Where We’ve Explored in 2022

December 23, 2022

This past year I’ve had the great fortune of having wonderful travel-related conversations on both the Destinations Beyond Expectations podcast and the Destination Dispatch livestream. Check out where we’ve explored in 2022!

 

The United States

Alabama

Huntsville, AL (Destination Dispatch)

Pam Williams from the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Huntsville.

Mobile, AL (Destination Dispatch)

Michael Dorie from Visit Mobile joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Mobile.

 

Arkansas

Spend a Little Time in Little Rock (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Arkansas’ capital city, Little Rock, has more to see and do than you may realize! Stevie is joined by Lydia from the Lost with Lydia blog to talk about how visitors can spend a little time in Little Rock.

 

California

Anaheim, CA (Destination Dispatch)

Michael Young from Visit Anaheim joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Anaheim.

Modesto, CA (Destination Dispatch)

Todd Aaronson from Visit Modesto joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Modesto.

San Diego, CA (Destination Dispatch)

Ruben Labin from the San Diego Tourism Authority joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around San Diego.

 

Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is for Everyone (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Located in Northern Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is a great place to visit for beautiful mountain views and amazing outdoor adventures. Amanda from National Park Capable joins Stevie to describe this stunning area, and she talks about things to do around Rocky Mountain National Park for people of all abilities.

 

Florida

Grab Your Car Keys and Drive Through the Florida Keys (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

The southernmost leg of US Highway 1, often called “The Highway that Goes to the Sea”, extends from Miami all the way down to Key West. Lydia from the Lost with Lydia Blog is today’s guest, and Lydia shares the keys on how to experience a drive through the Florida Keys.

Mistakes to Avoid Making at the Disney Parks (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Disney World in Orlando, FL is such a popular vacation spot for tourists, and visiting the parks can be a magical experience if you plan ahead. Catherine from the Cupcakes and Churros Blog joins Stevie G. on this episode to share mistakes to avoid making at the Disney parks, so you and your family can know what to look for to avoid headaches during your Disney vacation.

Sarasota, FL (Destination Dispatch)

Kelly Defebo from Visit Sarasota joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Sarasota.

 

Georgia

Beaches, Biking & More in Jekyll Island (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

If your travel plans take you to Jekyll Island, you’ll find history, sunshine, and plenty of outdoor adventures. Lily from the Office to Outdoors blog stops by the podcast to chat about beaches, biking & more in Jekyll Island.

Four Days of Adventuring in Atlanta (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Home to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and many more amazing stops, Atlanta has plenty for visitors to do. Nina from the Nomadic Neen travel blog stops by the podcast to share the travel details of a recent 4-day trip she took to Atlanta.

Savannah, GA (Destination Dispatch)

Anjuli King from Visit Savannah joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Savannah.

 

Illinois

Springfield, IL (Destination Dispatch)

Darrin Thurman from Visit Springfield Illinois joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Springfield.

 

Iowa

Quad Cities (Destination Dispatch)

Nicki Brus from Visit Quad Cities joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around the Quad Cities.

 

Kansas

Wichita is a Greener Destination than you Might Think! (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Geographically located in the heart of the contiguous U.S., Wichita offers plenty for visitors to do in an environmentally responsible way. Kat from the Staying Afloat Blog chats with Stevie about how Wichita is a greener destination than you might think!

 

Kentucky

How Bourbon Brings Tourism Into Kentucky (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

You can sip bourbon anywhere, but you can experience bourbon in Kentucky. Kendyl from the Life Half Full blog chats with Stevie about some of the distilleries around the Bluegrass state, and what travelers can expect when they visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

 

Maine

Spend a Weekend in Portland, ME (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

There’s a Portland on the east coast, and it should be on your list of places to check out! Eileen Cotter Wright from the Pure Wander Travel Blog chats with Stevie about how visitors can spend a weekend in Portland, ME.

 

Michigan

Ann Arbor – A College Town and so Much More (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

You might know the city of Ann Arbor because the University of Michigan is located there, but did you know there’s plenty to explore beyond Michigan’s campus? Maggie from the Two Sisters Abroad travel blog joins the podcast to share some of the best sites, food and accommodations around Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Mackinaw City (Destination Dispatch)

Sabrina Lieghio from the Mackinaw City Chamber of Tourism joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Mackinaw City.

 

Nevada

Reno, NV (Destination Dispatch)

Katie Demuth from Visit Reno Tahoe joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Reno.

 

New Mexico

Explore Carlsbad Caverns, and do it Responsibly! (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico is home to stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, and is certainly a sight to see! Molly from the Molly Gone Wild blog joins Stevie to talk all about Carlsbad Caverns, and she shares tips on how you can visit the area responsibly.

Explore a New World at White Sands National Park (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Known for its stunning dunes of gypsum, White Sands National Park is a great place for people of all ages to discover. Stephanie from the SincerelySGP blog chats with Stevie about how visitors can explore a new world at White Sands National Park.

Santa Fe, NM (Destination Dispatch)

Randy Randall from TOURISM Santa Fe joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Santa Fe.

 

New York

10 Must-Sees in New York Around the Holidays (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Visiting New York City during the holidays can be truly magical, as there are plenty of festive experiences and sites to see.  Travel Blogger Carrie Green-Zinn joins Destinations Beyond Expectations to talk about 10 must-sees in New York around the holidays.

Getting to Know the Big Apple Again (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

New York City faced many challenges over the last couple years,  but the city is ready for tourists from all over the world to return! Carrie Green-Zinn joins Stevie G. to talk about some must-sees around New York, so we can all get to know the Big Apple again.

 

North Carolina

A 4-Day Group Trip to Asheville Pt. 1 (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Asheville, NC has plenty to offer to visitors and can be a great location for a group adventure! Janice Moskoff from the Gather and Go Travel Blog stops by the show on part 1 of this 2-part episode to talk about a 4-day group trip to Asheville.

A 4-Day Group Tip to Asheville Pt. 2 (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Asheville, NC has plenty to offer to visitors and can be a great location for a group adventure! Janice Moskoff from the Gather and Go Travel Blog stops by the show on part 2 of this 2-part episode to talk about a 4-day group trip to Asheville.

Discover Lovely Vineyards & Small Town Charm in Yadkin Valley, NC (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

North Carolina is a state that has a little bit of something for everyone, and this episode features an area of North Carolina known for its delicious wine and unique tie to Andy Griffith. Anna Cook, founder & editor of the Stuck on the Go travel blog, chats with Stevie about how visitors can discover lovely vineyards & small town charm in Yadkin Valley, NC.

Spend a Few Days Exploring Asheville, NC (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

From the Biltmore estate to a vibrant brewery scene to amazing nearby hikes, Asheville is a trendy city with tons to see and do. Jen from the Dabbling in Jet Lag blog joins the show to review a 3-day itinerary and describe how to spend a few days exploring Asheville, NC.

Oregon

Pendleton, OR (Destination Dispatch)

Kristen Dollarhide from Travel Pendleton joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Pendleton.

 

Pennsylvania

 Gettysburg, PA (Destination Dispatch)

Lindsay Methlie from Destination Gettysburg joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Gettysburg.

 

Tennessee

Food, Murals & More to Add to Your Nashville Travel Checklist (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Nashville tourism continues to see growth year after year, which is no surprise considering all the unique experiences the city holds. Beth DeLong from the Adventure After Cancer blog stops by the show to share different restaurants, murals, and sites around Nashville that she would recommend to visitors.

Nashville, TN (Destination Dispatch)

Staci Flores from Visit Music City joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Nashville.

Plan Your Next Girls Getaway Trip in Nashville (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Stevie can’t bring much to today’s discussion, but luckily his guest can! Alexandra Nolan from the City Chic Living Blog stops by the show to share why you may want to plan your next girls getaway trip in Nashville.

Views, Tastes, Drives and Adventures Around Gatlinburg, TN (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

There is no shortage of stunning views, delicious foods, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures in and around Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Jen Ciesielski from the Dabbling in Jet Lag blog joins Stevie to talk about some of her favorite places to see in Gatlinburg.

 

Texas

Grapevine, TX (Destination Dispatch)

Heather Egan from The Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Grapevine.

Only in Austin Travel Experiences (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Austin, TX is a trendy place to visit for tourists, and for good reason! The city has history, great live music, fun outdoor experiences and more. Alyse from the Alyse Nicole travel and lifestyle blog joins Stevie to discuss some “Only in Austin” travel experiences for visitors to discover.

Tyler, TX (Destination Dispatch)

Susan Travis from Visit Tyler joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Tyler.

Vermont

Craft Beer, Snowboarding, Agritourism & More in Vermont (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Vermont might not be the biggest state, but it has no shortage of amazing experiences for visitors. Travel writer Dana Freeman joins Stevie to talk about craft beer, snowboarding, agritourism & more in Vermont.

 

Virginia

Charlottesville, VA (Destination Dispatch)

Teresa Lamb from the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Charlottesville.

Fredericksburg, VA (Destination Dispatch)

Haley Backlund & Victoria Matthews from Visit Fredericksburg, VA join Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Fredericksburg.

Loudoun County, VA (Destination Dispatch)

Hannah Oliver from Visit Loudoun joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Loudoun County.

Norfolk, VA (Destination Dispatch)

Melissa Hopper from VisitNorfolk joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Norfolk.

Prince William County, VA (Destination Dispatch)

Mike Stoupa from Visit Prince William Virginia joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Prince William County.

 

Wisconsin

10 Things to See in Madison Wisconsin (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

From great food to outdoor activities and more, Wisconsin’s capital has plenty to see and do. Lily from the Office to Outdoors blog joins Stevie to talk through 10 things to see around Madison, Wisconsin.

Find the Outdoors in Door County, WI (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Door County Wisconsin is the perfect place to escape and enjoy beautiful parks, scenic drives and great coffee! Janice Moskoff from the Gather and Go Travel Blog joins the show and shares how visitors can find the outdoors in Door County, WI.

Milwaukee (Destination Dispatch)

Claire Koenig from Visit Milwaukee joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Milwaukee.

 

Beyond the U.S.

 

Bahamas

Plan Your Next Escape to the Exumas (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Not far from Nassau, The Exumas are a group of Islands in the Bahamas that hold unique experiences for visitors like swimming with pigs! Laura from the Travel 80 by 80 blog joins the show and discusses how to plan your next escape to the Exumas.

 

Belize

Adventures to Add to Your Belize Itinerary (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Between the Mayan culture, outdoor opportunities, and great lodging options, Belize has plenty of epic experiences for visitors to discover. Laura from the Travel 80 by 80 blog stops by the podcast to discuss adventures to add to your Belize itinerary.

 

Canada

How to Spend Four Days in Banff (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

West of Calgary in the Canadian province of Alberta sits Banff National Park as well as the town of Banff. Known for its stunning mountain views and amazing hikes, there is no shortage of things for visitors to do in this beautiful area. Sam from the All Over Adventure blog joins Stevie to talk about her experience in Banff.

Winnipeg, Canada (Destination Dispatch)

Sarah Robinson from Tourism Winnipeg joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Winnipeg.

 

Denmark

Spend a Few Days (And Maybe a Few More) in Copenhagen (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Copenhagen may not be quite as popular as London or Paris, but this charming European city has plenty to offer for visitors. Juli from the Celebrate and Explore Blog chats with Stevie about her family’s time in Denmark’s largest city and why you may want to spend a few days (and maybe a few more) in Copenhagen.

 

Egypt

Exploring Egypt: Cairo, Luxor & Hurghada (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

You’ve marveled at the stunning pyramids and fascinating history of Egypt – so are you ready to visit? Travel enthusiast Alix Collins stops by the show to share her experiences on a recent trip to the Egyptian cities of Cairo, Luxor & Hurghada.

History, Adventure and Delicious Food in Cairo, Egypt (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

There is no shortage of history, adventure and delicious food in Cairo, Egypt. Gabriela Candelaria from the Beige Tides blog joins Stevie to talk about her unforgettable travel adventure to Cairo.

 

England

Bristol & Bath, England (Destination Dispatch)

Jon Chamberlain from Visit Bristol & Visit Bath joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Bristol & Bath.

 

France

Find Amazing Food and Top Tourist Sites During 2 Days in Paris (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Visitors from all over the world make their way to Paris each year to experience the delicious cuisine, fascinating art and vibrant culture this iconic European city holds. Kat from the France Voyager blog stops by the podcast to share how you can find amazing food and top tourist sites during 2 days in Paris.

 

Ireland

Dublin + Day Trips: Dublin, Northern Ireland (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Dublin is Ireland’s largest city, and is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Along with plenty to see in the city, there’s plenty of day trips worth taking outside of Dublin as well. Nina from the Nomadic Neen travel blog joins Stevie G. on part 1 of this two-part episode to chat about Dublin, Northern Ireland and more.

Dublin + Day Trips: Blarney Castle, Galway, Dublin (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Dublin is Ireland’s largest city, and is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Along with plenty to see in the city, there’s plenty of day trips worth taking outside of Dublin as well. Nina from the Nomadic Neen travel blog joins Stevie G. on part 2 of this two-part episode to chat about visiting Blarney Castle, Galway, Dublin and more.

Ireland (Destination Dispatch)

Shannan Carter from Live Travel and Tours joins Destination Dispatch to talk about unique experiences for groups in and around Ireland.

 

Italy

Five Enchanting Towns to Visit in Tuscany (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Located in the central region of Italy, Tuscany is an area loaded with history, picturesque landscapes and some of the country’s most notable landmarks. Valerie from Cultured Travel LLC stops by the show to discuss the beauty and charm of Tuscany. She also highlights 5 Tuscan cities that you might want to add to your travel list.

 

Mexico

Mayan History and More in Mérida (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Mérida is a destination known for its Mayan history, multicultural inspired cuisine and stunning architecture. Natalia Yepes, founder of Adventuresque Travel Boutique, joins the show to discuss things visitors can do around the largest city on the Yucatán Peninsula.

 

Portugal

Discover Magic and History in Porto, Portugal (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Porto is a coastal city in the country of Portugal that has a little bit of something for everyone. Christine from the Christine’s Travel Gems blog discusses how visitors can discover magic and history in Porto, Portugal.

 

Scotland

Things to Know About Visiting Scotland (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

If you’re ready to plan your next international trip but haven’t figured out exactly where to go, you might want to add Scotland to your list! Susanne Arbuckle from Adventures Around Scotland joins DBE and shares some information and things to know about visiting Scotland.

 

U.S. Virgin Islands

Pop Over to Water Island During Your Visit to St. Thomas (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

St. Croix, St John and St. Thomas are the most recognized U.S. Virgin Islands, but have you heard of Water Island? Lee Friedmand from Mango Tree Travel chats with Stevie about why travelers should pop over to Water Island during a visit to  nearby St. Thomas.

St. Thomas vs. St. Croix: Which is the Best Fit for You? (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Located in the stunning blue waters of the Caribbean, the U.S. Virgin Islands are a popular tourist destination complete with beautiful beaches and unique adventures. Today’s episode talks about 2 of the U.S. Virgin Islands as Ashley Jansen from the Jetset Jansen blog joins Stevie to compare St. Thomas vs. St. Croix.

 

Other Travel Topics

 

3 U.S. National Parks to Visit in 2022 (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

The United States has many great National Parks to explore! Sarah from the Avenue to Adventure blog joins Stevie to discuss 3 U.S. National Parks to Visit in 2022.

Holiday Road Trippin’ Part 1 (Destination Dispatch)

Jim Deliman, Keith Snode & Stevie G. talk about unique experiences for groups across the map in part 1 of this 2-part end of the year review.

Holiday Road Trippin’ Part 2 (Destination Dispatch)

Jim Deliman, Keith Snode & Stevie G. talk about unique experiences for groups across the map in part 2 of this 2-part end of the year review.

Hotels vs. Resorts: Which is Best for Your Caribbean Family Trip? (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Throughout the Caribbean, there are plenty of accommodation options for families to consider. Lee Friedman from Mango Tree Travel discusses hotels vs. resorts and which option may be the best fit for your Caribbean family trip.

How to Pick a Responsible Travel Destination (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

As you make your travel plans, do you consider visiting places that focus on eco-based tourism, sustainability and other responsible tourism practices? Molly from the Molly Gone Wild blog stops by the show to share tips on how to pick a responsible travel destination.

The Value of Traveling with a Group (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

There’s nothing wrong with traveling solo, but group travel allows you to make strong connections through shared experiences. Heather Cox from the Wanderlust in Real Life Blog joins DBE to talk about the value of traveling with a group.

Tips for Planning Your First Trip to Europe (Destinations Beyond Expectations)

Traveling to Europe can be an amazing experience, but the process of planning a European adventure may seem like a daunting task – especially if you’ve never done it before. Natalie and Sam from the Always Have a Trip Planned Blog join Stevie to share tips for planning your first trip to Europe.