For many families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, travel has long felt out of reach. But that’s changing. Traveling the Spectrum is a groundbreaking new series proving that inclusive, autism-friendly travel isn’t just possible—it’s transformative.

Destinations like Myrtle Beach, SC, are leading the way with sensory-friendly programs, specially trained businesses, and inclusive experiences, ensuring that every family has the opportunity to explore, connect, and create unforgettable memories together.

Because travel isn’t just about seeing new places. It’s about breaking barriers, fostering joy, and proving that the world is meant for everyone.

Today we’re joined by Stuart Butler, Creator of Traveling the Spectrum and Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Myrtle Beach, and Peter Prokop, Co-Director and Producer at The Workshop.

They’ll share how this series is changing lives, giving families the confidence to embrace adventure, and inspiring destinations to become more inclusive.

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Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Close your eyes and picture yourself gliding through sun-drenched vineyards, stopping for a sip of rich local wine, and indulging in a long, leisurely meal crafted with love. Now imagine doing it all on two wheels, feeling the warm breeze as you cycle through Italy’s most breathtaking landscapes. Welcome to the Tourissimo experience—a blend of adventure, culture, and the art of slow living.

Joining us is Heather Dowd, co-founder of Tourissimo, a company celebrating a decade of curating unforgettable cycling and hiking tours throughout Italy. Whether you're craving a scenic ride through Italy's rolling hills or a deep dive into Puglia's hidden treasures, Tourissimo creates journeys that immerse you in the heart of Italy.

In this episode, Heather shares expert travel and wellness tips, from how to embrace active exploration to discovering lesser-known regions of Italy perfect for hiking and biking. And so much more!

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling through Italy like a local and meeting artisans, savoring farm-to-table meals, and experiencing the country at the perfect pace, this is your invitation to take the ride of a lifetime.

Skip the tourist traps, embrace the rhythm of Italian life, and join us for an unforgettable adventure!

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Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Get ready for an eye-opening journey into the future of travel! The Speaking of Travel + Leave No Trace series is back with Richard Crawford, host of the hit show Leave No Trace TV, and director and filmmaker Ben Alcott, joining us from Australia as they wrap up Season Two!

This episode is all about transforming the way we explore the world—with curiosity, adaptability, and sustainability leading the way. With climate change, over-tourism, and environmental concerns at an all-time high, now more than ever, travelers must rethink their impact.

Richard and Ben bring their firsthand experiences from breathtaking locations across the globe, sharing powerful stories, practical tips, and insights on how to make a difference while still embracing adventure.

From choosing eco-friendly accommodations to supporting local communities and avoiding single-use plastics, we’ll uncover simple yet meaningful ways to reduce our footprint while enriching our travel experiences. Sustainability isn’t about sacrifice—it’s about traveling smarter, more mindfully, and with a deeper connection to the world around us.

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that proves small actions add up to big change. Ready to become a more responsible traveler?

Let’s make every journey count! Tune in!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Ever wonder how the tiniest creatures on Earth shape your biggest adventures? Meet microbes—your invisible travel companions, working behind the scenes to transform the air you breathe, the food you savor, and even how your body adapts to new places.

These microscopic marvels boost immunity, connect us to ecosystems, and fuel cultural traditions like fermented foods and biodiversity hotspots.

Joining us is Dr. Melissa Booth, a microbiologist, sustainability scientist, and passionate storyteller, who reveals how these unseen allies influence our journeys in ways we never imagined.

From the microbes in ancient fermentation techniques to the ones thriving in extreme environments, she’ll uncover how they shape our world—and our experiences within it.

Her Great Courses series, The Hidden Power of Microbes, explores these tiny powerhouses that shape life, fuel ecosystems, and keep us thriving.

Get ready for a fascinating deep dive into the microbial universe, where science meets adventure, and the teeniest things make the biggest impact!

"Once you learn about what's all around us and inside us, you'll never see things in quite the same way again."

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Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Let's take a deep dive into the magic of music, culture, and connection as we travel back to 1995 and the origin story of LEAF Global Arts, a transformative organization with a mission as bold as it is beautiful.

From preserving cultural traditions to fostering global understanding through music, arts education, and immersive experiences, LEAF Global Arts has been creating unforgettable moments for nearly three decades.

Jennifer Pickering, Co-Executive Director and Founder, and Leigh Maher, her partner in life and leadership, COO and Lake Eden Retreat General Manager, share their incredible journey of co-creating over 50 awe-inspiring festivals and countless global adventures. Along the way, they've built not only a legacy of creativity and resilience but also a vibrant community united by the universal language of art.

With stories that span the globe, LEAF Global Arts proves that music and art are powerful bridges between people, sparking joy and understanding. This is a celebration of a movement that stitches together lives with the threads of connection, curiosity, and a shared humanity.

So tune in and get ready for a whirlwind of inspiration, profound impact, and playful joy. Let's celebrate the magic of LEAF Global Arts and the infinite possibilities that unfold when people come together to create, share, and thrive!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Lew Bleiweis, President and CEO of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority, is a visionary leader steering one of the region's most transformative airports. Under his leadership, the airport has achieved record-breaking passenger growth, overcome challenges like natural disasters, and expanded its role as a vital economic engine for the community.

Lew shares the highs and lows of 2024, including new air service routes, major infrastructure upgrades, and disaster relief efforts. Looking ahead to 2025, he paints an inspiring picture of the airport's future, including cutting-edge projects like a new concourse, enhanced parking, and an expanded aircraft capacity to position the airport as a leader in regional aviation.

Lew also discusses the Asheville Regional Airport's far-reaching economic impact, with plans to strengthen its role as a hub for growth, connectivity, and innovation. This is a story of resilience, patience, and collaboration. And proof that when a community comes together, the future can truly soar.

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Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Did you know the Great Smoky Mountains are within a day's drive of half the U.S. population? While these misty peaks and ancient forests are a national treasure, they are also fragile. Smoky Mountain Host of NC (Visit Smokies) helps protect this region's natural beauty, with its Visitor Center serving as a welcoming gateway.

It connects travelers with historic downtowns, and vibrant arts, fostering connections to preserve the Smokies' charm for generations to come. Join Mici Canales, Communications Director, as we dive into the region's future and how we can protect its irreplaceable landscape.

Also on this episode of Speaking of Travel, discover how the The Cherokee Historical Association (CHA) is working tirelessly to protect and share the cultural heritage of the Cherokee people.

Learn from Laura Blythe, CHA Program Director, and Lance Culpepper, Operations Director, about exciting future projects, new events, and the vibrant legacy of this remarkable community dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. ᎠᎾᎵᎮᎵᎬ

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Photo = Laura Blyth (L) Lance Culpepper (C) Mici Canales (R)

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Award-winning filmmakers, storytellers, and fearless adventurers, John Alexander and JC Guest bring their passion, creativity, and bold spirit to Speaking of Travel.

Known for powerful, transformative and heartwarming films like Little Satchmo, a PBS sensation that touched audiences worldwide, and This Is Love, John and JC are redefining family life by blending parenting with global exploration.

From traversing eight countries in eight weeks across Eastern Europe to balancing diapers and cameras, they share stories of resilience, joy, and connection.

Tune in for unforgettable tales, inspiration, laughter, and a reminder that adventure is possible for everyone, kids and all!

Only on Speaking of Travel!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.