Wander Every Day: Real Talk, Real Trips

In the second half of my conversation with Al, we dive into two of Italy’s most iconic cities: Florence and Rome. From cozy agriturismos in the Tuscan countryside to sipping wine at charming Roman bars, this episode is a foodie and culture lover’s dream.In Florence, we talk Air bnbs, sandwiches from All’Antico Vinaio, coffee culture across Italy, exploring the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, and whether Florence has lost a bit of its sparkle under the weight of tourism.In Rome, it’s all about the food and atmosphere: we break down the four classic Roman pastas, debate Roman vs Neapolitan pizza, and talk about what it’s like to explore the Colosseum during the Ryder Cup crowds. Plus, wine bar recommendations, aperitivo culture, and plenty of travel tips for making the most of these vibrant cities.Whether you’re dreaming of your first Italian adventure or planning a return to soak in more pasta, pizza, and history—this episode will give you insider tips and inspiration to experience Florence and Rome like a local.🎧 Let’s wander.Timestamp:2:03 Florence: Air B&B, Al Antico Vinaio Sandwiches, Utilitarian Coffee, Uffizi Gallery, Agriturismos + Has Florence Lost its Sparkle?11:01 Rome: The Ryder Cup, the Four Pastas of Rome, Neapolitan Pizza vs Roman Pizza, Wine Bar Recommendations, Apperitvo Culture, Colosseum Tour + Pre-planning Attractions25:37 Reflections on Italy Trip and Recommendations29:36 This or That: Bella Italia Edition30:34 Listener Questions: Is Rome Overhyped + Best Restaurants in Italy

In this episode of Wander Every Day, my friend Al joins me to dive into the first half of her Italian adventure – exploring the island charm of Ischia and the bustling streets of Naples.🌊 Ischia: We chat about staying in Ischia Porto, sipping rucolino, taking a boat tour to see La Mano di Dio and the Green Grotto, riding the island bus, soaking in thermal bath parks, and of course trying the island specialty, coniglio all’ischiatana. Plus, we compare Ischia to nearby Capri and the Amalfi Coast – is it the hidden gem worth choosing?🍕 Naples: From exploring the Catacombs of San Gennaro to diving deep into Naples’ legendary pizza scene, we review Michelin-recognized favourites like L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, Gino e Toto Sorbillo, Pizzeria Vincenzo Capuano and Pepe in Grani. We also share a wine-filled stop at Vineria Bandita and chat about Naples’ complicated reputation.✈️ Italy Travel Tips: We round out the episode with practical advice – from avoiding pickpockets, to navigating Italy’s mix of trains, ferries, and metros, to cost expectations and the best times of year to visit.If you’ve ever wondered whether to put Ischia or Naples on your Italy itinerary (or if you’re just here for the pizza talk), this episode is packed with insight.🎧 It’s time to experience la dolce vita!Timestamp:2:47 Introduction to Al: Frequenter of Italy, Lover of Pizza and Wine + Discovering Italy without a Car12:56 Travel Tips: Planning in Advance, Accommodation Accessibility, Avoid August Travel? + General Review of our Budgets and Cost25:07 Arrival in Italy, Beware of Pickpockets + Every Mode of Transport in Italy31:53 Ischia: Getting Around the Island with the Bus, Boat Trip Around the Island, Coniglio all'ischiatana, Rucolino Amaro, Thermal Baths + Comparison to Amalfi and Capri51:37 Naples: The Grit, Character and Authenticity, the Pizza Journey, the Catacombs of San Genaro and San Genaro Day, and using the Michelin Guide while Traveling (it’s not always super expensive!)

In this deliciously travel-filled episode of Wander Every Day, I sit down with my friend Emily — culinary school graduate, owner of @ems_treats, and mom of two — to hear all about her 10-day winter adventure in Lisbon, Portugal.Emily, her husband Kyle, daughters Spencer (3) and McKenna (8 months), her mom, and her sister stayed in a cozy Airbnb and explored Lisbon’s charm one cobblestoned hill at a time. From day trips to the stunning Botanical Gardens, seaside Cascais, and the magical castles of Sintra, to soaking up the culture at LX Factory and Time Out Market, they made the most of their family getaway.Of course, no trip with Emily is complete without a food quest — and this time, it was all about pasteis de nata. Hear how she tried 30 different custard tarts to find the ultimate winner, plus her thoughts on the city’s fresh fish, potatoes, and mouthwatering restaurants. You’ll also get tips for tackling Lisbon’s famously steep, cobblestone streets with little ones.If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Lisbon, especially with kids, or simply want the inside scoop from a foodie’s perspective, this episode is packed with inspiration, travel tips, and (of course) plenty of pastry talk.🎧 Listen now and get ready to fall in love with Portugal!Timestamp:0:00 Introduction to Emily and Wander Every Day3:30 Camping in New Zealand: Bringing Tents, Unpredicted Rain + Wild Animals of the Region6:54 Pasteis de Nata with a Culinary School Grad, Emily’s Travel Tips and Style + Shareable Google Maps Map18:06 Day 1: Down Down with Illness + Air B&B24:35 Day 2: the Best Cafe in Lisbon (spoiler - it’s vegan!), Botanical Gardens + Beautiful Dinner in Lisbon30:04 Day 3: Beach in Cascais + Best Gelato in Lisbon33:31 Day 4: Castle Sao Jorge, the Real Facts about Pasteis di Nata + SOL Restaurant (10/10!)37:26 Day 5: Timeout Market, Pasteis de Belem + Hilly, Hilly Lisbon45:47 Day 6: Sintra, Castles like Hogwarts + Quinta da Regaleira50:12 Day 7-10: Wandering the Cobblestone Streets, LX Factory + Baixa56:38 Trip Reflections1:00:38 Rapid Fire1:03:41 Listener Questions: Balancing Sight-seeing + Parenting, Lisbon Stroller Accessible + Public TransportationLinks:Lisbon Sharable Google Map LocationsLisbon Air B&BRecommended Restaurants: Javá, SOL Restaurante e JardimBest Café: Gal Café (Vegan Cafe)Best Gelato: Insano GelatoBest Pasteis di Nata: Aloma

In this solo episode of Wander Every Day, we’re diving into the art of using Aeroplan points and Membership Rewards to make travel more affordable—and sometimes downright luxurious. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your strategy, this episode breaks down the essentials of both collecting and redeeming points in Canada.We cover:✈️ What your Aeroplan points are actually worth💳 How to collect more points through sign-up bonuses, strategic credit card spending, and bonus offers 📊 How to optimize redemptions using the Aeroplan Flight Reward Chart, understanding dynamic pricing, and calculating cost-per-point (CPP) 🧠 Tools & experts to help you maximize value—like Roame, Ricky Zhang from Prince of Travel, and Canadian JetsettersFrom roundtrip economy to dream-worthy business class flights, this episode is packed with practical advice, real examples, and personal wins that prove points can take you further than you think—if you use them wisely.Links:American Express Cobalt Card Referral LinkAeroplan Flight Rewards ChartPrince of Travel AeroplanTimestamps:0:00 Introduction to Point Collection and Redemption8:03 Optimizing Point Collection: Sign-up Bonuses with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card11:32 Optimizing Point Collection: Day-to-day Spending with the Amex Cobalt Card13:05 Optimizing Point Collection: Bonus Offers and Promotions12:49 Optimizing Redeeming Points: Star Alliance Price Chart14:04 Optimizing Redeeming Points: Dynamic Pricing15:28 Optimizing Redeeming Points:Cost-per-point Ratios17:37 Closing Tips: Roame, Ricky Zhang + Other Resources

This week on Wander Every Day, I’m joined by my sister-in-law Christina, who went on a month-long slow-travel adventure across Switzerland, Italy, and Spain. From postcard-perfect aperitivo moments in Milan to a hidden gem village in Cinque Terre, Christina shares not just where she went — but what it felt like to be there.We talk honestly about the cost of traveling Switzerland (is it worth it?), the simple magic of sipping wine in small Italian towns, and how meeting a local artist in Florence became a highlight of her trip. And when Spain came calling… did she secretly regret leaving Italy behind?🗺️ In this episode, we chat about: • Why Switzerland’s beauty requires planning to allow for a budget price tag • The perfect aperitivo moments in Milan 🍸• A hidden gem in Cinque Terre (that isn’t where most tourists go) • Meeting a passionate artist in his Florence gallery 🎨 • Second-guessing whether leaving Italy for Spain was the right move • The slower, reflective side of travel — and what Christina would change next timeWe also talk European trains, review some top bar cafés in Milano, and really dive into whether traveling Europe in summer is worth the price, traffic + heat. Whether you're mapping out your next Europe trip or wondering if Italy deserves more of your itinerary — this episode’s for you.🎧 Let's wander.Recommendations:Felix - MilanoMag Cafe - MilanoBar Bello - MontrealPastaficio di Canneto - GenovaIl Gattaccio - VernazzaTimestamp0:00 Introduction to the Pod2:41 Christinas Travel Style: Travelling with Friends, Authentic Travel Experiences + Preferred Pace of Travel19:18 Switzerland: Fribourg, Montreux Jazz Fest, Gruyère cheese, Lausanne Beach Day + Marzili Bern29:25 Switzerland is Expensive: Food + Trains (including the Bernina Express)37:23 Milan: Appetitivo Hour, Duomo at Golden Hour + Speak Easy Culture43:03 Genoa: Pastaficio di Canneto Pasta Restaurant, Unexpected Beach Vibes + Castelletto Views46:47 Cinque Terre: Hidden Gem Town + Hiking Path, Overtourism in the Main Towns + Efficiency of the Train (Unless it’s on strike…)57:50 Firenze “Florence”: Art Gallery Socials, Surviving the Heat + Day's Flashback to Engagement Pics in the Bardini Gardens1:02:52 Quick Taste of Bologna: Bolognese, Food and Wine1:04:37 Madrid: Spain Regrets?, El Retiro Park + Navigating Madrid Train Station1:10:51 Barcelona: Beware of Phone Thieves, Jamon Iberico + Sitges1:23:55 This or That: Euro Summer Edition1:24:47 Listener Questions: People Watching at Apperitivo Hour + Where Would You Go Back

In this episode of Wander Every Day, I’m joined by my friends Gates and Laura, who recently returned from a 10-day family trip to Spain with their two boys — Ian (5) and Logan (3) — and Gates’ mom, Lynn. From the beaches of Salou to family-friendly adventures in Barcelona, they’re sharing the highs, the meltdowns, and everything in between.We dive into what it’s really like to travel Europe with little ones in tow — including what to bring (and what to leave behind), how to adjust to jet lag, and how to balance naps, snacks, and sightseeing without losing your mind.👶✈️ Perfect for parents dreaming of big trips but unsure if now’s the right time — this is the real talk you need.🗺️ In this episode, we cover: • 5 days in Salou: beaches, PortAventura World, and a day trip to Siurana • 5 days in Barcelona: Sagrada Familia, a mosaic class, and a kid-focused walking tour • How they planned and booked Airbnbs for 3 generations • Packing essentials: car seats, strollers, carriers & kid entertainment • Managing jet lag, meals, and meltdowns on the road • Encouragement for parents who want to keep traveling with their kids — not wait until they're older👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Real advice from real parents who are making it work — one gelato and playground stop at a time.🔗 Links:Salou Air B&BBarcelona Air B&BBarcelona Kids and Family Walking TourTop 40 Things to Do with Kids in Barcelona🎧 Hit play and let’s wander.

This week on Wander Every Day, I’m joined by my cousin-in-law Francesca, to review her action-packed and unforgettable trip through Tanzania and Zanzibar — a journey that had everything: wildlife, wonder, and a few unexpected bumps (literally).She takes us along on her 6-day Serengeti safari, where she: 🦓 Witnessed the legendary wildebeest river crossing 🚙 Survived a couple of safari vehicle breakdowns 🎈 Soared over the plains on a sunrise hot air balloon ride 🦁 Explored the incredible Ngorongoro Crater — home to some of Africa’s densest wildlifeThen it was off to Zanzibar for some well-earned rest and exploration: 🌴 Beachfront chill time in Kendwa 🌶️ A deep dive into culture on a Stone Town spice tourOh, and did they see a kill on safari? You'll have to listen to find out 👀Whether you’re dreaming of a Big Five safari, craving clear turquoise waters, or just curious what it’s like when your safari truck breaks down in lion territory — this one’s got stories.🎧 Hit play and let’s wander.00:00 Introduction to Tanzania and Zanzibar3:07 Even Experienced Travellers Make Mistakes - the Soon-to-Expire Passport Story9:24 African Safari Planning: When To Go, the Great Migration + Preparatory Info15:20 Francesca’s Trip to Tanzania + Zanzibar: Ethiopian Airlines, How to Choose A Safari Tour + Cost Expectations26:58 Serengeti Safari Day 1: Truck Breakdown Part I, Seronera + Overview of the Camps35:55 Serengeti Safari Day 2: Truck Breakdown Part II + Safari Meals41:52 Serengeti Safari Day 3: Hot Air Balloon, Up Close Lions + Flash Flooding Dangerous River Crossing52:09 Serengeti Safari Day 4: Wildebeest Crossing + Elephants55:05 Serengeti Safari Day 5: The Kill!? + Pamoja African Lodge1:01:36 Serengeti Safari Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater + How Many Gazelle are There?!?1:04:55 Zanzibar: Arusha Airport, Italian Invasion in Kendwa + Stonetown1:14:54 Respecting Culture, Diving + Canadians Owning the Zanzaibarian Resort1:22:52 Rapid Fire Round1:24:57 Listener Questions: Other Safari Locations in Africa, Bathrooms?, and the Beaches in Zanzibar 

This week on Wander Every Day, I’m joined by my wonderful friend Maddie, who’s no stranger to Japan — she’s traveled there three times, spent over six weeks exploring the country, and just so happens to be married to someone who grew up there.In this episode, Maddie takes us along on her most recent trip:✨ Visiting her husband’s hometown of Misaki in Chiba 🌸 Exploring Nikko and sipping morning coffee by the river 🎤 Singing karaoke and missing the last train in Tokyo 🦌 Traveling solo to Nara with a peaceful day trip to Minoo waterfall 🚄 Experiencing her first bullet train ride 🍱 And of course — the food: tonkatsu, konbini snacks, and all-you-can-drink beerShe also reflects on highlights from previous visits to Kyoto, Okinawa, and Hakone, sharing tips, funny stories, and favourite off-the-beaten-path moments.If Japan is on your list — or you just love hearing honest, thoughtful travel stories — this episode is packed with inspiration, laughs, and seriously great recs.🎧 Press play and let’s wander.00:00 Overview of Travel to Japan4:00 Japan Working Holiday Visa8:11 Overview of Maddie: Previous Trips to Japan, Solo Travel + Budget Style and Planning Approach18:51 Chiba: Authentic Japan, Socializing Customs + Surfing22:50: Nikko: Dewy Mountain Vibes, Hostel Coffee by the River + See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil30:32 Tokyo: Overview of Tokyo Regions, Tonkatsu/Ramen + Missing the Last Train38:27: Nara: Aggressive(ish) Deer, Japanese Customs + the Shinkansen48:48 Osaka, Kyoto + Tokyo: General Overview of the Golden Route54:46 Okinawa: Beaches, Mazemen + Zamami Island57:17 Hakone: Onsens, Mount Fuji + Japanese Food Talk1:03:55 Final Review of Japanese Activities and Reflection on Trip1:06:42 This or That: Japan Edition1:07:52 Listener Questions: Luggage Forwarding, Where to Revisit in Japan + Is Cherry Blossom Season Worth It?

This week, I’m joined by my brilliant friend and 3-time Jeopardy! champion Diandra, who took on 6 countries in 10 days on a whirlwind Contiki tour through Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, and Italy — all during the cozy (and sometimes chilly!) Christmas Market months of November and December.From making pierogies in Warsaw to ice skating outside in Budapest, visiting Auschwitz, sailing through Venice on a gondola, and even exploring Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg, Diandra shares the highs, the heart, and the unexpected magic of fast-paced group travel.We talk about:How to make the most of a tightly packed itineraryContiki tips for all travelersBalancing heavy historical moments with lighthearted memoriesWhat she’d do differently — and what she’d do again in a heartbeatIf you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a lot in not a lot of time, this one’s for you.🎧 Hit play — and let’s wander.Timestamp:00:00 Varadero, Cuba: The Not-As-Planned Group Trip with Diandra in 20175:40 Overview of Contiki13:28 Warsaw: Meeting the Contiki Tour, Palace of Culture and Science + Blueberry Pierogis? 15:15: Krakow: Hourly Trumpets, Pazcki + Somber Reflection at Auschwitz21:50 Overview of Ibis Hotels24:17 Banská Bystrica: A Little Taste of Slovakia26:08 Budapest: Goulash, Ice Skating + Danube River Cruise31:37 Salzberg: Mozart, Mulled Wine + Ribs and Schnapps36:47 Ljubljana: Picturesque Lake Bled, Traditional Slovenian Dancing + Canadian Karaoke39:32 Venice and Rome Recap: Wine and Cicchetti Tours, Gondola Rides + Rome Tourist Highlights43:36 Contiki Reflections47:47 This or That: Eastern Europe + Italia Edition48:25 Listener Questions48:58 Closing Recommendations and Thoughts

In this solo episode, I'm recapping my own trip to Greece with my husband, Nick — and we covered a lot of ground.From sipping wine in the Nemea region 🍷 to relaxing at the beachy Vincci EverEden Resort 🌊, exploring the charming streets of Nafplio 🏛️, and ending with a 7-night island-hopping cruise across Corfu, Kefalonia, Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes — this was a trip to remember.I’m breaking down:Why Nafplio might be one of Greece’s most underrated gemsIf the Apollo Coast is worth skipping the islandsCruise highlights (and real talk about what wasn’t worth it)My favorite meals, wine picks, and beach spotsHow to balance luxury with budget-friendly choicesWhether you're planning your own Greek adventure or just want to wander from your headphones, this episode is packed with personal recs, honest takes, and dreamy travel inspo.🎧 Let’s go to Greece — no passport required.2:10 Nafplio: Palamidi Fortress, Nemea Wine Region + the Authentic Greek Experience12:32 The Athenian Riviera: Luxurious Resort Vibes at a Reasonable Price16:07 Athens: Quick tips + Acropolis Part 221:29 Greek Islands Cruise Review26:02 Rhodes: Medieval Greece28:52 Mykonos: Touristy > Beauty32:17 Kefalonia: The Calm Scenic Island We Couldn’t Explore37:11 Corfu: A Taste of Italy in Greece39:22 Santorini: Quick Tips, ATV Rides + Unforgettable Sunset Dinners42:34 Final Thoughts on Greece

In this episode of Wander Every Day, I’m joined by my friends Nick and Lindsey, fresh from their dreamy 2-week honeymoon in Greece — and yes, emotions were felt.They take us through their island-hopping itinerary, from ancient ruins to luxury views:✅ Athens and the moment Lindsey cried (happy tears!) atop the Acropolis ✅ A luxury stay in Imerovigli, Santorini, plus a hike along the Caldera ✅ A romantic dinner at Rotonda in Naxos — unforgettable views & flavors ✅ Chill beach days at Kolymbithres in Paros ✅ Real talk on planning a honeymoon that’s both indulgent and laid-backIt’s a perfect blend of romance, relaxation, and real travel tips — whether you're planning a honeymoon or just dreaming of Greek sunsets.2:49 Choosing Greece + Honeymoon Budgeting11:57 Athens/Greece First Impressions + Ferry Overview17:04 Santorini: Hotel Sunnyvillas, Caldera Hike, Raki + the Best Gyro in Greece33:27 Naxos: Catamarans, Scenic Sunset Dinner at Rotonda, Caya Beach Club + Greek Wine Review46:07 Paros: “Baby Mykonos”, Kolymbithres Beach + Authentic Local Greek Eats55:33 Athens: Acropolis, Bar Hopping + Lindseys Moment of Appreciation1:02:06 Greek Sweets and Coffee: Lukumades, Bougatsa + Greek Coffee1:07:36 Memorable Reflections and Recommendations for Others1:11:50 Me or You: Honeymoon Edition1:12:39 Listener Questions: Most Underrated / Overrated Things About Greece, Communicating with Locals, Public Bathrooms + Nick the Cat Whisperer?1:16:42 Final Thoughts on Greece#TravelPodcast #WanderEveryDay #GreeceHoneymoon #SantoriniViews #GreekIslands #AthensMagic #NaxosEats #ParosBeaches #LuxuryTravel #TravelStories

In our very first episode of Wander Every Day, I’m chatting with my budget-savvy friend Sam, who just wrapped up a 14-day adventure through Thailand and Vietnam with her friend Rich. From partying at Khao San Market to soaking up the sun in Kappa, Sam shares how they made the most of every dollar — and every day.Expect stories from:✅ Chiang Mai’s Songkran Festival — where the water fights are epic and the budget is minimal ✅ A jungle cooking class that turned into a wild experience ✅ Heartwarming moments at an elephant sanctuary ✅ An authentic homestay in Sa Pa just a hop and a skip away from the renowned rice fields of Vietnam ✅ Hostel life, travel hacks, and unexpected finds along the wayWhether you’re planning your own Southeast Asia trip or just want to live vicariously through some unforgettable travel tales, this episode is packed with smart recs, hilarious mishaps, and serious wanderlust inspo. Tune in now! 🌟🎧Chapters00:00 Choosing Thailand and Vietnam: The Journey Begins07:31 General Trip Overview and Itinerary: Thailand and Vietnam09:43 Cultural Shock in Vietnam: A Different World11:40 General Overview of Hostel Stays15:05 Bangkok: Khao San Market, Floating Market, Muay Thai, Street Food + Massages19:39 Krabi: Reeve Beach Club, Tuktuk Travel + Nomads Hostel Review22:29 Ko Phi Phi: Longtail Boat Tour + Beaches25:37: Khao Sok National Park: Jungle Cooking, Elephant Sanctuary + Bamboo River Tour34:19: Chiang Mai: Songkran Festival + Water Gun Fights38:34: Other Thoughts and Recommendations for Thailand40:02 Hanoi: Chaotic Streets + Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine41:27: Kappa: Cruising, Family Style Meals + Enjoying the Water43:44 Sa Pa: Homestays + Adventures in the Rice Fields49:15 Ninh Binh: Motorbike Tours + Mu'a Cave Hike53:51 Hanoi Part 2: Culinary Adventures and Shopping in Vietnam56:02 Comparing Thailand and Vietnam57:11 Future Travel Aspirations57:59 Rapid Fire Travel Questions01:00:27 Cultural Etiquette and Customs01:01:30 Final Travel Tips and Reflections#TravelPodcast #WanderEveryDay #BudgetTravel #SoutheastAsia #ThailandTravel #VietnamAdventures #BackpackingTips #TravelStories #NewEpisode #PodcastLaunch

🎙️ Welcome to WANDER EVERY DAY!In this trailer episode, host Day gives you a sneak peek into what WANDER EVERY DAY: REAL TALK, REAL TRIPS is all about — real travel stories, smart recommendations, and honest conversations with well-traveled friends.✨ What to Expect: • Travel that feels real, doable, and fun • Tips on where to stay, what to eat, and how to wander smarter • Weekly episodes full of stories, laughs, and practical adviceWhether you’re trip-planning or daydreaming, this podcast is your go-to for thoughtful travel inspiration without the fluff.Connect with me!👉 Follow the show + get ready to wander!📲 @wander_every_day on Instagram, TikTok and on YouTube