Round Trip With Colleen Kelly

OMG Media Partners, LLC.

Travel expert Colleen Kelly takes you on the road and overseas, to destinations near and far, with “Round Trip with Colleen Kelly.” As national PBS TV host of Family Travel with Colleen Kelly, radio talk show host, media influencer, and digital contributor to National Geographic and Travel + Leisure, “Round Trip” offers up exploration, cuisine, and culture—not to mention the newest travel supplies and some of the best small businesses to support domestically and abroad.

  1. 25. Juli

    Episode 164 - How Scenic And Emerald Make River And Yacht Cruising Feel Effortless w/ Alex Lazerow

    Guest: Alexa Lazerow, Head of Public Relations, Scenic Group (Scenic Cruises, Emerald Cruises) A cruise can be flashy, crowded, and overwhelming or it can feel like you’ve checked into a calm, floating boutique hotel that just happens to move you to a new destination every day. That’s the lane we’re exploring with Alexa Lazerow, Head of Public Relations for Scenic Group, the parent company behind Scenic Cruises and Emerald Cruises. We get clear on what people mix up all the time: both Scenic and Emerald offer luxury river cruises and luxury yacht-style cruising, but they’re not identical. We talk about the small differences that shape the whole experience, from Emerald’s more active excursion options to Scenic’s headline-grabbing discovery yacht concept. Alexa paints the picture of super yacht life, including the marina platform at the back of the ship and the onboard water toys, and why small-ship capacity changes everything for solo travel, meeting people, and genuinely getting to know the crew. Then we go deeper into the behind-the-scenes details that make luxury feel effortless. Scenic Group designs and builds its ships in-house, and their teams are full-time employees, which helps create consistent service. We also get practical about what first-time cruisers care about most: cabin space, storage, laundry options, and how “unpack once” can transform the way you see Europe. Finally, we dig into what’s hot right now, from Christmas market cruises and Mediterranean sailings to new growth areas like Portugal’s Douro, India, and the Seychelles and we don’t skip the bucket-list dream of Antarctica aboard Scenic Eclipse with an expedition team onboard. If you’re planning a river cruise, a luxury yacht cruise, or an expedition cruise and want to book smarter, listen through, then subscribe, share this with a travel buddy, and leave a review with the destination you’re chasing next. Chapters: 0:19 Welcome To Scenic And Emerald2:50 River Cruises Vs Super Yachts8:39 Why In-House Shipbuilding Matters10:26 Small-Ship Capacity And Solo Travel11:40 Cabins Storage Laundry And Ease15:03 Where Cruisers Are Going Next16:59 Antarctica On A Luxury Discovery Yacht18:54 First-Timer Tips Service And Booking Deals Videos courtesy of and episode in collaboration with Scenic Group. For more information: Scenic.Cruises Emerald.Cruises @scenic.luxurycruisestours | #ScenicCruises @emeraldcruises.global | #EmeraldCruises Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: roundtripcolleenkelly@gmail.com #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #cruiseship #cruising #scenic #sceniccruise #emeraldcruise #yacht #rivercruise #marina #yachtlifestyle #multigenerational #excursions

  2. 15. Juli

    Episode 163 - A First-Timer-Friendly Guide To Budapest Travel w/ Suzanne Kenzer

    Guest: Suzanne Kenzer, Travel Journalist Budapest doesn’t just surprise you, it keeps changing on you. Cross the Danube and you’re suddenly in a different mood, a different landscape, and almost a different city. We sit down with our longtime friend Suzanne Kenzer, a freelance travel journalist, to unpack why Budapest, Hungary belongs near the top of your Europe travel list, especially if you want big history and big beauty without the Western Europe price tag. We talk through the fundamentals that make planning easier: the real difference between Buda and Pest, what it feels like to stay on each side, and what Americans should know about the Hungarian forint (HUF). Suzanne also shares why she loves tools like the Budapest Card for transportation and attraction access, plus how to build a trip that feels smooth instead of rushed. If hotels are part of your travel experience, you’ll want to hear her take on the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, including its famous New York Cafe and why it’s considered one of the most beautiful cafes in the world. From there, we get into the can’t-miss experiences for a smart Budapest itinerary: thermal baths like the Széchenyi Baths (and how to avoid peak crowds), a walking tour that brings the Jewish Quarter to life, and a Danube River cruise at night for those unforgettable views of the Hungarian Parliament Building. We also cover Castle District highlights, reconstructed landmarks after World War II, what to eat first (goulash, lángos, chimney cake), and why restaurant reservations can require real lead time. If you’re choosing dates, we share the best time to visit Budapest for pleasant weather and fewer lines. If this travel conversation helps you plan, please subscribe, share the episode with a friend heading to Europe, and leave a review so more travelers can find us. What’s the one Budapest question you want answered before you go? Chapters: 0:00 Welcome And Why Budapest1:30 Buda Versus Pest Basics3:18 Currency And Affordability Reality Check4:29 Getting Around With The Budapest Card5:24 Choosing A Hotel With Local Flavor10:03 New York Palace And New York Cafe11:13 Hotel Spa And Jet Lag Reset14:46 Thermal Baths And The Beer Bath15:51 Walking Tours And The Jewish Quarter18:44 Danube Night Cruise And Parliament22:58 Castle District And WWII Rebuilds26:25 What To Eat And Where28:54 When To Visit For Fewer Crowds29:50 Andrássy Avenue Heroes Square Opera32:02 Final Tips And How To Follow Photos courtesy of Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel For more information: anantara.com budapestinfo.hu/en Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: roundtripcolleenkelly@gmail.com #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #budapest #anantara #luxuryhotel #palace #travel #europetravel #castle #hungary #goulash #spa

  3. 22. Mai

    Episode 162 - What’s New in Las Vegas? PR Director Heidi Hayes

    Guest: Heidi Hayes - Director of Public Relations, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Las Vegas is having a moment, but not for the reason most people think. The city is still great at the classics like casinos, nightlife, and people-watching, yet what surprised us most is how much Vegas has expanded into a true travel hub with next-level entertainment, immersive attractions, a serious food scene, and easy access to iconic outdoor adventures. We’re joined by Heidi Hayes, Director of PR for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, to break down what’s new and what’s essential. We talk standout shows and residencies across the destination, then go deep on the Las Vegas Sphere and why it’s become a must-see experience even if you’ve “done Vegas” before. From there, we dig into interactive options like Area15 and Omega Mart, plus local favorites beyond the Strip including downtown, the Arts District, Chinatown, and neighborhood restaurants in Henderson. If you’re planning your first trip or bringing family for a multi-stop road trip, we share simple, practical ideas: free icons like the Bellagio Fountains and Conservatory, the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, and how to set a gambling budget as “entertainment.” We also cover the outdoor side of a Las Vegas vacation, with quick wins like Red Rock Canyon and bigger day trips to Valley of Fire, Lake Mead, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon. Heidi even flags budget-friendly options, including new all-inclusive deals at Luxor and Excalibur. Chapter Markers0:19 Welcome And Vegas On Fire1:50 How Las Vegas Has Matured3:47 Must-See Shows And The Sphere7:52 Interactive Vegas At Area159:25 Hidden Gems For Food And Neighborhoods12:11 Red Rock And Epic Day Trips17:08 First-Timer Vegas Must-Dos19:00 New Hotels Sports And Big Events21:21 Budget Vegas Deals And Best Timing23:54 Where To Get Info And Wrap For more information: VisitLasVegas.com ► @vegas Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: roundtripcolleenkelly@gmail.com #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #lasvegas #thestrip #nevada #lasvegashotel #thesphere #lasvegasmusic #lasvegasraiders #nationalparks #casino #nightlife #lasvegastravel

  4. 7. Mai

    Episode 161 -Sevierville, TN Travel Guide w/ Amanda Marr

    Guest: Amanda Marr, Director of Marketing & Communications, Visit Sevierville You know that feeling when a place surprises you fast and then somehow sticks with you for years? That’s Sevierville, Tennessee for me. It’s set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so you get big mountain scenery and outdoor adventure, but you also get an easy home base with true small-town warmth. Amanda Marr from Visit Sevierville joins me to share what’s new and why this area keeps giving travelers fresh reasons to come back. We get into the Smokies themselves, including why the park’s no admission fee is such a game-changer for family vacations and outdoor trips. Then we talk about how Sevierville does lodging differently: modern luxury cabins with hot tubs and views, boutique stays downtown, glamping, and even a full treehouse resort experience. If you’re the kind of traveler who thinks the place you stay sets the whole tone of the trip, you’re going to want to hear these ideas. From there, it’s all about the experiences you can’t fake. Amanda breaks down animal encounters like the sloth experience at Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo, plus an axolotl exhibit that connects kid curiosity to real science. We also talk bald eagles, conservation, and the American Eagle Foundation’s up-close opportunities. And of course, we go deep on Dolly Parton’s hometown pride: downtown tributes, murals, the statue, festivals, Dollywood’s latest updates, and the spots where Dolly’s story still feels close enough to touch. If Sevierville is on your spring, summer, or fall list, press play, take notes, and then subscribe, share the show with a travel-loving friend, and leave us a review so more listeners can find Round Trip. What would be your first Sevierville stop? Chapter Markers0:00. Welcome To Round Trip1:06 Why Sevierville Feels So Special4:12 The Smokies And Cabin Life6:18 Sloths, Axolotls, And Animal Encounters10:54 Bald Eagles Up Close12:52 Dolly Parton’s Hometown Downtown15:36 Dolly Celebrations And Live Competitions18:52 Dollywood Tips And New Rides22:26 Water Parks And Unique Places To Stay26:58 Dig’n Zone And Trip Planning Tools29:44 Getting There And Final Travel Notes For more information: VisitSevierville.com Episode in collaboration with Visit Sevierville. Broll credit to Visit Sevierville. Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: roundtripcolleenkelly@gmail.com #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #sevierville #tennesseetravel #tennessee #seviervilletn #dollywood #waterpark #animalencounters #treehouse #themepark #smokymountains

  5. 22. Apr.

    Episode 160 - Guest: Jane Wooldridge : Glamping Without The Guilt And With Toilets

    Guest: Jane Wooldridge - Award-winning travel and business journalist & Author of Frommer’s Comfort in the Wild:100+ Idyllic Nature Destinations, No Roughing It Required You can love wild places and still want high-thread-count sheets. Travel journalist and author Jane Wildridge joins me to talk about Frommer’s Comfort in the Wild, a beautiful, practical guide to 100+ nature destinations where you get the hiking, wildlife, and wide-open views without the misery factor. If the idea of camping has ever stopped you from booking the trip, this conversation is your permission slip to do it differently. We dig into what “no roughing it required” really means, from a jaw-dropping stay in Cambodia where you can zipline into camp and unwind with gourmet food, to an ingenious Montana farm near Glacier National Park that turns grain silos into cozy, self-contained lodging with the one amenity we both agree is non-negotiable: a bathroom. Along the way, Jane shares how comfort-forward travel can still bring you closer to conservation, local culture, and the kind of outdoor quiet that resets your whole nervous system. We also explore expedition cruising and why small ships have become one of the most comfortable ways to reach remote nature destinations, including Antarctica. Think “safari at sea” vibes: intimate groups, incredible wildlife access, and a warm, welcoming place to come back to at the end of the day. Plus, we get into elevated treehouses, creative stays, and how to choose an experience that fits your real-life comfort level so you actually go. If you like smart travel ideas, unforgettable nature stories, and planning tips you can use right now, hit follow, share this with your favorite travel buddy, and leave a review so more listeners can find Round Trip. Chapter Markers0:19 Welcome And Guest Introduction1:30 Why Comfort Belongs In Nature4:55 Cambodia Luxury Camp With Zipline6:43 Montana Silo Stays Near Glacier9:26 Expedition Ships And Antarctica12:07 Treehouses With Real Amenities14:26 Wildlife Moments And Nature’s Pull15:26 The Core Message Get Outside18:05 How To Reach Us And Subscribe For more information: frommers.com janewooldridge.com ► IG: @frommers | @janewooldridge ► FB: @FrommersTravelGuides You can find Frommer’s Comfort in the Wild:100+ Idyllic Nature Destinations, No Roughing It Required on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books & Books. Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: roundtripcolleenkelly@gmail.com #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #camping #glamping #wild #adventuretravel #frommers #guidebook #traveljournalist #treehouse #antarctica #ziplining

  6. 6. März

    Episode 159 - A Chic Girls Trip Guide To Rome With Hotel Picks And Built-In Activities

    Guest: Megan Kudla, Producer & Travel Writer Rome is iconic, but it can also feel like a lot, especially when you’re trying to pick the right neighborhood, book tickets, and squeeze the “big stuff” into a short stay. We wanted a plan that feels chic, simple, and actually doable, so I brought on my producer Megan Kudla to break down her Rome girls trip and the exact choices that made two nights feel full without feeling frantic. We talk through the Chic in Italy Set Jet Stays package from Minor Hotels Collection, including what you get, how customizable it is, and why built-in breakfast matters more than people think when you’re sightseeing all day. Megan shares what it’s like staying at nHow Roma after its renovation, how walkable the area is for Rome first-timers, and the kind of modern comfort that makes it easy to recharge before heading back out to the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the city’s endless layers of history. Then we get practical: how long to stay in Rome, how to think about a short Rome itinerary, and why Vatican tickets and Colosseum tickets should be booked online ahead of time. Megan also shares the standout experience from her trip, a custom Fiat 500 tour with a local guide who tailored the route to what she’d already seen, turning Rome travel tips into something you can actually feel in real time. We also touch the Venice and Milan legs of the Italy itinerary, with add-ons like Murano glass, mask-making, and a Milan cosmetics workshop. If you’re planning travel to Rome and want fewer decisions with better results, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a friend who loves Italy, and leave a review with your best Rome question so we can answer it next. Chapters: 0:00 Meet Megan And The Rome Plan1:08 Why Rome Works For Friends3:02 Chic In Italy Package Breakdown5:18 First Impressions Of Rome6:49 NOW Roma Style And Rooms8:56 Walking Rome From A Smart Base10:32 Breakfast Perks And Ludo Dinner12:52 How Long To Stay In Rome14:40 Vatican And Colosseum Ticket Tips16:18 The Fiat 500 Tour Finale20:18 Venice And Milan Extras Plus How To Book For more information: minor-hotels.com ► IG: @minorhotels | @avani_hotels | @nhcollection | @nhow | @nhowroma | @avanivenice | @nhcollectionmilanocitylife Email: reservations@minor-hotels.com Mention «CHIC IN ITALY» in the subject line when making your enquiry with preferred dates of travel, number of guests and full booking details Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: roundtripcolleenkelly@gmail.com #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #italy #rome #girlstrip #italytravel #chicinitaly #minorhotels #nhow #fiat500 #travelexpert

  7. 27. Feb.

    Episode 158 - Inside St. Regis Venice: Art, History, And Hidden Luxury

    Guest: Audrey Huttert, General Manager of The St. Regis Venice Water taxis, soft pastels, and a view that steals your breath—our Venice journey starts inside the St. Regis Venice, a historic palazzo reimagined with contemporary art and quiet, personal service. We sit down with General Manager Audrey to trace the hotel’s path from Europa Regina and Britannia days to its 2019 rebirth, and we unpack how design choices—Scarpa-inspired lines, Monet-hued rooms, and curated installations—turn a storied address into a living gallery on the Grand Canal. Food lovers get their moment on the heated terrace at Gio’s, where Venetian ingredients meet a Puglian soul, while night owls follow us to the St. Regis Bar for the signature Bloody Mary and then to the Arts Bar for bespoke cocktails served in hand-blown Murano glass. We talk location strategy too: steps to Piazza San Marco, a stroll over the wooden Accademia Bridge to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and evenings at La Fenice. If you’re timing a trip, we weigh the case for winter’s hush, October’s golden calm, and the high-energy pulses of the Biennale and the Film Festival. To deepen the craft story, we ferry to Murano and bypass the tourist shows for the oldest working glass factory, Barovier & Toso. Watching masters shape molten color reframes every glass on your table, and a night at NH Collection Murano Villa—tucked behind historic doors with modern lofted rooms—lets the island’s rhythm slow you down. By the end, you’ll know how to choose a suite with the right view, where to book, when to come, and how to explore Venice with intention so the city gives more back. Love travel stories that double as a guide? Follow, subscribe, and leave a quick review to help others find the show—and tell us your perfect Venice month so we can tailor future tips. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Welcome And Venice Tease0:49 Meeting The St. Regis GM2:32 Hotel History And Rebirth5:55 Arrival By Water And First Impressions8:50 Dining At Gio’s And Bars12:45 Suites, Views, And Design16:40 Venice Then And Now19:10 Neighborhood, Museums, And Access21:06 How To Book And When To Visit25:10 Collaborations, Art, And The Garden For more information: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/vcexr-the-st-regis- venice/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0 ► IG: @stregisvenice Follow us & Subscribe! FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ► IG: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► FB: @roundtripcolleenkelly ► Tik Tok: @roundtripcolleenkelly GET IN TOUCH! ► Website: roundtripcolleenkelly.com ► Email: roundtripcolleenkelly@gmail.com #roundtrip #roundtripcolleenkelly #travelpodcast #stregis #venicetravel #venice #venicehotel #hotel #marriott #hoteltips #italytravel #italytips #suite

  8. 11. Feb.

    Episode 157 - How Pauline Frommer Helps You Travel Smarter In An AI World

    Want New York City without the New York price tag? We brought in Pauline Frommer to show exactly how to make it happen, with practical strategies that stretch your budget while keeping the magic intact. From rush seats on Broadway to off-season hotel wins, this conversation is a masterclass in traveling well without overspending—or getting fooled by AI-driven pricing. We dig into the Frommer legacy and why real, on-the-ground reporting still matters in a web full of influencer hype and fake reviews. Pauline lays out a clear playbook: visit January through March for hotel deals that drop by hundreds, lean on rush tickets and TodayTix for theater savings, and time your attraction visits at mid-day to avoid AI’s hourly price surges. She also shares a crucial tactic for fair pricing everywhere: use a VPN. By switching your search location, you can sidestep geographic price profiling and reveal fees upfront like EU shoppers see. There is fresh excitement in the city too. Times Square is adding a new observation deck with a quirky “ball experience,” complete with crystal wishes woven into New Year’s lore, plus LAVS—yes, a floor of paid bathrooms designed for real convenience. The Studio Museum in Harlem unveils its striking new home, the Jewish Museum’s reimagined core exhibit spotlights artifacts with powerful stories, and the Frick’s reopened second floor reframes Gilded Age life with intimacy. We round it out with dining trends—like Korean-forward wine bars on the Lower East Side—that locals love and visitors rarely find without a guide. If you value honest recommendations over algorithmic guesswork, this one is for you. We talk tools that actually find cheaper flights (hello, Momondo), how to avoid AI-generated guidebook spam, and why turning off ad blockers helps keep real travel journalism alive. Subscribe, share with a friend planning a trip, and leave a review with your favorite NYC money-saving tip—we might feature it next time. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introducing Pauline Frommer1:33 The Frommer Story And Mission5:15 Why Trusted Guidebooks Still Matter9:05 New York On A Middle-Class Budget13:15 How To Score Discount Broadway Tickets16:50 Hotel Strategy And Off-Season Wins21:00 What’s New In New York Culture27:10 Times Square Deck, Ball Experience, And LAVS31:00 Museum Revivals And Hidden Stories35:20 Dining Trends And Secret Finds

Info

Travel expert Colleen Kelly takes you on the road and overseas, to destinations near and far, with “Round Trip with Colleen Kelly.” As national PBS TV host of Family Travel with Colleen Kelly, radio talk show host, media influencer, and digital contributor to National Geographic and Travel + Leisure, “Round Trip” offers up exploration, cuisine, and culture—not to mention the newest travel supplies and some of the best small businesses to support domestically and abroad.