why those brake check warnings matter, what the locals know that tourists don't, and why arriving in Big Bear feels like an earned accomplishment.

183. Venice California - Canals, Creativity, and Abbot Kinney (Los Angeles)

2025-11-3015:02

Discover the Venice that most tourists miss – the actual canals that Abbot Kinney built in 1905, hidden just blocks from the boardwalk's chaos. Johnny Mac explores these unexpected European waterways before heading to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, where trendy boutiques, vegan restaurants, and coffee culture define modern Venice. From the quiet reflection of morning on the canals to the curated commerce of the boulevard to the carnival atmosphere of the beach, Venice compresses California's contradictions into a few walkable square miles. It's expensive, chaotic, beautiful, and troubled – quintessentially LA.

182. Los Angeles - Grand Central Market: Downtown LA's Beating Heart

2025-11-2312:28

Step into Grand Central Market, the historic food hall that's been feeding Los Angeles since 1917. Johnny Mac guides you through the chaos and culture of this downtown landmark, from the moment you spot The Donut Man and that legendary Devil's Food donut to the perfect coffee pairing at nearby Blue Bottle. Explore vendor stalls spanning generations and continents – Sarita's Pupuseria serving the same food since 1976, Eggslut's Instagram-famous breakfast, Villa Moreliana's perfect carnitas, and everything in between. This is LA without the Hollywood gloss, a market where construction workers and tech bros share communal tables over food that spans the world.

181. Channel Islands - California's Forgotten Wilderness

2025-11-1618:51

The Channel Islands, where isolation meets adventure and California exists as it did before freeways and cities. Johnny Mac explores these remote islands accessible only by boat from Ventura Harbor, from the dramatic cliff-top trails of Anacapa to the sea caves and endemic island foxes of Santa Cruz. Discover world-class kayaking, snorkeling in kelp forests, primitive camping under stars you forgot existed, and hiking where the only sounds are waves and seabirds. Learn what it takes to reach these islands, what to bring, and why the effort delivers an experience that's increasingly rare – genuine wilderness within sight of Los Angeles.

180. Solvang California - Denmark in the California Sun

2025-11-0927:59

Welcome to one of California's most audacious experiments – a Danish village complete with windmills and half-timbered buildings, built in a valley where summer temperatures hit the nineties. Johnny Mac explores Solvang's pastries at packed Mortensen's Bakery, authentic sausages and German beer at Copenhagen Sausage Garden, year-round Christmas shopping, and live music at Solvang Park featuring Angie and the Nightmares. Discover why this theatrical town works despite (or because of) its absurdity, and why sometimes the best authenticity comes from complete commitment to an invented identity.

179. California's Road to Solvang - Mountains, Lakes, and Highway 154

2025-11-0223:29

Some drives are destinations themselves. Join Johnny Mac on California Highway 154, the San Marcos Pass Road that climbs from coastal Santa Barbara into the mountains, through Los Padres National Forest, and down into wine country. Stop at Cachuma Lake for canoe rentals and wildlife watching, experience the dramatic landscape changes from chaparral to forest to vineyards, and understand why this 30-mile journey reveals more about California's geography than any freeway ever could. This is driving as it should be – engaged, scenic, and utterly rewarding.

178. The Funk Zone After Dark: Santa Barbara's Creative Soul

2025-10-2620:59

When the sun sets in Santa Barbara, head to the Funk Zone – a converted warehouse district where wine bars, craft breweries, and live music create the city's most vibrant nightlife. Johnny Mac guides you through Friday night in this creative neighborhood, from wine tasting at Validation Bar with live music to craft beers at Figueroa Mountain Brewing, margaritas at Finney's, and ice cream at McConnell's. Discover why this gritty, artistic corner proves Santa Barbara is more than just country clubs and perfect weather. Explore on foot or grab an electric bike from Wheel Fun Rentals!

177. Santa Barbara by Day: California's Perfect In-Between

2025-10-1921:45

Discover why Santa Barbara occupies a unique sweet spot on the California coast – not quite LA, not quite San Francisco, with a climate and character all its own. Johnny Mac explores the city in daylight, starting with exceptional donuts at Tyler's in Carpinteria, then hitting the south-facing beaches that make Santa Barbara special. Learn the secret to parking on Stearns Wharf (yes, you can drive onto the pier!), find out why there's more parking than you think, and explore the understated wealth of Montecito. Perfect for travelers seeking California's most livable coastal city.

176. Back to Catalina Island (Los Angeles - California)

2025-07-1316:27

Johnny Mac returns to Catalina Island with better preparations to enjoy the island's offerings. He highlights important tips like booking golf carts in advance and utilizing cash-back options at grocery stores to avoid ATM fees. The episode features an eco tour that explores Avalon's landmarks. Other activities include visiting the scenic 'Airport in the Sky,' parasailing, kayaking, and enjoying local cuisine at Antonio's Pizzeria. The episode wraps up with a beach visit and invites viewers to check out the previous Catalina Island episode (Epside 50) for more about this awesome place.This episode wraps up a long stretch of continious travel. We're planning our next trips and will be back soon!

175. Redwood National and State Parks - Among the Giants

2025-07-0613:28

Walk among the world's tallest trees with Johnny Mac as he explores the misty coastal forests where ancient redwoods create living cathedrals that humble human imagination. Experience the otherworldly beauty of Fern Canyon, learn which groves offer the most impressive specimens, and discover how fog sustains these 300-foot giants along California's remote north coast. From the easy accessibility of Lady Bird Johnson Grove to the exclusive permit-required Tall Trees Grove, Johnny reveals how to find solitude among trees that were ancient when Christ was born. Explore tide pools and rugged coastlines where forest meets ocean, understand the conservation battles that saved these last remnants, and learn photography techniques for capturing the impossible scale of Earth's most massive living things. This is nature at its most humbling and inspiring. For a commercial free experience please visit www.caloroga.com/plus

174. Yosemite National Park - Cathedral of Stone and Water

2025-06-2914:43

Johnny Mac in the granite cathedral of Yosemite Valley, where waterfalls tumble from impossible heights and monolithic cliffs challenge both climbers and photographers to capture their true scale. Explore the most accessible routes to Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, discover the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove, and learn how to experience Glacier Point's breathtaking panoramas. From the challenging Mist Trail to peaceful walks among the world's largest trees, Johnny shares how to balance Yosemite's incredible popularity with moments of genuine wilderness solitude. Understand the park's role as the birthplace of rock climbing, learn Ansel Adams' photography secrets, and discover how seasonal changes transform familiar landmarks into completely different experiences. Whether you're seeking adventure or inspiration, Yosemite's combination of granite grandeur and thundering waterfalls creates memories that last a lifetime. For a commercial free experience please visit www.caloroga.com/plus

173. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - America's Most Beloved Wilderness

2025-06-2212:18

Discover why Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park with Johnny Mac as he explores the misty peaks, cascading waterfalls, and rich cultural heritage of Appalachia. Navigate the tourist attractions of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to find authentic mountain experiences, then venture into Cades Cove for the best black bear viewing and preserved mountain history. Learn which waterfall hikes offer the biggest rewards for the least effort, how to experience the park's famous scenic drives, and when to visit for spectacular fall foliage. From the challenging Appalachian Trail sections to easy family-friendly walks, Johnny reveals how to balance the park's incredible popularity with meaningful wilderness encounters. Understand the deep mountain culture preserved within park boundaries and why these ancient peaks continue to capture hearts with their timeless beauty. For a commercial free experience please visit www.caloroga.com/plus

172. Joshua Tree National Park - Where Two Deserts Meet

2025-06-1515:02

Explore the alien landscape of Joshua Tree with Johnny Mac, where twisted, spiky giants create one of the most distinctive and otherworldly environments in the National Park System. Discover how the meeting of the Mojave and Colorado deserts creates two completely different ecosystems within a single park, from the famous Joshua trees of the higher elevations to the stark beauty of the lower desert. Experience the spectacular panoramic views from Keys View, learn which easy walks like Skull Rock and Hidden Valley offer the best introduction to desert life, and understand why this park attracts rock climbers from around the world. From incredible night sky viewing under some of the darkest skies in Southern California to photographing surreal rock formations that seem borrowed from another planet, Johnny reveals how to appreciate a landscape that teaches patience, endurance, and the surprising beauty found in harsh places. For a commercial free experience please visit www.caloroga.com/plus

171. Grand Canyon National Park - The Great Abyss

2025-06-0815:40

Experience the most famous national park in America with Johnny Mac as he guides you through a landscape so massive it challenges human comprehension. Learn the differences between the South Rim and North Rim, discover the best viewpoints along the accessible Rim Trail, and find out which below-rim hikes offer incredible experiences without requiring expedition-level commitment. From sunrise at Desert View to sunset at Hopi Point, Johnny shares the perfect timing for witnessing the canyon's ever-changing light show. Explore options for seeing the Colorado River up close, understand the park's complex ecosystems, and get practical tips for avoiding crowds while capturing once-in-a-lifetime photographs. Whether you're planning a day trip or a week-long adventure, the Grand Canyon demands respect, preparation, and an open mind ready to be humbled by geological time. For a commercial free experience please visit www.caloroga.com/plus

170. Glacier National Park - Crown of the Continent

2025-06-0115:00

Journey with Johnny Mac to the dramatic peaks and pristine wilderness of Glacier National Park, where ancient glaciers carved a landscape so spectacular it's called the "Crown of the Continent." Experience the engineering marvel of Going-to-the-Sun Road as it climbs through diverse ecosystems to Logan Pass, discover the best wildlife viewing opportunities in areas like Many Glacier and Two Medicine, and learn which hiking trails offer the most rewarding encounters with mountain goats, grizzly bears, and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. From the accessible Hidden Lake Overlook to the challenging trek to Grinnell Glacier, Johnny reveals how to safely explore one of America's most intact ecosystems. Understand the sobering reality of climate change as told through disappearing glaciers, experience the historic lodges that define mountain hospitality, and discover why this remote corner of Montana represents wilderness at its most magnificent and fragile. For a commercial free experience please visit www.caloroga.com/plus

169. Death Valley National Park: Beautiful Desolation

2025-05-2516:44

Travel with Johnny Mac to the land of extremes, where the lowest, hottest, and driest places in North America coexist with surprising beauty. Explore the salt patterns of Badwater Basin, witness the rainbow colors of Artists Palette, and learn how to safely experience a place that holds the world record for air temperature at 134 degrees. Discover the best times to visit for comfortable temperatures and the rare wildflower blooms that transform this seeming wasteland into a desert garden. From the mysterious moving stones of the Racetrack to the towering sand dunes near Stovepipe Wells, Johnny reveals how to appreciate the subtle majesty of a landscape that strips everything down to its essence. Find out where to stay in this remote wilderness and how proper planning turns Death Valley from a forbidding wasteland into an unforgettable adventure.Get the show without ads. Five bucks. For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which says UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus.

168. Bryce Canyon National Park: The Land of Standing Rocks

2025-05-1815:53

Join Johnny Mac as he explores the otherworldly landscape of Bryce Canyon, where thousands of orange and red stone pillars called hoodoos stand in perfect formation like an ancient army frozen in time. Discover how to navigate the park's scenic drive and rim trails that offer spectacular views without breaking a sweat, then venture below the rim on the famous Navajo Loop for an up-close encounter with these geological sculptures. Learn when wildflowers transform the high desert into a colorful garden, where to find the best sunrise and sunset views, and why this technically-not-a-canyon remains one of America's most photographed parks. Whether you're camping under some of the darkest skies in the country or staying in nearby gateway towns, Bryce Canyon rewards visitors with landscapes that seem too surreal to be real.Get the show without ads. Five bucks. For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which says UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus.

167. Zion National Park: Cathedral of the Desert

2025-05-1120:21

Travel with Johnny Mac to the majestic sandstone corridors of Zion, where thousand-foot cliffs create nature's most dramatic cathedral. Discover how to navigate this increasingly popular park like a pro, from securing permits for the heart-pounding Angels Landing hike to wading through the cool waters of The Narrows slot canyon. Learn the best times to visit for fewer crowds, where to find hidden gems beyond the main canyon, and how to capture those postcard-perfect photographs.Also check out Episode 38 of Travel is Back, to hear John's audio on-the-ground at Zion in 2022.

166. Yellowstone National Park - America's Wild Heart

2025-05-0420:00

Step into a land of bubbling mud pots, clockwork geysers, and vast wilderness as Johnny Mac explores America's first national park. From the iconic Old Faithful to the technicolor Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone's geothermal wonders reveal the powerful forces beneath our feet. Discover the best wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley, where wolves, bears and bison roam free, and learn how to navigate this massive park without getting caught in tourist crowds. Johnny shares the perfect itinerary to experience Yellowstone's diverse regions, from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to peaceful backcountry lakes, and explains why this remarkable landscape continues to capture America's imagination nearly 150 years after its protection.

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Charlotte Griffin Cox

Travel Is Back : Travel Fast, Travel Smart, 10-Minute Travel Tips