Sunshine Travelers Podcast

Episode 147 - What Surprised Us the Most About Sydney & Brisbane Australia - One Day Itineraries & Tips

We spend one day in each port - Sydney & Brisbane Australia and could Sydney be the best port view in the world? Here's how we recommend that you spend one day in each of these port cities in Australia to get just a taste, especially if you want to see the native species.  Listen in for our experiences and tips and continue to follow along as we sail from Tasmania to Singapore with Pricess Cruises.  Some links are affiliate links.  See our disclosure [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/disclosure-and-disclaimer]. Travel More, Spend Less, Skip the Search, Join Travel Deal Insiders [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/traveldealinsiders] and get the latest and hottest travel deals delivered straight to your inbox -- for the price of a cup of Joe, you could save hundreds, if not thousands on your next trip.  You're already planning everyone's vacations. Might as well get paid for it. [https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/become-an-advisor] Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/opt-in-56f0e184-9884-4c9f-934b-ff2d80ac0f1a] Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator [http://sunshinetravelers.com/viator] to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Stay connected when you travel for WAY LESS than using your carriers international plan, download an Esim from  Gigsky and save a ton of money. Use code sunshine for 10% off [https://gigsky.pxf.io/sunshinetravelers]   Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Get Daily Drop Pro [https://www.dailydrop.com/pro?via=sunshine-travelers]   Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, Get Flykitt [http://flykitt.pxf.io/mOZZKO] and watch Jet Lag disappear!   Protect your privacy, increase your security, keep your browsing data secure,  and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN -  get 3 months free with a yearly plan [https://go.expressvpn.com/c/5619374/1462855/16063]   Follow Sunshine Travelers * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/] | YouTube [https://youtube.com/] * Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog] * Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] * Follow us on  [https://x.com/sunshinetrvlrs]X @sunshinetrvlrs [https://x.com/sunshinetrvlrs] * Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/104020955/admin/dashboard/] * Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/sunshinetravelerspodcast/] * Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.threads.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] * Connect with us on Threads  [https://www.threads.net/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] * See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] * Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.pinterest.com/sunshinetravelerspodcast/] Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by https://pixabay.com/users/the_mountain-3616498/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=129371 from https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=129371

Episode 146 - Cruising Australia to Asia: Tasmania, Eden, and the Journey North on the Crown Princess

In this episode, we are live from aboard the Crown Princess as we sail along the coast of Australia and are sharing the highs, hiccups, and unforgettable moments from the start of our 3-week adventure through Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. From emergency medical landings and luggage weight surprises to whale sightings and stunning views in Hobart, this episode captures the real, raw, and magical moments that happen when you travel across the world (sometimes on crutches). Whether you’re dreaming of cruising through the South Pacific or just want to hear what happens when your carry-on is too heavy in Australia, you’re going to love this behind-the-scenes peek into life at sea. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: * Why getting to Tasmania is no small feat from Florida  * Why Virgin Australia’s strict carry-on weight limits caught them off guard  * A review of the Tasman Hotel in Hobart (Marriott Luxury Collection)  * How locals in Tasmania and Eden warmly welcome cruise travelers  * What makes the Salamanca Market a must-do Saturday experience  * The once-in-a-lifetime whale encounter in Eden you have to hear to believe  * Our first impressions of Princess Cruises vs. Holland America  * Real talk about traveling in an inside cabin for 3 weeks (and how to make the most of it!)  * How this cruise gets us prepared to check the final continent off their list RELATED EPISODES YOU'LL LOVE: Episode 139 - Seeing the World, from Tasmania to Singapore - In Memory of Gene Bright [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/podcasts/sunshine-travelers-podcast/episodes/2149095086] Episode 142 - Discovering Malaysia: Insider Tips on Kuala Lumpur and Penang with Colin + Meg [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/podcasts/sunshine-travelers-podcast/episodes/2149099935] Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/disclosure-and-disclaimer]. MORE RESOURCES & LINKS  *  Want curated travel deals every week? Subscribe to Travel Deal Insiders [https://sunshinetravelers.com/deals] — the best travel deals sent straight to your inbox. *  Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/opt-in-56f0e184-9884-4c9f-934b-ff2d80ac0f1a] *  Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt [http://flykitt.pxf.io/mOZZKO] 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 [https://go.expressvpn.com/c/5619374/1462855/16063]. Follow Sunshine Travelers *  Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/] | YouTube [https://youtube.com/] *   [https://youtube.com/]Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog] *   [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog]Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] *  Follow us on  [https://x.com/sunshinetrvlrs]X @sunshinetrvlrs [https://x.com/sunshinetrvlrs] *  Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/104020955/admin/dashboard/] *   [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog]Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/sunshinetravelerspodcast/] *  Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.threads.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] *  Connect with us on Threads  [https://www.threads.net/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] *  See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] *  Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.pinterest.com/sunshinetravelerspodcast/] Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by https://pixabay.com/users/the_mountain-3616498/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=129371 from https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=129371

Episode 138 - Best International Travel Tips and Long-Haul Flight Hacks You Need to Know

Planning an international trip? This episode of the Sunshine Travelers Podcast is your ultimate guide to stress-free international travel. From what to pack in your carry-on for long flights to avoiding common passport mistakes, Scott and Melissa share their best tips to help you travel smarter, lighter, and better.  Whether you’re heading to Europe, Asia, Africa, or beyond, these international travel tips will help you save time, avoid stress, and feel more prepared when you land in a new country. Plus, we’re sharing exactly how we survive long-haul flights—and how you can, too. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/disclosure-and-disclaimer]. IN THIS EPISODE: * What to do before you leave (passports, visas, insurance, and safety prep) * Our long-haul flight essentials kit * How to beat jet lag and arrive refreshed * Packing tips for international travel * The best apps for international trips (currency, translation, transportation, and more) * How to stay connected abroad with eSIMs and local data * Tips for navigating airports, customs, and money exchange  * The mindset shift that makes international travel smoother   RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED: *  Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt [http://flykitt.pxf.io/mOZZKO] and watch Jet Lag disappear! * Stay connected when you travel for LESS than using your carrier's international plan, download an eSIM from Gigsky [https://gigsky.pxf.io/sunshinetravelers]and save a ton of money- Use code SUNSHINE for 10% off  * Allianz Travel Insurance [https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/find-a-plan] * Learn more about a Global Rescue [https://partner.globalrescue.com/sunshinetravelers/index.html] Membership here * TripIt  [https://www.tripit.com/web]   More Resources & Links  *  Want curated travel deals every week? Subscribe to Travel Deal Insiders [https://sunshinetravelers.com/deals] — the best travel deals sent straight to your inbox. *  Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/opt-in-56f0e184-9884-4c9f-934b-ff2d80ac0f1a] *  Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan [https://go.expressvpn.com/c/5619374/1462855/16063]. CONNECT WITH US: Explore more travel tips and itineraries: sunshinetravelers.com [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com] Need help planning your next trip? Let’s Plan It Together [https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/plan-your-trip] *  Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/] | YouTube [https://youtube.com/] *   [https://youtube.com/]Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog] *   [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog]Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] *  Follow us on  [https://x.com/sunshinetrvlrs]X @sunshinetrvlrs [https://x.com/sunshinetrvlrs] *  Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/104020955/admin/dashboard/] *   [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog]Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/sunshinetravelerspodcast/] *  Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.threads.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] *  Connect with us on Threads  [https://www.threads.net/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] *  See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] *  Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.pinterest.com/sunshinetravelerspodcast/] Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by https://pixabay.com/users/the_mountain-3616498/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=129371 from https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=129371

Episode 136 - Discover Ireland's Underrated Gem and Why We Will Be Returning

Planning a trip to Ireland and wondering whether to journey north? In this episode, we explore the wild charm of Donegal, a region known for its rugged coastline, hidden castles, and untamed beauty. From scenic drives along the Wild Atlantic Way to warm pub welcomes and windswept cliffs, we share what we experienced—and what’s still on our list for next time. If you’re looking for non-touristy places to visit in Ireland, want ideas for your Donegal itinerary, or just love discovering lesser-known gems, this episode is for you. WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE * Where is Donegal, and why we think it is Ireland’s best-kept secret? * Hidden gems we visited and where we will visit next: Glenveagh National Park, Malin Head, castle ruins & more * What makes Donegal different from areas in the South of Ireland * Why we’re already planning a return trip (and what we want to see next time) * Tips for planning your own Donegal road trip  If you’ve been to Donegal and have tips to share—or if you’re planning a trip to Donegal soon—we’d love to hear from you! Drop us a message on Instagram or leave a comment wherever you listen to podcasts. Where to Stay Near Malin Head [https://www.expedia.com/Hotel-Search?destination=Malin%20Head%20Viewpoint%2C%20Malin%2C%20County%20Donegal%2C%20Ireland®ionId=766949873344303104&latLong&d1=2025-10-05&startDate=2025-10-05&d2=2025-10-06&endDate=2025-10-06&adults=2&rooms=1&sort=RECOMMENDED&theme=&userIntent=&semdtl=&categorySearch=&useRewards=false&children=&pwaDialog=&daysInFuture&stayLength] Book Your Tour with www.wildalpacaway.com [https://wildalpacaway.com/] and walk with the Alpacas. Learn More about Wild Ireland here [https://wildireland.org/] For live music, check out Blake's Bar [https://share.google/sy41HPwewRZcC7msW] and McGinleys Bar [https://share.google/qcxYPJRsDbtVFkA8u] in Letterkenny, Donegal, Ireland Where to Stay Near Carrick [https://www.expedia.com/Hotel-Search?destination=Carrick%2C%20County%20Donegal%2C%20Ireland®ionId=6170948&latLong=54.65783%2C-8.633306&flexibility=0_DAY&d1=2025-10-05&startDate=2025-10-05&d2=2025-10-06&endDate=2025-10-06&adults=2&rooms=1&typeaheadCollationId=5e5dc62a-c5de-4893-a039-7a15257241a6&sort=RECOMMENDED&theme=&userIntent=&semdtl=&categorySearch=&useRewards=false] Learn More about Glencolmcille Folk Village Here [https://glenfolkvillage.com/] Ireland By Bike [https://www.getyourguide.com/county-donegal-l4647/donegal-coast-1-day-self-guided-electric-bike-tour-t545246/?ranking_uuid=e5de82e1-729d-487d-876c-e5ba416129ac] HELPFUL LINKS & RESOURCES Related Episodes You'll Love: EPISODE 134 - IRELAND’S BEST-KEPT SECRET: WHY DONEGAL SHOULD BE ON YOUR TRAVEL LIST [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/podcasts/sunshine-travelers-podcast/episodes/2149086431] EPISODE 132 - NORTHERN IRELAND TRAVEL GUIDE: BELFAST, DARK HEDGES, CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE & GIANT’S CAUSEWAY [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/podcasts/sunshine-travelers-podcast/episodes/2149083313] EPISODE 18: DUBLIN & SOUTHERN IRELAND ROAD TRIP [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/podcasts/sunshine-travelers-podcast/episodes/2148041172] * Need help planning your Ireland trip? → sunxtravel.com [https://www.sunxtravel.com] * Subscribe for weekly travel deals & destination tips → Travel Deal Insiders [https://sunshinetravelers.com/deals] *  Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/opt-in-56f0e184-9884-4c9f-934b-ff2d80ac0f1a] *  Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt [http://flykitt.pxf.io/mOZZKO] 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 [https://go.expressvpn.com/c/5619374/1462855/16063]. Follow Sunshine Travelers *  Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/] | YouTube [https://youtube.com/] *   [https://youtube.com/]Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog] *   [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog]Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] *  Follow us on  [https://x.com/sunshinetrvlrs]X @sunshinetrvlrs [https://x.com/sunshinetrvlrs] *  Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/104020955/admin/dashboard/] *   [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog]Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/sunshinetravelerspodcast/] *  Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.threads.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] *  Connect with us on Threads  [https://www.threads.net/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] *  See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] *  Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.pinterest.com/sunshinetravelerspodcast/] Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by https://pixabay.com/users/the_mountain-3616498/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=129371 from https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=129371

Episode 134 - Ireland’s Best-Kept Secret: Why Donegal Should Be on Your Travel List

Learn more about tours at IrelandByBike.com [https://www.irelandbybike.com]  Donegal Coast 1 Day Self-guided Electric Bike Tour [https://getyourguide.stay22.com/sunshinetravelers/urNFgFdDcu] When travelers dream of Ireland, names like Dublin, Galway, and the Ring of Kerry often come to mind. But on Ireland’s wild northwest edge lies a county that quietly outshines them all: Donegal. Rugged and soulful, this region is home to towering cliffs, glacial valleys, and a living Gaelic culture where fiddle music and friendly welcomes are part of everyday life. If you’ve ever wanted to explore Ireland beyond the usual highlights, this episode is your invitation. Donegal offers something rare: a landscape as dramatic as its culture is warm. Whether you cycle with Seamus, hike along the cliffs, or sip a pint at a music session, you’ll find an Ireland that still feels wild, authentic, and deeply welcoming. In this episode of the Sunshine Travelers Podcast, we slow down to savor Donegal’s unique spirit with local guest Seamus Gallagher, who runs Ireland by Bike with his wife, Nora, in the village of Carrick. Their self-guided cycling tours connect travelers to Donegal’s stunning landscapes and small villages—but Seamus’ stories go far beyond the bike. WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE: * Why Donegal remains one of Ireland’s least-visited—and most authentic—counties * The secret behind Donegal’s distinct fiddle music and Gaelic dialect * What it’s like to cycle to Sliabh Liag Cliffs, which rival the Cliffs of Moher * The difference between e-bikes in Ireland and the U.S.—and why pedal-assist makes exploring easier * Hidden gems like Granny Valley and Glencolmcille  * Tips for catching a traditional pub session * Gaelic phrases like Céad Míle Fáilte (“100,000 welcomes”) and Sláinte (“cheers”) * Why staying in family-run B&Bs creates the most meaningful connections * How slowing down—walking, cycling, and lingering—leads to the richest travel experiences  Learn more about tours at IrelandByBike.com [https://www.irelandbybike.com]  Other Episodes You’ll Love: * Episode 132 - Northern Ireland Travel Guide: Belfast, Dark Hedges, Causeway Coastal Route & Giant’s Causeway [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/podcasts/sunshine-travelers-podcast/episodes/2149083313] * Episode 18: Dublin & Southern Ireland Road Trip [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/podcasts/sunshine-travelers-podcast/episodes/2148041172] * Episode 113 - Our Experience Walking Through Umbria Italy with MACS Adventure [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/podcasts/sunshine-travelers-podcast/episodes/2149042105] Resources & Links  *  Want curated travel deals every week? Subscribe to Travel Deal Insiders [https://sunshinetravelers.com/deals] — the best travel deals sent straight to your inbox. *  Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/opt-in-56f0e184-9884-4c9f-934b-ff2d80ac0f1a] *  Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt [http://flykitt.pxf.io/mOZZKO] 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 [https://go.expressvpn.com/c/5619374/1462855/16063]. Follow Sunshine Travelers *  Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/] | YouTube [https://youtube.com/] *   [https://youtube.com/]Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog] *   [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog]Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] *  Follow us on  [https://x.com/sunshinetrvlrs]X @sunshinetrvlrs [https://x.com/sunshinetrvlrs] *  Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/104020955/admin/dashboard/] *   [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog]Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/sunshinetravelerspodcast/] *  Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.threads.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] *  Connect with us on Threads  [https://www.threads.net/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] *  See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@sunshinetravelerspodcast] *  Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast [https://www.pinterest.com/sunshinetravelerspodcast/] Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by https://pixabay.com/users/the_mountain-3616498/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=129371 from https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=129371