Big Blend Radio: Vacation Station

Is escorted travel for you? On this episode of Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station "Hey Wanna Go" Travel Show with travel advisor Cheryl Ogle, hear about the good, the bad, and the ugly about escorted travel. See her blog post that outlines it all here: https://heywannago.wordpress.com/2024/04/09/benefits-of-escorted-travel On Big Blend Radio every third Wednesday, Cheryl is a world traveler, accredited travel advisor, and owner of Hey Wanna Go that specializes in travel to Europe and the UK, as well as river and ocean cruises. More: https://heywannago.com/ 

From the Okavango Delta in Botswana to Zambia and Zimbabwe, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures with Linda Ballou" podcast highlights some of Linda's amazing adventures in Southern Africa. You can read her story about the Botsawana elephants in Linda's book, "Lost Angel Unleashed," and about her safari adventures on NABBW.org here: https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/botswana-highlights-on-the-ultimate-safari/ Follow Linda's adventures at https://lostangeladventures.com/ and learn more about her books at http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ Listen to Big Blend Radio's "Lost Angel Travel Adventures" Show every 3rd Wednesday at High Noon PST, here on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm3Bmktgu8osUzx2VOF35dgO&feature=shared Photos featured are by Linda Ballou and Tom Schwab.

With National Park Week (April 20-28), Earth Day (April 22), Arbor Day (April 27), Junior Ranger Day (April 27), and Kids to Parks Day (May 18) coming up, this episode of Big Blend Radio's 3rd Tuesday "Go to Natchitoches" show is all the various parks, historic sites and trails, and events you can experience in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Featured guest is K. Nicole Connell, Communication Manager of Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau, who talks about events and destinations such Cane River Creole National Historical Park, Melrose Plantation, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, El Camino Real de las Tejas National Historic Trail, the historic Jefferson Highway, Briarwood Nature Reserve, and Kisatchie National Forest. Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the original French Colony and oldest settlement in Louisiana. Celebrating a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole cultures, this charming city is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. More about Natchitoches and its current events at https://natchitoches.com/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Go to Natchitoches" show here: http://tinyurl.com/yc8csn8b 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA we discover some of the hidden gems and forgotten stories of Michigan with Amy Piper, author of "Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure" (Reedy Press).  Amy Piper is a freelance travel writer, blogger, and photographer who specializes in luxury and multigenerational travel. She travels through the lens of a food lover and has been to 41 countries and 45 states around the world. A native Michigander, she is also the author of “100 Things to Do in Lansing Before You Die” (Reedy Press) and is published in the book "Midwest Road Trip Adventures." More at https://followthepiper.com/ Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's JO GOES EVERYWHERE! Podcast with travel writer and photographer Jo Clark, we hear all about beautiful and historic Georgetown, South Carolina. Named the Best Coastal Small Town by USA Today in 2018, Georgetown is rich in history, nature and outdoor adventures, good food, and friendly people. READ JO'S ARTICLES ABOUT GEORGETOWN:* RecipesTravelCulture.com: https://tinyurl.com/swpnvvfp * FoodieFlashpacker.com: https://tinyurl.com/ybedf5r5 * SheBuysTravel.com: https://tinyurl.com/y5ez47ef Jo Clark is a travel writer and photographer based on South Carolina’s Grand Strand. She has a thirst for knowledge, history, great food, and wine! Her Big Blend Radio podcast "Jo Goes Everywhere!" airs every 2nd Sunday at 7pm EST. Follow the show on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yfkjm8sd 

South Africa offers a unique blend of nature, culture, ocean, and unique thrill-seeking experiences. On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel journalist Bernie van der Linde shares why South Africa is known as "a world in one country," and discusses its diverse landscapes and experiences. Read her article that highlights some of her recommended must-dos when you visit the country: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/must-do-experiences-in-south-africa/ Bernie founded the travel blog https://travelbuddieslifestyle.com/ with her best friend and business partner, Petra, where they share their travel experiences of unique and luxurious destinations. Bernie’s love for exploring has taken her to many exotic locations around the world. Her passion for writing and travel has made her a trusted source of information and inspiration for the discerning traveller looking to explore the world in style. Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ Follow Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Shows with IFWTWA Here: https://shows.acast.com/big-blend-radio-ifwtwa 

From the upcoming California Antique Farm Equipment Show (April 19-21, 2024) and next year's famous World Ag Expo (February 2025), to family-friendly attractions and activities, this episode of Big Blend Radio Celebrates Farming and Agriculture in Tulare, California. FEATURED GUESTS: - Donnette Silva Carter, CEO of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce. Visit: http://www.tularechamber.org/- Megan Lausten from the International Agri-Center. Visit: https://www.internationalagricenter.com/Tulare is a gateway city to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. The city thrives on agricultural, and is internationally known for the Annual World Ag Expo which is held at the International Agri-Center which also features unique event spaces, and the AgVentures Learning Center for Kids and Ag Museum. Tulare has a charming historic downtown district with a beautiful series of murals, and is also home to the Tulare Outlet Shopping Center, and Tulare Historic Museum. 

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Thursday “New Mexico Bed & Breakfast Association” Show features innkeeper Kathy Hiatt, who owns and runs the historic Bottger Mansion of Old Town with her husband Steve, plus assistant innkeeper Jake Dunlap.Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this romantic Bed & Breakfast is the perfect home base for an amazing variety of activities. Bottger Mansion features easy access to any area destination, comfortable accommodations, and modern amenities. From hot air ballooning and hiking, to wine tasting and sampling regional cuisine, visiting museums and gardens, and experiencing the arts and entertainment of the local cultures, as well as shopping for items unique to New Mexico, you’ll find there is never a shortage of things to do in Albuquerque. More: https://bottger.com/ Stay New Mexico True and Visit: https://www.nmbba.org/ 

It's all about what to experiences on Whidbey and Camano Islands on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s 2nd Tuesday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA. Featured guest is Inge Morascini who talks about the area's nature and outdoor adventures, farms and regional flavors, history and cultural arts, seasonal events, and unique lodging destinations. Located in the middle of Puget Sound, Whidbey and Camano Islands are an easy drive from Seattle. A great antidote for big city pressures, these rural islands feature wide-open beaches, scenic vistas, outdoor adventures, great art, fine dining, and more. See: https://whidbeycamanoislands.com/ For more about the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) visit https://www.ifwtwa.org/