Big changes coming to the show (well, not really...more tweaks than anything)...and we're super excited to share them with you. Join our community online and let's have fun learning and laughing our way around the world. 

Here's the revised version without timestamps:

Ready to swirl, sniff, and sip your way through some unforgettable wine-tasting adventures? Today’s episode of Stacking Adventures is a toast to wine tours, featuring hilarious and heartfelt stories, practical tips, and a few spills (hopefully just metaphorical).

Crystal shares her dream of leading wine tours in retirement—because why not get paid to drink wine and look fancy? Jennifer takes us to Portugal with her incredible wine tour experience, where she discovered the magic of Port wine and how to enjoy wine tastings without emptying your wallet. And let’s not forget Crystal’s jaunt through Swiss vineyards (because even ski trips deserve a little grape action) and Joe’s own wine tales, which might just involve questionable choices in Northern Michigan.

Plus, Wesley’s Wine Tips will arm you with everything you need to ace your next tasting, and we highlight a piece of travel gear that promises to keep your wine-and-cheese habit from becoming your wine-and-regret habit.

• Chilean wine tour dreams, Crystal’s future retirement gig, and Joe’s questionable choices.
• What’s pouring in this episode (hint: it’s wine and plenty of laughs).
• Jennifer’s Portugal wine tour: The magic of Porto and Lisbon, and why Port wine might be your new best friend.
• Port tasting 101: Learn why it’s worth sipping slowly (and maybe budgeting for a bottle or two).
• DIY wine tour tips: How to taste without breaking the bank—or getting kicked out of a vineyard.
• Napa Valley nostalgia: Joe’s personal wine stories that’ll have you saying, “Wait...he did what?”
• Swiss wine adventures: Crystal’s picturesque Swiss vineyard tour (with bonus ski tales).
• Dog-friendly wineries: Because even Fido deserves a day in the vineyard.
• Wine tasting tips: Tricks to look like a pro, even if you just came for the cheese.
• Northern Michigan wineries: The truth about what’s bubbling up north.
• Planning your wine tour: The ultimate guide to sipping your way to adventure.
• Wine etiquette & pairings: How to avoid faux pas and elevate your tastings.
• Gear of the day: Stay fit while indulging in your wine-tasting escapades (because balance is key).
• What’s next: A sneak peek at upcoming episodes and how you can join the Stacking Adventures community.

Got a wine-tasting story that rivals Joe’s Northern Michigan adventures? Share it with us! Join the Stacking Adventures community and let’s keep the travel (and wine) conversations flowing.

https://stackingadventures.com/mystory

Ready to dive into the charm of the Emerald Isle? In this episode, we’re taking you on a journey through Ireland’s rugged countryside, lively cities, and ancient landmarks. Whether you’re chasing rainbows or trying to master driving on the other side of the road, we’ve got stories, laughs, and plenty of tips to inspire your next great adventure.

Sheena starts us off with her unplanned escape to Dublin—because sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don’t plan. From unexpected sunshine to Dublin’s iconic hop-on-hop-off bus tours, she’ll have you itching to pack your bags. Roy shares his seven Irish trips that led to his family’s bold decision to retire in Northern Ireland (yes, the pubs are as cozy as you imagine). Then, John from Oklahoma takes us back in time with tales of ancient ruins, geological wonders, and a pub crawl worth repeating.

And the icing on this Irish cake? Nancy from Florida tells us about her journey to Limerick. Of course, Joe couldn’t resist trying to craft a limerick on the spot featuring Nancy—and let’s just say it’s a work of... humor.

Along the way, we’ll share tips for renting a car without losing your cool, savoring the perfect pint of stout, and unlocking Ireland’s rich history like a seasoned explorer. Plus, don’t miss our “gear of the day” pick—it’s a travel essential for making every adventure more fun (and less stressful).

• Sheena’s Unplanned Dublin Adventure: Spontaneous trips, Irish sunshine, and people-watching with a side of laughter.
• Roy’s Northern Ireland Dream: Seven trips, house-hunting shenanigans, and making the big move to a postcard-worthy Northern Irish town.
• John’s Historical Tour: Ancient ruins, geological wonders, and cozy pub stories that’ll make you want to book your flight immediately.
• Nancy’s Trip to Limerick: A Florida adventurer meets Irish charm—and Joe’s valiant attempt at limerick-writing.
• Practical Travel Tips: Navigate the roads, find the best brews, and experience Ireland like a seasoned pro.
• Gear of the Day: The must-have travel tool to keep your adventures smooth and your spirits high.

Ireland is calling, and we’re here to help you answer. From laughs to logistics, this episode has everything you need to start planning your own Irish adventure.

Planning a dream vacation shouldn’t feel like a nightmare for your wallet. In this episode, Crystal and Joe unpack practical strategies to make your 2025 travels more affordable, enjoyable, and stress-free.

Crystal is inspired as Joe shares his plan to extend FinCon with an unforgettable visit to Crater Lake National Park and Willamette Valley wineries. From there, they dive into how smart budgeting and planning can transform your travel dreams into reality.

You’ll hear about:

• Effective strategies for budgeting travel expenses, from accommodations to flights.
• How to embrace public transport and save on dining without sacrificing experiences.
• The importance of planning ahead while leaving room for spontaneity.
• Tips for avoiding hotel booking mistakes and making the most of travel points.
• Crystal and Joe’s 'Gear of the Day' pick to help you pack like a pro.

Whether you’re dreaming of exploring new destinations or just want to stretch your travel dollars, this episode has everything you need to make your next adventure epic and affordable.

Tune in for a mix of actionable tips, personal stories, and a touch of humor that’ll leave you excited to plan your next getaway!

What better way to kick off the new year than by planning your next great adventure? On this episode, we're sharing another podcast which will make your adventures brighter, the Everyday Bucket List Podcast. Karen Cordway and her husband (and co-host) Rich share their best tips for setting ambitious but achievable travel goals and bucket list ideas for 2025.

From sparking brain growth (yes, really!) to dreaming so big it makes others laugh, they bring a mix of practical advice, inspiration, and fun personal stories to help you turn "someday" into today. Plus, you'll learn about the 'FILL' method (think free, local, and low-cost adventures) and why listening to birds might just be the easiest—and cheapest—way to boost your happiness.

Whether you're itching to learn a new skill, find accountability partners to keep you on track, or just need a good laugh with a 'dream chuckle,' Karen and Rich have you covered. Tune in to map out your best year yet—without breaking the bank.

Highlights:

• Welcome to the Everyday Bucket List Podcast: Kick things off with Karen and Rich.
• New Year, New Goals: How to set resolutions you'll actually stick with.
• Travel and Brain Health: Turns out vacations can grow new brain cells (science says so).
• Learning New Skills: Why trying new things keeps your mind sharp and your bucket list full.
• The Power of Accountability Partners: Your secret weapon for staying on track.
• Dream Chuckle: Setting goals so big, they make you—and everyone else—laugh.
• The FILL Method: Free, Interesting, Low-Cost, and Local adventures to spice up your year.
• Birdsong and Wellbeing: The surprising way to boost your happiness for free.
• Tips Series: How to map out your year with ease and enthusiasm.
• Conclusion: Plan, dream, and stay motivated all year long.

Ready to fill your year with unforgettable experiences? Grab your coffee (or tea), hit play, and start dreaming big!

Happy Holidays!

For our list of BEST travel items, head to StackingAdventures.com/GearOfTheDay

Want to contribute to future shows about Ireland, Wine Tours, Walt Disney World vacations, or Budgeting for better travel? Call our voicemail and be a part of future shows! You'll have five minutes to tell your story, so have fun! StackingAdventures.com/Voicemail 

Ever wonder where to find the most haunted hotspots in the country? Buckle up, because in this episode, Joe and Crystal share the spine-tingling ghost tours recommended by our Adventurers! From Savannah’s famous hearse ghost tours to the mysterious halls of the Winchester Mystery House and Salem’s historical haunts, we’ve got your next spooky adventure covered.

Plus, we highlight our Gear of the Day, swap some amusing travel stories, and give you the lowdown on must-visit ghost tours across the country. Grab your flashlight, and let’s dive into a hauntingly great adventure together!

• Adventurer Picks: Chilling listener recommendations for the top ghost tours and haunted attractions.
• Savannah’s Hearse Ghost Tours: Explore this city’s rich (and spooky) history on four wheels.
• Winchester Mystery House: A house built for ghosts? Step inside this labyrinthine wonder in San Jose.
• Salem, Massachusetts: Unravel the mystery of the Salem Witch Trials and explore its haunting history.
• Gear of the Day: Don’t hit the road without this travel essential.
• Top Ghost Tours Across the U.S.: From Chicago to New Orleans, discover eerie destinations Adventurers swear by.
  • Chicago’s gangster-filled ghost tours.
  • New York City’s haunted gangster landmarks.
  • New Orleans cemetery tours that reveal secrets of the past.
  • Baltimore’s haunted pub crawls and ghostly tales.
  • San Diego’s Haunted Gaslamp Quarter.
  • Eureka Springs’ Crescent Hotel, one of the most haunted hotels in the country.
• Listener Stories: Personal encounters that might just give you goosebumps.
• Upcoming Adventures: A sneak peek at next week’s show and how you can join the fun!

Pack your sense of adventure (and maybe a little courage), and get ready for a spooky escape filled with laughter, thrills, and unforgettable travel inspiration!

Looking for our Gear of the Day pick? Head to StackingAdventures.com/GOTD

Want to share YOUR favorite wine tour, Ireland adventure, or another? Head to StackingAdventures.com/MyStory

Are you making the most of your travel points? Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just dipping your toes into the world of rewards, this episode of Stacking Adventures is a must-listen. We’re joined by Cindy Greenstein, aka The Points Mom, who shares her insider secrets for getting top value from your travel rewards. From transferring points for better deals to stacking perks for triple the benefits, Cindy's advice will help you elevate your travel game.

Why You Should Tune In:

• Learn how to organize your spending to maximize flexible rewards.
• Discover strategies for navigating loyalty programs and staying ahead of changes.
• Get inspired by real-life wins from Cindy and Crystal’s travel adventures.

Episode Highlights:

• Personal travel stories and lessons learned along the way.
• Cindy’s journey from CPA to travel rewards expert.
• Practical tips for getting started with points and maximizing redemptions.
• The art of transferring points and using flexible rewards programs.
• Insider strategies for earning and using airline status, including American Airlines.
• Live audience questions answered, including smart travel and healthy travel tips.
• Top credit card strategies for personal and business expenses.
• How to stack points for even bigger rewards.
• Highlights from FinCon, networking tips, and building your travel hacking community.

Final Thoughts: Cindy’s actionable advice and relatable stories will inspire you to take control of your rewards strategy and start stacking points like a pro. Don’t leave free travel on the table—tune in and learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable adventures!

Additional Resources:

• Follow Cindy Greenstein, The Points Mom
• Join the Stacking Benjamins Basement Facebook Group for More Travel Tips

Why does wine taste different when you're sipping it abroad? And how do you design a wine tour that’s both unforgettable and Instagram-worthy? Today, we pop the cork on all things wine tourism with Kylie Sherriff, an Australian expat who traded her banking career for the lush vineyards of Chile.

Kylie takes us behind the scenes of wine tourism, revealing the secrets to crafting the perfect wine tour, the pitfalls of DIY adventures, and why guided tours often come with a richer bouquet (pun intended). 

From tips on choosing the right wineries to stories of transitioning from spreadsheets to grapevines, this episode is a toast to adventure, culture, and, of course, wine! Stick around until the end for our fun recommendations on festive wine gear that’ll elevate your next tasting experience.

• Wine tour experiences from Virginia to Switzerland
• Meet Kylie, the wine tourism expert
• Secrets to designing the perfect wine tour
• Why guided tours outshine DIY wine adventures
• A road trip pit stop with a wine twist
• Exploring wine regions across Europe
• The unique wine culture of Australia
• Kylie's transition from banking to vineyards
• Starting a new adventure in South America
• The magic of Chilean wine experiences
• How to book a wine tour with Kylie
• Fun wine accessories and souvenirs to enhance your experience
• Final thoughts on what makes a wine tour memorable

This week on Stacking Adventures, Joe and Crystal take us on a journey through Peru with two unique travel stories and a treasure trove of tips for travelers of all styles.

First, Carrie and Eric share their unforgettable slow-travel experience, staying in an Airbnb, shopping at vibrant local markets, and immersing their kids in Peruvian culture. They reveal how to avoid tourist traps and truly connect with the local community. Next, Jim from Florida contrasts his mid-range adventure with a tour company, Other Way Round Travel, highlighting the perks of guided tours, tackling health and safety challenges, and embracing flexibility while abroad.

As always, we sprinkle in practical advice, like how to pronounce 'Viator' (spoiler: you’ve been saying it wrong!), plus a teaser for our upcoming wine tour adventure in Chile. We also spotlight essential travel gear that won't break the bank, all featured on our Amazon page.

Tune in for inspiration, laughs, and actionable tips to make your next adventure memorable and stress-free.

• Welcome to today’s travel stories.
• Carrie and Eric’s slow travel adventure in Peru.
• Comparing travel styles: Luxe, budget, and everything in between.
• Today’s gear pick and practical travel tips.
• Thanksgiving plans and our travel philosophy.
• A day in Peru: Living like a local.
• Discovering markets and building community connections.
• World schooling and making social media count.
• Guided tours and the perks of shoulder season travel.
• Machu Picchu, unexpected adventures, and magic moments.
• Listener feedback and guessing the gear of the day.
• Shoutout to the Everyday Bucket List podcast.
• Guess what’s in our gear spotlight.
• Call for your travel stories—share your adventures!
• Listener highlights and our hotline details.
• Joe’s hilarious Peruvian mix-up.
• Safety tips and social posting etiquette.
• Jim’s mid-range adventure in Peru.
• Navigating tour groups and making connections.
• Peru’s challenges and highlights through Jim’s eyes.
• Sacred Valley gems and what’s next on the itinerary.
• Travel essentials, safety insights, and packing like a pro.
• Sneak peek at upcoming adventures and Thanksgiving wishes.

Got a story, tip, or question for the show? Leave us a voicemail (HTTP://stackingadventures.com/mystory) —we’d love to feature you! And don’t forget to check out our gear recommendations to make your next trip unforgettable (HTTP://stackingadventures.com/gotd).

Adventurer Ann joins us today to share her travels through Ireland. Her road trip avoided the major tourist spots so that they could see the "real" parts of the country. What did they experience? How about soaring cliffs, the Lousitania museum, AirBnBs, wonderful foods, and Irish scones! Ann shares all of her best travel tips, including how she creatively made it to Ireland on points and what she'd do differently if she went again (and she definitely plans to go again!). 

Looking for our gear of the day list? We added a great new one on today's show. You'll find the whole list at HTTP://stackingadventures.com/gotd

Share YOUR Ireland adventure with us by heading to HTTP://stackingadventures.com/mystory. You'll have five minutes to detail the good, bad, and ugly. Whether it's a funny anecdote or best practices, we want to hear! 

Emmy winner Joseph Rosendo joins us! In this special episode, Joseph, known for his PBS show 'TravelScope,' shares invaluable travel tips focusing on the importance of immersing oneself in local cultures rather than merely visiting tourist sites. He emphasizes the need to interact with locals to truly enrich your travel experience. The episode also covers Joseph's thoughts on packing smartly, the significance of speaking a few phrases of the local language, and the art of bargaining responsibly. His candid reflections will give you not only important tips, but also practical advice to enhance your future travels.

RUN OF SHOW

• Introduction to a Special Episode
• Greatest Hits and Special Interviews
• Travel Insights with Joseph Rosendo
• Engaging with Locals
• Supporting the Show
• Upcoming Episodes and Listener Contributions
• Interview with Joseph Rosendo
• Behind the Scenes of Travel Scope
• The Essence of Travel Experiences
• The Importance of Language in Travel
• Curiosity and Spontaneous Interactions
• The Art of Bargaining
• Final Thoughts and Reflections

Looking for our awesome gear of the day page? You'll find all of our favorite travel aids, hacks, and fun toys here: https://stackingadventures.com/gotd

We need your help! We are prepping episodes on New Orleans, Ghost Tours, and Peru & Chile! If you have adventures in these areas, share your stories with us for a future episode of the podcast! You'll have five minutes to tell your story, so let it fly! HTTP://stackingadventures.com/mystory