Stacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story

Joe Saul-Sehy & Crystal Hammond

4.6 (233)
LEISURE
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Ready to dive into your next adventure? Begin your next travel adventure with us so you're inspired and prepared to do more, see more, and enjoy your trip. Hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond walk you through not only their stories, but also those of fellow adventurers. They talk to experts in travel, accommodations, booking flights, and more.

6H AGO

Group Travel 101: The Good, the Bad, and Why It's Almost Always Worth It

Here are the full corrected show notes: Group Travel 101: The Good, the Bad, and Why It's Almost Always Worth It You don't know what you don't know -- and nowhere is that more true than when you're planning your first international trip. Group travel solves a problem most people don't realize they have: not just the logistics, but the insider knowledge, the local connections, and the moments that never make it onto any itinerary. Joe, Crystal, and travel agent extraordinaire Donna Pelletier break down everything you need to know before you book -- including the one type of person who will ruin your trip and why they'll still give you great stories. What You'll Walk Away With Why group travel isn't just convenient -- it's how you get experiences that solo travelers simply can't access The three destinations on today's dream list: Northern Lights Finland, Greek Island hopping, and the Italian Riviera through Tuscany to Venice How to get to the Acropolis, Santorini's clifftop restaurants, and ancient ruins with no crowds -- and why your tour guide already knows exactly when to go The bag handling secret that eliminates one of travel's biggest headaches entirely Why your first group tour is really a preview -- and how most travelers use it to plan a deeper return trip on their own The one thing first-time international travelers consistently get wrong when they skip unfamiliar itinerary items What to look for when comparing group tour companies -- and why flexibility in optional excursions matters more than the base itinerary How to tip your guides the right way -- including the cash versus QR code debate and what the best companies tell you upfront The Collette Tours deals currently available -- including up to $1,500 off per couple, complimentary door-to-airport transfers, and cancel-for-any-reason insurance Where in Japan Crystal is hiding -- and how close the community is to finally figuring it out Why This Matters Now If you've been putting off international travel because it feels complicated, expensive, or just hard to plan from scratch, this episode makes the case that a group tour removes most of those barriers at once. You get the local knowledge, the pre-vetted logistics, and the community -- and you come home knowing exactly where you'd go back on your own terms. From the Adventure Deck Joe and Crystal compare group travel notes from Dubai, Egypt, Jordan, Peru, Vietnam, and Italy while Donna Pelletier from Vacations by Donna walks through three specific Collette Tours itineraries worth dreaming about right now. The monk story from Angkor Wat makes an appearance. So does the glow-in-the-dark pirate show in Prague that absolutely nobody asked for. The mystery of where Crystal is in Japan inches one step closer to resolution. Resources Mentioned Collette Tours -- collette.com (book through Donna below); current deals up to $1,500 off per couple with air included Vacations by Donna -- donna@vacationsbydonna.com Stacking Adventures Gear of the Day -- stackingadventures.com/gotd Where in the World is Crystal? -- stackingadventures.com/mystory Contact Joe or Crystal -- joe@stackingadventures.com / crystal@stackingadventures.com

55 min
6H AGO · BONUS

You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Introducing Esther Perel: The REAL Reason You’re Struggling to Find Love (Fix THIS to Build Chemistry in Real Life) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Today, Jay Shetty welcomes back Esther Perel to unpack a growing tension in modern relationships: in a world more connected than ever, why so many people feel deeply disconnected. Esther reframes dating struggles as something deeper than love itself, pointing to a broader loss of real-life social practice. Without the everyday interactions that once taught us how to approach, connect, and handle rejection, dating now feels like a high-stakes performance instead of a natural progression. What was once built through play, curiosity, and gradual connection has been compressed into a single moment of pressure, turning love into something overwhelming rather than something we can explore. Jay and Esther explore the illusion of connection in the digital age, where texting replaces talking and screens replace presence. Esther explains how this disembodied way of relating strips away the elements that create real intimacy, like eye contact, tone of voice, touch, and shared energy. While it can feel like we are communicating more, we are often losing depth, nuance, and emotional resonance. This shift has shaped a culture that avoids friction and discomfort, yet still feels more anxious, lonely, and exhausted. In trying to make relationships easier and more efficient, we may be losing the very experiences that give them meaning. In this episode you'll learn: How to Build Real Connection Offline How to Turn Dating Into Discovery, Not Pressure How to Be More Curious Instead of Judgmental How to Create Attraction Through Presence Not Perfection How to Ask for What You Truly Need How to Build Trust in Small, Consistent Moments How to Balance Independence and Interdependence How to Stay Open to Love Without a Checklist If there’s one thing to hold onto, it’s this: nothing about love is broken, you’re just being asked to approach it differently. The world may have made connection feel more complicated, but at its core, it still comes back to showing up, being present, and allowing yourself to be seen without needing to get everything right. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:11 Why Is Gen Z Dating Less? 04:23 The Disappearance of Physical Connection 06:26 Living in a Fully Contactless World 09:54 Connected, Yet Deeply Disconnected 12:01 Dating in the Age of Surveillance 14:11 Why Real Connection Feels Harder Than Ever 17:07 Why Love Falls Flat Without Friction 18:41 The Missing Skills No One Taught Us About Love 24:35 The Hidden Power Struggles Shaping Modern Relationships 27:05 The 4 Pillars of Relational Intelligence 30:07 Have We Lost the Ability to Problem-Solve? 32:38 How to Know If You Can Really Trust Someone 36:44 From “Me” to “We” 38:27 Should You Make a Dating Checklist? 41:04 Why Dating Feels Like a Full-Time Job 43:00 The Pressure Behind “Intentional” Dating 47:50 When Love Doesn’t Speak Your Language 50:25 Why Talking to AI Feels Easier Than People 55:16 The Trap of Wanting Love to Feel Effortless 56:35 Is Love Supposed to Be Hard? 57:58 Why Wanting Love Isn’t “Cringe” 01:02:43 Codependence vs Healthy Love 01:07:09 What Actually Keeps Desire Alive? 01:10:26 Breaking Down Viral Relationship Myths 01:17:38 Esther on Final Five Episode Resources: Website | https://www.estherperel.com/ YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@estherperel Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/esther.perel/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/estherperelofficial LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherperel TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@estherperel_official Substack | https://estherperel.substack.com/ Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.
APR 20

A 37-Year Hawaii Resident Tells You Everything the Brochures Won't

Most people plan Hawaii all wrong. They try to hit three islands in ten days, get stuck behind slow drivers on the Road to Hana, and never make it past Waikiki. This week Joe and Crystal sit down with Doug Norman, who has lived on Oahu since the 1980s, for the kind of advice you only get from someone who actually lives there. In this episode: Why the Big Island should be your first stop, what makes each island completely different from the others, the Pearl Harbor attractions most visitors miss, and why Waikiki is both overrated and worth your time. Biggest takeaways: Do less than you think. One island per week minimum. The visitors who enjoy Hawaii most are the ones who slow down and let it find them. Skip the sunrise bus to Haleakala. You board at 3:30am, sit in a diesel-idling parking lot with 300 strangers, and hope the clouds cooperate. There are better ways to watch a Hawaiian sunrise. The Big Island gives you things no other island can. Snow and lava on the same day. Black sand beaches. The quietest place in the world inside a volcanic crater. Start here. Ask your hotel concierge for this week's best local restaurant, not the brochure rack. And then go to Zippy's anyway. Also in this episode: The ninth island of Hawaii isn't in the Pacific. Crystal is still somewhere in Japan. Head to stackingadventures.com/mystory to guess the city and win travel swag from Emerald Cruise Lines. Resources mentioned: Doug Norman at militaryfinancialindependence.com Travel gear we actually use: stackingadventures.com/gearoftheday

1h 1m
APR 9

Why That Airline Voucher Is Almost Never Worth Taking

The gate agent calls for volunteers. The number keeps climbing. It feels like free money. Crystal took it once in Denver and spent the night in a windowless hotel with a $12 meal voucher she couldn't use. This week Joe and Crystal break down what actually happens when you say yes, plus everything else changing fast in the world of travel right now. In this episode: The real math on airline vouchers and why the airlines almost always win, what Southwest's assigned seating change actually means for travelers, how to survive the new TSA reality, and whether TikTok destinations are worth the trip. Biggest takeaways: Before you volunteer, check where the airline actually flies. A $600 credit is worthless if none of the destinations are on your list and it expires in a year. Discount airlines have fewer flights. If you miss one or it cancels, the next one might be a full day away. That math changes the deal completely. Pre-check and Clear are more valuable than ever right now, and your credit card may already be paying for them without you knowing it. Adventure of the week: Jennifer is taking her dad to Ireland on a three-week family history quest, flying premium economy on points. We want to hear how it goes, Jennifer. Where in the world is Crystal? We've narrowed it down significantly. Think you know? Head to stackingadventures.com/mystory to guess and win travel swag from Emerald Cruise Lines. Resources mentioned: Share your adventure or guess Crystal's location: stackingadventures.com/mystory Travel gear we actually use: stackingadventures.com/gearoftheday

50 min
MAR 30

What a Rhine River Christmas Markets Cruise Is Really Like

River cruises look effortless in the brochure—twinkling lights, mulled wine, storybook towns. But what really makes the experience unforgettable isn't just the scenery… it's everything happening underneath. Traveling with family (including a first-time international traveler), navigating group dynamics, figuring out when to splurge, and occasionally ending up on the wrong bus in a foreign country. In this kickoff episode of Stacking Adventures, Joe and Crystal unpack what a Rhine River Christmas markets cruise is actually like—both the magic and the moments that don't go according to plan. What You'll Walk Away With How to choose the right travel companions—and why the wrong mix can quietly derail even the best itinerary. A smarter way to balance group travel with personal freedom so no one feels stuck (or resentful). When paying cash for flights can beat using points—and why flexibility sometimes matters more than optimization. What upgrading to premium economy really gets you on a long-haul flight—and when it's worth it. How European Christmas markets are structured, and what to expect beyond the postcard version. The must-try foods, drinks, and traditions—including how those souvenir mugs actually work. What sets an upscale river cruise (like Uniworld's Antoinette) apart from other options—and where the experience shines. The reality of "all-inclusive" cruising, from guided tours to hidden onboard perks. What it feels like to explore iconic stops like Cologne, Strasbourg, and Lucerne—and which moments stand out most. How a simple travel mistake (like getting on the wrong bus) can turn into the story you remember most. Why This Matters Now For many travelers in their 40s, trips start to carry more meaning. You're not just checking destinations off a list—you're creating experiences with people who matter. That also means higher stakes: coordinating schedules, managing expectations, and making sure the investment of time and money actually delivers. Understanding how these trips really work helps you design travel that feels as good in the moment as it does in the photos. Adventure Flavor Joe and Crystal swap stories from the Rhine, from Cologne's towering cathedral to Strasbourg's winding streets—plus a near-miss that proves even the best-planned trips can go sideways. Along the way, Joe shares what it was like bringing his mom on her first overseas adventure (with a little help from a well-timed promo video), while the two compare notes on river cruising, chocolate factories, and the art of getting just a little lost… and still ending up exactly where you're supposed to be.

1h 6m
MAR 5

Travel Lessons from Barbados to Disney World

Prepaying for travel extras feels like smart planning. Until you lose money because your plans change and there are no refunds. Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond trade travel updates and money lessons, starting with Crystal's quick February return to Barbados. She chose an Airbnb near the beach with a pool over an all-inclusive resort, made grocery runs to cook her own meals and avoid overindulgence, and learned a hard lesson about dangerous winter waves and riptides. Going out before lifeguards post red flags? Bad idea. They compare Airbnb costs to all-inclusives and note that Airbnb quality can be a gamble without solid reviews. You might save money or you might end up somewhere disappointing with no recourse. Then Crystal recounts her return flight nightmare. Major delays, buying a last-minute Frontier ticket to get home, and losing money after prepaying for a checked bag she couldn't use due to customs and liquids logistics. That sparks a broader debate: when does prepaying for travel extras save you money, and when does it backfire? Joe shares his Disney World trip centered on standout resort restaurants and explains the 60 day reservation advantage (but only if you're staying on property). He also notes that Hyatt rewards earn more free nights than other programs but elite status resets yearly, which changes the calculation. They preview upcoming travel including Salt Lake City, possible Morocco, Santa Fe, a Beirut/Istanbul contingency plan, and Alaska, plus touch on weather-disrupted trips and resorts reopening in Jamaica. What You'll Discover: • When prepaying for travel extras saves money and when it costs you • The real costs of Airbnb versus all-inclusive resorts in Barbados • Why Airbnb quality is a gamble without solid reviews • Beach safety lessons about riptides and winter waves • How Crystal lost money on a prepaid checked bag due to last-minute flight changes • Disney dining hacks including the 60 day reservation advantage for on-property guests • Why Hyatt rewards earn more free nights but status resets create trade-offs • How to handle major flight delays and last-minute rebooking • Upcoming travel destinations and contingency planning • Weather disruption strategies and resort reopening updates This Episode Is For You If: • You've lost money on prepaid travel extras when plans changed • You're debating between Airbnb and all-inclusive resorts • You want Disney dining tips that actually help you get reservations • You're planning beach trips and want to stay safe in the water • You're curious about hotel loyalty programs and whether status is worth it • You believe learning from others' travel mistakes beats making your own Question for You: What's the biggest travel prepayment mistake you've made? Lost money on a checked bag? Prepaid a hotel you had to cancel? Drop your story in the comments because Crystal's Frontier experience might save another traveler from the same fate.

54 min
FEB 24

George Jerjian's 80-Day Trip Around the World (and the Retirement Mindset Shift It Sparked)

What happens when you stop treating retirement like an ending… and start treating it like an expedition? On this episode of Stacking Adventures, Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond connect with retirement mindset mentor George Jerjian (creator of the DARE Method) from London to unpack the 80-day, around-the-world journey that reshaped how he thinks about identity, courage, and life after 55. George didn't just plan a bucket-list sprint. He worked with a travel agent, chose mostly countries new to him, and intentionally left space for serendipity. Along the way, he learned to stop "ticking boxes," listen to his body, skip prepaid tours when needed, and even find peace wedged into a middle airplane seat. Because sometimes the biggest shift isn't geography—it's mindset. This isn't just a travel story. It's a retirement reset. What You'll Learn in This Episode 🌍 Travel With Intention (Not Just an Itinerary) Why George chose unfamiliar destinations to stretch himself How leaving room for spontaneity created the most meaningful moments Why slowing down and listening to your body matters more than "getting your money's worth" 🦁 South Africa: Awe, History, and Perspective Reflecting on Nelson Mandela's legacy at Robben Island Five days on safari in Timbavati near Kruger—witnessing both the beauty and brutality of nature What wild places teach us about humility and resilience 🇦🇺 Australia & Identity The Great Barrier Reef near Hamilton Island (yes, wetsuits required—sharks and jellyfish are real) Melbourne's Immigration Museum and Australia's "populate or perish" story Driving the Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles Why exploring national identity helped George reflect on his own 🇳🇿 New Zealand: Nature as Teacher Digging hot-water pools on Coromandel beaches The train ride from Christchurch to Greymouth Milford Sound, the Southern Alps, and swimming with dolphins in Kaikōura A Māori dance lesson that challenged the need for approval (hint: wrist-shaking beats applause) 🇯🇵 Japan: Service and Resilience Learning from a samurai historian in Kanazawa about service in Japanese culture Visiting Hiroshima after reading John Hersey's Hiroshima What rebuilding after devastation teaches about forgiveness and human strength 🇨🇦 Canada: Awe as the Final Lesson Vancouver's rain-soaked greenery The sleeper train to Jasper Banff, Lake Louise, and the Icefields Parkway Quebec City's French character and layered history George closes with a simple but powerful idea: travel restores awe—and awe restores perspective. The Retirement Mindset Shift For listeners in that 55–75 sweet spot (and honestly, anyone thinking about what's next), George shares how extended travel can: Help you shed old identities tied to work Build courage in small, repeatable ways Reframe uncertainty as adventure Replace "What am I without my job?" with "Who do I want to become?" Retirement isn't a withdrawal from life. It's a redeployment. Basement Fun Along the Way The ongoing "Where in the World Is Crystal?" listener game (she's not in the continental U.S. or Aruba…) A nod to the show's Gear of the Day archive at stackingadventures.com/gtd George's memoir recommendation—his own book, Odyssey of an Elder: Around the World in 80 Days, written so you feel like you're traveling beside him Adventurer Question 🌎 If you had 80 days and the courage to go somewhere unfamiliar, where would you go—and what part of your identity might you leave behind? Share your answer in the comments or in the Stacking Adventures community. Because sometimes the biggest journey isn't around the world. It's into the next version of yourself.

1h 2m
FEB 19

Alaska, Bike Tours, Study Abroad, and Smart Travel Tips (Crystal visits the DC Travel Show!)

Want to travel more without overspending or falling for tourist traps? In this episode of Stacking Adventures, Crystal reports back from the Travel & Adventure Show in Washington, DC, breaking down what the experience is really like, whether the upgraded ticket was worth it, and what she'd absolutely do differently next time (hint: show up early and never skip the insider perks). Crystal and Joe swap travel confessions, talk about navigating crowds and convention chaos, and share how small detours can transform an ordinary trip into a memorable adventure. Along the way, the conversation turns practical, focusing on smarter ways to plan trips, stretch travel dollars, and discover destinations you might never have considered. What the Stacking Adventures traveler will take away from this episode: What a major travel show is actually like and how to decide if attending one is worth your time and money Why arriving early can completely change your experience, from smaller crowds to better vendor conversations and bonus perks How upgraded passes can pay off when they include seminars, early access, and food that offsets the ticket cost The value of talking directly with destination experts instead of relying only on online research How adding small, unexpected detours can dramatically improve road trips and create memorable experiences New destinations and ideas added to Crystal's travel list: Alaska trips focused on viewing the Northern Lights Tuscany cycling vacations through Pedal & Sea Adventures European Christmas market itineraries explored by train through Rail Escape Jamaica experiences beyond resorts, including private Blue Hole excursions Hidden-gem domestic travel, including Moundsville, West Virginia's mix of history, quirky attractions, and outdoor stays Scenic driving routes like Oklahoma's Talimena Drive as a stress-free alternative to major highway routes Smart travel planning tips you can use immediately: Setting Google Flights price alerts to track airfare without constant searching Enrolling in the free government Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for travel alerts, safety updates, and easier passport assistance abroad Evaluating travel swag, deals, and promotions without getting distracted by flashy booths Using train travel and regional transportation to simplify European itineraries Thinking beyond headline destinations to find better value and fewer crowds Meaningful travel conversations from the show floor: How tourism initiatives in places like Zanzibar and Tanzania support local youth and communities Opportunities through AFS Intercultural Programs for study abroad, hosting exchange students, and scholarship-supported cultural exchange How travel perceptions often lag behind reality, especially after major weather events or news cycles Because every adventure needs a little fun: The ongoing "Where in the World Is Crystal Trying to Travel?" guessing game Funny moments from the convention floor, including murals, test drives, and unexpected wins Travel stories that prove the best memories often come from places you never planned to stop Your next adventure starts here: Share your own travel stories and submit destination guesses for a chance at Stacking Adventures swag! Here's the URL for either: StackingAdventures.com/MyStory. Because the goal isn't just to travel more, it's to travel smarter, connect more deeply, and come home with stories worth telling.

42 min

See All (155)

Bobbi Rebell

Host
Joe Saul-Sehy

Host

4.6

out of 5

233 Ratings

Great blend of travel insights and storytelling

09/27/2025

Karen Cordaway

I enjoy getting tips from both of the hosts and their takes on different locations. Plus, I get a kick out of guessing the "Product of the Day" at the end of each episode. Outside of the content, It’s a fun little twist that keeps me engaged and gives me something extra to look forward to.
Love it!

10/16/2024

Ann Winegar

Loving the show! It is fun and informative!
Awesome podcast!

01/10/2024

Trevor Oldham

Crystal and Joe are great hosts!
Fun place to start

01/03/2024

Jhtellers

What a great way to be entertained and learn about the game/business of real estate