Go See Do Explore

Destination Spotlight: Austin, Texas
Ashleigh and Christopher dive into all the reasons why they love visiting Austin, Texas, from the music scene to the food trucks to outdoor spots like Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake.
Introducing Austin
The hosts reminisce about their first cheap flight to Austin in February 2020 and how they quickly fell in love with the city. They've returned many times since.
Top Attractions
Some of their favorite things to do in Austin include:
Texas State Capitol
Austin Public Library
South Congress area for shopping and murals
Yeti Flagship Store
LBJ Presidential Library
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool
Mount Bonnell hike
Lady Bird Lake for paddling
Bats under South Congress Bridge
The city is also a great home base for visiting the Texas Hill Country wineries, San Antonio, and other surrounding areas.
Live Music Scene
Christopher talks about Austin's famous live music venues, including Austin City Limits, 6th Street, Antone's, and his personal favorite Rainey Street historic district.
Food Trucks and Barbecue
Ashleigh highlights Austin's incredible food scene, from the barbecue joints like Terry Black's to the fusion flavors at Loro to the breakfast taco trucks all over town.
Tips for Visiting
Some of their tips for getting the most out of an Austin trip include looking at vacation rentals, relying on rideshares or scooter rentals for transportation, and sampling from the variety of restaurants through small plates and food tours.

Christopher's First Travel Memory
Chris's first real travel memory is a trip to the Smoky Mountains with his family when he was very young. This trip stood out because it was his dad's first paid vacation ever. His mom emphasized how special it was, which opened up his love of travel and realizing how special it can be. He also remembers his mom making him practice walking a lot for the hiking they would do. This instilled a lifelong love of walking in Chris.
Christopher's First Backpacking Trip
Christopher chooses a week-long backpacking trip in the Porcupine Mountains in 2002 to represent his early travels. This was his first multi-day "in the woods" experience of hiking and camping. It led to many similar trips and defined his main travel style in his late teens and twenties. He remembers how remote and rugged it was, having to carry everything and cook all your own food. The park is beautiful and started his love of travel via hiking and camping.
Ashleigh's First Trip To Europe
In high school, Ashleigh went on a summer exchange program and visited four countries and six cities in Europe over three weeks. This showed her she loves traveling to multiple places and not just sitting in one spot. After the trip, a host family asked if she'd come back to Europe soon. She said she wanted to see more of the U.S. first, naming places like the Grand Canyon and California she hoped to visit. This inspired her to see more of America before going back overseas.
Maine Inspires a Career Change
On a 2019 trip to Maine, Christopher had a pivotal moment while hiking alone on the coast as the rain poured down. He realized he was unhappy with his career and wanted more freedom and flexibility. This travel moment sparked major career changes just two years later, proving to Christopher the clarity travel can provide. He wishes to return to Maine  to complete the full circle.
Finger Lakes Wine Adventure
Ashleigh shares a late 2019 trip to the Finger Lakes region of New York. They visited wineries, bought a lot of wine, and really got into learning about small production, boutique wines. After COVID hit, those same wineries they discovered started offering great deals. Wine became a bigger part of their life and travels after this trip.
Yellowstone National Park Workcation
In 2021, Ashleigh and Christopher took their first "workcation" with an extended 3-week trip. A highlight was managing to get a room at the famous Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone with just a couple weeks notice. Being able to watch the sunset and Old Faithful erupt right from their balcony was a memorable moment only possible because Christopher could work remotely.
Christopher's Clarity in Naples
On a summer 2022 trip to Italy, Christopher had a pivotal moment while looking out over Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Despite stresses earlier that week, taking in the incredible view gave him perspective that his problems were small in the grand scheme of things. This Neapolitan clarity has stuck with him through challenges since and reminds him what's important.
Ashleigh's Return to Europe
For her last pick, Ashleigh chooses their 2023 transatlantic cruise because it represented a return to Europe after many years. She loved getting back to the continent in such an unusual way - by cruise ship! It was an amazing three weeks at sea and exploring Portugal, showing Ashleigh's love of non-traditional travel.
The Wine Break
Christopher and Ashleigh enjoy a glass of white port from Vieira de Sousa winery which they visited on their trip to Portugal. They reminisce about the floral flavors and woman-owned winery. While slightly oxidized after a year, the balanced sweetness still shines through.

October 2024 Travel News
In this episode, Ashleigh and Christopher discuss the latest travel news for October 2024:
Airline News:
Book Holiday Flights By October 14
Spirit Airlines May File For Bankruptcy
NTSB Concerned About Boeing 737 Part
FAA Ends Increased Oversight of United Airlines
Southwest Airlines Will Start Assigned Seating in 2025
SAS Flight Diverted after Mouse Found in Meal
JetBlue is Opening First Airport Lounges
Cabin Pressure Issue on Delta Flight
Passenger Has to pay $11,000 for Diverting Flight
Cruise News
Salmonella Outbreak on Royal Caribbean Cruise
World Cruise Finally Departs After Months Delayed
U.S. Travel News
Trails in Glacier National Park Closed due to bear Activity 
Amtrak Floridian Begins service in November 
Hurricane Helene Devastates Asheville 
Biltmore Estate Suffers Damange after Hurriane 
Southern End of Appalachian Trail Damaged by Helene 
US Passport Wait Times Are 2 Weeks Shorter
Global Travel News
Uber Launches Safari Experience in South Africa
Eurostar Joins Skyteam Alliance
Flooding in Northern Thailand Threatens Elephant Population 
Wine Break
Chris and Ashleigh try Zacharias Merlot, a balanced Greek red wine with nice fruit flavors.

Favorite Travel Content
Christopher and Ashleigh share some of their favorite travel YouTube channels, podcasts, and blogs that help fuel their wanderlust.
YouTube Channels
Paddle TV - Hosted by whitewater kayaker Ken Whiting, this channel features gear reviews as well as video series of his kayaking trips that inspire Christopher and Ashleigh's interest in outdoor adventures.
Tips for Travellers - Primarily focused on cruise reviews and content. Ashleigh has followed this UK-based channel for a long time.
Downie Live - Host Michael Downie showcases interesting destinations and transportation options. His Amtrak and Via Rail trip videos originally caught Christopher's attention.
Noel Phillips - This aviation-focused channel follows host Noel Phillips on flights around the world. It gives a unique look into different airlines and airports.
Spain Revealed - New Zealander James Blick lives in Spain and shares travel tips and insights about Spanish culture that Christopher enjoys.
Podcasts
RV Miles - A great source for road trip inspiration, they share details on destinations like national parks, cities, and campgrounds from their RV travels.
Cruise Radio - The top podcast for cruise reviews and news. Hosted by Doug Parker, it's essential listening for planning a cruise.
Spanish Loops - Two Spanish tour guides dive into topics about Spanish history, culture, and tourism. Christopher likes their unique perspectives.
WDW Radio - A must for Disney trip planning, Lou Mongello interviews Disney insiders and has extensive park knowledge.
Travel with Rick Steves - While Europe focused, Rick's public radio show also features world travel. Good for finding episodes on your destinations.
Blogs
Fresh Off the Grid - Creative camping cooking with recipes from a variety of cuisines and camping setups. Christopher and Ashleigh have used their pad thai and chilaquiles recipes.
Disney Food Blog - The experts on all things dining at Disney parks. Helpful for planning meals.
Disney Tourist Blog - Tom Bricker's site covers news, tips, and trip reports about everything Disney.
Royal Caribbean Blog - Created by cruise expert Matt Hotchberg, it's a wealth of info for planning a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Cruise Maven - Sherry Laskin writes about various cruise lines and destinations if you're planning a cruise.
Break The Travel Barrier - Russell Hannon shares cheap travel tips so you can explore the world on any budget.

Fall Colors
In this episode of Go See Do Explore, Ashleigh and Christopher discuss the best places in the U.S. to see fall foliage according to a USA Today poll. They also share details about their annual Labor Day tradition of walking across the Mackinac Bridge and visiting Mackinac Island.
USA Today's Top 10 Fall Foliage Destinations
Ashleigh reads through the top 10 fall foliage spots according to USA Today readers. Christopher makes predictions about the types of places that will make the list before hearing each one. Locations include:
The Adirondacks, NY
The Berkshires, MA
Finger Lakes, NY
The White Mountains, NH
Hocking Hills, OH
Blue Ridge Mountains, GA
Hot Springs, AR
Laurel Highlands, PA
Upper Peninsula, MI
They discuss places they've visited on the list and others they still hope to see someday. Christopher accurately predicts that most spots will be within driving distance of major cities and feature elevation changes.
Wine Break
Christopher and Ashleigh sample a Pinot Grigio Rosé from Paso Robles, CA. They discuss the unique winemaking techniques used and how carbonic maceration gives the wine an interesting flavor profile.
Mackinac Bridge Walk & Mackinac Island Visit
Every Labor Day, Christopher and Ashleigh walk across the entire Mackinac Bridge from St. Ignace to Mackinaw City. The bridge connects Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas. After reaching the other side, they take a ferry to Mackinac Island where they explore by carriage and bike before grabbing lunch at The Pink Pony restaurant.
They share details about the 5-mile bridge walk, including how the experience and logistics have changed over the years. Riding a rented horse-drawn carriage around the island is a fun alternative to biking its 8-mile perimeter. They look forward to this annual tradition and recommend visiting during Labor Day weekend if possible.

Ep 26: Our Favorite Wineries
 
In this week's episode, Ashleigh and Christopher share their top 10 favorite wineries they've visited in the US. They each highlight wineries across the country that stood out for their wine, views, experiences and more. It's a fun episode for oenophiles and travel lovers alike.
Favorite Picks
Some of the wineries that made their lists include:
Two Lads (Old Mission Peninsula, MI)
Dr. Frank (Finger Lakes, NY)
Gundlach Bundschu (Sonoma, CA)
Atwater (Finger Lakes, NY)
Chateau Grand Traverse (Old Mission Peninsula, MI)
Newsom (Comfort, Texas)
Bonobo (Old Mission Peninsula, MI)
Mawby (Leelanau Peninsula, MI)
Kuhlman (Texas Hill Country)
Rove (Leelanau Peninsula, MI)
Hickory Creek (Traverse City, MI)
Hawthorne (Old Mission Peninsula, MI)
Wine Break
For this week's wine break, Ashleigh and Christopher sample a 2019 Grenache Mourvedre from Lewis Wines in Texas. They describe it as "pretty sharp" and say it still has nice acidity despite being a 5-year old wine.
Weekend Trip Recap
Ashleigh and Christopher close out the show recapping their Labor Day weekend camping trip. Highlights include:
Kayaking at Pretty Lakes near Newberry, MI
Eating at Leggs Inn in Cross Village, MI
Visiting Thunder Bay Winery and Resort Pike Winery & Cidery in Petoskey
Stopping at Kilwins Chocolate Shop
Stay tuned for next week's episode where they recap what they did on Labor Day itself.

Travel News: September 2024
In this episode, Ashleigh and Christopher dive into the latest travel news and updates from September 2024, including a record-setting year for US tourism, probes into airline rewards programs, hotel worker strikes, and more.
US Travel Market Tops $2 Trillion
The US set a new record as the world's biggest travel and tourism market in 2023, totaling $2.36 trillion - 82% higher than China in second place. While many Americans travel abroad, domestic tourism remains incredibly strong.
Federal Probe into Airline Rewards Programs
There is increasing scrutiny on airline rewards programs and their impact on consumer prices. Christopher explains how credit card incentives raise costs for everyone.
Hotel Workers Strike
Thousands of hotel workers across Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott hotels are on strike demanding better wages and workload reductions after pandemic cuts. The complex franchise model allows chains to avoid labor disputes.
Alaska and Hawaii Airlines Merger
The DOJ is allowing the merger between Alaska and Hawaii airlines to proceed due to minimal route overlap. The airlines will have a combined 140 destinations.
JetBlue Adds Free Carry-On
JetBlue now includes a free carry-on bag on all flights, differentiating from ultra low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier.
Havasu Falls Closed Indefinitely
The iconic Havasu Falls on the Havasupai Reservation is closed after a devastating flash flood. Nearby Grand Canyon National Park lodging is also affected by a water main break.
Wine Break: South Africa
Christopher tries a Pinotage from South Africa, a grape that is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. He describes the fruity, cherry flavors and the controversy around growing this grape.
SAS Airline Exits Bankruptcy
Scandinavian airline SAS has exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy with help from Air France/KLM taking a 19.9% stake. SAS has a goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
Paris Keeps Olympic Rings on Eiffel Tower
The mayor of Paris wants to keep the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower until 2028, despite controversy from Gustave Eiffel's descendants and others.
Rome Considers Trevi Fountain Entry Fee
To combat overtourism, Rome is considering a 1-2 euro fee to visit the iconic Trevi Fountain. This could help limit crowds and raise funds for maintenance.
Peter Paul Rubens House Reopening
The home and studio of Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens in Antwerp, Belgium is partially reopening after renovations. The core of the Baroque palace will remain closed until at least 2030.
3.5 Year Cruise Delayed Indefinitely
An epic 3.5 year around-the-world cruise voyage has yet to depart after being scheduled to set sail in May 2024. Passengers await updates in Belfast.
New Zealand Tripling Tourism Fee
To ensure tourists contribute more to infrastructure and conservation, New Zealand is tripling its visitor fee from $35 to $100 NZD beginning October 1st.
Demand for All-Inclusive Resorts Decreases
After years of growth, demand for all-inclusive resort vacations is on the decline. Travelers may be seeking more cultural experiences.
Let us know if you enjoyed this travel news format!

How We Plan a Trip
Ashleigh and Christopher walk through their process for planning vacations, from deciding on destinations to booking flights and hotels.
Choosing Destinations
They keep a running list of places they'd like to visit and remain flexible, considering multiple options based on deals, weather, and what's going on in different locations at different times of year.
Searching Flights and Lodging
They start searching early to get a sense of prices and routes but don't book right away. For lodging, they look for something convenient and comfortable without overspending.
Evaluating Cost and Value
They consider the full cost of flights, lodging, activities, and food to determine if a trip makes sense for that time period compared to other options.
Booking Flights First
They typically book flights first since prices fluctuate. For lodging, they may book refundable reservations early to lock in options.
Buy Travel Insurance
They recommend once you make your first non-refundable booking, be sure to buy travel insurance in case anything comes up. If you travel more than twice a year, an annual policy could save you money.
Staying Flexible
They aim to stay flexible as long as possible before committing to nonrefundable plans to take advantage of price drops or new opportunities.
Wine Break
They sample an Oak-aged Marsanne white wine from Domain Berrien winery in Michigan, impressed by the light, fruity flavor combined with oaky vanilla notes.
Visiting Michigan Central Station
They share their awe at seeing the restored Michigan Central Station in Detroit after 30 years of abandonment. Ford took great care to accurately recreate original details. They recommend visiting this impressive revival of an iconic building if traveling through Detroit.

Ep 23: Our Favorite Travel Shows
Ashleigh and Christopher discuss some of their favorite travel television shows and what they like about each one. They talk about shows like Somebody Feed Phil, Men in Kilts, Expedition Unknown, and others.
Introducing the Episode
Ashleigh and Christopher introduce the podcast and say they will be talking about travel TV shows that inspire them.
Favorite Shows
Some of their favorites include:
Samantha Brown's Places to Love - Quirky show on PBS where Samantha Brown travels the world. She owns all the content herself.
Travel Man with Richard Ayoade - Funny show where Richard travels to European destinations for quick weekend trips.
Expedition Unknown with Josh Gates - Josh travels the world investigating mysteries and legends. Very adventurous.
Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico - Eva Longoria traces her roots and spotlights Mexican food and culture.
They mention several other shows including Men in Kilts, Somebody Feed Phil, and more. Each has its own unique perspective on travel.
Wine Break
Ashleigh and Christopher taste a wine from Mt. Vesuvius during their wine break segment.
More Favorite Shows
Additional shows they discuss include:
Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father - Jack travels with his elderly father, leading to funny misadventures.
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted - Ramsay travels the world exploring foods and cultures.
Rick Steves' Europe - Comprehensive guides to European cities and history.
They emphasize that there are many great travel shows out there across streaming platforms.
Visiting West Michigan
Ashleigh and Christopher close out the episode by recapping their recent trip to West Michigan. They discuss staying in Ludington, visiting some distilleries and restaurants, and taking a ride over the sand dunes..

Avoiding Crowds While Traveling
Summary:
This episode of the travel podcast Go See Do Explore provides tips for avoiding crowds and still seeing the top sights when visiting popular tourist destinations. Ashleigh and Christopher share strategies like traveling off-peak, booking advance tickets, and exploring alternative sites.
Intro
Ashleigh and Christopher introduce themselves and the podcast's goal of providing travel inspiration and hidden gems.
Avoid Peak Times
Key tips:
Travel off-season when possible - avoid summer and major holidays
Visit during weekdays instead of busy weekends
Arrive early, take a midday break, and stay late to avoid peak crowds
Research and Planning
Strategies to beat the crowds:
Check destination's festival and cruise ship schedules to avoid extra crowds
Consult guidebooks for expert tips on avoiding crowds
Stay in less touristy neighborhoods
Buy tickets for major sights online in advance
Getting Around
Making transportation easy:
Use TSA PreCheck and Mobile Passport to speed airport lines
Pack light to avoid checked bag lines
Consider alternatives to busy public transit during peak times
Wine Break
Ashleigh and Christopher review a bubbly Michigan rosé wine from Fenn Valley Vineyards.
Visiting Sitka, Alaska
The hosts recommend three sights in Sitka:
Fortress of the Bear rescue center
Alaska Raptor Center rehabilitation facility
Sitka National Historical Park with its totem poles
Closing
Ashleigh and Christopher sign off and remind listeners to leave reviews.