Send us a textAfter a whirlwind journey through Eastern Europe, we found ourselves in an unexpected twist when Jim faced a serious health challenge in Latvia. Amidst these challenges, we hold onto our zest for travel, with hopeful plans for a springtime excursion to the UK and Ireland, cherishing the journeys yet to come.A train ride from Berlin to Prague rekindled our love for these vibrant cities, despite past trips being clouded by illness. The marvels of Prague—its captivating architectur...
Send us a textEver wondered how a seemingly innocent meal could turn your dream vacation into a medical nightmare? Join Rita and me as we recount our wild ride through Eastern Europe that left us grappling with mysterious, severe pains striking at the worst possible moments. From the first alarming symptoms in Krakow to a dramatic ambulance ride in Riga, our journey became an unexpected test of endurance and adaptability. You'll hear all about our encounters with healthcare professionals in a...
Send us a textJulie Tallman has spent over 15 years navigating the globe on horseback, forging unforgettable connections and experiences. This week, Julie brings us a heartwarming tale from her recent adventure in Serbia, weaving through the countryside on a progressive ride and staying with locals who embody the true spirit of hospitality. Learn how she uncovers these hidden gems through specialized agencies like Hidden Trails and listen to her recount the endearing encounter with a Serbian ...
Send us a textEver wondered how a childhood passion can blossom into a prolific career? Join us as we chat with Julie Diebolt Price, a seasoned travel writer and photographer who transformed her early love for snapping photos with a Brownie camera into a life filled with published works and global adventures. Julie shares her unexpected journey, overcoming her fear of English classes to become a celebrated author and mentor. She reveals the magic of capturing travel experiences through timely...
Send us a textCan one transformative trip change your entire life? Neo Johnson's story suggests it can. Starting from a dark period in 2019, Neo recounts how a tragic loss prompted his journey towards a life filled with travel, personal growth, and unexpected discoveries. Listen as Neo details his experience of visiting 72 countries, from his first significant trip to Barbados amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, to his current adventures in Colombia. This episode promises an inspiring deep dive int...
Send us a textWhat does it take to leave a stable career in Corporate America and become a globetrotting travel writer? Join us as we journey with Amy Piper, who did just that! Amy's transition is nothing short of inspiring, and she brings us along on her adventures from a thrilling photo safari in Tanzania to an eagerly anticipated culinary expedition in Italy. Her tales of unusual foods will fascinate both travel enthusiasts and food lovers.Discover the magic of finding hidden culinary gems...
Send us a textEver wondered if a shared love for travel could reignite the spark in a long-term marriage? Meet Zeke and Terri Mead, who were on the verge of divorce after 25 years together until the COVID-19 lockdown forced them into close quarters. Discover how daily intimacy, vulnerability, and therapy, combined with their mutual but diverse interests—Zeke's love for cycling and Terri's passion for museums—breathed new life into their relationship. They recount their adventures from quaint ...
Send us a textWhat happens when a young couple swaps their wedding vows for an epic global adventure? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Seth and Sarah, who did just that—and came back with more than souvenirs. This episode unveils their incredible journey from backpacking across continents to the unexpected joy of parenthood, all while navigating the challenges of a world on lockdown. Discover how they resumed their travels with baby Millie in tow, from traversing Canada to soaking...
Send us a textImagine going from the daily grind of dairy farming and city commuting to embracing the freedom of life on the road. Meet Mandy and Tui Travers, native New Zealanders who, after a life-altering accident at 60, decided to sell their home and embark on an adventurous journey in a caravan. In our latest episode, they share their incredible story of transition from rigorous work schedules to a nomadic lifestyle, offering personal insights into the benefits and challenges of house si...
Send us a textCan eSIM technology transform your travel experience for good? In the 26th episode of "Travels with Jim and Rita," we celebrate a significant milestone by sharing the tech and travel hacks that have shaped our journey over the past six months. From the game-changing convenience of eSIMs and Global Entry passes to the luxury of airport lounges, we reveal the tools that have made our globe-trotting life more manageable. Also, get a sneak peek into our upcoming 70-day tour of Easte...
Send us a textHave you ever wondered how to travel the world on a tight budget while experiencing life-changing adventures? Join us as we chat with Laura Lisensky, a high school biology teacher and host of the "Travel Along with Laura" podcast, who shares her incredible journey from studying in Scotland to serving in the Peace Corps in Benin, West Africa, and beyond. Laura uncovers the myths around the cost of travel and offers insightful tips on how to explore places like Thailand and South ...
Send us a textEver wondered how to balance life's responsibilities while nurturing a passion for exploring the world solo? Join us in our latest episode featuring Clarice Pereira, an intrepid solo traveler from Singapore. Clarice shares her incredible journey of caring for her family while pursuing her love for travel, offering invaluable insights and practical tips. Discover how she navigates the bustling, multicultural life in Singapore and why she chose Germany for her first solo European ...
Send us a textCan language transform the way we experience the world? On this episode of "Travels with Jim and Rita," we explore our summer adventures, from cat-sitting in Carmel, Indiana to preparing for an epic European journey. We discuss the surprising joys and challenges of spending summer in the US, and the invaluable gift of reconnecting with our nine grandchildren. Our travel plans take us to Oklahoma, Georgia, and beyond, but the real magic happens when we delve into the compelling r...
Send us a textWhat happens when you combine adventurous spirits with a keen eye on budgeting? Join us as we recount our memorable journey through Panama City and Playa Coronado, where we faced both triumphs and challenges. From the affordable Airbnb stays and vibrant local markets in Panama City to the higher costs and limited amenities in Playa Coronado, we navigated the ups and downs with a strategic budgeting approach. Rita shares her mixed feelings about Playa Coronado, contrasting it wit...
Send us a textEver wondered how relocating to a new country could transform your life and open up new horizons for your family? Join us as we recount our chaotic yet exhilarating journey from Mexico to Knoxville, marred by flight delays and lost luggage but enriched by an illuminating interview with Michelle Wedderburn from San Miguel de Allende. Michelle, a visionary healer and community builder, shares her incredible story of moving to Mexico to give her son a multicultural upbringing and a...
Send us a textWhat if you could leave everything behind and start anew in a vibrant, culturally rich city? Join us as we wrap up our incredible journey in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. This week, we reminisce about our adventures at the bustling Tuesday Market. Our special guest, Phyllis Gordon, provides an inspiring narrative about her spontaneous move from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta and finally to San Miguel. With over 20 years in Mexico, Phyllis enlightens us about her integration int...
Send us a textEmbark with Rita and myself on an enthralling exploration of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico—where a curtain of darkness from a city-wide blackout veiled our path, yet opened our eyes to the profound lessons of safety and vulnerability encountered while traveling. We're then joined by an extraordinary guest, Colleen O'Neill Mulvihill, whose transition from the adrenaline-fueled life of a firefighter to a serene path as a holistic health and wellness coach paints an inspiring narra...
Send us a textNestled in the vibrant heart of San Miguel de Allende, Rita and I have found a rhythm to life that pulses with the local flair—and yes, even an encounter with Montezuma's revenge. But it's the stories that we're really excited to share with you, particularly those from Jennifer M. Sparks, who swapped her rocket scientist badge for a passport to nearly 50 countries. Join us as we explore Jennifer's transformative odyssey from childhood dreams to bulldozer rides in Africa, and how...
Send us a textEver wonder how the slow burn of travel can ignite a soulful transformation? Join us, Jim and Rita, as we recount the tales of San Miguel del Allende's sizzling May heat, where our quest for coolness led us to uncover the cultural gems of this historic Mexican town. We're spilling the beans on navigating local markets brimming with budget-friendly fresh produce and each surprising twist in the rich narrative the cobblestones of San Miguel whisper to those willing to listen.This ...
Send us a textAs Rita and I waved goodbye to our Knoxville abode, little did we know that the salty breeze of Playa del Carmen would become our new lullaby. Our latest episode is a tapestry of tales from our sun-kissed days at Sunset Fisherman's Spa and Resort, to the cultural weave of Cozumel where we rendezvoused with Bel Woodhouse, International Living's Mexico correspondent. Bel's perspective enriched our understanding of the island's vibrant tourism and community spirit. We spill the bea...