Travel Connections Suzanne Stavert

Welcome to today’s episode devoted to our epic road trip in Arizona. Don't miss the links at the bottom! If you would like to go straight to the highlights and links to restaurants and activities just scroll on down!
This episode was not originally on the editorial calendar. But to be perfectly honest, I planned such a fantastic itinerary for this Spring Training, great food, beautiful landscapes, Grand Canyon Adventure, that I had to share it with you. Imagine us just sitting together over a cup of coffee or a craft cocktail and you saying, "So, how was your trip to Arizona?"
I am kind of embarrassed to admit that we had never been to Sedona or the Grand Canyon, but I soon learned that many of you hadn't either! Now you will have an itinerary to use as a base for your next epic road trip in Arizona!
Every detail of the itinerary went perfectly! We are always open to learning about new places to visit, and we used several suggestions from various sources to create this long weekend vacation.
Highlights: Spring Training do's and don'ts - "Hot" Tips too Fantastic restaurants A new to us hotel that was once a private home Learning to navigate rain while traveling A spectacular chapel built in the red rocks of Sedona A distillery with postcard views that will blow your mind Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time during a light snowfall - Epic! Important Links:
Travel Connections Podcast
Adventures of Empty Nesters
Instagram:
Suzanne Stavert
Adventures of Empty Nesters
Phoenix:
Tratto
Pizzeria Bianco
Mastros Ocean Club
Royal Palms Hotel
Sedona:
L'Auberge de Sedona
Mariposa
Dahl and DiLuca
Redwall Distillery
Wildflower
Pink Jeep Tours
Chapel of the Holy Cross

Welcome to another episode of Travel Connections. Once again, we hit a home run with our next guest. Aurora Echo lives on Whidbey Island, WA, and owns a delightfully successful business called Wildly Beloved Foods. 
It's interesting; Aurora only validates that every time I visit Whidbey Island, WA, I meet someone new who impresses me. I am once again reminded of how exceptional this destination truly is. My husband and I have visited the island many times, rain or shine, during the summer or while the snow is falling. It is located only about an hour north of Seattle, depending on traffic and ferry wait time. We absolutely love it. 
Whidbey Island and the people who live there are so fascinating that you will find that we have created several podcast episodes in which I have interviewed many intriguing guests who all live on the island. What better way to share a destination than to tell the story through the locals who live there?
Artisanal Pasta on Whidbey Island, WA Recently, I had the opportunity to meet a powerhouse of a woman who created her own business out of necessity and from a passion for culinary adventures. Aurora Echo created Wildly Beloved Foods, where she makes delicious pasta with healthy, organic ingredients. The minute I met her, I knew she had to come on the podcast and tell her story. It's just too good! Her tenacity and strength to overcome many challenges and succeed to where she is right now inspires me!
Highlights in this episode: How passion and tenacity helped to create an organic pasta business Why organic food matters- What is the 'Dirty Dozen'? Aurora shares sage advice about starting a new business How does Whidbey Island fit into the success of Wildly Beloved Foods? What are some of the challenges that female business owners face? Why is environmentally friendly packaging important to Aurora? Suggestions for a trip to Whidbey Island, WA! Website:
Wildly Beloved Foods
Travel Connections Podcast
Adventures of Empty Nesters
Instagram:
WildlyBelovedFoods
GoWhidbeyCamano
Suzanne Stavert
Adventures of Empty Nesters
Other Podcast Episodes Featuring Whidbey Island:
A Spectacular Weekend on Whidbey Island - I am Smitten!
A Conversation with Restaurateur Jenn Jurrians
Art & Life on Whidbey Island with Holly & David Price
Kayaking and Island Life on Whidbey Island
Orchard Kitchen: Farm-Focused Fine Dining
Regenerative Travel on Whidbey and Camano Islands

In this episode, we travel to Tuscany, but we make a couple of stops first.
Angela Correll is one of just a few guests who have appeared on my show more than once. However, back in October 2022, our conversation was not about Italy; it focused on all things Kentucky. She was an essential part of a three-episode series devoted to my passion for this beautiful state and, of course, the Bourbon Trail.
Here's an interesting side story: Angela and I first met in Tuscany when she and her husband Jess were saying goodbye to friends in front of their home. I was in Tuscany working with Tuscan Women Cook, an Italian Cooking school inside the medieval walls of Angela's Italian village.
Our travel connection in Tuscany allowed for further connections with Kentucky. What a fantastic coincidence!
I intentionally share these travel connections with you because stepping out of our comfort zone, especially while traveling, so often enhances our lives in ways we never dreamed of. I love sharing my travel connections with you! Here's more about Angela!
Angela Correll is the author of Restored in Tuscany, released in March 2024. She also has written Grounded, Guarded and Granted, a trilogy of novels that became Amazon bestsellers and have been adapted to the stage for sold-out audiences at the Pioneer Playhouse, Kentucky's oldest outdoor theater. 
I have read them all and absolutely loved them!
Angela and her husband Jess are co-founders of Wilderness Road Hospitality, a suite of businesses on Main Street of Stanford, Kentucky's second-oldest city.
The couple have been traveling to Italy for nearly twenty-five years but recently made a second home in a small hilltop village by restoring a former horse stable inside the medieval walls of a tiny town called Montofollonico. These experiences formed the basis of her travel memoir, Restored in Tuscany: A True Story of Facing Loss, Finding Beauty, and Moving Forward with Hope. 
I have the unique perspective of spending a great deal of time in this magical Italian town, and I am so excited to share our conversation about one of my favorite places on Earth.
Highlights in this Episode: How did Angela transition from writing fiction to memoir? Why is Italy such a healing place? Why are the natural rhythms of the Tuscan village so soothing? What steps must we take to slow down and enjoy life more? Excellent advice from Angela on how to do some "pruning" before we can embark on new adventures Thoughtful lessons from her book Restored In Tuscany What must we do to embrace a new season of life? Important Links:
AngelaCorrell.com
Travel Connections Podcast
Adventures of Empty Nesters
Tuscan Women Cook
Instagram
@AngelaBCorrell
Facebook
Angela Correll
Adventures of Empty Nesters
Travel Connections Kentucky Series
 

Welcome to our third and final episode devoted to our tour of Southern Africa. We recorded three episodes that focused entirely on this spectacular experience on this tour by Collette.
In Episode One, I talk with my husband, Craig, about the tour's unique details. In Episode 2, I interviewed our tour manager, Samantha Johnson, who ensured we all had everything we needed and the tour ran smoothly.
 I am sad to see the end of this series. This Southern Africa tour was incredible and magical, and I truly enjoyed sharing these details with you.
The tour by Collette is called Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land and By Water. You can find the links to the tour and other things we discussed below.
In this episode, I interview Terry Anders, the owner and operator of Iganyana, a luxury tented camp in Zimbabwe. During our stay at Iganyana, Terry and his team are responsible for creating some of the most amazing experiences of our tour!
Terry Anders grew up in a small country town in Zimbabwe, and during our conversation, he shared how growing up in the outdoors shaped who he is today. He started as a young apprentice, and then after 4-5 years of education, experience, and rigorous testing, he began his travel career. 
He and his wife created Iganyana, and Iganyana means spotted dog. You will hear all the details of the camp, which is located on the African savannah in Hwange National Park. When I envisioned what I thought a tented camp would look and feel like, ironically, it looked just like Iganyana. 
Terry's stories are captivating and he describes the African- tented camp as "simple luxury". I concur! Our experience at the camp included the "most memorable travel experience of my life." Truly.
Highlights in this episode: Hospitality in Africa The beauty of simple luxury and how to define it Details of The Presidential Herd of elephants that live nearby How to keep the pool clean when the elephants come to visit How Iganyana was constructed to blend in with nature What is the benefit of a walking safari, and why is it different? The huge impact and importance of tourism in Africa Important Links:
Episode One of the Africa Series with Craig Stavert
Episode Two of the Africa Series with Samantha Johnson of Collette
Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land and By Water
Travel Connections Podcast
Adventures of Empty Nesters
Facebook:
Collette
Iganyana Tented Camp
Adventures of Empty Nesters
Instagram
Iganyana Tented Camp
Suzanne Stavert
Adventures of Empty Nesters
Collette
 

Welcome to Episode Two of our African Safari series. In Episode One, I interview and talk with my husband, Craig Stavert. We share many details of what it was really like going on safari with Collette. It is a great way to begin this series of episodes.
Now, in Episode Two, you meet Samantha Johnson. She was our Collette tour guide, and she managed our experience perfectly. The tour is called Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land and By Water. This is a small group tour, where we bonded easily with the guests and had a blast getting to know each other.
This woman has touched my heart, and I cannot wait for you to get to know her as well. It is an extraordinary experience for me to meet someone like Samantha. I don't mean to be dramatic, but meeting her has absolutely 100% changed my life for the better. She introduced me to a world in Africa I never knew. It's a wonderful privilege.
Samantha has 27 years of experience in the tourism business in Africa; she is highly knowledgeable and passionate about sharing her beloved Africa with all of the guests on tour. Samantha begins our interview by telling us a little bit about growing up in Apartheid, having a black father and a white mother, and the struggles that they had to endure. You will be captivated.
We then talk about what it is really like on safari with Collette. (It's out of this world!) She shares how wild animals are a part of everyday life in Africa and that her "peace" came from the animals.
Highlights in the episode: Details of Chobe National Park, where there are 70,000 elephants, several prides of lions, 450 species of birds, enormous giraffes, dazzles of zebras, herds of kudu, impalas everywhere, leopards, hippos and so much more! The importance of tourism in Africa Why Africa should be at the top of your bucket list and doable! How the local people enhance your experience in Africa The many incredible surprises that the tour offers How Collette creates the perfect tour by land and by water Important Links:
Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land and By Water
Travel Connections Podcast
Adventures of Empty Nesters
Facebook:
Collette
Iganyana Tented Camp
 

Welcome to Season Three! I so appreciate you joining me as we head into 2024 with the Travel Connections Podcast. Once again, our episodes will be filled with fascinating people sharing unique stories. You will be enlightened and entertained and gain knowledge you didn't know you needed! This episode is the perfect way to add to your research for your next trip.
In today's episode, we begin a three-part series featuring our recent tour of Southern Africa with Collette.
I have been traveling as a Brand Ambassador with Collette for the past six years, where I have been to Japan, Iceland, and now Africa. Everyone at Collette does a superb job planning and executing their tours. To learn more about my first two tours, visit AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com and type Japan and Iceland in the search bar. The link is also listed below.
My husband Craig and I were invited to join a small group tour called Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land & By Water. Oh my goodness, I can't say enough about this experience. It was a dream trip and exceeded all of my expectations, and you will have the opportunity to hear so much in this episode, as well as Episodes 2 and 3.
But first, let me tell you a little about my husband, Craig Stavert. Craig and I met in high school, went to different colleges, and will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary in October. Where did the time go? We have been traveling together since our honeymoon to Maui & Kauai.
We did not travel that much when our kids were younger due to school activities and sports obligations. However, once the kids left the nest, it was game on, and we have not stopped exploring the world.
Craig's business career has been in the tech industry, running global sales organizations. He was traveling a great deal, and since the kids were grown, it was time for me to get back out there. I created the Adventures of Empty Nesters blog ten years ago. I was initially writing about life in the Empty Nest but then pivoting to writing about my travel experiences. Now, I work with global travel brands, sharing their destinations and stories through my podcast.
Now that you have a little background on the two of us, here are some of the episode's highlights!
Highlights: Why is Africa a bucket list destination? What is a typical day like on safari? Lunch at the home of a local woman named Audrey in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe The astounding access to wildlife in their natural habitat The power, size, and magnitude of Victoria Falls "Ellies at night" - The extraordinary gift The special benefits of small group tours and how Collette gets it right Craig explains his quote, "You go to Africa for the wildlife, but it's the people that you remember the most." PLUS SO MUCH MORE! Important Links:
Wildnerness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land and By Water
Travel Connections Podcast
Adventures of Empty Nesters
Facebook:
Collette
Iganyana Tented Camp
Adventures of Empty Nesters
Instagram:
Collette
Adventures of Empty Nesters
Suzanne Stavert