A short pause turned into a longer break, and now here we are, October already. This is just a quick check-in to say that yes, I'm still here, and that no, The MultiPod has not yet gone completely dormant. But, I'm not sure what the future will bring. With a busy life and business, you gotta dig deep and find that extra time for your hobbies and projects. The MultiPod has been part of my life though for nearly 9 years, so to let it go would be a big decision. It's one of the longest commitments I've ever made! Maybe that will be enough to convince me to keep it going...  --- The MultiPod is also on video! You can watch today's episode on YouTube here. --- Find The MultiPod around the internet! Visit our new website, www.themultipod.com, for more show info, and our entire archive of 111 full episodes, plus bonus episodes and the Everything Conference miniseries. We also have a new guest application form, where you can send in your ideas for topics and who you would like to meet, and we'll set a recording date! Meanwhile, I'll be posting clips and updated on Instagram, @tedcraggpodcasting And, The MultiPod now has a sponsor! Quick Edit Podcasts Yes, this is my own podcast production business. But I owe everything to The MultiPod for giving me that foundation in skills and experience in podcasting. Quick Edit Podcasts provides on-demand audio and video production, ideal for one-off episodes, when you don't have time (or feel like) doing the editing yourself. And we love to produce short-form podcasts, miniseries, seasonal podcasts and other projects that are ideally suited for busy, multitasking multipotentialites! Visit the website to learn more: www.quickeditpodcasts.com or book a free 15-minute Quick Call and let's chat 

Do you learn a few words of the local language before traveling to another country? Even knowing how to say hello, please and thank you can make a difference. But learning a little more can open the door to deeper connections with the people you meet along the way. In this episode, I’m joined by Margherita Berti, founder of Italian Matters, to talk about how learning and using the local language can lead to a more meaningful travel experience. Margherita grew up in Bergamo, Italy, and has spent years studying languages, linguistics and how we actually learn to communicate in another language. She shares practical tips for learning before you travel, from flashcards and podcasts to music, movies and the shadowing technique. We also talk about which words and phrases are most useful, why it helps to prepare for situations you know you'll encounter, and how to get past the fear of making a mistake and actually speak the language once you're there. Because you don't need to be fluent. And you definitely don't need to be perfect. Sometimes simply making the effort to speak a few words in the local language can create a connection — and become one of those moments you remember long after the trip is over. In this episode: 1:10: Intro 1:53: About Margherita Berti 4:02: Italy to Indiana 10:24: Various learning tools 16:04: Key phrases to learn 18:01: Understanding creates connection 19:40: Using translating apps 22:51: Teaching English speakers 27:31: Advice for confident speaking 33:44: Margherita's final tips & thoughts 36:18: Lynne's final tips & thoughts 41:10: Wrapping it up Important links: Italian Matters Wander Your Way Wander Your Way Adventures Wander Your Way Resources Safety Wing Tips For Traveling in Another Language

I love independent travel.  I love being able to go where I want, when I want, and experience a destination in my own way. So I wasn't entirely sure how I would feel about small group travel. Yes, I know.  I offer small group trips. 😄 But turns out, I love it. In this episode, I'm sharing 9 reasons why independent travelers might just love small group travel too — from handing over the logistics and having knowledgeable local guides to getting into places that can be more difficult to experience on your own. We'll also talk about soft adventure, spending time in nature, experiencing the culture of a destination, leaving room for spontaneity and — perhaps most importantly — sharing those incredible travel moments with a small group of like-minded travelers. And small group travel doesn't mean giving up your independence completely.  There's still room for downtime, wandering on your own and simply doing your own thing. Small group travel may not be for everyone.  But if you're an independent traveler who has always thought, "Group travel isn't for me," this episode might just change your mind. In this episode: 0:50: Intro 7:30: First...a story 11:34: Don't have to worry about logistics 13:47: Experience places you may not get to on your own 17:02: Local guides and their knowledge 20:50: Time for soft adventure and in being nature 27:22: Cultural experiences as well 31:00: Allows for spontaneous moments 34:41: Sharing moments with others 39:31: Small means small 41:49: Maintain your independent time 44:57: Recap 47:05: Final thoughts 53:39: Wrapping it up In this episode: Wander Your Way Adventures Wander Your Way

What if traveling more slowly isn’t about how much time you have, but how you choose to use that time? In this episode, I’m joined by Renee Hannes of Dream Plan Experience to talk about slow travel, intentional travel and the joy of returning to places we’ve already visited. We chat about why asking “How do I want this trip to feel?” can completely change the way you plan, how leaving more unplanned time can lead to some of your favorite travel memories, and why you don’t have to see everything on one trip. We also delve into the benefits of revisiting destinations — one of my favorite things to do. Returning to a place you love gives you the chance to peel back another layer, discover something you missed the first (or second) time and experience it through a completely different lens. And Renee and I share a few simple ways to incorporate slow travel into your next trip to Europe — even if you only have a week or two. If you’re ready to travel with a little more intention and a little less rushing, be sure to tune in. Want to chat more about slow travel? Send me a message at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com. In this episode: 2:28: Renee Hannes' bio 5:40: Renee's travel story rooted in Germany 12:08: Starting a travel business 15:55: Tuscany retreat 17:40: Mindset for slow travel 27:17: Revisiting places 39:07: Same place, new discoveries 50:00: Revisiting places is for some and not for others 55:25: Final thoughts from Renee 57:40: Some final thoughts from Lynne 1:01:28: Wrapping it up Important links: Dream Plan Experience Slow Travel 10 Helpful Things I Wish More Travelers Knew About Europe Wander Your Way Wander Your Way Adventures Wander Your Way Resources Eagle Creek

Germany is so much more than Bavaria, beer gardens and castles. In this episode of the Wander Your Way podcast, I’m joined by Germany travel expert Cate Brubaker of My Germany Vacation to dig a little deeper into this fascinating and diverse country. Cate has been traveling to and living in Germany since she spent her senior year of high school there.  She went on to earn bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees in German and has spent decades exploring the country.  So when it comes to Germany, she has a lot of knowledge to share! We talk about some of Cate's favorite places, including history-filled Berlin, the lively university city of Freiburg and the beautiful Black Forest, and the maritime city of Hamburg in northern Germany. But we venture even farther beyond the usual stops as Cate introduces us to Germany's northern islands, including Sylt, Rügen and the car-free island of Hiddensee, where you'll find beaches, hiking trails and landscapes that might completely change the way you picture Germany. Along the way, Cate shares practical advice about traveling by train versus renting a car, getting around without speaking German and why your travel style should help determine how you move around the country. And, of course, we couldn't talk about Germany without talking about Christmas markets!  Cate shares some of her favorites and explains why smaller neighborhood markets can sometimes offer an even more memorable experience than the famous ones. If you've only thought of Germany as Munich, Bavaria and the Alps, this conversation just might inspire you to dig a little deeper. Want to chat more about Germany? Send me a message at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com. In this episode: 1:58: Intro 4:08: Getting to know Cate 13:46: Cate’s top 3 destinations 16:40: Berlin: The Wall 25:51: Freiburg: The Black Forest 39:54: Hamburg: Harbors, Canals, Lakes 48:15: Honorable Mention: The Islands 52:12: Logistics & Tips 55:45: Christmas Markets 1:06:06: Final thoughts 1:08:18: Wrapping it up Important links:   My Germany Vacation Germany Travel Planning Podcast Wander Your Way Wander Your Way Adventures Wander Your Way Resources REI