True Travel Talk

31. Is Bhutan’s most famous view worth a six-hour climb?
In the final episode of True Travel Talk’s three-part journey through Bhutan, Jill, Jen, and Emily arrive in Paro for a finale filled with cultural immersion, unexpected friendships, and the trip’s most anticipated challenge: hiking to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest monastery.
With their Bhutanese guide-and-driver team, Sonam and Pee Dee, they move beyond Paro’s postcard views to experience the traditions, games, food, and relationships that make a destination feel personal.
In This Episode: 
Learning how Bhutan’s traditional Gho and Kira are worn - and discovering that the Kira is far more comfortable than expected
Making five-color prayer flags by hand inside a Bhutanese family home
Trying local archery, Khuru, darts, traditional dance, and Carom Board – with a wager that changes the evening’s plans
Tasting Bhutanese beers, shopping where locals shop, and sharing tea, rice, and stories with a host family
Taking a slow-and-steady approach to the six-hour Tiger’s Nest hike, including the hundreds of stairs surrounding the final approach
Plan the Trip
Stay: Six Senses Bhutan - Paro, known as “Stone Ruins.”
Experience: Hike to Paro Taktsang, better known as Tiger’s Nest
Try: Khuru, Bhutanese archery, locally brewed beer, and a traditional farmhouse meal
Related Episodes
Bhutan: Thimphu - Discovering a Tiny Kingdom in the Himalayas
Bhutan: Punakha - Sacred Rivers + Wild Transitions
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew 
Executive Producer & Host: Jill BohaboyProduced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

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 of the Thunder Dragon.
Jill is joined by her friend Jen, along with her soon-to-be sister-in-law, Emily, and their Bhutanese guide-and-driver team. Together, they discover a valley where ancient Buddhist traditions coexist with white-water rafting, luxury spa treatments, poolside cocktails, and some unmistakable fertility symbolism.
In This Episode: 
Why phallic paintings and symbols appear throughout Punakha - and the story of the “Divine Madman” behind them
Hiking to Chimi Lhakhang, a pilgrimage site for people seeking fertility blessings
Rafting the icy-fast-moving Pho Chhu, or Father River
Visiting Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s historic “Palace of Great Happiness”
Hiking through farms and newly flooded rice paddies to a mountaintop temple
Sharing breakfast with Buddhist monks before witnessing the beginning of a three-day ritual
There is also a challenging bike ride, a private cocktail class, singing-bowl meditation, Bhutanese Red Bull research, and a late-night earthquake that one member of the group somehow sleeps through.
What the Brochure Leaves Out
Bhutan is often presented as serene, spiritual, and carefully preserved. It is all of those things - but meaningful travel here is not necessarily quiet or solemn.
In Punakha, reverence and humor constantly overlap. Sacred blessings follow exhausting adventures. Fertility symbols cover homes and appear in hotel rooms. Meditation shares the itinerary with martinis.
Understanding the destination means remaining curious enough to make room for it all.
Plan the Trip
Stay: Six Senses Bhutan - Punakha, known as the “Flying Farmhouse Amidst the Rice Fields.”
Visit: Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s historic “Palace of Great Happiness,” and Chimi Lhakhang, the temple associated with the Divine Madman and fertility blessings.
Taste: Ema datshi, Bhutan’s famously spicy national dish made with chilies and cheese.
Related Episode
Bhutan: Thimphu - Discovering a Tiny Kingdom in the Himalayas
 
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew 
Executive Producer & Host: Jill BohaboyProduced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

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 and their friend Jen and meets the guide-and-driver team who will lead them through the country. They settle into Six Senses Timphu for a few days of cultural immersion, mountain adventure, and very enthusiastic cocktail research.
In This Episode
What it is like to land in Bhutan and begin exploring Thimphu
Hiking to a mountain monastery and meeting its young monks
Learning Bhutanese traditions through prayer flags, archery, and food
Making the most of Six Senses activities, from moms to local drinks
Plan the Trip
Stay: Six Senses Bhutan - Five lodges designed as one journey through Bhutan
Fly: Drukair - Bhutan’s national airline and Jill’s flight into Paro
What the Brochure Leaves Out
Bhutan’s tourism system can sound complicated from afar. Once Jill arrives, she begins to see the benefit: fewer crowds, more thoughtful experiences, and guides who help visitors understand what they are actually looking at.
Other areas of interest: blind beer tastings, tea tastings, cocktails by the fire, a traditional outfit with impressively useful storage, yoga, and a fire ceremony that gets slightly more literal than expected.
Know Before You Go
Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude, consider traveling during the quieter season, and say yes to the activities offered by your lodge. Especially when dumplings are involved.
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew 
Executive Producer & Host: Jill BohaboyProduced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

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, they ask the hotel concierge for help and build a day around what is open, nearby, and worth the effort.
The result is a fast-moving introduction to Bangkok filled with temples, massages, river views, unexpected transportation adventures, and a night market they were far too full to properly enjoy.
In this episode, they share:
What to expect from an affordable traditional Thai massage
The dress-code mistake that led to an emergency t-shirt purchase
How to visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the river in one day 
What to agree on before getting into a taxi or tuk-tuk
Bangkok Mini Travel Guide from This Episode: 
JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok: A comfortable executive lounge, concierge support, late-night drinks, and a packed breakfast for their early airport departure
Lek Massage: A short walk from the hotel and the site of both their first traditional Thai massage and an end-of-day foot massage.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: Bangkok’s landmark royal complex and home of the Emerald Buddha. Visitors should plan carefully for the modest dress requirements.
Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles: An air-conditioned stop within the Grand Palace complex featuring Thai royal fashion and textile history.
The Deck by Aurn Residence: A riverside restaurant where the group cooled off over cocktails, wine, shared dishes, and views of Wat Arun.
Bangkok Central Boat Ride: A private ride offering different views of the city, including waterfront homes, temples, floating vendors, wildlife, and the Big Buddha.
Grab: The ride-hailing app the group used for a clean, easy, and inexpensive trip back to the hotel.
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew 
Executive Producer & Host: Jill BohaboyProduced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

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 hospitality, safari surprises, and the people who made the experience stay with her.
From elephants and sundowners to wine-cellar dinners, muddy road adventures, and the unforgettable Ngorongoro Crater, Michelle’s Tanzania story is a vivid reminder that first-time international travel need not be perfect to be life-changing.
Tanzania Mini Travel Guide from This Episode: 
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge: Michelle’s first stop after arriving in Tanzania - a beautiful, welcoming lodge near Mount Meru with memorable food, warm staff, and monkeys in the trees outside her window.
Global Partners for Development: The nonprofit partner behind the trip. The group visited Maasai communities, learned about clean water projects, and saw how community-led development shapes lives in East Africa.
Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge: A stunning lodge overlooking Tarangire National Park, with sweeping views, beautiful meals, a sundowner safari, pool time, massages, and wildlife sightings.
Plantation Lodge: A gorgeous Karatu stay after the group’s Lake Manyara adventure, featuring cozy fireplace time, an underground wine cellar, delicious dinners, and space to relax before the final safari day.
FAME Medical: A rural hospital in Karatu founded by Dr. Frank Artress and Susan Gustafson. The visit added powerful perspective on healthcare, community care, and local impact in Tanzania.
Ngorongoro Crater: A once-in-a-lifetime safari setting and the finale of the trip, where the group saw lions, elephants, hippos, buffalo, zebras, flamingos, and even the elusive black rhino.
Explore More Africa Episodes from True Travel Talk
Check out Part 1 of Michelle’s Tanzania journey getting to East Africa. The story is part of a growing collection of African episodes on True Travel Talk - from South Africa travel to more East African adventures.
Listeners can also explore Jill’s three-part South Africa series featuring Gondwana, Franschhoek, and Cape Town; another episode on Tanzania through the eyes of a high school traveler; and an episode on Uganda about gorilla trekking.
Together, these episodes offer different ways into travel in Africa: family adventure, first-time international travel, safari, food and wine, meaningful connection, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences.
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew 
Executive Producer & Host: Jill BohaboyProduced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

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 kind of real-world travel challenges that can make even experienced travelers nervous.  
From complicated flights to last-minute vaccine requirements to navigating visa logistics on arrival, Michelle had to problem-solve in real time. But on the other side of all that uncertainty was East Africa: the beauty, perspective, and unforgettable moments that made the leap worth it.
This conversation connects to a larger East Africa series, with additional episodes featuring gorilla trekking in Uganda and Tanzania through the eyes of a high school traveler.
In this episode, Michelle shares: 
What it felt like to take her first overseas trip
How she handled flight issues, vaccines, and visa logistics
Why last-minute travel requires flexibility from the start
Why the best trips sometimes begin with the most uncertainty
For anyone dreaming about East Africa, facing travel nerves, or wondering whether to say yes to a trip that feels bigger than their comfort zone, this episode is a reminder that readiness often comes after the leap.
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew 
Executive Producer & Host: Jill BohaboyProduced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

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 stops, casual meals, memorable recommendations, and the kind of food experiences that help you feel connected to a place.
Whether you’re planning a weekend in Philadelphia, looking for ideas for a food-centered itinerary, or just love hearing how real travelers discover a city one meal at a time, this episode is full of inspiration for tasting your way through one of America’s most historic and flavorful cities.
 
Travel and Experience Highlights
Reading Terminal Market - one of Philadelphia’s most iconic food destinations, filled with longtime vendors, local favorites, and endless ways to taste the city in one stop
Pearl’s Oyster Bar - A Reading Terminal seafood spot known for fresh seafood dishes, breakfast, lunch, and brunch
Fox & Sons Fancy Corn Dogs - Made-to-order fair-style favorites, including corn dogs, funnel cake, and cheese curds, with a naturally gluten-free menu
DiNic’s - A classic Reading Terminal stop for Italian sandwiches, including roast pork and beef
Miller’s Twist - Soft, butter-dipped Amish-style pretzels and pretzel wraps made fresh in the market
Bieler’s Doughnuts and Pickle Patch - Fresh, hand-rolled doughnuts with dozens of flavors, plus Pennsylvania Dutch market favorites
Samami Somi - Georgian cuisine inside Reading Terminal Market, bringing fresh-baked breads, cheese boats, and flavors from the country of Georgia to Philadelphia
Shane Confectionery - A historic Philadelphia sweet shop known as America’s oldest continuously operating confectionery (with candy, ice cream, and drinking chocolate)
Louie Louie - A French-inspired bistro in University City with a stylish atmosphere and Philadelphia twist
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew 
Executive Producer & Host: Jill BohaboyProduced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

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, and settle into the beautiful 5’s Black Forest Resort Dollenberg for mountain views, peaceful walks, half-board dining, cuckoo clocks, and a very special 11th birthday celebration for her son Graeme.
Travel and Experience Highlights
STAY
Schwarzwald Resort Dollenberg - A beautiful Black Forest resort with sweeping mountain views, spacious accommodations, half-board dining, walking paths, and a peaceful setting
EXPERIENCES
Schwarzwald Museum - A museum dedicated to the culture, craftsmanship, and traditions of the Black Forest, including the region’s iconic clocks, music, and local history
World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock - A memorable stop in Triberg and a fun way to experience one of the Black Forest’s most famous traditions on a larger-than-life scale
Triberg Fantasy - A playful, interactive museum experience with colorful, immersive photo moments - especially fun for families and kids
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew 
Executive Producer & Host: Jill BohaboyProduced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

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, dramatic coastal scenery, and local traditions that make this city so memorable.
They also talk about: 
Driving the spectacular Chapman’s Peak coastal route
Learning to make traditional Cape Malay dishes during a hands-on cooking class
Exploring the Oranjezicht City Farm Market
Taking the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Why Cape Town is an ideal destination for multigenerational family travel
Spending time with their driver and guide, Faiez, who helped bring the region to life. 
Travel and experience highlights
STAY
The Cellars-Hohenort - our home base in Cape Town’s historic Constantia Valley. This elegant five-star property features beautiful gardens, mountain views, multiple pools, and easy access to both the city and the waterfront. We stayed in the spacious Liz McGrath Villa, which was perfect for our family group.
DINING
Mariners Warf - A Hout Bay favorite known for fresh seafood, fish and chips, and waterfront views
Tang at V&A Waterfront - A stylish dining destination blending Asian-inspired cuisine with vibrant waterfront atmosphere
Gibson’s Gourmet Burgers & Ribs - Famous for its over-the-top milkshakes, including the Chocolate Nemesis Freak Shake that quickly became a family favorite
Simon’s Restaurant at Groot Constantia - A beautiful lunch stop set within South Africa’s oldest wine estate
EXPERIENCES
Oraniezicht City Farm Market - A vibrant community market featuring local produce, prepared foods, crafts, and artisan products
Lekka Kombuis Cooking Experience - A hands-on Cape Malay cooking class with Gamidah inside her home, where we learned to make chicken curry, samosas, rotis, and other local specialties
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway - The rotating cable car that carries visitors to the summit of Table Mountain for panoramic views of Cape Town, Lion’s Head, and the surrounding coastline
WINE ESTATES
Groot Constantia Wine Estate - Established in 1685, this historic property is South Africa’s oldest wine state and offeres beautiful grounds, tastings, and a glimpse into the country’s winemaking history
TRANSPORTATION
Cape Horizons Transfers - Our trusted transportation partner throughout the Cape Town region. Faiez’s local knowledge and recommendations helped make many of our favorite experiences possible
 About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew 
Executive Producer & Host: Jill BohaboyProduced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

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 tastings and chocolate-making to unforgettable meals, historical landmarks, and some of the world's most beautiful wine estates.
Along the way, husband Paul, son Luke, and the rest of the family discover that wine country offers much more than wine. With plenty of activities, great food, and memorable experiences for travelers of every age.
They also talk about:
visiting Drakenstein prison, where Nelson Mandela spent his final years before his release
Why South Africa’s wine country works surprisingly well for multigenerational travel is surprisingly well
Golf, shopping, gardens, farm visits, and plenty of opportunities for kids to explore
Travel and experience highlights
STAY
Le Quartier Francais, Leau Collection - our home base in Franschhoek, featuring a Private cottage with multiple bedrooms, outdoor living spaces, and easy access to the towns, restaurants, and shops
DINING
La Petite Columbe - one of South Africa’s most celebrated fine dining restaurants, known for its imaginative, multicourse tasting menus, exceptional service, and stunning vineyard setting
EXPERIENCES
Babylonstoren - A working farm, garden, winery, and culinary destination offering visitors a chance to explore orchards, vineyards, and farm-to-table dining experiences
Drakenstein prison - the historic site where Nelson Mandela spent the final years of his imprisonment before his release in 1990
Hueguenot Fine Chocolates - a hands-on chocolate experience in downtown Franschhoek, where we learned the art of chocolate making while creating our own sweet treats
WINE ESTATES
Delaire Graff Estate - A spectacular wine estate featuring award-winning wines, sculpture gardens, mountain views, and beautifully landscaped grounds
Ernie Els Wines - A stunning Stellenbosch wine estate founded by the legendary golfer, featuring expansive views, generous tastings, and a family-friendly atmosphere
Vergelegen Wine Estate - One of South Africa’s most historic wine farms, known for its gardens, ancient camphor trees, wine tastings, and beautiful walking trails
About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.
Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew 
Executive Producer & Host: Jill BohaboyProduced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler