Hidden Gems in California You’ve Never Heard Of (Best of CA Part 1)

Is the Traditional Life Actually Making You Unhappy?

What happens when the life you worked decades to build no longer feels fulfilling? In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, Jess Walker shares her journey from a fast-paced 20+ year career in marketing and PR to launching her own consulting business and embracing full-time RV life with her husband. Jess opens up about the fears, planning, downsizing, and mindset shifts that came with leaving behind a traditional lifestyle to pursue more freedom, flexibility, and meaningful experiences. From selling their home in Florida to building a business on the road, this conversation is packed with encouragement for anyone questioning whether the “normal” path is actually the right one for them. Whether you dream of RV life, entrepreneurship, or simply making a major life change, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration to help you start mapping your next step. In This Episode, We Cover: * The emotional reality of selling their home and downsizing * Starting a consulting business at 45 years old * The tradeoff between stability and freedom * Why waiting until retirement might not be the best plan * The importance of planning without letting fear stop you * Building a lifestyle centered around experiences instead of possessions Connect with Jess Walker * Website: Jess Lifestyle Marketing [https://jesslifestylemarketing.com]  * The Walkers Wandering [https://www.instagram.com/thewalkerswandering/] Follow Inspired Travels with Patti * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtravelswithpatti/ [https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtravelswithpatti/]  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patti.hunt.167/ [https://www.facebook.com/patti.hunt.167/]  * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inspired.travels [https://www.tiktok.com/@inspired.travels]  If this episode inspired you, share it with someone who’s been dreaming about making a big life change. And don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Inspired Travels with Patti for more conversations about adventure, freedom, and living life fully. Connect with Me: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@InspiredTravelsWithPatti] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtravelswithpatti/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/patti.hunt.167/] Patti Hunt  * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568060764127] Inspired Travels With Patti  * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@inspired.travels] Links and Discounts  * Camp for Less than $9 a night:  Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists.                  Call/Text 772-217-1851  * Clear2O [https://www.clear2o.com/discount/Inspired%2520Travels] 20% off Discount Code: Inspired Travel  * AirSkirts [https://www.airskirts.com/]  $200 off with Code: RVPOD * Rivet Supply Co [https://rivetsupplyco.com/62?sld=inspired]Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing * KoolRV [https://koolrv.com/?rs_ref=SepYC062] Optimize RV AC  * Open Roads [http://apply.myopenroads.com/r/inspiredtravels] discount diesel fuel card  * VIP Access [ http://apply.myopenroads.com/vip/join/r/inspiredtravels]Great RV product & services discounts  * Innovative... [https://innovativetoll.com/open-roads/?influencer=INSPIREDTRAVELS]

We Made Every Rookie RV Mistake So You Don’t Have To | Featuring Amped to Glamp

Starting your RV journey can feel exciting… until the rookie mistakes begin. In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, I (Patti) sit down with John and Sherri Hill from Amped to Glamp to share hilarious, stressful, and surprisingly helpful stories from their RV adventures. From driving a brand-new RV all the way from Maryland to Disney on their very first trip, to accidentally attracting bugs in their fridge and navigating bear country with no cell service, this episode is packed with honest lessons every new RVer should hear before hitting the road. John and Sherri open up about buying the wrong RV, overplanning trips, driving exhaustion, campground stress, emergency prep, and why flexibility may be the secret to enjoying RV life. Whether you're preparing for your first RV purchase or already living the travel lifestyle, this conversation will help you avoid some expensive — and embarrassing — mistakes. In This Episode * Why buying the “perfect” RV for hypothetical guests is usually a mistake * The importance of sitting inside an RV before purchasing * How their first RV trip to Disney became a disaster * Why long driving days are harder than most people expect * Bear encounters, no cell service, and camping panic stories * Essential RV tools and emergency prep every traveler should have * Why checklists can save you from major RV headaches * The benefits of traveling without overplanning every stop * How flexibility leads to better adventures on the road Connect With The Guests * Amped to Glamp YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AmpedToGlamp?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Amped to Glamp Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ampedtoglamp/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Amped to Glamp Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ampedtoglamp?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Thank you for listening to Inspired Travels With Patti, I would love to hear from you, please leave me a comment or question here on the podcast page or on my social media channels:  Inspired Travels With Patti... Connect with Me: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@InspiredTravelsWithPatti] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtravelswithpatti/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/patti.hunt.167/] Patti Hunt  * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568060764127] Inspired Travels With Patti  * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@inspired.travels] Links and Discounts  * Camp for Less than $9 a night:  Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists.                  Call/Text 772-217-1851  * Clear2O [https://www.clear2o.com/discount/Inspired%2520Travels] 20% off Discount Code: Inspired Travel  * AirSkirts [https://www.airskirts.com/]  $200 off with Code: RVPOD * Rivet Supply Co [https://rivetsupplyco.com/62?sld=inspired]Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing * KoolRV [https://koolrv.com/?rs_ref=SepYC062] Optimize RV AC  * Open Roads [http://apply.myopenroads.com/r/inspiredtravels] discount diesel fuel card  * VIP Access [ http://apply.myopenroads.com/vip/join/r/inspiredtravels]Great RV product & services discounts  * Innovative... [https://innovativetoll.com/open-roads/?influencer=INSPIREDTRAVELS]

RV Maintenance Tips That Could Save Your Summer Trips

What happens when your RV breaks down in the middle of summer heat? In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, I sit down with RV tech expert Jonathan Selin to talk about the most common RV maintenance mistakes that leave travelers stranded on the side of the road. Jonathan shares practical advice for preventing costly breakdowns, extending the life of your RV, staying cool during hot weather travel, and finding trustworthy RV technicians when things go wrong. Jonathan also shares how he and his family transitioned from traditional “sticks and bricks” living into the RV lifestyle and how that journey eventually led him into the world of RV repair and maintenance. This episode is packed with practical RV ownership tips that can save travelers time, stress, and money. Whether you’re a full-time RVer, weekend camper, or preparing for your next road trip, this conversation offers valuable advice to help you avoid major RV headaches and travel with more confidence. Key Topics Covered * The most common RV breakdowns that travelers can prevent * Summer RV travel tips for staying cool and avoiding AC problems * How to find an RV technician you can trust * How small maintenance habits can prevent major emergencies Guest Jonathan Selin  * Phone: 763-706-7469  * Email: selinrvmarine@gmail.com Thank you for listening to Inspired Travels With Patti, I would love to hear from you, please leave me a comment or question here on the podcast page or on my social media channels:   Inspired Travels With Patti  ... Connect with Me: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@InspiredTravelsWithPatti] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtravelswithpatti/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/patti.hunt.167/] Patti Hunt  * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568060764127] Inspired Travels With Patti  * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@inspired.travels] Links and Discounts  * Camp for Less than $9 a night:  Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists.                  Call/Text 772-217-1851  * Clear2O [https://www.clear2o.com/discount/Inspired%2520Travels] 20% off Discount Code: Inspired Travel  * AirSkirts [https://www.airskirts.com/]  $200 off with Code: RVPOD * Rivet Supply Co [https://rivetsupplyco.com/62?sld=inspired]Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing * KoolRV [https://koolrv.com/?rs_ref=SepYC062] Optimize RV AC  * Open Roads [http://apply.myopenroads.com/r/inspiredtravels] discount diesel fuel card  * VIP Access [ http://apply.myopenroads.com/vip/join/r/inspiredtravels]Great RV product & services discounts  * Innovative... [https://innovativetoll.com/open-roads/?influencer=INSPIREDTRAVELS]

After Losing His Grandfather, He Took an 8-Day Road Trip Across America

The Unexpected Road Trip Across America After Loss After losing his grandfather, Jacob Gooden and his wife Maddy made a spontaneous decision that turned into an unforgettable adventure — driving from California to Tennessee in his grandfather’s car over the course of eight days. In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, Jacob joins me to share the story behind the journey, the hidden gems they discovered along the way, and the lessons they learned about slowing down, embracing spontaneity, and finding joy in the unexpected. From a Danish-inspired town in California and a western-themed McDonald’s to scenic overlooks in Utah, hidden parks in Colorado, a soda museum in Missouri, and roadside oddities in Kansas, this road trip became about far more than just getting home. If you’ve ever dreamed about taking a cross-country road trip, exploring hidden gems close to home, or simply learning how to travel slower and more intentionally, this episode is full of inspiration and practical tips. In This Episode * How grief unexpectedly sparked a cross-country road trip * Why slowing down completely changed the travel experience * The best hidden gems between California and Tennessee * Scenic stops in Utah and Colorado worth pulling over for * The surprisingly cool soda museum in St. Charles, Missouri * Why road trips don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful * Tips for planning a flexible and enjoyable road trip * The importance of knowing your travel style and limits * How spontaneous detours often create the best memories * The value of visiting family and reconnecting on the road City Stops Along The Way * Hanford, CA [https://www.ci.hanford.ca.us/] * Solvang, CA [https://solvangusa.com/] * Ventura, CA [https://visitventuraca.com/] * Las Vegas, NV [https://www.visitlasvegas.com/] * St. George, UT [https://www.visitutah.com/places-to-go/cities-and-towns/st-george] * Grand Junction, CO [https://www.visitgrandjunction.com/] * Colorado Springs, CO [https://www.visitcos.com/] * Kansas City, MO [https://www.visitkc.com/] * St. Charles, MO [https://www.discoverstcharles.com/] * Nashville, TN [https://www.visitmusiccity.com/] Connect with Me: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@InspiredTravelsWithPatti] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtravelswithpatti/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/patti.hunt.167/] Patti Hunt  * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568060764127] Inspired Travels With Patti  * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@inspired.travels] Links and Discounts  * Camp for Less than $9 a night:  Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists.                  Call/Text 772-217-1851  * Clear2O [https://www.clear2o.com/discount/Inspired%2520Travels] 20% off Discount Code: Inspired Travel  * AirSkirts [https://www.airskirts.com/]  $200 off with Code: RVPOD * Rivet Supply Co [https://rivetsupplyco.com/62?sld=inspired]Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing * KoolRV [https://koolrv.com/?rs_ref=SepYC062] Optimize RV AC  * Open Roads [http://apply.myopenroads.com/r/inspiredtravels] discount diesel fuel card  * VIP Access [ http://apply.myopenroads.com/vip/join/r/inspiredtravels]Great RV product & services discounts  * Innovative... [https://innovativetoll.com/open-roads/?influencer=INSPIREDTRAVELS]

RV Water & Air Safety: What Most Campers Get Wrong (And How to Fix It)

In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, I sit down with water filtration expert and inventor Keith Bernard to break down the critical safety mistakes RVers make when it comes to water and air quality. From contaminated campground water to poorly maintained tanks and overlooked air filtration, this conversation reveals how small oversights can impact your health on the road. Keith shares practical, easy-to-follow guidance on choosing the right filtration system, understanding microns and carbon filters, properly sanitizing your RV water system, and improving indoor air quality. Whether you're a weekend camper or full-time RVer, this episode will help you build a safer, cleaner, and more comfortable travel experience. Key Points * Why campground water varies—and why you shouldn’t blindly trust it * The biggest mistake RVers make when choosing water filters * Why you should care about water quality—even if you don’t drink it * How to properly sanitize your fresh water tank (and why bleach may not be ideal) * What “micron rating” actually means—and why it matters * Carbon block vs. granular carbon filters: what’s the difference? * Why TDS (total dissolved solids) is often misunderstood * Why RV air quality matters more than you think * Understanding MERV ratings for RV air filters * How better air filtration can reduce dust and improve health inside your RV Links * Clear2O [https://www.clear2o.com/discount/Inspired%2520Travels]  If interested you can get a 20% discount by clicking the link and using Discount Code: Inspired Travel  Thank you for listening to Inspired Travels With Patti, I would love to hear from you, please leave me a comment or question here on the podcast page or on my social media channels:  Inspired Travels With Patti  ... Connect with Me: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@InspiredTravelsWithPatti] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtravelswithpatti/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/patti.hunt.167/] Patti Hunt  * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568060764127] Inspired Travels With Patti  * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@inspired.travels] Links and Discounts  * Camp for Less than $9 a night:  Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists.                  Call/Text 772-217-1851  * Clear2O [https://www.clear2o.com/discount/Inspired%2520Travels] 20% off Discount Code: Inspired Travel  * AirSkirts [https://www.airskirts.com/]  $200 off with Code: RVPOD * Rivet Supply Co [https://rivetsupplyco.com/62?sld=inspired]Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing * KoolRV [https://koolrv.com/?rs_ref=SepYC062] Optimize RV AC  * Open Roads [http://apply.myopenroads.com/r/inspiredtravels] discount diesel fuel card  * VIP Access [ http://apply.myopenroads.com/vip/join/r/inspiredtravels]Great RV product & services discounts  * Innovative... [https://innovativetoll.com/open-roads/?influencer=INSPIREDTRAVELS]