Taste Toast Travel | Travel Podcast

080. A Taste of Hong Kong: Where East-Meets-West & the Story Behind the Skyline

Drop us a line or voice note! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2419329/fan_mail/new] This week, we’re diving into the incredible story of Hong Kong! A city that somehow feels futuristic, historic, chaotic, peaceful, and deeply nostalgic all at the same time. From towering skyscrapers and harbor views to dim sum culture, hiking trails, nightlife, and layered history, we explore what makes Hong Kong one of the most fascinating cities in the world. We dig into: ✈️ How Hong Kong’s mountainous geography shaped its famous vertical skyline around Victoria Harbour ✈️ The nightly “A Symphony of Lights” show and the energy of the city after dark ✈️ The surprising amount of nature in Hong Kong, including beaches, country parks, and popular hiking trails ✈️ Hong Kong’s food culture ✈️ How British colonial influence blended with Cantonese traditions to shape modern Hong Kong culture ✈️ The city’s history leading up to the 1997 Handover and the “one country, two systems” framework ✈️ Recent protests, the 2020 national security law, and the evolving identity of Hong Kong ✈️ Hong Kong’s cocktail culture, nightlife districts, rooftop bars, and late-night energy ✈️ Plus, we share fun facts about Bruce Lee, the Central–Mid-Levels escalator, Hong Kong’s safety reputation, transportation marvels, and more Whether you’ve visited Hong Kong before or it’s been sitting on your travel bucket list for years, we hope this episode helps bring the city to life for you. Thanks so much for listening, too! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Taste Toast Travel wherever you get your podcasts and come hang out with us on social media for more food, drink, and travel inspiration 🍜🍹✈️ Download our free guides! https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie [https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie] Connect with us and learn more: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_ [https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_] * Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/ [https://tastetoasttravel.com/] * Email: hello@tastetoasttravel.com * Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe [https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe] Leave us a voice note! https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel [https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel] Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop: https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel [https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel]

079. The Truth About Owning a Winery with Winemaker Maddison Violet

Drop us a line or voice note! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2419329/fan_mail/new] What does it really take to launch a winery in today’s wine industry? In this episode of Taste Toast Travel, Tara sits down with Canadian winemaker and entrepreneur Maddison Violet to talk about building a winery from the ground up in British Columbia’s stunning Okanagan Valley. From working in restaurants and studying wine through WSET and the Court of Master Sommeliers track, to navigating harvests, COVID challenges, and the realities of modern wine tourism, Maddison shares an honest behind-the-scenes look at life in the wine industry today.  We also dive into the rise of non-alcoholic wine, changing consumer habits, wine misconceptions, and how wineries are evolving into immersive hospitality destinations. In this episode, we dig into: 🍷 Building Ve Oh Lay Acres Winery during the COVID era 🍷 Life and wine culture in the Okanagan Valley 🍷 Maddison’s journey through wine education and harvest work 🍷The realities of running a modern winery behind the scenes 🍷Why wine tourism is shifting toward experiences and hospitality 🍷 The growth of non-alcoholic wine and changing drinking trends 🍷 Wine myths, sulfites, and consumer misconceptions 🍷 Canadian wine shipping laws and industry challenges 🍷 Building authentic community through social media and events 🍷 Farming risks, packaging struggles, and unexpected winery setbacks Whether you’re planning a wine country getaway, curious about the future of wine, or simply love discovering stories from passionate people in the food and beverage world, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside the evolving wine industry. If you love wine, travel, entrepreneurship, food culture, or hearing the real stories behind the bottle, this episode is for you! Connect with Maddison: * https://www.veohlayacres.com/ [https://www.veohlayacres.com/] * https://www.instagram.com/veohlayacres [https://www.instagram.com/veohlayacres] * https://www.facebook.com/veohlayacres [https://www.facebook.com/veohlayacres] Download our free guides! https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie [https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie] Connect with us and learn more: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_ [https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_] * Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/ [https://tastetoasttravel.com/] * Email: hello@tastetoasttravel.com * Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe [https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe] Leave us a voice note! https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel [https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel] Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop: https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel [https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel]

078. Spirit Airline Shutdown, "Townsising" & a New Travel Scam

Drop us a line or voice note! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2419329/fan_mail/new] In this episode, we’re catching up on the latest in travel news, trends, and where we’re dreaming about going next—especially if it involves great food and drink! We dig into: ✈️ Monaco, with the world’s most expensive apartment sale—a $550 million ultra-luxury penthouse that takes “over-the-top” to a whole new level. ✈️ The sudden May 2026 shutdown of Spirit Airlines, what led to it, and what it means for travelers, employees, and the future of budget flying. ✈️ The growing “townsizing” travel trend—why more people are choosing smaller U.S. destinations over big cities, and what makes these places so appealing right now. ✈️ A sneaky checked-bag scam involving stolen barcode tags and fake lost luggage claims. ✈️ Top 2026 destinations for food and drink lovers around the world. ✈️ Top 2026 Adventure-forward destinations if you’re craving something a little more off the beaten path. ✈️ Some wild in-flight stories—from unexpected animal encounters to chaotic passenger moments that feel almost too crazy to be true. 🎧 Come hang out with us and tune into this episode wherever you listen to podcasts or watch on YouTube! Sources:  * https://www.travelpulse.com/news/airlines-airports/spirit-airlines-workers-advocate-for-support-after-airline-abruptly-closes [https://www.travelpulse.com/news/airlines-airports/spirit-airlines-workers-advocate-for-support-after-airline-abruptly-closes] * https://www.travelandleisure.com/airline-luggage-tag-scam-warning-11823359 [https://www.travelandleisure.com/airline-luggage-tag-scam-warning-11823359] * https://www.spiritrestructuring.com/resources/Spirit-Airlines-Begins-Orderly-Wind-Down-of-Operations.pdf [https://www.spiritrestructuring.com/resources/Spirit-Airlines-Begins-Orderly-Wind-Down-of-Operations.pdf] * https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-go-2026-11840319#toc-food-and-drinks [https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-go-2026-11840319#toc-food-and-drinks] Download our free guides! https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie [https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie] Connect with us and learn more: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_ [https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_] * Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/ [https://tastetoasttravel.com/] * Email: hello@tastetoasttravel.com * Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe [https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe] Leave us a voice note! https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel [https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel] Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop: https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel [https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel]

077. Málaga, Spain Travel Guide: Food, Culture & Hidden Gems Beyond the Beach with Cristina Reina

Drop us a line or voice note! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2419329/fan_mail/new] If Málaga is only on your radar for beaches or cruise stops… you’re missing the best part! In this episode, Tara sits down with Málaga-based travel guide creator and foodie Cristina Reina to explore a deeper, more flavorful side of southern Spain—one that most visitors completely overlook. From historic neighborhoods and over 40 museums to nearby white villages and vibrant cultural traditions, this episode is your guide to experiencing Málaga like a local, not just passing through. We also dive into what makes Spanish food culture so special (hint: it’s not just what you eat, it’s how you eat), plus exactly where to go for unforgettable bites, local wines, and authentic experiences away from the tourist crowds. In this episode, we cover: ✈️  Why Málaga deserves more than a quick stop, and how to plan a richer visit ✈️  The city’s incredible cultural scene, including its 40+ museums and historic landmarks ✈️  Easy day trips to Andalucía’s iconic white villages ✈️  How to experience Spanish tapas culture the right way ✈️  Where to eat in Málaga beyond the port ✈️  Must-try local dishes ✈️  A look into Málaga wines and seasonal treats like torrijas ✈️  Cultural events you can plan a trip around ✈️  How Spain’s relaxed dining culture compares to faster-paced eating habits in places like the UK Whether you’re planning a trip to southern Spain or just dreaming about your next destination, this conversation will give you a whole new perspective on Málaga. And, plenty of reasons to stay a little longer! Connect with Cristina: * https://mylittleworldoftravelling.com/ [https://mylittleworldoftravelling.com/] * https://www.instagram.com/mylittleworldoftravelling/ [https://www.instagram.com/mylittleworldoftravelling/] * https://www.facebook.com/mylittleworldoftravelling/ [https://www.facebook.com/mylittleworldoftravelling/] Download our free guides! https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie [https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie] Connect with us and learn more: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_ [https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_] * Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/ [https://tastetoasttravel.com/] * Email: hello@tastetoasttravel.com * Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe [https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe] Leave us a voice note! https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel [https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel] Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop: https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel [https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel]

076. A Taste of Rio de Janeiro: The Story Behind Brazil’s Most Iconic City

Drop us a line or voice note! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2419329/fan_mail/new] In this episode of our “A Taste Of” series, we’re heading to Rio de Janeiro! A city that feels just as layered as it is beautiful. From iconic beaches and vibrant culture to complex history and deep-rooted traditions, we’re diving into what truly makes Rio… Rio. We dig into: ✈️ We start with first impressions of Brazil and why Rio is often misunderstood ✈️ Unpack how the city got its name after Portuguese explorers mistook Guanabara Bay for a river ✈️ Rio’s early history, including Indigenous communities, colonization, and more ✈️ The surprising moment when Rio became the capital of the Portuguese Empire ✈️ The cultural heartbeat of the city... Samba! ✈️ A deeper look at Carnival ✈️ Rio’s contrasts—its beauty alongside inequality—and how favelas are an important and complex part of the city’s story ✈️ Rio’s global spotlight moments, including football culture and the 2016 Olympics ✈️ The food and drink scene, including classic dishes and iconic cocktails ✈️ Fun and lesser-known facts, from the story behind Christ the Redeemer to the reforested beauty of Tijuca National Park, and more Rio is a city of contrasts, culture, and constant reinvention. And in this episode, we’re sharing what it feels like to experience it beyond the surface! Download our free guides! https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie [https://tastetoasttravel.com/freebie] Connect with us and learn more: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_ [https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_] * Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/ [https://tastetoasttravel.com/] * Email: hello@tastetoasttravel.com * Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe [https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe] Leave us a voice note! https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel [https://www.speakpipe.com/TasteToastTravel] Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop: https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel [https://shopwinegirl.com/?ref=tastetoasttravel]