Sunshine Travelers Podcast

Scott and Melissa Barronton
  • 5.0 (26)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Real Travel Tips, Bucket List Inspiration, and the Confidence to Book the Trip and Go! Ready to travel more and better? The Sunshine Travelers Podcast is your go-to travel podcast for real-world travel tips, inspiring stories, and expert guidance to help you plan extraordinary trips, with less stress and more joy. Hosted by real travelers Scott and Melissa Barronton, this podcast is built for midlife travelers and couples looking to finally take that dream trip—whether it’s a luxury safari in Kenya, a scenic train journey or walk through Europe, a coastal road trip in the US, or that dream cruise. Each weekly episode features: • Bucket list destination guides (think places like Italy, Iceland, South Africa, Greece, & more) • Practical tips on packing, planning, and using points & miles • Curated itineraries with hidden gems & local insights • Interviews with experienced travelers and travel pros • Travel hacks that save you time, money, and overwhelm • Travel Deals that are too good to pass up From avoiding overtourism, finding the best-value travel deals, traveling to new places and in new ways, this podcast helps you navigate every stage of your journey. They believe travel should be meaningful, memorable, and attainable, no matter where you’re starting from and they help you do just that. Follow the show and join them each week as they help you stop dreaming and start booking.

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 174 - How We Escaped the Crowds in Florence and Found the City We Were Looking For

    There are some cities in the world that instantly pull you in the moment you arrive. Florence wasn’t one of those cities for us. In fact, when we first arrived in Florence, we honestly wondered if we had made a mistake. Normally, when we visit an Italian city, one of our favorite things to do is wander. We’ll head down side streets, get lost a little bit, and usually discover quiet piazzas, local restaurants, or neighborhoods that feel authentic and alive. But Florence didn’t really work that way for us. But this episode isn’t about why you should avoid Florence. Over the next few days, we started figuring out how Florence actually works. We learned the times of day when the city became enjoyable. We found the places locals seemed to escape to. And once we stopped trying to experience Florence the way social media tells you to, the city slowly started opening up to us. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Links for this episode: Here's the link for the cooking class we did in the Lemon House in the Hills of Florence with Cristina.  It was a 10/10, booked through Cesirine and we highly recommend it.  Get Trip Planning Hellp or Become a Travel Advisor with Us; Get help planning your next trip.  Learn more at sunshinetravelersexperiences.com or sunxtravel.com Want to learn more about making money planning and booking travel for yourself and others.  Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/become-an-advisor And if you’re a content creator like us, why not turn your passion for travel and the resources you’re already sharing into even more of an income? You can learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/contentcreators More Resources & Links:  Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  ☕️ Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide  See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources  Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube  Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG  Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast  Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

    41 min
  2. REPLAY - Episode 9 - What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to St John in the US Virgin Islands

    May 26

    REPLAY - Episode 9 - What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to St John in the US Virgin Islands

    This week we are taking a break to spend some time with our kids and grandkids in Paris before they leave to return home to the US.  In the meantime, we invite you to enjoy one of our absolute favorite destinations that we will continue to visit over and over again. This is one of our earliest episodes, so audio quality may not be the same as we were learning to do a podcast. __________________________ This episode we continue our “recorded onsite” series as we discover St John in the US Virgin Islands.  No need for a passport this week as St John is another US Territory.  We will talk about where to stay on the Island, where to eat, and what to do along with conversations that we’ve had over the last few days.  So  pack a bag and come join us on St John. Some links are affiliate links.  See our disclosure. Get our full 7 Day St John Itinerary Here! It is a customizable itinerary but we've filled in our favorite places to snorkel and the hidden beaches we love! This is a must have when planning your trip to Saint John, USVi. In the esisode did forget to mention how to get here. To get to St. John you'll need to fly to St. Thomas and take a ferry over to St. John.  The ferry runs from Red Hook on St. Thomas to Cruz Bay.  You can take a taxi from the airport on St. Thomas to Red Hook to take the ferry.  Check here for the ferry schedule.  If you are staying at the Westin there is a separate ferry that is available.  Check into their desk in the baggage claim area and they provide a shuttle to Red Hook.  It is more expensive to take their ferry but it takes you directly to the resort and you can go back and forth to St. Thomas as much as you would like during your stay. Check with the Westin St John for the most up to date ferry schedule.  Where to stay: Westin St. John Resort & Villas (this is where we have stayed twice) Gallows Point Resort - right in Cruz Bay Other places to stay in Cruz Bay and in Coral Bay All on St John Eco lodge on St John  - Concordia Eco Resort in Coral Bay What to do: Rent a car to drive to all the beaches on the island O’Connor Car Rental (this one has a location at the Westin as well) Courtesy Car Rental St. John Car Rental Snorkel - this is what we spent most of our time on this trip doing! Our Top 5 Snorkel Beaches from this Trip Hawksnest Watermelon Cay Truck Bay Cinnamon Bay Maho Bay - to see the turtles You Tube of Snorkeling Video Link If you are staying on St Thomas or are on a Cruise that ports in St Thomas here are some day trip options so you can see St. John Day trips to St John from St Thomas St John Island Sightseeing Tour from St Thomas St John Island and Trunk Bay Beach Tour from St Thomas Other tours to St John Where to Eat on St. John Mongoose Junction St. John Brewers Tap Room  Our Market Smoothies - tell our friend Karen that Scott & Melissa sent you Tap & Still - burgers, wings, fries, beer Grocery options - we recommend packing lunches for the beach and picking up breakfast items Dolphin Market - has gluten free, keto etc. options Starfish Market Other Resources  Get our full itinerary here St. John App St John Packing List is Here Full St John Blog Post Guide is Here Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here  Save our travel ideas on Pinterest Music Credit Music by OYStudio from Pixabay

    44 min
  3. Episode 173 - How Local Food Experiences Helped Connect us Deeper With Italy and Spain

    May 19

    Episode 173 - How Local Food Experiences Helped Connect us Deeper With Italy and Spain

    Have you ever wondered what happens when you stop simply sightseeing and start participating in a destination?  There’s a point on many trips where you realize what you remember aren’t the famous landmarks, museums, and attractions. For us, this trip through Spain and Italy started to change when we stopped simply looking at places and started participating in them. Some of our favorite moments happened sitting around tables, helping prepare food, hearing family stories, and learning how people actually live in the places we were visiting. In this episode, we wanted to talk about three experiences that completely changed how we connected with this trip and encourage you to seek out similar experiences on your next trip. All three experiences had something in common. They helped us appreciate these destinations in a way that went far beyond sightseeing. In this episode you'll discover: Why local food experiences create stronger travel memories  A private cooking class in the hills outside Florence  Traditional Italian food culture and family life  Cheese making at Masseria Fragnite near Ostuni  Learning to make mozzarella and burrata by hand  Why Puglia feels different from other parts of Italy  The value of slowing down while traveling  How meaningful travel often happens outside the main tourist areas  The role food, wine, and conversation play in Italian culture  Why immersive travel experiences help destinations feel more personal  Resources and Links from this Epsiode (Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure) If you'd like to connect with Marina and Nacho to book this experience, you can reach out to her on Instagram here. Or to book with them via EatWith, Click here.  Or book one of their on-site properties, here and here.  You'll also be able to book cooking classes and dining experiences with them once you book.  To see more EATWITH Experiences, click here.  For the Cesarine experience we booked with Cristina, Cooking class in a lemon grove in the hills of Florence and other Cesarine experiences in Italy, click here. For the Cheese Tour and tastings at Masseria Fragnite click here - be sure to choose the private experience to be able to make the cheese.     More Resources & Links:  Get help planning your next trip.  Learn more at sunshinetravelersexperiences.com or sunxtravel.com Want to learn more about making money planning and booking travel for yourself and others.  Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/become-an-advisor And if you’re a content creator like us, why not turn your passion for travel and the resources you’re already sharing into even more of an income? You can learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/contentcreators  Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide  See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources  Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube  Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG  Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast  Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay   Italy travel  Spain travel  Food tourism  Cooking classes in Italy  Agriturismo and Masseria experiences  Slow travel  Authentic local experiences  Cultural travel experiences  Tuscany travel tips  Puglia travel inspiration

    50 min
  4. Episode 172 - Walking Through Tuscany with Macs Adventure | Self-Guided Italy Travel

    May 12

    Episode 172 - Walking Through Tuscany with Macs Adventure | Self-Guided Italy Travel

    Last year, we partnered with Macs Adventure for their Umbria Short Break, a self-guided walking trip through the Italian countryside where we moved from town to town each day while our luggage was transferred ahead for us. It completely changed how we thought about adventure travel.  So this year, we decided to experience a different style of trip with Macs Adventure, the Relaxed Trails of Tuscany. Instead of packing up and moving every day, this itinerary slowed things down a little more. We spent multiple nights in each destination, used walking trails to explore both the countryside and the towns themselves, and had more time to get to know Tuscany. In this episode, we’re going to share what our days actually looked like on the trail, introduce you to some new friends we made along the way, and talk about why these self-guided walking trips have become one of our favorite ways to experience Europe. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Click here to learn more about the Relaxed Trails of Tuscany walk we did with Macs Adventure and all of their walking trips in Italy and Europe Click here to hear more about our Macs Adventure Short Break in Umbria last year.  Resources & Links  Get help planning your next trip.  Learn more at sunshinetravelersexperiences.com or sunxtravel.com Want to learn more about making money planning and booking travel for yourself and others.  Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/become-an-advisor  And if you’re a content creator like us, why not turn your passion for travel and the resources you’re already sharing into even more of an income? You can learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/contentcreators  More Resources & Links:  Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide  See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube  Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG  Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast  Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

    52 min

  5. May 5

    Episode 171 - Why We Think Bologna the MOST Underrated City in Italy?

    Bologna wasn’t on our itinerary. It was supposed to be a simple stop between Morocco and Tuscany. A place to rest, reset, and move on. Instead, it became one of the most unexpectedly enjoyable cities of our entire trip. In this episode, we share what surprised us about Bologna, what we almost skipped (but shouldn’t have), and why this underrated Italian city deserves a spot on your itinerary. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. In this Episode you'll discover: • What Bologna actually feels like compared to Florence and Rome • The best views in the city and why it's not where you think • A hidden canal most travelers miss • One of the most unique rooms we've ever seen in Europe • The walk and workout to San Luca • Where we ate and how we kept it simple • Practical tips for getting around and what to expect If you're planning a trip to Italy and looking for something that feels more local, less crowded, and still delivers incredible food and experiences, this episode is for you. Full blog with all locations: https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog Ready to plan your own trip? Head over to sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/plan-your-trip or reach out directly info@sunshinetravelers.com we would love to help you build your next trip. You can also Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  ☕️ More Travel Resources & Links:  Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide  See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources  Want to learn more about making money planning and booking travel for yourself and others.  Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/become-an-advisor If you’re a content creator like us, why not turn your passion for travel and the resources you’re already sharing into even more of an income? You can learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/contentcreators Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube  Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG  Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast  Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

    49 min

  6. Apr 28

    Episode 170 - Can AI Actually Plan Your Trip? Here's Where It Falls Short

    If you’ve started planning a trip recently, there’s a good chance you’ve opened up an AI tool and asked it to build you an itinerary. And honestly, that’s not a bad place to start. You can get ideas quickly. You can compare destinations. You can even map out a rough version of what your trip could look like. Here’s where things start to break down because AI doesn’t know what it doesn’t know. It assumes connections are easy. It assumes timing works. It assumes everything runs exactly the way it’s supposed to, and anyone who’s traveled, even a little, knows that’s not how it works. In this episode, we’re going to talk about using a Travel advisor and where AI fits into travel planning, and also where it falls short. We’ll also break down how working with a travel advisor actually works, because there’s been a lot of misinformation around that lately, especially when it comes to cost. If you’re someone who always helps friends and family plan trips, we'll tell you how that could turn into something more. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get help planning your next trip.  Learn more at sunshinetravelersexperiences.com or sunxtravel.com Want to learn more about making money planning and booking travel for yourself and others.  Learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/become-an-advisor And if you’re a content creator like us, why not turn your passion for travel and the resources you’re already sharing into even more of an income? You can learn more at https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/contentcreators   Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  ☕️ More Resources & Links:  Get our Curated List of Travel Deals  Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide  See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources   Resources & Links  Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube  Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG  Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast  Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

    24 min

  7. Apr 21

    Episode 169 - What you Need to Know Before you Visit Morocco

    Morocco is one of those destinations that sits on a lot of bucket lists.  It had been on ours for a really long time. But for most people, it also comes with a lot of questions. How many days do you really need? Is it easy to get around? Should you try to plan it yourself… or work with someone local? And maybe the biggest one, what is Morocco actually like once you get there? What we’ve learned on this trip is that Morocco isn’t just about the places you visit. It’s about how you experience them. This episode is a little different. We’re recording this from Morocco, sitting outside at our riad by the pool after several days traveling through the desert, the mountains, and local villages and we’re going to introduce you to someone who has completely shaped this experience for us. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. You can connect with Mustapha on Instagram @moroccoadventurescom through his website at www.moroccoadventures.com and on WhatApp at +212670761106 or you can contact us at melissa@sunshinetravelers.com and we will connect you with Mustapha!  More Resources & Links:  Get our Curated List of Travel Deals  Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide  See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources  Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  ☕️  Resources & Links  Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube  Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG  Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast  Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

    52 min

  8. Apr 14

    Episode 168 - Our Latest Trip to London: Hoxton Southwark, Guided Tours, and Insider Travel Tips

    Planning a trip to London? Join us as we share insider tips from our 8th visit to London together, including our experience at Hoxton Southwark hotel, guided tours of the City of London and Changing of the Guards, the IFS Cloud Cable Car in Greenwich, and how to navigate London like a local. Learn about using AMEX Platinum credits, the Go City Pass, flying through Southend Airport, and essential London travel planning tips. Perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned London travelers alike. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get our Complete Guide to London Here Learn more about the Hoxton Southwark Hotel and other Hoxton Hotels in London (we highly recommend them) Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  ☕️ More Resources & Links: Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide  See ALL our Favorite Travel Resources  Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube  Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG  Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast  Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on Facebook @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay   Hotels in London: - Hoxton Southwark review and booking tips - How to use AMEX Platinum hotel credits London Tours: - Go City Pass London review - See the Sights London - City of London walking tour - See the Sights London - Changing of the Guards tour - Best times to visit Buckingham Palace **London Attractions:- IFS Cloud Cable Car Greenwich  - Borough Market chocolate strawberries - City of London historical sites London Travel Tips: - London itinerary planning guide - London weather and packing tips - Opening times and last entry for London attractions - Alternative London airports - Southend Airport guide Resources: - Complete London itinerary: sunshinetravelers.com/london - Changing of the Guard schedule: Royal Household official website - Contact us: sunshinetravelers.com

    40 min
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5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Real Travel Tips, Bucket List Inspiration, and the Confidence to Book the Trip and Go! Ready to travel more and better? The Sunshine Travelers Podcast is your go-to travel podcast for real-world travel tips, inspiring stories, and expert guidance to help you plan extraordinary trips, with less stress and more joy. Hosted by real travelers Scott and Melissa Barronton, this podcast is built for midlife travelers and couples looking to finally take that dream trip—whether it’s a luxury safari in Kenya, a scenic train journey or walk through Europe, a coastal road trip in the US, or that dream cruise. Each weekly episode features: • Bucket list destination guides (think places like Italy, Iceland, South Africa, Greece, & more) • Practical tips on packing, planning, and using points & miles • Curated itineraries with hidden gems & local insights • Interviews with experienced travelers and travel pros • Travel hacks that save you time, money, and overwhelm • Travel Deals that are too good to pass up From avoiding overtourism, finding the best-value travel deals, traveling to new places and in new ways, this podcast helps you navigate every stage of your journey. They believe travel should be meaningful, memorable, and attainable, no matter where you’re starting from and they help you do just that. Follow the show and join them each week as they help you stop dreaming and start booking.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott and Melissa Barronton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    182
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sunshine Travelers
  • Show Website
    Sunshine Travelers Podcast

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