In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” show, travel writer and author Linda Ballou shares seven inspiring travel picks for 2026, encouraging listeners to plan ahead and explore destinations that offer unforgettable landscapes, outdoor adventures, and meaningful travel experiences.

From Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road and the alpine charm of Telluride, Colorado, to the wild beauty of Glacier Bay, Alaska, the red rock magic of Sedona, epic wildlife encounters in Botswana, autumn splendor in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and the volcanic landscapes of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Linda highlights what makes each destination special and why now is the time to start dreaming—and planning—your next adventure.

📝 Read Linda’s travel article: https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/adventure-travel/linda-ballou-shares-seven-great-travel-picks-for-2026-nows-the-time-to-see-the-world/

🌍 Follow Linda’s Books & Adventures: https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com

🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST 🎙️ Subscribe to Big Blend Radio: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com

🎨 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station” and “Parks & Travel” Podcast Channels. Explore the full network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Photo courtesy Linda Ballou & Big Island Visitor Bureau

Celebrate the season of giving with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” show, where adventurer and author Linda Ballou shares a curated list of her favorite travel and adventure books—perfect holiday gifts for the explorers in your life.

Linda discusses why these narratives resonate with readers, how they inspire real-world adventures, and what makes storytelling such a powerful tool for connecting to nature, culture, and personal growth. She also reflects on the unique contributions women bring to adventure writing and reads an excerpt from her own book, “Lost Angel Unleashed: Stories from the Heart.”

📚 Books Featured in This Episode: * The Trail: A Novel — Ethan Gallogly * The River’s Daughter — Bridget Crocker * Baboons for Lunch and Other Sordid Adventures — James Michael Dorsey * Endless Horizons: A Global Backpacker’s Quest for Adventure, Connection and Discovery — Paul W. Neville * Two Sticks, One Path: A Journey Beyond Fear on the Colorado Trail — Darrow Kirkpatrick * Wilderness: The Gateway to the Soul — Scott Stillman * Lost Angel Unleashed: Stories from the Heart — Linda Ballou

📝 Read Linda’s article with more adventure book gift ideas: https://nabbw.com/expert-columns/travel/adventure-travel/linda-ballou-suggests-gifts-for-the-adventure-travel-junkie-in-your-life-awesome-adventure-travel-books/

🌍 Follow Linda’s Books & Adventures: https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com

🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST. Subscribe: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com

🎙️This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station,” "Parks & Travel," and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels. Explore the full network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Celebrate National Book Month and National Arts & Humanities Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Lost Angel Travel Adventures” podcast featuring author and travel writer Linda Ballou.

In this conversation, Linda discusses the similarities and contrasts between her novel “Wai-Nani: A Voice from Old Hawai‘i” and the Apple TV series “Chief of War” created by Jason Momoa. She explores Hawaiian history, the significance of oral traditions, and the portrayal of key historical figures like Kamehameha. Linda also shares insights on Isabella Bird’s travels in Hawai'i and reflects on the importance of preserving Hawaiian language and cultural heritage. The episode includes a short reading from “Wai-Nani.”

📚 Keep up with Linda and her writing: 🔗 https://www.LindaBallouAuthor.com 🔗 https://www.LostAngelAdventures.com

🌺 Linda’s Q&A on Wai-Nani: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=wI4BONZhbjY&list=PLUfBG36FykHmTACmY8E5PpTBW0XDP5Po2

🎧 New episodes air every 3rd Wednesday at Noon PST 🎙️ Subscribe to Big Blend Radio: https://lost-angel-travel-adventures.podbean.com

🎤 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts,” "Way Back When," and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels. Explore the full network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork