The Middle Seat

Paradise Falls Travel Co.
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Middle Seat Podcast is one part travel advisor, one part traveler. Claire and Dakota document their adventures in travel bringing the audience along with them. Claire loves a window seat and Dakota loves an aisle seat. Leaving the middle seat open for you, the listener.

Episodes

  1. FEB 17

    Episode 006 | The Travel Trends We’re Actually Seeing in 2026

    Six weeks into the year is when travel “predictions” stop being guesses and start becoming patterns. In this episode, Claire (travel advisor) and Dakota (resident passenger perspective) break down what’s really happening in travel right now — not what magazines are forecasting, but what people are actually booking, asking about, and craving. From longer trips and slower itineraries to small-ship cruising and experience-driven travel, the biggest shift isn’t just where people want to go… it’s how they want to feel when they get home. If you’ve ever come back from a trip needing a vacation from your vacation, this episode is probably for you. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introductions, the return from hiatus, and why we're talking trends 6 weeks in3:37 Claire's trends: longer trips, slow travel, and what clients are saying on every discovery call17:17 Experiential and soft adventure travel — plus a safari story that got a little out of hand21:54 Dakota's trends: small travel is in, big ships are out, Disney World vs. Disney cruises29:43 Why intentional planning matters more than ever (and why PTO is too valuable to waste)36:27 Claire's wish list: the trips she's dying to book in 2026 MENTIONED THIS WEEK: 🏨 Properties & Destinations Rio Perdido1 Hotel Hanalei BayHouston Zoo Galapagos Exhibit 🤝 Travel Partners Lindblad Expeditions / National Geographic Expeditions - Islander IISmall Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH)Relais & Chateaux ✈️ Offers The Simple Stay - complimentary hotel booking offer by Paradise Falls Travel Co. STAY CONNECTED & WORK WITH US (WELL, CLAIRE) Ready to plan a trip that actually changes you? Claire would love to help. Paradise Falls Travel Co. Instagram: @paradisefallstravelco Newsletter: Postcards...

    47 min

  2. 12/03/2025 · BONUS

    Episode 005 | BONUS EP | Our Origin Story (how NOT to plan a honeymoon)

    This week on The Middle Seat, we’re rewinding to the trip that accidentally started it all: our Gatlinburg “honeymoon” that was really more chaotic mini-moon with a heart-shaped tub, a 3am airport alarm, and an unopened Airbnb email that almost derailed the whole thing. Consider this our official origin story and a loving cautionary tale: why you should not fly out the morning after your wedding, what happens when you plan activities on the fly, and how opposite travel styles show up the minute you leave the Disney bubble. We’re sharing what we’d do differently now—as a travel advisor and a reformed DIY-groom—from flying into the right airport to treating short getaways as mini-moons instead of trying to force a full honeymoon into five days. And, of course, how that messy little mountain trip quietly planted the seeds for Paradise Falls Travel Co. and the Happily Ever After Collection, so other couples get the story without the stress. 💍 Mentioned in This Episode AnakeestaParadise Falls Travel Co.The Happily Ever After Collection (mini-moons + honeymoons)Postcards from Paradise, PFTC’s weekly newsletter

    46 min

  3. 10/28/2025

    Episode 004 | We went to Costa Rica and can't stop talking about it pt. 2

    This week on The Middle Seat, we’re picking up where we left off in Costa Rica — trading Papagayo’s coastline for mineral-rich rivers, volcano views, and a hillside hideaway that made Dakota rethink what a “good bathroom” even is. In true Claire-and-Dakota fashion, this episode is part adventure recap, part honest storytelling, and part “we learned this the hard way so you don’t have to.” Consider this your guided wander through Guanacaste’s dry forest, an unforgettable zipline-to-hot-springs kind of day, a river float full of wildlife (and one very questionable splash), and the Arenal region in all its moody, magical glory. Then we head south to Uvita for grown-up serenity, Whale Tail views, and the kind of slow mornings that make you swear you’re moving here someday. It’s the episode that proves Costa Rica isn’t just diverse — it’s alive in every direction, and every region has a totally different story to tell. 🗺 Mentioned in This EpisodeHere’s everything we talked about (and where to find it): Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal RiverAmor ArenalKura Boutique HotelParadise Falls Travel Co.Sign up for Postcards from Paradise, PFTC's weekly newsletter!

    1h 15m

  4. 10/22/2025

    Episode 003 | We went to Costa Rica and can't stop talking about it pt. 1

    This week on The Middle Seat, we’re heading to Costa Rica — a destination that somehow manages to feel both wildly alive and completely at peace all at once. In true Claire-and-Dakota fashion, this episode is equal parts travel inspiration, honest storytelling, and “we learned this the hard way so you don’t have to.” From embracing the pura vida lifestyle to finding out why “rainy season” is actually Costa Rica’s best-kept secret, we’re sharing everything we loved (and what we’d tweak next time). We’ll take you through our stays at Andaz Papagayo, Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, and Ritz-Carlton Reserve Nekajui — plus all the little moments that reminded us why travel is meant to be felt, not just checked off. Whether Costa Rica is on your list or you’re just here to travel vicariously through us, this one’s an open invitation to slow down, look around, and soak it all in. 🌿 🗺 Mentioned in This EpisodeHere’s everything we talked about (and where to find it): Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula PapagayoFour Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula PapagayoRitz-Carlton Reserve Nekajui, Costa RicaParadise Falls Travel Co. Sign up for Postcards from Paradise, PFTC's weekly newsletter!

    1 hr

  5. 10/14/2025

    Episode 002 | Why Work With A Travel Advisor In 2025

    In this episode, Claire (the travel advisor) and Dakota (the traveler) unpack one of the most obvious—but most misunderstood—topics in the travel world: why using a travel advisor still matters in 2025. From information overload to industry connections to the rise of AI, they explore how working with a travel advisor isn’t about outsourcing decisions—it’s about elevating your entire travel experience. Plus, they share a few personal stories (including the infamous gas-X incident and a nearly-burst appendix 🫠) that remind us: sometimes, you really do need a human touch. 🗺️ What You’ll Hear AboutThe epidemic of information overload—and why Google isn’t your best travel buddyHow to know who to trust online (spoiler: it’s harder than ever)Why having “a guy for that” matters in travel (and what that really means in 2025)What “buying power” actually looks like behind the scenes of luxury travelHow AI can assist your trip planning—but never replace relationships or intuitionClaire’s take on traveling well, sustainability, and people-first partnershipsThe surprising moments that made Rio Perdido in Costa Rica one of their all-time favorite stays 🧳 Key TakeawayIn a world full of algorithms and endless options, a travel advisor brings something irreplaceable: connection, context, and care. The best trips aren’t built by bots—they’re crafted by people who know people. 💌 Mentioned in This EpisodeParadise Falls Travel Co.Subscribe to Postcards from Paradise Learn more about Rio Perdido, Costa RicaFollow along on Instagram: @paradisefallstravelco

    54 min

  6. 10/07/2025

    Episode 000 | Welcome To The Middle Seat

    Welcome to The Middle Seat—the podcast where a travel advisor and a traveler (who just happen to be married) finally hit record. In this “episode triple-zero,” Claire, founder of Paradise Falls Travel Co., and her husband Dakota share the story behind the show, how they see travel differently, and why those differences might just be what make every trip unforgettable. From window vs. aisle debates to big-picture reflections on how travel can shift the way you see the world, this candid kickoff is equal parts laughter, lessons, and lightbulb moments. Expect honest travel talk, behind-the-scenes stories, and a little bit of chaos—because that’s where the best adventures usually start.

    17 min

  7. 10/07/2025

    Episode 001 | Claire Went To Peru And All She Brought Dakota Back Was A Podcast Topic

    Peru, but make it personal: Lima + an Amazon river cruiseWhat you’ll hearWhy Lima is so much more than a gateway city (Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco—yes, please)What a DMC is (and why I always partner with one for authentic, in-country experiences)A stay at the storied Country Club Lima Hotel and why its lobby lives rent-free in my head (Architectural Digest's 3rd best hotel lobby in the world!)The two Lima must-dos I’d book again tomorrowAmazon river-cruising on a 19-suite, small-ship vessel (aka: intimate, responsible, wildly memorable)Skiff days, jungle walks, baby sloths, pink river dolphins (!!), and one very uninvited tarantulaPractical bits travelers actually care about: flights from Houston, secondary security at LIM, Wi-Fi expectations on board, and what I’d pack differently next time Need-to-know traveler tipsGive Lima a couple of nights. It’s a culinary capital with 43 distinct neighborhoods—there’s real depth here.Airport note: Departing LIM for the US includes an additional security screening at the gate. This begins at boarding, so no need to worry about getting there early for enough time—just don't be surprised when it happens!For the Amazon: Expect limited connectivity and embrace it. Wi-Fi exists, but it’s location-dependent. Links mentioned in the episode Postcards from Paradise – newsletter sign-up + where subscribers get the uncut trailerCountry Club Lima Hotel – the San Isidro grande dame with the art-filled lobbyMuseo Larco – official site (for hours/tickets)Barranco coffee + chocolate duo – the café downstairs + chocolatier upstairs @cicloscafe + @elcacaotalperuManatee Rescue Center (Iquitos) – the manatee/wildlife rehabilitation center

    1h 2m
  8. Trailer

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Trailer

    Welcome aboard The Middle Seat—a travel podcast from a husband-and-wife team: she’s a travel advisor who unlocks smarter logistics and hassle-free plans; he’s a photographer who turns every trip into a highlight reel. Together, we’ll help you choose destinations that fit your style, time your bookings with confidence, dodge rookie mistakes, and come home with photos you’ll actually print. In this trailer, we share what to expect each week: destination spotlights, resort and cruise deep-dives, dining and activity picks, packing guides, and honest debriefs on what worked—and what we’d do differently. You’ll get quick wins you can use on your very next trip: airport time-savers, gear checklists, and phone-camera settings that make a real difference. We’ll also break down travel workflows—from first inspiration to wheels-up—so the planning feels clear, not chaotic. Whether you’re mapping a big family vacation, a couples’ escape, or a solo “I-need-this” reset, consider us your row-mates. We’ll talk itineraries worth repeating, tools we actually use, and those tiny decisions that make a journey feel effortless. Expect candid stories, practical how-tos, and the occasional seat-back tray table confession. Middle seat, Maximum adventure.

    5 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

About

The Middle Seat Podcast is one part travel advisor, one part traveler. Claire and Dakota document their adventures in travel bringing the audience along with them. Claire loves a window seat and Dakota loves an aisle seat. Leaving the middle seat open for you, the listener.

Information

  • Creator
    Paradise Falls Travel Co.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Paradise Falls Travel Co.
  • Show Website
    The Middle Seat