The Heart of Travel

Erinne Magee
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Welcome to The Heart of Travel, a podcast that celebrates hospitality employees around the globe. Each week, I connect with tour guides, house keepers, concierge, front desk, bartenders, bellhops and others who make our travels possible and often are the most memorable part of our trip. These guests share their stories while we talk about what makes the soul of a place and how we can become more present and engaged travelers.

Episodes

  1. Jun 2

    JetSetSarah on "The People Make The Place"

    When it comes to traveling, Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon ("JetSetSarah") has a motto: "The People Make the Place." As an expert on all-things travel (and fashion!), Sarah's writing is often found in publications like Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler, but you also may catch her doing on-air segments sharing the latest travel news or perhaps on her YouTube series "Sarah Sleeps Around." In this episode, we talk about what stays with Sarah long after she checks out of a hotel, how to interact with hospitality employees and what one housekeeper did for Sarah that goes far beyond the job description. To connect with JetSetSarah, find her on Instagram, YouTube or read some of her travel stories at jetsetsarah.com and of course, if you ever spot her out in the wild (probably in bright colors and perhaps a fantastic hat), she encourages you to say hello! -------- Handwritten notes connect. Check out these love notes to hospitality employees, inspired by The Heart of Travel.

  2. May 26

    Tess Murray on 42 Years at the Front Desk at The Pines at Woodloch in the Poconos

    In this episode of The Heart of Travel, I sit down with Tess Murray, a Front of House Operations Manager, who has spent the past 42 years at one of America’s most beloved all-inclusive resorts: The Pines at Woodloch in the Poconos From the days of typewriters and handwritten reservations to today’s fast-paced hospitality world, Tess reflects on what has changed over the years and what keeps her going. We talk about the emotional side of hospitality, the lifelong relationships formed between guests and staff, fellow employees and her mantra when it comes to service. Tess also shares moving stories from her career, including moments that reminded her just how deeply a vacation experience can impact someone’s life. This conversation is a reminder that hospitality isn’t just about where we stay, but how people make us feel. https://www.woodloch.com/ www.erinnemagee.com

  3. May 19

    The Unspoken Language of Hospitality | Inside The Conscious Cabin

    Do you ever think about the unseen aspects of hospitality? In this episode of The Heart of Travel, I chat with Cassouki Chouramanis, founder of The Conscious Cabin, a retreat space nestled in New Hampshire’s White Mountains that has become a santuary for guests seeking connection, restoration, and presence. What began as an abandoned camp discovered during the height of 2020 evolved into something SO much more than an Airbnb. Through hands-on renovations, deep intention, and a profound relationship with the land, Cassouki created a space where guests are invited to enjoy nature, reconnect with themselves, and simply be. We talk about: how hospitality goes beyond beyond face-to-face servicecreating meaningful guest experiences through intention and carethe healing power of nature and creativityrestoring both land and self at the same timeretreats, ritual, and connection in the White Mountainstrusting intuition while building something from the heartwhy guests often leave feeling transformedCassouki also shares the powerful guest review she’ll never forget:“This one is the first one that felt like it had something to say—and somehow said it quietly enough to let us hear ourselves again.” This conversation is a reminder that travel doesn’t always need to be extravagant or far-flung to be meaningful. Sometimes, the places that change us most are the ones that help us return to ourselves. Check out The Conscious Cabin on Instagram.

  4. Apr 28

    How to Be a Kinder Traveler

    Inspired by her New York Times piece, How to Be a Kinder Traveler, Erinne expands on the idea that kindness may be the most underrated travel skill of all. Hear stories and wisdom from hospitality employees across the globe and discover how small actions can change the way you experience the world.

  5. Apr 21

    The Art of Hospitality—and Reinventing Your Life in Your 40s—with Lyndee Waldbauer

    Hospitality isn’t just about hosting—it’s about how you make people feel. In this episode of The Heart of Travel, I sit down with Lyndee Waldbauer, founder of The Belle of Belgrade, whose work is a true expression of hospitality—not just as an offering, but as a way of being. We talk about what it looks like to reinvent your life in your 40s, to follow a pull toward something new, and to build a business rooted in intention, connection and a whole lot of FUN. This conversation is about starting over, trusting your instincts, and redefining hospitality as something far deeper than service. To book your ride: thebelleofbelgrade.com Read about The Belle of Belgrade in the Boston Globe The photoshoot Lyndee talks about with Marissa Elise Campbell To suggest a guest, find me on Instagram.

  6. 04/11/2024

    Caribbean Hospitality - Travel to Nevis with Greg Phillip

    This week I talk to Greg Phillip, the CEO of Nevis Sun Tours about his passion for guiding travelers around St. Kitts & Nevis. Stick around to hear about a funny attempt to incorporate donkeys into an island tour. Learn more about Nevis Sun Tours Say hello on Instagram Check out my portfolio

  7. 04/05/2024

    Hawaiian Hospitality with Luana Maitland

    With 45 years in the travel and tourism industry, Luana Maitland shares some of her favorite guest interactions and the importance of weaving her Hawaiian culture into everything she does as Outrigger's Director of Cultural Experiences. Follow me on instagram Outrigger Reef/Waikiki Cultural Activities

  8. 03/27/2024

    Introduction - from a travel writing mom to podcast host

    Welcome to the very first episode of The Heart of Travel! This week, I introduce myself while sharing my background as a traveler, journalist & Mom. Traveling the world as a writer has been a dream, but often, I don't get to share the stories about the most memorable part of my trips: the hospitality employees! I talk about why it's so important for me to use this platform as a way to express gratitude, while putting a voice to these extraordinary people and their stories. To learn more about me: erinnemagee.com Follow on Instagram

  • 8 Episodes

About

Welcome to The Heart of Travel, a podcast that celebrates hospitality employees around the globe. Each week, I connect with tour guides, house keepers, concierge, front desk, bartenders, bellhops and others who make our travels possible and often are the most memorable part of our trip. These guests share their stories while we talk about what makes the soul of a place and how we can become more present and engaged travelers.

Information

  • Creator
    Erinne Magee
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Erinne Magee
  • Show Website
    The Heart of Travel