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:
📸 Instagram
📘 Facebook Group
🎥 YouTube
🎧 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! 🎙️

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review—it helps more travel lovers find us!

In this episode, I’m joined by a special guest and former travel partner-in-crime, Alejandra Ovalle-Krolick, as we reminisce about our unforgettable experiences leading study abroad programs. From navigating the logistics of group travel to watching students discover the magic of new cultures, we’ll share the joys, challenges, and unexpected moments that make study abroad such a life-changing experience—for both students and educators alike.

Whether you're curious about the behind-the-scenes of organizing international student trips, or simply love a good travel story, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and inspiration for anyone with a passion for cultural exploration.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Why study abroad programs are so impactful
• Alejandra’s background and how we became travel partners
• Fun (and funny!) memories from our student trips
• Challenges we faced leading group travel and how we overcame them
• How travel transformed our students—and us
• Practical tips for educators thinking about organizing study abroad programs

Links and Resources:

• Want to organize a study abroad trip? Contact me at Nostalgic Travel for help planning your next adventure!
• For more travel tips and stories, join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/832974808363586
• Don’t miss a single episode—subscribe to Nostalgic Travel Talks on your favorite platform!

Join the Conversation:
What was your most memorable travel experience? Share it with us on social media or tag us in your posts—we’d love to hear from you!

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nostalgictravelco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554602701451
• Website: https://nostalgictravelco.com/

Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more travel enthusiasts like you! 🌍

Episode two: Life Changing Journeys: Reflections on Study Abroad

Episode Description:
In this episode of the Nostalgic Travel Talks Podcast, we sit down with a very special guest—my son, Alexander Johnson—to discuss his unforgettable study abroad experience in Rome, Italy. From navigating a new culture to forming lifelong friendships, he shares the highs, the challenges, and the life-changing lessons he learned during his semester abroad.

Whether you’re a student planning your own adventure, a parent preparing for your child’s study abroad journey, or simply curious about the transformative power of cultural exchange, this episode is packed with insights, advice, and personal stories you won’t want to miss.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

1. 
   Why Study Abroad?
   • The reasons behind choosing to study in Rome and what drew him to this incredible city.
2. Adjusting to a New Culture:
   • The surprises, struggles, and strategies for adapting to life in a foreign country.
3. Making Connections:
   • How interacting with locals and fellow students enriched his experience.
4. Personal Growth:
   • The ways study abroad shaped his worldview and future goals.
5. Tips for Future Study Abroad Students:
   • Practical advice for making the most of your time abroad.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Further language study: Gallego, one of the languages of Spain, spoken in northern Spain (Galicia) 2.7 million people speak the language across the diaspora
• Favorite food discovery in Italy
• Travel tips for cultural immersion

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Share this with someone who’s considering studying abroad or loves to travel as much as you do!

Follow Nostalgic Travel Talks Podcast:
Stay connected for more inspiring travel stories and tips!

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nostalgictravelco/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554602701451
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/832974808363586
• Website: www.nostalgictravelco.com

Episode Title:
Cultural Immersion: Adventures, Challenges, and Laughs with My Travel Partner

Episode Description:
What makes travel truly transformative? It's all about cultural immersion—and the right travel partner! In this episode of Nostalgic Travel Talks, I’m joined by my longtime travel companion and daughter, Brittany Johnson, as we reminisce about our most unforgettable adventures.

From navigating tricky situations to savoring local delicacies, we’ve shared countless moments of cultural connection (and a few hilarious mishaps!). Tune in as we discuss:

• How traveling with a partner enhances the experience.
• Our most surprising and memorable cultural encounters.
• Tips for stepping out of your comfort zone while traveling.
• The power of collaboration in planning trips that appeal to everyone.

Whether you’re planning your next getaway or just daydreaming about distant shores, this episode will leave you inspired to dive deeper into the cultures you visit.

🎧 Hit play now and join us for the ride!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How cultural immersion can transform your travel experience.
2. Ways to balance different interests when traveling with a partner.
3. Practical tips for connecting with locals and embracing new cultures.
4. Our funniest and most heartwarming stories from the road.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Hilarious anecdote about cultural surprises in Spain
• Favorite food discovery in Spain
• Travel tips for cultural immersion

Join the Conversation:
What’s been your most memorable cultural experience while traveling? Have you had a travel partner who made your journey extra special? Share your stories with us in our Facebook group or tag us on Instagram.

Want to Travel Smarter?
Looking to dive into a new culture on your next trip? Let us take the stress out of planning! Contact Nostalgic Travel for a customized vacation filled with experiences everyone in the family will love.

📧 Email us: cheryl@nostalgictravelco.com
🌍 Visit our website: nostalgictravelco.com
📱 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554602701451

Join the facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/832974808363586

Follow us on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nostalgictravelco/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nostalgictravelco/

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Love what you’re hearing? Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Nostalgic Travel Talks wherever you get your podcasts, and if you’re feeling generous, leave us a 5-star review. Your support helps us keep the adventure going!