The Great Escape

Katie Staples

5.0 (2)
PLACES & TRAVEL
UPDATED WEEKLY

Hey, explorers! My name is Katie Staples and I am an adventure enthusiast. I’m going to share my travel stories, tips, and tricks for exploring and creating unforgettable experiences and memories. If you are just looking to get out more, you’re craving a crazy getaway, or you’re an experienced nomad living in your sprinter van, this is the podcast for you.

1D AGO

How to Plan a National Park Trip (Beginner’s Guide + Tips)

Trying to plan a national park trip and already feel overwhelmed?In this episode, I break down a simple, repeatable system for planning your first national park vacation — without overplanning, overspending, or spiraling.👇 Grab the FREE National Park Starter Kit:Download it at thegreatescapepodcast.comIt walks you through the exact framework we cover in this episode.You’ll learn:• The 3-Decision Rule• The best time of year to visit• How far in advance to book (3-6-12 rule)• When you need permits & reservations• How to build a simple itinerary• What to pack (and what you don’t need)• How to avoid crowds🎒 What to Pack for a National Park Trip (affiliate link):https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2WEY63URP7VG9?tag=thegreatesc00-20Next up: Episode 61 — Best National Parks for Your First Trip.Subscribe for simple, realistic national park planning advice.#NationalParkTrip #NationalParkVacation #NationalParkPlanning #TravelPlanningTips #OutdoorTravel #AdventureTravel #TravelPodcast

9 min
FEB 12

Camping Must-Haves for Beginners (ep 59)

If you’re new to camping and want gear that actually makes it enjoyable — start here.These are my personal camping must-haves after years of trial and error. No survival gear. No fluff. Just beginner-friendly essentials that make camping more comfortable, less stressful, and way more fun.🛒 Shop My Full Camping Gear List (Amazon Affiliate):https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3THOMX94GDYR0?tag=thegreatesc00-20(Using this link supports the podcast at no extra cost to you.)In this video:• Easy setup tent• 3–4 season sleeping bag• LED camping lantern• Two-burner foldable camp stove• Stanley pour-over coffee set• Hammock with straps• Zero gravity reclining chairs• Dog camping essentials• S’mores sticks & moreSubscribe for realistic camping tips, national park adventures, and gear that’s actually worth it.#CampingMustHaves #BeginnerCamping #CampingGear #CampingEssentials #OutdoorLife

9 min
FEB 6

Ep 58: Yellowstone National Park Ultimate Guide

In this episode, I’m sharing your realistic, no-fluff ultimate Yellowstone guide to help you plan a trip that’s actually enjoyable — not chaotic, overcrowded, or full of mistakes you’ll regret later.In this Yellowstone travel guide, I cover:• The best things to do in Yellowstone National Park• Must-see geyser basins, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints• Which Yellowstone hikes are actually worth your time• The best time to visit Yellowstone — and when to avoid it• Where to stay in Yellowstone (lodges, campgrounds, and RV parks)• Yellowstone wildlife you can expect to see and how to stay safe• What not to do around bison (seriously)• What to bring to Yellowstone so you’re prepared without overpacking• Altitude, bathrooms, cell service, and park logistics• Visiting Yellowstone with pets — what’s allowed and what’s not• And yes… whether Yellowstone is actually about to erupt 🌋Whether you’re planning your first Yellowstone trip, building a national parks road trip, or just Yellowstone-curious, this episode will help you experience one of the most iconic national parks in the world without the stress.🎒 Yellowstone packing list + affiliate links are in the show notes📍 Full video version with visuals available here on YouTube📩 Questions? Find me on Instagram @the.great.escape.podcastIf you love national parks, adventure travel, and learning how to explore wild places the smart way — subscribe for more guides like this.

25 min
JAN 30

Ep 57: The Time Aruba was Canceled (feat. Kristen)

What happens when your honeymoon redo to Aruba gets canceled at the airport? In this episode, I talk with my friend Kristen about her travel nightmare that started with flight delays, airport chaos, and a last-minute flight cancellation—and ended with an unexpected pivot to Cancun, Mexico. If you’re searching for: • What to do when your flight is canceled • How to handle airport chaos and delays • Honest Cancun Mexico travel experiences • Resort expectations vs reality • Real-life honeymoon or vacation redo stories …this episode is for you. 🎧 Tune in for a candid conversation about flight cancellations, travel pivots, and why flexibility matters when trips go sideways. 👉 Subscribe for more real travel stories, national park adventures, and honest vacation experiences. #FlightCancelled #TravelNightmare #CancunMexico #TravelGoneWrong #VacationFail

26 min
JAN 22

Ep 56: Come With Me to Everglades and Biscayne

What if your next national park trip wasn’t something you planned alone — but something you joined? I’m sharing all the details of my April group trip to Everglades and Biscayne National Parks. We’ll be hiking and riding an airboat through the Everglades, exploring above and below Biscayne’s turquoise waters, and experiencing a side of Florida most people never see. This trip is for people who love travel and nature, want something meaningful (not touristy), and don’t want to do it alone. I break down who this trip is for, what’s included, what you’ll experience, and why these two parks together make for such a powerful adventure. If you’ve been craving a reset, an adventure, or a reason to say yes to something bold — this might be it! Learn more + register here:https://greatescapepodcast.com/own-your-badass The Great Escape Podcast explores national parks, adventure travel, and experiences that get you out of your comfort zone and into your life. #EvergladesNationalPark #BiscayneNationalPark #NationalParks #AdventureTravel #GroupTravel #OutdoorAdventure #Everglades

6 min
JAN 16

Ep 55: Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most surprising national parks in the U.S. 🏜️ In this episode, we break down when to go, what to pack, and what first-time visitors always get wrong. 👇 Gear I recommend for Great Sand Dunes National Park 🔗 https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3KQVCM6T075KQ?tag=thegreatesc00-20 In this episode of The Great Escape Podcast, we explore everything you need to know before visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. From hiking the tallest dunes in North America to seasonal highlights like Medano Creek, sandboarding, stargazing, and wildlife, this episode helps you plan a smarter, safer visit. We cover the best time to visit, weather and wind considerations, elevation challenges, hiking and safety tips, and must-have gear for sand, sun, and changing conditions. Whether you’re road-tripping through Colorado or trying to visit all 63 national parks, Great Sand Dunes is a park that surprises almost everyone. #GreatSandDunesNationalPark #NationalParks #ColoradoTravel #AdventureTravel #NationalParkTips #TravelPodcast

9 min
JAN 7

Ep 54: Travel in 2026 Without Going Broke

Let’s be honest — travel feels wildly expensive right now.Flights cost more. Hotels cost more. Food costs more. And luggage fees? Somehow those cost more than the luggage itself. If you’re thinking, “I want to travel in 2026, but I don’t want to financially sabotage my future,” this episode is for you. We cover: ✈️ How to find flight deals without obsessively searching 💳 When travel credit cards are worth it (and when they’re not) 🏨 Where to stay to get the best value — not just the lowest price 🎒 Reusable gear that saves money on every trip 🚆 How to get around without bleeding cash 🛡️ Why travel insurance isn’t optional anymore 🔗 All the tools, gear, cards, and resources I mention can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/160190QNQMOJ4?tag=thegreatesc00-20 (These are things I personally use and recommend — you can listen now and click later. This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.) 👍 If this episode helps you, please like, subscribe, and share it with your future travel buddy — you know, the one who always says “must be nice.” 🎙️ New episodes every week on national parks, adventures, and smarter travel 📍 Follow along on Instagram: @the.great.escape.podcast

11 min
12/31/2025

Ep 53: Best National Parks to Visit in Winter

It is officially winter, and I trust that’s not going to stop you from exploring our beautiful national parks. This is actually the best time in my opinion to escape the winter weather where you live and enjoy some parks which are the best to visit right now. Here are my suggestions for the parks you should see December through March.

8 min

TRAILER

Ep 0: The Great Escape

Hey, explorers! My name is Katie Staples and I am an adventure enthusiast. I’m going to share my travel stories, tips, and tricks for exploring and creating unforgettable experiences and memories. If you are just looking to get out more, you’re craving a crazy getaway, or you’re an experienced nomad living in your sprinter van, this is the podcast for you. So buckle up and hit subscribe so that you can follow along…and dream big for your adventures…on The Great Escape.

S1

•

2 min

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

Hey, explorers! My name is Katie Staples and I am an adventure enthusiast. I’m going to share my travel stories, tips, and tricks for exploring and creating unforgettable experiences and memories. If you are just looking to get out more, you’re craving a crazy getaway, or you’re an experienced nomad living in your sprinter van, this is the podcast for you.

Creator

Katie Staples
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

61
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Katie Staples
Show Website

The Great Escape