In this powerful episode of the Travel Chicks Podcast, Melissa sits down with Susan Catto, Head of Publishing & Production for TravelZoo Canada, former New York Times travel writer, and a leading global voice on real-world travel trends, consumer behaviour, and how to navigate the fast-changing world of online travel reviews.

With over 30 million TravelZoo members’ data at her fingertips and decades of industry experience, Susan shares practical, insider knowledge that every traveler needs before booking their next vacation.

✨ Top Travel Trends for 2026 – Why “bucket list travel” is still booming – The rise of small-ship cruising and personalized experiences – Why domestic travel—especially within Canada—is at an all-time high

✨ How to Decode Travel Reviews Like an Expert – How to spot fake reviews across Google, TripAdvisor, Trustpilot, and more – Why 3-star reviews are often the most accurate – What consistency patterns reveal (and when to walk away) – How TravelZoo builds its internal trust scores and validates partners

✨ Smart Pre-Travel Research Strategies – The best way to use search filters inside review platforms – Which review comments matter and which ones you should ignore – How to read reviews based on your travel style, not someone else’s

✨ Cuba Travel Reality Check – Why Cuba is cheap right now – What travelers need to know about service levels, food, and infrastructure – When the “cheap deal” isn’t worth it

✨ AI Trip Planning — Should You Trust It? – How AI can speed up research – What not to rely on AI for – How to combine AI with human expertise for the best results

Susan also shares deeply personal reflections on family travel, creating memories before life gets in the way, and why waiting for “someday” is the biggest mistake travelers make.

If you love this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe!

On this episode of Travel Chicks, Melissa sits down with fellow Travel Chick Jacqueline—fresh off a Tourism Spain invite—to spill the real Spain: fragrant orange-lined boulevards in Valencia, royal-meets-Moorish magic at Seville’s Real Alcázar, skywalks atop the city’s “Las Setas” sculpture, late-night tapas culture, and a hands-on paella class where tradition meets taste. You’ll also hear smart timing tips (why April–May and Oct–Nov beat the 40°C sizzle), ease of English for travelers, and foodie pilgrimages—from Mercado Central to the Basque Country’s cluster of Michelin-star temples.

Whether you’re a solo traveler dreaming of new friends or planning an unforgettable girls’ getaway, this episode is your permission slip to go beyond Barcelona and Madrid—and fall hard for Spain’s underrated gems.

What you’ll learn

• The vibe difference between Seville & Valencia (and which one stole Jacqueline’s heart)

• Why shoulder season > summer for comfort, crowds, and cost

• Must-do moments: flamenco, Las Setas viewpoints, Mercado Central, and paella origins

• Bucket-list extras: Las Fallas festival and Spain’s Michelin hot spots up north

Loved this chat? Please follow, rate & review, and share with a friend who needs a little Spain in their life. Want help planning your own Spain itinerary or a Travel Chicks group trip? Email: jacquelineclick here!

In this powerful episode of the Travel Chicks Podcast, host Melissa Mackey sits down with award-winning filmmaker, author, and adventurer Dianne Whan, the visionary behind the documentary 500 Days in the Wild. What started as a 500-day solo trek across Canada turned into a transformative 6-year odyssey of over 1,800 days—by foot, canoe, and snowshoe—on the world’s longest trail.

Dianne shares what inspired her to burn the schedule and embrace surrender, how Indigenous wisdom shaped her journey, and why connection—to nature, to others, and to self—is the ultimate medicine for healing and hope. From near-hypothermic storms to heartfelt teachings from First Nations elders, this conversation is raw, rich, and deeply relevant for anyone navigating grief, reinvention, or a yearning to reconnect with what really matters.

You’ll hear about:

• The real reason Dianne left everything behind after a divorce and the death of her dog

• How the kindness of strangers and Indigenous teachings shaped her path

• Her lessons on fear, trust, and feminine resilience in the wild

• Why 500 Days in the Wild is more than a film—it’s a movement for reconnection

• What “travel with” vs “travel on” the land truly means

📺 500 Days in the Wild is now streaming in Canada on Paramount Plus and other platforms. International viewers can visit https://500daysinthewild.com/ https://www.diannewhelan.com/

What if stepping outside your comfort zone could completely change your life? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Kellie Paxian, a world traveler, safari specialist, and adventure creator who went from a PR office job in Vancouver to building a dream life in Cape Town, South Africa.

Kellie shares how travel has the power to transform you from the inside out, why solo trips can be life-changing (and confidence-boosting!), and her best tips for female travelers seeking safe, empowering adventures, especially safaris.

We dive into: ✅ Why travel is the ultimate “therapy” for heartbreak, loss, or major life transitions ✅ Overcoming fear and finding courage as a solo female traveler ✅ Kelly’s most unforgettable wildlife encounters (including the viral moose moment!) ✅ Bucket list African safaris—where to go, what to see, and how long to stay ✅ Why Cape Town is one of the most breathtaking cities in the world

Whether you’re dreaming of a Rocky Mountain road trip, an African safari, or your first solo adventure, this episode will leave you inspired to pack your bags and embrace the unknown.

✨ Watch Kellie’s viral moose video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLNmqiEp-NK/ ✨ Follow Kelly on Instagram: @kelliepaxian ✨ Learn more about safaris & group trips: adventureless.travel

🎧 Tune in now for your weekly dose of travel inspiration!

As always, if you have a burning desire to head out on an adventure be sure to reach out or visit our website: www.Travelchicks.ca

What is the top travel app of the 21st century hitting North America by storm?

Tune in to listen to our travel talk discussing a way for you to travel more and spend less.

In this episode, we’ll unpack super cool opportunities, awesome travel savings, and little-known secrets that can turn your dream trips into reality — without draining your bank account.

Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or someone craving their first big adventure, this is your go-to resource for stretching your travel dollars further than you ever thought possible.

We’re bringing you interviews with fellow savvy travelers, app success stories, and actionable advice to help you unlock experiences you never imagined you could afford.

WANT YOUR OWN FREE GUEST PASS?

Click here: https://free.traveladvantage.com/TRAVELCHICKMELISSA

Grab your coffee (or cocktail!) and let’s explore the world together — one deal, one destination, and one memory at a time.

Subscribe now and get ready to travel smarter. Your passport to affordable adventures starts here!

Today I discuss what you, the traveller can expect when booking a Sunwing Vacations package. The integration between Westjet and Sunwing has taken place as of May 29, 2025. Listen up for what to expect onboard the aircraft, while you check in at the airport and the newest partnership with Telus.

In this exciting episode of Travel Talk with Travel Chicks, host Melissa sits down with Sandra from Tourism Ireland to explore one of the most beloved bucket-list destinations—Ireland! From breathtaking coastal drives along the Wild Atlantic Way to historic castles and the warmth of Irish hospitality, Sandra shares expert insights on must-visit sights, hidden gems, and travel tips, including navigating Ireland by car.

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the Emerald Isle, this episode will give you everything you need to start planning your perfect trip. Learn about the best time to visit, Ireland’s vibrant festivals (including Halloween’s Irish origins!), unique accommodation ideas, and even how to experience the famous Irish pub culture—whether you drink or not! Plus, discover how to join an upcoming Travel Chicks group trip to Ireland in 2025.

Ready to make Ireland a reality? Tune in, get inspired, and don’t forget to fill out our feedback form for a chance to win a $150 Air Canada Vacations voucher!

🎧 Listen now and start planning your Irish adventure! 🇮🇪✨

In today's Travel Talk Tuesday edition we have our special guest Shauna Carter from AMA Waterways River Cruises. Shauna discusses why is river cruising so popular all of a sudden. The very specific itineraries that are her top choice for first time river cruisers and she shares her recent 16 day experience to France.

This is a must hear show as Shauna really paints a picture of what it would be like to experience AMA Waterways onboard a lovely river cruise. She also gives you insider info on some exotic and off the beaten path itineraries that tantalize the taste buds and give you a truly immersive cultural experience. Give a like and leave your comments below if you enjoyed this Travel Talk. Interested in chatting with us to help you find the perfect river cruise for you? Email info@travelchicks.ca or call direct at 1-866-934-8463