14 episodes

A guided travel podcast by Collette.

Travel Unpacked Collette

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.5 • 29 Ratings

A guided travel podcast by Collette.

    Behind the Tour: Wonders of Thailand… Tuk Tuks, Temples, Elephant Pants

    Behind the Tour: Wonders of Thailand… Tuk Tuks, Temples, Elephant Pants

    In this episode, "Travel Unpacked" is diving deep into the wonders of… THAILAND!

    And to do it, we’re talking to Collette’s own Senior Partnership Marketing Manager, Kaitlin Coughlin, who’s just returned from a journey to this vibrant nation dubbed “The Land of Smiles” and has amazing stories and insight to share. From an evening adventure aboard one of Bangkok's tuk tuks to the harmony of an elephant sanctuary to the soulful connection formed with their Buddhist monk-turned-tour guide, Kaitlyn tells us what made this trip truly life-changing. We talk enchanting temples, the Thai dishes that are absolutely chef’s kiss, learning to savor the pure decadence of a daily Thai massage, and much more.

    Tune in for an episode all about the joys of getting out of your comfort zone, trying new things, and learning to appreciate the smallest things in life all over again. Get ready to explore Thailand!

    Ready to start your adventure? Check out the “Wonders of Thailand”:
    https://www.gocollette.com/en/tours/asia/thailand/wonders-of-thailand?packagedateid=102552&packageid=15547

    Collette travels to all seven continents and has over 170 tours. We’ve been leading the way in guided travel for over 100 years. And we’re proudly family owned.

    To check out all we do, head to: https://www.collette.com

    And follow us at:
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoCollette/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gocollette/

    We’ll see YOU on tour!

    • 48 min
    Trailblazer in Travel: A Conversation with Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, Collette’s First Female CEO

    Trailblazer in Travel: A Conversation with Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, Collette’s First Female CEO

    Get set for a special Women's History Month edition of Travel Unpacked!

    We're rolling out the red carpet for Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, the first female CEO in Collette's 106-year history, for a conversation that's as insightful as it is inspiring. Join us as Jaclyn and Kelsie talk about Jaclyn’s deep family’s roots in travel at Collette and about the mentors that made all the difference in her journey. Hear about how embracing change and listening to customer needs is at the core of everything Collette does. And then, go behind the scenes to get Jaclyn’s refreshing take on innovation, the importance of giving back, and about fostering a workplace where every voice matters. And on this last point, Kelsie shares one of her favorite stories about Jaclyn that exemplifies the culture of caring she fosters at Collette (hint: it involves an awkward encounter in a bathroom!).

    Tune in for an episode that’s not just about travel, but about the journey of a woman who's charting the course for the future at Collette and proving every day that when it comes to leadership and innovation, the sky’s the limit.

    So, grab your metaphorical suitcase and let’s unpack the future of travel with the woman who’s leading it!

    • 38 min
    Finding Travel Bliss in Maine with Cindy Baker

    Finding Travel Bliss in Maine with Cindy Baker

    Join Nicole and Kelsie as they unpack the allure (and the delicious lobster!) of Maine with Cindy Baker, the traveler and photographer behind Travel Bliss Now. Hear how Cindy broke free from the grind to embrace a life of travel and adventure – and how you can, too. Follow Cindy’s journey through Maine’s enchanting towns and wild, rocky shores as she shares the transformative experiences, the joy of connecting with nature, and the simple pleasures that make Maine a haven for those seeking bliss. Whether it's the thrill of lobster fishing or the serenity of Acadia National Park, find out how Maine really should be the “main event” of your next escape.

    Ready to find your own travel bliss? Tune in!

    • 43 min
    Next Stop: Collette’s 2024/2025 Tour Reveal

    Next Stop: Collette’s 2024/2025 Tour Reveal

    Travel Unpacked's second season kicks off with a bang as Josh, Kelsie, and Nicole deliver the inside track on the future of travel. In this episode, they unwrap the exciting lineup Collette has in store for its 2024 and 2025 adventures. And they’re joined by Diana Ditto, Collette’s Senior Director of Product Marketing – who spills the beans on the hidden gems and secret spots that these new journeys will explore. Imagine yourself not just driving—but floating—through untamed African landscapes or meandering down the cobblestone alleys of Europe's historical havens — it's all on the horizon. Plus, they delve into those one-of-a-kind cultural immersions that only Collette can offer.

    So, if you're itching to discover where the road less traveled is heading next, tune in for a chat that will light your travel fire!

    • 45 min
    The Traveling Black Widow: Intergenerational Journeys and Solo Sojourns

    The Traveling Black Widow: Intergenerational Journeys and Solo Sojourns

    Prepare to be inspired – and get into the holiday spirit! In this festive episode of "Travel Unpacked," Nicole, Josh, and Kelsie discuss their favorite holiday traditions. Spoiler alert: someone wakes up to Mariah Carey after Halloween and has FOUR Christmas trees.

    Then they dive into conversation with the amazing Charlotte Simpson, also known as the Traveling Black Widow. With her infectious enthusiasm for adventure, Charlotte takes us through her travels with Collette—from visiting the quaint villages of Italy with her daughter to exploring the majestic peaks of Europe on a solo quest. And along the way, she offers pearls of wisdom for travelers over 60, celebrates the ease of guided tours, and shares her deep connection to all the cultures she’s connected with around the globe. This episode is an endearing look at how travel ties together our past, present, and future, through shared experiences and individual discovery.

    So, buckle up and let your wanderlust ignite—Charlotte's story is a reminder that whether we're 6 or 60, the world's wonders are waiting.

    • 54 min
    Black Friday Travel Deals – A Reimagined Holiday

    Black Friday Travel Deals – A Reimagined Holiday

    🎙️🛍️ The thrill of the deal meets the call of the journey!

    In this special Black Friday episode of Travel Unpacked, we invite listeners to swap their shopping carts for suitcases. Join Josh, our early-bird shopping strategist, and co-hosts Nicole and Kelsie, as they share some fun Black Friday stories—from strategic shopping sprees to quirky trivia that might just change the way you think about this iconic shopping day. But there’s more: this episode also reimages Black Friday as a day less about gadgets and doorbusters, and about the greatest gift of all: experiences that last a lifetime. Discover how Collette's Black Friday travel deals can make that reimagined Black Friday a reality and turn your wish list into an itinerary brimming with experiences that far outshine any deal.

    So, listen and ditch the checkout lines for departure times this Black Friday!

    • 23 min

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5
29 Ratings

29 Ratings

Traveler Beth ,

Listening in…

Recently returned from our 2nd Collette trip and enjoying this podcast. Love what Josh said about xmas ornaments. I also collect those from my travels and enjoy those memories during the xmas season when i look at my tree..

Irish Rovers ,

Love this episode

I loved PEI and doing the cooking school and eating mussels! This episode brings back such great memories of my travels there ❤️

always take the trip ,

Excited

I can’t wait to continue to listen to future podcasts! I also collect Christmas ornaments for the same reason Josh does, and bookmarks. They are easy to pack too.

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