Beach Travel Wine Podcast

Ep 100. Today’s podcast is a little different.  We are taking a few minutes to reflect on achieving 100 episodes and why this is such a big deal.  We share some crazy stats and fun stories, but then we bring it back to you our loyal listeners and tell you what we have coming up in our next series of episodes as we are about to explore 5 countries in Europe so we can bring you lots of great, fun, informative podcast episodes. I also tell you about a free guide I have done at the request of many people about the 6 things I do to take great travel photos on my phone – one of them is so simple – but you would be surprised how many people make this mistake all the time.  The guide will be in the episode description of this episode on the player, you are listening on now, so just click the link to episode 100 to download it. And thank you so much for listening to our podcast over the last 100 episodes – we are really grateful, and we would really appreciate it even more if you took the time to help celebrate our 100th episode by giving us a nice review or 5 stars on the podcast player you listen on. Hope you enjoy Episode 100 and please have a glass of wine and say cheers to us Lyle and Leanne at the Beach Travel Wine Podcast. Click here find episode 100 show notes and free photo guide download www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/100 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

In this episode we are revisiting the third largest city in Spain - Valencia the City of Arts and Sciences and we are taking you exploring the city with us. Firstly we go to the beautifully decorated train station which is next to the bullring and we even take you inside the bull ring and to the toilet which is just one of the funny stories in this episode. Then it's on to a tuk tuk ride with us all over the city. We go through the city gates, across the stunning flower bridge, to the world famous Arts and Science museum before arriving at the marina where the 2007 America's Cup was held. Come with us as we tell about a great a day trip you can do to the popular Port Saplaya and Beach which is known as Valencia's little Venice. We share where you can take a boat ride through the Albufera Natural Park and then explore El Saler Beach where I share the story of Lyle being completely smashed and dumped in the surf - haha. Listen as we dance the night away at a local salsa club – well we had a go at dancing salsa. To this day this remains one of our favourite memories of not just Valencia but Spain. Stay listening to the end to hear all about the Spanish Elvis that was our entertainment for our last night in Valencia – and you even get to hear him sing Viva Espana So much fun and so much to see in Valencia – so please enjoy episode 99. If you would like to see all the pictures and one page guide to Valencia then click this link www.beachtravelwine.com/99/valencia --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

Hola, y benivenidos.  This week we are revisiting our podcast all about Seville in Andalucia, Spain. Seville is many people’s favourite Spanish city and after this episode you will see why. Walk with us through the magnificent Alcazar with its stunning interior and gardens that were part of the Game of Thrones series.  Next, we wander inside the world famous Sevilla Basilica, with the huge tower that I made Lyle climb to take some photos. We walk through the old town, visit some authentic tapas bars where my limited Spanish came in very handy. There is music everywhere you wander through Sevilla, which makes the atmosphere is incredible. We share some funny stories from our horse and carriage ride clip clopping around the main sights of Seville. Listen as we take you strolling along the beautiful river at sunset that runs through the middle of Sevilla. Stay listening to the end when we share one of the most stunning places in Sevilla, so stunning in fact that we went back at night as the sun was setting. You can see our beautiful pictures by clicking the link to episode 98 here. www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/98/seville Please enjoy episode 98 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

In this week’s episode we are sharing with you all about our cruise to the South Pacific Islands of New Caledonia and Mystery Island, Vanuatu. These islands are every bit as idyllic as you can imagine and you will learn all about what activities you can do like swimming with the turtles and what you need to know before and during a visit to these island paradises. After our island escapades we then share why the Quantum of the Seas is an absolute favourite cruise ship for families.  You will hear about the activities on board that kids of all ages can do, including surfing, skydiving, rock climbing and believe it or not – dodgem cars plus all day ice cream and hotdogs. Stay listening to the end when we give you some quick fun facts about the Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas cruise ship before revealing our honest opinions of what we really thought about our first cruise experience together. Please enjoy episode 97 and don’t forget if you want to see all the pictures from this episode click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/97/cruise --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

Hello and welcome to episode 96. We are still cruising on the Quantum of the Seas in the south pacific.  In this episode we are going to share all about the many food options, the fabulous and not so fabulous shows and entertainers and activities on the ship. Listen as I laugh out loud as Lyle admits to a hilarious counting error.  You will hear all about how we crashed (or rather our friend) gate-crashed a karaoke night with Sweet Caroline and the Von Trapp family and what exactly happened at the hypnotist show – as the same friend took to the stage and entertained the whole crowd. Stay listening to hear about what we thought was going to be totally ridiculous, but actually turned out to be our absolute favourite thing to do on the ship. We couldn’t get enough of this crazy fun activity and I would go cruising again just to do this. We finish this week’s podcast with a little singalong with Lyle and I serenading you. Please enjoy Episode 96 and if you want to see all the photos from this episode then click on the link here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/96/cruise --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

In today’s episode we are giving you all the information about cruising on the royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas ship. We sailed out of Brisbane Australia on a 7 day South Pacific Island cruise. This is the first cruise I have done as a passenger and the first one for Lyle in over 30 years – so we have all the helpful info you need if you are thinking about cruising for the first time – or if you just love everything about cruising, or even if you’re not sure cruising is for you. We tell you all the answers to the most asked questions and also give you some really helpful hints that we learnt in our week on board. You will also hear the best cruise story ever – as I said, I had never cruised as a passenger, but I did work on a cruise ship 14 years ago – and I’m not going to give anything else away – only to say I bet you have NEVER done a cruise like the one I did in March 2010!  If you want to see all the pictures from this week’s episode then click the link to the webpage for episode 95 here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/95/cruise --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

In this week's bonus episode we are sharing a fun interview we did with Randy from The Informed Traveler podcast. We talk all abour Queensland Australia and in particular the area of south east Queensland, including, the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. We have a whole series on Australia - Aussie Summer Series that you can find here www.beachtravelwine.com/australia If you would like to hear more from Randy you can find him at www.theinformedtraveler.org --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

Crikey – this week we are taking you to the iconic Australia Zoo! As wild as life gets. Come with us as we walk over 10,000 steps and visit as much of the zoo as we can in a day. Firstly though, for all those people out there who think Australia is full of things that can kill you – we visit the Robert’s reptile house where we see at least half of the deadliest snakes IN THE WORLD. We take you to see Australia’s unique wildlife including wombats, koalas, wallabies, echidnas, kangaroos, emus, and did I mention deadly snakes? Oh and don’t forget the giant crocodiles. We make it to the Tiger Temple just in time to see the tiger show, and then past the elephants having a bath and dinner in the lake. Of course we go to Bindy’s Island where there are Lemurs swinging through the trees,  boa constrictors in the tree house, and tortoises just munching their way around the island. Next up is Africa, where we learnt some fascinating facts about zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos and my favourite – Meerkats. We tell you as much as we can about the facilities at the zoo as well all the shows and feeding times. We also share the story of Steve Irwin and about the stunning memorial they have to honour him at the zoo. Stay listening to the end to hear how brave we were (and that’s a total exaggeration) as we recorded live in different locations around the zoo where wewere stalked by water dragons -which if you can believe it - wander freelyaround the zoo and are as scary as they sound. If you wouldlike to see all the pictures of took of the zoo and animals –including thedangerous snakes – then click on the link to episode 93 here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/93/australiazoo Hope you enjoy our wild exploration of Australia Zoo. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

This week we travel to the world famous Noosa Heads where we take you from the stunning main beach of Noosa to the most beautiful headland walk in the world. I mean where else can you see dolphins swimming in crystal clear water on one side of a hiking track and at the same time look up and see koalas in the trees? After that we take you wandering down the famous main street - Hastings Street - and give you an overview of the glamorous shops, restaurants and bars along the way. We were excited to take a day trip to Habitat Noosa which is a nature lovers delight.  You start at Lake Cootharaba and take a leisurely boat ride through one of only two everglades in the world. The Noosa Everglades is so beautiful, relaxing and quiet and you can definitely capture some amazing photos in the reflective waters.  After the cruise you can try one of their special artesian craft beers in the restaurant and outdoor dining area. Stay listening to the end to hear all about Lyle’s participation in the world renown Noosa Triathlon and also the main reason we love Noosa so much and I'm positive you won't guess what that is. Click here to see all the one page summary with pictures, links and maps for this episode: www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/92/noosa --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

This week we went somewhere on the Sunshine Coast where neither of us had been before. We visited the little historic town of Yandina. We have both passed through Yandina before, but never stopped to have a look around. It is home to one of Queensland’s oldest pubs and railway stations.  You can also find some funky cafes, restaurants and some gorgeous shops in the small main street area.  In Yandina you will also find -  as one reviewer says - “the finest restaurant in the world”.  They are talking about the well loved Spirit House. After we filled up at one of the popular cafes, we headed to the famous Ginger Factory.  It is one of the most visited attractions on the Sunshine Coast.  We wander around, find the Gruffalo, sit under 1000 rainbow umbrellas and tell you all about the gardens, Morton the original steam train, the indoor boat ride, plus heaps more. Unfortunately we weren’t hungry so we didn’t enjoy a ginger scone or ginger icecream. Maybe next time. Lastly we drive 15 minutes to the popular beachside town of Coolum Beach.  Coolum has the longest, flattest, widest beach on the Sunshine Coast and is very popular for surfing. It is unspoilt and the place to go if you want a relaxing beachside holiday without all the distractions.  We give you all the info from our vantage spot on the balcony of the Coolum Beach Surf Club.  It’s a tough life, but someone has to do it. Stay listening to the end to hear what birthday present I bought for Lyle at Coolum and the popular mountain that the locals love to climb – but is actually the second biggest rock in the world – after Uluru. If you would like to see the one page summary with links and the pictures I took while out and about recording this podcast – then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/91/coolum --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

This week we are going to Maleny and hiking around two very unique areas in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.  We visit a large protected rainforest area which is full of wildlife (including snakes) and some endangered species as well as the cute little pademelons you can easily see jumping around the rainforest undergrowth. Oh pademelons are little wallabies by the way. Next we go walking around a 110 acre tropical paradise garden and bird sanctuary.  This area used to be a cattle farm and is now completely transformed to be one of, if not the most beautiful places on the Sunshine Coast. This is the where you can see the best views of the iconic Glass House Mountains (which are actually 13 unusually shaped ancient volcanic vents that dominate the landscape) There are tropical gardens, ponds and lakes, waterfalls, oriental gardens, rotundas dotted everywhere, plus so much more.  It is truly beautiful.  The bird sanctuary was started to house rescue birds and there are four walk-through aviaries where you can have an interactive experience with the birds from all over the world. There is even one parrot that sings opera and Old Macdonald had a farm. Stay listening to the end though, where I literally scream and escape over the fence from the miniature animals in the farm enclosure and then while I have a chat   -  up close and personal with a red-tailed black cockatoo. Advanced warning though– he is very vocal. We tell you about Maleny, the pretty little town that you can visit just a few kilometres away from these stunning places and the best accommodation and venues to eat while you are visiting. This episode is so full of nature, beauty and wildlife with the background chorus from the rainforest, birds and insects. If you would like to see the pictures I took while visiting this stunning area – then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/90/maleny --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

Well, you can’t say we don’t take you to some interesting places.  This week’s episode is another in our Aussie Summer series here on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland Australia.  We are heading about 20 minutes inland from the beach to one of the most visited places in the area.  It is the picturesque village of Eumundi.  Eumundi is famous in Australia and with international visitors as it has the biggest Artisan market in the country, and it is just a gorgeous little village. The market’s slogan is "make it, bake it, sew it grow it" – so there are no cheap overseas products to be found here. We take you down the shady tree-lined terraced avenues filled with every imaginable stall you can think of, including many delicious food vendors. We even do a quick impromptu interview with a nice guy who makes the best pineapple juice I have ever tasted. We also tell you about the very unique annual event that happens in Eumundi – it is the body art festival, which is Australia’s premier body art event and is a celebration of the passionate body painting industry. Stay listening to the end when we leave Eumundi and drive 9km to a new lunch and dinner venue that is quickly becoming the hottest place on the Sunshine Coast.  It is called The Doonan, and we were left speechless by the whole place. If you would like to see the pictures I took as we walked around Eumundi or The Doonan or any of the links we mention – then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/89/eumundi --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

This week Lyle and I take you exploring the gorgeous Sunshine Coast hinterland area.  In particular we record live as we walk around Montville which is an amazing little village perched right on the edge of the escarpment of the Blackhall ranges 500 metres above sea level. We start in a secret park area full of ponds and lush vegetation.  Listen as we share just how stunning it is and you can hear all the birds singing in the background. Next, we take you with us along this quaint main street of Montville Village. Tourists flock to this main street and We share why, including all the unique shops, cafes, galleries, that make this village so popular.  Even the footpath gets a shout out.  I tell you about my favourite dress shop – and not just because of the clothes, but also the dressing room with no curtains. We half-jokingly call Montville the wedding capital of the world and you will understand why after his episode. Nothing in this little village is ordinary – in fact, most things are extraordinary – including the world-famous purpose-built wedding chapel.  It is like nothing you have ever seen before. I tell you about my favourite spot in the main street and why and we finally make it to the top of town (a little bit puffed) where we used to live and run a business.  We tell you all about our time here and the most beautiful beer garden we visited many times. Finally, we wander across the road to share the most spectacular view that is Instagram famous.  Imagine every shade of green, forests, farmlands, hills, all gently rolling down all the way to the white strip of sand that lines the sparking blue Pacific Ocean – just spectacular, and you can enjoy a coffee, meal or cold drink (I mean wine obviously) while taking in the view. Stay listening to the end when we tell you all about the incredible national parks that surround Montville and the most popular hikes that form part of Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk.  The Sunshine Coast hinterland is one of the most popular weekend getaway spots in the country and for good reason.  Please enjoy episode 88. To see all the pictures from this episode click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/88/montville --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

Today we are taking you for a walk all around Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast as we continue our Australian summer series. We used to live here and we just love it and you will see why when you listen to this episode. The Sunshine Coast is a massive tourist area in Queensland Australia and Mooloolaba is one of the most popular spots for holiday makers – and for good reason.  We tell you all about the water activities available here including whale watching, scuba diving and sunset cruises. It is also home to the Mooloolaba Marina which houses up to 100 boats. We tell you about the newest and most popular dining spot in Mooloolaba and of course our favourite restaurant in the whole of the Sunshine Coast because of the fabulous food but also for another surprising reason. Come with us as we stroll past Underwater World Sea Life Aquarium and I tell you all about my visit here a couple of weeks ago and what you can expect to see.  Next, we take you along the walkway through the dunes to parklands, barbecue areas, playgrounds and then to the “Seafood Precinct”. This is where all the fishing trawlers arrive each day with fresh seafood and you can buy it directly from the fish markets – or eat at one of the many restaurants that serve the local catch. Finally, we go to the famous Mooloolaba surf club and the patrolled beach area which is buzzing with families on the beach, along the parkland and in the playgrounds all the way to the Loo with a view. Lyle and I share a couple of hilarious stories from our boogie boarding days at this beach. Stay listening when we eventually end up at the most popular café, restaurant and shopping area in Mooloolaba. We give you some great info on best places to stay, where to buy your supplies and then we finish with a love story that went viral about a French girl and guy she met in Mooloolaba and her quest to find him. Please enjoy this fun Aussie summer episode all about Mooloolaba. If you would like to see all the pictures from this episode then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/87/mooloolaba Click here to see all our Australian podcasts www.beachtravelwine.com/australia or here for all our travel episodes www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

DO YOU DREAM OF TRAVELLING ALL OVER THE WORLD – BUT THEN REALISE WHERE YOU LIVE IS THE PERFECT DESTINATION FOR EXPLORING? In today’s episode Lyle and I take you on a walking tour – literally – of our home beach which is the perfect destination for exploring. We are at King's Beach which is part of Caloundra, on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia. We have our microphones on our T-shirts as we wander along the most popular beach in the area – which happens to be across the road from our home. We stroll through the parklands, playgrounds, past restaurants and cafes, the ocean pool and fountain and we describe them all as we go. Many people visit here each year – especially families in the school holidays and it is so beautiful, that we felt we should go out and about to share it with you. Make sure you stay listening to the end where we fill you in on all the activities and places that you can do and visit, all within a 30-minute drive or walk.  We are talking water activities like surfing, jet skiing and sunset cruises as well as visiting world famous tourist attractions like Australia Zoo– Crikey – We tell you where you can go hiking up ancient volcanoes, as well as some secret places away from the crowds with fantastic views. There is so much to do here, and we are so excited to share our little piece of the paradise with you today. If you would like to see all the pictures and maps and show notes then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/86/caloundra For all our Australian podcast click here www.beachtravelwine.com/australia Please enjoy episode 86. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

We travelled to six countries in three continents around the world this year, which gave us heaps of content for our podcast. Thank you for listening and supporting us- it is a true labour of love, and we plan to keep bringing you great travel information and inspiration through our travel adventures from all over the world. Here’s to the next 52 weekly travel episodes, but first let’s give you a quick, fun overview of our favourite places and experiences we had this year, including Mexico, Italy and New Zealand. Stay listening to the end to hear what travel plans we have for 2024, which includes at least five more countries. We also share some of the ways we are going to experiment with the podcast so please enjoy episode 85 all about the best of our 2023 world travels. Find all the information and pictures about Mexico here: www.beachtravelwine.com/mexico Find all the information and pictures about Italy here: www.beachtravelwine.com/italy Find all the information and pictures about New Zealand here: www.beachtravelwine.com/newzealand --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

We have been interviewed on many podcasts throughout the year, but this one stands out as a favourite.  We spoke to Regan and Allie from the Wanderlusting Wives podcast and we had so much fun. Lyle of course likes to tell all the horror stories and I like to share the nice ones. We talk about man-eating giant jumping crocodiles, becoming an honorary Tuna band member in Spain to the most romantic and idyllic wine drinking spot in Tuscany as well as our run in with a Sniper in Florence, plus heaps more. We had the girls gaping at our stories, laughing at some of our tales and just being blown away by the places we share and things we have done. I’m not sure we gave them much time to ask questions – but in the end it was a great interview full of great travel stories. So please enjoy our fun chat with the Wanderlusting Wives and if you enjoy this podcast you can find more of the girls on all the podcast platforms  or their website www.wanderlustingwives.com or click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/84/wives --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

We have had so many people join our Beach Travel Wine community this year – especially podcast listeners. With the end of year statistics all out for us podcasters to analyse, it didn’t take much for Lyle and I to realise that our most popular podcast – by far – this year is our episode on Barcelona Spain, although there are a few Italian cities quickly catching up. We decided we are going to re-release it in this episode for those of you who haven’t had the chance to listen to it yet. It was the first city we visited in Spain, and then subsequently went on to explore over 50 more cities and villages throughout this amazing country. In this episode we take you all over Barcelona, from La Rambla, Plaza Real, Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Park Guell, the Picaso Museum, the Maritime museum plus heaps more.  We met some great people in this city and share some fun stories as well.  If you would like to see all the pictures of Barcelona, then click on the link below www.beachtravelwine.com/leannes-blog/29/barcelona So please enjoy hearing all about the fabulous city that is Barcelona. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

HOW TO BECOME AN IN-DEMAND HOUSE SITTER. HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT HOUSESITTING AS A WAY TO TRAVEL TO PLACES, STAY A BIT LONGER AND CONNECT WITH A LOCAL COMMUNITY? Well I certainly have, but I also had a lot of questions like: What website should I join or do I need to join one? What is the best way to apply for sits? What can I do to give me a better chance of being chosen? What if I don’t have any reviews because I  haven’t started yet? – the questions go on and on and even though house sitting seems like a good idea – it is hard to know where to start. This week’s episode is going to give you all the answers and what next steps you can take if you are seriously considering housesitting. Because this week I am joined on the podcast by Brittnay from the travelling house sitters .com (and don’t worry the links to all the information Brittnay shares will be in the show notes) Brittnay has been house sitting for many years all over the world and she has a great website with lots of information and for those who are really keen a course that has absolutely everything you need to get started today.  Just a heads up – I have done Brittnay’s course and after completing it – I reached out to see if she would come on our show and answer some questions that I know many people have about house sitting. I ask Brittnay some tough questions that I see people talking about online and some of my own reservations and she gives her honest and experienced feedback. For those who are interested in doing her course (which I highly recommend – I learnt so many things I didn’t even consider were important) then there will be a discount code in the show notes. Click on the show notes link below to access Brittnay's excellent housesitting masterclass/course and discount code as well as her website and also find out Britt's top 6 recommended housesitting sites and her contact details here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/82/housesit --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message

Unfortunately, it took us four trips to New Zealand before we discovered Arrowtown. We had been recommended by friends and family many times to go.  They all said – you have to go to Arrowtown – it is so beautiful, but we just hadn’t found the time. This trip though we did – and we were not disappointed.  What a gorgeous, quaint little village.  It has a population of just over 3,000 people and is right on the edge of the picturesque Arrow River. Many people come here to explore the varied hikes or bike trails and it is also the starting point for popular wine tours, both guided and bike tours. The main street, Buckingham Street, is like out of a time capsule and is full of fabulous shops and even more fabulous cafes and restaurants, some with fascinating histories. You can wander around town and see all the centuries old miners' huts or walk through the Chinese settlement that still has houses and shops in the original condition from the gold rush days. If you are feeling lucky you can even try your hand at gold panning. The local museum is renowned as being one of the best in New Zealand and is the local tourist information centre as well. If you want to see the pictures or the interactive map as well as the links to the places, we mention then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/81/arrowtown You can see all our New Zealand series here www.beachtravelwine.com/newzealand or check us out on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/beachtravelwine/ Please enjoy episode 81 all about Arrowtown in New Zealand. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leanne-mccabe/message