Chicago - An Eventful Weekend Trip
Episode 18 is one is all about Chi-town! The windy city has deep historical roots in American history and it’s all over the architecture and personality of this iconic metropolis. We took a quick weekend trip to Chicago and visited two other states and a national park while on this trip!You know we can’t take a trip without visiting a national park and getting in some hiking! It was really cool to be sitting along the lake in Indiana Dunes National Park and see Chicago building far across the water. This ide excursion is a must-do on your Chicago weekend trip too if you can make the time for it!In episode we tell you how to see and do the most in Chicago with just two days. This was all of our first times in the city so these are first time in Chicago things to do recommendations that we did and loved.Our Chicago travel guide:Architecture boat tour in Chicago - a MUST DOMillennium Park and “the bean”The Chicago riverfront walkNavy PierJohn Hancock 96th Floor Signature LoungeBrittanie and Jamal’s first White ClawRoad trip to Indiana Dunes National ParkWrigley FieldUrkle house from Family matters Recommended activities & tours on ViatorWhere to Stay: theWit ChicagoRiver HotelAloft ChicagoWhere to eat in Chicago:Lou Malnati's pizzaNando’sChicago dogItalian beef from Portillos or Al's #1 Italian Beef High tea and rooftop bar at London House Chicago travel tips:Renting a carA walkable cityChicago’s own rideshare service - vida Airbnb vs. hotel tipsWe've created a downloadable 2 day Chicago Guide and you can add onto this guide by booking additional tours and activities. Find a great flight deal to Chicago by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and watching the daily flight deals (points & cash) that are emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.---------------------------Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.
19 Nov 20191h 6min
How to Plan a Trip and Save Money on Travel
In episode 17 we share all our travel planning tips and money saving hacks! We take you step-by-step through our process for researching, booking, and planning a self-guided tour through any destination and share our own experiences from trips the squad is planning right now. Listen to episode 17 for how to plan a vacation: Step 1 - Pick a destination Step 2 - Pick your travel dates Step 3 - Determine the length of trip Step 4 - Get your travel buddies together Step 5- Plan a loose itinerary and research transportation Step 6 - Research neighborhoods and book lodging Step 7- Book extras Step 8 - Save for the trip Connect with us: Follow the travel squad on Instagram @travelsquadpodcast Jamal: @jamalmarrush Brittanie: @brittanieharbick Kim: @lushdeez Zeina: @zeinamarrush Get in touch! Email us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to discuss: Being a guest on our podcast or having the squad on yours Ask a travel question for Question of the Week Inquire about brand advertising See more at travelsquadpodcast.com
12 Nov 201952min
Exploring Cusco, Peru
In this episode of the Travel Squad Podcast, we’re continuing our travels through Peru and diving into the beautiful and historic city of Cusco, Peru — a vibrant cultural hub, former Incan capital, and the gateway to Machu Picchu.Nestled high in the Andes at over 11,000 feet, Cusco is bursting with rich history, stunning architecture, incredible views, and delicious food. We used Cusco as our home base before trekking the Inca Trail and filled our time with unforgettable experiences, spontaneous adventures, and more than a few hilariousmishaps. Whether you're planning to acclimate here before hiking to Machu Picchu or visiting Cusco as its own destination, this episode is full of tips, insights, and laugh-out-loud moments from our very first squad trip together.In this episode we talk about:Things to know for traveling to CuscoHow to handle high altitude and avoid sicknessWalking city tour with Free Walking Peru ToursOur first hostel experience at Pariwana HostelMule-back riding to Rainbow Mountain the beautiful Vinicunca Mountains in the AndesDrinking pisco soursThe chocolate museum in CuscoCristo Blanco and an “easy day” to get there$6 Peruvian massagesWe absolutely LOVED Hotel Rojas Inn in Cusco, but we also considered staying at the gorgeous Novotel Cusco and Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel - all come with a free breakfast buffet!We took a tour out to hike/horseback ride Rainbow Mountain and highly recommend it! You can see that tour and others we recommend in our Cusco Viator Shop.You can't go to Peru without seeing the ruins so be sure to listen to our full episode about the 4 day/3 night Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu adventure we did, lots of good tips in here!If you're looking for a flight deal to Peru, we recommend signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium to get daily flight deals (points & cash) emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.Since this is an international trip, make sure you can stay connected and access internet and data on the cheap with Airalo. Airalo is an E-Sim instant download that allows you to avoid the high costs of accessing internet and data with your home country cell provider while traveling internationally.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Shop:Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.
5 Nov 201956min
Denver, Colorado on a 3 Day Weekend Trip
In this episode we take a three day weekend trip to Denver, Colorado to celebrate Jamal’s birthday. We describe the wild adventure to get to Denver and exploring the neighboring cities, beer culture, rooftop bars (obviously), nature (even though Jamal said no hiking on his birthday!), and Rocky Mountain vibes.Flight delays and summer stormsGoing off 90 minutes of sleepVisiting past travel friendsHiking in BoulderRooftop bars in Boulder and DenverCoors Factory in Golden, ColoradoHiking the Rocky Mountain National Park in SummerAfternoon Tea in at D Bar in Downtown DenverRed Rocks AmphitheaterDenver hotels we recommend are the AC Hotel by Marriott for a reliable affordable stay, Urban Cowboy Denver for a unique glam stay, or The Parker Hotel which is a little farther out but so chic.Check out our curated list of tours and activities in Denver on our Viator Shop. Find a great flight deal to Denver by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and watching the daily flight deals (points & cash) that are emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.—---------------------------------------Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.
29 Okt 201938min
Touring the Adriatic Coast with Gate1 Travel [Albania, Montenegro, Slovenia, Croatia]
In this week's episode, join us as we take you on an unforgettable adventure along the stunning Adriatic Coast, traveling through Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, and ending in magical Venice, Italy. This guided tour was packed with epic nature, charming historic towns, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and plenty of hilarious travel moments.In this episode, we share why choosing a guided tour was the best decision for this multi-country trip, including how we navigated different currencies, terrains, and local customs. We also spill travel tips, funny stories, and can’t-miss highlights from each destination. If you’re thinking about exploring the Balkans or the Adriatic, this episode is your ultimate guide!Where we went along the Adriatic Coast:Albania – Underrated gems and Cold War history in TiranaMontenegro – National parks, medieval towns, and stunning mountain sceneryCroatia – Coastal cities, Game of Thrones sites, and breathtaking waterfallsSlovenia – Fairy-tale lakes, caves, castles, and Alpine beautyVenice, Italy – Iconic canals, charming bridges, and delicious foodHighlights of Albania Include:Tour of Albania's capital, Tirana – Skanderbeg Square, Cold War nuclear bunkers, Berlin Wall relic, Stalin statue, and National History MuseumStop in Shkodra, one of Albania’s oldest cities, en route to MontenegroHighlights of Montenegro Include:Visit stunning Kotor, a medieval walled city on the bay (UNESCO site)Visit to Moraca Monastery (1252 AD)Explore Biogradsko National Park – one of Europe’s last virgin forestsMarvel at the Tara Bridge over Europe’s deepest canyonHike around Black Lake in Durmitor National Park – a glacial wonderTour Podgorica, including the King’s PalaceHighlights of Croatia Include:Cave bar sunset in DubrovnikDubrovnik Walking Tour – City Walls, Old Town, and Game of Thrones filming locationsWalk the iconic Dubrovnik City WallsSunset boat cruise and dinner on St. James BeachTour Split and Diocletian’s Palace, a living Roman palaceExplore Plitvice Lakes National Park – 16 cascading lakes in vibrant hues of blue and green (UNESCO)Highlights of Slovenia Include:Explore Postojna Caves, Europe’s largest show caveStay lakeside at Lake Bled, enjoy the famous Bled Cream Cake at the original Park HotelRow a Pletna boat to Bled Island, climb the 99 steps, and ring the wishing bellVisit stunning Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest glacial lake, surrounded by the Julian AlpsVisit Bled Castle, perched on a 400-ft cliff with sweeping lake viewsHighlights of Venice Include:Early morning exploration with no crowds – Rialto Bridge & St. Mark’s SquareVisit the stunning St. Mark’s BasilicaIndulge in Nino’s Chocolate Shop, gelato at Gelatoteca Suso, and delicious pizza and lasagnaGetting lost strolling the endless canals and alley ways We experienced the Adriatic Coast on a guided tour, and all our hotels were included. However, if you plan to visit on your own, to make your travel planning easier, we have included a link for you to find your hotel accommodations with Expedia here.To further help you plan, be sure to check out additional activities, tours and things to do via Viator in whatever city or destination you desire.If you're looking for a flight deals to the Adriatic Coast region , or anywhere else, we recommend signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium to get daily flight deals (points & cash) emailed directly to you!Since this is an international trip, make sure you can stay connected and access internet and data on the cheap with Airalo. Airalo is an E-Sim instant download that allows you to avoid the high costs of accessing internet and data with your home country cell provider while traveling internationally. ----Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.
22 Okt 20191h 27min
How to Survive a Long Haul Flight
In Episode 13 we give you tips and advice for surviving a long haul flight. We’ve had travel days lasting over 35 hours to get to some destinations, but these tips could be used even for domestic flights that only last a few hours. In episode 13 we talk about: What to do before the flight What to wear on the flight How to get better service from the flight crew Flight etiquette Things to do on the plane - entertainment, stretching, eating, drinking What to pack in your personal bag: Entertainment Snacks and drinks (so important!) Toiletries Medicine Extra clothes & underwear Things you need to make the flight more comfortable For the fully transcribed checklist, see our website: travelsquadpodcast.com Connect with us: Follow us on Instagram @travelsquadpodcast See more at travelsquadpodcast.com To ask us a question, inquiring about advertising, or discuss bing featured on our podcast or yours, please email us! travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com
15 Okt 20191h 2min
Spending the Day at Shanghai Disneyland
In this episode of the Travel Squad Podcast, we are taking you with us to Shanghai Disneyland! Shanghai Disneyland has that Disney magic but with a modern twist, combining beloved classics with unique attractions you can’t find anywhere else. Located just outside the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, this park brings together Chinese culture, Disney storytelling, and record-breaking rides—like the futuristic Tron Lightcycle Power Run and the next-level Pirates of the Caribbean.In this episode, we take you through our full day at Shanghai Disneyland, sharing insider tips on transportation, food, FastPasses, and the subtle differences between this park and the U.S. Disney parks. From Mickey Avenue to Treasure Cove, from Peking Duck pizza to the Enchanted Storybook Castle, we’ll show you why this park blew us away and why it deserves way more attention than it gets.Episode Highlights Include:Before the Park: How we bought tickets online for cheap, navigating in Chinese, and why early arrival is key.Buying Tickets: In addition to buying them as we discuss in the episode, Klook is one of the best new ways to purchase tickets that was not available when we took this trip. We have since used Klook to buy Disney Tickets in Hong Kong, Japan, etc. We recommend using them and purchase your tickets hereLayout & Lands: Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination with zodiac statues, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland & Toy Story LandUnique Differences: No Frontierland, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Jungle Cruise, or It's a Small World - intentionally designed to respect the cultural sensitivitiesPark Eats: Peking Duck pizza, seafood churros, & High Tea at the Disneyland Hotel across Wishing Star LakeFastPass & Disney Premier Access: How Kiosks work, buying passes through the app, and the secret spot to purchase Premier Access in person. DO NOTE: Disney often changes its FastPass and Premier Access program rules and how it is utilized regularly. Be sure to check for up-to-date info current program rules as things may changeThe Castle & Shows: The Enchanted Storybook Castle - the tallest Disney Castle in the world, plus magical closing showRide Highlights: Tron Lightcycle Power Run, Soaring Over the Horizon, River Rapids Adventure, & Pirates of the Caribbean, known as the best Pirates ride of all Disney parks, & distinctly different from all the othersIf planning a trip to Shanghai Disneyland, these are the hotels we would recommend for your accommodations:Melia Shanghai ParksideNARADA Resort Shanghai HotelGrand Mercure Shanghai Century ParkSSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai BundIf you have more time to spend in the Shanghai area, take a look at additional activates to do via Viator. If you want to hear more about Shanghai and our adventures in China, be sure to listen to our China Episode that goes along with this trip.If you're looking for a flight deals to Shanghai, or anywhere else, we recommend signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium to get daily flight deals (points & cash) emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.Since this is an international trip, make sure you can stay connected and access internet and data on the cheap with Airalo. Airalo is an E-Sim instant download that allows you to avoid the high costs of accessing internet and data with your home country cell provider while traveling internationally. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.
8 Okt 201947min
California Coast Hwy 1 Road Trip [Big Sur, Pinnacles National Park]
In this episode we talk about our Big Sur NOT Big Sur Road Trip where we attempt to brave the worst storm in California in 20 years to road trip up Hwy 1 to Big Sur. We recount the mudslide that put a wrench in our plans, but how we recovered for an epic weekend road trip story.We cover:Road tripping Hwy 1Driving in a rainstormThe famous Bixby Creek BridgeHiking San Simeon State ParkWhere to eat and drink in MonterreyHiking Pinnacles National ParkHow to deal when the unexpected gets in the way of your travel plansWhere to stay for this Hwy 1 (sort of) Road Trip:San Simeon (southern point of the trip): Sea Breeze Inn or Silver Surf MotelMonterrey (northern point of the trip): Stargazer Inn & Suites, El Castell Motel, or The Inn at 1252Download the Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary before you take this trip!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.
1 Okt 201935min
