Wander Your Way: Europe Travel Your Way

A Roman harbor beneath the sea. Seaside towns filled with ancient stories. And an Italy that many travelers pass right by.I’m joined by historian Joseph Walker of Italian History with Joseph to explore Italy beyond its most famous destinations. From Gaeta and the coast between Rome and Naples to the towns of Umbria and northern Italy, Joseph shares some of his favorite places and brings their history to life.We also chat about his book, Buried Italy, how a swim near Naples sparked his passion for sharing Italy’s past, and why connecting with local people can lead to some of your most memorable travel experiences.If you’re curious about exploring Italy beyond the usual stops, this conversation will give you plenty of inspiration.Want to chat more about Italy?Send me an email at [email protected] this episode1:10: Intro1:53: Joseph's bio4:14: Joseph's story16:18: Buried Italy book and tours mention17:44: Southern Italy favorites31:04: Central Italy39:32: Northern Italy44:30: Meaningful relationships51:33: Final thoughts55:28: Lynne's final thoughts58:49: Wrapping it upImportant links:Italian History with Joseph (special link)Italian History with JosephWander Your Way AdventuresWander Your WayWander Your Way ResourcesPatagonia ★ Support this podcast ★

The 2027 Wander Your Way Adventures are open for booking!In this short episode, I introduce four small group tours through England, Scotland and Ireland, sharing the dates and a brief overview of what makes each adventure special.From Sea to Sea: The Complete Hadrian’s Wall Walk, England — Walk across northern England from the River Tyne to the Solway Firth, following ancient Roman history through rolling farmland, open moorland and some of the Wall’s most spectacular stretches.Scotland’s Wild Isles: Walking Arran, Mull & Beyond — Explore islands with their own character and rhythm, with coastal walks, ancient sites and a wee taste of whisky.Atlantic Edge: Clare, Mayo & Connemara, Ireland — Discover Connemara’s wild beauty, the Burren’s limestone landscapes and two islands, with scenic walks, local stories and welcoming towns along the way.Walking England’s Timeless Landscapes: Dales, Lakes & Peaks — Discover three distinct English landscapes, blending scenic walks with historic places, villages and market towns.Each adventure brings together time in nature, history, culture and meaningful connections.And I’ll be joining you as your host!You’ll find links to all four adventures below, where you can explore the day-to-day itineraries, dates, pricing, what’s included and the practical details to help you choose the right trip for you.Have a listen and see which adventure calls to you.Links for trips:From Sea to Sea: The Complete Hadrian’s Wall Walk, EnglandScotland’s Wild Isles: Walking Arran, Mull & BeyondAtlantic Edge: Clare, Mayo & Connemara, Ireland Walking England’s Timeless Landscapes: Dales, Lakes & PeaksOther important links:Wander Your Way AdventuresWander Your [email protected] ★ Support this podcast ★

Have you ever visited a place in Europe and loved it so much that you couldn't wait to go back?I certainly have!While I love discovering new destinations, there's something special about returning to a place I've already visited. Each visit brings new experiences, different perspectives, and opportunities to peel back another layer — to dig a little deeper.And sometimes it's simply the comfort of being somewhere familiar that keeps drawing me back.In this episode, I'm sharing 15 amazing places in Europe I've visited at least twice and would happily return to again in a heartbeat.From the stunning mountains of the Italian Dolomites to charming towns and wild landscapes in Ireland and Scotland, along with a few of my favorite European cities, these are places that have captured my heart.I'll share what makes each destination special to me, why I keep returning, and what I still want to discover.Because returning to a favorite place doesn't mean having the same experience all over again.Sometimes the best travel experiences come when we return, slow down, and discover something we missed the first time.So come along as I share 15 places in Europe I just can't get enough of!And I'd love to know — what places in Europe have you visited more than once that you'd return to in a heartbeat?In this episode:1:47: Intro8:25: Alpe di Siusi & Castelrotto, Italy11:41: San Vigilio di Marebbe & Fanes-Senes-Braies, Italy14:17: Florence, Italy16:15: Verona, Italy18:25: Paris, France20:41: Kenmare & Killarney National Park, Ireland23:41: Connemara, Ireland26:22: Westport, Ireland28:48: West Cork, Ireland30:57: St Andrews & East Neuk Villages, Scotland33:31: Pitlochry & Blair Atholl, Scotland36:39: The Cairngorms, Scotland39:22: Northwest Scotland41:42: Isle of Mull & Isle of Iona, Scotland43:53: Strontian, Scotland45:38: Final thoughts48:34: Wrapping it upImportant links:How to Embrace the Joy of Slow Travel in Europe with Renee HannesWhy Independent Travelers Will Love Small Group TravelHotel Olympia San Vigilio di MarebbeOtterburn B&B StrontianWander Your WayWander Your Way AdventuresWander Your Way ResourcesWander Your Way Travel ShopOofos ★ Support this podcast ★

What if where you stayed actually changed the way you traveled?For several weeks this summer, I tried house sitting in England, piecing together three different dog sits as I traveled through the southern part of the country. Along the way, I spent time in places I might never have visited otherwise, from rural Hampshire and Winchester to Bradford on Avon and Axbridge.In this episode, I’m sharing what house sitting is really like, how I made it work without a car, and some of the new places I discovered along the way.I’ll also talk about the benefits — and responsibilities — of house and pet sitting and why it can be an interesting way to travel longer, spend less on accommodations and experience a destination a little more like a local.If you love dogs (or cats or any other animals), slower travel and discovering places beyond Europe’s usual stops, house sitting might just be another way to Wander Your Way.Want to chat more about pet sitting or any of these destinations?Send me a message at [email protected] this episode:1:40: Intro2:39: How housesitting works10:53: Worthing12:34: Winchester18:12: Droxford24:55: Bradford-on-Avon30:15: Bath33:36: Badgworth & Axbridge37:07: Final thoughts42:33: Wrapping it upImportant links:Trusted HousesittersMind My HouseNomadorTASC ClothingWander Your WayWander Your Way AdventuresWander Your Way Resources ★ Support this podcast ★

Do you learn a few words of the local language before traveling to another country?Even knowing how to say hello, please and thank you can make a difference.But learning a little more can open the door to deeper connections with the people you meet along the way.In this episode, I’m joined by Margherita Berti, founder of Italian Matters, to talk about how learning and using the local language can lead to a more meaningful travel experience.Margherita grew up in Bergamo, Italy, and has spent years studying languages, linguistics and how we actually learn to communicate in another language.She shares practical tips for learning before you travel, from flashcards and podcasts to music, movies and the shadowing technique.We also talk about which words and phrases are most useful, why it helps to prepare for situations you know you'll encounter, and how to get past the fear of making a mistake and actually speak the language once you're there.Because you don't need to be fluent.And you definitely don't need to be perfect.Sometimes simply making the effort to speak a few words in the local language can create a connection — and become one of those moments you remember long after the trip is over.In this episode:1:10: Intro1:53: About Margherita Berti4:02: Italy to Indiana10:24: Various learning tools16:04: Key phrases to learn18:01: Understanding creates connection19:40: Using translating apps22:51: Teaching English speakers27:31: Advice for confident speaking33:44: Margherita's final tips & thoughts36:18: Lynne's final tips & thoughts41:10: Wrapping it upImportant links:Italian MattersWander Your WayWander Your Way AdventuresWander Your Way ResourcesSafety WingTips For Traveling in Another Language ★ Support this podcast ★