True Travel Talk

30. Can a trip be deeply spiritual, completely ridiculous, and genuinely transformative – all at once?

In Part 2 of True Travel Talk’s three-part journey through Bhutan, Jill and her travel team move from the mountains surrounding Thimphu into Punakha, the country’s lush former capital. Known for its terraced rice fields, warmer climate and majestic riverside fortress, Punakha offers a different side of the Land o...

29. Where is Bhutan – and why does traveling there feel unlike anywhere else? 

Tucked between India and China in the Himalayas, Bhutan is a small Buddhist kingdom known for towering mountains, deep traditions, and an unusually intentional approach to tourism.

This episode kicks off a three-part True Travel Talk series from Bhutan. First stop: Thimphu, the country’s capital. Jill travels with her sister-in-law Emily...

28. What can you really experience in Bangkok when you arrive late, leave before sunrise the following day, and discover that half the places on your list are closed?

More than you might think…provided you are willing to abandon the perfect itinerary.

After flight disruptions shortened their visit, Jill arrives in Bangkok for the first time with Jen and Emily - both returning visitors. Rather than force their original plan, ...

27. What happens when your first trip overseas is a last-minute journey to East Africa?

In Part 2 of Jill’s conversation with Michelle, True Travel Talk continues the story of Michelle’s very first abroad adventure - a trip she said yes to before she felt fully ready. After the travel chaos of getting to Tanzania, this episode moves into the moments that made the leap worth it: beautiful stays, shared meals, Maasai hosp...

26. What if your first trip overseas was not something you planned for years, but a last-minute leap to East Africa?

In this “Unpacked” episode of True Travel Talk, Jill sits down with friend Michelle to talk about saying yes before you feel ready - and what happens when the trip tests you before you even arrive. Michelle’s first international trip was a last-minute journey to Uganda and Tanzania, filled with the ...

25. This episode takes us to Philadelphia for a food-focused conversation with Jill’s friend and colleague, Jen Floyd, about experiencing a city through what you eat, where you wander, and the stories you collect.

Philadelphia is known for its iconic traditions, but this conversation goes beyond the obvious. Jill and Jen talk about the joy of building a trip around local flavor - from classic Philly bites to neighborhood stop...

24. This episode brings Jill’s Germany story full circle. After beginning the trip in Garmisch-Partenkirchen - the place that inspired the very first episode of True Travel Talk - the family splits off in different directions, with Jill’s travel team heading toward one of Germany’s most storybook regions: the Black Forest.

Along the way, they stop in Ulm, revisit favorite sights like the Ulm Münster and Rathaus, a...

23. In the final installment of their South Africa family adventure, Jill and her son Luke discover why the vibrant coastal town of Cape Town is considered one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

From African penguins at Boulders Beach to sweeping views atop Table Mountain, Cape Town showcases the perfect blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty. Along the way, the family discovers colorful neighborhoods, drama...

22. In part two of our South Africa family adventure, Jill and her family trade safari vehicles for vineyard views as they explore the spectacular wine regions of Franschhoek. 

Often called the food and wine capital of South Africa, Franschhoek combines centuries-old vineyards, dramatic mountain scenery, world-class restaurants, and charming small town streets. Over several days, they experienced everything from olive oil tast...

21. Join Jill and her family as they journey from Cape Town to Gondwana Game Reserve for an unforgettable stay at this private retreat, featuring game drives, a personal guide, and sweeping mountain views.

From early morning safaris to evenings around the braai, this episode captures the excitement, beauty, and quiet family moments that made the experience memorable.

Along the way, Jill, husband Paul, and son Graeme talk about thei...

20. Join Jill and her friend Whitney as they check off a true bucket-list moment from their girls trip: heading into and out of Machu Picchu in style aboard the iconic Belmond Hiram Bingham Train.

Named after the explorer, Hiram Bingham, this isn't just transportation, it's an experience in itself. The journey blends old-world glamour with Peruvian culture; polished wood interiors, live music, elevated dining, and cocktails that ne...

19.2 Join Jill and her crew, including friends Amy and Kelly, as they continue their journey through Peru’s Sacred Valley - where the experience goes deeper than the views and into the heart of the Andean culture.

In Part 2 of the Sacred Valley, this girls trip shifts from adventure to connection - exploring what it means to truly experience a place, not just see it. From wandering through the last living Inca village to shar...

19. Join Jill and her crew, including friends Amy and Kelly, as they head to Peru’s Sacred Valley - where the views are unreal, the culture runs deep, and yes…there are a lot of alpacas. 

As the fourth stop in our Peru series (after Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lima), this episode proves the Sacred Valley isn’t just a pass-through - it’s the moment you exhale, settle in, and really feel the magic of Peru.

...

18. Join Jill and her son Graeme as they share their spontaneous family trip to Miami, exploring beaches, iconic landmarks, and local culture. From watching manatees right outside their hotel window to walking to a Miami Heat game, the trip blended big moments with simple joys. Traveling with kids, navigating unexpected changes, and making unforgettable memories showed us that sometimes the best trips are the ones you didn’t ...

17. In this episode of True Travel Talk, Jill heads to Burgundy, France, for a wine-filled escape rooted in friendship, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences.

Chatting with her friend Brad Gibson, they reflect on traveling through Burgundy with a group of close friends - from landing in Paris and road-tripping into the countryside, to Champagne waiting upon arrival, and evenings spent around the table. This trip captures w...

16. In this episode, Jill and her soon-to-be sister-in-law Emily continue the Africa Adventures series with an unforgettable journey into Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to endangered mountain gorillas.

After traveling across Uganda by charter flight, Jill and her group trek deep into the rainforest to spend time with the Rushegura gorilla family, observing babies climbing trees, teenagers playing, and a powerful si...

15.2 Travel rarely goes exactly as planned - especially when you're traveling with kids, grandparents, and a full itinerary. In Part 2 of this Unpacked series on when travel goes wrong, Jill and her husband, Paul, revisit another side of travel reality: losing things and navigating unexpected medical moments on the road.

From backpacks left on trains in Norway to phones sliding off the roof of a car in Bosnia, these stories captur...

15.1 Travel rarely goes the way you want it to - especially with kids, grandparents, and a full itinerary.

In this episode of True Travel Talk, Jill and her husband, Paul, unpack years of real-life travel mishaps across the all-too-relatable theme: delays and disruptions.

Some moments were stressful. Some were funny in hindsight. A few were genuinely hard. But over time, they’ve learned something important: when you lean into...

14. Sometimes the best way to experience Palm Springs is with great friends, a full tasting glass, and a little desert sparkle. Jill is joined by friends Todd Davis and Shari Young for a sun-soaked weekend in Palm Springs - complete with wine festivals, art sightings, and a few unexpected detours (including showing up at the wrong dinner venue).

From blind Pinot tastings and VIP terraces at Pasion 4 Pinot to brunch under the palms,...