Go See Do Explore

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.

Ep 21: Disney Parks Announcements
Teaser
This week Ashleigh and Christopher break down all the major announcements about upcoming attractions and expansions across Disney's theme parks and cruise ships from the recent D23 Expo event. Get the inside scoop on what's coming soon to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney's cruise fleet.
Intro
Ashleigh and Christopher introduce themselves and the podcast. They share their passion for travel and exploring the stories that make each destination unique.
D23 Overview
Ashleigh explains that D23 is Disney's biennial fan convention where they make major announcements about upcoming movies, parks expansions, etc. She notes that everything announced is currently in production, not just ideas, so there's a good chance it will actually happen.
Magic Kingdom Announcements
Villains-themed land with 2 attractions coming behind Big Thunder Mountain  
Cars-themed area replacing part of Frontierland, including Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America
New nighttime parade in the style of Main Street Electrical Parade
New Pirates of the Caribbean tavern
Hollywood Studios Announcements
Monsters Inc.-themed land with a doors rollercoaster
Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run ride getting an update with a new Mandalorian mission
Animal Kingdom Announcements
Dinoland becoming tropical Americas area
Indiana Jones ride replacing Dinosaur, using same track layout as Disneyland version but new story
Encanto attraction coming
Epcot Announcements
Test Track reimagining opening in 2025
New lounge themed to Spaceship Earth opening in 2023
Disneyland Announcements
Tiana's Bayou Adventure opening where Splash Mountain was
First Walt Disney animatronic debuting for park's 70th anniversary
California Adventure Announcements
Avengers Campus expanding with new Avengers and Iron Man rides
Coco dark ride coming in 2026
Pandora
International Parks
Frozen land coming to new Disney Adventure Park in Paris
Lion King ride coming to Paris, new nighttime show debuting
Spider-Man rides coming to Shanghai and Hong Kong
Tokyo getting new nighttime show
Disney Cruise Line
4 new ships announced, bringing fleet to 13 total
2 newest ships will have Hercules and Mulan shows
Wine Break
Ashleigh and Christopher talk about finding budget wines at grocery stores like Aldi and Costco. They taste test an Aldi Prosecco.
Closing
Ashleigh directs listeners to Disney Parks Blog for more details on announcements.

Top 10 New Places
In this episode, hosts Christopher and Ashleigh each share their top 5 places they want to travel to for the first time. They discuss the unique aspects of each destination that call to them, from the beaches of Hawaii to the historic streets of Kyoto.
Christopher's Picks
Mendoza wine region and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Alaska interior
Northern Spain - Camino de Santiago route
Mexico City
Barossa Valley, Australia
Ashleigh's Picks
Hawaii
Scotland
Provence, France
Yosemite National Park, California
Kyoto, Japan
Bonus Destinations
Some other picks that came up in discussion:
Costa Rica
Istanbul, Turkey
Hong Kong
South Africa
Seoul, South Korea
Wine Break
Christopher and Ashleigh try Mawby Winery's Yarrow aperitif wine, chilled and in spritz cocktails. They discuss the flavor profile and best pairing options.
Travel Tip
Ashleigh recommends using Eater city guides to find top local restaurants in a variety of prices and cuisines when traveling. She creates a custom Google Map to easily see recommendations nearby.
Christopher looks up airport dining guides from Eater when traveling through airports.

Ep 19: Venice & Italian Dining
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. 
In this episode, Ashleigh and Christopher continue their Italy recap, focusing on Venice and dining in Italy.
Getting Around Venice
Venice is a series of islands connected by canals. Cars are not allowed except at the train station. The main ways to get around are:
Walking - Venice is very walkable. You can walk end to end in about 2 hours.
Vaporetto - Venice's water bus system. Be aware of pickpockets.
Water taxi - Expensive private water taxis.
Gondola - Mainly for tourists, expensive at 80+ euros.
Seeing Venice
Highlights in Venice:
Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs
Murano and its famous glass
Colorful Burano island
St. Mark's Basilica and Square
Rialto Bridge
Venice has a major overtourism problem, but crowds were smaller than normal when Ashleigh and Christopher visited.
The Food of Venice
Venice is known for seafood, but finding authentic Venetian cuisine is difficult. Most restaurants cater to tourists. Highlights include:
Spaghetti with anchovies
Salt cod
Shrimp dishes
Tiramisu - invented in Venice
Dining in Italy
Tips for dining in Italy:
Most Italians in the service industry speak English well.
Order coffee carefully - espresso vs. cappuccino vs. Americano.
Don't order cappuccino after lunch.
Expect amazing coffee everywhere.
Outdoor dining is common - food tastes better outside!
Make reservations, especially for popular restaurants.
Expect multi-course meals.
Ask for the check, it won't be brought automatically.
Tipping is less expected - round up the check or add a euro or two.
Gelato is delicious and available everywhere
Christopher & Ashleigh recommend the book Rick Steves Italy for Food Lovers for information about local cuisine in each region and tips for dining.
Ashleigh and Christopher enjoyed amazing food, wine, and dining experiences across Italy. Buon appetito!

Florence & Bologna
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. 
Ashleigh and Christopher recap their time in Florence and Bologna during their trip through Italy. They discuss the sights, food, and wine in these two culturally rich cities.
Florence
The hosts stayed in the Oltrarno neighborhood, known for its hip, local vibe. They visited the famous Uffizi Gallery and saw Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery. A highlight was a wine tour through Chianti Classico vineyards known for bold, full-bodied reds. For more information about the tour, check out Viator.
Quote: "Tuscany is known for full-bodied reds. That's really the main thing that they do." - Christopher
Food highlights in Florence included the famous Florentine steak, wild boar ragu, and gelato. Ashleigh recommends booking tickets for major sights like the Uffizi and Accademia in advance.
Bologna
The hosts discuss how Bologna is known as a foodie destination, with Emilia-Romagna cuisine that features Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Parma ham, traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena, and mortadella.
They took a delicious food tour of Bologna, visiting markets and sampling local specialties. To book your own Bolognese food tour, check out Viator! The city is also known for its covered sidewalk porticoes. Ashleigh fell in love with the Emiliano Spritz cocktail featuring Lambrusco and apricot juice.
Wine Break
Christopher reviews a Nero d'Avola wine from Sicily, one of his favorite Italian red grapes. He notes it is fruit-forward with medium body, almost reminiscent of Malbec.