On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, travel writer Eileen Cotter Wright, founder of PureWander.com, shares practical tips, honest stories, and encouraging advice for families who want to explore the world together. From juggling toddler meltdowns to embracing kid-led adventures, Eileen talks about the realities of traveling with young children — and why the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

She discusses her journey from traditional journalism to digital travel media, the importance of balancing family-friendly fun with adult experiences, and how exploring history and culture through travel helps children grow. Eileen also highlights favorite kid-friendly destinations like Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers advice on preparing children for flights, and emphasizes why travel insurance is essential for families.

This episode also features some of Eileen’s recent family travel stories across the U.S., the U.K., and Costa Rica, showcasing how accessible, meaningful, and joyful multigenerational adventure can be.

📸 Follow her family travel adventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAgWDj5tmqp/?img_index=1 https://www.instagram.com/p/DO_Ya3zjgAR/?img_index=1 https://www.instagram.com/p/DHZM0lSzENe/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DQCQ04_APrz/

✈️ Read her family travel stories: - London, UK – https://purewander.com/lovely-london-with-littles-best-things-by-a-local/ - Nosara, Costa Rica – https://purewander.com/spend-a-oceanside-week-in-nosara-costa-rica/ - Grand Rapids, Michigan – https://purewander.com/add-grand-rapids-michigan-to-your-adventures-a-weekend-itinerary/

🌐Explore Eileen’s travel writing at https://purewander.com/ 🌐Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/

🎙️As part of our National Children's Month and Family Stories Month programming, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Quality of Life," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Merle Rosenstein shares her experiences at the Rougarou Fest in Houma, Louisiana, part of the Annual IFWTWA Conference in Lafayette (October 2025).

Merle highlights the rich culinary culture, the legendary Rougarou in local folklore, and the importance of coastal and environmental conservation in Louisiana’s unique communities. The conversation explores how food, festivals, and local traditions connect people to heritage while fostering awareness of sustainable practices. Listeners also learn about Merle’s journey as a travel writer and her vision of SuperBubbie, celebrating active senior travel and cultural exploration.

🌐 Read Merle’s article about the festival: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/haunting-good-fun-and-coastal-preservation-at-houmas-rougarou-fest/

🌐 Visit Merle’s website: https://superbubbie.ca/

🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/

🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Nature Connection," "Big Daily Blend," and "Way Back When" channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Food, Wine & Travel Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) features Inge Morascini, Executive Director of Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism, who shares what makes these two Pacific Northwest gems so special.

From the dramatic coastal scenery and rich military and maritime history to the islands’ deep-rooted sense of community and sustainability, this conversation explores what makes Whidbey and Camano ideal for travelers seeking both connection and discovery. Listeners will hear about local artisans, small businesses, foraging and local food experiences, and the growing trend of road tripping through the islands.

Whether it’s the off-season serenity, the local farm-to-table culture, or the scenic drives from Seattle, Whidbey and Camano Islands offer transformative travel experiences where nature and community thrive together.

🌐 Learn more: https://whidbeycamanoislands.com/

🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/

🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Road Trip Radio," and "Parks & Travel" channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m