True Travel Talk

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.

From bottle-feeding baby alpac...

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 plan.

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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 silverba...

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 what ...

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,...

13. Sometimes the best way to experience Healdsburg is to slow down, wander, and follow your tastebuds. In this episode, Jill and colleague Jen sneak in a wine country getaway into a work trip - exploring downtown Healdsburg, the rolling Dry Creek Valley, and a few unexpected local gems along the way.

From a bucket-list dinner at three-Michelin-star SingleThread to honey tastings at La Ruche, olive oil flights at Trattore Farms, an...

12.2 In Part Two, Jill and Deanna continue their conversation, reflecting on a festive trip through Germany’s Christmas Markets with lessons learned, favorite moments, and practical tips.

From Augsburg and Ulm to Würzburg and Frankfurt, this two-part conversation focuses on the feel of winter travel: navigating cold weather, moving at a multigenerational pace, and leaning into the magic (and mishaps) that come with traveling togeth...

12.1 There’s something special about winter travel – especially when it’s shared across generations. In Part One of this two-part episode, Jill is joined by her longtime friend Deanna Vogelsong to reflect on a festive trip through Germany’s Christmas Markets with husbands, a “third grandmother,” and a 19-year-old son in tow.

From Augsburg and Ulm to Würzburg and Frankfurt, this conversation focuses on the feel of winter travel: nav...

10. Looking to escape the big city? Head to Cusco, Peru. In this episode, Jill and her friend and neighbor, Amy, share another chapter of their Peru adventure – from a tipsy train arrival to an almost-disastrous departure. 

They cover Cusco’s hidden gems and lessons learned, including the Santo Domingo Convent, the iconic 12-Angle Stone, and the vibrant San Pedro Market, along with their honest take on where to stay. Plus, hear abo...

9. Sometimes the best trips aren’t planned around big landmarks – they unfold through shared stories, good meals, and the people you travel with. In this episode, Jill joins California winemaker and friend Bill Williamson for a three-day road trip through France’s Loire Valley, filled with unforgettable winery visits, river views, perfect meals, and plenty of laughter.

From a goat-filled gas station to tastings with local winemaker...

8. In this Unpacked episode, Jill sits down with family friend Donna, fondly named the third grandmother, to explore how travel evolves through every stage of life – from raising kids to retiring, from traveling as a couple to adventuring with grandkids in tow. From paragliding in Austria to a luxury ranch stay in Montana, Donna shares honest reflections on slowing down, staying curious, navigating limitations, and finding joy in l...

7. Sometimes the best way to experience New York is to slow down, wander, and follow your curiosity. In this episode, Jill and friend/colleague Jen sneak in a cozy fall escape before a work trip – exploring Greenwich Village, the artists’ haven, and home to some of the best pizza slices on Earth. From a 30-year Times Square hotel tradition to cappuccinos at a 1927 Village institution, a private tour with a local writer, and a full...

6. Sometimes the best trips aren’t perfectly planned – they just flow. In this episode, Jill recounts with husband Paul about their escape with friends to California’s Wine Country for three unforgettable days of vineyards, great meals, and good company. From the family legacy of Sonoma’s Sangiacomo Vineyards to the artistic design of Three Sticks and the rebellious spirit of Tank Garage in Napa, this trip was a toast to friendship...

5. Ever have a parenting moment where you think, “Should we?” – and then you say yes anyway?

In this episode, Jill takes you along on a totally last-minute trip to Mackinac Island – just her, her mom, and her little guy, Graeme. One unexpected day off school turned into three, and suddenly they were on a ferry north, chasing one more perfect slice of summer.

From iconic fudge to horse-drawn carriage rides, sweeping porch views at T...

4. In this Unpacked episode, Jill sits down with her 18-year-old son, Ian — a student at High Point University — to explore what travel looks like through the eyes of a young explorer. From trying sea urchin in Versailles to cheering for Liverpool FC, Ian shares how travel has shaped his independence, curiosity, and confidence. He also reflects on planning his first trip with friends on a budget (with a little mom mentorship along ...

3. Join Jill and her friend (and travel instigator!) Kelly as they journey to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations: Machu Picchu. From the bustling town of Aguas Calientes to the breathtaking hike up Machu Picchu Mountain, this episode captures the wonder, exhaustion, and pure joy of exploring the Lost City of the Incas.

Highlights:

• Stay at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, nestled in lush tropical gardens fil...