Sunshine Travelers Podcast

Episode 154 - How We're Balancing Big Travel Dreams With Real Life in 2026

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on how we’re thinking about travel in 2026. Not dates. Not spreadsheets. But mindset. We talk honestly about the tension so many travelers feel.  Do you slow down and stay longer in one place… or do you keep exploring and saying yes to new destinations? For us, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where slow travel, cruising, meaningful return trips, and big bucket-list dreams all collide—while still balancing real jobs, responsibilities, and everyday life. WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:  * Why we’re asking how we want to travel—not just where  * The ongoing pull between slow, immersive travel and cruise-style exploration * Why Antarctica has been on our bucket list long before the podcast ever existed * How our upcoming Antarctica group trip came together—and why bringing listeners along mattered * Spending time in Buenos Aires before Antarctica with a private guide, tango, and steak * Returning to Kenya for a Habitat for Humanity build near Laikipia—and why travel with impact matters to us * The reality of balancing a corporate job, content creation, finances, and big dreams * Why “just say yes” isn’t always simple—and why that’s okay * Our growing wish list for 2026. This episode isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about acknowledging the push and pull between aspiration and reality—and realizing that you’re not behind if you’re still figuring it out. We’d love to hear from you: * What’s on your bucket list right now? * What keeps getting pushed off? * Where are you struggling to find balance? Email us at info@sunshinetravelers.com [info@sunshinetravelers.com] and let us know! Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  [https://coff.ee/sunshinetravelerspodcast] ☕️ More Resources & Links  Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/disclosure-and-disclaimer]. *  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 153 - What We Learned Through Travel in 2025: Key Experiences, Lessons, and What’s Next

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re stepping back from individual destinations to reflect on how we traveled this year, and how that is starting to shift everything for us. From revisiting familiar places in new ways to discovering hidden regions, connecting deeply with locals, and saying yes to moments we almost skipped, this episode is about travel moments and experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends. Instead of chasing checklists, we focused on connection, curiosity, and slowing down, and those choices led to some of our most meaningful travel moments yet. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/disclosure-and-disclaimer]. Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  [https://coff.ee/sunshinetravelerspodcast] ☕️ WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:  How we Revisited Familiar Places but Differently * Alaska: Experiencing it by cruise after a previous road trip, flying over glaciers, landing at a remote lodge, and enjoying unrushed family time * London: Staying at a bucket-list hotel, exploring new neighborhoods, using a city pass to try experiences we’d never done before, and learning to say yes to spontaneity * Berlin & Hong Kong: Seeing cities through the lens of major political change—and how perspective shifts over time  How we Connected Through Food & Locals * A sangria-making class in Barcelona that completely changed what we thought sangria was * Why booking small-group tours—and inviting guides to eat with you—can unlock the most authentic experiences * Unforgettable food moments in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Ireland, where meals became conversations, cultural lessons, and memories  New Regions & Hidden Gems * Iceland stopover: Northern Lights, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and letting the landscape—not the clock—set the pace * Northern Ireland & Donegal: Slowing down, renting a car, and discovering areas that surprised us the most * Why going beyond the “must-see” list often delivers the richest travel experiences New Ways of Traveling * Walking through Umbria, Italy, town to town—luggage transported, senses fully engaged * Why walking (and cycling) travel changed how we connect with landscapes and people * Two very different cruises that reshaped how we think about cruise travel  Lessons That Changed How We Travel * Book tours with locals (smaller is better) * Learn culture through food * Be willing to miss something in order to go deeper * Remember: destinations aren’t designed to make you comfortable—they’re home to someone else  Moments We Almost Missed, but Didn’t * Whale watching in Eden, Australia * Extending an Alaska trip to Denali * Saying yes to Ireland at the last minute * Volunteering abroad—and how it reshaped future travel plans  2025 Milestones & Looking Ahead to 2026 * Reaching 6 out of 7 continents (with the final one coming soon!) * Counting countries—and debating what “counts.” * Why we’ve barely scratched the surface * What’s coming in 2026: Antarctica, safari, and more  OUR TAKEAWAYS FROM 2025  What mattered most this year wasn’t how far we went or how many places we saw; it was how intentional we became. The shared meals, quiet moments, and unplanned detours reminded us why we travel in the first place. As we head into 2026, our mission remains the same: to help you travel more and better.  STAY CONNECTED WITH US Have questions or thoughts, or need help planning your next trip? 📧 Email us: * Scott@sunshinetravelers.com [Scott@sunshinetravelers.com] or Melissa@sunshinetravelers.com [Melissa@sunshinetravelers.com] *  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/] * ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review—it helps more travelers find the show! *   [https://youtube.com/]Read more about these 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   ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review—it helps more travelers find the show!

Episode 152 - Best Food Tour in Penang, Malaysia (with Culture stops)

Join us as we explore the heart of Penang, Malaysia, where food is more than just a meal—it's a cultural inheritance. With the guidance of a local expert, Poh, we visited vibrant hawker stalls and tasted traditional dishes like char kway teow and Hokkien Mee. This journey revealed the challenges faced by aging hawkers and the importance of preserving these culinary traditions. Beyond the food, we discovered Penang's rich cultural heritage, from feng shui practices to the serene Taoist temples, offering a deeper understanding of the local way of life.  Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/disclosure-and-disclaimer]. Link to Book THIS Food Tour!  [https://viator.tp.st/6cnUiwlz] Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  [https://coff.ee/sunshinetravelerspodcast] ☕️ * 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 151 - Visiting Kuala Lumpur: What to See, Eat & Experience on Your First Trip to KL

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/disclosure-and-disclaimer]. Here's the link to the exact tour we booked. [https://www.viator.com/tours/Kuala-Lumpur/Private-Tour-Kuala-Lumpur-with-Petronas-Twin-Towers-Observation-Desk-and-Batu-Caves/d335-20961P15?pid=P00237338&uid=U00632111&mcid=58086¤cy=USD] It included the entrance to the Petronas Twin Towers.  What We Cover in This Episode In this episode, we share with you our  journey through Kuala Lumpur, exploring its rich culture, historical landmarks, and delicious cuisine. Guided by a local, Nish, we delve into the city's history, visit significant sites like the National Mosque and Petronas Twin Towers, and enjoy authentic Malaysian dishes. Their experience highlights the importance of understanding a city through the eyes of its residents, making for an unforgettable adventure. 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 150 - Lombok Cruise Port Guide: The Perfect Day Trip to Waterfalls & the Gili Islands

Our first stop in Asia was nothing short of unforgettable. In this episode, we take you with us to Lombok, Indonesia—just east of Bali—where we spent one of the most meaningful travel days of our lives. From learning traditional weaving techniques in a quiet village to riding motorbikes through a rainforest (crutches and all), and snorkeling with clownfish off the Gili Islands, this day was packed with adventure, connection, and soul. It was the kind of day that reminded us exactly why we travel—and why Indonesia is so much more than Bali. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/disclosure-and-disclaimer]. Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee  [https://coff.ee/sunshinetravelerspodcast] ☕️ Book the Private Tour we did in Lombok with Andy Lombok Driver  [https://viator.tp.st/Ur64YIjF] OTHER RELATED EPISODES YOU'LL LOVE: Episode 140 - Lombok, Indonesia: What Bali Was Like Before the Crowds [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/podcasts/sunshine-travelers-podcast/episodes/2149098332] Episode 142 - Discovering Malaysia: Insider Tips on Kuala Lumpur and Penang with Colin + Meg [https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/podcasts/sunshine-travelers-podcast/episodes/2149099935] WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE: * What it felt like stepping onto Asian soil for the first time  * How we planned a private, authentic tour in Lombok (and why we skipped the cruise excursion) * Getting strapped into a loom and weaving with the women of a local village  * The wild motorbike ride that left us breathless and laughing in disbelief  * Scott’s heartwarming chat with locals using Google Translate  * Hiking (and not hiking) to the stunning Kelambu Waterfalls  * The moment we climbed onto the roof of a traditional jukung boat  * Snorkeling off the Gili Islands with thousands of fish—and unexpected clownfish  * The GoPro deal of a lifetime (complete with a private underwater photographer!)  * Why our lunch of nasi goreng and homemade sambal was worth the trip alone  * Dodging a missed cruise departure—and what to know if you’re booking excursions on your own * How Indonesia welcomed us in ways we never expected—and why we can’t wait to return  DESTINATIONS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: * Lombok, Indonesia  * Kelambu Waterfalls  * Gili Islands  * Traditional Weaving Village in Lombok  * Local beachside warung (restaurant) HELPFUL LINKS AND TRAVEL RESOURCES  *  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