Vietnam today is full of color, music, and energy and is a culture that welcomes travelers with open arms.

On this episode of Speaking of Travel, I’m joined by Steve Mueller, founder of Vespa Adventures, who turned his love for Vespas and travel into a business that shows visitors the real Vietnam.

Steve shares how he fell for the country, his passion for vintage scooters, and how Vespa Adventures helps travelers experience bustling markets, quiet backstreets, and coastal roads while connecting authentically with local people and culture.

Tune in to hear how a simple love for scooters and adventure became a bridge between cultures, revealing a vibrant, modern Vietnam beyond the guidebooks.

A must listen! Only on Speaking of Travel!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

On this episode of Speaking of Travel, we sit down with Rob Lee, co-founder of Swift Passport & Visa Services, to explore what strong, mindful leadership looks like in today’s fast-paced travel world.

Rob has built one of the leading companies in global travel logistics, and what sets him apart is his unique ability to combine business innovation with the grounding presence of a yoga teacher.

We dive into the evolving landscape of international travel, the ways global mobility can drive business growth, and how geopolitics continues to shape international business.

Beyond travel logistics, Rob shares the powerful role mindfulness plays in making thoughtful decisions and maintaining balance. He offers a refreshing perspective on harmonizing personal fulfillment with professional ambition, reminding us why clarity, compassion, and purpose are more important than ever.

Whether you’re a business leader, frequent traveler, or someone interested in mindful living, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the intersection of travel, leadership, and intentional living.

Only on Speaking of Travel. Listen here!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Meet Abdylla Geldiyev, founder of Undiscovered Frontiers Travel and a true testament to courage and perseverance. Born and raised in the vast Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan, Abdylla’s story is one of relentless determination to overcome barriers and forge a path to share the magic wonders of his homeland and other lesser-known destinations with the world.

Together we explore Turkmenistan’s dazzling and little-known treasures to the warmth of Turkmen hospitality. Abdylla breaks myths about visiting this off-the-beaten-path country, reveals stories of travelers whose brief visits turned into lifelong friendships, and reminds us how travel can bridge worlds and change lives.

Abdylla’s inspiring narrative reminds us that travel is more than sightseeing and more a bridge between worlds and a catalyst for profound change in the lives of both traveler and host. Hear how one person’s perseverance inspires us to see travel not just to explore, but to heal, connect, and change the world.

Only on Speaking of Travel! Tune in.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Welcome Shari Leid, a connection coach, friendship expert, and creator of Table For 51. A former litigator turned champion of belonging, Shari spent a year traveling to all 50 states, sharing a meal with 50 strangers.

What she discovered is simple yet profound: breaking bread isn’t just about food. It is about lowering walls, opening hearts, and finding common ground, even in a divided world.

From her earliest days in a cardboard box to building a table for connection, Shari’s journey is proof that belonging can be created one meal, one conversation, one courageous step at a time.

Along the way, she met people whose stories stayed with her and she shares these moments of love in hardship, wisdom in the everyday, and the reminder that people see what they’re looking for.

At a time when loneliness is at epidemic levels, her message is both urgent and up-lifting. You don't have to travel the country to make a difference. You can start with one invitation, one table, and the intention to connect.

Tune in. Only on Speaking of Travel!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Hawai‘i is unlike anywhere else and not just for its breathtaking beauty, but for the living spirit that moves through its people, its land, and its traditions. In Hawai’i, culture isn’t a performance, but rather the pulse of daily life.

On today’s episode, I’m deeply honored to welcome Ka’iʻini Aranaydo. Ka’iʻini oversees Kilohana, a groundbreaking and visionary partnership with the Hawai’i Tourism Authority and a multifaceted initiative reshaping what it means to travel responsibly in the islands and ensuring it is grounded in pono (righteousness), cultural integrity, and true connection.

Kilohana’s mission is to transform Hawai’i’s hospitality space through advocacy, cultural stewardship, tour guide certification, and visitor education. It’s about creating space for Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) to lead, to thrive, and to welcome others into a deeper relationship with the islands.

In a place this sacred, being present is not enough. You’re invited to show up fully and to listen, to learn, and to uplift the places and people who welcome you in.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation about stewardship, story, and the spirit of Hawai’i.

Tune in! Only on Speaking of Travel.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

On this episode of Speaking of Travel, we’re heading high into Colorado’s San Juan Mountains to uncover the charm and magic of Creede, a tiny town with a mighty story.

Once a booming silver mining camp, Creede has transformed into a cultural haven where creativity and adventure collide. At the center of it all is the Creede Repertory Theatre, a nationally renowned professional company that’s been telling powerful stories at 9,000 feet for 60 seasons.

From its humble beginnings to a vibrant repertory schedule that draws talent and audiences from across the country, the theatre is the heartbeat of this mountain community.

I’m joined by Kate Berry, Director of Marketing & Communications, and Emily Van Fleet, Artistic Director, to talk about Creede Rep’s origin story, its evolution, and how the arts continue to shape the town’s identity.

Creede offers a rare kind of magic that stays with you. Fill your days fly fishing, rafting or hiking and spend your nights immersed in compelling performances. There's something for everyone.

Creede is calling. Go there. See a show. Breathe the mountain air. Don't miss all Creede has to offer. You won’t forget it.

A must listen! Only on Speaking of Travel.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

On this episode of Speaking of Travel, we’re joined by the wise and luminous Judith Valente, an award-winning journalist, poet, and author of The Italian Soul: How to Savor the Full Joys of Life. Judith brings us into the soulful rhythms of Italy, a place that taught her to live not faster, but deeper.

Drawing from her own transformation from the high-speed world of journalism to the stillness of contemplative life, Judith shares stories, insights, and practical wisdom for anyone yearning to slow down, savor life, and reconnect with what truly matters.

With the heart of a seeker and the grace of a storyteller, she invites us to discover the beauty of doing less and being more with Italian style and soul.

A must listen! Ciao Ciao!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, we welcome Liza Graves, founder of StyleBlueprint and a beloved leader in the lifestyle space, for a rich conversation about how travel has quietly and powerfully shaped her life.

From the traditions she’s built with family, to the friendships that have deepened over shared adventures, and even the very fabric of her professional journey, travel has been a guiding force for Liza both outwardly and inwardly.

A true storyteller at heart and a curious soul by nature, Liza has built a career around connection, beauty, and discovery. Her passion for travel isn’t about collecting stamps in a passport but rather about the people you meet, the moments that stay with you, and the perspective you carry home.

Whether she’s wandering the streets of a new city or finding wonder in the familiar rhythms of her own backyard, Liza shows us how curiosity, gratitude, and intention can turn every journey, whether near or far, into something transformative.

This episode is more than a conversation. Think of it as an invitation to reflect on how we move through the world, and how travel, when approached with heart, can create a life filled with purpose, connection, and joy.

A must listen! Only on Speaking of Travel.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.