Travel Connections

This is the story of a destination we waited ten years to experience — and why it was worth every moment. Truly a travel dream come true. As we begin 2026 - and publish this special destination episode, we're taking you to one of the most remote and magical places we've ever traveled: Chiloé Island, located off the southern coast of Chile. This journey has been more than a decade in the making, ever since my husband Craig first discovered a remarkable hotel called Refugia Chiloé. Once again, Craig Stavert is back to share his colorful insights and fun sense of humor! After a recent trip to South America and reconnecting with our incredible guide, Sol Maranon, we knew this was finally the year to make the dream a reality. What followed was an unforgettable journey by plane, car, and ferry — one that led us to an idyllic luxury hotel surrounded by dramatic coastal landscapes, deep cultural history, and nature at every turn. In this episode, we share what drew us to Refugia Chiloé and why it exceeded every expectation — from its sea-to-table cuisine and striking architectural design to its emphasis on rest, connection, and complete immersion in natural surroundings. We talk about the historic stilt houses of Castro, the magic of personalized touring, and our first experience with a "nature bath." More than just a travel story, this episode explores our passion for destinations that allow us to slow down, absorb a culture, and truly connect — with the land, the people, and each other. It's a conversation about choosing places that enrich you, invite presence, and leave a lasting imprint long after you return home. For more details about our tour with Sol Maranon, please email [email protected] and I will connect you with Sol and her husband, Antonio. Their knowledge of Chile and Patagonia is unsurpassed! Patagonia Podcasts: An Extraordinary Tour of Patagonia with Collette More Adventures in Patagonia with Special Guest Craig Stavert Important Links: Adventures of Empty Nesters Refugia Chiloé TravelConnectionsTours.com Instagram: Suzanne Stavert Adventures of Empty Nesters Facebook: Adventures of Empty Nesters Amazon Suzanne's Amazon Shop

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Travel Connections! If you've been following along, you know how excited I am about our upcoming Travel Connections Tours to Tuscany, launching in spring 2026. Our home base for these unforgettable experiences will be iCastagni, a lovingly restored inn nestled in the storybook hilltop village of Montefollonico. iCastagni is owned by my partners—and dear friends—Tim and Jan Rawlinson, two British expats who have lived around the world before settling into their dream life in Tuscany. They're charming, insightful, and endlessly passionate about sharing the magic of this region. In today's conversation, we'll dive into their remarkable journey, from falling in love with Italy to restoring a centuries-old home into a welcoming retreat. You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes our seven-day, six-night Travel Connections Tour so special—where guests unpack once, slow down, and truly live like locals among the olive groves and vineyards of Tuscany. Highlights from this episode include: How Jan and Tim discovered Montefollonico and built a life they love The history, beauty, and renovation of iCastagni What daily life is really like in a small Tuscan village A peek into our 2026 Travel Connections Tour itinerary Why Siena is a must-see—and one of the jewels of the region The joy and reward of embracing slow travel Important Links: iCastagniTuscany Adventures of Empty Nesters TravelConnectionsTours.com Instagram: iCastagni Suzanne Stavert Adventures of Empty Nesters Facebook: Adventures of Empty Nesters Amazon Suzanne's Amazon Shop

Life in Tuscany Today's episode truly is something special—and not just because my guest has become a cherished friend of the show. Angela Correll is back for her third conversation on Travel Connections (yes, she officially holds the record!), and every time we talk, it feels like slipping into an easy, meaningful conversation over a cappuccino in a sunny piazza. Angela and her husband Jess have been traveling to Italy for more than 25 years, and recently, they restored a former horse stable within the medieval walls of Montefollonico, a tiny Tuscan hilltop village. Their love of this slow, intentional lifestyle inspired Angela's newest book: Village Life: Discover Tuscan-Inspired Hospitality and Intentional Living. She's also the author of Restored in Tuscany—a moving memoir about loss, beauty, and hope—and a trilogy of novels, including Grounded, which was recently adapted into a movie for the Great American Family network. In this episode, Angela transports us straight to the cobbled streets and vine-covered walls of her village, sharing not just stories, but also ways to bring a little slice of Tuscany into our own lives. Episode Highlights ~ Why Tuscan village life feels so magical and grounding The meaning behind Vi Aspettiamo—a phrase that captures the heart of Italian hospitality The joy of Aperitivo (and why we should all embrace it!) Angela's suggestions for books, movies, and music that let you infuse la dolce vita at home If you've ever dreamed of lingering in a small Italian village, sipping wine at sunset, and embracing the rhythm of slow travel, you'll adore this conversation. Angela's stories, insights, and her gorgeous new book will whisk you away—no passport required. And here's the best part: I've created a tour that takes you right into this same magical Tuscan village. Imagine wandering the same charming streets, tasting the local flavors, and maybe even crossing paths with Angela at the neighborhood alimentari. With only 10–14 guests, these trips are designed to feel as intimate and special as the village itself. So—who's ready to fall in love with Tuscany? Find all the details, links, and resources Here! Important Links: AngelaCorrell.com Adventures of Empty Nesters TravelConnectionsTours.com Instagram: AngelaBCorrell Suzanne Stavert Adventures of Empty Nesters Facebook: AngelaCorrell Adventures of Empty Nesters Amazon Suzanne's Amazon Shop

Have you heard of the Camino de Santiago? This centuries-old pilgrimage across Spain draws thousands of travelers each year, each with their own reasons for taking on the journey. The most well-known route, the Camino Francés, stretches more than 500 miles and offers not only a physical challenge but also moments of reflection, connection, and discovery. In this episode, I sit down with Erik Hulslander to hear about his unforgettable experience walking the Camino. You may remember Erik from a previous episode—he's a marathon runner, avid traveler, and master storyteller who explores the world one step at a time. His Camino journey is filled with insights, adventure, and the kind of details that make you feel as if you're walking right alongside him. Whether or not you ever plan to take on the Camino yourself, Erik's stories will draw you in and captivate you like a beautifully told novel. Episode Highlights: The surprising reason Erik set out to walk across Spain How training as a marathon runner both helped—and didn't—on the Camino The unforgettable ancient city that captured his imagination forever Valuable insider tips for your Camino journey Another podcast episode devoted to the Camino! Walking the Camino de Santiago - An Exhilarating & Inspiring Adventure with Meg S. Maloney Other Important Links: Important Links: Adventures of Empty Nesters Instagram: Erik Hulslander Suzanne Stavert Adventures of Empty Nesters Facebook: Adventures of Empty Nesters Suzanne's Amazon Shop

The Simple Goodness Sisters Return with Summer Cocktails! — Sip, Savor, and Celebrate with "Drink Your Garden" The delightful Simple Goodness Sisters are back on Travel Connections, and they're bringing a bouquet of flavor, fun, and farm-to-glass inspiration with them! Venise Cunningham and Belinda Kelly join us to share all about their brand-new book, Drink Your Garden: Recipes, Stories and Tips from the Simple Goodness Farm—a gorgeous guide for anyone who loves to mix drinks with intention, beauty, and heart. Plus cocktails and recipes for all seasons, not just for summer. In this lively episode, we cover: The story behind how their unique business began What "Garden to Glass" really means How thoughtful entertaining can make every guest feel special The magic of pairing farm-grown flavors with seasonal sips Tips and tricks for crafting memorable cocktails and mocktails at home A must-hear tutorial on how to make a perfect margarita and gin & tonic Whether you're a seasoned home mixologist or just love a good story over a good drink, this episode is full of inspiration and practical takeaways for your next gathering. Remember, while visiting Seattle, make time to visit Wilkeson, WA, and the Simple Goodness Sisters at The Soda Shop- Thursday - Sunday. Tune in, pour a glass, and let the Simple Goodness Sisters show you how to drink your garden! Also: Bonus Content on Substack! - Gin & Tonic Around the World: How Our Favorite Cocktail Became a Travel Tradition Important Links: Simple Goodness Sisters Adventures of Empty Nesters Find Adventure with Suzanne Stavert on Substack Instagram: Simple Goodness Sisters Suzanne Stavert Adventures of Empty Nesters Facebook: Simple Goodness Sisters Adventures of Empty Nesters Suzanne's Amazon Shop