Bon Voyage Besties: Travel and Friendship

Rosa and Rachel
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Places & Travel

Two Jersey girls, Rachel Miller and Rosa Castillo, share their love of travel, life, friendship, and everything in between. These travel experts share their best tips for traveling the world without quitting your job, discussing their favorite travel destinations, sharing friendship advice on the road and at home, laughing about travel fails and wins, and much much more. Come along for the ride and Bon Voyage Besties!

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 79: How to Experience Tuscany Like a Local: Insider Tips from Vanessa Gordon

    Join Rosa and Rachel as they explore the magic of Tuscany with Vanessa Gordon, CEO of East End Taste. From charming hilltop towns and unforgettable meals to transportation tips and local experiences, this episode is your guide to making the most of a trip through one of Italy’s most beloved regions. Vanessa shares her insights on which Tuscan towns are worth visiting, how to experience the region beyond the major tourist stops, and where food lovers should focus their time. We also talk about the Italian approach to slow living, connecting with locals, finding the right accommodations, and exploring Tuscany without overspending. Plus, get practical advice for navigating the region, whether you’re renting a car or relying on other transportation, along with what to pack and which experiences deserve a spot on your itinerary. Whether you’re dreaming of your first Italian adventure or planning a return trip, this conversation is packed with ideas for experiencing Tuscany through its food, landscapes, culture, and people. Tune in for tips on hidden gems, culinary adventures, budget-friendly travel, and the memorable experiences that make Tuscany so special. Follow Vanessa at @VanessaPGordon on Instagram. Follow Bon Voyage Besties @BonVoyageBesties on Instagram and Substack.

  2. Sep 25

    Episode 78: A Local’s Guide to Montreal & Quebec Province with Mel Schaffer

    What if you don’t need more vacation time, but simply need to use the time you have more intentionally? On this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rosa and Rachel are joined by Mel Schaffer, founder of BRB Travel Blog, for a practical conversation about making travel work when you have a full-time job and limited PTO. With more than 20 years of experience living in Montreal and exploring Quebec, Mel shares smart strategies for maximizing vacation time, from combining holidays with weekends to taking strategic Fridays or Mondays off. We also talk about why day trips, staycations, and nearby weekend getaways absolutely count as travel, and why asking for more vacation time during salary negotiations might be worth considering. Then we head to Montreal! Mel shares what makes the city so special, from its bilingual and multicultural identity to its incredible food scene. We talk bagels, poutine, smoked meat, Mile End, the Plateau, Verdun, summer festivals, and hidden gems like Au Pied Du Courant. Mel also shares ideas for exploring beyond the city, including the Eastern Townships, Tadoussac, and Gaspésie, along with practical winter packing tips. Whether you’re planning a quick Montreal getaway or simply trying to fit more travel into a busy life, this episode is all about making the most of the time you have. Follow Mel @brbtravelblog and Follow Bon Voyage Besties @BonVoyageBesties on Social Media and Substack

  3. Sep 18

    Episode 77: Solo Female Travel in Underrated Destinations: Uzbekistan, India & Beyond with Flavia Cornejo

    In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rosa and Rachel joined by Flavia, a Peruvian-American travel blogger and tour operator who empowers women—especially women of color—to travel the world with confidence. Flavia shares her journey into travel content creation and how her own experiences shaped her passion for helping women overcome travel fears and embrace solo adventures. We chat about some of Flavia’s favorite underrated destinations, including Uzbekistan and India, and the cultural experiences and local connections that make these places so special. She shares practical tips for navigating language barriers, staying safe while traveling solo, and handling the logistical challenges that can come with exploring unfamiliar places. Flavia also takes us behind the scenes of running successful travel tours for women and discusses how social media has transformed the way we discover destinations and find travel inspiration. From building confidence to embracing cultural curiosity, this conversation is packed with encouragement and practical advice for anyone ready to step outside their comfort zone and see more of the world. Follow Flavia at @latinatraveler and Bon Voyage Besties at @bonvoyagebesties. You can also find Bon Voyage Besties on Substack at https://substack.com/@bonvoyagebesties.

  4. Sep 11

    Episode 76: The Ultimate Toronto Travel Guide with Christopher Rudder

    Rachel and Rosa welcome Christopher Rudder, the award-winning creator behind Rudderless Travel, for a lively conversation about experiencing Toronto beyond the typical tourist checklist. Christopher shares what makes Toronto unique, from its laid-back personality and incredible diversity to the neighborhoods that give the city its distinct local identity. From Chinatown, Little Italy, Little Portugal, Little India, Koreatown, and Little Jamaica to arts districts and family-run businesses, Toronto offers travelers the chance to experience the world without leaving the city. The hosts explore Toronto attractions and experiences including the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, Casa Loma, Toronto Islands, Graffiti Alley, the PATH, and the city’s iconic streetcars. Food is also a major theme, with Canadian favorites like poutine, peameal bacon, butter tarts, maple syrup, and bannock alongside Toronto’s creative fusion cuisine. Christopher also shares tips for connecting with Toronto’s immigrant communities and local culture, plus recommendations for day trips and weekend escapes to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Prince Edward County, Montreal, Ottawa, and beyond. If you want to experience Toronto like a local, this episode is your guide. Follow Christopher @rudderless_trvl and follow Bon Voyage Besties @BonVoyageBesties

  5. Aug 28

    Episode 75: Planning a Trip to Granada, Spain? Everything You Need to Know with Laura Dolci

    Planning a trip to Granada, Spain? In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, travel writer Laura Dolci shares the ultimate Granada travel guide packed with expert tips, local recommendations, and hidden gems that go far beyond the famous Alhambra. Discover why Granada is one of the best places to visit in Andalusia, from its fascinating Moorish history and stunning architecture to its lively neighborhoods, authentic tapas culture, and unforgettable flamenco traditions. Laura explains how to book Alhambra tickets, whether a guided tour is worth it, and the best time to visit Granada to avoid crowds and extreme summer heat. She also shares lesser-known attractions like the Basilica de San Juan de Dios and the Monasterio de la Cartuja, along with must-visit neighborhoods including Albaicín and Pedro Antonio for an authentic local experience. You'll also learn about Granada's famous free tapas, where to enjoy traditional tinto de verano, the differences between cave flamenco and theater performances, common tourist mistakes to avoid, and how many days you should spend exploring the city. Laura even maps out the perfect 24-hour Granada itinerary for travelers with limited time. Whether you're planning an Andalusia road trip, searching for the best things to do in Granada, or looking for expert Spain travel tips, this episode will help you experience Granada like a local and make the most of your visit. Find Laura on Instagram @lauradolcitravels Follow Bon Voyage Besties @BonVoyageBesties on all platforms

  6. Aug 21

    Episode 74: How to Walk the Camino de Santiago: Routes, Costs, and Expert Tips with Colleen Sims

    Have you ever dreamed of walking the Camino de Santiago but wondered if you were fit enough, had enough time, or knew where to begin? In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel and Rosa chat with Colleen Sims, an English traveler living in France, who shares how surviving cancer inspired her to take on one of the world's most famous pilgrimages. What started as a personal challenge became a life-changing journey filled with resilience, healing, and unexpected connections. Colleen shares everything first-time pilgrims should know before planning a Camino de Santiago adventure. We discuss the different Camino routes, how to choose the best one for your travel style, what it costs to walk the Camino, what to pack, and how to prepare both physically and mentally. She also explains why you don't need to be an experienced hiker—or even especially athletic—to complete the journey. We also dive into the incredible sense of community that makes the Camino so special. From meeting fellow pilgrims from around the world to discovering the joy of slowing down, Colleen explains why the experience is about much more than reaching Santiago. Along the way, we talk about solo female travel, overcoming fear and self-doubt, managing expectations, and embracing the unexpected moments that make the pilgrimage so meaningful. Whether you're actively planning your first Camino, looking for practical Camino de Santiago tips, or simply searching for travel inspiration, this episode is packed with helpful advice and heartfelt stories. Tune in to discover why millions of people have walked the Camino—and why taking that very first step could change your life. Follow Colleen at @thenwewalked. Follow us on Instagram and Substack: @bonvoyagebesties.

  7. Aug 14

    Episode 73: Croatia Uncovered: Authentic Experiences and Travel Tips with Emese Maczko

    Join Rosa and Rachel for an inspiring conversation with Emese Maczko, a Hungarian travel writer and photographer who has spent most of her summers in Croatia since 1995. Having witnessed the country's remarkable post-war rebirth, Emese fell in love with its welcoming people, historic towns, and incredible cuisine. Drawing on more than 20 years of firsthand experience, she shares why skipping the all-inclusive resorts in favor of authentic, local hospitality leads to a far richer Croatian adventure. In this episode, you'll discover hidden gems, cultural insights, foodie recommendations, and practical tips for experiencing Croatia beyond the typical tourist trail. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to explore more deeply, Emese's expert advice will help you connect with the heart and soul of this beautiful destination. Be sure to follow Bon Voyage Besties on social media for more travel inspiration, and connect with Emese on Instagram @emesemaczko.

  8. Aug 7

    Episode 72: Luxembourg Beyond the Guidebooks: Insider Travel Tips with Kateryna Topol

    In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rachel and Rosa discover why Luxembourg deserves a spot on every traveler’s European bucket list with travel expert Kateryna. Often overlooked in favor of its larger neighbors, Luxembourg is packed with fairytale castles, charming villages, scenic vineyards, and a fascinating blend of cultures. Kateryna shares what makes this small country so memorable, from its striking architecture and beautifully designed cities to the rich history woven into its medieval fortresses and UNESCO-listed landmarks. We also explore Luxembourg’s renowned wine region, highlighting local varietals worth trying, as well as the country’s vibrant seasonal festivals and cultural traditions. Whether you're planning your first visit or simply looking for an underrated European destination, you'll also pick up practical travel tips on getting around, the best times to visit, and how to make the most of your adventure. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that proves great things really do come in small packages. You can find Kateryna at @Katerryna on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram and Substack: @bonvoyagebesties

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About

Two Jersey girls, Rachel Miller and Rosa Castillo, share their love of travel, life, friendship, and everything in between. These travel experts share their best tips for traveling the world without quitting your job, discussing their favorite travel destinations, sharing friendship advice on the road and at home, laughing about travel fails and wins, and much much more. Come along for the ride and Bon Voyage Besties!

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