Time to Talk Travel

Travel: How Destinations & Brands Work with Influencers - the Good, the Bad & the Ugly

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Over their years in the travel industry Time to Talk Travel podcast hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis, and Nasreen Stump have worked with numerous brands. They've been the influencers and they've run influencer campaigns. On today's episode they explain what goes on behind the scenes of influencer partnerships and what they think brands and creators need to know.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

We include transcripts to make our podcasts accessible. Transcripts are lightly edited during the course of episode development to correct spelling for the names of places and clarity. There may be further grammatical or spelling errors that are not addressed. Please know the transcripts are a guide/raw product not a polished piece of journalism. Thank you!

1 Year Later: How We All Met & Got Started in Travel Writing

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0500

After almost one year of episodes of Time To Talk Travel the group dives into how they all got their start in travel writing, how they met each other, and what they miss and don't miss about the early days.

Along the way they chat about writers they worked with, press trips they went on, and what's ahead for the future.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Three and Four Day Weekends: Planning the Perfect Quick Escape

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Today on the Time to Talk Travel podcast hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, and Nasreen Stump discuss how to plan the perfect 3-4 day weekend.

They cover transportation (drive or fly), what to pack, what can go wrong, what to keep ready to make escaping easier, and some of their favorite three day getaways.

Mentions:

Vancouver WA

Seattle WA

New York City

Madison WI

Minneapolis MN

Ellijay GA

Blue Ridge Mountains

San Bernadino CA

Bryce, Zion, Kanab Utah and Paige Arizona

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Fun in Fall & Winter? Where to Go and Why You Need To Plan it Now!

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0500

It's never too early to start planning fall & winter travel- especially when some experiences have limited slots. Hosts Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis, and Nasreen Stump discuss things to do in the fall and winter along with tips, tricks, and our favorite spots on this podcast episode of Time To Talk Travel.

Whether you're looking to take a haunted tour, see Christmas lights, or go on a foliage train ride the planning process needs to start early. Many of these events have limited times and tickets so being ahead of the pack is important.

In addition, the cooler fall temps make it the perfect time to travel to places like Sicily, Reykjavik, and Germany.

Covered on this podcast:

Burlington VT

Stowe VT & Waterbury VT - Cold Hollow Cider Company, Cabot Cheese, Ben & Jerry's, Smugglers Distillery, Boyden Valley Winery

Kancamagus Highway New Hampshire

Asheville NC - Biltmore

Austin TX

New Orleans LA

Savannah GA

Small Town Halloween Festivals- Keene NH, Anoka MN, Independence KS

Blue Ridge Mountains

Greenville SC

Nashville TN

Cancun Mexico

Yellowstone National Park, Zion National Park, The Wave, Bryce Canyon

Munich Germany - Oktoberfest

Key West FL & Ft Lauderdale FL

Fall River MA - Lizzie Borden

Keystone CO & Park City UT

Theme Parks for Halloween & Christmas- Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Legoland, Hershey, Knott's Berry Farm

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

101 True Tales From the Terminal- Celebrating Airport Stories and Desiree's Book

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 03:15:00 -0500

On this week's episode of the Time To Talk Travel Podcast hosts Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis, and Nasreen Stump chat about Des's new book 101 Tales from the Terminal: Wild, Wacky & Wonderful stories That'll Take You Away. Stories are shared about airports and plan travel that will make you laugh, cry, and have you heading off to buy this collection of 101 stories of humanity and travel.

Purchase the book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCJQ5XFJ

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Refunds, Transparency, and More: New Passenger Protections in the FAA ReAuthorization Act of 2024

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Have you heard about new US rules for passengers on airlines? Regulations have been added to govern refunds, time on tarmac, and what airlines owe you. We run through the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.

On this episode of Time To Talk Travel Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, and Nasreen Stump run through new rules about airline refunds, tarmac delays, missing baggage, information that needs to be provided and more.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Hiking Safety Tips: Gear, Clothing, Shoes, Emergencies and More

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode of the Time To Talk Travel Podcast hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, and Nasreen Stump are joined by Alyssa Watson. Alyssa is a supervisor of Field Experiences for REI. Her team coordinates REI adventures in the Southwestern United States. With extensive experience in popular destinations like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon she joined us to chat about:

-what to wear

-how to prepare for your trip (weather, trails, etc)

-gear to pack

-proper clothing including picking the right socks and shoes

-how to handle emergency situations

-heat-related challenges and how to spot heat exhaustion or heat stroke

-how much water to carry (including water bladder recommendations and salt replenishment items)

-and more

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Train Travel: Vacations By Rail Tours & Itineraries

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode of Time To Talk Travel podcast hosts Desiree Miller and Nasreen Stump are joined by Liz Owens, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Vacations By Rail. They dive into how to book a train vacation, how rail travel fits into the slow travel trend, the difference between escorted and non-escorted itineraries and how rail travel tour companies can help you pack more into a vacation than you ever thought possible!

We cover:

-Rail Travel as the ultimate way to see the National Parks

-The Pacific Northwest as an underrated destination

-Why rail design in Europe and the US is different

-The importance of customer service and customer experience in every itinerary

-How and why rail travel is becoming more popular

-Using rail to make trips like European Christmas market tours possible

-Itinerary building and how team collaboration is important to the end users experience

-How being a part of the Great Rail Journeys family of brands gives them access to 50 years of expertise

Look for last minute availability and specials on trips with Vacations By Rail.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Travel Regulation Updates: Europe - 2024/2025

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On this episode of the Time to Talk Travel podcast hosts Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis, and Nasreen Stump cover new travel regulations.

Learn more about coming regulations for European travel like ETIAS and EES, including scam alerts and where you need to go to apply on a legit website. We also touch on new regulations for travel with dogs, online passport renewal, and getting Global Entry.

Info on who is impacted by ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/who-should-apply_en#ETIAS-countries

Travel Advisory Episode of Time to Talk Travel: https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/travel-advisories

Europe Entry/Exit System (EES): https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Traveling with Food Allergies

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 22:00:00 -0500

Traveling with food allergies and food sensitivities can be a challenge. On this episode Time to Talk Travel hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Maureen Dennis, and Nasreen Stump tackle tips, tricks, how-to's, and horror stories.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

How to Be a Better Tourist

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 23:59:00 -0500

Do you want to have a richer experience when you travel? On this episode Time to Talk Travel hosts Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis, and Nasreen Stump share their tips on how to be a better tourist including finding out what is important to the locals, immersing yourself, tasting the food, public transportation and more.

Mentions:

Bermuda - St. Georges, Dockyard, Southampton

Arcos de la Frontera, Spain

Porto and Lisbon Portugal

Barcelona

Puerto Rico- Spoon Food Tours

Airbnb Experiences

With Locals

Sri Lanka

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Playa del Carmen

Charlestown, Nevis

Positano and Amalfi

NYC Subway MTA and Atlanta MARTA

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

New Orleans: What You Need to Know to Let the Good Times Roll

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Today on the Time to Talk Travel Podcast hosts Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis, and Nasreen Stump discuss one of our favorite cities for history, culture, food, and of course a good time- New Orleans. We'll cover where to go, tips we've learned, and why you should bring kids.

Mentions:

Things to Do in New Orleans

City Park

Audubon Park

St. Louis Cathedral Jackson Square

Steamboat Natchez (plays steam calliope)

Voodoo Museum

Charity Hospital Katrina Memorial

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Garden District

Preservation Hall Jazz

Museum of Death

Whitney Plantation

Events in New Orleans

Mardi Gras

Krewe of Jingle Parade (December)

Nola ChristmasFest

Hotels in New Orleans

The Roosevelt Waldorf Astoria New Orleans

Hyatt House New Orleans

Westin New Orleans

Hotel Monteleone

Restaurants in New Orleans

Carousel Bar & Lounge

Pat O'Briens

Little Dizzy's

Bourbon House

Recipes

OG New Orleans Hurricane Drink Recipe

Sazerac Cocktail

Arnaud's French 75 Recipe

Gumbo Z'Herbes (Lent)- Leah Chase Recipe

Cochon Rabbit and Dumplings Recipe

Louisiana Frog Legs

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Summer Travel Trends to Know About

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Wondering what summer travel trends we're seeing this summer? We run through what's hot and what's not on this episode of Time to Talk Travel podcast. We'll cover coolcations, solo travel, quiet travel, destination dupes and more.

On this week's episode of Time to Talk Travel, podcast hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis, and Nasreen Stump do a deep dive into summer travel trends of 2024. They chat about hot spots, why some trends are growing, differences between ages groups of travelers and the trends they're following, and why they love Gen Z's new numbers.

Mentions:

Inside Out House Airbnb

Virtuoso Travel

Mastercard Summer Travel

Borghi Italy

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Curated Group Trips: Why We Love This Travel Trend

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0500

One travel trend we've seen is the rise of group travel. These specially curated, itinerary focused trips allow you to explore a topic or area that you're passionate about. Bonus- you come away with new friends.

On this week's episode of Time to Talk Travel, podcast hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis, and Nasreen Stump cover itinerary driven small group travel. What starts out as an exploration of the trend dives deep into why this type of travel is proving to be so impactful and what led folks to the point of craving community and connection.

Mentions:

Des Miller Travel Media

Nadia Carriere - Yoga Retreats

Kim-Marie Galloway- Embark Beyond, Luxury Travel Mom

Whale Camp

Intrepid Travel

Silent Retreats

Sleep Retreats

Ciara Blume - Rome for the Holidays

Chica Brava Surf Retreat

Meagan Wristen- Sri Lanka trip

Sri Lanka Tourism

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Florida: Adding Days to Disney Trips

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0500

So often you hear Florida come up in conversation when a family is headed to Orlando's Walt Disney World. But there is so much more to the state. When folks are looking to add on days to their Florida vacation we get excited.

On today's episode of Time to Talk Travel, podcast hosts Desiree Miller (Florida native), Maureen Dennis, and Nasreen Stump talk all things Florida. Their clockwise tour around Florida doesn't hit every town but stories are told, tips are shared, and fun is had.

Mentions:

Visit Florida

Orlando

Jacksonville , Vero Beach, Disney's Vero Beach Resort

Treasure Coast, Ponte Vedra, Vilano Beach & St. Augustine, Amelia Island, Cape Canaveral & Melbourne (Space Coast), Kennedy Space Center, Palm Beaches, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Bimini Bahamas, The Florida Keys & Key West

Alligator Alley, Naples & Marco Island (Paradise Coast), Tampa, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Clearwater & St. Pete, Nature Coast (Levy County) & Cedar Key, Crystal River, Gulf County Florida & Port St. Joe, Walton Beach- Seaside & Rosemary Beach, Apalachicola & St. George (The Forgotten Coast), Navarre, Panama City Beach, Pensacola, Flora-bama, Gulf Shores Alabama

DeLand, Ocala, Gainesville, Tallahassee

SunPass, Dezerland

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Can You Trust Reviews? How to Read Reviews the Right Way When Researching Travel

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 30 May 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Have you ever gone to research a trip and stumbled across reviews that just seem fishy? Podcast hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis, and Nasreen Stump drop statistics and tips in this episode of Time to Talk Travel. Do you know how to read between the lines on reviews? Or where to find the most unbiased and complete reviews?

Have you ever checked a resorts employment page when booking? We have and we'll explain steps you can take to make sure you've got the most complete set of info when you book your next vacation.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Cutting the Cord: Tech-Free Unplugged Travel

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 23 May 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Are you always on your cell phone? Is Wi-Fi life? If so you may fear the new trend of tech-free travel. In this Time to Talk Travel podcast episode hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis, and Nasreen Stump dive into the nuances of traveling in an unplugged manner exploring resorts that offer it and discussing our own thoughts on it.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Are You Beach Ready? Summer Beach Travel Tips

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 16 May 2024 03:00:00 -0500

It's beach season! Are you ready to hit the sand with your family or friends? On this weeks episode of Time to Talk Travel podcast hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis and Nasreen Stump chat all things salty and sandy.

If you want to make your next beach trip easier we've got tips on how to get sand off of things, what to pack, what to look up before you go and how the beach makes us a wee bit territorial.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Getting Ready for Summer Travel

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 09 May 2024 03:00:00 -0500

It's almost time for summer travel! Here are the steps to take to get your home ready to travel and what you need to be doing to make things go more smoothly.

Hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis and Nasreen Stump run through their tips, tricks, and even errors.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Mother's Day: The Raw Truth on What We Really Want

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 02 May 2024 03:00:00 -0500

If we're being honest Mother's Day is a complicated holiday. What started as an episode on Mother's Day trips, travel, and gifts turned into us talking about how we really feel about motherhood, what moms really want, and our ideal day.

Tune in for real talk from hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, and Nasreen Stump.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Hotel Etiquette: What We Learned the Hard Way

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Ever had a hotel stay that was ruined by other guests? Today we cover what NOT to do in a hotel from experimenting with the coffee maker to having loud adult fun time. Tune in for stories and tips from hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, and Nasreen Stump.

We cover bodily fluids, PDA, wild parties and more!

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Traveling in a Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Way

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0500

On today's episode of the Time To Talk Travel Podcast Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, and Nasreen Stump chat about hotels who use eco-friendly as a marketing term, hotels that actually walk the walk, and share tips on carbon credits (and how buying them yourself can make them a tax deduction).

Mentions:

LEED Certification

One Hotel Brooklyn

Sandals

Grand Villas, Riviera Maya

Zion National Park

Leave No Trace

Defining Hospitality

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

What You Need to Know BEFORE Booking with a Budget Airline

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Did you see a $30 flight that is super tempting? Low budget airlines can be great for your travel budget. However, there are some details that you need to look into before you book with a low cost carrier. On today's episode of the Time To Talk Travel Podcast Desiree Miller and Nasreen Stump share what to expect so there are no surprises!

We cover differences in airports used, additional fees, contracts of carriage, operating schedules, carry-ons and more.

Mentions:

Spirit Airlines

Avelo Air

Breeze Airways

Allegiant

Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, British Airways

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Shoulder Season Travel: What to Consider for a Great Trip!

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Traveling during the off-season or shoulder season can be a great way to see a destination on a budget. Just be ready for a few surprises! On this episode of Time to Talk Travel podcast hosts Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis, and Nasreen Stump dive into the tips and tricks you need to know in order to avoid hiccups.

With proper planning you can have a great trip, even with unpredictable weather. We cover:

How to pack for off season travel
Why travel insurance is important
How tours and ports may be impacted
What you need to know about selecting lodging
and also cover favorite day of travel outfits and more.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Tourists Behaving Badly: How to Not Be a Part of the Problem

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0500

It seems like we're hearing more and more stories about plane fights, graffiti at major historical sites, and general entitlement. On this episode of the Time To Talk Travel podcast, hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis and Nasreen Stump dive into tourists behaving badly- why do they do it, how can we stop it and what caused it.

From airplane fistfights to companies scamming travelers for extra fees to people carving their names into the Coliseum and even people conducting screaming photo shoots at La Sagrada Familia we cover it.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Getting Sick or Injured While Traveling

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Unfortunately sometimes the worst happens. We can all get sick or injured while on a trip. On this episode Time To Talk Travel podcast hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis and Nasreen Stump share horror stories, tips and things they didn't know they didn't know about traveling while sick.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Spontaneous Travel: Tips for Last Minute Trips

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Do you ever just get up and go? Whether you plan last minute travel for a change of scenery or because that's just what works for you there are some do's and don'ts. On this episode of the Time To Talk Travel Podcast Maureen Dennis, Desiree Miller, and Nasreen Stump discuss spontaneous travel experiences and also take us on a wild adventure through the world of Amtrak and bus travel!

We mention:

Playa del Carmen
Barcelona
New York City
Galveston, Texas
Greyhound
Vonnlane Bus
Amtrak
MegaBus
and more

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Using AI to Plan Trips and Create Itineraries

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Wondering how to use AI to plan your vacations faster? We've got the top apps and sites for you to try along with prompt engineering suggestions to get the best results. Here's how to create an AI itinerary as a starting point to save you hours of research.

Later, in the episode we get a bit side tracked and discuss finding fun things to do near you, party planning, and how to break your ankle sliding down an art exhibit.

Tools Mentioned-

ChatGPT

Perplexity AI - Sign up using this affiliate link for $10 off- https://perplexity.ai/pro?referral_code=Q7PM8BP8

Atmosfy

Justasklayla.com

RoamAround.io

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Road Trips: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 09:45:00 -0500

Are you ready for your next road trip? On today's episode of Time To Talk Travel Nasreen Stump, Desiree Miller, Ciaran Blumenfeld and Maureen Dennis chat the good, the bad, and the ugly of road trips. From getting your car ready to dealing with vomit they share what they've learned over years of travel writing, business travel and family travel.

You'll hear about:

What to pack in an emergency kit
Pit stop strategies
Road Trip snacks
Vomit - how to make it suck less
What to do before you hit the road
Our best and worst road trip tips and stories
Ways to keep your car from being stolen on the road
and more

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Tricky Travel: Nature's Special Events - Wildflowers, Eclipses, Bioluminescence and More

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 01:45:00 -0500

This week Time To Talk Travel Hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis and Nasreen Stump talk about traveling for natural phenomena.

There are already a lot of things you have to think about when planning a trip but what if that trip is for a special event. When nature is that special event the details matter. Whether it's a 7 minute window to see the full eclipse or timing bluebonnet, poppy or foliage trips to hit peak saturation these trips require finesse.

We cover tips, tricks and add in a few pleas from impacted locals. If you're looking to see nature's wonders and be a respectful visitor this episode is for you!

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Travels Redos: Do the Overrated Disappointments Deserve Another Chance?

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0500

This week Time To Talk Travel Hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis and Nasreen Stump talk about travel redos.

Have you ever visited somewhere and been underwhelmed? Would you entertain a travel redo? When do you give a destination or attraction a second chance?

Tune in to hear what popular destinations we were disappointed with, what we learned and how we would change the outcome on a repeat trip.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Solo Travel Safety Tips

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 07:15:00 -0500

This week Time To Talk Travel Hosts Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis and Nasreen Stump talk about solo travel safety.

Over the course of the episode they touch base on:

traveling alone for business
traveling solo with kids
where to stop to use a restroom in the middle of the night
why you should carry a doorstop
using AirTags
cabs vs. rideshare
and more

Tune in to learn more about staying safe when traveling solo.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Planning Spring Break Travel

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

This week Time To Talk Travel Hosts Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller, Maureen Dennis and Nasreen Stump dive into the topic of Spring Break travel planning.

They address top questions that they get as travel writers:

How far in advance should we plan?

What do we need to know?

What are spots to avoid or to prioritize?

Should I bring a friend for my child?

What about a staycation?

Listen in for tips, tricks and info about Spring Break travel planning.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Travel Fears: Our Most Unhinged Episode

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

In this climate how do you work around travel fears? With bridge collapses, parts flying off of planes and more how do you continue to travel? We share our unhinged thoughts, rational fears, and things that help us get through uncertainties in travel.

Romantic Travel: Valentine's Day Couples Trips and Tips That Last More than One Night

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Although romantic travel can occur year round we usually hear about it in the lead up to Valentine's Day. We've got a whole episode for you today dedicated to romantic travel destinations, prioritizing time together, romantic foods and a few hot take confessions.

Some topics and locations covered to help you plan your Valentine's Day couples trip or romantic getaway:

Boston

Venice and Italy in general

New York City

Provence, France

Catalina Island

Why you shouldn't use a romantic trip to visit destinations only one person wants to got to.

Setting expectations so you're on the same page as your partner before a romantic trip.

How romantic travel impacts hotel room and destination selection

Finding romantic food spots

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

One Year of Travel Tips: 2023 In Review

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 13:30:00 -0500

After kicking off our travel podcast, Time to Talk Travel, in September of 2023 we're hitting publish on our 16th episode. During those first 15 episodes we covered a lot of topics and thought we'd do a summary to end 2023.

Want to hear more about any of the topics covered? Here are links to the full episodes on each topic-

Set Jet Travel: Traveling to Locations from Movies/TV -

https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/set-jetting

Mistakes We've Made: 21 Travel Lessons Learned -

https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/travel-mishaps

Spooky, Haunted & Paranormal Travel -

https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/spooky-eerie-haunted-paranormal-travel

Unique Lodging Tips & Tricks -

https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/unique-places-to-stay

How to Work & Travel: Balancing Business and Adventure -

https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/working-while-traveling

How to Find Travel Deals -

https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/how-to-find-travel-deals

Expediting a Passport: Tips & Tricks -

https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/expedited-passport-tips

Travel Memories: Photos & Journals-

https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/travel-journal-tips

Travel Etiquette: Horror Stories & How to Behave-

https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/travel-etiquette

Missing School to Travel-

https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/missing-school-to-travel

Tips for Holiday Travel

https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/holiday-travel

Travel Safety: Risk vs Reward

https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/travel-advisories

The Gift of Travel

https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/gift-of-travel

Setting 2024 Travel Resolutions

https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/2024-travel-resolutions

Planning a Cruise

https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/planning-a-cruise

Learn more at hashtagtravels.com or sign up for our newsletter at timetotalktravel.com.

Planning a Cruise: Where to Start

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0500

If you're considering a couples cruise, family cruise or a cruise ship getaway with friends you may know how overwhelming starting the process can be! There are a lot of decisions to be made and questions you need to ask yourself to prioritize what you're even looking for before diving into research and comparison.

Before you book your next (or first) cruise check out this episode where we walk you through items to consider in the initial planning process.

Learn more at hashtagtravels.com or sign up for our newsletter at timetotalktravel.com.

Setting 2024 Travel Resolutions

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0500

Have you thought about what travel resolutions you want to pursue in 2024? The team at Time To Talk Travel discuss the resolutions they've set, how to stay accountable and why you need to set goals before 2023 ends so you don't miss out.

We'd love to know what your resolutions for next year are!

Learn more at hashtagtravels.com or sign up for our newsletter at timetotalktravel.com.

Travel As a Gift: Experiences over Items

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0500

We dive into the idea of travel as a gift in this podcast episode sharing why we choose to prioritize travel over items. Topics covered include how to get everyone on board, how to plan the trip, to surprise or not surprise the recipient, how to pair a physical gift with the idea of a trip and some of the best trips we've received.

In this episode we also touch on family photos during these trips. To learn more about family photos and Ciaran's Travel Photography Journal book check out the full episode on telling a story with photos here: https://www.timetotalktravel.com/episode/travel-journal-tips .

Learn more at hashtagtravels.com or sign up for our newsletter at timetotalktravel.com.

Travel Safety: Risk vs Reward

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500

It can be hard to make decisions about booked travel when a travel advisory pops up. You want to take everything seriously but which alerts really mean don't go. We run through the travel advisory system, registering for STEP, weather concerns and how we each personally determine our risk vs reward travel safety level.

Join us to learn more about when travel insurance doesn't kick in and what you need to know when looking at travel advisory levels.

Tips for Holiday Travel

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500

It is an info-packed episode of Time to Talk Travel! We cover tips for holiday travel including what to book now, what you need to know about traveling with gifts, airport holdups and issues and the lessons we've learned the hard way. L

Learn more at hashtagtravels.com or sign up for our newsletter at timetotalktravel.com.

Should You Take the Kids Out of School to Travel?

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500

Wondering if it's okay to take the kids out of school to travel? We've got tips and tricks to make it easier, including when to talk to the teacher, whether or not to ask for permission and how to weigh out the pros and cons of truancy vs travel.

With 4 kids each, we've faced the travel vs attendance issue head-on. Here's how we handled it.

Want more Time To Talk Travel? Head to timetotalktravel.com or hashtagtravels.com.

Travel Etiquette: What NOT to Do- The Disgusting, Annoying and Weird

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500

Busy travel season is almost upon us. That of course means people are going to be in the airports acting foolish. We cover what you need to know, the worst etiquette we've seen and how everyone really feels about babies on planes.

Hot topics covered:

Who gets the armrests?
Having conversations on speakerphones or playing music without headphones
Stinky food
Toenail clipping
Baby "goodie" bags
Manspreading

Learn more at hashtagtravels.com or sign up for our newsletter at timetotalktravel.com.

Travel Journaling: Telling a Story with Travel Photos

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0500

How do you preserve the memories of great vacations?

On this episode we talk about how to plan photos that tell a story, how to structure a travel journal and unique ways to group and theme pictures.

We discuss changes in photography over the years, how to caption and store digital photos and why printing photos is still important.

Find a free travel photo journal e-book HERE: https://a.co/d/9AVYhW9

Or use the same link to purchase a physical copy to be shipped to you.

Learn more at hashtagtravels.com or sign up for our newsletter at timetotalktravel.com.

Passport Tips: How Fast Can You Get a Passport?

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0500

That feeling when you glance in your passport and realize it's expired - horrible. Realizing this when you have a trip already planned? Horrifying. There are ways to get one in time though.

As a group we've had a little more experience than we'd like to with last minute passport renewals. We'll walk you through what to remember, how to plan for the unexpected and some things you may not have considered, including the best way to snap a baby passport photo!

Be sure to listen to the BONUS episode update as well. You'll never believe how quickly Nasreen got her expedited passport. She'll tell you what she did and how long it took.

How to Find Travel Deals: Tried and True Tips

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0500

We covered so much in How to Find Travel Deals: Tried and True Tips- Episode 6 of Time to Talk Travel.

Here are some of our favorite tips to find the best travel deals.

1. Utilize alerts so you never miss a sale

Use travel websites, newsletters, and credit card features to set alerts for specific destinations and dates. This helps you stay informed about price drops and special deals.

2. Be flexible and open-minded.

Flexibility is crucial. Be open-minded about destinations and travel dates. Sometimes, being flexible with the location can lead to significant savings.

3. Pledge your loyalty (or at least sign up and track it).

Join loyalty programs for airlines and hotels that you use repeatedly. Loyalty can lead to perks, upgrades, and cost savings in the long run.

4. Set yourself up for success with credit card rewards.

Utilize credit cards with travel rewards to pay everyday bills, then enjoy the travel rewards.

5. Pay attention when looking at flights (and who operates them).

Airlines frequently code-share flights. The kicker? Their completely different pricing structures. Even if the tickets look similar in price, one fare may include a carry-on and one may charge extra. Pay attention to fees for seat selection and checking baggage. A lot of times they’re different costs.

6. Look at all of your airport options.

Know the airports in your area. Flying out of an alternative airport might offer cheaper options.

7. Think outside the box.

In Europe and want to country hop? Look at overnight ferries! They can be a unique and cost-effective way to travel between cities.

8. Book Now, Pay Later.

Use platforms like Booking.com to reserve rooms in advance without immediate payment. You’ll know you have a place to stay but you don’t pay for it until the actual stay.

9. Look at options other than hotels.

Besides traditional hotels, consider Airbnb or other rental sites. The added bonus of a kitchen on your vacation can save you money.

10. Do your due diligence.

You can check things like seat availability before booking. Getting an idea of how full the plane is and how popular the route is can help you plan for upgrades. Airlines often send out offers prior to the flight. If the plane is empty spending on first class might not be necessary.

11. Protect your trip.

We cannot advocate for travel insurance enough. It will protect your investment and give you peace of mind. Some credit cards offer automatic travel insurance coverage.

12. Know yourself.

Prioritize what aspects of travel are most important to you. Is it the food? The hotel? Set aside budget for vacations so that when deals come up you know how much you have to spend! Having a dedicated travel fund makes it so much easier to grab up those discount tickets.

13.Work to Travel? Or Travel to Work?

Consider making travel more of a lifestyle than a special occasion. Set goals to working remotely from different locations or to take shorter working retreats.

14. Always look at how much it really costs.

When you find a great deal that seems too good to be true- doublecheck that it’s not. Look at the total cost including accommodations, food, transportation, etc. Make sure that the total cost is affordable.

Learn more at hashtagtravels.com or sign up for our newsletter at timetotalktravel.com.

How to Work and Travel: Tips to Succeed at Both (at the same time)

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0500

It's the dream to be able to work and travel. Making a living in between seeing the sites while still being able to pay for it? #Winning! Or maybe you travel for work and want to return to your family with everything done so that you can spend quality time with them.

On this episode of Time to Talk Travel Nasreen Stump, Ciaran Blumenfeld and Desiree Miller dive into working on the road covering:

What to know before you head out (and what to bring with you)
Why self-discovery is so important to productivity
How to set boundaries at work
Why communicating with your travel companions is crucial
How to plan your schedule
Ways to lay out tasks to time block
How to find quiet spots to work on the road
and more

Tune in to learn more! Connect with us on social media to chat more about productivity on the road and to share your tips.

Jails, Boats and Museums- Unique Lodging Tips & Tricks

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode we cover unique places to stay including:

how to find unique lodging
anticipating costs
safety considerations
where we would NEVER sleep
and places we've stayed that were unique

We touched on the following destinations (amongst others):

Liberty Hotel in Boston
Martha's Vineyard
Tampa Bay
Paw's Up in Montana
Finland
Santorini
Jordan
Doubletree Emily Morgan in San Antonio
Lone Star Glamp Inn and Round Top

Learn more at hashtagtravels.com or sign up for our newsletter at timetotalktravel.com.

Beyond Halloween: Spooky, Eerie, Haunted and Paranormal Travel

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 03:04:00 -0500

In this episode of *Time to Talk Travel*, Nasreen, Ciaran and Des from HashtagTravels.com explore the growing popularity of “spooky season” extending beyond just Halloween.

A variety of ideas for haunted experiences throughout the year are shared including:

Ghost tours
Haunted attractions - See a selfie with a ghost in a haunted London pub.
Cemetery Alive events
Supernatural phenomena
Prisons and psychiatric wards
Paranormal investigations - Read more on ghost hunting.

Somehow they managed to also discuss UFOs, aliens and time travel.

Cities, countries and sites with particularly haunted attractions were discussed including:

New Orleans
Salem MA
San Juan Capistrano
Galveston
Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio
Estonian churches
Savanah
Rose Hall, Montego Bay Jamaica

If you’re looking for a reliable ghost, head over to the Queen Mary in Long Beach. We agreed that it was definitely haunted and has developed a reputation for making visitors uneasy.

One thing not to do?

Don’t collect old family portraits from thrift stores. Inviting auras into your home isn’t advised.

Celebrate spooky year round.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

How To Make Travel Suck Less: 21 Travel Lessons

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 03:02:00 -0500

Seasoned travelers know that it’s just not a real travel experience if something doesn’t go wrong! The key to a great trip is expecting the unexpected. Time To Talk Travel's Nasreen, Ciaran, Maureen and Des from HashtagTravels.com talk through some of the lessons they learned the hard way and tips to prevent future disasters.

Maureen really summed it up in one line: *“Sometimes you have to learn things the hard way and you learn it once and then you never do it again.”*

21 Tips to Save You from Travel Mishaps - For the full article visit our site.

Download travel apps before you need them.
Bookmark the airport website.
Pack snacks!
Don’t skip travel insurance.
Spend delays in airline clubs or lounges.
Allow more time than you’ll think you need for connections.
Spend a little more for a nonstop or easier itinerary.
Look at all of your airport options.
Consider booking through a travel agent.
Utilize status phone numbers when possible.
Don’t wait to call - even if you’re in line.
Utilize social media to reach customer service faster.
Try to avoid connecting in snowy spots in the winter.
Keep in mind that smaller airports have limited crew.
Start booking the back up plan ASAP.
Be kind.
Don’t forget to advocate for yourself.
Know your airline’s Contract of Carriage.
Be aware of credit card perks you can access.
Pack essentials in a carry-on.
Bring an extra bag with you.

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Set-Jetting: Living the Magic Of Movies Through Travel

Hashtag Travels — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0500

In the inaugural episode of *Time To Talk Travel*, join Nasreen, Desiree, Maureen and Ciaran from HashtagTravels.com as they navigate the exciting realm of set-jetting.

Learn how inspirational moments from our favorite movies and TV series are steering travel plans and shaping the way we experience the world.

Find out what The Real Housewives, The Rock and Ted Lasso have in common.

The modern phenomenon of set jetting, which infuses pop culture into travel, propelled more than 40 million people to follow their favorite storylines.

Set-Jetting Advice to Have the Best Experience:

Remember to keep expectations in check. Scenery may not look like it did in the movie.
For superfans, if the connection is to the character there may be a disconnect from the setting without the character there.
Bring images or screenshots of favorite scenes and poses that you might want to recreate. It will help you find the right spot and ensure that you don't miss the chance to make that lasting memory!
It's up to you on whether you choose to put together your own set-jetting itinerary or book a tour with a company. We've done both and it comes down to personal preference, time available and location.
If you aren't using a company make sure to research things like nearby parking, restrooms and public access rules.
Be sure to respect the locals and surrounding area. Living "on-set" can come with headaches and a huge influx of visitors. Look beyond just the film site and embrace the local culture.

We discussed visiting film and television sites on this episode including:

The Hunger Games (Atlanta)
Mamma Mia (Greece)
Game of Thrones (Croatia)
Ben Hur (Rome)
Star Wars (Ireland)
Nashville (Nashville- The Bluebird Cafe)
The Shining (Timberline Lodge - Mt. Hood)
Jungle Cruise (Kauai)
Frozen (inspired by Norway)
American Horror Story: Freak Show (New Orleans)
Cafe where Harry Potter was written (Edinburgh)

Listen on the following platforms:

or at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.

Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.

Find us on social:

Introducing Time to Talk Travel

Hashtag Travels — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 23:49:00 -0500

Even the worst travel day is better than a day without adventure.

Hi, we're a group of friends who met as travel writers and influencers over ten years ago. A decade has changed our lives, our jobs, our locations and the way we travel. Our kids are older and travel looks different these days.

What didn't change? The craving for conversation and community.

Enter Time to Talk Travel, a weekly podcast, centered around conversations and a sheer love of hitting confirm on our next adventure.

Every week we'll be here with stories, tips, tricks, lessons learned and inspiration for your next trip.

Let's meet our frequent fliers, the writers of hashtagtravels.com .

On most episodes Ciaran Blumenfeld, Desiree Miller and Nasreen Stump will be leading the travel conversation.

Ciaran left the tech and marketing world to focus on her love of writing. She splits her time between travel writing and photography and writing fiction as Ciara Blume. She lives in California.

Desiree is comfortable behind the camera, producing TV news segments, and in front of the camera telling us about her travels. She's always booking the next trip and planning the next story. Des lives near Atlanta, Georgia.

Nasreen started as a business traveler in B2B sales. Travel writing let her share stories from her trips. She now consults on content and sales writing. Nasreen lives in southern New Hampshire, with easy access to Boston Logan Airport.

Also appearing on select episodes of Time to Talk Travel are Maureen and Shari:

Maureen is a Canadian transplant to the Houston, Texas area. She has worked across a broad range of travel writing and spokesperson roles. These days she travels for business, pleasure and to keep up with her kids competitive sailing schedules.

Shari is located in New York and loves explore international destinations. When she's in New York she loves to head into the city. As a freelancer and social media strategist, she feels lucky to always have new topics and destinations to dive into.

We hope you'll join us as this podcast plane takes off!