Episode Overview

What happens when travel stops catering to you?

In this episode of Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint, Cheryl speaks with author and long-distance hiker G. Scott Graham about his experience hiking the legendary GR20 Trail on the rugged Mediterranean island of Corsica.

Often called one of the toughest long-distance hikes in Europe, the GR20 isn’t just physically demanding—it’s culturally different in ways many American travelers don’t expect. There are no luxury accommodations, no “customer is always right” mentality, and no shortcuts just because you paid more.

Instead, hikers encounter something far more powerful: a raw, communal travel experience built on shared effort, humility, and connection.

Scott shares what surprised him most about the trail, the cultural differences American travelers often misunderstand, and how stepping outside of comfort can transform the way we see the world—and ourselves.

This conversation isn’t just about hiking. It’s about the deeper lessons travel teaches when we stop expecting the world to adapt to us.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why the GR20 Trail is considered one of Europe’s most challenging hikes
• What American travelers often misunderstand about European travel culture
• The difference between comfort travel and challenge travel
• How shared hardship on the trail creates unexpected community
• Why refuges, communal meals, and simple living reshape the travel experience
• The mindset shift that happens when the world stops catering to you
• Lessons any traveler can apply—even if you never hike a mountain

Key Takeaways

Travel isn’t always supposed to be comfortable.
Some of the most meaningful travel experiences happen when we step outside familiar systems.

Different cultures have different expectations.
What Americans see as “service” or convenience may not exist in other parts of the world—and that’s part of the learning.

Challenge creates connection.
On trails like the GR20, hikers from around the world bond through shared effort, communal meals, and mutual respect.

Real travel changes you.
When the world doesn’t adapt to you, you start adapting to it—and that’s where growth happens.

Memorable Quote

Resources & Links

Learn more about Scott’s work and upcoming book:

• Upcoming book: GR20: A Guide for Americans by G. Scott Graham

If the idea of Corsica inspires you but hiking the entire GR20 feels a little intense, there are also guided tours and cultural excursions across the island that allow travelers to experience its dramatic landscapes, villages, and cuisine at a slower pace.
https://gyg.me/yWIKY4Ge
(Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

Listen & Subscribe

If you enjoy conversations about travel that go beyond the highlights and explore the deeper impact of seeing the world, make sure to subscribe to Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint so you don’t miss future episodes.

New episodes explore how travel shapes our perspectives, connects cultures, and sometimes challenges us in the best possible ways.

Connect with Cheryl

Travel advisor | Cultural travel advocate | Podcast host

If you’re dreaming about your own meaningful travel experience—whether that’s a European adventure, a cruise, or a culturally immersive journey—I’d love to help you plan it.

Website: https://nostalgictravelco.com/
Podcast: Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgicTravelCo

What would it take for you to walk away from stability, sell almost everything you own, and leave with nothing but a backpack, a small budget, and courage?

In this episode, Cheryl sits down with Candace MacPhie, a writer whose nonfiction books chronicle a year-long backpacking journey in her late 20s—a journey that began after profound grief and a deep need to rediscover herself. Candace traveled in the 1990s, long before Google Maps, online reviews, or instant connection, and her stories are as raw and real as travel gets: funny, heartbreaking, romantic, and deeply human—often described as “Bridget Jones goes backpacking.”

Together, Cheryl and Candace explore what it means to travel without a safety net, how human connection shaped the experience, and why the “messy middle” is where the real growth happens.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

• The catalyst behind Candace’s leap—how losing her mother changed everything and created a “void” she needed to fill through travel
• Fear vs. desire: why she was terrified… and still went anyway
• What it was like to backpack in the 1990s without the internet, social media, or constant reassurance
• How staying in hostel dorms became the secret to connection, safety, and community
• Why modern travel can be more structured—and how we may be missing the magic of “looking up”
• Candace’s decision to write travel stories that include grief, trauma, awkward moments, and mistakes—not just highlights
• How she structured the journey into five books, each with its own arc and region
• The “Bridget Jones” comparison—why Candace embraces the chaos, naivety, and humor
• Advice for anyone in a second act: what are you willing to give up to create the life you want?
• Why it’s never too late to start over—and why reinvention often requires sacrifice
• The power of meaningful travel moments: connection, misadventure, and the stories you’ll still quote years later

Memorable Moments & Takeaways

• Candace shares her personal “tell” for growth: if it makes her want to vomit, she knows she’s on the edge of something transformational.
• Travel without technology created space for people-watching, improvisation, and real presence.
• The most vivid memories aren’t always the most beautiful—they’re the ones where something went wrong and you had to adapt.
• Reinvention doesn’t require a backpacking trip—Candace believes you can have a “backpacking moment” anywhere, as long as you’re open to it.

Listener Reflection Questions

If you’re in your own second act, here are a few questions inspired by this conversation:

1. What part of your current life feels “stable” but quietly unfulfilling?
2. What do you want more than you fear?
3. If you could redesign your life in phases, what would Phase 1 look like?
4. What are you willing to give up to make room for what you really want?
5. Are you “looking up” when you travel—or mostly looking down at your phone?

Monthly Prize Giveaway 🎁

Cheryl hosts a monthly prize giveaway for listeners as a thank-you for being part of this community.
Details on how to enter are in the show notes / episode description wherever you’re listening.
(Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!)

Connect with Candace MacPhie

• Website: candacemacphie.com
• Instagram: @candacemacphie
• TikTok: @candacemacphie

(Candace’s books + updates are available on her website.)

Support the Show

If this episode resonated with you:
✅ Follow/Subscribe to Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint
✅ Leave a rating & review (it helps more listeners find the show)
✅ Share this episode with a friend who’s craving a fresh start

And if you’re ready to plan travel that feels meaningful—not just “booked”—Cheryl would love to help you design it.

The Continental Drifter: A Journey of Intentional Travel

What does it really mean to travel intentionally?

In this episode of Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint, I sit down with travel writer, speaker, and self-described “continental drifter,” Ralph Velasco, to explore bucket list travel, mindful exploration, solopreneurship, and building a meaningful second act.

This isn’t about racing through destinations or collecting passport stamps. It’s about slowing down, engaging your senses, and designing a lifestyle that allows travel to shape who you are — not just where you’ve been.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your next chapter could include deeper travel, more purpose, and a little courage, this episode is for you.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• What it means to be a “continental drifter”
• How to rethink your travel bucket list
• Why “Places to Go Before Your Knees Give Out” is more than a clever title
• Mindful travel and engaging all 5+ senses
• Designing a travel-centered lifestyle as a solopreneur
• Building a meaningful second act through travel
• Reflection, gratitude, and affirmations on the road
• How to travel deeper — not just wider

Featured Books by Ralph Velasco

• Bucket Lists for Travel: Places to Go Before Your Knees Give Out!
• How to Be a Mindful Traveler
• Travel Activity Book for Adults! GRATITUDES Edition
• 60 Affirmations for Travel

Connect with Ralph Velasco

🌍 Website: https://continentaldrifter.co
📘 Facebook: https://fb.com/thecontintinentaldrifter
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/ralphvelasco
💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/continental-drifter
🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/ralphvelasco
🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@continentaldrifter

Key Takeaway

Intentional travel isn’t about doing more.
It’s about noticing more.

Whether you’re redesigning your lifestyle, entering a second act, or simply craving more meaningful travel experiences, this conversation will inspire you to slow down, reflect, and build a bucket list aligned with who you are today.

🎁 Monthly Listener Giveaway

As a thank-you for being part of the Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint community, I host a monthly prize giveaway for listeners.

To enter:

1. Like this episode
2. Subscribe to the channel
3. Leave a comment sharing what resonated most

Details are in the description — don’t miss out!

Work with Cheryl

If you’re ready to plan intentional, meaningful travel — whether it’s a bucket list journey, second-act adventure, or culturally immersive experience — I’d love to help.

📅 Schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/cheryl-nostalgictravelco/30min

🎙️ Episode Show Notes

Episode Description

What if the place you stay could shape your entire travel experience—or even determine whether your trip feels stressful or seamless?

In this episode of Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint, Cheryl sits down with Eric, a seasoned hospitality entrepreneur whose career spans bed & breakfasts, boutique inns, vacation rental technology, and now a bold new approach to booking travel stays.

Together, they explore how hospitality has shifted from being relationship-driven to algorithm-driven—and why many travelers are starting to push back. From hidden fees and platform fatigue to the rise of booking direct, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how accommodations truly work and why choosing where (and how) you stay matters more than ever—especially for families and multi-generational travelers.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why hospitality is fundamentally about relationships, not transactions
• How booking through third-party platforms impacts both travelers and hosts
• The real reason vacation rental fees have skyrocketed
• What families and multi-generational groups actually need in a stay
• How thoughtful accommodations can reduce stress and improve travel memories
• Why booking direct often leads to better service, better communication, and better value
• The growing trend of travelers seeking transparency and intentional travel choices

Key Topics Discussed

• Eric’s entrepreneurial journey in hospitality and travel tech
• The evolution of bed & breakfasts, boutique inns, and vacation rentals
• How platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo changed travel—and where they fall short
• Designing stays that work for families, pets, and accessibility needs
• Why transparency in pricing builds trust with travelers
• The future of travel stays and the shift toward booking direct

Featured Resource

• Savvy – A platform that allows travelers to compare vacation rentals and book directly with professional property managers, avoiding platform fees and improving the guest-host relationship. Visit savvy.com

Cheryl’s Takeaway

Where you stay isn’t just a logistical decision—it’s part of the experience. When travelers choose accommodations intentionally, they create space for connection, comfort, and memories that last long after the trip ends.

Call to Action

If this episode inspired you to rethink how you plan your next trip:

• ✨ Share this episode with someone you travel with
• ✨ Subscribe to Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint for more behind-the-scenes conversations about meaningful travel
• ✨ Planning a family or multi-generational getaway? Reach out to Cheryl at Nostalgic Travel for curated travel planning that goes beyond bookings

Learn more about Eric’s work in hospitality, travel innovation, and direct booking—including Savvy, a platform changing how travelers book vacation rentals—using the links below.
Savvy
🌐 https://www.savvy.com
Search and book vacation rentals directly with professional property managers—no platform fees.
Savvy's linkedin
🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/company/stay-savvy/
Search and book vacation rentals directly with professional property managers—no platform fees.
FunAir
🌐 https://www.funair.com
Global leader in custom inflatables for megayachts and luxury water experiences.

Sage Hill Inn & Spa
🌐 https://www.sagehill.com
A boutique inn and spa just outside Austin, Texas, focused on restorative, experience-driven hospitality.
Eric's linkedin
🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericgoldreyer/

🍷 Episode Show Notes

Sip & Tell: Wine, Travel & Connection with Maria “The Wine Blonde” Valetta

Wine doesn’t have to feel intimidating—and this episode proves it. 🍇✈️

In this conversation, Cheryl sits down with Maria Valetta, better known as Maria The Wine Blonde, to talk about wine as a gateway to travel, culture, connection, and unforgettable experiences.

Maria is a certified sommelier, global traveler, Vegas food-and-wine insider, published author, and wine educator known for making wine approachable, fun, and unintimidating. Together, we sip, swirl, and explore how wine can help us slow down, connect more deeply, and quite literally travel the world through a glass.

During the episode, we taste wines from Master the World, a woman-owned company offering curated blind-tasting kits that allow you to explore global wine regions without committing to full bottles—perfect for learning, experimenting, and entertaining at home.

🥂 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to taste wine confidently (look, sniff, swirl, sip—no snobbery required)
• How to tell if a wine is “off” and what to do at a restaurant
• Why dry Riesling deserves a second look
• Common food & wine pairing myths—debunked
• Why sauce matters more than protein when pairing wine
• How to talk to a sommelier without feeling awkward
• Maria’s favorite wine regions around the world
• Underrated wine destinations most travelers overlook
• Why wine is one of the most powerful connectors of people, place, and memory

🌍 Wine Regions Discussed

• Douro Valley, Portugal
• Bordeaux & Saint-Émilion, France
• Rioja & Galicia, Spain
• Piemonte (Barolo & Barbaresco), Italy
• Walla Walla Valley, Washington
• Greece (Assyrtiko & indigenous varietals)
• England (emerging sparkling wine regions)

🍇 Connect with Maria

Follow Maria for wine education, travel inspiration, and effortless entertaining tips:
👉 Instagram: @mariathewineblonde

🧭 Companion Blog: Discover Lesser-Known Wine Regions

Love uncovering places beyond the usual wine routes?
Cheryl’s companion blog dives into lesser-known wine regions around the world—perfect for travelers looking for authentic, uncrowded, experience-driven destinations:
👉 https://nostalgictravelco.com/multigenerational-family-vacation-blog/

✈️ Ready to Plan Your Own Wine or Culinary Adventure?

If this episode has you dreaming of vineyard views, tapas crawls, and immersive food-and-wine travel, Nostalgic Travel would love to help you craft a journey that’s as meaningful as it is delicious.

🍷 Drink what you love.
🌍 Travel with intention.
💬 Share this episode with a fellow wine or travel lover—and don’t forget to subscribe.

Cheers! 🥂

Travel Trends 2026: Asia’s Luxury Boom & the Train Renaissance

Travel isn’t just bouncing back — it’s being rerouted.

In this Travel Trends update, we explore two powerful shifts shaping how people are traveling heading into 2026. Long-haul confidence is returning with a surge in interest across the Asia-Pacific region, while closer to the ground, train travel is stepping into the spotlight as a smarter, more seamless alternative to short-haul flights.

Together, these trends reveal a traveler who values ease, experience, and intention over speed alone.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why Asia-Pacific is now the fastest-growing travel market in the world
• How luxury travel in Asia has grown over 90% since 2022
• Why Asia is redefining modern luxury travel through culture, design, and precision service
• The shift away from traditional Western luxury destinations
• What today’s affluent travelers really want from high-value travel experiences
• Why train travel is replacing short-haul flights across Europe and beyond
• How airlines and rail companies are coordinating instead of competing
• What air + rail partnerships mean for seamless trip planning
• How luxury train travel is shaping a new definition of slow, intentional travel

Why this matters:

These trends aren’t just about where people are going — they’re about how and why they travel. Asia-Pacific is setting the global standard for experience-driven luxury, while trains are reshaping mobility by prioritizing comfort, connectivity, and city-center access. Together, they point to a future where thoughtful planning matters more than ever.

Final takeaway:

The future of travel isn’t air or rail — it’s air and rail.
And luxury isn’t about showing — it’s about feeling.

If one of these trends sparked an idea for your next trip, let’s turn that inspiration into a plan.

👉 Subscribe to Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint for more travel trends, insights, and meaningful travel conversations.
👉 Share this episode with someone who loves staying ahead of where travel is headed.

Thanks for listening — and I’ll see you in the next one.

Custom Travel Is the New Luxury: Inside Avanti Destinations with Gina Bang

What does custom travel really mean—and why is it becoming the new definition of luxury?

In this episode of Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint, Cheryl sits down with Gina Bang, Sales & Marketing Manager at Avanti Destinations, to explore how personalized, immersive travel experiences are reshaping the way we see the world.

With over 22 years at Avanti and more than 40 years of company experience behind her, Gina shares insider insights into how custom itineraries are designed, how travelers can avoid overcrowded destinations, and why meaningful connections—not checklists—are the heart of unforgettable travel.

This conversation is a must-listen for travelers who want to go deeper, travel more intentionally, and create journeys that truly reflect who they are.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why custom travel is the new luxury—and what that really means
• How independent travel helps combat overtourism
• The rise of blended trips (study abroad drop-offs, destination weddings, business + leisure, pre/post cruises)
• How Avanti partners with travel advisors behind the scenes
• What makes a destination a good fit for sustainable, immersive travel
• Trending destinations for 2025–2026
• Lesser-known destinations travelers often overlook
• Why meeting people and embracing the unexpected makes travel transformative

🌍 Destinations Discussed

• Europe (Italy, Spain, France, Ireland, UK, Germany, Greece)
• Japan & Thailand
• Australia, New Zealand & Fiji
• Iceland
• Vietnam
• Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile & Argentina
• Singapore

🧭 Key Themes

• Customization over cookie-cutter itineraries
• Sustainability and responsible tourism
• Cultural immersion and authenticity
• Small-group and private travel experiences
• Travel as connection, not consumption

✈️ Notable Takeaways

From Aboriginal cultural partnerships in Australia to food tours that open doors to local life, Gina explains how thoughtful travel design creates deeper understanding and lasting memories.

📌 Resources & Links

• Learn more about Avanti Destinations: https://www.avantidestinations.com
• Interested in planning a custom trip? Reach out to Cheryl for personalized travel planning

🔔 Stay Connected

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint for weekly conversations with destination experts, travel insiders, and industry leaders.

Have a destination or travel style you’re curious about?
✨ Cheryl would love to help you bring your travel vision to life.