The Informed Traveler
Podcast
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Your best source for travel trends, tips and destination ideas
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Pet Friendly Hotels and All About Barbados
May 12, 2025
On this week's podcast Travel Expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss Pet Friendly Hotels. Then the rest of the podcast is all about Barbados, first we'll chat with the Marketing Director for Barbados Tourism, Eusi Skeete to share why Barbados is a great choice for a vacation destination. Then the GM of the Hilton Barbados will join us to talk about some of the amenities they offer at the Hilton Barbados.
Rail Travel & Hotel La Compania Del Valle, Panama
May 4, 2025
According to current trends, rail travel is gaining significant popularity in 2025 with data indicating a substantial increase in demand compared to previous years. Soon this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss the rising interest in rail travel. Then we'll head to Panama to learn all about the Hotel La Compañía del Valle in Panama.
Women-Only Travel and A Holiday In Maui
April 27, 2025
One of the rising trends we're seeing in the travel industry is the popularity of Women-Only Travel, so on this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss the increase in the interest of Women-Only Travel. Plus, we'll check in with Dani Musse from Booking.com who recently returned from Maui. So we'll get some insight from her on her experience in Maui.
Touring South Africa & The Cashel Palace, Ireland
April 20, 2025
On this week's podcast we salute and remember our good friend and colleague, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions who passed away suddenly last week. Plus, Travel Expert Onanta will join us to share her experience in South Africa where she finished up her semi world cruise on the Zuiderdam. And travel writer Debra Smith recently visited Ireland staying at the luxurious Cashel Palace so we'll get some insight on her experience staying there.
Traveling to the US & The 5 Best Attractions in
Bora Bora - April 13, 2025
On this week's podcast we'll get caught up on the latest travel news about traveling to the US with Travel Expert Onanta Forbes. Then we'll chat with author and travel blogger Linda King about visiting Bora Bora. She's the founder of the Smart Travelista website. and that's where you'll find her blog about the 5 Best Attractions to Visit in Bora Bora. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions will be along with a few destination ideas and travel deals with our Weekly Roundup.
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On Location in Louisville, Kentucky
April 6, 2025
Last week we continued our road trip from Louisiana to Louisville, Kentucky. We spent 3 days in Louisville to attend the Travel South USA Global Week Conference. While we were there we got to experience the culture, music and food Louisville has to offer. Plus, sample lots of bourbon. So in this week's podcast we'll share with you the conversations we had with Travel South USA, Kentucky Tourism, Louisville Tourism and the Waterfront Botanical Gardens.
On Location in Southwest Louisiana
March 30, 2025
For this week’s podcast we are coming to you from Southwest Louisiana. Over the past few days we’ve been hosted by our friends from Visit Lake Charles and Lafayette Travel, who have been sharing with us the best of what this incredible destination has to offer. Our stay included two nights in Lake Charles and two nights in Lafayette, uncovering the sights, sounds, and the wonderful flavors that make this part of the world so unique.
Zuiderdam Kitchen Tour & A Review of Azamara Cruises - March 23, 2025
It's all about cruising on our podcast this week. We'll check in travel expert Onanta Forbes who's been sailing onboard Holland America's Zuiderdam for the past month. Plus, we'll also get some insight on what it's like to cruise with Azamara cruises when we chat with David Yeskel, the Cruise Guru. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel has our Weekly Roundup.
Enjoying Zuiderdam's World Cruise & HADCO Experiences, Trinidad - March 16, 2025
On this week's podcast we'll get another update on where Travel Expert Onanta Forbes has been while cruising on the Zuiderdam. Plus, we'll head to the Caribbean island of Trinidad and talk with the co-founder of HADCO Experiences. And Ken Stewart has our Weekly Roundup.
Still Cruising on the Zuiderdam & Changes to Aeroplan and Westjet Rewards - March 9, 2025
On this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes continues her cruise onboard Holland America's Zuiderdam so we'll find out where she's been this past week. Plus, both Air Canada's Aeroplan and Westjet Rewards recently announced changes coming soon to their loyalty programs, we'll get the good and bad of both plans with Patrick Sojka from Rewards Canada. And Ken Stewart has our Weekly Roundup.
Cruising on the Zuiderdam & Exoticca Tours
March 2, 2025
On this week's podcast we're going to play the game of where's travel expert Onanta Forbes. We know she's cruising on Holland America's Zuiderdam so we'll find out where she's been this past week. Plus, we'll talk with Exoticca, a company that offers all kind of multi day tours all over the world. And Ken Stewart has our Weekly Roundup.
Onanta's Zuiderdam Cruise (Week 2) & The Metcalf Hotel, Ottawa - February 23, 2025
Our resident travel expert Onanta Forbes continued her semi world cruise onboard Holland America's Zuiderdam last week so we'll catch the highlights from her on this week's podcast. Plus, we'll head to Ottawa to learn all about the Metcalf Hotel and all it has to offer as well as some general tips on visiting Ottawa. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Onanta Sailing on the Zuiderdam (WK 1) & Toronto, Ont.
February 16, 2025
Travel expert Onanta Forbes is onboard Holland America's Zuiderdam so on this week's podcast we'll get an update from her. Plus, according to Booking.com's recent survey, Toronto happens to be Canada's Most Welcoming City so we'll find what makes it such a welcoming place. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Onanta in Australia (Part 2) & Arundel Castle, UK
February 9, 2025
Our resident travel expert Onanta Forbes continues her adventures in Australia so on this week's podcast we'll get an update on what she's been up to and where she's been. Plus, we'll head to the UK and chat with Paul Ullson, he's the Events Coordinator for Arundel Castle, a beautifully restored and remodeled medieval castle located in Arundel, England. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our weekly Roundup.
Onanta in Australia & Universal Orlando's Epic Universe
February 2, 2025
Our resident travel expert Onanta Forbes is down under in Australia so on this week's podcast we will check in with her to she what she's been up to and where she's been so far. Plus, Universal Orlando will be opening their Epic Universe on May 22 so we'll get a preview of what to expect from Family Travel Specialist Renee Tsang, who specializes in places like Universal Orlando. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Cancun Airport Taxi Complaints & Skyridge Glamping
January 26, 2025
On this week's podcast, Travel Expert Onanta Forbes will join me to talk about aggresive taxi drivers when arriving at Cancun Airport and other destinations. Then we'll head to Kananaskis Country in Southern Alberta and learn about a new Glamping resort called Skyridge Glamping. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Hotels Offering Vacation Rentals & DIY Bookings Errors
January 19, 2025
There's a growing trend with the larger hotel brands who are adding vacation rental properties to their portfolios, so on this week's podcast Travel Expert Onanta Forbes will join us discuss those options. Plus, did you know that 1 in 3 people who book their own travel make a critical mistake in the booking process? That's the finding from a Flight Centre study so we'll find what those errors are and how to avoid them. And Ken Stewart has our Weekly Roundup.
Travel Need to Knows for 2025 & Visiting Madrid
January 12, 2025
With a new travel year ahead of us there are a few new things you should know before you go, so on this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to review some of those new requirements. Plus, we'll learn about traveling to Madrid, Spain. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
2024 Travel News Review &
What's New in Mazatlan, MX - January 5, 2025
On this week's podcast Travel Expert Onanta Forbes will join me to review some of the travel stories from last year that still may impact the year ahead. Plus, we'll have a chat with the folks from GoMazatlan to see what new attractions and sites they have to offer. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Antigua at Christmas & Luxury Travel
December 29, 2024
On this week's podcast we'll check in with Travel Expert Onanta Forbes from Antigua to see what she's been up to. Plus, we'll talk about Luxury Travel. We're excited to have Rodney George join us, he's the host of the Luxury Traveler's Podcast and is a luxury travel consultant so we'll get some insight and tips on how to plan a luxury vacation. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our weekly Roundup.
Destination Ideas for 2025 & Houston, TX - A Trending Destination - December 22, 2024
Frommer's have come out with their list of the top places to go in 2025, so on this week's podcast Travel Expert Onanta Forbes joins me to discuss some of those destinations. And Booking.com has a list as well of the top trending destinations for the coming year and one of the places on that list is Houston, Texas so we'll get some tips on what to see and do in Houston. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Travel Blunders & Montreal En Lumiere
December 15, 2026
On this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to talk about Travel Blunders, what they are and how to possibly avoid them. Plus, the Montreal en Lumiere Festival takes place from Feb. 27 to March 9, it's an annual festival that involves food, music and all kinds of fun activities so we'll get some insight on Montreal en Lumiere. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Air Canada's New Carry On Fees & Facial ID and Winter Fun in New Hampshire - December 8, 2024
Air Canada was in the news last week for a couple of reasons, it's new facial ID system and and new carry on fees. So on this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to break it all down. And one place that you might not have thought of to enjoy winter is the State of New Hampshire. It has all kinds of winter activities and events so we'll get some ideas on how to do all of that. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
What Makes a Good Travel Companion & An Update On Jasper, AB - December 1, 2024
On this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss what makes for a good travel companion. Plus, we'll head to Jasper, Alberta and get an update from Jasper Tourism on where they're at as far as recovering from that devastating forest fire last summer. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions is in Houston, Texas this week taking in the US Thanksgiving festivities so we'll chat with him as well.
Holiday Travel Reminders & A Local's Tips on the Florida Keys - November 24, 2024
Tis the season for holiday travel so on this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes shares some holiday travel reminders. Plus, Florida Keys chef Paul Menta joins us to offer up some personal insight on visiting the Keys and taking in all the culinary tastes it has to offer. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Using Wi-Fi While Traveling & Traveling In Wonder
November 17, 2024
On this week's podcast we're going to talk about using Wi-Fi while you're traveling so travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss some of the options available. Plus, travel photographer and author Autumn Carolynn is going to join us to share her latest book "Traveling in Wonder: A Travel Photographer’s Tales of Wanderlust". Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Cruising on HAL's Rotterdam (Part 2) & Festival Season in Puerto Rico - November 10, 2024
Travel expert Onanta Forbes is back from her group cruise sailing in the Caribbean onboard Holland America's Rotterdam, so on this week's podcast we'll check in with her to get the highlights. Plus, festival season is about to begin in Puerto Rico so we'll get some insight on that. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Cruising on HAL's Rotterdam & the Nature Island of Dominica - November 3, 2024
Travel expert Onanta Forbes is currently sailing in the Caribbean onboard Holland America's Rotterdam, so on this week's podcast we'll check in with her to see how her group cruise is going. Plus, Marva Williams, CEO for Discover Dominica is going to join us to share all the great things Dominica has to offer. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Group Travel & Learning About Sweet Spot, Louisiana
October 27, 2024
On this week's podcast we'll talk about the benefits of traveling as a group and some tips on smoothing out the process of getting that group together. Plus, the crew from Louisiana Tourism were in town last week so I got the chance to learn about Sweet Spot Louisiana, located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. So we'll have that conversation for you. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Expedia's 2025 Travel Trends & the Grand Hotel Bristol in Portofino, Italy - October 20, 2024
Expedia Group has come out with their list of noteworthy travel trends for the coming year so on this weeks podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss what some of those trends are. Plus, we'll head to Portofino, Italy and learn about the Grand Hotel Bristol, a beautiful resort boasting spectacular views of the ocean the largest spa in the region. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
96 Hours in NYC and Ecuador, More Than The Galapagos - October 13, 2024
Travel expert Onanta Forbes just spent 96 hours in NYC so on this week's podcast we'll get the lowdown on what she did and get some tips on traveling to NYC. Plus, we'll head to Ecuador, famously known for its tours to the Galapagos. But there's so much more to see in Ecuador so find out more about that. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weeky Roundup
Exploring Reno, Carson City and Virginia City, Nevada
October 6, 2024
We took our podcast on the road for a fabulous 4 day tour of the Lake Tahoe Loop in Nevada which included stops in Reno, Carson City, and Virginia City. So coming up on this week's podcast we've got 3 interviews for you from representatives in all three of those areas, Reno, Carson City and Virginia City.
Travel Disruptions & the St Regis Chicago Hotel
Sept. 29, 2024
According to a new study from Flight Centre Canada, 82% of Canadian travelers have faced some form of travel disruption. So on this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to talk about those travel disruptions. Plus, travel writer Debra Smith will join us to share her review of the St Regis Hotel in Chicago. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Where Did You Travel To This Summer & Santa Maria Valley, CA - Sept. 22, 2024
The folks from tour company Viator recently when through all their booking stats from June to August of this year and came up with the answer to the question of where people went and what they did over the summer. So in on this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss some of the findings. Plus we'll learn about the area of the Santa Maria Valley in California. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Exploring the Azores and Medeira, plus Stockholm, Sweden with Booking.com - Sept. 15, 2024
Travel expert Onanta Forbes wrapped up her trip to Portugal last week spending some time in the Azores and Medeira so we'll hear the highlights and get some tips on visiting there. Plus Dani Musse from Booking.com will join us to talk about Stockholm, Sweden and find out all the great things to see there. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
River Cruising in Portugal (Part 2) & Copper Canyon, Mexico - Sept. 8, 2024
On this week's podcast we learn more about what it's like to experience an Avalon Waterways river cruise in Portugal with travel expert Onanta Forbes. Plus we'll chat with the folks from Chihuahua, Mexico, home to an area known as Copper Canyon, a network of six canyons that provides endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and trekking. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Cruising Portugal With Avalon River Cruises
September 1, 2024
Ever wonder what it's like to go on a river cruise? On this week's podcast we'll get some answers from travel expert Onanta Forbes who is doing a river cruise in Portugal sailing with Avalon River Cruises. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Poor Customer Service & Penwell African Safaris
August 25, 2024
On this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes will join us to discuss customer service in the travel industry or lack thereof. Plus, we'll chat with the founder of Penwell Safaris, a company specializes in custom made African Safaris. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Fall Travel Trends & What's New in San Antonio
August 18, 2024
On this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes
will join us to share some of the travel trends
and destinations people are looking to visit this Fall. Plus, we'll get an update on what's new to see in
San Antonio, Texas. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Human Trafficking, plus A Newfoundlander's Guide to Newfoundland - August 11, 2024
On this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes will discuss what the travel industry is doing to help combat human trafficking, what those HELP signals are and what to do. Plus, we'll head to Newfoundland and get some insider tips on traveling to Newfoundland. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Wildfire Affects on Travel & the Newly Opened Naturally Pacific Resort, BC - August 4, 2024
On this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes joins us to discuss the trickle down affect the Jasper wildfire is having on the travel industry. Plus there's a new resort that recently opened in Campbell River, BC called the Naturally Pacific Resort so we'll find out more about that. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Airline IT Failure & Waterton Lakes National Park, AB
July 28, 2024
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On this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes will join us to discuss the effect last week's cyber failure had on the travel industry as a whole and what we can do about it. Plus, we'll head to Waterton Lakes National Park located in Southern Alberta along the Canada/US border to get some tips on what to see and do there. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Traveling With Your Pet & Tips for Visiting Morocco
July 21, 2024
Travel expert Onanta Forbes will join us to offer some general tips when traveling with your pet. Plus, if Morocco is on your list of places to visit we'll get some insight and tips on traveling to Morocco from Devaki Das, the founder of Weave A Thousand Journeys. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Tourism Phobia & Cycling Tours With O Cycle Japan
July 14, 2023
On this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes will join us to discuss some of the destinations where there has been an increase in anti-tourism. Fortunately, Japan isn't one of those places so also this week we'll talk about cycling tours in Japan with a company called O Cycle Japan. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Trip Interruption/Cancellation Insurance & Anakonda Amazon River Cruises - July 7, 2024
On this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes will join us to give some tips and advice on trip interruption and cancellation insurance. Plus, Onanta talks with Anakonda Amazon Cruises to learn more about cruising the Amazon. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Car Rental Insurance, Gigsky eSIMS
& Explora Journeys - June 30, 2024
Travel Expert Onanta Forbes will join us to wade through the different car rental insurance coverages. Plus we'll learn about eSIMS with Gigsky, a company that specializes in eSIMS. What they are and how they work. David Yeskel, the Cruise Guru will join us as well to share his recent cruise with Explora Journeys onboard the Journey 1. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup
Vacation Repetition, SafetyWing & the Andaz Hotel in Scottsdale, AZ - June 23, 2024
Travel expert Onanta Forbes will join us this week to discuss Vacation Repetition. We've also got a bonus interview as we chat with the CEO of SafetyWing, a company that specializes in international health care plans. Plus, travel writer and hotel reviewer Debra Smith shares her recent stay at the Andaz Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Retirement Havens and the Weinhotel Freylich Zahn Hotel, Germany - June 16, 2024
Up for discussion on our podcast this week is retirement havens. Travel expert Onanta Forbes recently discovered a number of expats in the areas of Panama and Colombia so she'll join us to talk about some of those retirement havens. Plus, travel writer Jennifer Merrick will also share her experience at the Wienhotel Freylich Zahn in Germany. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Exploring Panama & The Seychelles
June 9, 2024
Travel expert Onanta Forbes continued her adventures in Central America last week so in in this week's podcast we'll catch up with her in Panama to see what she's been up to. Plus, we'll have our monthly visit with Dani Musse from Booking.com to get some insight on visiting the islands of the Seychelles. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Exploring Colombia & Normandy, France
June 2, 2024
On this week's podcast we'll catch up with travel expert Onanta Forbes who was in Colombia this past week. Also, June 6th marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landing in Normandy, France during WW2 and the start of the Battle of Normandy so we'll get some insight on planning a trip to visit the battle sites, memorials and other areas in Normandy. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Cruising the Amazon River &
Fox Harb'r Resort, Nova Scotia - May 26, 2024
Travel Expert Onanta Forbes is traveling the world again, last week she was in Ecuador and was cruising along the Amazon River so we'll catch up with her to hear about her adventures. Then we'll head to Nova Scotia and visit the Fox Harb'r Resort located on the north side of Nova Scotia. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Round Up.
All Inclusive Resorts vs Cruises & The Rio Perdido Resort, Costa Rica - May 19, 2024
On this week's podcast Travel Expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss the on going debate on which is better, staying at an all-inclusive resort or taking a cruise. We'll discuss the pros and cons of both. Plus, we'll head to Costa Rica and learn about the Rio Perdido Resort. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Santa Monica and Madame Tussauds Hollywood
May 12, 2024
This week’s podcast is all about Los Angeles, California as we just returned from the LA area after attending the annual IPW conference hosted by Discover LA, the US Travel Association and Brand USA. While there we managed to visit a few of the areas around Los Angeles and chat with the representatives from Santa Monica and Madame Tussauds Hollywood.
Timeshare Exit Scams & Ireland's Atlantic and Northern Coast - May 5, 2024
On our podcast this week we talk about Timeshares. There's some disturbing stories appearing about timeshare scams when trying exit your timeshare agreement so travel expert Onanta Forbes joins us to discuss it. Then, Travel Journalist and writer Paula Worthington shares her recent adventure in Ireland so we'll find out where she went and what she did in Ireland. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Sports Tourism and 124 On Queen Hotel, NOTL
April 28, 2024
On this week's podcast Travel Expert Onanta Forbes and I will discuss the popularity of Sports Tourism. Then well head to Niagara on the Lake, Ontario to chat with the GM of the 124 on Queen Hotel, not only to learn about the hotel but also what Niagara on the Lake has to offer visitors. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions has our Weekly Roundup.
Fear of Flying and MSC's World Europa
April 21, 2024
On this week's podcast travel expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss the fear of flying. Then we'll talk cruising again with David Yeskel, the Cruise Guru. We'll have the second of two segments on the newest cruise ships. This week it's MSC Cruises new ship World Europa. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel has our Weekly Roundup.
Skip-Gen Travel & the Sun Princess
April 14, 2024
On our podcast this week travel expert Onanta Forbes will join us to chat about Skip Gen Travel. Plus our good friend and regular guest of the podcast David Yeskel, the Cruise Guru will join us for the first of two segments on the newest cruise ships. This week David will give us his review on the Sun Princess. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel has our Weekly Roundup.
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