Choose Your Happy Place

Your go-to travel guide for exploring cities around the world. Each week I will focus on a different destination and give my best food recommendations, activities with kids, kid-friendly hikes, best beaches for surfing or snorkeling, or must see places. Whether you are a solo traveller or trying to figure out how to navigate traveling with kids, this is the podcast for you.

Solo traveling with Ariel Travis from the Wander Lounge Podcast

Dive into this episode to hear all the tips and tricks you need to book that first solo trip. Ariel is a pediatric medical speech-language pathologist, international speaker, creator of Wander Lounge podcast and CEO of Nomadic Perspectives, LLC. and by heart, a lifelong traveler and storyteller. Two weeks after graduating college she joined the Peace Corps as a health volunteer in Africa—a decision that ignited her passion for exploring new cultures and perspectives. Over the next seven years, she lived and worked in Mozambique, Brazil, China, and the Dominican Republic, immersing in the rich diversity of each place. Today, she has visited over 25 countries and these experiences have shaped her worldview and influenced her work. Her curiosity and adventurous spirit drives everything she does. Her mission is clear: to empower and inspire women to embrace travel, as a means of self-discovery, personal growth, and cultural exploration, which she shares through her podcasts and speaking events. In this episode you will hear: Tips for female solo travelers Safety for solo travelers What have you learned about yourself through solo travel How to make friends while traveling What do you wish you would have known before solo traveling Transformative solo travel moments Specific destinations recommended for first time solo travel

11-18
29:56

Travel to Manitoba Canada with Carolyn Regehr

Welcome to Manitoba Canada!  This weel we will be splitting this episode into traveling to Manitoba Canada but we also will be focusing on Churchill within Manitoba. Carolyn is a mom who loves adventure and slow travel. From living in Morocco to traveling around South America for five months- she is a mom who enjoys exploring the world with her family. You can hear more about their adventures on Prairie Crew Adventures In this episode you will hear about: Best time of year to visit Manitoba Winter adventures in Manitoba Canada Summer adventures in Manitoba How to get around Manitoba Where to stay in Manitoba Food to try in Manitoba Must see in Manitoba Canada What to do in Churchill Canada Polar bear, belugas and northern lights  

11-10
38:12

Faces and Places with Brooke Walker

Meet Brooke Walker! Brooke has been the host and executive producer of Studio 5 for the past 19 years. She is an Emmy award-winning journalist and a member of the KSL News Team. Even with all of these amazing accomplishments, her greatest joy and priority in life is her family. She is a mom of 5 beautiful children and enjoys the simple things in life. You will love getting to hear her story. In this episode you will hear: Where Brooke's happy place is How she began her career as a journalist Best advice for those wanting to follow in her footsteps How she was able to juggle motherhood with a career How Brooke grew the most in the last 19 years Words to her viewers

11-03
35:38

Travel with Monique Mancilla to Mallorca Spain

Monique is a trailblazer for living abroad. She has been living abroad for twenty years and shares her experiences and tips. She has been living in Mexico, Central America, Spain, South Africa and more. In this episode Monique will cover all about her Happy Place, Mallorca Spain. Listen to this episode to hear more about: Best way to get to Mallorca Best time to travel to Mallorca How long should you stay in Mallorca Weather in Mallorca Transportation for Mallorca Food to try in Mallorca Top things to do in Mallorca Where to stay in Mallorca Time of year to avoid crowds in Mallorca Itinerary for traveling to Spain Culture of Mallorca

10-27
32:22

Faces and Places with Monique from she.travels.moms.dives

I started recording this episode with the intent of sharing about Mallorca Spain but knew right away I wanted to share Monique's life story of living abroad. Monique is a trailblazer for living abroad. She has been living abroad for twenty years and shares her experiences and tips. She has been living in Mexica, central America, Spain, South Africa and more. Listen to this episode to hear more about: Monique's 3 recommendation for other people to visit Animal conservation What was Monique's motivation for traveling abroad Animal conservation she has been involved in Why Mallorca and Spain have been a special place for her Is Mexico safe to travel to right now What has pulled her back to Mexico again and again Advice for others wanting to live abroad  

10-20
33:16

Faces and Places with Sheryl Glovka

Welcome to season 4! I am kicking off this season with one of my favorite people in the world, my mom, Sheryl Glovka. Sheryl was a single mom raising 6 kids in Utah and has one of the kindest hearts you will ever know. She is one of those people that would give her shirt off her back to anyone in need. Join me in this episode as we dive more into her life, her advice and some of her favorite travel adventures.  Thank you so much for being here!

10-06
25:05

Faces and Places with Chris Burkard

Meet Chris Burkard! When I first started this podcast I made a list of dream guest that I would love to interview. Chris was one of my top 4 and I am so honored to have him as a guest today. Chris Burkard is an accomplished explorer, photographer, creative director, speaker, and author. Traveling throughout the year to pursue the farthest expanses of Earth, Burkard works to capture stories that inspire humans to consider their relationship with nature, while promoting the preservation of wild places everywhere.  Chris shares his love for nature and photography through his instagram, documentaries and artwork.  If you want to find my coloring books you can click here for the childrens book And click here for the adults coloring book

06-02
33:38

Faces and Places with Blake Moynes

Episode 111 with Blake Moynes from the bachelor, focusing on animal conservation across the globe Blake Moynes is a Canadian television personality and wildlife conservationist. Formally, most well known for his appearances in reality television, Blake has now become well recognized and respected through his commitment to protecting wildlife and wild places. Beyond his television appearances, Blake has remained dedicated to his work in conservation through his company, SOSA. Advocating for endangered species, providing support to important non-profit organization initiatives and utilizing his notoriety in multiple facets for the betterment of our planet. You can find out more about Blake and his animal conservation @blakemoynes If you would like to purchase a travel coloring book: Cities around the world- child's coloring book available now here Famous places and landmarks around the world- adult coloring page available 05/22 on amazon

05-19
41:58

Take the trip- 20th Wedding Anniversary to New York City

This episode is a full itinerary of my most recent trip to New York City for my 20th wedding anniversary. We decided last minute to take this trip and have some quality time. To be able to see all the recommendations and itinerary  head over to my instagram at Choose Your Happ Place In this episode I walk you through the planning process as well as our full itinerary for a long weekend. In this episode I will talk about Where should you stay in NYC Transportation from the airport Go City Pass How to get broadway tickets cheap Family friendly broadways in NYC Best observation deck in NYC What to do in NYC Favorite bagel in NYC Favorite pizza in NYC

05-05
18:18

Faces and Places with Mylo Fowler from @NavajoMylo

Meet Mylo Fowler from @navajomylo In this episode you will hear more about Mylo. Mylo is a father of two and loves to share stories that are rich and deeply rooted in his Navajo culture. He was born at the Navajo Nation capital and raised in Northern Arizona as an 80's kid.  Growing up and living off the land on 12 acres with his grandparents, Mylo learned his Navajo language and his love for nature began before he was in school. Now a renowned photographer mylos photos have been featured in numerous companies like National Geographic, Nissan, adobe lightroom, Thule, real salt lake, native peoples magazine and many more In this episode we discuss Mylo's childhood, values he wishes to pass on to his children, how he has used lessons as a child to become who he is today, his photography and humanitarian work he does.

04-28
47:46

Travel to Stuttgart Germany with Emma Weber

Meet Emma Weber! Emma is a mom of 5 and moved with her family to Stuttgart Germany. Since moving there she has embraced the culture, people and travel all around Europe. In this episode Emma shares all about her charming town of Stuttgart Germany and shares everything you need to start planning your next trip to Germany. In this episode we will cover: Different seasons in Germany When to travel to Germany Festivals near Stuttgart Germany Food to try in Germany Transportation in Germany Immersive experiences to try in Germany Differences between living in Germany and USA Cash or Credit Cards Ideal itinerary for Germany Things to do in Stuttgart

04-21
27:38

Take the trip- Spring break 2025 to St George Utah

In this episode I will be doing a recap on our spring break trip to St George Utah/southern Utah. In this episode I will be covering: Future podcast episodes Take the trip Favorite hikes in Southern Utah Family friendly hikes in Zion National Park Best parks in St George Things to do in St George Best time to travel to Southern Utah

04-14
18:33

Travel to Central Japan with Miyuki Seguchi

Meet Miyuki!  Miyuki grew up in Japan and moved to the UK when she was 18 years old. She then moved back to Japan 5 years later. She hopes to share her country in a more immersive way, so she decided to be an independent travel guide. In this episode we will discuss: Best time of year to visit Japan Seasons in Japan Japan travel tips Food to try in Japan Immersive experiences in Japan Must do in Japan Ideal itinerary for Japan What should you pack for Japan Transportation in Japan Hotels or airbnbs in Japan   Here are some of the links we discussed on the interview Website :https://www.miyukiseguchi.com/ IG: @japan.experts Podcast: Japan Experts Free Japan Travel Guide: www.miyukiseguchi.com/travelguide

04-07
35:15

Travel to Uganda with Lynett Nakamanya

Meet Lynett Nakamanya, a travel expert from East Africa and South of Africa. She has been in the travel industry for 10 years. Her love for travel has brought her to focus on the areas of wellness and adventure while on holiday. You can contact her through her instagram here. You can find her website here In this episode we will be discussing what it would be like to travel to Uganda. In this episode we will talk about: Is Uganda safe to travel to What to wear in Uganda Things to do in Uganda Wellness retreats in Uganda Food in Uganda Gorilla trekking in Uganda  

03-25
35:57

Travel to Capitol Reef National Park with Miriam Gersdorf from Explore.hike.teach

Miriam Gersdorf is a Utah-based hiker, outdoor adventurer, and content creator behind the social media account @explore.hike.teach. Her passion is exploring Utah and inspiring others to get outdoors and discover their next favorite adventure.  She has been adventuring around Utah for 30 years, exploring the national parks and off-the-beaten-path locations.  She advocates for responsible recreation and empowers others to get outside and on the trails.  When not hiking, she teaches reading intervention at a local elementary school, spending time with her family and indulging in a good book or disaster movie. In this episode we will be covering everything you need to plan your dream vacation to Capitol Reef National Park in Utah. We will cover: How can you help with National Park employees Trips with Miriam Best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park How long should you plan to visit Capitol Reef Food around Capitol Reef Favorite hikes in Capitol Reef Camping in Capitol Reef Ideal itinerary for Capitol Reef Must do hikes in Capitol Reef

03-17
43:08

Travel to the Caribbean with Lee from Mango Tree Travel

In this episode today I will be talking to Lee from Mango Tree Travel all about the Caribbean Island. Lee wanted to find a way to make family travel easy for the Caribbean islands and so she created her own company. In this company we will focus on Lee's three favorite Caribbean islands and share some of the tips and tricks to plan ideal trips to each. The three islands we will focus on are Grenada, St Maarten, and Bonaire In this episode we will focus on: Best time of year to visit the Caribbean Travel to Grenada Caribbean food to try Where to stay in Grenada What to do in Grenada Travel to St Maarten- French side Best beaches in St Maarten Best daily shore excursions for cruise port Favorite restaurants in St Maarten Travel to Bonaire Scuba diving in Bonaire Favorite places to stay in Bonaire  

03-11
32:32

Travel to Peru with Nico Escobar

Nico is a Peruvian-American photographer, writer, and food obsessive who has spent the last four years documenting meals, thinking up stories, and occasionally remembering to put the camera down long enough to eat. When she's not tracking down the best ceviche in Lima or dissecting the perfect pintxo in San Sebastián, she's helping travel and hospitality brands tell their stories through marketing, content strategy, and digital consulting.    Her work blends storytelling, photography, and cultural deep dives, capturing how food and travel shape identity and experience. When she's not eating or working (rare, but it happens), you can find her debating the best way to eat your way through Lima, getting lost in a new city, or convincing herself that yes, she does need another Fuji lens. Her passion is helping people explore Peru with a new lens, and she hopes to bring attention to the amazing culture that exists in her home country.    In this episode we will be discussing everything you need to plan your trip to Peru. We will cover:   Best time to visit Peru Machu Picchu Where to stay in Peru Food to try in Peru What to pack for Peru Is it safe to travel to Peru Transportation in Peru Best ages to take kids to travel to Peru What clothes to pack for Peru Ideal itinerary for Peru   You can find Nico at https://nicoescobar.com/ and on instagram at Nicocreates_

03-03
38:49

Travel to Hong Kong with Elle Kwan

In this episode today we will talking today to Elle Kwan, who has lived in Hong Kong with her husband and children for 18 years. We will talk about everything you need to help plan your perfect trip to Hong Kong In this episode we will be talking about Favorite places to see in Hong Kong Best time to travel to Hong Kong Food to try in Hong Kong Where to stay in Hong Kong Top things to do in Hong Kong Travel to Hong Kong

02-26
42:25

100th Episode Celebration

Celebrating my 100th episode! Thank you so much for listening week after week about travel destinations around the world. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to talk to people around the world and to have incredible listeners. In this episodes-  two of my children will be taking over and helping you get to know me better. Thank you so much for being here.

02-17
23:53

Travel to Sanibel Island Florida with Krista Kowalczyk

For over 25 years, Krista Kowalczyk has captured life's most cherished moments throughout Southwest Florida, from Sanibel Island to Naples. As the owner of Impressions Photography, she is renowned for her exceptional wedding, and portrait photography, as well as her outstanding customer service.   Krista's work and expertise have been featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Good Morning America, ABC World News Tonight with David Muir, Fox Weather, The Weather Channel, and NBCLX. Her photography has also been highlighted in publications such as Rangefinder, Brides, The Knot, and Destination Weddings & Honeymoons.   After witnessing the destruction of family photos during Hurricane Ian, Krista began teaching others how to safeguard their memories through easy-to-follow photo organizing techniques. She has since published a book on the topic, spoke at national events and led workshops offering approachable guidance to help people of all tech levels protect their personal collections.   Throughout her career, Krista has photographed NFL games, been published in national magazines, and managed millions of photos. She was named 2023 Mentor of the Year by the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools and became an inductee of The Knot Hall of Fame. Her photography career has taken her around the world to capture beautiful photographs and now also helping people to secure their memories.    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.krista.k?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==   Website: https://thekristak.com/   In this episode we will be discussing everything about Sanibel Island Florida to plan your next trip. In this episode we will cover:   Best time of year to visit Sanibel Island Sanibel Island hotels Sanibel Island resorts Things to do in Sanibel Island Sanibel Island shells Where to eat in Sanibel Island Favorite restaurants in Sanibel Island Itinerary for Sanibel Side trips from Sanibel  

02-10
25:11

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