Love It There

Your favorite sister duo chats with their guest Anna about her transformative travel life and her immersive, off-the-beaten-path trip to Albania. Anna shares how she pivoted from a traditional career path to teaching abroad, later becoming a digital nomad based in Madrid, and how travel—and especially solo travel—reshaped her outlook. The core of the conversation focuses on Albania: how a last-minute, budget-friendly trip became a vivid, life-affirming experience in Tirana and the mountain town of Berat, the country’s landscapes, people, culture, food, and logistics. Anna also offers practical tips for travelers exploring Albania (and similar destinations) and reflects on the joy of slow travel.Albania Recommendations:Hostels:Tirana: Vanilla Sky Boutique HostelBerat: Berat Backpackers HostelRestaurants Tirana:Where the hostel was (Blloku area) had tons of good restaurants HANA Corner Cafe: coffee and breakfast Eja Restaurant: traditional food in quiet spot Odas Garden: beautiful terrace / patio Berat:Friendly House: great viewsHomemade Food Lili: literal home-cookingGorica area has beautiful restaurants and look-out barsYour go-to gal for your marketing needs!@anagramcreatesanagramcreates.comCheck out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepodPrefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your favorite sister duo goes back to their OG days for an episode with just Halle and Kelcy. They start the episode by marveling over the 9 Power Principles of the Blue Zones, five areas of the world known for vitality and longevity. Then Kelcy shares about her recent trip to Aruba and why it is called “One Happy Island”. She gives recommendations on where to stay vs. where not to stay, must-do activities, and must-try restaurants. They discuss how Aruba’s predictable weather and location outside of the hurricane belt make it a reliable Caribbean destination. Don’t underestimate Aruba’s small size; there is a vast amount to do so it is a 100% MUST to venture outside of your resort!Aruba Recommendations:Beaches/Hotel Zones:Palm Beach (main hotel zone) - Marriott Stellaris Resort & CasinoEagle/Manchebo/Divi Beach Restaurants:KoalFaro BlancoPapiamentoZeeroverEduardo’s Beach ShackApotek SpeakeasyLima BistroEverMadame JanetteFlying FishboneOld Man and the SeaActivities:Turtle snorkeling (Tres Trapi Beach)Arikok National ParkWestpunt Trail (North end)Spa del SolOla GalleryAloe Vera FactoryConsider Flamingo Island - we didn’t do this but is a popular thing to doCheck out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepodPrefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your favorite sister duo chats with their guest, Jenna, to recap her bucket-list trip to Australia — from iconic city moments to rugged outback adventures. Jenna shares about her time exploring Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, the Mornington Peninsula, and Uluru. They dive into what it’s really like to fly halfway across the world (including a jet lag “Fly Kit” hack that actually worked), the magic of seeing an opera inside the Sydney Opera House, sunrise runs along Apollo Bay, glow worms in the forest, penguins at sunset, and the unforgettable “Sound of Silence” dinner experience under desert skies. Jenna also shares practical tips on road tripping the Great Ocean Road, navigating Australia’s laid-back culture (no tipping!), must-try foods like chicken salt and Tim Tams, and why Australia feels familiar — yet bigger, wilder, and more expansive than anywhere she’s been before. If you’re dreaming of dramatic coastlines, wildlife encounters, and a perfectly balanced mix of adventure and culture, this episode is your Australia starter guide.Australia Recommendations:SydneySee a performance inside the Sydney Opera House — not just a photo stop.Blue MountainsGrand CanyonWentworth FallsMelbourneDrive the Great Ocean Road (take a few days to do this!)Apollo Bay is a good town to stop inMust see spots:Twelve ApostlesCape Otway LightstationThe GrottoLondon BridgeMelba Gully (glowworms!)Queen Victoria MarketPhillip Island: see the Penguin Parade!Mornington PeninsulaThermal poolsLocal wineriesConsider taking the ferry to get here from QueenstownPoint Nepean National ParkMoonlit Sanctuary to pet/feed native Australian animals Uluru & The OutbackAyers Rock ResortThe “Sounds of Silence” dinner under the starsSee Kata TjutaFood to TryFresh seafoodFlat whitesTim TamsAnything with chicken salt!Flykitt to avoid jetlag!Check out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepodPrefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your favorite sister duo gets the opportunity to chat with their guest, Júlia, who shares about her experience growing up in Brazil. She gives a local’s perspective on where to stay, what to do, and what to avoid. Júlia also delves into Brazilian cuisine, highlighting must-try dishes, and shares insights on cultural differences between Brazil and the US. She addresses safety concerns and misconceptions about Brazil, emphasizing the warmth and hospitality of its people. Brazil Recommendations:Where to stay:São Paulo: Pinheiros, Higienópolis, Vila Madalena.Rio de Janeiro: South Zone (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon), BúziosBeach towns: Salvador, Natal, and Fortaleza.Activities:Have a beach day (a must)!Amazon RainforestPantanal (wildlife)Iguaçu FallsSugarloaf MountainChrist the RedeemerLençóis Maranhenses (natural pools among white sand dunes)Food:All-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue restaurant (churrascaria)Breakfast at a local bakery (make sure you get coffee!)Feijoada, a traditional bean stewBrazilian stroganoffPirajá: restaurant in São Paulo for traditional Brazilian foodCheck out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepodPrefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your favorite sister duo is back for another Valentine’s Day special episode. After recapping our weekend together and discussing our own Valentine’s Day plans, we share listener-submitted stories about love and travel; think travel mishaps with your significant other, engagement stories, and more. We also share results from our recent instagram poll about travel preferences, honeymoon insights, and bucket list destinations. Sending all our love to each of you this Valentine’s Day! 💕Check out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepodPrefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your favorite sister duo chats with their guest, Blayre, about her solo travel experience in The Land Of Fire and Ice, aka, Iceland. Hear about Iceland’s stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches and the vibrant city of Reykjavik. Blayre gives her must-do recommendations and shares about glacier hikes, soaking in the Blue Lagoon, and tasting local delicacies (fermented shark, anyone?). Whether you're planning a trip or just dreaming of adventure, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into one of the world's most fascinating destinations.Iceland Recommendations:Activities:Blue LagoonGolden Circle TourKerid CraterAlmannagjá Gorge in Þingvellir National Park (tectonic plates)Gullfoss FallsSouth Coast TourSeljalandsfoss WaterfallGlacier Sólheimajökull hikeReynisfjara Black Sand BeachSkógafoss WaterfallSnaefellsness PeninsulaKirkjufell Mountain in Grundarfjörður Village (featured in Game of Thrones)Snæfellsjökull National ParkArnarstapi Cliff Walk / Gatklettur Sea ArchEats:Hot dog stands! (Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, Viking Pylsur)Fermented sharkSkyrStay: Hotel Leifur Eiríksson (Reykjavik)Check out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepodPrefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your favorite sister duo chats with their guest, Hanna, who shares about her recent trip to Scotland with her sisters, detailing their adventures in Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye. They explored iconic sites, experienced an overnight train, designed handbags, and tasted local cuisine, including haggis and whiskey. Hanna provides insights into travel tips, accommodations, and cultural differences, making it a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to visit Scotland.Scotland Recommendations:Edinburgh:Writers’ Museum (free!)Visit Dean VillageHike Arthur’s SeatWalk the Royal MileBrowse Victoria’s StreetIslander: Make your own tartan handbag!Ride the Jacobite Steam Train - the famous Harry Potter viaduct route through the highlandsIsle of Skye Old Man of StorrQuiraingFairy GlenBook local transport instead of organized tours - look up Kat!Stay at the Skye InnFood/Drink:Haggis (or opt for vegan haggis at Makars Mash)Whiskey - do a tasting!Check out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepodPrefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your favorite sister duo welcomes back their guest, Julia, to share about her recent travel experience to Puerto Rico. She discusses why Puerto Rico may be a surprisingly easy spot to travel with a new baby, in addition to the draw of the beautiful accommodations, the delicious food, and the vibrant culture. Julia highlights the unique aspects of Puerto Rico, including its European influences, warm hospitality, and various activities available for families. Puerto Rico Recommendations:Neighborhood: Condado (Miami of PR)Hotel: Condado Vanderbilt Restaurants:Caleta del Vino - wine bar, tapas (next to the world’s narrowest home!)Verde Mesa - more traditional Puerto Rican foodEl Jibarito - authentic Puerto Rican food loved by localsAl Fresco Rooftop Wine Bar - be aware of the spiral stairs :) Must-see monuments: El Morro, San CristobalCheck out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepodPrefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your favorite sister duo brings back guest Mannie to share her unforgettable journey through Morocco, a trip that blended budget-friendly travel with once-in-a-lifetime luxury. Traveling solo, Mannie walks through the realities of navigating Morocco—from the sensory overload of Marrakech’s medina to the calm, otherworldly stillness of the Sahara Desert. She opens up about safety, cultural expectations, and why hiring a private driver completely transformed her experience. Along the way, she highlights Morocco’s unmatched hospitality, the magic of staying in riads and desert camps, and how leaning into local support made the trip not just easier, but deeply meaningful. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about Morocco and wondering whether it’s worth the adventure (spoiler: it is).Morocco Recommendations:Marrakech Stay in a riad in the MedinaWalk Jemaa el-Fnaa at nightWander the souks (shop at Ensemble Artisanal)Optional splurge: La Mamounia (lunch or spa)Sahara Desert (Merzouga)Fly to Errachidia (ERH) if short on timeBook an overnight desert campCamel ride at sunset (non-negotiable)Try ATVs in the dunesFood Must-DosTagineKnow Before You GoCarry cash; tip ~10%Pay for convenience!Check out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepodPrefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your favorite sister duo welcomes guests Hanna and Firas to discuss their recent trip to Egypt and Jordan. They discovered that Egypt’s chaos is matched only by its jaw-dropping history—from crawling inside pyramids to sailing the Nile on a quiet dahabiya. Transitioning to Jordan, they highlight the historical sites in Amman, including Jerash, and the breathtaking beauty of Petra. Along the way, they were struck by how safe, welcoming, and generous everyone was. The episode is part travel recap, part love letter to the Middle East, and a strong case for why these destinations deserve way more hype.Egypt & Jordan Recommendations:EgyptGuided tour highly recommended – history + logistics matterPyramids of Giza – allow hours; go inside if you canGrand Egyptian Museum – modern, massive, must-seeNile River Cruise – dahabiya > big shipsAbu Simbel – worth the long journeyEat local – koshari, ta‘ameya (fava beans), street juicesJordanAmman – walkable, relaxed, great foodJerash – world-class Roman ruins, minimal crowdsPetra – arrive early and/or stay near Petra gate the night before, be prepared to hike!Wadi Rum – unreal landscapes, stellar stargazingDead Sea – float, mud spa experienceEat mansaf – national dish, don’t skip itCheck out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepodPrefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your favorite sister duo chats with their guest, Niki (of travel planning company Niki and Thom Travel), who shares her experience living in Portugal, offering insights into the culture, food, and travel tips for those looking to explore this beautiful country. From her journey as an expat to the family-friendly atmosphere of Cascais, Niki provides a wealth of information for travelers. She emphasizes the importance of planning, safety, and the vibrant culinary scene, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in visiting Portugal. She even shares some behind the scenes insight on a particularly well-loved HGTV show about buying a home internationally 👀‼️ Mention Love It There when booking with Niki and Thom Travel to get their top travel planning package for the basic plan price!Portugal Recommendations:LisbonWhere to stay:Chiado - trendy neighborhood to stay in Belém - neighborhood near the river (less hills)Activities:Tuk Tuk Tours Pink Street - bars and live music Rua Augusta ArchMiradouro de São Pedro de AlcântaraLivraria Bertrand Day trip to Sintra for castles and stunning views Saint George’s CastleWhere to eat:Nicolau - daily brunch!Time Out Market - massive food haulPortoDay trip to Douro Valley for wineriesPort wineAlgarveBeaches!Stay in Lagos or FaroCarcavelosSurfing/beach townTricana - must-try outdoor cafeCascais Family friendly beach townMarechal Carmona Park Bike path along the coast, see Boca do InfernoPalaphita - jungle cafe with live music   Taberna Clandestina - Portuguese tapas on pedestrian-only streetSouldough- must-try pizza spotGeneral Portugal Recs:Food/drink:Vino verdeBacalo (cod)Bifana (marinated pork sandwich roll) Sardines Puri puri chickenPastel de nadas - custard tartBrioche croissants Honest Greens Bio Shop for fresh organic produce   Check out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepodFollow Niki and Thom Travel on Instagram: @nikiandthomtravel Prefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your favorite sister duo is back for another season of Love It There! Catch up on what we've been up to in our time off and what's in store for Season 3. Make sure you are subscribed or following Love It There so you don't miss our next episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Originally published 10/31/2024) Your favorite sister duo share the craziest travel horror stories of their own and those submitted by listeners. Between unknowingly getting on a train that splits to two different destinations, stolen luggage, food poisoning in Madrid, traveling isn’t always glamorous. They end the episode answering listener questions: craziest thing they’ve ever eaten and what culinary bridge would be too far to cross; and where to start when planning international travel.Check out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepodPrefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Originally published 04/10/2025) Your favorite sister duo hears about the adventure and perils of traveling to Antarctica. Our guest is the most spontaneous and adventurous traveler who saves money on accommodations by house- and dog-sitting in her destinations. Her trip to Antarctica was special because it checked off her seventh continent to which she has traveled. She describes the rough and wild days sailing through the Drake Passage, what to expect on the landing days, and other aspects of Antarctica that might surprise you. Plus, she explains how to save thousands of dollars on an Antarctica trip by checking Black Friday deals!Get 25% off your Trusted Housesitters membership!Check out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepodPrefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Originally published 03/13/2025) Your favorite sister duo chats with our guest about traveling to Guatemala as a solo female traveler. She gives her top recommendations for budget hostels (think glamping, saunas, and views of active volcanoes from your bed!), must-do activities (like cliff jumping, hiking, and yoga classes). She tells the story of how she found a local to teach her tz’utujil, the ancient Mayan language still spoken in parts of Guatemala. She shares her regrets and what she learned from her solo travels. By the end of the episode, you’ll be planning your own solo travel adventure, and likely to Guatemala!Guatemala Recommendations:Antigua - Acatenango and Fuego hike (Soy Tours), Museo Nacional de Arte Guatemalteco (MUNAG), GuruWalk tour, Chicken Bus Tour, Casi Casa HostelEl Paredon (beach town) - Cocori Lodge, Caracola Boutique HostelLago de Atitlán - Locutor Jeremias Hernandez for Spanish or tz’utujil class; cliff jumping and yoga retreat at San Marcos, La Iguana Perdida and Free Cerveza Hostels Flores - Tikal National Park (biggest Mayan ruin complex)El Mirador - biggest pyramid in the world by volume Food - Tostadas, pupusas, atole, street food next to La Iglesia de la Merced in AntiguaSemuc Champey Nature Preserve  Check out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepodPrefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Originally published 03/20/2025) Your favorite sister duo learns about why Vienna, Austria was the World’s Most Liveable City for four of the past five years. Our guest shares about her experience in the City of Music when she spent a summer there studying abroad. Home to Mozart, Beethoven and other composers, make sure you go to an opera at Schönbrunn Palace to experience Vienna’s rich classical music history. Head to the Vienna Museum Quarter, Europe’s largest museum complex, to learn more about Viennese culture. We also discuss easy day trips to Budapest and Salzburg (where The Sound Of Music takes place). We chat about cultural differences between Austria and the United States, debate about whether schnitzel is worth the hype, and so much more.Austria Recommendations:Museums and Buildings - Hofburg Palace (Spanish Riding School), Vienna Museum Quarter, Belvedere Palace, Stephansdom Cathedral, Sigmund Freud MuseumParks - CopaBeach, Prater, VolksgartenOpera - Schönbrunn PalaceFood - bratwurst, schnitzel, apple strudel, Stiegel (Austrian beer) Where to stay - 2nd DistrictCheck out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Originally published 02/06/2025) Your favorite sister duo learns about the quaint, fairytale town on the north coast of Belgium: Bruges. Our guest this week lived in Bruges for three months, so she has endless recommendations for where to get the best Belgian waffles and chocolate, where to stay, and what to do. She shares about the cultural differences she experienced living there full time versus what you might experience visiting as a tourist. She and her husband also run a travel planning company, Niki and Thom Travel, so be sure to check them out to help plan your next trip! You’ll get a discount if you mention you heard about them through Love It There!Bruges Recommendations:Food: frites, ribs, chocolate, wafflesDay trips: Lille, France; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Brussels, BelgiumThings to see in Brussels: Atomium, Europa-Park, Manneken PisBreweries: De Halve Brewery, Dulle Greit (Ghent, Belgium - exchange your shoe for a cup!)Restaurants: FritBar, Otto WaffleChocolate Shops: Elisabeth Bruges, Chocolatier DumonSights/Landmarks: Lace Map, Basilica of Holy Blood (has the blood of Jesus), Belfry Bell Tower (“leaning tower of Bruges”), Minnewater lake (walk across the bridge with your partner to make them your eternal love)Hotels: Hotel Augustyn (view of canals from window), Hotel Duke’s Palace (actually looks like a palace)Other must-do activities: Farmer’s market, canal boat tour, museums (there are ones about fries, chocolate, beer, and torture..?!)Get help planning your next trip! Niki and Thom Travel, @nikiandthomtravelCheck out our website: loveitthere.square.site Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Originally published 10/19/2023) Your favorite sister duo discusses Lake Como and the surrounding towns, specifically Como, Lenno, San Giovanni, and Bellagio. You’ll hear some tips on navigating the water taxi system so that you can make it back to your place without getting stranded. They discuss whether it is best to stay in an Airbnb or a hotel/resort. You’ll also learn about some major movies that were filmed around Lake Como, even though neither Halle nor Kelcy have seen these movies…such a shame. Como Favorites:Towns visited - Como, Lenno, San Giovanni, BellagioLakeside restaurant in Como - Ristorante Pizzeria FunicolareGelato in Como - Gelateria GuidiVilla in Lenno (site of movie filming) - Villa del BalbianelloHiking/mountain bike path - Como GreenwayFor all of the Love It There content: Visit our Website!Follow Love It There Podcast on Instagram: @loveittherepodPrefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Originally published 09/19/2024) Your favorite sister duo chats with Kelcy’s husband, Jackson, about the underrated city of Budapest. A city full of history, beautiful scenery, nightlife, and great food, Budapest is a must-go spot that is also one of the most affordable cities in Europe, which makes it a great place to study abroad.Budapest recommendations:Restaurants: Púder, Mazel TovBars: Szimpla Kert, Morrison’sLocal dish: GoulashThings to do: Gellert Hill for sunset, Fisherman’s Bastion, ruin bars, thermal baths, local marketsCheck out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepodPrefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Originally published 01/23/2025) Your favorite sister duo chats with this week’s guest about the wondrous and magical place 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador: the Galapagos Islands. This episode covers recommendations for the three inhabited (and most often visited) islands of San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela, and how it’s possible to plan a trip independently, apart from a live-aboard cruise. You’ll get recommendations on amazing hikes, beaches, and must-do tours to get the most immersive experience. Plus, hearing stories about the endless amounts of Galapagos wildlife (giant tortoises, sharks, penguins, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, sea horses, and more!) will inspire you to book your trip ASAP.Galapagos Recommendations:San Cristobal - Information Center, Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) TourSanta Cruz - fish market, Charles Darwin Research Station, Tortuga Bay, Highlands Tour to Los Gemelos and Giant Tortoise PreserveIsabela - Las Tintoreras Kayak Tour (Penguins!), Los TunelesCheck out our website: loveitthere.square.siteFollow Love It There on Instagram: @loveittherepodPrefer video podcasts? Watch on YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.