Go See Do Explore

A Year of Going Deeper: Our 2025 Travel Recap
In this end-of-year episode, we sit down to recap our 2025 travels — not as a highlight reel, but as a reflection on how we travel, why our preferences are changing, and what we’re carrying forward into the next year.
Trips & Places We Cover
Puerto Rico (New Year’s) — navigating island infrastructure realities and adapting plans on the fly
Chicago — the Travel & Adventure Show, favorite neighborhoods, and standout food
Mexico City — private guiding, home cooking, and a trip that permanently raised our expectations
Traverse City, Michigan — spring camping, fall wine country, and a destination Thanksgiving
Watkins Glen & the Finger Lakes — camping, hiking, and cool-climate wine
New Orleans — one of the best food cities in the world
Summer Camping Road Trip (3 weeks)
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Algonquin Provincial Park
Montreal
Acadia National Park
Connecticut & Rhode Island
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Michigan Favorites — Ludington State Park, the Straits, Fayette, and Detroit day trips
Big Themes From the Year
Why private and small-format experiences consistently outperform big group tours
How long weekends can deliver outsized value with less burnout
The tradeoffs of camper travel — and when it shines vs. when it’s hard
Food as a decision-maker: Mexico City and New Orleans set the bar
Returning to places at different life moments — and why that matters
Learning to travel well without always flying far
Food, Wine & Local Highlights
Michigan wine discoveries and joining another wine club
Standout meals in Mexico City and New Orleans
Unexpected gems in Detroit’s food scene
Cooking Thanksgiving away from home — and why we’d do it again
What This Episode Is Really About
This isn’t just a recap of where we went — it’s about how our travel philosophy continues to shift:
Less checklist travel
More flexibility and context
Fewer crowds, better conversations
Trips that fit real life, not the other way around
As we look ahead to 2026, we talk about what we miss, what we don’t, and why traveling thoughtfully continues to matter more than ever.

December 2025 Travel News
Christopher and Ashleigh guide you through December’s most practical travel updates, from shifting airline routes to festive European destinations, with their trademark blend of honest insight and flexible planning tips.
 
FAA launched $32.5 Billion overhaul of US Air Traffic Control systems
Ryanair cutting 1 million seats in 2026
AerLingus launching Dublin to Pittsburgh flights in 2026
The American Express Centurion Lounge tops JD Power’s 2025 airport lounge rankings—worth considering for your next layover
Don’t forget the Real ID fee hike for US domestic travelers in 2026
This episode’s wine break skips the glass and instead offers practical gift-giving tips. Christopher and Ashleigh suggest picking wines adjacent to the recipient’s favorites (think French Chardonnay for an American Chardonnay fan) and recommend seeking advice from knowledgeable staff at local wine shops or large retailers like Total Wine. If you’re unsure of someone’s preferences, a little insight into whether they enjoy drier or sweeter wines can go a long way.
Kauai bans disposable body boards, aiming to reduce plastic waste
CDC issues a chikungunya virus alert for multiple international destinations
UK hotel stays to get pricier with new nightly tourism taxes
UNESCO spotlights the communal spirit of Italian cuisine
Amtrak records record ridership in 2025
Europe's Christmas markets anticipate nearly €1 billion in visitor spending for 2025.
Tune in for a practical, up-to-date roundup to help shape your next adventure. Listen to the Go See Do Explore Podcast for honest travel news and tips to make your trips more meaningful—and a little more spontaneous.

Travel Trends 2026: Skyscanner’s Surprising Predictions & Value Destinations
Christopher and Ashleigh are your guides this episode as they dig into Skyscanner’s forward-looking report on how—and where—we’ll be traveling in 2026. They break down emerging trends, highlight offbeat and best-value destinations, and share honest perspectives on what might actually shape your future trips. To read the full report, click here.
The conversation kicks off with some genuinely unexpected trends Skyscanner is forecasting:
Beauty-driven travel (“Glow Mads”) is on the rise, with 33% of Gen Z prioritizing skincare experiences abroad—while 31% of all travelers admit to sampling or keeping hotel beauty products.
“Shelf discovery” highlights how 55% of Americans now seek out local supermarkets while traveling, valuing the insight into daily life and the chance to save on meals.
Mountain escapes aren’t just for winter: 80% of travelers are considering a mountain getaway for summer or fall 2026, and bookings for “room with a mountain view” are up 103% globally.
Literary travel is gaining traction, with over half of travelers considering trips inspired by books, and library-themed hotel bookings up 70%.
Family and multi-generational travel continues to grow, especially among Gen Z, who are often traveling with both parents and grandparents—sometimes to share costs.
Solo travel is booming, but often for connection: 53% have traveled or would go abroad to meet people, with solo hotel bookings jumping 83%.
Hotels as destinations themselves—unique stays and accommodations are driving 56% of travelers to pick their location based on where they’ll sleep, not just what they’ll see.
Midway through, the hosts pause for a wine break, sampling Mary Taylor Manchuela from Spain—an earthy, high-acidity red that’s bolder and more tannic than last week’s Portuguese pick. Christopher encourages listeners to discover collections of regional wines as a way to extend the travel experience at home.
Returning to trending and value destinations, Christopher and Ashleigh share specifics from the Skyscanner data:
Limon, Costa Rica is up 286% in searches, drawing travelers to its rainforests, volcanoes, and ecotourism adventures.
Other trending spots include Jaipur, India, Bodrum, Turkey; Madeira, Portugal; Vail, Colorado; Zadar, Croatia; Olbia, Italy; New Haven, Connecticut; Bilbao, Spain; and Mykonos, Greece.
For best value in 2026, keep an eye on destinations where flight prices are down: São Paulo, Singapore, Venice, Mexico City, Istanbul (where a free city tour may come with your layover), Denpasar, Colombo, Brussels, Seoul, and Naples.
Looking ahead, the hosts note that travelers are becoming more conscientious—seeking quieter places, considering curated experiences, and expecting tech like AI to make the journey more seamless. The report predicts most people will travel as much or more in 2026, with many planning multi-city trips and investing more in flights and hotels.
For honest, practical inspiration on how global travel trends might shape your next adventure, listen in to this episode of the Go See Do Explore Podcast.

Airports Without Stress: Practical Tips for a Better Travel Day
Christopher and Ashleigh share their favorite strategies for turning the airport from a dreaded obstacle into a surprisingly enjoyable part of your travels. Drawing on their own experiences and a mindset shift, they offer concrete ways to minimize stress, stay flexible, and even discover small pleasures along the way.
From booking smarter to making the most of your time before takeoff, the episode covers practical steps that help you avoid common headaches and find value—no matter where you’re flying. Christopher and Ashleigh emphasize treating the airport as part of the journey, not just a hurdle, and share tips for navigating both the expected and the unexpected.
Book flights directly through the airline for easier changes and fewer headaches if issues arise.
For fewer cancellations, aim for the earliest direct flight available whenever possible—a tip borrowed from Samantha Brown.
Download your airline’s app and consider using Flighty for real-time updates, alternate flight options, and seamless trip tracking.
Check in as soon as possible (usually 24 hours before) to avoid being bumped from oversold flights, especially on budget airlines.
Arrive early, pack light, and keep essentials in the same spot in your bag for a smoother security experience—Christopher swears by this approach.
Always pack a change of clothes in your carry-on, even if you aren’t planning to check a bag.
Bring an empty water bottle to avoid paying airport prices, and don’t bother with freezing water to get through security—the airport water is free.
On this episode’s wine break, the hosts sample Mary Taylor Douro, a rich, full-bodied Portuguese red from the historic Douro region—perfect for reflecting on travel’s unexpected joys.
The conversation continues with tech tips (portable chargers are a must), airport research hacks (check Eater guides for the best terminal eats), and why TSA PreCheck is a worthwhile investment if you fly even once a year. Ashleigh highlights the value of having backup flight plans and knowing what to expect at your layover airports. The hosts also reminisce about memorable terminals, like Detroit’s bright McNamara, San Francisco’s mid-century modern lounge, and the rocking chairs in Charlotte.
Whether you’re a reluctant flyer or secretly love airports, this episode of the Go See Do Explore Podcast is packed with honest, actionable advice for making your next travel day more enjoyable. Tune in and discover how a few smart tweaks can help you go, see, do, and explore with less stress and more delight.

Travel Mistakes We’ve Actually Made- And How to Avoid Them
Christopher and Ashleigh share honest stories about their own travel missteps—so you don’t have to learn the hard way. This episode is packed with practical lessons, from booking blunders to overambitious itineraries, all with the goal of helping you plan smarter and travel happier.
From wrong hotels in Manhattan to misaligned flights and rental cars in Puerto Rico, the hosts open up about mistakes that even seasoned travelers make—plus the simple systems and mindset shifts that help them recover (and sometimes even laugh about it later).
Double-check hotel names and addresses—especially late at night or in cities with multiple locations of the same chain, as Christopher learned in Manhattan and Orlando.
Keep flight, hotel, and rental car bookings in sync on a calendar to avoid gaps or overlaps—Ashleigh admits she’s booked too few nights more than once.
Always consider free cancellation when booking accommodations, particularly during seasons with unpredictable weather. The hosts share how a snowstorm nearly cost them a Chicago hotel stay.
Be wary of paying for upgrades you won’t use. Their “moderate” Disney resort splurge led to more walking, not more enjoyment.
Don’t let budget flights with inconvenient connections or layovers—like their overnight detours through Chicago—ruin your trip’s value.
Plan enough time in each destination; Ashleigh reflects on trips where moving too fast meant missing out on local food and experiences.
Have enough local cash and consider travel insurance—especially when using budget airlines or booking non-refundable stays. The hosts recommend using insuremytrip.com as a helpful resource.
Mid-episode, Christopher introduces a cozy wine break: mulled wine using Cherry Wine (a semi-sweet wine from Good Harbor on Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula) and their favorite mulling spices from the Spice House in Chicago—a small moment of comfort amid the chaos of travel stories.
Whether you’re a careful planner or a spontaneous explorer, you’ll find real, actionable advice in this episode. Listen in for relatable mishaps, practical fixes, and the kind of honest perspective that makes the Go See Do Explore Podcast a trusted travel companion.

Top 10 Michigan Christmas Experiences: Light Shows, Markets & More
Christopher and Ashleigh share their favorite ways to make the most of Michigan during the Christmas season, curating a list that blends festive classics with offbeat finds for a memorable holiday adventure. Here is a rundown of what they discuss:
Winter sports—skiing, sledding, and public skating—offer flexible, family-friendly fun across Michigan.
Greenfield Village’s “Holiday Nights” immerses you in historic holiday traditions, food, and fireworks.
Drive-through light shows like Wayne County Lights and Michigan International Speedway are a cozy way to enjoy festive displays.
Detroit Zoo’s “Wild Lights” combines illuminated pathways, special exhibits, and the Polar Express 4D experience.
Christmas Markets like the one in Grand Rapids offers authentic festive food, glühwein, and unique outdoor activities.
Smaller towns like Rochester transform with elaborate light displays, while Frankenmuth goes all-in on Christmas spirit year-round.
Don’t miss local holiday pops concerts,
Enlighten at Meijer Gardens
Mansion tours such as Meadowbrook and Ford House for classic seasonal charm.
Midway, the hosts pause to share a wine break: last night’s discovery of a Lebanese red blend at a Middle Eastern restaurant. Christopher notes how rare it is to find Middle Eastern wines in the US, describing the blend as “nice and fruity and acidic,” despite some sediment. It’s a reminder that travel—and holiday outings—can bring unexpected surprises close to home.
Whether you’re looking for cozy markets, outdoor adventure, or new traditions, this episode is packed with honest, practical tips for enjoying Michigan’s holiday season. Tune in to the Go See Do Explore Podcast for thoughtful guidance, festive inspiration, and plenty of ideas to make your Christmas in Michigan truly memorable.

October 2025 Travel News
Christopher and Ashleigh are back with a fresh roundup of the month’s most relevant travel news—curated to help you navigate shifting airline policies, cruise expansions, and what’s actually changing for travelers right now. Whether you’re planning a trip or just want to make sense of the headlines, this episode is packed with candid perspective and practical takeaways.
Airline News:
U.S. Congress pusing for new legislation in response to January's fatal crash https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/10/21/rotor-act-aviation-safety-ads-b/86822049007/ 
American Airlines partnering with Lavazza in 2026 https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/10/21/american-airlines-lavazza-coffee-partnership/86814769007/ 
American removing bag sizers from gates https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/10/06/american-airlines-phases-bag-sizers-airport-gates/86551392007/ 
Air Canada to offer free beer and wine in economy on all flights https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/10/02/air-canada-free-alcohol-economy/86473798007/ 
WestJet introducing fees for reclining seats on certain routes https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/10/14/westjet-redesign-recline-seats-premium-cabin/86687591007/ 
Southwest now offers free in-flight wifi https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/10/24/southwest-free-wi-fi/86852601007/ 
U.S.-Mexico aviation tensions escalate https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/10/29/us-revokes-mexico-airlines-routes/86961129007/ 
The U.S. Department of Transportation ordered Chinese airlines to avoid Russian airspace on U.S. routes https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Government/DOT-orders-Chinese-airlines-avoid-Russian-airspace 
Cruise News:
Royal Caribbean to launch Santorini Beach Club in 2026 https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2025/10/28/royal-caribbean-cruise-beach-club-santorini/86946364007/
Celebrity River Cruises Sell out almost immediately https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2025/10/celebrity-river-extraordinary-response-in-bookings/
Royal Caribbean to allow customers to allocate loyalty to cruise brand of choice https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/royal-caribbean-points-choice-loyalty-program
General Travel News:
Disney announced Soarin’ Across America coming this summer https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/soarin/news/20oct2025-disney-unveils-new-soarin-across-america-attraction-film-arriving-at-epcot-in-2026.htm
Remy’s Rattatouille Adventure at Epcot is converting to 2D https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/ratatouille/news/17oct2025-remys-ratatouille-adventure-converting-to-2d-visuals-during-november-refurbishment-at-epcot.htm
Jamaica tourism minister says tourism will be fully operational by December 15   https://www.travelweekly.com/Caribbean-Travel/Jamaica-outlines-hurricane-melissa-recovery-plan-for-tourism
Zambia is getting its first Hyatt Regency https://www.travelweekly.com/Middle-East-Africa-Travel/First-Hyatt-Regency-coming-to-Zambia?ct=afme
For more honest, value-driven travel insights, tune in to the Go See Do Explore Podcast—your guide to making every journey meaningful and well-informed.

Frankenmuth’s Best: Festivals, Food, and “Little Bavaria”
Christopher and Ashleigh guide you through all that makes Frankenmuth, Michigan, a memorable destination—whether you’re passing through on a road trip or planning a special getaway. With its Bavarian roots, festive energy, and a blend of quirky and classic attractions, “Michigan’s little Bavaria” offers more than meets the eye.
Some of the links below are affiliate links and as such, we earn a small commission from purchases that allow us to continue telling you our stories without costing you anything extra.
Start with Frankenmuth’s unique history, founded by German missionaries in 1845 and now famous for its immersive Bavarian flair. The town’s centerpiece, Bronner’s—the world’s largest Christmas store—draws visitors year-round, but especially shines (and gets crowded) between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Don’t miss the charming replica of the Silent Night Chapel on the grounds, and if you’re shopping for personalized ornaments, it’s the go-to spot.
Experience the iconic carriage tours and riverboat rides, including the Bavarian Belle and the more intimate Frankenmuth Funship (a favorite for bachelor/bachelorette outings).
Explore diverse shopping, from the legendary Cheese Haus (look for the mouse statue) to gourmet foods and boutique shops at the River Place Shops.
Step away from the crowds at the historic Church of St. Lorenz, where Christopher and Ashleigh were married—guided tours of the stained glass windows reveal layers of local history.
Traveling with kids? Grandpa Tiny’s Farm and the Wilderness Trail Zoo (with a holiday lights drive-through) offer fun, while adventure-seekers can tackle the Frankenmuth Aerial Park zipline course.
During the episode’s break, Christopher shares his homemade Ginjinha—a cherry liqueur from Portugal, not a wine, but full of travel inspiration as he experiments with Michigan twists on a Lisbon classic.
Frankenmuth’s event calendar is packed: from the beloved Snow Fest with its snow and ice sculpting competitions, to May’s World Expo of Beer, Memorial Day’s canine-crazed Dog Bowl, June’s Bavarian Festival (complete with parade and music), summer music fests, and the uniquely sanctioned Oktoberfest in September. The holiday months transform the town into a Christmas wonderland.
Choose from a range of accommodations, from the classic Bavarian Inn and Splash Village waterpark hotels to the Marv Herzog (each room themed after a year in the musician’s life, with a guest-favorite happy hour and hot breakfast), as well as budget-friendly options like Frankenmuth Motel and family camping at Jellystone Park.
Dine well: the dueling Zehnders and Bavarian Inn restaurants are known for their all-you-can-eat chicken dinners, but for a contemporary treat, Ashleigh recommends Prost—a wine bar with charcuterie and outdoor seating. Don’t miss the authentic brews at Frankenmuth Brewery, creative fare at Station 100, or cupcakes from Cupcake Wars-winning Sugar High Bakery.
Whether you’re after festive fun, family-friendly activities, or just a taste of Michigan’s German heritage, Frankenmuth delivers. Listen in for honest tips, personal favorites, and practical advice from Christopher and Ashleigh on the Go See Do Explore Podcast.

September 2025 Travel News: Airlines, Accessibility & Reopened Parks
Christopher and Ashleigh guide you through a packed September news roundup, blending the latest airline updates, travel tech, and U.S. destination highlights—plus a hands-on homemade limoncello break inspired by Italian adventures.
Spirit Airlines restructures, impacting Detroit travelers and staff. (hhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/09/23/spirit-airlines-furloughs/86308574007/)
Southwest announces future flights to Alaska, offering new options for budget-conscious adventurers. (https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2025/10/02/southwest-airlines-announces-first-ever-flights-to-alaska/) 
Iceland’s Play Airlines abruptly shuts down and cancels flights (https://www.frommers.com/tips/airfare/icelands-play-airline-shuts-down-effective-immediately/)
Delta partners with Maeve to develop a hybrid regional jet, aiming for lower emissions on short routes. (https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Delta-Maeve-partnership-hybrid-regional-jet)
Delta’s new JFK–Porto nonstop starts May 2026, great for Portugal fans;  (https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/09/26/delta-porto-portugal-transatlantic-summer-2026/86370206007/)
American Airlines debuts an AI tool to book flights by experience, not just destination. (https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/10/02/american-airlines-ai-booking-tool/86456534007/)
In the midst of the news, Ashleigh shares the results of months of steeping homemade limoncello, using a Pasta Grammar recipe. The duo compares their version to Sicilian store-bought, noting a tart, slightly fiery finish—best enjoyed in a limoncello spritz (three parts Prosecco, two parts limoncello, one part soda water). A practical tip: use organic lemons for safety and flavor, and be mindful of spoilage.
Apple AirPods can now live-translate conversations (https://www.travelandleisure.com/apple-live-translation-new-features-11812134)
Norwegian cancels and shifts sailings for four ships (with refunds and credits for affected guests) (https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2025/10/01/norwegian-cruise-line-cancellations/86458176007/)
Virgin Voyages introduces airline-style tiered pricing for cruises (https://www.frommers.com/tips/cruise/virgin-voyages-new-airline-style-tiered-pricing-heres-what-each-class-will-get-you/)
Timeout Magazine’s Best Cities of 2025 list (https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/16/travel/time-out-reveals-worlds-50-best-cities-for-2025)
Grand Canyon North Rim reopens after fire (
https://www.presstelegram.com/2025/09/25/ grand-canyon-reopening/)
26-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway reopens after Hurricane Helene (https://abc11.com/amp/post/hurricane-helene-popular-section-blue-ridge-parkway-reopens-brings-hope-communities/17861070/)
Oregon becomes the first state to be accessibility verified, thanks to Travel Oregon’s partnership with Wheel the World. (https://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/oregon-becomes-first-state-to-be-accessibility-verified)
Dollywood announces the world’s first family hybrid coaster and whitewater raft ride, set for spring 2026 (https://www.travelandleisure.com/dollywood-new-ride-nightflight-expedition-11812606)
Philadelphia’s new Calder Gardens museum opens, offering a unique blend of art, nature, and architecture. (https://www.frommers.com/trip-ideas/arts-and-culture/calder-gardens-philadelphia/)
For honest, practical travel news and a dash of thoughtful spontaneity, tune in to this episode of the Go See Do Explore Podcast with Christopher and Ashleigh.

Michigan Fall Getaways: Color, Cider, and Cozy Adventures
Christopher and Ashleigh share their favorite ways to experience Michigan in the fall, guiding you through vibrant destinations, honest tips, and a few under-the-radar gems for the season. Whether you have a weekend or a week, you'll get practical ideas that balance structure with plenty of room for discovery.
Some of the links below are affiliate links and as such, we earn a small commission from purchases that allow us to continue telling you our stories without costing you anything extra.
The episode opens with Mackinac Island, recently voted the number one fall destination in the US by USA Today readers. Christopher and Ashleigh recall their own late-October trip, noting that even past peak color, the island was stunning—proving flexibility in timing can still yield a beautiful escape. If you’re looking for detailed Mackinac tips, they’ve covered it extensively in previous episodes. Here's the full list: 
Mackinac Island shines as a top fall destination—beautiful even after peak foliage.
Sleeping Bear Dunes and Empire Bluff Trail are musts for hikers and nature lovers.
Munising boasts easy access to Pictured Rocks and some of Michigan’s best waterfalls.
Apple picking and cider mill visits are classic Michigan fall activities; Blake’s and Uncle John’s are favorites, but locals and visitors alike can find great spots statewide.
Camping becomes easier to book after Labor Day, with state park amenities often open well into fall—Ludington, Wilderness, and Tawas Point are good bets. Book at MiDNRReservations.com
During a relaxed wine break, Christopher shares a Chianti Classico from Fattoria Montemaggio, enjoyed earlier at a family lunch. He explains the nuances of the Chianti Classico region and grape blend, encouraging listeners to rediscover this traditional Italian red—especially with a hearty meal.
Rounding out the conversation, Ashleigh and Christopher point to other fall gems: Tahquamenon Falls (with both impressive upper and picturesque lower falls), the scenic M-22 drive and wineries of the Leelanau Peninsula, Brockway Mountain Drive near Copper Harbor for dramatic vistas, and a suite of autumn festivals and Halloween events across the state. They also note that southern Michigan and Metro Detroit offer plenty of cider mills and hiking spots for those wanting to stay closer to home.
Tahquamenon Falls is a favorite for camping and waterfall walks amid peak color.
Leelanau Peninsula’s M-22 drive and wineries are especially lovely in autumn.
Fall colors arrive earliest in the western Upper Peninsula and last into November in southern Michigan, making it possible to chase foliage for weeks.
Don’t miss local Halloween festivals like Greenfield Village’s Halowe'en and Romeo’s “Terror on Tilson.”
For honest, practical inspiration on planning your own Michigan fall adventure—without the tourist traps—tune in to this episode of the Go See Do Explore Podcast.