Stacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story

Do you dream of embarking on a legendary pilgrimage filled with breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable encounters, and just enough unexpected twists to keep things interesting? This episode, we lace up our boots and dive into the adventure of a lifetime: hiking the Camino de Santiago with special guest Tom Schwab (founder: Interview Valet). Tom trekked 500 miles in 26 days alongside his wife, Karen, and he’s here to spill the details—from the magic of the journey to the blisters that tried to ruin it. We cover everything from essential packing tips to the cultural moments that made the Camino unforgettable. Plus, Tom reveals one hiking item he swears by: Salty Britches (trust us, you’ll want to hear this one). In this episode: Crystal’s Hiking Adventure in Tucson – A warm-up before the main event! Camino 101: What You Need to Know – Planning, packing, and why this pilgrimage is unlike any other hike. Daily Life on the Trail – Walking, eating, meeting fellow adventurers, and dodging blisters. Travel Logistics & Points Hacks – How to fly into France, traverse Spain, and make the most of your journey. Reaching the Cathedral – What it feels like to finally step into Santiago after weeks on foot. Language Barriers & Cultural Moments – Spoiler: Smiling and hand gestures go a long way. Gear of the Day: The One Item That Saves Hikers Everywhere – Hint: It’s not what you think. Whether you’re planning your own Camino adventure or just love hearing about epic travel stories, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a few surprises along the way. 🎧 Tune in and take the first step toward your next great adventure! Looking for our gear of the week? Head to https://stackingadventures.com/gotd

Ever dreamed of jetting off to Thailand for a mix of adventure, culture, and surprisingly affordable luxury? Crystal takes center stage in this episode, sharing her 2019 journey across three stunning islands, giving us an inside look at Thailand’s vibrant food scene, picturesque beaches, and budget-friendly splurges. Flights with Qatar Airlines – Was the experience worth it, and what should you know before booking? Bangkok like a pro – From street markets to tuk-tuk rides, what’s worth your time (and what’s just a tourist trap)? Wedding in Thailand? – A unique celebration in an unexpected location. Island hopping & hidden gems – Diving, speedboat rides, and the luxurious Jamahkiri Resort & Spa experience. The best travel gear to make your trips "betterer." Because the right gear can turn a good trip into a great one. If you’ve ever wanted to explore Thailand on a reasonable budget without sacrificing amazing experiences, Crystal’s got the tips and insights to make it happen. Plus, there’s a wild snack discovery that might just surprise you. Find our Gear of the Day pick and ALL of our cool adventuring gear at https://stackingadventures.com/gotd  

Strap on your hiking boots (or just grab a comfy chair) as Crystal, Joe, and a crew of adventure enthusiasts take you on a journey through the wild wonders of Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Muir Woods. Expect epic tales, unexpected detours, and a few moments of sheer survival mode—because what’s a national park trip without a little chaos? In this episode: Amanda’s Grand Canyon Trek – She and her friends tackled the canyon, but did they make it out in one piece? (Spoiler: Yes, but not without stories to tell.) Joe vs. Two-Year-Olds at the Grand Canyon – Ever tried hiking with toddlers? Joe has, and let’s just say gravity was not on his side. Karen’s Husband, the Yellowstone Trickster – Nothing stops traffic like a bear sighting… or at least the illusion of one. Karen’s husband puts this theory to the test, sending eager tourists into full camera-clicking mode—for absolutely nothing. Avoiding the Crowds Like a Pro – Discover secret pockets of peace in America's most popular parks (yes, even Yellowstone). West Virginia Wonders – Amanda swaps canyons for the serene beauty of New River Gorge—a hidden gem for adventurers. The ‘Gear of the Day’ Mystery – Can you guess what travel essential keeps adventurers cozy in all conditions? We reveal a Smart Wool secret that’ll change your packing game. Coming Soon: Thailand Teasers – Get a sneak peek at our next journey—think elephants, street food, and maybe a tuk-tuk race or two. Whether you’re a national park newbie or a seasoned trailblazer, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical tips, and a little friendly chaos to fuel your next outdoor adventure. 🎧 Tune in and let’s hit the trail!  

Today we talk to not one but TWO guests who BOTH know how to save TONS of money on travel. First, Chris Hutchens from All The Hacks podcast LOVES to find ways to travel the world for nothing (or next to nothing). Second, George Igoe has a top series on the Million Stories YouTube page about seeing different cities for $100 or less. He shares some of his favorites on today's show!  These interviews are from 2022, so if there's any mention of prizes, giveaways, or current events, realize this is a Greatest Hits episode from Stacking Benjamins. Our Stacking Adventures show returns with NEW shows next week (but we HAD to play this one today because it's so, so, so good).

Remember when Libby Gifford raved about Olympic National Park being her all-time favorite? Well, we took that as a challenge and just wrapped up an epic two-day adventure through its jaw-dropping landscapes. Spoiler alert: Libby was absolutely right. From the snow-capped peaks of Hurricane Ridge to the rugged coastline of Rialto and Ruby Beach, we packed in as much as possible—including hidden gems like Crescent Lake, unforgettable hikes, and some close encounters with wildlife (hello, bald eagles and sea lions!). If you’re planning your own Olympic National Park getaway, we’ve got you covered with insider tips on accommodations, must-see spots, and the things we wish we knew before we went. And yes, we’ll get into tide pooling, because if you’re not checking out sea stars and anemones, are you even doing this trip right? Oh, and stick around for our "Gear of the Day" pick—a must-have for your next outdoor adventure. What’s Inside Today’s Episode: Libby’s Favorite Park: Why Olympic National Park tops her list. Getting There: The journey to the park and what to expect. Crescent Lake: The perfect mix of serenity and scenery. Cape Flattery Adventure: Standing at the northwesternmost point of the U.S. mainland. Tide Pooling at Rialto Beach: Why you need to bring waterproof shoes (trust us). Staying at Kalaloch Lodge: A scenic spot with interesting pricing. The Iconic Tree of Life: The gravity-defying tree you need to see. Ruby Beach & Other Coastal Stops: Unbeatable views and moody PNW vibes. Lake Alt & Historical Hikes: Trails, history, and why you should bring extra snacks. Wildlife Encounters: Bald eagles, sea lions, and more surprises. Olympia Side Trip: Pizza wins and losses, parking struggles. Travel Tips & Lessons Learned: What to know before you go. Gear of the Day: Our top pick for making your next adventure even better. Key Takeaways from the Episode: ✔️ Olympic National Park is ridiculously diverse. Snowy mountains, lush rainforests, and stunning beaches—all in one trip. ✔️ Plan your accommodations wisely. Some spots are worth the price, others… not so much. ✔️ Tide pooling is a must. Just don’t forget waterproof shoes unless you enjoy ice-cold toes. ✔️ Wildlife sightings are next-level. Bring binoculars—you never know what you’ll see. ✔️ Olympia has meh pizza. Parking, however, is another story altogether. Tune in now for the ultimate guide to exploring Olympic National Park and making the most of your adventure!  

Today Joe and Crystal embark on a journey to the world’s most romantic destinations. From the sun-kissed beaches of Indonesia to the charming gondolas of Venice, they reveal their top five picks for couples seeking unforgettable getaways. Along the way, they explore breathtaking hotels, intimate dining spots, and hidden gems in Greece, France, Italy, and beyond. Even if you're not romantically involved, you'll find yourself falling in love with ALL of these places. Not just about faraway escapes, Joe and Crystal also highlight romantic locales closer to home—perfect for a spontaneous weekend retreat. And for those who love to stay active while traveling, don’t miss their Gear of the Day pick: a fitness tracker that keeps you on time and in shape wherever love takes you. Highlights from this episode: 🌍 Enchanting romantic destinations across the globe 🏝️ Exotic beach escapes and historic European cities ❤️ Hidden gems and personal travel love stories 🏨 Luxurious stays and dreamy dining experiences 🎒 Gear of the Day: A must-have fitness tracker Whether you're planning your next big trip or just dreaming about future adventures, tune in for inspiring stories, expert recommendations, and the ultimate romantic travel guide! Stacking Adventures: Where wanderlust meets love.

Can a pigeon lead to an Italian adventure? Turns out, yes! 🐦 Join Crystal and Joe as they chat with Adventure Annette about a spontaneous, bird-inspired journey through Rome, Venice, and Pompeii—all thanks to her son's unexpected obsession with pigeons. What’s Inside This Episode? 🏛 Rome: The Eternal City – Walking is the best way to explore (and dodge tourist traps). Annette shares insider tips on hidden gems, cheap eats, and why Rome’s fountains aren’t just for decoration. 🎭 The Colosseum Experience – Gladiators, history, and why booking ahead can save you hours. 🎒 The Gear of the Day – Travel smarter with one essential item that keeps you prepared for any travel weather. 🏺 Pompeii: A Journey Through Time – What it’s really like to walk through the ruins of an ancient city frozen in time. 🛶 Venice: Beyond the Crowds – First impressions, best ways to explore, and why the colorful islands of Murano and Burano should be on your itinerary. 💰 How to Save on Flights, Hotels & More – Annette’s spontaneous travel hacks that can save you big bucks on your next European getaway. ✨ Final Thoughts & Souvenirs – What’s worth bringing home from Italy (besides incredible memories)? Takeaways for Travel-Loving Stackers: ✅ Spontaneity = Magic. Planning is great, but leaving room for surprises leads to the best adventures. ✅ Walking beats waiting. Exploring Rome on foot saves money and reveals hidden treasures most tourists miss. ✅ Book smart. Annette shares how to score last-minute hotel deals and avoid overpaying. ✅ Escape the crowds. Venice has secrets beyond St. Mark’s Square—Annette shares where to go for the real magic. 🎧 Hit play now and join us for a whirlwind Italian adventure! 🇮🇹✈️✨  

Ever wonder which U.S. national parks are truly breathtaking—and which ones might not live up to the hype? Today, Joe and Crystal sit down with Libby Gifford, a seasoned park explorer and co-organizer of TravelCon, to swap stories about awe-inspiring landscapes, unexpected surprises, and the parks that didn’t quite make their bucket list. Along the way, you’ll hear: 🏕️ Crystal’s shocking confession—why she hasn’t set foot in a national park (yet). 🌄 Hidden gems & overrated spots—Libby and Joe break down the best (and meh-est) parks they’ve visited. 🏜️ Wild landscapes—from the surreal dunes of White Sands to the rugged beauty of Big Bend and the extremes of Death Valley. 🏔️ Trail talk—debating whether Glacier National Park is truly the crown jewel of the system. 🚶‍♂️ Epic hikes & must-do adventures—Zion’s The Narrows and Angel’s Landing, the wonders of Olympic National Park, and the best of Southern Utah. 🌲 Acadia: Overrated or underrated? The debate rages on. 🏕️ Camping tips & park hacks—how to plan your adventure like a pro (and avoid rookie mistakes). 🎤 TravelCon scoop—why travel lovers, bloggers, and content creators need to check it out. Whether you’re a seasoned park explorer or planning your first visit, this episode is packed with inspiration, expert tips, and a few laughs along the way. Resources & Links Learn more about TravelCon → https://travelcon.org Join our Stacking Adventures Community on Facebook for more travel stories & tips  

Big changes coming to the show (well, not really...more tweaks than anything)...and we're super excited to share them with you. Join our community online and let's have fun learning and laughing our way around the world.   

Here's the revised version without timestamps: Ready to swirl, sniff, and sip your way through some unforgettable wine-tasting adventures? Today’s episode of Stacking Adventures is a toast to wine tours, featuring hilarious and heartfelt stories, practical tips, and a few spills (hopefully just metaphorical). Crystal shares her dream of leading wine tours in retirement—because why not get paid to drink wine and look fancy? Jennifer takes us to Portugal with her incredible wine tour experience, where she discovered the magic of Port wine and how to enjoy wine tastings without emptying your wallet. And let’s not forget Crystal’s jaunt through Swiss vineyards (because even ski trips deserve a little grape action) and Joe’s own wine tales, which might just involve questionable choices in Northern Michigan. Plus, Wesley’s Wine Tips will arm you with everything you need to ace your next tasting, and we highlight a piece of travel gear that promises to keep your wine-and-cheese habit from becoming your wine-and-regret habit. Episode Highlights Chilean wine tour dreams, Crystal’s future retirement gig, and Joe’s questionable choices. What’s pouring in this episode (hint: it’s wine and plenty of laughs). Jennifer’s Portugal wine tour: The magic of Porto and Lisbon, and why Port wine might be your new best friend. Port tasting 101: Learn why it’s worth sipping slowly (and maybe budgeting for a bottle or two). DIY wine tour tips: How to taste without breaking the bank—or getting kicked out of a vineyard. Napa Valley nostalgia: Joe’s personal wine stories that’ll have you saying, “Wait...he did what?” Swiss wine adventures: Crystal’s picturesque Swiss vineyard tour (with bonus ski tales). Dog-friendly wineries: Because even Fido deserves a day in the vineyard. Wine tasting tips: Tricks to look like a pro, even if you just came for the cheese. Northern Michigan wineries: The truth about what’s bubbling up north. Planning your wine tour: The ultimate guide to sipping your way to adventure. Wine etiquette & pairings: How to avoid faux pas and elevate your tastings. Gear of the day: Stay fit while indulging in your wine-tasting escapades (because balance is key). What’s next: A sneak peek at upcoming episodes and how you can join the Stacking Adventures community. Connect with Us Got a wine-tasting story that rivals Joe’s Northern Michigan adventures? Share it with us! Join the Stacking Adventures community and let’s keep the travel (and wine) conversations flowing. https://stackingadventures.com/mystory