Wander Every Day: Real Talk, Real Trips

Episode 13: From the Bernina Express to Lake Como (+ a quick Ischia and Naples review) with Day

Season 2 of Wander Every Day kicks off with a personal trip recap as I take you along on Nick and I’s September journey through Switzerland and Italy, a perfect mix of smooth logistics, unforgettable scenery, and seriously good food. We start in the sky, reviewing our business class flights from Toronto to Montréal with Air Canada, then onward to Zurich with Swiss Air. From there, I share highlights from a day exploring Zurich, followed by an unexpectedly magical evening in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town, where we enjoyed some of the best food and drinks of the entire trip. Next up is one of Europe’s most iconic train journeys: the Bernina Express. I break down what makes this route so special, what to expect onboard, and whether it lives up to the hype. From the Alps, we head south to Lake Como, spending a weekend in Vezio just outside Varenna, soaking up lake views, charming villages, and slow Italian mornings. The journey continues with a high-speed train to Naples, followed by a dreamy escape to Ischia. I talk seafood-filled meals, the island’s relaxed pace of life, and a deep dive into the Poseidon Thermal Gardens. We wrap up the trip back in Naples, staying in the Spanish Quarter, eating plenty of pizza, and exploring the city with the help of a Rick Steves free audio walking tour. This episode is packed with practical tips, honest reflections, and inspiration for combining Switzerland and Italy into one unforgettable itinerary. It’s the perfect way to kick off Season 2 of Wander Every Day! 🎧 Let’s wander. Timestamp: 0:00 Intro: What I’ve Been Up Too + Season 1 Stats!! 7:36 Business Class Experience: Toronto Pearson Airport, Maple Leaf Lounge vs Air Canada Café, Swiss Business Class + the Business Arrivals Lounge in Zurich 14:22 Zurich: Day-Trip Logistics, the Aqueduct Market + Frau Gerolds Garden 18:55 The Bernina Express: Highly Recommended Food and Drink in Chur, Info for Booking + Expectations 28:11 Lake Como: Train Accessibility, Accomodation Options + Varenna and Bellagio Food Recs  35:42 Trains: Possible Delays, Milano Centrale Station + High Speed Overview 39:23 Ischia: Seafood Galour, Taking the Bus, Ischia Porto Fest + Poseidon Thermal Gardens 46:06 Naples: Best accommodation of the trip, Popular Pizza Spots, Travel Mishaps + Rick Steve’s Free Audio Tours 51:20 Final Recommendations: Weather variations, eSims + the Strong Suggestion to Travel Deeper

Episode 12: Tastes of Italy Part 2 - The Sparkle of Florence + the Food Scene of Rome with Al

In the second half of my conversation with Al, we dive into two of Italy’s most iconic cities: Florence and Rome. From cozy agriturismos in the Tuscan countryside to sipping wine at charming Roman bars, this episode is a foodie and culture lover’s dream. In Florence, we talk Air bnbs, sandwiches from All’Antico Vinaio, coffee culture across Italy, exploring the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, and whether Florence has lost a bit of its sparkle under the weight of tourism. In Rome, it’s all about the food and atmosphere: we break down the four classic Roman pastas, debate Roman vs Neapolitan pizza, and talk about what it’s like to explore the Colosseum during the Ryder Cup crowds. Plus, wine bar recommendations, aperitivo culture, and plenty of travel tips for making the most of these vibrant cities. Whether you’re dreaming of your first Italian adventure or planning a return to soak in more pasta, pizza, and history—this episode will give you insider tips and inspiration to experience Florence and Rome like a local. 🎧 Let’s wander. Timestamp: 2:03 Florence: Air B&B, Al Antico Vinaio Sandwiches, Utilitarian Coffee, Uffizi Gallery, Agriturismos + Has Florence Lost its Sparkle? 11:01 Rome: The Ryder Cup, the Four Pastas of Rome, Neapolitan Pizza vs Roman Pizza, Wine Bar Recommendations, Apperitvo Culture, Colosseum Tour + Pre-planning Attractions 25:37 Reflections on Italy Trip and Recommendations 29:36 This or That: Bella Italia Edition 30:34 Listener Questions: Is Rome Overhyped + Best Restaurants in Italy

Episode 11: Tastes of Italy Part 1 - Ischia by Boat + Naples by Bite with Al

In this episode of Wander Every Day, my friend Al joins me to dive into the first half of her Italian adventure – exploring the island charm of Ischia and the bustling streets of Naples. 🌊 Ischia: We chat about staying in Ischia Porto, sipping rucolino, taking a boat tour to see La Mano di Dio and the Green Grotto, riding the island bus, soaking in thermal bath parks, and of course trying the island specialty, coniglio all’ischiatana. Plus, we compare Ischia to nearby Capri and the Amalfi Coast – is it the hidden gem worth choosing? 🍕 Naples: From exploring the Catacombs of San Gennaro to diving deep into Naples’ legendary pizza scene, we review Michelin-recognized favourites like L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, Gino e Toto Sorbillo, Pizzeria Vincenzo Capuano and Pepe in Grani. We also share a wine-filled stop at Vineria Bandita and chat about Naples’ complicated reputation. ✈️ Italy Travel Tips: We round out the episode with practical advice – from avoiding pickpockets, to navigating Italy’s mix of trains, ferries, and metros, to cost expectations and the best times of year to visit. If you’ve ever wondered whether to put Ischia or Naples on your Italy itinerary (or if you’re just here for the pizza talk), this episode is packed with insight. 🎧 It’s time to experience la dolce vita! Timestamp: 2:47 Introduction to Al: Frequenter of Italy, Lover of Pizza and Wine + Discovering Italy without a Car 12:56 Travel Tips: Planning in Advance, Accommodation Accessibility, Avoid August Travel? + General Review of our Budgets and Cost 25:07 Arrival in Italy, Beware of Pickpockets + Every Mode of Transport in Italy 31:53 Ischia: Getting Around the Island with the Bus, Boat Trip Around the Island, Coniglio all'ischiatana, Rucolino Amaro, Thermal Baths + Comparison to Amalfi and Capri 51:37 Naples: The Grit, Character and Authenticity, the Pizza Journey, the Catacombs of San Genaro and San Genaro Day, and using the Michelin Guide while Traveling (it’s not always super expensive!)

Episode 10: Lisbon Food and Winter Travel with Emily

In this deliciously travel-filled episode of Wander Every Day, I sit down with my friend Emily — culinary school graduate, owner of @ems_treats, and mom of two — to hear all about her 10-day winter adventure in Lisbon, Portugal. Emily, her husband Kyle, daughters Spencer (3) and McKenna (8 months), her mom, and her sister stayed in a cozy Airbnb and explored Lisbon’s charm one cobblestoned hill at a time.  From day trips to the stunning Botanical Gardens, seaside Cascais, and the magical castles of Sintra, to soaking up the culture at LX Factory and Time Out Market, they made the most of their family getaway. Of course, no trip with Emily is complete without a food quest — and this time, it was all about pasteis de nata. Hear how she tried 30 different custard tarts to find the ultimate winner, plus her thoughts on the city’s fresh fish, potatoes, and mouthwatering restaurants. You’ll also get tips for tackling Lisbon’s famously steep, cobblestone streets with little ones. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Lisbon, especially with kids, or simply want the inside scoop from a foodie’s perspective, this episode is packed with inspiration, travel tips, and (of course) plenty of pastry talk. 🎧 Listen now and get ready to fall in love with Portugal! Timestamp: 0:00 Introduction to Emily and Wander Every Day 3:30 Camping in New Zealand: Bringing Tents, Unpredicted Rain + Wild Animals of the Region 6:54 Pasteis de Nata with a Culinary School Grad, Emily’s Travel Tips and Style + Shareable Google Maps Map 18:06 Day 1: Down Down with Illness + Air B&B 24:35 Day 2: the Best Cafe in Lisbon (spoiler - it’s vegan!), Botanical Gardens + Beautiful Dinner in Lisbon 30:04 Day 3: Beach in Cascais + Best Gelato in Lisbon 33:31 Day 4: Castle Sao Jorge, the Real Facts about Pasteis di Nata + SOL Restaurant (10/10!) 37:26 Day 5: Timeout Market, Pasteis de Belem + Hilly, Hilly Lisbon 45:47 Day 6: Sintra, Castles like Hogwarts + Quinta da Regaleira 50:12 Day 7-10: Wandering the Cobblestone Streets, LX Factory + Baixa 56:38 Trip Reflections 1:00:38 Rapid Fire 1:03:41 Listener Questions: Balancing Sight-seeing + Parenting, Lisbon Stroller Accessible + Public Transportation Links: Lisbon Sharable Google Map Locations [https://maps.app.goo.gl/DNPaJA4bjcvWZHRHA] Lisbon Air B&B [https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/709435715553118635?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76&source_impression_id=p3_1754963684_P3nrxPKmnPW2OeN6] Recommended Restaurants: Javá, SOL Restaurante e Jardim Best Café: Gal Café (Vegan Cafe) Best Gelato: Insano Gelato Best Pasteis di Nata: Aloma

Episode 9: Aeroplan and Membership Rewards Optimization with Day

In this solo episode of Wander Every Day, we’re diving into the art of using Aeroplan points and Membership Rewards to make travel more affordable—and sometimes downright luxurious. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your strategy, this episode breaks down the essentials of both collecting and redeeming points in Canada. We cover: ✈️ What your Aeroplan points are actually worth 💳 How to collect more points through sign-up bonuses, strategic credit card spending, and bonus offers 📊 How to optimize redemptions using the Aeroplan Flight Reward Chart, understanding dynamic pricing, and calculating cost-per-point (CPP) 🧠 Tools & experts to help you maximize value—like Roame, Ricky Zhang from Prince of Travel, and Canadian Jetsetters From roundtrip economy to dream-worthy business class flights, this episode is packed with practical advice, real examples, and personal wins that prove points can take you further than you think—if you use them wisely. Links: American Express Cobalt Card Referral Link [https://americanexpress.com/en-ca/referral/cobalt?ref=dAYTOGhSUb&XLINK=MYCP] Aeroplan Flight Rewards Chart [https://www.aircanada.com/content/dam/aircanada/loyalty-content/documents/flight-rewards-chart-en.pdf] Prince of Travel Aeroplan [https://princeoftravel.com/points-programs/aeroplan/] Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to Point Collection and Redemption 8:03 Optimizing Point Collection: Sign-up Bonuses with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card 11:32 Optimizing Point Collection: Day-to-day Spending with the Amex Cobalt Card 13:05 Optimizing Point Collection: Bonus Offers and Promotions 12:49 Optimizing Redeeming Points: Star Alliance Price Chart 14:04 Optimizing Redeeming Points: Dynamic Pricing 15:28 Optimizing Redeeming Points:Cost-per-point Ratios 17:37 Closing Tips: Roame, Ricky Zhang + Other Resources