Go See Do Explore

Go See Do Explore
  • 5,0 (4)
  • DESTINATIONS ET VOYAGES
  • CHAQUE SEMAINE

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. 16 MAI

    Travel Rules We Changed Our Minds About

    In this episode of Go See Do Explore, we’re talking about the travel opinions we’ve changed over time. Not necessarily dramatic reversals, but the kind of practical shifts that happen after enough trips, mistakes, surprises, and “we are never doing that again” moments. We each brought five things we’ve changed our minds about, without comparing lists ahead of time. Topics include: Why we’ve become more committed to carry-on travel, especially when flying airlines where carry-ons are included How TSA PreCheck changed our airport arrival strategy Why cruising can still make sense in the Caribbean, but may not be our favorite way to experience Europe Rethinking how much public transit we actually want to use on a trip Why private or small-group tours can completely change the experience  The kind of itinerary that leaves room for slowing down, wandering, and actually thinking Cooling a bit on Disney-focused travel, without rejecting Disney entirely Why we’re more open to third-party cruise excursions now, but much less interested in big bus tours Whether visiting all 50 states still feels like a meaningful goal How beach time finally became more appealing with shade, swimming, and better timing We also take a wine break with a 2023 rosé of Pinot Gris from Two Lads, a spring-friendly Michigan wine that sits somewhere between rosé and orange wine. The big takeaway: travel preferences are allowed to change. The point is not to follow someone else’s perfect travel formula. It is to notice what actually makes a trip better for you and plan accordingly.

    33 min

  2. 18 AVR.

    Back to Mexico City: Murals, Markets, and Our Favorite Repeat Stops

    We’re back in Mexico City — this time returning with family and revisiting many of our favorite spots while mixing in a few new experiences. 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. We talk through what it’s like flying a low-cost airline internationally, navigating delays and airport chaos, and why private tours made a big difference on this trip. From there, it’s a deep dive into one of the best cities in the world for museums, food, and culture. We revisit iconic Diego Rivera murals, explore the National Palace, and compare two very different approaches to touring the Anthropology Museum. We also share a few lesser-known stops that most visitors would completely miss. Food-wise, we hit some repeat favorites (and one we almost skipped), from courtyard dining to street tacos to churros that were a long time coming. We also spend time in Chapultepec Park, including a cable car ride, hidden public art, and a museum experience that may or may not have been too much in one day. Finally, we wrap up with a return to Xochimilco — but not the party version — and why it’s still one of the most meaningful experiences in the city if you do it right. Just like last trip, we did several tours with our good friend Laila of Pies Descalzos. You can learn more about her tours on TripAdvisor. If you’re planning a first trip or thinking about going back, this episode should give you a good mix of must-sees, strategy, and honest takeaways. Mentioned in this episode: Hotel Fontán Reforma (budget-friendly, great location) Museo Nacional de Antropología Palacio Nacional Chapultepec Park & Castle Carcamo de Dolores Museo Soumaya Xochimilco Tip: If you’re visiting during Holy Week or the week after Easter, expect crowds — but also some unique cultural experiences you won’t see at other times.

    43 min

  3. 22 MARS

    Travel Is Not a Luxury (And Why That Matters More Than You Think)

    Travel Is Not a Luxury (And Why That Matters More Than You Think) How We Think About Travel and Money We are not anti-budget. We do value enjoying life. The goal is to have a plan and then fit travel into that plan in a way that makes sense for you. Not based on what someone on a podcast says, but based on what you actually want your life to look like. Travel is just one of the things in that mix, but for us it is an important one. How We Budget for Trips Come up with a rough estimate for a trip Break it into what we need to save each month Make sure it fits alongside everything else going on It is less about having a perfect system and more about being aware of the cost and making intentional decisions. Thoughtful Spontaneity Plan enough to know where we are staying and what we want to do Leave space to change plans once we are there Book things that can be canceled when possible The goal is to avoid stress and not be locked into a rigid schedule. Getting More Value Out of Travel Save where it does not matter Spend where it does Be cautious of experiences that look better than they feel Some of the best trips we have taken were not expensive. Some of the most expensive things we have done did not stick with us. Takeaways Travel does not have to be expensive to be meaningful You do not need to wait until everything is perfect to take a trip Having a plan matters more than following someone else’s rules It is possible to be responsible and still enjoy your life The best trips are the ones that actually add something to your life Check out YNAB for your family's budgeting needs (not sponsored or affiliated, just an honest recommendation).

    46 min

  4. 8 MARS

    Travel Smarter: B-Side Destinations, Route 66 Dreams, and the Best Travel Advice from the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show

    Travel Inspiration from the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show We attended the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show and heard from some of the most respected voices in travel. Here are the ideas that stuck with us. 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. Seek Out “B-Side” Destinations Travel expert Samantha Brown encouraged travelers to look beyond Europe’s most famous cities. Instead of only visiting places like Venice or Florence, consider nearby destinations that offer incredible culture with fewer crowds—like Bologna or Modena in Italy. These “B-side” cities often deliver deeper, more authentic travel experiences. Is Route 66 the Most Iconic American Road Trip? With the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026, several speakers highlighted it as one of the most meaningful road trips in the United States. Rather than rushing from Chicago to Santa Monica, consider tackling the route in segments and exploring the small towns and stories along the way. Travel Like a Local Travel writer Jen Ruiz shared how her travels changed when she started staying with local families. Homestays and local connections can transform a trip from sightseeing into cultural immersion—offering experiences that are nearly impossible to replicate in traditional hotels. A Simple Way to Give Back While Traveling One initiative we learned about was Pack for a Purpose, which allows travelers to bring requested supplies to communities they visit. It’s a small way to create a positive impact while traveling.   Smart Travel Planning Tips Pauline Frommer shared several practical strategies that can help travelers save money and plan smarter. When to Book Flights According to their research: Domestic flights: best booked 15–30 days in advance International flights: best booked 31–45 days in advance That timing can sometimes save travelers hundreds compared to booking many months in advance. Gateway Hopping Another strategy is flying into a major hub city and then connecting onward on a budget airline. For example: Fly to major gateways like New York, Barcelona, London, or Paris Then book a short flight to your final destination This approach can dramatically reduce airfare costs.   Chicago Highlights from the Trip A Classic Chicago Steakhouse One of our favorite experiences was dinner at Gene & Georgetti, a legendary Chicago steakhouse known for its old-school atmosphere and incredible steaks. If you love classic steakhouses, this one is worth the splurge. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza We continued our unofficial mission to try Chicago’s most famous deep-dish pizza spots. This trip’s stop: Lou Malnati’s, a Chicago favorite known for its buttery crust. A World-Class Tiki Bar We also returned to Three Dots and a Dash, one of the most famous tiki bars in the world. If you visit, make a reservation—this place fills up fast.   Key Takeaways Some of our biggest travel lessons from the show: Look beyond famous destinations for richer travel experiences Some of the best travel ideas come from conversations with other travelers You don’t always need to travel farther—just travel smarter

    47 min

  5. 22 FÉVR.

    Toronto in February: One King West, a Day Trip to Wine Country, and the Shameful Tiki Room

    A long weekend escape to Toronto that somehow included a cheese-wheel pasta moment, a winter-friendly “walk indoors” downtown route, a surprise winery day trip, and (of course) a tiki bar stop. 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. In this episode Ashleigh and Christopher recap their February getaway to Toronto, including where they stayed, what they ate, the best sights for a cold-weather trip, and a side quest to Niagara-on-the-Lake for wine tasting—plus a final stop for iconic Windsor-style pizza on the way home. Highlights & trip recap Where we stayed One King West Hotel & Residence (near the line between the Financial District and Old Town) Why we loved it: great amenities (breakfast/coffee, bar/restaurant, fitness center, spa) and an ideal, walkable location Getting there Originally planned to take the train, but price jumped—driving ended up being the better deal Having a car also made the day trip possible Best meal of the weekend Sal’s Pasta & Chops (Little Italy) The showstopper: tableside pasta tossed in a Parmesan wheel (yes, a literal cheese “mixing bowl”) Also: fried artichokes—and lots of extra cheese on top Tourist day: downtown classics CN Tower Go early for lighter crowds We paid extra for the higher observation deck Fun fact: the tower’s origin story is tied to broadcasting/antenna needs as Toronto’s buildings got taller Ripley’s Aquarium Busy on the holiday weekend (so many kids!) The moving walkway exhibit made it much easier to see sharks, stingrays, turtles, and big fish even when crowded Market lunch St. Lawrence Market for sandwiches + pastéis de nata Note to future travelers: we learned the hard way it’s not open on Monday (plan accordingly) Valentine’s dinner curveball A reservation got canceled without explanation, so we pivoted to The Carbon Bar Barbecue Place with multi-course menu options Day trip: Niagara-on-the-Lake A chance to finally explore one of Canada’s most famous wine areas Wineries we visited: Tawse (Burgundy-focused, standout tasting—so good we brought bottles home) Ravine (beautiful property, tasting room + restaurant, great for a longer lunch-style stop) Lunch: The Olde Angel Inn (historic vibes + a little ghost lore) Strolling the town: coffee, shops, and lots of “we need to come back” energy Tiki stop Shameful Tiki Room Lounge seating, strong drinks, and a mystery bowl that comes with a gong moment Food is more snacky—good to know before you go Last morning: Hockey Hall of Fame A must for hockey fans (and surprisingly exciting even if you’re just nostalgic for the Red Wings era) Seeing the Stanley Cup + classic jerseys, gear, and trophies Great exhibits, including women in hockey, plus interactive stations (shooting pucks, etc.) Final food mission: Windsor pizza We crossed to Windsor specifically to try it What makes it “Windsor-style”: distinctive shredded cheese, pepperoni cut into strips, and the classic canned mushroom vibe Pro tip: if you’re heading back across the border right after, consider ordering smaller than you think Bonus travel tip Windsor can be shockingly affordable for hotels compared to Detroit—worth considering if you have a passport and don’t mind the border logistics.

    20 min

  6. 8 FÉVR.

    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

  7. 11 JANV.

    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

  8. 27/12/2025

    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
Tout afficher (90)

Notes et avis

5
sur 5
4 notes

À propos

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.

Informations

  • Création
    Go See Do Explore
  • Années d’activité
    2024 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    90
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Site web de l’émission
    Go See Do Explore