Wander Your Way

Lynne Nieman

Want to ditch the cookie cutter method of travel and travel to Europe YOUR way? Then welcome to the Wander Your Way podcast — a podcast about all things Europe travel hosted by me, Lynne Nieman. In this podcast I'll recommend off-the-main tourist track destinations in Europe so you can travel where others don't. I'll also offer up some practical tips for Europe travel. And I'll share some stories that I hope inspire you to travel to this incredibly rich, diverse and beautiful continent. Some shows I'll be flying solo and others I'll be chatting with guests who have some specific Europe knowledge to share. If you want to travel to Europe YOUR way, then this is the podcast for you! Hit that subscribe button and let your European adventure begin. And be sure to check out more at wanderyourway.com.

  1. Explore Europe’s Amazing History Through Travel with Jackie Lapin of The Historic Traveler

    4 DAYS AGO

    Explore Europe’s Amazing History Through Travel with Jackie Lapin of The Historic Traveler

    Travel becomes something entirely different when you understand the stories beneath your feet. And in this episode, I’m joined by Jackie Lapin, founder of The Historic Traveler, to explore exactly how history and travel intertwine in the most meaningful ways. In this conversation about history through travel, Jackie shares how her love of travel began just after college and how an early fascination with history — sparked during childhood and nurtured through years of reading — shaped the way she experiences the world. From Ireland to Pompeii, she explains why knowing the context of a place transforms a visit from interesting into unforgettable. We also talk about Jackie’s approach to blending books and travel, including how historical novels, biographies, and audiobooks can deepen your connection to the places you visit. She shares why reading before you go changes what you notice once you arrive, and how learning through story makes history through travel feel accessible rather than overwhelming. If you’ve ever felt drawn to historic places but weren’t sure how to truly connect with them, this episode will inspire you to slow down, look closer, and travel with deeper curiosity and understanding. Want to chat more about history through travel? Email me at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com. In this episode: 0:40: Intro 1:35: Introducing Jackie Lapin 4:35: Jackie's Story 14:45: Book directory & offerings 24:56: Experiences through history 28:08: Favorite sites 31:13: Historic hotels 32:34: Other favorites 43:15: Final tips & thoughts 47:10: Wrapping it up 53:39: Listener review Important links: The Historic Traveler Nord VPN Wander Your Way Wander Your Way Adventures Wander Your Way Resources ★ Support this podcast ★

    55 min
  2. Exploring Beautiful Normandy France: Going Beyond the D-Day Beaches

    3 FEB

    Exploring Beautiful Normandy France: Going Beyond the D-Day Beaches

    Normandy France is often synonymous with the D-Day beaches. And for good reason. But this remarkable region offers far more than its powerful World War II history.  In this episode, I invite you to look beyond the shoreline and discover the quieter, richer layers of Normandy that many travelers miss. Alongside reflections on visiting the D-Day beaches — including a deeply moving guided tour that brings the history to life with care, context, and respect — I also share why Normandy’s culture and landscapes left such a lasting impression on me.  From creamy local cheeses and crisp apples to coastal views and rural countryside dotted with small towns, Normandy is a place that rewards those who slow down and wander a little further. This episode is about honoring history while also embracing the present-day heart of the region — its people, its flavors, and its sense of place.  If you’re planning a trip to France, or simply curious about what lies beyond the most well-known sites, this episode offers inspiration for traveling through Normandy in a more meaningful, connected way. Want to chat about Normandy, France? Email me at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com In this episode: 1:10: Intro & Updates 6:08: Intro to Normandy France 6:34: Placing Normandy France on the map 8:36: Food of Normandy 12:16: Places to visit and stay 14:59: D-Day Beaches & surrounding areas 24:49: Gold Beach & British War Memorial 30:17: Moving inland: Bayeux, Espins, Clécy 43:40: Falaise 53:06: Final thoughts on Normandy 56:57: Listener review + Wrapping it up In this episode:Normandy France TourismWander Your WayWander Your Way AdventuresOverlord Tours Vuori Falaise Castle Falaise Memorial Museum ★ Support this podcast ★

    1 hr
  3. 5 Amazing Years of Podcasting: My 5 Favorite Travel Experiences

    20 JAN

    5 Amazing Years of Podcasting: My 5 Favorite Travel Experiences

    In this milestone episode, I’m celebrating 5 amazing years of the Wander Your Way podcast. And I'm reflecting on the journey that started during the COVID pandemic and grew into a space for curious, independent Europe travelers. To mark the anniversary, I’m sharing my 5 favorite travel experiences — moments that shaped not only how I travel, but why.  From my very first trip to Spain, to standing in awe inside Notre Dame Cathedral, to the electric atmosphere of The Open Championship in Scotland, these stories span cities, mountains, and deeply personal moments. I also reflect on my love for the dramatic landscapes of the Dolomites, the transformative experience of walking the West Highland Way, and the lasting memories I made traveling through Ireland with my parents — a powerful reminder that travel isn’t just about where you go, but who you share it with. So I’ll leave you with this question — what are some of your favorite and most memorable travel experiences? If you feel like sharing, I’d love to hear them. You can email me at lynne@wanderyourway.com And if you’re up for it, let me know. I may read one or two on a future episode of the podcast. In this episode: 0:53: Intro 5:55: Bonus: Andalucía, Spain 8:56: Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris 11:38: The Open Championship at Royal Troon, Scotland 15:51: Dolomite Peaks, Italy 19:30: West Highland Way, Scotland 24:05: Three Weeks in Ireland 28:30: Wrapping it up Important links: The Best Things To Do in Paris in 4 Days Notre Dame Paris Tips for Attending a Sporting Event in Europe + My Experience at The Open Championship Overview of the Dolomites • Italy Visit the DolomitesWalking the West Highland Way Scotland West Highland Way County Clare • Ireland Podcast Listener form Battleface Insurance Wander Your Way Adventures Wander Your Way Wander Your Way Resources ★ Support this podcast ★

    36 min
  4. Discovering the Diverse and Beautiful Peak District England

    13 JAN

    Discovering the Diverse and Beautiful Peak District England

    In this episode, I’m sharing my experience exploring the Peak District, England — a place I truly fell in love with.  From dramatic limestone edges and sweeping views to rolling green hills dotted with sheep (soooo many sheep), quiet walking trails, and storybook villages, the Peak District completely won me over.  In fact, I loved it so much that it’s very likely making its way onto a future Wander Your Way Adventures itinerary. I talk about what makes the Peak District so special — how the landscapes shift from one area to the next and why it’s such a rewarding destination for travelers who enjoy walking, nature, and a slower pace of exploration.  I also touch on the region’s incredible stately homes — including the iconic Chatsworth House — for those who want to pair beautiful scenery with history, architecture and a glimpse into England’s past. If you’re dreaming of visiting the Peak District, England, curious about why it left such an impression on me, or simply love hearing about places that feel both grounding and inspiring, this episode is for you. Want to chat more about the Peak District? Message me at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com In this episode:1:10: Intro and thanks 3:45: Placing the Peak District on the map 4:40: Things to know about the Peak District 11:00: Trails 26:26: Chatsworth House & historic sites 30:05: Bakewell & other towns 34:26: Where to stay and eat 37:31: Getting there & around 39:12: More tips 41:23: Final thoughts 44:40: Wrapping it up Important links:Peak District National Park Peak District Chatsworth House Brosterfield Farm Manor House Farm Hilltop Farm Wander Your Way Adventures Wander Your Way Wander Your Way Resources Listener Question Form Patagonia ★ Support this podcast ★

    49 min
  5. Travel Bucket List Revisited 2026

    6 JAN

    Travel Bucket List Revisited 2026

    As the new year begins, I’m revisiting my Europe travel bucket list for 2026. So I'm sharing the destinations that are calling my name — along with a few beloved places I’m eager to return to. This annual tradition is less about rigid travel plans and more about dreaming, reflecting and noticing how our travel wishes evolve over time. In this episode, I walk through my Travel Bucket List for 2026, highlighting a mix of new destinations and long-time favorites across Europe. From England’s countryside and dramatic coastlines to iconic regions of France, Italy, Ireland and Scandinavia, I share what’s drawing me to each place and why they’ve earned a spot on my travel bucket list this year. I also touch on the places I’m most excited to revisit — destinations that left a lasting impression and still have more stories to reveal. Whether it’s returning to wild landscapes, exploring quieter regions, or imagining a future long-distance walk, this episode is about how travel dreams shift as we do. If you love Europe travel, reflective planning, and using a travel bucket list as a source of inspiration rather than pressure, this episode is for you.   Want to chat more about travel to Europe? Send me a message at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com In this episode:1:30: Intro 5:05: Places I crossed off from my 2025 list 7:02: Rome, Italy 8:45: Sligo & Donegal, Ireland 11:40: Iceland 13:27: Lake Como, Italy 15:41: Slovenia 18:00: Brittany, France 19:45: Grindelwald / Lauterbrunnen / Interlaken, Switzerland 21:59: Finland 24:36: Cornwall & Devon, England 26:34: The Shetland Islands & Orkney Islands, Scotland 31:24: Bonus item 34:30: Return list 45:55: Wrapping it up Important links: Discover SligoCounty Donegal • Ireland Exploring Astonishing Iceland with Monika Pronczuk: Beyond the Golden Circle Slovenia OverviewTravel to Switzerland with Carolyn Schönafinger of Holidays to Switzerland Discovering Amazing Finland with Tarja Koivisto of Visit Finland Exploring the Islands of Scotland with Bo Fraser Wander Your Way AdventuresWander Your Way Wander Your Way Resources Safety Wing Insurance ★ Support this podcast ★

    52 min
  6. Year of Travel in Review 2025

    23/12/2025

    Year of Travel in Review 2025

    As 2025 comes to a close, I’m looking back on a remarkable year in travel where I explored some new places in some old countries.  In this Year of Travel in Review 2025, I’m sharing a high-level overview of where I traveled during the year — from England’s countryside and dramatic coastlines to iconic regions of France, with the Italian Dolomites, where I led my very first Wander Your Way Adventures small group tour, woven in between.  This episode isn’t a deep dive into each destination (those are coming!), but rather a big-picture look at how this intensive travel season shaped my perspective, my work and what’s ahead.  During a late-summer and fall travel window, I explored several of England’s most beloved (and quietly spectacular) regions, including Oxfordshire, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales and the coastal town of Whitby in North Yorkshire.  Each place offered a different pace and personality — and plenty of inspiration for future episodes.  France was another highlight of 2025, with time spent in Normandy, the Loire Valley, and my favorite city, Paris — reinforcing why France remains such a cornerstone of European travel. And reminding me that I still have so much more of this fabulous country to explore).  Finally, one of the most meaningful parts of this Year of Travel in Review 2025 centers on Italy — specifically the Dolomites — where I led and hosted the inaugural Wander Your Way Adventures small group tour.  What an experience! Leading this first small group adventure was a defining moment for me and for my business — truly unforgettable.  So tune in as I reflect on my Year of Travel in Review 2025, a season that left a lasting mark. Want to chat more about travel to Europe? Email me at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com In this episode: 0:45: Intro 3:25: Oxfordshire England 6:02: Peak District England 7:40: Yorkshire Dales England 8:51: East to Whitby England 12:30: Back to the Peak District 14:18: Normandy France 19:03: Loire Valley France 21:41: Paris 22:32: First Wander Your Way Adventures Small Group Tour 31:31: Wander Your Way Adventures 2026 Tours 35:49: Wrapping it up Important links: Peak DistrictYorkshire Dales Normandy France Loire Valley France Wander Your Way AdventuresWander Your Way Wander Your Way Resources ★ Support this podcast ★

    41 min
  7. Rainbow Weather: Exploring Beautiful West Cork Ireland with Kat Koch

    09/12/2025

    Rainbow Weather: Exploring Beautiful West Cork Ireland with Kat Koch

    In this episode of the Wander Your Way Travel Podcast, Lynne sits down with author Kat Koch to dive into the magic, mystery, and everyday beauty of West Cork, Ireland — the place that inspired her memoir, Rainbow Weather: Stories from a Beautiful Nowhere. Kat shares how a childhood dream, sparked by a piece of film music, eventually pulled her across the Atlantic and into the rugged, soul-stirring landscapes of West Cork.  She spent four and a half years living there, following her intuition, navigating challenges, and discovering the serendipitous moments that shaped both her book and her personal journey. Together, Lynne and Kat chat about the warmth of the West Cork community, the power of traveling with an open heart, and how letting curiosity lead the way can create the most unexpected connections.  Kat reflects on how the Irish countryside — its coastline, its quiet, its raw beauty — changed her, grounded her, and helped her integrate the highs and lows of living abroad. If you’re dreaming of Ireland or searching for a destination rich with culture, scenery, and soul, this conversation delivers plenty of inspiration. Kat leaves listeners with thoughtful travel wisdom and her favorite hidden gems across West Cork — the kind of places that make you want to pack a bag and chase a little “rainbow weather” of your own. Want to chat more about West Cork? Email Lynne — Lynne@WanderYourWay.com In this episode: 1:19: Intro + Kat Koch bio 5:20: Placing West Cork Ireland on the map 5:45: Kat's story 12:07: Writing a book 15:19: Challenges & perks 23:43: Ending a chapter 26:49: Favorite places 39:07: Standout stories 45:12: More popular places 54:08: Final thoughts 1:02:33: My final thoughts on Kat's book 1:04:39: Wrapping it up Important links: Rainbow Weather: Stories From a Beautiful Nowhere by Kat KochRainbow Weather InstagramWest Cork Ireland The Best Things to Do in Schull and West Cork Ireland Tracy's List (Solo Traveler) West Cork (Ireland tourism)Wander Your Way ResourcesWander Your Way AdventuresWander Your Way ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 8m

About

Want to ditch the cookie cutter method of travel and travel to Europe YOUR way? Then welcome to the Wander Your Way podcast — a podcast about all things Europe travel hosted by me, Lynne Nieman. In this podcast I'll recommend off-the-main tourist track destinations in Europe so you can travel where others don't. I'll also offer up some practical tips for Europe travel. And I'll share some stories that I hope inspire you to travel to this incredibly rich, diverse and beautiful continent. Some shows I'll be flying solo and others I'll be chatting with guests who have some specific Europe knowledge to share. If you want to travel to Europe YOUR way, then this is the podcast for you! Hit that subscribe button and let your European adventure begin. And be sure to check out more at wanderyourway.com.

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