In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” show, travel writer and author Linda Ballou shares seven inspiring travel picks for 2026, encouraging listeners to plan ahead and explore destinations that offer unforgettable landscapes, outdoor adventures, and meaningful travel experiences.
From Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road and the alpine charm of Telluride, Colorado, to the wild beauty of Glacier Bay, Alaska, the red rock magic of Sedona, epic wildlife encounters in Botswana, autumn splendor in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and the volcanic landscapes of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Linda highlights what makes each destination special and why now is the time to start dreaming—and planning—your next adventure.
📝 Read Linda’s travel article: 
<a href='https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/adventure-travel/linda-ballou-shares-seven-great-travel-picks-for-2026-nows-the-time-to-see-the-world/'>https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/adventure-travel/linda-ballou-shares-seven-great-travel-picks-for-2026-nows-the-time-to-see-the-world/</a> 
🌍 Follow Linda’s Books &amp; Adventures: 
<a href='https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com'>https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com</a>  
<a href='https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com'>https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com</a> 
🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST 
🎙️ Subscribe to Big Blend Radio: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com
🎨 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station” and “Parks &amp; Travel” Podcast Channels. Explore the full network: <a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'>https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork</a> 
Photo courtesy Linda Ballou &amp; Big Island Visitor Bureau

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” show, travel writer and author Linda Ballou shares seven inspiring travel picks for 2026, encouraging listeners to plan ahead and explore destinations that offer unforgettable landscapes, outdoor adventures, and meaningful travel experiences.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;From Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road and the alpine charm of Telluride, Colorado, to the wild beauty of Glacier Bay, Alaska, the red rock magic of Sedona, epic wildlife encounters in Botswana, autumn splendor in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and the volcanic landscapes of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Linda highlights what makes each destination special and why now is the time to start dreaming—and planning—your next adventure.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;📝 Read Linda’s travel article:
&lt;a href='https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/adventure-travel/linda-ballou-shares-seven-great-travel-picks-for-2026-nows-the-time-to-see-the-world/'&gt;https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/adventure-travel/linda-ballou-shares-seven-great-travel-picks-for-2026-nows-the-time-to-see-the-world/&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🌍 Follow Linda’s Books &amp;amp; Adventures:
&lt;a href='https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com'&gt;https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com&lt;/a&gt; 
&lt;a href='https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com'&gt;https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST
🎙️ Subscribe to Big Blend Radio: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🎨 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station” and “Parks &amp;amp; Travel” Podcast Channels. Explore the full network: &lt;a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'&gt;https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Photo courtesy Linda Ballou &amp;amp; Big Island Visitor Bureau&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

Travel writer Linda Ballou shares seven great travel picks for 2026, from iconic scenic routes to natural, geological, and cultural escapes.

Seven Great Travel Picks for 2026

The conversation also highlights the importance of planning additional activities, managing expectations, and embracing the unpredictability that comes with chasing natural wonders. Whether you're a photographer, a dreamer, or an adventurer, this episode offers both awe and actionable advice.
📖 Read Rose’s Article "Tips to See the Northern Lights": 
<a href='https://quiltripping.com/tips-to-see-the-northern-lights/'>https://quiltripping.com/tips-to-see-the-northern-lights/</a> 
🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: <a href='https://quiltripping.com/'>https://quiltripping.com/</a> 
🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: <a href='https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/'>https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/</a> 
📲 Also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Nature Connection," and "Parks &amp; Travel" Podcast Channels: <a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'>https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;The conversation also highlights the importance of planning additional activities, managing expectations, and embracing the unpredictability that comes with chasing natural wonders. Whether you're a photographer, a dreamer, or an adventurer, this episode offers both awe and actionable advice.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;📖 Read Rose’s Article "Tips to See the Northern Lights":
&lt;a href='https://quiltripping.com/tips-to-see-the-northern-lights/'&gt;https://quiltripping.com/tips-to-see-the-northern-lights/&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: &lt;a href='https://quiltripping.com/'&gt;https://quiltripping.com/&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: &lt;a href='https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/'&gt;https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;📲 Also Featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Nature Connection," and "Parks &amp;amp; Travel" Podcast Channels: &lt;a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'&gt;https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
</description>

Travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares the science, beauty, and adventure of chasing the Northern Lights, plus photography tips.

Chasing the Northern Lights: An Adventure Awaits

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wanderers Compass" Travel Podcast, hosts and travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough take us on a journey through Maryland’s Eastern Shore, exploring charming waterfront towns, historic inns, wildlife refuges, and vibrant local culture along the Chesapeake Bay.
Their travels begin on Kent Island and the Kent Narrows, before moving through Kent County with stops in Chestertown and Rock Hall, where fresh seafood, waterfront views, and the Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge highlight the region’s strong connection to nature and conservation. Continuing through Wicomico County, they explore Salisbury’s parks, zoo, historic homes, breweries, and centuries-old landmarks like Pemberton Hall.
The journey wraps up with memorable experiences on Tilghman Island, Oxford, Easton, and St. Michaels, featuring ferry rides, maritime history, art museums, Civil War stories, coastal cuisine, ghost tours, and a deep sense of community that defines the Eastern Shore. Along the way, they reflect on slow travel, sustainability, and the importance of supporting local businesses and traditions.
🌐 Follow Ryan &amp; Joelle's adventures: <a href='https://www.wandererscompass.com/'>https://www.wandererscompass.com/</a> 
🎧 New episodes air every second Monday on Big Blend Radio. Listen to more episodes: <a href='https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/'>https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/</a> 
🎧 This episode is also featured on the Vacation Station and Parks &amp; Travel podcast channels on the Big Blend Radio Network: <a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'>https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wanderers Compass" Travel Podcast, hosts and travel writers Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough take us on a journey through Maryland’s Eastern Shore, exploring charming waterfront towns, historic inns, wildlife refuges, and vibrant local culture along the Chesapeake Bay.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Their travels begin on Kent Island and the Kent Narrows, before moving through Kent County with stops in Chestertown and Rock Hall, where fresh seafood, waterfront views, and the Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge highlight the region’s strong connection to nature and conservation. Continuing through Wicomico County, they explore Salisbury’s parks, zoo, historic homes, breweries, and centuries-old landmarks like Pemberton Hall.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The journey wraps up with memorable experiences on Tilghman Island, Oxford, Easton, and St. Michaels, featuring ferry rides, maritime history, art museums, Civil War stories, coastal cuisine, ghost tours, and a deep sense of community that defines the Eastern Shore. Along the way, they reflect on slow travel, sustainability, and the importance of supporting local businesses and traditions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🌐 Follow Ryan &amp;amp; Joelle's adventures: &lt;a href='https://www.wandererscompass.com/'&gt;https://www.wandererscompass.com/&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🎧 New episodes air every second Monday on Big Blend Radio. Listen to more episodes: &lt;a href='https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/'&gt;https://wandererscompass.podbean.com/&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🎧 This episode is also featured on the Vacation Station and Parks &amp;amp; Travel podcast channels on the Big Blend Radio Network: &lt;a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'&gt;https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
</description>

From waterfront towns to wildlife refuges, Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough explore Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and enjoy Chesapeake Bay culture.

Chesapeake Stories & Coastal Charm: Exploring Maryland’s Eastern Shore

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks &amp; Arts” Show features Artis Olds, acclaimed dancer, choreographer, arts educator, and the November 2025 National Parks Arts Foundation Artist-in-Residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Artis—whose dynamic career includes touring globally with Step Afrika! and the iconic Broadway and international productions of STOMP—shares the deep cultural roots of stepping and gumboot dance, exploring how these rhythmic traditions serve as powerful forms of communication, storytelling, and celebration.
He reflects on his personal journey from corporate America into professional dance, highlighting the transformative power of movement in building confidence, resilience, and community among youth. The conversation dives into the importance of arts education, the healing and connective energy of performance, and the value of creating space for creativity without pressure. Through thoughtful insights and lived experience, Artis illuminates how dance reflects history, honors culture, and strengthens our shared humanity.
Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation at <a href='https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org'>https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org</a> 
 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s "Parks &amp; Travel" and "A Toast to The Arts" podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: <a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'>https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks &amp;amp; Arts” Show features Artis Olds, acclaimed dancer, choreographer, arts educator, and the November 2025 National Parks Arts Foundation Artist-in-Residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Artis—whose dynamic career includes touring globally with Step Afrika! and the iconic Broadway and international productions of STOMP—shares the deep cultural roots of stepping and gumboot dance, exploring how these rhythmic traditions serve as powerful forms of communication, storytelling, and celebration.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;He reflects on his personal journey from corporate America into professional dance, highlighting the transformative power of movement in building confidence, resilience, and community among youth. The conversation dives into the importance of arts education, the healing and connective energy of performance, and the value of creating space for creativity without pressure. Through thoughtful insights and lived experience, Artis illuminates how dance reflects history, honors culture, and strengthens our shared humanity.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation at &lt;a href='https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org'&gt;https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s "Parks &amp;amp; Travel" and "A Toast to The Arts" podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: &lt;a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'&gt;https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
</description>

Acclaimed dancer and educator Artis Olds talks stepping, culture, resilience, and his artist residency at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Dancer and Choreographer Artis Olds in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

From snowy forest trails to festive community traditions, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California’s Sequoia Country” podcast highlights the magic of winter in Tulare County, California—home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Discover seasonal outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, wildlife experiences, and the warm, welcoming events that make this region a must-visit during the colder months.
Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include: 
- Holly Streit – Sequoia &amp; Kings Canyon National Parks: <a href='https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm'>https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm</a>  
- Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: <a href='https://www.visitvisalia.com/'>https://www.visitvisalia.com/</a>  
- Alida Verduzco Silva – Tulare County Resource Management Agency: <a href='https://discovertularecounty.com/'>https://discovertularecounty.com/</a> 
✨ This conversation explores winter hiking, birding events, cozy culinary favorites, indoor museums, and the beloved Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree, now celebrating its 100th year. You’ll learn why Tulare County is an incredible place to enjoy both outdoor adventures and community celebrations throughout the season.  Plan your visit here: <a href='https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/'>https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/</a> 
📡 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s Parks &amp; Travel, Vacation Station, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: <a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'>https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;From snowy forest trails to festive community traditions, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California’s Sequoia Country” podcast highlights the magic of winter in Tulare County, California—home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Discover seasonal outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, wildlife experiences, and the warm, welcoming events that make this region a must-visit during the colder months.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include:
- Holly Streit – Sequoia &amp;amp; Kings Canyon National Parks: &lt;a href='https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm'&gt;https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm&lt;/a&gt; 
- Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: &lt;a href='https://www.visitvisalia.com/'&gt;https://www.visitvisalia.com/&lt;/a&gt; 
- Alida Verduzco Silva – Tulare County Resource Management Agency: &lt;a href='https://discovertularecounty.com/'&gt;https://discovertularecounty.com/&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;✨ This conversation explores winter hiking, birding events, cozy culinary favorites, indoor museums, and the beloved Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree, now celebrating its 100th year. You’ll learn why Tulare County is an incredible place to enjoy both outdoor adventures and community celebrations throughout the season.  Plan your visit here: &lt;a href='https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/'&gt;https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;📡 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s Parks &amp;amp; Travel, Vacation Station, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: &lt;a href='https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork'&gt;https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
</description>

A cozy winter escape into California’s Sequoia Country, from snowy park adventures to local flavors, community events, and festive fun.

Winter Experiences in California's Sequoia Country

A Big Blend Radio Travel Podcast covering Parks and Public Lands, Historic Sites and Landmarks, and their local communities, destinations, and recreational opportunities.

Parks & Travel

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