Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please? 🎙️ Ready for an adventure?

Whether you're revisiting cherished moments or planning brand-new escapades, Nostalgic Travel Talks is here to spark your wanderlust! In today’s episode, we’re diving headfirst into the top travel trends 2025 is serving up — from slow travel and second city travel destinations to the latest cruising trends and why purposeful travel is taking center stage.

I’m also sharing must-know travel tips for 2025 that will help you dodge the common pitfalls and actually enjoy your journey (because no one wants their dream trip turning into a travel horror story, right?). ✈️🌎

Plus, stay tuned for a rapid-fire round of Pack It or Pass — my take on the quirkiest and coolest trends like AI itineraries, wellness retreats, and luxury treehouses. Spoiler alert: not everything makes the cut!

If you're dreaming of a purposeful, eco-friendly, and unforgettable adventure in 2025 — and want real-world travel advisor tips to get you there — this episode is your boarding pass. 🎟️

👉 Need help planning a nostalgic trip packed with meaning, magic, and maybe a little mischief?
Check the show notes to book your free consultation with me!

Show Notes:

✨ In this Episode:

• Purposeful and Nostalgic Travel: Why travelers are trading checklists for meaningful connections
• Slow Travel and Second Cities: Hidden gems > crowded tourist traps
• Cruises 2.0: Why cruising is cooler (and more customizable) than ever
• Bleisure Travel: Mixing business and beach life like a pro
• Travel with a Conscience: How to travel smarter and greener

⚡ Quick Tips for Travelers in 2025:

• Book earlier than you might think
• Protect your trip with solid travel insurance
• Stay flexible — because plot twists happen
• Use tech tools like mobile passport apps and smart luggage
• Trust a travel advisor (hint: me!) to help when things get spicy 🌶️

🎒 Fun Segment: Pack It or Pass

• My real-talk takes on:
  • AI-generated vacation itineraries
  • Micro-cations (tiny trips, big recharge)
  • $500 luxury treehouse stays
  • Wine-themed cruises 🍷🚢
  • Digital detox retreats
  • Selfie museums and pop-up installations

Helpful Links:

• 🌟 Learn more about Nostalgic Travel
• 📆 Book your complimentary trip planning session
• 📸 Follow along on Instagram
• 🎥 Catch travel inspiration on YouTube

Keywords Included:

• travel trends 2025
• current travel trends
• travel tips 2025
• cruising trends 2025
• sustainable travel tips
• purposeful travel
• second city travel destinations
• travel advisor tips
• eco-friendly travel
• travel insurance advice

Episode 5 | Featuring Dr. Cristina, Spanish Linguist at SLU Madrid

Have you ever wondered why Spanish sounds so different depending on where you go? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the fascinating world of Spanish linguistics with Dr. Cristina, a professor at Saint Louis University’s Madrid campus. From Castilian consonants to Latin American rhythms, we break down the "why" behind the words.

Cristina shares:

• The historical roots of Spanish phonetics and pronunciation
• How regional dialects have evolved and why they matter
• What makes Spanish so fun—and sometimes tricky—for learners
• Insightful tips for language teachers and travelers alike
• The cultural beauty hidden in linguistic quirks

Whether you’re a language nerd, a curious traveler, or a Spanish teacher, this episode will have you tuning your ears to the sounds of Spanish like never before.

✈️ Links & Resources:

📍 Learn more about study abroad in Spain: nostalgictravelco.com
📍 Book a call to plan your Spain immersion: Calendly - Cheryl at Nostalgic Travel Co.

Follow us for more travel + language inspiration:
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📘 Facebook Group
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🎧 All Podcast Episodes

Episode Title: Tasting Spain: Chef Rafa’s Passion for Authentic Flavors

📅 Episode Release Date: March 18
🎧 Hosted by: Cheryl Johnson, Brittany Johnson | Nostalgic Travel Talks Podcast

Episode Overview

In this delicious episode, I sit down with Chef Rafa, a passionate Spanish chef, to explore the vibrant world of Spanish cuisine. From paella and tapas to lesser-known regional specialties, Rafa shares his culinary journey, insider tips, and must-try dishes for travelers heading to Spain. Whether you're a foodie, a home cook, or planning your next trip, this episode will leave you hungry for more!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Chef Rafa’s background and journey into the culinary world
✅ The essence of Spanish cuisine and its regional diversity
✅ The secret to making authentic paella (and common mistakes to avoid!)
✅ Must-try Spanish dishes beyond tapas and paella
✅ Spanish food and culture: How they go hand in hand

Links & Resources Mentioned:

🔗 Learn about Chef Rafa’s culinary trips
🔗 Rafa’s Restaurant Website
🔗 Join our Nostalgic Travel Facebook Group for more travel tips!

Join the Conversation!

📩 Have a question for Chef Rafa? Drop us a message at: instagram.com/jamonjamon_woodfired

🌍 Love Spanish cuisine? Share your favorite Spanish dish with us on Instagram.com/NostalgicTravelco/

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! 🎙️

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