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  • As adventurous parents we see the full value of taking our kids out to explore, and our adventure in Hawaii with UnCruise aboard the Safari Explorer was incredible for us. Daily expeditions of snorkeling, hiking, kayaking and more had us immersed in both science education and Hawaiian culture. In this podcast episode we've got our two kids on with us (12 and 9 years old) talking about some of the things they really enjoyed and learned about during our sailing with UnCruise.

    UnCruise Hawaii on the Safari Explorer

    From hiking in lava tubes on the Big Island of Hawaii to swimming with beautiful creatures, birdwatching to seeing humpback whales breach all around us, there's a lot to process and share.

    Please check out our full experience on the Safari Explore ship on the blog. We've detailed what activities and ports we had, as well as shared lots of photos of the whole expereince. The UnCruise brand is a unique type of travel and each sailing is quite different, so we also dig into that a bit.

    If you're looking for more Hawaii travel ideas...:

    Hawaii Island HoppingBig Island Itinerary - Hawaii Volcanoes National ParkThings to do on Maui - Haleakala National ParkKauai 5 Day Itinerary - Things to do on Kauai
  • Acadia National Park in Maine is extremely busy in the summer, but there are some beautiful overlooked parts of the park. Also, did you know that despite the potentially extreme winter conditions that sometimes roll through, Acadia NP is beautiful and OPEN in the winter? On this podcast episode we have expert and three-time Acadia Artist in Residence, Colleen Miniuk, sharing about the less visited parts of the park.

    What makes this conversation even more interesting is that being an Artist in Residence thrice over, Colleen has experieces across the seasons and insights into what this particular National Parks program means for visitors. Give a listen as we chat about Acadia National Park, photography in Maine and more. I think it's fascinating to hear from somebody with a completely different sort of experience in a place I love; it broadens my perspective.

    If you want to learn more about Acadia National Park or Maine in general, we have several great articles to help plan a visit to this beautiful destination:

    Visiting Acadia National Park (guide)Maine Summer Road Trip PlanVisiting Maine in WinterLighthouses to Visit in Maine (including Bass Harbor in Acadia NP)

    Enjoy listening to this episode and more. And if you would like to leave questions for us for FUTURE podcast episodes, please complete our form on our website, 2TravelDads.com.

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  • We are not cruise people, but we love to see the world from the water. We recently completed an UnCruise Adventure sailing on a small ship, the Safari Explorer and we have A LOT to say about it. Give a listen an see just what an UnCruise is and how this varies from an actual cruise. From ship size (you'll be shocked) and crew to passenger ratio (you'll be more shocked!), to the custom daily adventures, we dig into it all.

    Have you ever wanted to sail to small inlets or the backside of remote islands WITHOUT lots of people? Ever thought you'd enjoy spending a week at sea learning about nature and culture while getting to know a new group of like-minded people? Excellent, then this episode is for you! UnCruise Adventures is very unique.

    Read all the details about UnCruise here! - What you'll find:

    What is UnCruise?

    Why choose an UnCruise vs land adventures?

    Why spend $6k per person on UnCruise?

    What’s different about UnCruise vs mega cruise?

    Our first expedition sailing was island hopping in Hawaii, but we have an Alaskan small ship sailing coming up later this year. If you have any questions about this experience or need UnCruise route/ship recommendations, let us know!

  • One of my favorite parts of being a blogger is getting to go out into the world and explore, capturing beautiful photographs as I go. The bulk of my job though comes in the writing and web publishing side of things. I love getting to speak with other creative professionals about what they do and why, so getting to sit down with a professional landscape photographer was eye-opening for me.

    Colleen Miniuk is an award winning professional landscape photographer and author, but that wasn't always her career. Her primary job is being my friend. Kidding, but she is a marvelous person in addition to her photography skills. Digging into why Colleen transitioned from software engineering to landscape photography is a fascinating story, and hearing how her approach to capturing meaningful images has changed over time is even more interesting.

    Give a listen to this podcast episode and hear from Colleen Miniuk about what it means to her to be a professional landscape photographer and why she does the work she does. If you have any questions for either myself (Rob of 2TravelDads.com) or Colleen, please reach out. Both of us are happy to share more about what we do and why we do it!

    Colleen can be reached through her primary website, ColleenMiniuk.com and her advice column. For information on her publishing company, books or in-person photography workshops:

    Publishing - Analemma Press Landscape Photography and Guides - Wild in Arizona | The Current Flows | Photographing Acadia In-person, all-women Photography Workshop - Sheography.com

     

    Feeling inspired after listening to Colleen talk about professional landscape photography around the USA? Check out these favorite destinations for epic landscapes and amazing imagery to inspire:

    Arizona Road Trip | Acadia National Park | West Coast National Parks | The Everglades

  • Ireland is a popular destination for Americans to visit when they're tracing their roots, but it's also just a fun and beautiful place to visit with kids! As we dig into what makes Ireland a great place to plan a European adventure with family, you'll see that in general many of the day to day experiences in Ireland are family friendly and great to incorporate children into.

    Visiting Ireland with kids doesn't have to be a stressful trip, so listen to these great tips and itinerary ideas to put together your own Irish adventure. Give a listen to the podcast episode (just below) as Keryn, our friend who runs Twist Travel Magazine, shares her favorite places to visit in Ireland with kids as well as her own cultural experiences that keep her and her family returning.

    As you listen to this episode, you'll notice that Ireland with kids isn't a complex trip to plan or execute. Being a country that's quite mellow and community oriented, you'll see that many of the things that make Ireland interesting and fun are not restricted by age or interest. You can make a trip to Ireland with kids as simple and chill as you like.

    In this episode:

    What makes Ireland a family friendly destination When is the best time to visit Ireland Planning a fun Ireland itinerary with kids Favorite Irish towns to visit

    For more travel tips for exploring the UK and Ireland, more of Europe and all around the USA and Canada, check out 2TravelDads.com!

  • I go to New York City every year and usually visit alone, but I'm NEVER doing that again. Doing NYC with a pre-teen is actually one of the most fun travel experiences I've had. We both really enjoyed our time together and enjoyed the city. For me, this was a brand new take on a place that I typically do not enjoy visiting. New York City with a pre-teen is fun, interesting and it's a fresh view of one of the most famous tourist cities in the world.

    Below you'll find our podcast episode where Oliver (our oldest) and I chat about all the things we did, what he enjoyed most, how we got in and out of NYC and more. Getting to spend time together, just the two of us, was special, and he offered me a fun and different New York experience. Have you been to New York City with a pre-teen before? Are you going? Check out our tips and suggested itinerary for 4 days in NYC with older kids (and no, we didn't do Lower Manhattan or the Statue of Liberty on this trip).

    As you're reading and listening, if you have any questions, either about our specific trip or planning your own, please leave a comment or send us a note. We're always happy to share more and help others plan awesome travel!

    In this episode:

    Getting into NYC from LaGuardia (LGA) or Newark (EWR) airports Times Square with Pre-teens Unique Stores in NYC kids love Broadway shows for Pre-teens Museums and New York sights not to miss with older kids
  • Creating a memoir is a complex task, and writing a book in general isn't for everyone. Angie Orth shares the struggles and successes of writing her own novel-style memoir and working with a major publishing house to do it. She shares the truth of it and advice for others to be successful in their own writing ventures.

    Writing a book is a major undertaking (I've done it twice and have more in the works) and it's also a life dream for many. Angie Orth, our good friend and fellow traveler has completed her first major published work: Flirting with Disaster - True Travel Tales of Fear, Failure and Faith. From the creative process to finding a publisher, Angie shares her journey of sharing her first memoir.

    Get Flirting with Disaster here!

    So what does it take to go from having a life story to having a published hard-back book on the shelves? The path is different for every author, and indeed for every book. In this podcast episode, Angie and I discuss her road blocks in the creative process and why she used a literary agent. We dig into getting over one's own ego in writing and allowing yourself to be vulnerable, to crafting a narrative that other's can follow to conquering writing style. Flirting with Disaster is sure to speak to so many readers.

    Angie has also been on 2TravelDads Podcast discussing the Bahamas. As a travel professional who's been in the business for years, she has stories of all sorts... and that makes for great books!

  • When I was first asked to visit Pensacola, Florida I didn't know what to expect. Being very close to the FL/AL border and very near some towns that aren't known for being very welcoming/inclusive to LGBTQ people, I wasn't sure what to expect. It turns out that Pensacola is a surprisingly welcoming, open and supportive city, and that's what we're talking about in this episode and why it's a special Florida destination.

    Complete show notes here!

    As a destination Pensacola, Florida is one of the few cities in the South that intentionally makes space for diversity and inclusion, both in terms of community support and tourism. Talking with our guest, Sid Williams-Heath, representing the Pensacola Little Theater and the STAMPED LGBTQ Film Festival (president), he shares insights into what the city and private citizens of Pensacola have done to turn their town into a place where everyone can feel welcome, to live or vacation.

    Highlights we chat about for visiting Pensacola include:

    --beach vacation ideas

    --festivals in Pensacola

    --the Blue Angels

    --enjoying historic downtown Pensacola

    Beyond this, there is much more about Pensacola and exploring western Florida on the blog. Check out Fun Pensacola Things to Do, Penasacola Beach Vacation Ideas, and Perdido Key and West Pensacola.

  • International family travel is quite different than traveling solo as an adult. See what you can do to make planning and executing an international trip with kids easier and something everyone will remember for all the right reasons. (podcast episode focusing on UK travel)

    Not everyone grows up traveling the world. I certainly didn't, and I think it's safe to say that most of us living in the USA didn't get to venture from North America until we became adults. That's rapidly changing with our generation (gens X and Y) and we're making sure our kids have a viewpoint beyond America.

    In this podcast episode we've got our friend Kate back with us. She's been a guest before, including talking about travel anxiety and how to manage that. This time we're chatting about how her family's first international trip together went. After spending two weeks in England, Scotland and a quick stop in Amsterdam, it's already clear that having an adventure across the pond has made an impression on the whole family and has changed the course of their future travels. 

  • The Bahamas are so close to Florida that they are many people's first taste of international travel. It's an easy destination to visit, short travel time, and it's a beautiful paradise... but most people's first visit is via a cruise ship. That doesn't have to be the case!

    With more than 700 islands, on this podcast episode we dig into why the Bahamas are MORE than a cruise port with Angie Orth, travel writer and former PR rep for the destination.

    Being a native Floridian, Angie has been visiting the Bahamas since she was little. She's vacationed, worked, cruised and even got married in the Bahamas, so clearly she's an expert. Give a listen as we chat about how to get to the Bahamas, which islands are best for first timers, where to plan a trip for a quiet getaway and how YOU can swim with the famous pigs of the Exumas.

     

  • Arizona is awesome for a road trip. You might not immediately think of exploring the desert as an epic destination, but if you can visit in the winter, you'll fall in love. We completed a very comprehensive road trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, back through several National Monuments and Sedona, the down to Tucson and Saguaro National Park. From where to watch sunrise in Grand Canyon National Park to cactus safety in the desert, we're talking about all of it.

    In this episode we talk about the value of having a solid itinerary and how to really experience Arizona for more than the Grand Canyon... but the Grand Canyon really is spectacular. Check out our full Arizona road trip plan and tips on the blog!

  • Have you ever been on what was going to be the most epic trip only to have it cancelled once YOU'RE ALREADY THERE?! Well, that just happened to us, and being intense planners and very careful travelers, we had the joy of doing a mad scramble to find transportation, accommodations and activities for 8 days, 7 nights in Hawaii... during the busiest travel week of the year. We turned it into a Hawaii island hopping trip!

    Give a listen to how we handled being stranded in paradise without a place to stay or way to get around. We truly did make the best of it, but had we not had the skills, points and financial capability to act quickly things would have turned out much differently.

    To find out more about our favorite things to do in the Hawaiian Islands, top educational sites to visit and where to stay from Kauai to the Big Island, check out our blog articles:

    Hawaii Guides -- Big Island -- Oahu -- Kauai -- Maui

  • I've learned a lot about travel over the years and for me it's second nature... but that is NOT the case for tons of people. In this episode we've got our friend Kate - anxious but brave traveler - sharing about what obstacles she faces with travel and how she combats the anxiety of the unknown. It takes a lot to overcome fears of all sorts, and managing the fear and anxiety is key.

    As we dive into what travel anxiety is, and specifically how it can be mitigated, see what tips you can use for your own ease when you take a trip.

    Background: Kate is heading to the UK with her family for the first time. This is their first international trip together and they've decided to take a big bite of all they can with heading to London, then up to Scotland and finishing with Amsterdam. Kate shares about the processes she's gone through, starting 9 months before their travel date, and the actions she's taking leading up to their departure.

    We'll have Kate back on the podcast to talk about how the trip went after they return!

  • It might actually be true that I travel more with my best friend than I do with my husband or kids... I can neither confirm or deny this, but I can tell you that traveling with my best friend of 20 years really is an experience I'm thankful for. Kelly B is back on the podcast chatting with me (Rob Taylor) about our friendship, our relationship as non-spousal adults, and the benefits we both gain from taking these trips together.

    Yes, people think it's weird that we travel so much together, but I'll tell you this: there's something very life-affirming about having an adventure with somebody you know deeply that ISN'T your spouse and who doesn't look at you as the other parent or as someone who holds a great deal of daily responsibility in their life.

    Give a listen and consider what sort of travel you can plan with somebody you're not married to. The benefits are many, and the adventures awesome.

    Check out just a few of the trips my best friend and I have conquered together and you'll understand some of our stories and interactions a bit better!:

    Big Island of HawaiiCarson City and Lake TahoeDoor County, WisconsinMaine Road TripFlorida Keys Wildlife Adventures and more
  • Where to begin?! Glacier Country, Montana is always fun and interesting, but you should hear our youngest talk about it. In this episode of 2TravelDads Podcast we've got Elliott, our 8 year old, recounting his favorite highlights from our trip to Missoula, MT and Glacier National Park. My favorite part is listening to him talk about how we got stuck in a herd of moose. Yes, a herd.

    Give a listen and hear all the details according to an 8 year old. Elliott shares what he enjoyed in Missoula and his favorite moments from hiking in Glacier National Park. I love how his personality shines through as he tells his version of our trip to Glacier Country. It warms my 40s something heart.

    For more information and the specifics of our autumn travel to Montana, check out the blog. We're got guides for Glacier NP, planning tips, and more of what you'll find all around Glacier Country!

    Guide to Glacier National ParkPlanning a Glacier NP TripBest of Missoula, Montana with KidsTaking the Train to Glacier National ParkReview of the Historic Belton Chalet at Glacier NPFun Things to do in Glacier Country, MT
  • We visit the Florida Keys a lot, and really do spend a lot of time in Key West... on the water! Having done water tours and activities with the kids so many times, we for sure have our favorites. In this podcast episode we dive into some of our favorite snorkeling spots and tours, including recommendations for different tour companies to check out.

    And do you know what we spend so much time on the water in Key West? It's because there is so much of it and the wildlife you see is incredible. From visiting Dry Tortugas National Park to snorkeling at Looe Key Reef, we have stories and tips for having an amazing Florida Keys trip with kiddos.

    Be sure to check out our many Florida Keys articles on the blog! You can tell we love it there:

    Best Florida Keys Wildlife ToursBirdwatching in the Florida KeysFavorite Key West ActivitiesFlorida Keys on a BudgetAwesome Florida Keys Road Trip Plan
  • I didn't know that a luxury train ride across Canada was what was missing from my life. In this podcast episode, we dig into what it means to be a luxury train in North America and all the details from our adventure on the Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver BC to Banff, Alberta. Special co-host Kelly joins the podcast today to talk about what we experienced, from the service to the sights.

    I'll admit, this sort of travel is NOT our norm, and Kelly and I do a lot of trips (4+ per year). When we embarked on the Rocky Mountaineer we were ready for a nice train with some beautiful views, but what we got was the equivalent of a luxury cruise on land.

    Be sure to check out all the details about both the Rocky Mountaineer experience and the specific route from Vancouver to Banff on the blog. But don't stop there! We have tons of info about planning a trip to Banff, to Vancouver, doing a Canadian Rockies road trip and all sorts of luxury hotel info to go with it all.

  • Apparently I've been trying to acheive and upgrade my airline status wrong. In this podcast episode Chris shares how he's absolutely surpassing me at the mileage game with American Airlines and shares all of his hacks for maximizing it. He's two levels above me and we travel the same amount. What's the deal?!

    Have a listen and see just what the scoop is on ways to earn loyalty points with American, what that means, what that gives you as you continue to climb the ladder, and how to do it easily. I'll admit, even though we live in the same house I was shocked to learn how Chris has really mastered this program. I know this will be helpful to others too!

    Check out more of our travel tips, including Using Points for Travel (another podcast episode) and how we plan our adventures, here and on the blog at 2TravelDads.com!

  • We are all about finding happiness and joy in life, for our family and for ourselves. This means something different for everyone, but for us and for our friends Tammilee and John, this means re-evaluating WHERE we are in life and updating our homebase to become a source of joy.

    You can read all about our own cross-country relocation and why we did it here, but in this episode we're talking with Tammilee about why she and her husband made the big change of moving from Spokane, Washington to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Hint: it's all about joy and finding their own place in the world.

    From sorting through logistics and facing money trauma, give a listen and hear the what and why about seeking out unselfish joy in life.

    Be sure to check out Tammileee and John's websites also, as they're both masters in their fields.  Tammilee Tips & Park Ranger John.

  • We love Hawaii and have been very fortunate to get to visit many times. In this episode we talk about how to plan a Hawaii itinerary, including island hopping options. If you've never been to Hawaii planning a trip there might seem very daunting, and you know what, it is. From budgetting for flights to logistics of getting from island to island, we're dishing on our approach to planning for Hawaii with kids. With kids! Yes, we also get into planning activities with kids too!

    Listen in as we dig into how we've built out our 17 day Hawaiian adventure which includes the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui, Lanai and Molokai (and then back to Maui). We'll be doing island road trips on the Big Island and Maui (including Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakala National Parks), and then sailing from island to island with UnCruise Adventures. More podcast episode will be coming all about this incredible experience in the Hawaiian Islands!