What does it really feel like to fly in a hot air balloon? In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, i (Patti) reconnect veteran balloon pilot Tom Russo to unpack the unforgettable experience of ballooning, from the science behind inflation to the thrill (and strategy) of landing.

Tom shares his 40+ year journey into ballooning, beginning with a chance encounter in Brooklyn and leading to flights across festivals, commercial rides, and corporate events. Together, we explore the unique emotional, technical, and visual elements that make ballooning one of the most magical travel experiences available.

They also dive into the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and smaller festivals around the country.

🔑 Key Points

• How Hot Air Balloons Actually Work & What a Flight is Really Like
• Overcoming the Fear of Heights
• Magic of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
• Smaller Balloon Festivals Across the U.S.

🔗 Resources & Links

• Balloon Federation of America
• Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
• Brookside Ballooning (Private Flights)

Thank You for listening ...If this episode sparked your sense of adventure, be sure to subscribe to Inspired Travels with Patti so you never miss a journey.

Share this episode with someone who is thinking about Ballooning

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Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

Is van life the right fit for your lifestyle, travel goals, and comfort needs? In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, I sit down with RV expert and YouTube creator Isaac Angel from Where RV Going? to break down everything beginners and experienced travelers need to know about van life. Isaac shares his surprising journey from hating camping to becoming deeply involved in the RV and van life community, along with the biggest mistakes people make when choosing a rig.

The conversation explores the different types of vans and RVs, the pros and cons of various layouts and technologies, and the importance of renting and researching before purchasing. Patti and Isaac also share deeply personal stories about life transitions, downsizing, solo travel, and finding freedom and community on the road.

Key Points

• Biggest mistake new van lifers make
• Key features to evaluate including sleeping layouts, kitchen setups, bathroom options, and power systems.
• How van life supports lifestyle transitions such as divorce, downsizing, or starting over.

Memorable Quote: "Van life is for those who feel young and free in spirit, people who want to explore, break our of the sysstem, and live the adventure called life." Guest: Issac Angel Where RV Going? YouTube Channel

Thank you for listening to Inspired Travels With Patti, Please hit the Follow or Subscribe and leave a comment or question.

Connect with Me:

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Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

Looking for hidden gems and unforgettable travel experiences, this episode is for you. Recorded live at the Florida RV Super Show in Tampa, I (Patti Hunt) interviewed seasoned travelers and RV creators to hear about the places and moments that left a lasting impact on their lives.

Featured Guests & Their Hidden Gems

Cruisin’ with the Colemans — Brian & Michelle Coleman

• Walked over 800 miles from Switzerland through the Swiss Alps to Rome, Italy
• Celebrated turning 50 with an epic, life-changing journey
• Inspired them to now lead guided walking trips through Italy

Beyond the Fern — Theresa Fernandez

• Discovered Casey, Illinois, home to dozens of “World’s Largest” roadside attractions
• A perfect unexpected stop for road trippers and RV travelers
• Highlights the joy of places you’d never plan a trip around, but love discovering

Campfires and Motors — Ashley & Steve

• Ashley: Magnolia Beach near Port Lavaca, Texas — RV camping directly on the beach with fishing, great food, and ocean views
• Steve: Bighorn National Forest near Burgess Junction — boondocking with moose, deer, rivers, and breathtaking scenery

Heistmans Hit the Road — Ron & Jacki Heistman

• The Soaring Museum in Elmira, New York
• Camped right by the runway watching gliders soar overhead
• A unique blend of aviation history, nature, and unforgettable views

Noovo Vans — Alyssa Chartier

• Mendocino & Fort Bragg, California, including Sea Glass Beach
• A place that encouraged slow travel and staying put for an entire summer
• A lush, biodiverse region blending Northern California, Oregon, and Washington influences

The Walkers Wandering — Jess Walker

• Fishing Bridge Campground in Yellowstone National Park
• Camping with full hookups — and a bison that casually grazed through the campground
• A rare opportunity to experience wildlife respectfully and up close

Those Who Glamp Together — Mike & Joni

• Traveled through Iceland with a rooftop tent
• Swam in the Silfra Fissure, touching both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates
• A once-in-a-lifetime adventure blending nature, geology, and wonder

Thank you for listening/watching, I would love to hear from you, leave a comment or question here on the podcast page or on my social media channels:
Inspired Travels With Patti

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
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Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

If you’re planning a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia and want to make the most of your time, this episode has you covered. In just 10 minutes, I (Patti Hunt) break down where to stay, what to do, and the best places to eat in this historic and family-friendly destination. From Colonial Williamsburg to theme parks, charming cafes, and insider travel tips, this quick guide is perfect for couples, solo travelers, families, and RVers alike.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Where to Stay in Williamsburg – Hotels to splurge on, budget cautions, Vacation Village at Williamsburg, and camping/RV options
• What to Do – Colonial Williamsburg, Merchant’s Square, Busch Gardens, William & Mary campus, trails, and riverside paths
• Where to Eat – Colonial taverns, modern restaurants, dessert stops, coffee shops, and local favorites
• Insider Travel Tips – Parking strategies, reservations, accessibility, and holiday travel advice
• Quick & Easy Trip Planning – How to experience Williamsburg efficiently without feeling rushed or overwhelmed

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Vacation Village at Williamsburg
• Colonial Williamsburg & Merchant’s Square
• Busch Gardens Williamsburg
• College of William & Mary
• Illy Café
• DoG Street Pub
• Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop
• The Peanut Shop
• Thousand Trails Williamsburg
• Harvest Hosts
• Colonialwilliamsburg.org
• Vrginia.org

Call to Action

If this episode helped you, be sure to follow or subscribe to Inspired Travels with Patti. Watching on YouTube? Hit subscribe there too! And let me know—where should she go next?

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

In this episode I (Patti Hunt) chat with Alex and Jackie (AJAX), a couple who achieved Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) in 2020 and redesigned their lives around intentional living and travel. From selling everything to live on a sailboat, transitioning to RV life, and later building a meaningful tech product while on the road, Alex and Jackie share practical insights on money, mindset, and creating a life aligned with your values.

Rather than chasing wealth for its own sake, they explain how financial freedom became a tool for experiences, connection, and purpose. This conversation breaks down FIRE in an accessible way and offers encouragement for listeners at any age who want more control over how they live and travel.

Quote from my guests “The goal isn’t to spend zero money. The goal is to spend money on the things that matter most to you.”

Guest Links

Where Is AJAX – Instagram & Facebook

• Oh Hi Cards – Modern digital greeting cards
  Website

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

Do your healthy habits disappear the moment you start traveling? In this episode I sits down with holistic health mentor Jennifer Leffler to talk about realistic, sustainable ways to stay healthy while on the road. From skipping meals and travel stress to mindset shifts around food, movement, and guilt, Jenn shares simple strategies that help travelers feel energized—without extreme diets or exhausting workouts.

This conversation is especially for travelers who want to enjoy food, movement, and the experience of travel without sabotaging their health or beating themselves up.

Key Points & Takeaways

• Why “going from zero to 100” with health goals almost always fails
• The importance of eating consistently while traveling (and why skipping meals backfires)
• Easy, realistic snack ideas for airports, road trips, and RV travel
• How stress, mindset, and guilt impact weight, energy, and inflammation
• Simple ways to move your body while traveling—without the gym
• Why enjoyment, rest, and happiness are powerful tools for health
• How to set boundaries around food and fuel when traveling with others

Resources & Links

• Letting Go Free Training
• (FREE GUIDE) Symptom Decoder
• Email: Jennifer@truehealthforyou.com

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

Welcome to 2026 I’m sharing what’s ahead this season Inspire Travels with Patti. From bucket-list destinations to hidden gems close to home and far away, Patti explains how travel can be more joyful, affordable, and meaningful. She also previews upcoming conversations around mindset, wellness, and practical tools that help travelers live fully, wherever they are.

Key Points:

• What Inspire Travels with Patti will bring in 2026
• Traveling with more ease, joy, and intention
• Exploring bucket-list destinations and local hidden gems
• How mindset shifts can help you travel more
• Staying healthy and well while on the road
• Why travel is about experiences, people, and connection — not just places

Resources & Mentions:

Follow Patti on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok:

Inspired Travels with Patti

Call to Action:
If this episode resonated with you, hit Follow the podcast on your favorite platform, subscribe on YouTube, and leave a comment or review. I would love to hear what topics or guests you want in 2026.

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

As 2025 comes to a close, I (Patti Hunt) reflect on a year of meaningful travel stories, powerful conversations, and personal transitions. In this solo recap episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, I revisit standout interviews: from sailing the East Coast and traveling full-time in an RV to service-based travel and navigating travel with kids and special needs. I also share my own evolving relationship with travel, what’s ahead for 2026, and why travel doesn’t have to be far from home to change your life. This episode is an invitation to reflect, get inspired, and start planning your own next adventure.

Podcast Episodes Mentioned

(Here are the YouTube links or can listen on Apple, Spotify or other podcast platforms)

1. What It’s Really Like Living on a Sailboat: Six Months from New York to the Bahamas
2. Hidden Travel Gems You’ve Never Heard Of
3. Best Hidden Travel Spots in the U.S. Part 2 (Crystal River, Badlands & More)
4. Nashville Secrets Revealed: Hidden Gems, Food, Music & Local Favorites
5. Traveling with Autism: A Dad’s Journey to Overcome Challenges & Explore the World
6. Traveling Internationally with Kids: Insider Tips from a Pilot’s Family
7. No RV? No Tent? No Problem! Why Campgrounds Beat Hotels Every Time
8. What Is Service-Based Travel? Helping Jamaica After the Hurricane
9. RVTV Explained: How RV Content Creators Get Featured on Television
10. Reflect on 2025 & Build a Better 2026: Mindset, Wins & Lessons with Joe Fier of Hustle & Flowchart

Thank you for listening to Inspired Travels With Patti. If this episode resonated with you, I’d love your support - follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode, share it with someone who loves travel, and send me a message to let me know what inspired you most. Your support helps this podcast grow and allows me to continue bringing you travel inspiration, tips, and meaningful conversations.

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year