What if one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in the U.S. was hiding in plain sight?

In this episode, I sit down with expert Nick Popham from Discover Crystal River to explore one of Florida’s best-kept secrets, Crystal River, the manatee capital of the world. From swimming alongside gentle giants to discovering untouched landscapes, Nick shares why this Gulf Coast destination offers a truly unique and peaceful escape from the typical Florida tourist spots.

Whether you're craving adventure, connection with nature, or a bucket-list wildlife encounter, this episode will inspire your next trip.

Key Points

• Why Crystal River is the only place in the U.S. where you can legally swim with manatees
• What makes manatee encounters feel “spiritual” and unforgettable
• The best times of year to visit for peak manatee viewing
• Top spots to see manatees without getting in the water (like Three Sisters Springs)

Notable Quote

“It’s almost like a spiritual experience… just how peaceful and amazing is to be in the water with manatees.” Nick Popham

If this episode inspired you, share it with a fellow traveler and start planning your own Crystal River adventure. Don’t forget to subscribe to Inspired Travels with Patti for more hidden gems across the U.S.

Resources & Links

• Discover Crystal River
• Three Sisters Springs
• Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
• Withlacoochee State Trail

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

What if the real reason you feel overwhelmed isn’t because you’re doing too little—but because you’re doing too much without intention?

In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, I sit down with meditation teacher and former finance professional Tom Cronin to unpack the hidden cost of overwhelm and why it blocks the very fulfillment we’re chasing.

Tom shares his powerful story of burnout, anxiety, and recovery, revealing how meditation transformed his life and helped him move from chaos to clarity. Together, they explore practical ways to reduce stress, redefine fulfillment, and even rethink how we approach travel.

If you’ve ever felt “too busy to slow down,” this conversation might just change how you live and how you travel.

Key Points:

• The Hidden Cost of Overwhelm
• What “Frazzled” Really Means
• Meditation Demystified - Why meditation isn’t about stopping thoughts—and how to actually make it work
• Rethinking Travel – Moving from “extraction” (taking experiences) to “presence” and contribution
• Small Shifts, Big Impact – How local exploration and mindfulness can bring fulfillment without overwhelm

Quote:

“Overwhelm costs us the very thing we’re chasing—fulfillment.”

Guest Links:

• Tom Cronin Website
• Instagram
• Take 3 For The Sea

Call to Action:

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who feels overwhelmed—and start a conversation about slowing down. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help more listeners discover the show

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

Is Greece on your travel bucket list? In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, I sit down with Mary Vass, founder of Blue White Dream Tours, to explore what makes Greece such an unforgettable destination.

Mary shares what surprises travelers most when they first arrive in Greece—from the breathtaking view of the Acropolis in Athens to the late-night dining culture that defines Greek life. She also reveals some of her favorite destinations across the Greek islands, including stunning beaches, lesser-known locations, and must-visit cultural landmarks.

Beyond travel inspiration, Mary offers valuable tips for choosing the right tour experience and explains how her company designs personalized trips that immerse travelers in authentic Greek culture. From custom itineraries and small-group experiences to food, beaches, and historic sites, this conversation will leave you ready to start planning your own Greek adventure.

Whether you’re dreaming of Santorini sunsets, exploring ancient ruins, or discovering hidden beaches, this episode is packed with travel inspiration and practical advice for visiting Greece.

Key Points

• What surprises first-time visitors most when arriving in Greece
• Landmarks
• The unique culture of Greek nightlife and late-night dining
• The beauty of Greece’s islands, including Santorini, Crete, and Naxos
• What “Blue Flag” beaches are and why they matter
• Must-visit experiences beyond the islands, including monasteries and historic sites
• How to choose the right tour when traveling internationally
• Why smaller, personalized tours can create better travel experiences
• The story behind Blue White Dream Tours and how the company began

Blue White Dream Tours Let them know you heard about them from this Podcast

Subscribe to Inspired Travels with Patti so you never miss an episode packed with travel inspiration, insider tips, and unforgettable destinations.

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

What does the perfect New England road trip look like?

I (Patti Hunt) sits down with Brittnee Torres from Traveling with the Torres to explore the six New England states. From the mountains of Maine to the beaches of Rhode Island, Brittnee shares favorite campgrounds, scenic drives, hidden restaurants, and unique experiences that travelers shouldn’t miss. Whether you’re planning a road trip, or just dreaming about visiting New England during peak fall foliage season, this episode is packed with practical tips and destination inspiration.

Places & Experiences Mentioned

• Moosehead Lake, Maine
• Naples KOA Campground (Maine)
• Lake Bomoseen KOA (Vermont)
• Wayside Restaurant (Vermont)
• Sugar Houses for maple syrup tours
• Kancamagus Highway Scenic Drive (New Hampshire)
• Lake Winnipesaukee (New Hampshire)
• Saco River tubing (New Hampshire)
• Normandy Farms Campground (Massachusetts)
• Cape Cod cranberry bogs
• Plymouth Plantation & Plymouth Rock
• Mystic Seaport & Mystic Aquarium (Connecticut)
• Odetah Camping Resort (Connecticut)
• Fisherman’s Memorial State Park / Fisherman’s Cove (Rhode Island)
• George’s of Galilee Restaurant (Rhode Island)
• Block Island Ferry
• Narragansett Beach

Guest - Brittnee Torres of Traveling with the Torres

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelingwiththetorres/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TravelingWithTheTorres/?rdid=QvqqLiS1MBwj5gVU
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@travelingwiththetorres?_r=1&_t=ZP-93nCn2I3ESN
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TravelingWithTheTorres

If this episode inspired you, be sure to Subscribe, Follow share the episode with a fellow traveler, It helps more people discover the show and start planning their own adventures.

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

America is celebrating its 250th birthday and this milestone is being celebrated all year long. In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, I sit down with Mike and Joni Cox of Those Who Glamp Together to talk about how they’re hitting the road to experience America 250 in a big way.

From Fourth of July at Mount Rushmore to the Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival, the Freedom Trail in Boston, Gettysburg, and beyond, this episode is packed with travel inspiration, campground advice, and ideas for celebrating locally (no matter where you live).

Whether you’re an RVer, a hotel traveler, or just someone who loves exploring your own backyard, this episode will inspire you to make 2026 a year of meaningful experiences.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• 🇺🇸 Why Mount Rushmore’s Fourth of July celebration is unlike anywhere else
• 🌸 Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival
• 🗽 Historic stops for America 250: Boston’s Freedom Trail, Philadelphia, Gettysburg
• 🚐 RV travel tips: boondocking, RV parks, KOAs, cabins & campground experiences

Connect with Mike and Joni

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/thosewhoglamptogether
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Those-Who-Glamp-Together-100044100763373/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thosewhoglamptogether/?hl=en

Thank you for listening to Inspired Travels With Patti, if this episode inspired you please follow or subscribe, it is a tremendous help so that I can bring you more content.
AND Questions or Comments ....

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

What if travel isn’t just about where you go — but who you become along the way?

In this powerful episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, I sits down with adventurer, former U.S. diplomat, author, and viral creator John Graham, better known online as Badass Granddad.

From hitchhiking around the world to serving in Vietnam and living through revolutions overseas, John shares how a lifetime of bold travel shaped his courage, worldview, and commitment to service. But this conversation isn’t just about extreme adventures it’s about how everyday travelers can grow through unexpected moments, cultural

This episode will inspire you to travel braver, live fuller, and remember that it’s never too late to start something new.

Key Takeaways

• Travel shapes character through courage, adversity, and cultural exposure
• The most meaningful travel moments often happen off the tourist path
• Planning is important — but welcoming the unexpected creates growth
• Conversations with locals often impact you more than bucket-list landmarks
• It’s never too late to start something bold — even at 83

Places & Cultural References Mentioned

• Jericho
• Vietnam
• Italy
• Jordan
• Libya
• Afghanistan
• Malawi
• Kenya

John Graham’s Website and Badass Granddad

Giraffe Heroes Project

If this episode inspired you, follow / subscribe so you never miss a conversation that helps you travel braver and live fuller.

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

What if travel wasn’t just about seeing places—but truly experiencing them? In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, I (Patti) sit down with Brian and Michelle Coleman from Cruising with the Colemans to explore the deeper meaning of pilgrimage travel and how it differs from traditional tourism.

Brian and Michelle share their experiences walking historic pilgrimage routes across Europe, including long-distance walks through Italy and Spain. They break down why pilgrimage travel is about intention, cultural immersion, and personal transformation rather than simply checking destinations off a bucket list. From slow travel moments in small Italian villages to practical advice on training, packing light, and preparing physically and mentally, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable guidance for travelers seeking meaningful adventures.

What Makes Pilgrimage Travel Different

• Pilgrimage focuses on immersive cultural experiences instead of sightseeing.
• Travelers walk through small villages rather than visiting crowded tourist hubs.
• The journey emphasizes reflection, connection, and intentional travel.

The “Four D’s” That Inspire Pilgrims

• Divorce – Major life transitions or separations.
• Divinity – Spiritual or religious exploration.
• Diet – Physical wellness and fitness goals.
• Discovery – Adventure, self-reflection, and personal growth.

Guest Links

• Cruising with the Colemans
• YouTube
• Instagram

Thank you for listening, please subscribe and follow for more travel inspiration and stories that help you live life more fully through meaningful adventures.

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year

What does it really feel like to fly in a hot air balloon? In this episode of Inspired Travels with Patti, i (Patti) reconnect veteran balloon pilot Tom Russo to unpack the unforgettable experience of ballooning, from the science behind inflation to the thrill (and strategy) of landing.

Tom shares his 40+ year journey into ballooning, beginning with a chance encounter in Brooklyn and leading to flights across festivals, commercial rides, and corporate events. Together, we explore the unique emotional, technical, and visual elements that make ballooning one of the most magical travel experiences available.

They also dive into the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and smaller festivals around the country.

🔑 Key Points

• How Hot Air Balloons Actually Work & What a Flight is Really Like
• Overcoming the Fear of Heights
• Magic of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
• Smaller Balloon Festivals Across the U.S.

🔗 Resources & Links

• Balloon Federation of America
• Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
• Brookside Ballooning (Private Flights)

Thank You for listening ...If this episode sparked your sense of adventure, be sure to subscribe to Inspired Travels with Patti so you never miss a journey.

Share this episode with someone who is thinking about Ballooning

Connect with Me:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Links and Discounts

* Camp for Less than $9 a night: Reach out to Sharon & Warren Lewis Thousand Trails Membership Specialists. Call/Text 772-217-1851

* AirSkirts $200 off with Code: RVPOD

* Rivet Supply Co Adventure Boards check website for FREE Personalizing

* KoolRV Optimize RV AC

* Open Roads discount diesel fuel card

* VIP Access Great RV product & services discounts

* Innovative Toll Nationwide Tolling for $24/year