🧭 Episode Summary

What if the most authentic travel experiences aren’t found in postcard-perfect capitals—but in the overlooked cities where culture lives, breathes, and surprises you at every turn?

In this episode of Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint, Cheryl Johnson invites you to see the world differently through the lens of second-city travel—choosing destinations that don’t make every headline but hold every bit of heart.

From the medieval charm of Girona to the calm beauty of Zurich, Cheryl shares her personal stories, practical insights, and an exclusive travel deal that makes exploring beyond the big cities more rewarding than ever.

Learn why skipping tourist-packed capitals for quieter, culture-rich “second cities” can give you a more sustainable, affordable, and truly authentic travel experience.

🧳 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• 🌍 What “second-city travel” means and why it’s trending
• 🧭 How smaller destinations offer richer, more local connections
• ⚖️ The truth about overtourism and how it impacts local communities
• 💬 Real-life stories that reveal the magic of exploring beyond the obvious
• 💰 Why visiting second cities can stretch your budget without sacrificing experience
• 📸 Bonus tip: How to document your trip and capture unique, crowd-free moments

✨ Featured Destinations & Alternatives

• Girona, Spain — a peaceful medieval escape just an hour from Barcelona
• Verona or Treviso, Italy — romantic and canal-laced alternatives to Venice
• Zurich, Switzerland — a serene alternative to busier European capitals
• Seville & Valencia, Spain — vibrant, culture-rich alternatives to Barcelona
• Hamburg, Germany — an authentic alternative to Berlin
• Krakow, Poland — a historic gem compared to Warsaw
• Montreal, Canada — French charm with fewer crowds than Paris
• Tartu, Estonia — academic and artsy, a calm contrast to Tallinn
• Mumbai, India — a lively, multifaceted alternative to Delhi

💡 Travel Deal Mentioned

Riu Hotels & Resorts — Explore Europe and beyond with discounted rates across Spain, Portugal, Ireland, the U.K., and more.
✨ Travel Dates: Now through December 15, 2026
🗓️ Book by December 31, 2025
Perfect for travelers seeking authentic stays in second-city locations.

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Second-city travel provides authentic cultural immersion without the stress of crowds.
• Exploring lesser-known destinations supports local economies and sustainable tourism.
• You’ll discover a sense of peace and connection often lost in major tourist hubs.
• It’s easier to find budget-friendly stays and genuine hospitality in smaller cities.
• The best travel memories often happen where nobody else is looking.

📸 Pro Tip

Hire a local photographer through platforms like Viator to capture your journey in a unique way—especially in scenic, lesser-known cities where every backdrop tells a story.

🔔 Call to Action

If this episode expanded your travel universe, showing you that the world’s most meaningful journeys happen off the beaten path, don’t forget to subscribe to Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint so you never miss an episode.

Next up: “When the World Becomes the Classroom: How Student Travel Transforms Learning and Lives.”
Join Cheryl and her guests as they share powerful stories that prove travel is the most inspiring education of all.

🎧 Subscribe today and start building your own travel blueprint—one discovery at a time.

🗺️ Keywords & SEO Tags

second city travel, alternative travel destinations, overtourism solutions, authentic travel, sustainable travel, cultural immersion, Cheryl Johnson travel podcast, Cheryls Travel Blueprint, Girona Spain, Verona Italy, Zurich Switzerland, Valencia Spain, Seville Spain, Montreal Canada, travel advisor, travel tips, authentic experiences, travel off the beaten path, slow travel, budget travel, hidden gems, travel inspiration

What if the most revolutionary act of travel isn’t how many stamps you collect in your passport—but how deeply you experience a single destination?

In this episode of Cheryl's Travel Blueprint, Cheryl Johnson invites you to slow down, stay awhile, and see travel as more than a checklist. From wandering through Puerto Rico’s lush El Yunque rainforest to connecting with locals over home-cooked meals, Cheryl explores how slow travel transforms not just your itinerary, but your mindset.

Learn how this approach supports sustainability, saves money, and brings authentic connections to life—whether you’re strolling through Kyoto, savoring coffee in Porto, or lingering on the Amalfi Coast.

And don’t miss the exclusive travel deals shared mid-episode—perfect for travelers ready to turn inspiration into action.

🧳 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• 🌎 What “slow travel” really means and how to embrace it
• 🕊️ Why traveling slower leads to richer, more meaningful experiences
• ♻️ How slow travel supports sustainability and local communities
• 💬 Tips for connecting with locals and finding authentic experiences
• 💰 Budget-friendly ways to enjoy longer stays without breaking the bank
• 🏝️ Top destinations for slow travel: Costa Rica, Bali, Kyoto, Porto, Amalfi Coast, and more

✨ Featured Destinations & Highlights

• Puerto Rico — El Yunque Rainforest, Luquillo Beach, El Morro Fortress, Bacardi Rum Factory
• Costa Rica — The W Reserva Conchal (exclusive upgrade offer)
• Hyatt Inclusive Collection — Sun-kissed savings and perks across Europe and the Caribbean
• Global Slow Travel Hotspots: Bali, Kyoto, Porto, Amalfi Coast, Luang Prabang

💡 Travel Deals Mentioned

• W Costa Rica, Reserva Conchal – Guaranteed room upgrades when you book before November 30, 2025, for travel through December 23, 2025
• Hyatt Inclusive Collection – Up to 40% off with bonus perks; book by January 7, 2026, for travel through December 20, 2026

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Less truly is more when it comes to meaningful travel.
• Staying longer means deeper understanding and stronger local impact.
• Slow travel fosters personal growth and a more sustainable footprint.
• You don’t have to go far to go deep—connection starts where you pause.

🔔 Call to Action

If this episode expanded your idea of what travel can be, don’t forget to subscribe to Cheryl's Travel Blueprint so you never miss an adventure.

Next week, we’ll explore “Second City Travel” — how to skip the crowds and find charm in unexpected destinations.

🎧 Listen now and start building your own travel blueprint—one intentional journey at a time.

🗺️ Keywords & SEO Tags

slow travel, mindful travel, sustainable tourism, immersive travel, Cheryl Johnson travel podcast, Nostalgic Travel Talks, travel advisor, Puerto Rico travel, Costa Rica resorts, Hyatt Inclusive Collection, cultural immersion, authentic travel, travel mindset, travel planning tips, travel inspiration, how to travel slow, intentional travel, Cheryls Travel Blueprint

🧭 Episode Summary

Behind every seamless vacation is a travel advisor who’s navigated storms — both literal and metaphorical. In this episode, Cheryl and co-host Brittany Johnson sit down with Mark and Lisa Hale, seasoned travel professionals with over 35 years of experience, to reveal what really goes on behind the scenes of the travel industry.

From the myths about travel advisors and the perks of using one, to evolving travel trends, destination deals, and post-pandemic shifts — this episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes to turn dream vacations into real-life memories.

You’ll discover:

• ✈️ How travel advisors save you time, money, and headaches
• 🌍 The destinations trending for 2025 — from Europe to Asia
• 🧳 The rise of multi-generational and bucket-list travel
• 🏖️ Why it pays to book through a professional (and not just Google)
• 💡 Real advice for anyone considering a career in travel

Plus, enjoy a fun rapid-fire round on everything from favorite destinations to whether our guests prefer the aisle or window seat!

🔗 Mentioned in This Episode

• Globus Tours: World of Wonder Sales Event — Save $1,000 per couple on select 2026 tours
• The Westin Maui Resort & Spa — Complimentary room upgrade + breakfast + resort credit
• Rick Steves Travel Series — Inspiring travel storytelling and planning inspiration

💬 Key Quote

🧠 Perfect For

• Curious travelers who want to understand what goes into a perfectly planned trip
• Aspiring or current travel advisors
• Anyone planning a cruise, group trip, or international adventure

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

Listen now on: NostalgicTravelCo.com/podcasts

Or watch the full video on YouTube: Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint by Nostalgic Travel: https://youtu.be/qPNQNKni8rM

🏷️ Tags / SEO Keywords

travel advisor podcast, travel agent tips, how to become a travel agent, travel trends 2025, multi-generational travel, booking a cruise, corporate vs leisure travel, travel planning hacks, vacation deals, travel industry insights, Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint, Nostalgic Travel podcast

Episode Overview

Host Cheryl Johnson explores the transformative power of language learning with her children, Brittany and Alexander Johnson, sharing their experiences with Spanish immersion education and international travel.

Featured Guests

• Brittany Johnson
• Alexander Johnson

Key Themes

• Importance of early language education
• Cultural immersion experiences
• Benefits of bilingualism
• Personal growth through language learning
• International travel as an educational tool

Memorable Moments

• First language immersion trip to Mexico
• Breakthrough moment at Fantasia 2000 movie
• Summers spent in Spain
• Challenges and triumphs of learning Spanish

Language Learning Insights

• Starting language education early
• Overcoming fear of making mistakes
• Cultural understanding through language
• Developing empathy and global perspective

Travel Experiences Highlighted

• Mexico immersion trip
• Multiple summers in Spain
• Study abroad in Italy
• Cultural adaptation strategies

Practical Advice for Language Learners

• Embrace a childlike learning approach
• Don't fear making mistakes
• Immerse yourself in the language
• View language learning as a journey

Special Travel Offers Mentioned

• Virgin Voyages: 70% off second sailor
• Additional $600 in savings
• Booking link: tinyurl.com/bookvirgintoday
• United Vacations: $550 off European destinations

Rapid Fire Round Highlights

• First Spanish words
• Most embarrassing language mistakes
• Cultural misunderstandings
• Language learning challenges

Learning Objectives

• Understand the value of bilingual education
• Recognize benefits of early language learning
• Gain strategies for cultural immersion
• Appreciate language as a tool for global connection

Recommended Resources

• Spanish immersion programs
• Study abroad opportunities
• Language learning apps
• Cultural exchange programs

Connect with Nostalgic Travel Talks

• 🌐 Facebook: Nostalgic Travel Co. Facebook
• 📸 Instagram: @nostalgictravelco
• 💼 LinkedIn: Cheryl Johnson
• 🎥 YouTube: @NostalgicTravelCo

Next Episode Teaser

Join us next week for an insider's look at the travel industry with a professional travel agent - uncovering secrets, tips, and hidden travel hacks!

Hashtags

#LanguageLearning #CulturalImmersion #BilingualFamily #TravelEducation #GlobalCitizens #SpanishImmersion #FamilyTravel #LanguageAdventures

Timestamps (Approximate)

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 05:00 - Language Immersion Beginnings
• 15:00 - Mexico Travel Experience
• 30:00 - Spanish Summers in Spain
• 45:00 - Language Learning Challenges
• 60:00 - Rapid Fire Round
• 70:00 - Closing Thoughts and Travel Offers

Episode Overview

A deep dive into the life-changing experience of studying abroad in Rome, featuring a candid conversation between Cheryl Johnson and her son Alexander about cultural immersion, personal growth, and the magic of international education.

Guest

• Alexander Johnson (Former Study Abroad Student)

Key Themes

• Study abroad experiences
• Cultural immersion
• Italian culture and lifestyle
• Student travel insights
• Personal growth through international education

Memorable Moments

• Unexpected cultural discoveries
• Authentic Italian food experiences
• Navigating life in a foreign country
• Challenges and triumphs of international study

Highlighted Destinations

• Rome
• Milan
• Trastevere
• Blue Mosque (Turkey)
• Italian countryside

Key Insights

• Importance of stepping out of comfort zone
• Value of word-of-mouth local recommendations
• Cultural learning beyond classroom experiences
• Transformative power of international travel

Rapid Fire Highlights

• Favorite Italian food: Margherita pizza
• Must-know phrase: "Andiamo" (Let's go)
• Biggest travel mistake: Assuming work availability
• Recommended city: Milan and surrounding countryside

Travel Tips

• Ask locals for authentic restaurant recommendations
• Avoid tourist-trap restaurants
• Explore beyond major cities
• Embrace cultural differences
• Be open to unexpected experiences

Recommended Resources

• University study abroad offices
• Cultural immersion programs
• Language learning apps
• Local travel guides

Connect with Nostalgic Travel Co.

• 🌐 Facebook: Nostalgic Travel Co. Facebook
• 📸 Instagram: @nostalgictravelco
• 💼 LinkedIn: Cheryl Johnson
• 🎥 YouTube: @NostalgicTravelCo

Next Episode Teaser

Join us next week for an in-depth exploration of professional travel advising - insider secrets that will revolutionize how you plan your next adventure!

Hashtags

#StudyAbroad #ItalyTravel #CulturalImmersion #StudentTravel #InternationalEducation #TravelLearning #ItalianAdventure #GlobalCitizen

Learning Objectives

• Understand the value of study abroad experiences
• Gain insights into Italian culture and lifestyle
• Learn strategies for meaningful international travel
• Recognize personal growth opportunities through travel

Timestamps (Approximate)

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 05:00 - Preparation for Study Abroad
• 15:00 - Cultural Experiences
• 30:00 - Food and Local Discoveries
• 45:00 - Travel Tips and Insights
• 60:00 - Rapid Fire Round
• 70:00 - Closing Thoughts

Nostalgic Travel is a full-service travel agency specializing in ocean cruises, educational group trips, and multigenerational travel experiences. Whether you're planning a relaxing escape, an immersive cultural tour, or a meaningful family adventure, we handle the details so you can focus on what really matters—making lifelong memories. 🌍✨
Ready to plan your next trip?
📅 Book a free consult: https://calendly.com/cheryl-nostalgictravelco/30min
Facebook group: Nostalgic Travel with Cheryl | Custom Vacations and Educational...

Episode Overview

A powerful exploration of Black travel during the Jim Crow era, featuring first-hand accounts from Charles and Christine Kimbrough about navigating a dangerous and discriminatory landscape.

Key Themes

• Survival strategies for Black travelers
• Systemic racism in transportation and public spaces
• The critical role of community knowledge
• Resilience and adaptation during segregation

Memorable Moments

• Personal stories of near-violent encounters
• Detailed descriptions of daily challenges
• Insights into the Green Book's importance
• Family migration experiences

Key Stories Highlighted

• Dangerous bus ride through Philadelphia, Mississippi
• Close encounters with racist law enforcement
• Navigating travel without basic safety guarantees
• Strategies for finding safe accommodation and food

Historical Context

• Publication period of the Green Book: 1936-1960
• Impact of Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Great Migration experiences
• Education and economic challenges

Guest Speakers

• Charles Kimbrough
• Christine Kimbrough
• Host: Cheryl Johnson
• Co-host: Alexander Johnson

Powerful Quotes

"You always want the best for your children and you don't want them to have to live through any of that." - Christine Kimbrough

Recommended Actions for Listeners

1. Share these stories with younger generations
2. Support Black-owned businesses
3. Record oral histories from elder family members

Related Resources

• Original Negro Motorist Green Book archives
• Civil Rights Movement historical documents
• Books on Black travel during Jim Crow era

Recommended Reading

• "Driving While Black" by Gretchen Sorin
• "The Negro Motorist Green Book" (original publication)
• "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson

Next Episode Teaser

Join us next time for an in-depth conversation about travel experiences and industry insights with a professional travel advisor.

Hashtags

#BlackHistory #OralHistory #CivilRightsMovement #TravelHistory #AfricanAmericanStories #JimCrowEra #GreenBook #SurvivalStories

Episode Timestamps (Approximate)

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 05:00 - Green Book Overview
• 15:00 - Personal Travel Stories
• 30:00 - Survival Strategies
• 45:00 - Family Migration
• 60:00 - Reflection and Closing Remarks

Learning Objectives

• Understand the challenges of Black travel during segregation
• Appreciate the importance of community support
• Recognize the resilience of African American families
• Learn about historical survival strategies
  Nostalgic Travel is a full-service travel agency specializing in ocean cruises, educational group trips, and multigenerational travel experiences. Whether you're planning a relaxing escape, an immersive cultural tour, or a meaningful family adventure, we handle the details so you can focus on what really matters—making lifelong memories. 🌍✨
  Ready to plan your next trip?
• 📅 Book a free consult: https://calendly.com/cheryl-nostalgictravelco/30min
  Facebook group: Nostalgic Travel with Cheryl | Custom Vacations and Educational...
• Website: https://nostalgictravelco.com/

Show Notes: Why Solo Travel is the Ultimate Self-Discovery Journey

Episode Summary

In this insightful episode of Nostalgic Travel Talks, host Alexander Johnson sits down with his mother and experienced traveler, Cheryl Johnson, to explore the transformative power of solo travel. From practical tips to personal stories, they unpack why traveling alone can be one of life's most empowering experiences and how anyone can begin their solo travel journey.

Time Stamps

• 00:00 - Introduction and welcome
• 01:30 - Cheryl shares how her solo travel journey began
• 03:45 - The importance of independence and self-discovery through solo travel
• 05:20 - Top tips for first-time solo travelers
• 08:15 - "Dating yourself" as a gateway to solo travel
• 10:30 - Navigating cultural differences when traveling alone
• 12:00 - Life lessons learned from solo travel experiences
• 14:20 - Using meetup groups to connect with locals (Barcelona story)
• 17:40 - Dream solo travel destinations
• 21:15 - Safety tips and real stories from the road
• 26:30 - Final thoughts on the empowering nature of solo travel
• 27:45 - Rapid-fire travel questions

Key Takeaways

• Start small: Begin your solo journey with simple activities like dining alone or seeing a movie by yourself
• Freedom to choose: Solo travel lets you set your own agenda without compromising
• Research is crucial: Learn about your destination, cultural norms, and safety considerations
• Connect with locals: Use apps like Meetup to find gatherings and meet people from around the world
• Trust your instincts: When it comes to safety, always follow your gut feeling
• Embrace the awkward: Being comfortable with yourself is part of the growth process

Memorable Quotes

• "You get to set the agenda. You are on your own timetable." - Cheryl Johnson
• "You have to be happy with yourself first before you can make other people happy." - Cheryl Johnson
• "It's basically dating yourself." - Alexander Johnson on starting solo travel
• "Embrace the awkward." - Cheryl Johnson
• "The missing ingredient is interacting with locals." - Cheryl Johnson on meaningful travel
• "One word to describe solo traveling: Empowering." - Cheryl Johnson

Resources Mentioned
Meetup app for connecting with locals while traveling

• Barcelona language exchange meetups
• Portable phone chargers as essential travel gadgets

Future Destinations Discussed

• Cuba
• St. Croix
• Puerto Rico
• Dominican Republic
• Sri Lanka
• Mauritius
• Monaco

Next Episode

Join us next week for an exploration of the Negro Motorist Green Book and its vital impact on helping Black travelers navigate America safely.

Follow Cheryl Johnson on social media -
youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgicTravelCo
linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryljohnsonnostalgictravel/
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nostalgictravelco/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554602701451
website: https://nostalgictravelco.com/

Nostalgic Travel is a full-service travel agency specializing in ocean cruises, educational group trips, and multigenerational travel experiences. Whether you're planning a relaxing escape, an immersive cultural tour, or a meaningful family adventure, we handle the details so you can focus on what really matters—making lifelong memories. 🌍✨
Ready to plan your next trip?
📅 Book a free consult: https://calendly.com/cheryl-nostalgictravelco/30min
Facebook group: Nostalgic Travel with Cheryl | Custom Vacations and Educational...

Don't forget to subscribe to Nostalgic Travel Talks for weekly episodes about travel adventures, tips, and stories!

Show Notes

Episode Overview:
In this inspiring episode of Nostalgic Travel Talks, hosts Alexander and Cheryl Johnson explore the transformative power of international youth exchange programs and the critical need to make these life-changing experiences accessible to all students, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Featured Guest

Cheryl Johnson - Former Spanish teacher, travel advisor, and founder of Youth Exchange Collective, a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing financial and social barriers to international youth exchange programs.

Key Topics Discussed

The Genesis of Youth Exchange Collective
Cheryl shares her journey from being a Spanish teacher who organized exchange programs with Spain to founding a nonprofit after witnessing talented students unable to participate due to financial constraints. Her retirement opened the door to finally address this inequality she observed throughout her teaching career.

The Reality of Cultural Immersion
The conversation delves into powerful examples of how textbook learning pales in comparison to real-world cultural experiences. From understanding Spain's siesta culture to navigating different restaurant customs, Cheryl illustrates how immersive experiences create lasting educational impact that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom setting.

Program Structure and Impact
Learn about the comprehensive approach to youth exchange programs, including:

• Host family matching and coordination
• School experience integration
• Guided exploration and field trips
• Skill-building through real-world challenges like scavenger hunts
• Long-term relationship building that extends across generations

Building Global Citizens
The episode explores how international exchange programs develop essential life skills including cultural competency, language acquisition, problem-solving abilities, and global perspective that students carry throughout their lives.

Memorable Quotes

"I think every student should have the privilege of getting to go on one of these trips if they truly want to, because they are life-changing, in my opinion." - Cheryl Johnson

"When you actually get a chance to go out in the world and see things... I remember this girl saying, 'I know you talked about this in class, but I didn't think it was real.'"

"The only way [to solve world problems]... a lot of it comes from people just not understanding each other. People don't know, they're afraid of people that they don't know."

Mission and Values

Youth Exchange Collective operates on core principles of compassion, equity, empathy, and curiosity, working to ensure that motivated students from all backgrounds can access transformational international experiences.

How to Get Involved

• Visit the Youth Exchange Collective website (launching soon)
• Follow on Facebook and social media platforms
  • https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579158873899
  • instagram.com/youthexchangecollective
  • Contact Cheryl Johnson directly for volunteer opportunities
• Help spread awareness about accessible youth exchange programs

Quick Fire Round Highlights

Coffee vs. Tea: Coffee wins
Beach vs. City: Beach for relaxation
Early Bird vs. Night Owl: Surprising night owl revelation
Learning Preference: Conversation over books every time

Next Episode Preview

Join us next week as we dive into the exciting world of solo travel, sharing insights, challenges, and tips for making the most of independent adventures.

Connect With Us

Follow Nostalgic Travel and Nostalgic Travel Talks for more inspiring stories about cultural exchange, travel education, and breaking down barriers to global experiences.
Website: https://nostalgictravelco.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554602701451
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nostalgictravelco
linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryljohnsonnostalgictravel/

This episode highlights the critical importance of making international education accessible to all young people, regardless of their socioeconomic background, and demonstrates how cultural exchange programs create lasting positive change in both individuals and communities worldwide.