Summary

In this episode of the Teachers to Travelers podcast, host Jerrod Pickering welcomes back Joel Peterson from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. They discuss the latest updates in Las Vegas, including new hotels, transportation innovations, the expansion of sports franchises, the evolving culinary scene, and the unique experiences offered by the Sphere. The conversation also touches on the nightlife in Vegas, particularly the rise of speakeasies, and concludes with final thoughts on the diverse experiences available in the city beyond gaming.

Takeaways

• Las Vegas is constantly evolving with new attractions.
• Fontainebleau offers a unique luxury experience.
• The Vegas Loop will improve transportation around the city.
• Las Vegas is becoming a major sports destination.
• Culinary options are shifting from buffets to food halls.
• The Sphere offers an unparalleled entertainment experience.
• Speakeasies are a growing trend in Las Vegas nightlife.
• Vegas can provide memorable experiences without gambling.
• The city is open 24/7, offering endless opportunities.
• Expertise in planning can enhance the Vegas experience.

• Exploring the New Las Vegas
• Luxury and Innovation in Vegas
• The Future of Transportation in Las Vegas

• "We could probably do one of these shows a month."
• "We're excited to have our fourth major sports franchise."
• "Buffets were loss leaders for the hotels."
• "The Sphere does not exist anywhere else in the world."
• "Speakeasies are a lot of fun, they're a blast."
• "Vegas can help support that."

Keywords

Las Vegas, travel, hotels, attractions, sports, culinary, nightlife, speakeasies, entertainment, tourism

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back to Las Vegas

01:16 New Hotels and Attractions

05:04 Transportation Innovations in Vegas

07:34 Sports Expansion in Las Vegas

10:56 Evolving Culinary Scene

16:08 The Sphere Experience

23:05 Nightlife and Speakeasies

27:33 Final Thoughts on Vegas

Contact the Host for your unforgettable Vegas Getaway!

Jerrod Pickering

806.241.8007

jerrod@foerstertravel.com

Overview

In this episode of the Teachers to Travelers podcast, host Jerrod Pickering shares the first part of his personal journey into medical tourism as he prepares for a gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana, Mexico. He discusses the challenges he faced with weight loss, the limitations of American healthcare, and the extensive research he conducted on the Pompeii Bariatric Center. Jerrod also outlines his pre-operative preparations, including dietary changes, and emphasizes the importance of this journey for his health and family.

Takeaways

• Medical tourism is a growing trend with 1.8 million Americans seeking treatment abroad.

• Jerrod's weight loss journey began over a year ago due to health concerns.
• Insurance often does not cover procedures like gastric sleeve surgery in the U.S.
• Researching medical facilities abroad can alleviate fears about safety and quality.
• The Pompeii Bariatric Center in Tijuana has a strong reputation and support network.
• Pre-operative diets are crucial for preparing the body for surgery.
• Jerrod's journey is not just about aesthetics but about health and longevity.
• Traveling for medical procedures can be a viable option for many.
• The importance of having a support system during health journeys.
• Jerrod plans to document his entire experience, including post-operative recovery.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Medical Tourism

01:49 Personal Journey and Health Challenges

05:38 Exploring Surgical Options

08:44 Researching the Pompeii Bariatric Center

11:33 Pre-Operative Preparations and Diet

15:44 Conclusion and Future Episodes

Keywords

medical tourism, weight loss, bariatric surgery, health journey, travel tips, Tijuana, Pompeii Bariatric Center, pre-operative diet, healthcare options, travel agent

Contact Info:

Travel Related Questions: Jerrod@foerstertravel.com

Show Related Questions: jerrod@teacherstotravelers.com

Call/Text: 806.241.8007

Pompeii Surgical Center- https://www.pompeiisurgical.com/

Summary

In this episode of the Teachers to Travelers podcast, host Jerrod Pickering interviews Carmen Furlow about her recent trip to Sandals Grand St. Lucia. Carmen shares her experiences from arrival to departure, highlighting the luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, culinary delights, and exciting excursions. The conversation provides insights into the overall travel experience, making it a valuable resource for anyone considering a trip to St. Lucia or a stay at Sandals.

Takeaways

• Carmen described her trip to St. Lucia as magical.

• The private helicopter transfer was a highlight of the trip.
• The butler service at Sandals was exceptional and attentive.
• Carmen enjoyed the variety of dining options available at the resort.
• The hibachi restaurant provided a memorable dining experience.
• The undersea trek excursion was a unique adventure.
• Carmen appreciated the organized activities at the resort.
• The e-bike tour offered a fun way to explore the island.
• Independence Day celebrations in St. Lucia were enjoyable and well-organized.
• Carmen would consider returning to another Sandals resort in the future.

Keywords

St. Lucia, Sandals Grand, travel experiences, luxury resorts, culinary adventures, excursions, travel tips, Caribbean travel, honeymoon, travel podcast

Sandals Link

https://www.sandals.com/?referral=149544&agentid=JEPI0408

Island Routes Excursions: https://www.islandroutes.com/

Show Contact

Jerrod Pickering

jerrod@teacherstotravelers.com

806.241.8007

Episode Description:
In this episode ofTeachers to Travelers, hostJerrod Pickering welcomesPaul Neville, an experienced traveler who has exploredover 120 countries—from backpacking on a tight budget to working as a diplomat and traveling with his family.

Paul shares hisunique travel evolution, from his first international trip to London at 17 tobackpacking across Europe, joining thePeace Corps in Tonga, and ultimatelyturning his love for travel into a career with the U.S. Foreign Service. He discusses thedifferences between solo and family travel, his favorite destinations at different life stages, and histop tips for safe and budget-friendly adventures.

📍Key Topics Covered:
🌍 How a simple trip to London sparked Paul’s lifelong travel obsession
🧳 Budget backpacking strategies & how he traveled the world for a year
🇹🇴 Life-changing experiences in Tonga with the Peace Corps
👨‍👩‍👦 How travel changes when you have kids
🛫 His most surprising destination (hint: it wasn’t what he expected!)
⚠️ Travel safety myths & real-life experiences navigating risk
📚 His bookEndless Horizons and how it inspires others to explore

Paul’s journey is an inspiring testament to thepower of travel—whether you're a solo explorer, a budget backpacker, or a family traveler looking for new experiences. If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling more, this episode is packed withpractical tips and motivation to just go for it!

🎧Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more!

Paul's Book-https://amzn.to/3QdlFV1

Host Info

Jerrod Pickering

Travel Info- jerrod@foerstertravel.com

Show Info- jerrod@teacherstotravelers.com

806.241.8007

Summary

In this episode of the Teachers to Travelers podcast, host Jerrod Pickering and tattoo artist Tray Calderon explore the intersection of travel and tattoos. They discuss the cultural significance of tattoos around the world, the reasons people travel to get tattooed, and how to find the right tattoo artist when abroad. The conversation highlights the evolving tattoo landscape influenced by social media and the personal stories behind travel-related tattoos.

Takeaways

Tattoos have deep cultural meanings in various societies.

Traveling for tattoos allows for authentic experiences.

Research is crucial when choosing a tattoo artist abroad.

Social media has broadened the exposure to different tattoo styles.

Travel tattoos serve as personal memorabilia of experiences.

Tattoo artists often have unique perspectives and backgrounds.

Cultural traditions influence tattoo designs and meanings.

Traveling can inspire new tattoo ideas and styles.

Listening to tattoo artists can enhance the tattoo experience.

Tattoos can be a form of storytelling about one's journey.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:19 Exploring Travel Through Tattoos

02:21 Cultural Significance of Tattoos

06:25 The Journey of Getting Tattooed

11:58 Finding the Right Tattoo Artist

17:41 Traveling for Tattoos: A Unique Experience

23:30 Closing Credits

Keywords

travel, tattoos, cultural significance, tattoo artists, travel experiences, tattoo styles, global tattoo culture, travel tips, tattoo safety, tattoo community

Guest Contact Info:

Tray Calderon- blackdoorstudiolbk@gmail.com

Black Door Studio Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/blackdoorstudioLBK

Host Contact Info:

Jerrod Pickering

Travel Questions: jerrod@foerstertravel.com

Show Questions: jerrod@teacherstotravelers.com

Summary

In this episode of the Teachers to Travelers podcast, host Jerrod Pickering speaks with Chef Otto Borsich about his culinary journey and the evolution of American cuisine. They explore the rich tapestry of regional foods across the United States, the influence of immigrant cultures, and the unique culinary offerings of Hawaii. The conversation also touches on the importance of wine pairings, the fusion of culinary traditions, and Chef Otto's charitable work in the food industry.

Takeaways

Chef Otto knew he wanted to be a chef from a young age.

American cuisine is a melting pot of various cultures.

Regional differences in cuisine reflect local ingredients and traditions.

Fusion cuisine is a natural evolution of culinary practices.

Hawaii offers unique culinary experiences influenced by its culture.

Traveling through food can be a rich and educational experience.

Charity work in the culinary world is vital for community support.

Understanding food history enriches the dining experience.

Culinary traditions are constantly evolving and adapting.

Keywords

culinary travel, American cuisine, regional food, chef interviews, food history, wine pairing, travel tips, cultural cuisine, food fusion, charity in food

Guest Info

Chef Otto's Website-https://chefotto.net/

A link to his book, "A Chef is Born"https://amzn.to/3Et4xrM

Host Info

Jerrod Pickering

Questions About the Show- jerrod@teacherstotravelers.com

Questions About Travel- jerrod@foerstertravel.com

806.241.8007

Summary

In this episode of the Teachers to Travelers podcast, host Jerrod Pickering shares insights from a recent family trip to South Padre Island, Texas. He discusses the decision to prioritize experiences over material gifts for the holidays, the planning and challenges faced during the trip, and the memorable moments spent with family. Jerrod reflects on hotel experiences, local attractions, and the importance of family bonding during travel, emphasizing that the best memories are often made through shared experiences rather than extravagant activities.

Takeaways

Prioritize experiences over material gifts for children.

San Antonio offers pleasant weather in December.

Hilton hotels provide consistent and friendly service.

Family trips can be simple yet memorable.

Hotel experiences can greatly impact a trip.

Exploring local attractions enhances family bonding.

Affordable vacations can still be enjoyable.

Dolphin cruises are a fun family activity.

Sea Turtle Rescue Center offers educational experiences.

Planning is key to a successful family trip.

Keywords

travel tips, family travel, South Padre Island, hotel reviews, travel accessories, road trip, family experiences, travel podcast, travel planning, travel destinations

Resources Mentioned

Hilton Home2Suites Brownsville

Embassy Suites Riverwalk San Antonio

Kelly's Irish Pub

Sea Turtle, Inc.

The Original Dolphin Watch

Host Info

Jerrod Pickering, Travel Advisor

Foerster Travel

jerrod@foerstertravel.com

806.241.8007

Summary

In this episode of the Teachers to Travelers podcast, host Jerrod Pickering speaks with Chef Yvette Bonanno about the rich culinary culture of Louisiana, focusing on Cajun and Creole cuisines. Chef Yvette shares her journey from growing up in the restaurant business to becoming a prominent chef and spokesperson for Louisiana food. The conversation explores the unique flavors and cooking methods of Cajun cuisine, the importance of authenticity in food sourcing, and the rise of Cajun cuisine's popularity across the country. Chef Yvette also discusses her philanthropic efforts to combat food insecurity in Louisiana and the importance of supporting local culinary traditions.

Takeaways

Chef Yvette Bonanno has a deep-rooted passion for food and culture.

Cajun cuisine is a blend of various cultural influences in Louisiana.

Authenticity in food is crucial, especially in Cajun cooking.

Louisiana has strict regulations to ensure seafood authenticity.

Independent restaurants often provide the best authentic experiences.

Culinary travel can be a way to explore and appreciate local cultures.

Food insecurity is a significant issue in Louisiana, especially among children.

Chef Yvette promotes Louisiana crawfish to ensure quality and authenticity.

The culinary community often collaborates to support charitable causes.

Traveling chefs bring back inspiration to enhance local cuisine.

Keywords

Cajun cuisine, Creole food, culinary travel, Chef Yvette Bonanno, Louisiana food culture, authentic Cajun experience, food insecurity, culinary scholarships, food promotion, travel tips

Connect to Host

Jerrod Pickering- jerrod@foerstertravel.com

Louisiana Crawfish Board

https://crawfish.org/yvette-home