Go See Do Explore

Go See Do Explore
  • 5.0 (4)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Go See Do Explore is for travelers who make it work. We share stories, hacks, and perspectives from people who fit travel into everyday life—whether it’s weekend escapes or long-haul adventures. No fluff, no filters—just honest travel talk.

  1. 5D AGO

    Puerto Rico in a Week: Old San Juan, Santurce, and the Stops We’d Repeat

    Puerto Rico in a Week: Old San Juan, Santurce, and the Stops We’d Repeat A last-minute holiday trip turned into one of our favorite Puerto Rico itineraries yet. This was our fifth visit to the island, and instead of trying to see everything, we split the trip between Old San Juan and Santurce, rented a car only when it made sense, and focused on the experiences we genuinely love repeating. In this episode, we share the practical decisions that made this trip work, what we’d do differently next time, and the places we keep returning to — from winter baseball and rum tours to beach days, food favorites, and one surprisingly great seasonal fast-food discovery. Some of the links below are affiliate links and as such, we earn a small commission from purchases that allow us to continue telling you our stories without costing you anything extra. Trip Strategy That Worked Split Your Stay Old San Juan Walkable High energy day and night Best explored without a car Santurce Arts, museums, nightlife Good base for driving day trips Neighborhood choice matters more than you might expect Rental Car Tip That Saved Hundreds Instead of renting directly at the airport, we took a short Uber ride to an off-airport rental location and saved a significant amount of money. This strategy works in many destinations, not just Puerto Rico. What We Did Old San Juan Favorites Paseo de la Princesa Christmas Lights Walk-through light displays Food vendors and crafts A lively extension of the holiday season well into January Rum Walking Tour One of the best ways to discover places you would normally walk past Includes historical context plus bar and restaurant stops Carly’s Fine Bistro A memorable stop from the rum tour Known for live piano and excellent mojitos La Factoría Famous cocktail bar with multiple hidden rooms Salsa and nightlife atmosphere later in the evening Ferry to Cataño + Bacardí If you want to visit Bacardí while staying in Old San Juan, the ferry provides an easy and scenic route across the bay. Puerto Rico Winter Baseball League One of the most unexpectedly fun nights of the trip. Affordable tickets Strong local energy Runs roughly November through January Leads into the Caribbean Series Even if you are not a huge baseball fan, this is a great cultural experience. Santurce Experiences La Placita Farmers market during the day Turns into a nightlife hub in the evening Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico Excellent introduction to Puerto Rican art and history Large sculpture garden and park area Sunset Salsa Class at Ocean Park Beach Beautiful location Consider smaller or private classes if you want more instruction time El Yunque National Forest Mount Britton Trail Short but steep Moderate difficulty with significant elevation gain Worth it for the views We also saw progress being made on trails closed since Hurricane Maria, which was encouraging. Luquillo Beach (Returned Three Times) Why we love it: Protected cove with safer swimming conditions in winter Excellent food kiosks Easy to spend several hours relaxing here Glass-Bottom Kayak Tour (Condado Lagoon) Early morning tours provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities We saw rays, turtles, puffer fish, and iguanas Ron del Barrilito Distillery Heritage tour offers strong historical insight Great option if you enjoy rum and want a smaller-scale production experience Where We Ate and Drank Old San Juan El Viejo Almacén Argentinian steakhouse we return to every visit Favorite order: meat platter for two Orabori Empanadas Casual, affordable, and excellent quick lunch option Cafetería Mallorca Historic café known for coffee and traditional pastries Tip: Arrive early on cruise ship days El Vino Crudo Natural wine bar with standout creative dishes Higher price point but memorable meal Chocobar Cortés Chocolate-inspired breakfast and brunch dishes plus excellent drinks La Madre Reliable modern Mexican restaurant with great margaritas Café Cola’o Small shop serving excellent Puerto Rican coffee at surprisingly reasonable prices Condado / Isla Verde Area Barista Squared Specialty Puerto Rican coffee in a more resort-oriented area Cayo Blanco Excellent Puerto Rican cuisine Standout dish: churrasco steak Unexpected Favorite Seasonal Coquito Frosty A holiday drink inspired by Puerto Rico’s traditional coconut holiday beverage. Surprisingly good and widely available during the Christmas season. Wine Break: Why Some Cheap Bottles Are Worth Saving We opened a 2018 Bordeaux purchased for around $15 and aged at home. After several years, it drank like a much more expensive bottle. A simple storage space and tracking app can make aging wine accessible and affordable. Where We Stayed Old San Juan Vacation rental on Calle San Francisco A quieter area that still allows easy walking access to major sites. What We Would Do Differently Next Time Stay closer to Santurce’s museum or arts district Consider spending more time in Luquillo or Fajardo Look for smaller group salsa classes Planning Takeaway Puerto Rico works extremely well when you: Combine Old San Juan with one additional base Rent a car strategically instead of the entire trip Balance cultural activities with relaxed beach days Want More Trip Details? Full itineraries, planning notes, and bonus travel resources are available through supporter tiers at: goseedoexplore.com/support

    48 min

  2. JAN 11

    January 2026 Travel News: New Routes, Smoother Airports, and What Actually Matters This Year

    January 2026 Travel News: New Routes, Smoother Airports, and What Actually Matters This Year A new year brings big shifts across the travel world — and in this episode, we break down what’s actually worth paying attention to as you plan trips for 2026. From major airline route expansions and new nonstop options to Hawaii and the Caribbean, to changes that could quietly improve (or complicate) your airport experience, we cover the developments that impact real travelers — not just industry headlines. You’ll hear about: Airline mergers in Mexico and what they could mean for low-cost travel American Airlines’ 100th anniversary expansion and why Chicago flyers should care New nonstop routes to Hawaii and emerging Caribbean destinations Which airlines and airports are actually on time — and which are the most stressful in the world TSA’s expanding touchless ID program and how it could speed up security Cruise news, including a luxury line going adults-only New museum pricing in Europe and what travelers should expect A surprising new visa-free destination opening up to Americans in Central Asia If you like staying informed, planning ahead, and making smarter travel decisions without obsessing over every headline, this episode gives you a clear, grounded snapshot of where travel is headed in early 2026.

    34 min

  3. 12/27/2025

    A Year of Going Deeper: Our 2025 Travel Recap

    A Year of Going Deeper: Our 2025 Travel Recap In this end-of-year episode, we sit down to recap our 2025 travels — not as a highlight reel, but as a reflection on how we travel, why our preferences are changing, and what we’re carrying forward into the next year. Trips & Places We Cover Puerto Rico (New Year’s) — navigating island infrastructure realities and adapting plans on the fly Chicago — the Travel & Adventure Show, favorite neighborhoods, and standout food Mexico City — private guiding, home cooking, and a trip that permanently raised our expectations Traverse City, Michigan — spring camping, fall wine country, and a destination Thanksgiving Watkins Glen & the Finger Lakes — camping, hiking, and cool-climate wine New Orleans — one of the best food cities in the world Summer Camping Road Trip (3 weeks) Bruce Peninsula National Park Algonquin Provincial Park Montreal Acadia National Park Connecticut & Rhode Island Scranton, Pennsylvania Michigan Favorites — Ludington State Park, the Straits, Fayette, and Detroit day trips Big Themes From the Year Why private and small-format experiences consistently outperform big group tours How long weekends can deliver outsized value with less burnout The tradeoffs of camper travel — and when it shines vs. when it’s hard Food as a decision-maker: Mexico City and New Orleans set the bar Returning to places at different life moments — and why that matters Learning to travel well without always flying far Food, Wine & Local Highlights Michigan wine discoveries and joining another wine club Standout meals in Mexico City and New Orleans Unexpected gems in Detroit’s food scene Cooking Thanksgiving away from home — and why we’d do it again What This Episode Is Really About This isn’t just a recap of where we went — it’s about how our travel philosophy continues to shift: Less checklist travel More flexibility and context Fewer crowds, better conversations Trips that fit real life, not the other way around As we look ahead to 2026, we talk about what we miss, what we don’t, and why traveling thoughtfully continues to matter more than ever.

    41 min

  4. 12/20/2025

    December 2025 Travel News

    December 2025 Travel News Christopher and Ashleigh guide you through December’s most practical travel updates, from shifting airline routes to festive European destinations, with their trademark blend of honest insight and flexible planning tips.   FAA launched $32.5 Billion overhaul of US Air Traffic Control systems Ryanair cutting 1 million seats in 2026 AerLingus launching Dublin to Pittsburgh flights in 2026 The American Express Centurion Lounge tops JD Power’s 2025 airport lounge rankings—worth considering for your next layover Don’t forget the Real ID fee hike for US domestic travelers in 2026 This episode’s wine break skips the glass and instead offers practical gift-giving tips. Christopher and Ashleigh suggest picking wines adjacent to the recipient’s favorites (think French Chardonnay for an American Chardonnay fan) and recommend seeking advice from knowledgeable staff at local wine shops or large retailers like Total Wine. If you’re unsure of someone’s preferences, a little insight into whether they enjoy drier or sweeter wines can go a long way. Kauai bans disposable body boards, aiming to reduce plastic waste CDC issues a chikungunya virus alert for multiple international destinations UK hotel stays to get pricier with new nightly tourism taxes UNESCO spotlights the communal spirit of Italian cuisine Amtrak records record ridership in 2025 Europe's Christmas markets anticipate nearly €1 billion in visitor spending for 2025. Tune in for a practical, up-to-date roundup to help shape your next adventure. Listen to the Go See Do Explore Podcast for honest travel news and tips to make your trips more meaningful—and a little more spontaneous.

    19 min

  5. 12/07/2025

    Travel Trends 2026: Skyscanner’s Surprising Predictions & Value Destinations

    Travel Trends 2026: Skyscanner’s Surprising Predictions & Value Destinations Christopher and Ashleigh are your guides this episode as they dig into Skyscanner’s forward-looking report on how—and where—we’ll be traveling in 2026. They break down emerging trends, highlight offbeat and best-value destinations, and share honest perspectives on what might actually shape your future trips. To read the full report, click here. The conversation kicks off with some genuinely unexpected trends Skyscanner is forecasting: Beauty-driven travel (“Glow Mads”) is on the rise, with 33% of Gen Z prioritizing skincare experiences abroad—while 31% of all travelers admit to sampling or keeping hotel beauty products. “Shelf discovery” highlights how 55% of Americans now seek out local supermarkets while traveling, valuing the insight into daily life and the chance to save on meals. Mountain escapes aren’t just for winter: 80% of travelers are considering a mountain getaway for summer or fall 2026, and bookings for “room with a mountain view” are up 103% globally. Literary travel is gaining traction, with over half of travelers considering trips inspired by books, and library-themed hotel bookings up 70%. Family and multi-generational travel continues to grow, especially among Gen Z, who are often traveling with both parents and grandparents—sometimes to share costs. Solo travel is booming, but often for connection: 53% have traveled or would go abroad to meet people, with solo hotel bookings jumping 83%. Hotels as destinations themselves—unique stays and accommodations are driving 56% of travelers to pick their location based on where they’ll sleep, not just what they’ll see. Midway through, the hosts pause for a wine break, sampling Mary Taylor Manchuela from Spain—an earthy, high-acidity red that’s bolder and more tannic than last week’s Portuguese pick. Christopher encourages listeners to discover collections of regional wines as a way to extend the travel experience at home. Returning to trending and value destinations, Christopher and Ashleigh share specifics from the Skyscanner data: Limon, Costa Rica is up 286% in searches, drawing travelers to its rainforests, volcanoes, and ecotourism adventures. Other trending spots include Jaipur, India, Bodrum, Turkey; Madeira, Portugal; Vail, Colorado; Zadar, Croatia; Olbia, Italy; New Haven, Connecticut; Bilbao, Spain; and Mykonos, Greece. For best value in 2026, keep an eye on destinations where flight prices are down: São Paulo, Singapore, Venice, Mexico City, Istanbul (where a free city tour may come with your layover), Denpasar, Colombo, Brussels, Seoul, and Naples. Looking ahead, the hosts note that travelers are becoming more conscientious—seeking quieter places, considering curated experiences, and expecting tech like AI to make the journey more seamless. The report predicts most people will travel as much or more in 2026, with many planning multi-city trips and investing more in flights and hotels. For honest, practical inspiration on how global travel trends might shape your next adventure, listen in to this episode of the Go See Do Explore Podcast.

    31 min

  6. 11/29/2025

    Airports Without Stress: Practical Tips for a Better Travel Day

    Airports Without Stress: Practical Tips for a Better Travel Day Christopher and Ashleigh share their favorite strategies for turning the airport from a dreaded obstacle into a surprisingly enjoyable part of your travels. Drawing on their own experiences and a mindset shift, they offer concrete ways to minimize stress, stay flexible, and even discover small pleasures along the way. From booking smarter to making the most of your time before takeoff, the episode covers practical steps that help you avoid common headaches and find value—no matter where you’re flying. Christopher and Ashleigh emphasize treating the airport as part of the journey, not just a hurdle, and share tips for navigating both the expected and the unexpected. Book flights directly through the airline for easier changes and fewer headaches if issues arise. For fewer cancellations, aim for the earliest direct flight available whenever possible—a tip borrowed from Samantha Brown. Download your airline’s app and consider using Flighty for real-time updates, alternate flight options, and seamless trip tracking. Check in as soon as possible (usually 24 hours before) to avoid being bumped from oversold flights, especially on budget airlines. Arrive early, pack light, and keep essentials in the same spot in your bag for a smoother security experience—Christopher swears by this approach. Always pack a change of clothes in your carry-on, even if you aren’t planning to check a bag. Bring an empty water bottle to avoid paying airport prices, and don’t bother with freezing water to get through security—the airport water is free. On this episode’s wine break, the hosts sample Mary Taylor Douro, a rich, full-bodied Portuguese red from the historic Douro region—perfect for reflecting on travel’s unexpected joys. The conversation continues with tech tips (portable chargers are a must), airport research hacks (check Eater guides for the best terminal eats), and why TSA PreCheck is a worthwhile investment if you fly even once a year. Ashleigh highlights the value of having backup flight plans and knowing what to expect at your layover airports. The hosts also reminisce about memorable terminals, like Detroit’s bright McNamara, San Francisco’s mid-century modern lounge, and the rocking chairs in Charlotte. Whether you’re a reluctant flyer or secretly love airports, this episode of the Go See Do Explore Podcast is packed with honest, actionable advice for making your next travel day more enjoyable. Tune in and discover how a few smart tweaks can help you go, see, do, and explore with less stress and more delight.

    35 min

  7. 11/22/2025

    Travel Mistakes We’ve Actually Made- And How to Avoid Them

    Travel Mistakes We’ve Actually Made- And How to Avoid Them Christopher and Ashleigh share honest stories about their own travel missteps—so you don’t have to learn the hard way. This episode is packed with practical lessons, from booking blunders to overambitious itineraries, all with the goal of helping you plan smarter and travel happier. From wrong hotels in Manhattan to misaligned flights and rental cars in Puerto Rico, the hosts open up about mistakes that even seasoned travelers make—plus the simple systems and mindset shifts that help them recover (and sometimes even laugh about it later). Double-check hotel names and addresses—especially late at night or in cities with multiple locations of the same chain, as Christopher learned in Manhattan and Orlando. Keep flight, hotel, and rental car bookings in sync on a calendar to avoid gaps or overlaps—Ashleigh admits she’s booked too few nights more than once. Always consider free cancellation when booking accommodations, particularly during seasons with unpredictable weather. The hosts share how a snowstorm nearly cost them a Chicago hotel stay. Be wary of paying for upgrades you won’t use. Their “moderate” Disney resort splurge led to more walking, not more enjoyment. Don’t let budget flights with inconvenient connections or layovers—like their overnight detours through Chicago—ruin your trip’s value. Plan enough time in each destination; Ashleigh reflects on trips where moving too fast meant missing out on local food and experiences. Have enough local cash and consider travel insurance—especially when using budget airlines or booking non-refundable stays. The hosts recommend using insuremytrip.com as a helpful resource. Mid-episode, Christopher introduces a cozy wine break: mulled wine using Cherry Wine (a semi-sweet wine from Good Harbor on Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula) and their favorite mulling spices from the Spice House in Chicago—a small moment of comfort amid the chaos of travel stories. Whether you’re a careful planner or a spontaneous explorer, you’ll find real, actionable advice in this episode. Listen in for relatable mishaps, practical fixes, and the kind of honest perspective that makes the Go See Do Explore Podcast a trusted travel companion.

    37 min

  8. 11/15/2025

    Top 10 Michigan Christmas Experiences: Light Shows, Markets & More

    Top 10 Michigan Christmas Experiences: Light Shows, Markets & More Christopher and Ashleigh share their favorite ways to make the most of Michigan during the Christmas season, curating a list that blends festive classics with offbeat finds for a memorable holiday adventure. Here is a rundown of what they discuss: Winter sports—skiing, sledding, and public skating—offer flexible, family-friendly fun across Michigan. Greenfield Village’s “Holiday Nights” immerses you in historic holiday traditions, food, and fireworks. Drive-through light shows like Wayne County Lights and Michigan International Speedway are a cozy way to enjoy festive displays. Detroit Zoo’s “Wild Lights” combines illuminated pathways, special exhibits, and the Polar Express 4D experience. Christmas Markets like the one in Grand Rapids offers authentic festive food, glühwein, and unique outdoor activities. Smaller towns like Rochester transform with elaborate light displays, while Frankenmuth goes all-in on Christmas spirit year-round. Don’t miss local holiday pops concerts, Enlighten at Meijer Gardens Mansion tours such as Meadowbrook and Ford House for classic seasonal charm. Midway, the hosts pause to share a wine break: last night’s discovery of a Lebanese red blend at a Middle Eastern restaurant. Christopher notes how rare it is to find Middle Eastern wines in the US, describing the blend as “nice and fruity and acidic,” despite some sediment. It’s a reminder that travel—and holiday outings—can bring unexpected surprises close to home. Whether you’re looking for cozy markets, outdoor adventure, or new traditions, this episode is packed with honest, practical tips for enjoying Michigan’s holiday season. Tune in to the Go See Do Explore Podcast for thoughtful guidance, festive inspiration, and plenty of ideas to make your Christmas in Michigan truly memorable.

    19 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

Go See Do Explore is for travelers who make it work. We share stories, hacks, and perspectives from people who fit travel into everyday life—whether it’s weekend escapes or long-haul adventures. No fluff, no filters—just honest travel talk.

Information

  • Creator
    Go See Do Explore
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    85
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Go See Do Explore