Sunshine Travelers Podcast

Scott and Melissa Barronton
  • 5.0 (24)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Real Travel Tips, Bucket List Inspiration, and the Confidence to Book the Trip and Go! Ready to travel more and better? The Sunshine Travelers Podcast is your go-to travel podcast for real-world travel tips, inspiring stories, and expert guidance to help you plan extraordinary trips, with less stress and more joy. Hosted by real travelers Scott and Melissa Barronton, this podcast is built for midlife travelers and couples looking to finally take that dream trip—whether it’s a luxury safari in Kenya, a scenic train journey or walk through Europe, a coastal road trip in the US, or that dream cruise. Each weekly episode features: • Bucket list destination guides (think places like Italy, Iceland, South Africa, Greece, & more) • Practical tips on packing, planning, and using points & miles • Curated itineraries with hidden gems & local insights • Interviews with experienced travelers and travel pros • Travel hacks that save you time, money, and overwhelm • Travel Deals that are too good to pass up From avoiding overtourism, finding the best-value travel deals, traveling to new places and in new ways, this podcast helps you navigate every stage of your journey. They believe travel should be meaningful, memorable, and attainable, no matter where you’re starting from and they help you do just that. Follow the show and join them each week as they help you stop dreaming and start booking.

  1. Episode 164 - What It's Really Like to Visit Antarctica (Cost, Wildlife, and Drake Passage)

    1D AGO

    Episode 164 - What It's Really Like to Visit Antarctica (Cost, Wildlife, and Drake Passage)

    We've just returned from one of the most extraordinary trips we’ve ever taken… Antarctica. This one was especially meaningful because it wasn’t just the two of us traveling. We actually hosted this as a group trip through our travel company, Sunshine Travelers Experiences, so we had the opportunity to share this adventure with a group of our listeners and clients. It’s one thing to visit a place like this on your own — but sharing it with a group of people who are just as excited about the journey really adds something to the experience.  Especially since this is a trip that we have all been looking forward to for over a year now. Since we’ve been back, we’ve been getting a lot of questions about the trip. Things like: “Why would someone want to go to Antarctica?” “How do you even get there?” “Isn’t it incredibly cold?” And of course… “How much does it cost?” So today we’re going to answer some of the most common questions we’ve been hearing. We’ll talk about how you get to Antarctica, what it’s actually like when you arrive, what the Drake Passage crossing was like for us, and some of the experiences that made this trip unforgettable. In this episode, we’re focusing on Antarctica itself. In our next episode, we’ll talk more about the expedition cruise experience and the ship we sailed on. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.  Note: Cover photo is the actual photos of us doing the polar plunge but has been photoshopped to include both Melissa and Scott in the same frame but indeed you do the polar plunge individually and under the strict rules and supervision of the expedition team and crew.  Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  ☕️ Other Episodes You'll Love:  Episode 10: Antarctica, From the Icy Unknown to Your Bucket List More Resources & Links:  Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide  See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources  Favorite Travel Things: Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Amazon Packing Must Haves Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube  Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG  Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

    55 min

  2. MAR 10

    Episode 163 - 10 Europe Travel Mistakes People Make (Even Experienced Travelers)

    Episode Summary: Planning a trip to Europe is exciting, but even seasoned travelers can fall into common planning traps. After years of traveling throughout Europe, and while planning our own upcoming multi-country trip, we’ve realized that the biggest mistakes usually aren’t the obvious ones. They’re the small decisions that seem harmless at first, but can turn into long lines, rushed train connections, or an itinerary that feels more exhausting than enjoyable. In this episode, we share ten of the most common travel mistakes people make when visiting Europe and, more importantly, how to avoid them. From planning too much in too little time to overlooking simple logistics that can impact your entire trip, these are lessons we’ve learned through real travel experience. If you’re planning a European adventure, this episode will help you avoid the pitfalls and build a trip that’s smoother, more enjoyable, and far less stressful. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Let us help you plan your next Adventure! Learn more about our planning services HERE!  Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  ☕️ More Resources & Links:  Get our Curated List of Travel Deals  Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide  See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources  More Resources & Links  Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube  Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG  Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast  Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

    26 min

  3. MAR 3

    Episode 162 - Should You Buy A City Pass in Europe? Real Cost Breakdown (London and Beyond)

    Episode Summary: If you’re planning a trip to Europe, you’ve probably seen ads for city passes promising big savings, skip-the-line access, and an easy way to see the highlights. On the surface, they sound like an obvious choice. But are they actually worth it? As we started planning our own time in London and looked at passes offered in cities across Europe, we realized the answer isn’t as simple as the marketing makes it seem. In this episode, we break down how city passes really work, compare the actual costs versus buying individual tickets, and talk through when a pass can genuinely save you money and when it might push you into rushing through a destination just to justify the price. If you’ve ever wondered whether a city pass makes sense for your trip, this conversation will help you decide what fits your travel style.Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Check out GOCITY here and learn more about the cities you can get passes for and what is included!  Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  ☕️ Get our LONDON GUIDE! 🇬🇧 More Resources & Links:  Let us help you plan your next trip! Learn more about Sunshine Travelers' Experiences HERE!  Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide  See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources   Resources & Links  Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube  Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG  Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast  Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

    21 min

  4. FEB 24

    Episode 161 - Mid-Winter Getaway in Florida: A Warm, Relaxed Weekend on Hutchinson Island

    A few weeks ago we booked a weekend getaway in our home state of Florida.  Our criteria was not too busy and hidden gem.  We hit the nail on the head.  Join us as we share why this is an ideal mid winter getaway in Florida without the crowds or the high price tag.  Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Where we Stayed: Marriott Hutchinson Island Resort & Beach Villas, Golf & Marina Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee   More Resources & Links:  Get our Curated List of Travel Deals  Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide  See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources   Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube  Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG  Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast  Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

    15 min

  5. FEB 17

    Episode 160 - How We're Building a Travel-Focused Life & Our 2026 Global Route

    As we begin to navigate Scott's pending corporate retirement, we are currently planning our first big global trip.  We're sharing where we are going and why, the tips we've learned along the way, why this costs less than you might think, and how to begin building a travel-focused life and lifestyle of your own. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  ☕️ Other episodes we discussed in this episode: Our Episode with Taylor of Culture Craving Couple, who we are getting our Puglia Recommendations from: Episode 109 - From Madrid to Sicily: Foodie Travel Secrets with the Culture Craving Couple Moh and Erica have inspired us for years.  Listen in on our discussion with them here: Episode 32 - Traveling Around the World Fast and Slow with Raut Finder   More Resources & Links:  Let us help you book your next trip! Make money booking travel with us! Get our Curated List of Travel Deals  Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide  See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources   Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube  Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG  Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast  Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

    48 min

  6. FEB 10

    Episode 159 - How to Live Abroad in Retirement: Without Becoming an Expat

    In our last episode, we shared that I’ll be retiring from my corporate role at the end of March. And for us, that doesn’t mean slowing down. It means changing how we travel. For years, we’ve moved fast. We’ve packed itineraries. We’ve seen incredible places in short windows of time. But this next chapter is going to be different. We don’t just want to visit places anymore. We want to stay. To rent an apartment for a month. To shop at the same market twice in a week. To learn the norms of a neighborhood. To go deeper. So when we came across The Good Life Abroad, it caught our attention right away. Because what Andrew Motiwalla has built aligns almost exactly with where Melissa and I find ourselves right now. It’s designed for people 55 and older who want to live abroad for one to three months — not as tourists, but as temporary locals — with built-in community and support. What you'll discover in our interview with Andrew: How The Good Life Abroad makes “living abroad” doable (even if it feels overwhelming): vetted apartments, a local community manager, built-in community, and a safety net (insurance, English-speaking doctors, help getting oriented). What it actually feels like to live in Europe for 1–3 months: the real adjustments (noise, late dinners, smaller kitchens, no ADA) and how the program prepares you so those things don’t become deal-breakers. Why slow travel + community changes everything in this season of life: how retirees find their “tribe,” travel with intention (like taking a class before a trip), and use longer stays to go deeper than a cruise or a one-week vacation. Learn more about The Good Life Abroad here Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  ☕️  More Resources & Links (Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure).  Get our Curated List of Travel Deals  Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide  See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources   Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube  Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG  Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast  Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

    46 min
  7. Episode 158 - Our Review of Sailing Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam - A Mid-Size Cruise Ship

    FEB 3

    Episode 158 - Our Review of Sailing Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam - A Mid-Size Cruise Ship

    Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam Review: Alaska Cruise Highlights Some cruise lines you try once. Others you come back to because they fit the way you like to travel. That’s been our experience with Holland America Line. In this episode, we’re sharing our honest review of the Nieuw Amsterdam after sailing an Alaska itinerary that included Glacier Bay National Park. This isn’t a megaship review — it’s about what daily life onboard is actually like, based on real experience, not marketing. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.  Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  ☕️ What you'll Discover in this Episode: Mid-size ship feel: With just over 2,100 passengers, Nieuw Amsterdam never felt crowded and was easy to navigate Comfort over flash: No water parks or over-the-top attractions — just well-designed spaces, open decks, and a relaxed pace Strong dining: Consistently good food, excellent main dining service, and a standout specialty restaurant (Pinnacle Grill) Exceptional service: Friendly, attentive crew who remembered names and preferences throughout the cruise Entertainment style: High-quality performers, but more low-key than mega ships; BB King’s Blues Club was popular but undersized Alaska itinerary win: Smaller ship access allowed closer glacier viewing and a more immersive Glacier Bay experience Who it’s best for: Travelers who value food, service, scenery, and space over nonstop activities and crowds Some comparisions between our Holland America and our Princess Cruise Need Help Booking the Right Cruise? If you’re considering an Alaska cruise or any cruise and want help choosing the right ship, itinerary, or cruise line for your travel style, we’re happy to help. Our cruise booking services are completely free, and we work with all major cruise lines. You can contact us here and get our cruise planning help for FREE! Hear our Review of Princess Cruise Lines Here!  Resources & Links:  Get our Curated List of Travel Deals  Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide  See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources   Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube  Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG  Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast  Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

    26 min

  8. JAN 27

    Episode 157 - Princess Cruise Lines: An Honest Review of the Crown Princess

    If you’re searching for an honest Princess Cruises review, especially a real-world look at the Crown Princess, you’re in the right place. We recently sailed for 21 days in an Inside Cabin on the Crown Princess, from Hobart, Tasmania to Singapore, and in this episode, we're sharing our firsthand experience. In this episode, you'll discover what it’s really like onboard, what Princess Cruises does well, and where it may or may not be the right fit depending on how you like to travel. This is a candid conversation based on our 21 days spent onboard, conversations with crew and fellow passengers, and how the experience compares to other cruise lines we’ve sailed. From ship atmosphere and dining to entertainment, service, and who Princess Cruises is best for, this episode is designed to help you decide if a Princess Cruise, and the Crown Princess specifically, belongs on your shortlist, or if another cruise style might suit you better. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  ☕️ Resources & Links: From choosing the right cruise to planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, we can help you plan your next trip with confidence. Learn More Here! Get our Curated List of Cruise & Travel Deals Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube  Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG  Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast  Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

    34 min
See All (171)

Trailer

5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Real Travel Tips, Bucket List Inspiration, and the Confidence to Book the Trip and Go! Ready to travel more and better? The Sunshine Travelers Podcast is your go-to travel podcast for real-world travel tips, inspiring stories, and expert guidance to help you plan extraordinary trips, with less stress and more joy. Hosted by real travelers Scott and Melissa Barronton, this podcast is built for midlife travelers and couples looking to finally take that dream trip—whether it’s a luxury safari in Kenya, a scenic train journey or walk through Europe, a coastal road trip in the US, or that dream cruise. Each weekly episode features: • Bucket list destination guides (think places like Italy, Iceland, South Africa, Greece, & more) • Practical tips on packing, planning, and using points & miles • Curated itineraries with hidden gems & local insights • Interviews with experienced travelers and travel pros • Travel hacks that save you time, money, and overwhelm • Travel Deals that are too good to pass up From avoiding overtourism, finding the best-value travel deals, traveling to new places and in new ways, this podcast helps you navigate every stage of your journey. They believe travel should be meaningful, memorable, and attainable, no matter where you’re starting from and they help you do just that. Follow the show and join them each week as they help you stop dreaming and start booking.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott and Melissa Barronton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    171
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sunshine Travelers
  • Show Website
    Sunshine Travelers Podcast

You Might Also Like