Bon Voyage Besties: Travel and Friendship

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel is joined by award-winning travel expert and author Danielle Desir Corbett to share practical tips for traveling to Iceland on a budget. Known for its stunning waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal lagoons, and black sand beaches, Iceland is often considered an expensive destination, but Danielle explains how travelers can experience the country affordably without missing out on its magic.Rachel and Danielle discuss budget-friendly Iceland travel strategies, including how to save money on flights, accommodations, transportation, and activities while still visiting iconic spots like Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and Iceland’s famous hot springs. They also share advice for solo travelers, first-time visitors, and anyone planning a Europe trip on a budget.Listeners will learn about free and low-cost things to do in Iceland, common travel budgeting mistakes, and practical ways to create an unforgettable Iceland itinerary without overspending. Follow Danielle @thedaniellecorbett on Instagram and https://thoughtcard.com/

Join us in this episode as seasoned traveler and travel photographer Julie Diebolt Price shares her extensive experience planning and executing a six-week trip across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Whether you're a solo traveler or planning a long journey, get inspired by her practical tips, cultural discoveries, and travel lessons. This episode delivers actionable travel insights, heartfelt stories, and practical hacks to inspire your next adventure, whether it’s a multi-week exploration or a spontaneous getaway. Don’t miss Julie’s tips on packing smart, traveling light, and experiencing cultural richness firsthand. Follow Julie on Instagram @PhotoTravelWrite and Bon Voyage Besties @BonVoyageBesties.Resources & Links: TravelingSpoon.com - Authentic cooking experiences and cultural tours in Morocco Travmedia.com - Network platform for travel industry professionals EatingEurope.com - Food and walking tours in European cities

What if you could land in any city in the world and immediately have a trusted local woman by your side? That's exactly the vision behind Greether. This week, Rachel and Rosa sit down with its founder, Vanessa Karel, to hear how she turned her own travel experiences into a global platform connecting women across more than 100 countries. Vanessa opens up about the personal moments on the road that made her realize something was missing in the travel industry: not just a safety gap, but a connection gap. She shares how those experiences became the spark for Greether, a platform that pairs travelers with verified local women guides who bring authenticity, knowledge, and community to every trip. We dig into how Greether actually works, including how the platform vets its local guides to ensure safety and trust for both sides of the connection. But this episode isn't just about logistics. It’s also about what happens when women show up for each other across cultures and time zones. Vanessa shares some of her most memorable stories of human connection, the kind that remind you why travel is one of the most powerful forces for empathy in the world. Follow GreetHer on Instagram @GreetHer and https://greether.com/. Use code: BONVOYAGE for 15% off your first booking. Follow Bon Voyage Besties on all channels @BonVoyageBesties

Thinking about booking your first cruise but feeling completely overwhelmed by all the options? In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rosa and Rachel sit down with cruise expert Theresa Russell for an in-depth conversation packed with first-time cruiser tips, honest advice, and everything you need to know before setting sail.Theresa breaks down the biggest benefits of cruising, how to choose the right cruise line and ship, and tackles the most common cruise misconceptions, including fears around seasickness, safety at sea, boredom onboard, and yes ... even pirates. Whether you're drawn to the idea of waking up in a new port every morning or simply want a stress-free vacation where everything is handled for you, cruising might be exactly what you're looking for.You can find Theresa at her podcast Living The Could Life. You can find Bon Voyage Besties @BonVoyageBesties on all platforms.

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, we’re joined by outdoor TV host Misty Wells, who shares how she turned her love for adventure into a full-time career in travel television. Her series, "Let's Take it Outside," is an award winning TV show connecting readers and viewers with the great outdoors. From planning and choosing filming destinations to building authentic connections with local communities, Misty breaks down what it really takes to create compelling outdoor content. She also dives into navigating unpredictable weather and filming challenges, balancing creativity with logistics, and why authenticity matters more than perfection in storytelling. Along the way, she offers advice for women entering the outdoor and travel media space, shares budget-friendly ways to explore the outdoors, and reflects on her favorite destinations and dream trips. Whether you're an aspiring travel creator or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with practical tips and real-world insights to fuel your next adventure.Follow Misty at @mistyewells on Instagram and her website https://www.mistywells.com Follow Bon Voyage Besties ⁨@bonvoyagebesties⁩ on all platforms.

In today’s episode of Bon Voyage Besties, we’re taking you on a journey to Japan.We’re joined by Adeline Kuroki, founder of Savor and Soak Travel Co, who shares expert insights on how to plan an unforgettable trip to Japan. From navigating cultural differences to crafting a personalized itinerary, this episode is packed with practical tips for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers.We dive into how to balance iconic destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto with hidden gems, avoid common travel mistakes like over-scheduling, and set realistic expectations for your trip. Plus, Adeline shares what it’s really like to experience traditional Japan—from staying at a ryokan to exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations you won’t find in every guidebook.Whether you’re dreaming of your first visit or planning your next adventure, this episode will help you travel smarter and experience Japan more authentically.Don’t forget to follow Adeline on Instagram at @savorandsoak and stay connected with us @BonVoyageBesties. We’ve also included helpful resources mentioned in this episode to make planning your trip even easier.

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rachel and Rosa are joined by Tory, a passionate advocate for local travel. They discuss the importance of shifting the mindset around travel, emphasizing that meaningful adventures can be found close to home. Tory shares her experiences exploring hidden gems in Pennsylvania, the benefits of maximizing PTO for local getaways, and how to find budget-friendly travel options. The conversation highlights the joy of spontaneous adventures, the value of connecting with locals, and the personal growth that comes from solo travel. Listeners are encouraged to embrace local travel as a way to reset and recharge without the need for expensive flights or extensive planning.Make sure to follow Tory on socials at @ToryTalksTrails and you can now pre-order her book “Scenic Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania” which comes out April 15th. Don’t forget to leave us a review and follow our adventures on socials at @BonVoyageBesties

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, hosts Rachel and Rosa welcome Chris Giuliano, a passionate traveler who shares his experiences from his recent trip to China. Chris discusses his travel style, the road trip that ignited his love for travel, and the challenges of planning a trip to China, including navigating the visa process and creating an itinerary. He shares insights on the vibrant cities, delicious food, and cultural experiences he encountered, as well as tips for future travelers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of research, flexibility, and embracing the adventure of travel. Follow Bon Voyage Besties on all social platforms @BonVoyageBesties

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel and Rosa discuss the transformative power of solo travel with guest Jess, a seasoned traveler and entrepreneur. They explore the personal growth that comes from traveling alone, the importance of stepping outside comfort zones, and the cultural insights gained through immersive experiences. The conversation emphasizes overcoming fears, the value of community, and the need to prioritize experiences over material possessions. Jess shares her journey of self-discovery through travel, encouraging listeners to embrace their own adventures. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the joys and challenges of travel, emphasizing the importance of food, cultural experiences, and overcoming fears. They discuss personal anecdotes about safety perceptions in different countries, the significance of community, and the transformative power of solo travel. The dialogue highlights the need for honesty in sharing travel experiences, both good and bad, and encourages listeners to embrace adventure despite their fears. Follow Jess at gorjesswanderlust.com and Instagram at @_thejesseffect. Follow Bon Voyage Besties at @BonVoyageBesties

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rosa and Rachel dive deep into the topic of travel anxiety, discussing common fears and personal experiences. They explore the importance of planning, budgeting, and coping strategies to manage anxiety while traveling. The conversation emphasizes the significance of listening to one's instincts, the value of travel insurance, and the need for flexibility in travel plans. Encouraging listeners to embrace the journey, learn from mistakes, and find joy in their travel experiences. Make sure to follow us on socials at BonVoyageBesties

In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, we’re heading to Morocco and diving into what it truly means to travel with curiosity, flexibility, and an open mind. We explore how managing expectations, embracing cultural differences, and staying adaptable can transform your trip from a simple vacation into a deeply meaningful experience. Traveling to Morocco isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you show up for the journey.Hosts Rachel and Rosa are thrilled to welcome Azdean Elmoustaquim, a Moroccan travel expert, host of the Destination Morocco podcast, and founder of Destination Morocco, a U.S.-based tour company specializing in personalized, small-group adventures. From family trips and honeymoons to immersive cultural experiences, Azdean shares insider wisdom on how to truly experience the magic of Morocco. So grab your mint tea, besties, and get ready to discover Morocco in a whole new way. Make sure to give him a follow at www.instagram.com/destinationmorocco and make sure to leave us a review & follow us on socials at @BonVoyageBesties

In this episode, Alyssa—solo travel blogger and influencer—shares her inspiring journey from a low-income background to traveling solo to 145 countries and building a successful travel brand. She gets real about the challenges behind the scenes, including imposter syndrome, online negativity, and breaking free from societal expectations to pursue her dreams.Joined by Rosa and Rachel, the conversation dives into the world of solo travel from a woman’s perspective. They discuss the highs and lows of traveling alone, the importance of positivity and support, how to handle criticism, and offer practical tips for beginner travelers. The episode also explores future travel goals and why solo adventures can be so empowering.Follow Alyssa on Instagram @mylifesatravelmovie and follow us @BonVoyageBesties ✈️