A Travel State of Mind

A road carved between mountains and ocean. Endless beaches. Sea lions, whales, and cliffs that seem to touch the sky. This is Highway 1.In part two of our California road trip, we drive one of the most legendary coastal routes in the world — from Santa Maria to Big Sur and beyond. We stop at dream beaches along the Pacific, hike rugged viewpoints above crashing waves, cycle the iconic 17-Mile Drive in Monterey, and witness gray whales from the shore.Along the way, we continue our electric road trip experiment. Charging stations in remote coastal villages, silent gliding along cliffside roads, and a surprising moment in Big Sur that turns into the most beautiful pause of the entire journey — carrot cake, almond milk cappuccino, and a view that feels almost unreal.This is California at its wildest and most breathtaking. And this road might just change the way you travel.–This episode is an AI-assisted English translation of our original German recording. It has been carefully adapted, refined, and reviewed with great attention to detail to fully reflect the tone, depth, and spirit of Reisen Reisen – der Podcast, the largest German-language travel podcast hosted by Jochen Schliemann and Michael Dietz.You can listen to more episodes of Reisen Reisen in the original German podcast feed, or follow us on Instagram for further travel inspiration.–Highway 1One of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, stretching between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Dramatic cliffs, endless Pacific views and constantly changing landscapes make it one of the ultimate road trip experiences.https://www.instagram.com/visitcalifornia/Big SurAn iconic stretch of rugged coastline known for towering cliffs, redwood forests and breathtaking viewpoints above the Pacific Ocean. Big Sur represents the wild and untamed spirit of California.https://www.instagram.com/bigsurcalifornia/Ragged PointA spectacular viewpoint along Highway 1 offering panoramic views of the coastline from high above the ocean. A perfect stop for photography, short hikes and simply taking in the vastness of the Pacific.https://www.instagram.com/raggedpointinn/Sur House at Big SurCliffside restaurant with expansive ocean views and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. A memorable stop for coffee, dessert or sunset dining above the Pacific.https://www.instagram.com/surhousebigsur/Monterey BayCoastal town famous for marine wildlife, whale watching and its scenic oceanfront atmosphere. A great base for exploring the Monterey Peninsula.https://www.instagram.com/seemonterey/Monterey Bay Eco ToursElectric catamaran tours offering sustainable wildlife experiences in Monterey Bay. Ideal for spotting sea lions, otters and whales in an environmentally responsible way.https://www.instagram.com/montereyecotours/17 Mile DriveA scenic coastal route around the Monterey Peninsula featuring dramatic cliffs, historic cypress trees and some of California’s most exclusive seaside homes. Perfect for cycling or a slow drive with frequent photo stops.https://www.instagram.com/pebblebeachresorts/Wild Fish in MontereyIntimate seafood bistro with a European touch, known for fresh fish dishes, excellent wine selection and a cozy atmosphere.https://www.instagram.com/wildfishmonterey/Santa BarbaraMediterranean style coastal city with Spanish architecture, beaches and a strong wine culture. A beautiful stop between Los Angeles and the central coast.https://www.instagram.com/visitsantabarbara/Carmel by the SeaCharming coastal town known for white sand beaches, art galleries and iconic cypress trees. A romantic and scenic stop along Highway 1.https://www.instagram.com/carmelcalifornia/

Snow over the Sierra Nevada. The Golden Gate glowing red beneath the plane. And a cappuccino with almond milk overlooking the Pacific. This is how our California road trip begins.In this first part of our journey, we explore the quieter side of the Golden State. From Santa Cruz and its surf culture roots to the rugged beauty of Pinnacles National Park, where condors circle above volcanic rock formations. We drive through rolling green hills that feel almost unreal, cross the vast Central Valley, taste wine in Santa Maria, and experience country music nights in Bakersfield — discovering a side of California far beyond the postcard clichés.Along the way, we test a sustainable twist on the classic American road trip: long distances through California in an electric car. Charging stations in supermarket parking lots, coastal drives in near silence, and a new rhythm of travel.This is California beyond expectations. And we’re only getting started.--This episode is an AI-assisted English translation of our original German recording. It has been carefully adapted, refined, and reviewed with great attention to detail to fully reflect the tone, depth, and spirit of Reisen Reisen – der Podcast, the largest German-language travel podcast hosted by Jochen Schliemann and Michael Dietz.You can listen to more episodes of Reisen Reisen in the original German podcast feed, or follow us on Instagram for further travel inspiration.--San Francisco & Bay AreaGolden Gate Bridge – San FranciscoThe iconic red landmark that defines the city skyline. Best experienced from above, from the shoreline, or during golden hour.https://www.instagram.com/goldengatebridge/Santa CruzSanta Cruz Beach & WharfClassic California surf town atmosphere with long piers, surfers, beach cafés, and relaxed coastal energy.https://www.instagram.com/visitsantacruz/Picnic Basket – Santa CruzCasual beachside café known for breakfast burritos, fresh juices, and relaxed Pacific views.https://www.instagram.com/picnicbasketsc/West Cliff Drive – Santa CruzScenic coastal route with dramatic cliffs, world-famous surf breaks, and sunset walking paths.https://www.instagram.com/visitsantacruz/Nature & National ParksPinnacles National Park – CaliforniaVolcanic rock formations, hiking trails, and one of the few places to spot the rare California condor in the wild.https://www.instagram.com/pinnaclesnps/Sequoia National Park – CaliforniaHome to giant sequoia trees, including General Sherman, the largest tree on Earth by volume.https://www.instagram.com/sequoianps/Central Valley & Inland CaliforniaComponent Coffee Lab – VisaliaModern café known for excellent avocado toast and specialty coffee before heading into Sequoia.https://www.instagram.com/componentcoffeelab/Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace – BakersfieldLive country music venue blending classic Americana culture with a lively dance floor.https://www.instagram.com/buckowenscrystalpalace/Wine & Coastal CountryCambria Winery – Santa Maria ValleyAward-winning winery in a lesser-known California wine region with a strong female-led team.https://www.instagram.com/cambriawines/Hitching Post – Santa Maria AreaAuthentic California country barbecue restaurant with excellent grilled artichokes and regional wines.https://www.instagram.com/hitchingpost2/

There’s the Amalfi Coast of postcards — and then there’s the one you experience when you climb a thousand stairs, hunt for lemons and question whether beauty can be too perfect.In this second part of our Amalfi journey, we descend into Positano’s vertical maze of pastel houses and narrow alleys, talk honestly about the curated glamour of one of Italy’s most photographed towns, and finally succeed in our long-running Amalfi lemon mission. From there we cross over to Sorrento — a surprisingly grounded, practical and stunning base with views of Capri and Mount Vesuvius — before diving deep into Pompeii. What we expected to be “just ruins” turned into one of the most fascinating historical experiences we’ve had in years. Walking real Roman streets, seeing ancient street food counters and understanding how an entire city was frozen in time changed the way we look at history.This episode is about perspective: when to go, how to move around, where to stay, and why sometimes the most famous places still surprise you — if you approach them right.If you’re ready for lemon zest, volcanic history and a more balanced take on the Amalfi Coast, come along.--This episode is an AI-assisted English translation of our original German recording. It has been carefully adapted, refined, and reviewed with great attention to detail to fully reflect the tone, depth, and spirit of Reisen Reisen – der Podcast, the largest German-language travel podcast hosted by Jochen Schliemann and Michael Dietz.You can listen to more episodes of Reisen Reisen in the original German podcast feed, or follow us on Instagram for further travel inspiration.--PositanoA vertical cliffside town famous for its pastel houses, narrow staircases and glamorous beach scene. Visually spectacular and unmistakably curated, Positano is iconic — but best enjoyed with realistic expectations and good timing.https://www.instagram.com/visitpositano/SorrentoA practical and scenic base overlooking the Gulf of Naples, with easy ferry and train connections to Capri, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. Less flashy than Positano, but balanced, grounded and beautifully located.https://www.instagram.com/visitsorrento/PompeiiOne of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites, where an entire Roman city was preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Walking its streets offers an immersive, tangible connection to ancient life.https://www.instagram.com/parcopompei/Mount VesuviusThe volcano that shaped the region’s history and buried Pompeii. Still active and visible from across the Bay of Naples, it remains a powerful presence in the landscape.https://www.instagram.com/parconazionaledelvesuvio/Amalfi CoastA UNESCO World Heritage coastline known for dramatic cliffs, winding roads and Mediterranean light. Best experienced in spring or autumn to avoid peak-season intensity.https://www.instagram.com/amalfi_coast_official/CapriJust a short ferry ride from Sorrento, Capri offers dramatic rock formations, turquoise coves and classic Italian island glamour.https://www.instagram.com/visitcapri/

Travel sometimes begins long before you reach the sea. With a WhatsApp debate about scooters, a rental car with modest horsepower and the quiet realization that some places are victims of their own beauty.In this first part of our Amalfi Coast journey, we drive from Naples across the Monti Lattari, spiral through mountain roads, chase elusive Amalfi lemons and arrive in Ravello - a hilltop town that feels suspended between history and luxury. At Villa Rufolo, 360 meters above the sea, we walk through terraced gardens, Moorish arches and rooms filled with light, trying to understand why artists, composers and jet-set icons have all fallen for this stretch of coastline. The views are almost unreal, the blue of the sea impossible to properly describe, and the roads as dramatic as the cliffs themselves.We also talk honestly about what it means to travel here today — traffic, parking, high season, buses that run “eventually”, ferries that double as scenic cruises, and why timing matters more than ever. Because yes, the Amalfi Coast is spectacular. But it rewards those who arrive prepared.If you’re ready for Italian blue, winding roads and a place that truly lives up to its legend, come with us.--This episode is an AI-assisted English translation of our original German recording. It has been carefully adapted, refined, and reviewed with great attention to detail to fully reflect the tone, depth, and spirit of Reisen Reisen – der Podcast, the largest German-language travel podcast hosted by Jochen Schliemann and Michael Dietz.You can listen to more episodes of Reisen Reisen in the original German podcast feed, or follow us on Instagram for further travel inspiration.--RavelloA hilltop village 360 meters above the sea, known for its villas, quiet elegance and breathtaking coastal views. Ravello feels calmer and more refined than the busy shoreline towns, especially in shoulder season.https://www.instagram.com/visit_ravello/Villa RufoloA 12th-century noble estate with Moorish architectural elements and terraced gardens overlooking the Mediterranean. The views from its gardens are among the most iconic on the Amalfi Coast.https://www.instagram.com/villarufolo/Path of the GodsOne of Italy’s most famous hiking trails, running high above the coastline with panoramic views stretching toward Capri. A 4–5 hour walk that offers a completely different perspective on the region.https://www.instagram.com/pathofthegods/AmalfiThe historic maritime town that gave the coast its name. Compact, lively and right by the water, it’s both a transport hub and a postcard-perfect stop.https://www.instagram.com/visitamalfi/Monti LattariThe mountain range separating Naples from the Amalfi Coast. Crossing it by car offers dramatic switchbacks and sweeping views over Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples.https://www.instagram.com/parcoregionaledeimontilattari/Ravello FestivalA renowned summer music festival featuring classical concerts set against panoramic sea views. A cultural highlight from June to September.https://www.instagram.com/ravellofestival/Amalfi CoastA UNESCO World Heritage coastline famous for its dramatic cliffs, colourful villages and Mediterranean light. Best experienced outside peak season for a more relaxed atmosphere.https://www.instagram.com/amalfi_coast_official/