The Travel Brats Podcast Por Sofia Blanno Natalie Brouwer arte de portada

The Travel Brats

The Travel Brats

De: Sofia Blanno Natalie Brouwer
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Your one-stop media destination for inspiration to create a travel-filled life you don't need a vacation from. The Travel Brats are building a community around a love for travel, uncovering hidden gems with locals, and empowering exploration from your home city to around the globe.2020 Who Wear There Podcast Ciencias Sociales Economía Escritos y Comentarios sobre Viajes Gestión y Liderazgo Liderazgo
Episodios
  • Meet Missouri: The Show-Me State Uncovered

    Meet Missouri: The Show-Me State Uncovered
    Jul 29 2025
    The Best Things to Do in -1. St. Louis, MO:St. Louis is often called the “Gateway to the West,” but it’s also a gateway to a memorable, well-rounded travel experience. From world-class art and live entertainment to major league baseball and local culinary treasures, this Midwestern gem packs a punch. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, here are some of the top things to do in St. Louis that highlight the city's diverse appeal.🌉 Start with a St. Louis Icon: The Gateway ArchNo matter how many times you visit, the Gateway Arch remains a must-see. Standing 630 feet tall on the Mississippi Riverfront, it’s the tallest monument in the U.S. and offers panoramic views of the city and beyond. Ride the tram to the top, then check out the Museum at the Gateway Arch below, which tells the story of America’s westward expansion and St. Louis's role in it. It’s the perfect place to begin your exploration.🎭 Catch a Musical Under the Stars at The MunyLocated in beautiful Forest Park, The Muny is the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. Every summer, The Muny stages big, Broadway-style productions that rival anything you’d see in New York. Even better? There are 1,500 free seats available for every performance, making it one of the most accessible cultural experiences in the country. The atmosphere is electric, the performances top-notch, and there’s just something magical about watching live theater under the open sky. We got to see the opening night of the acclaimed Broadway hit Come from Away, starring Heidi Blickenstaff. It was an amazing experience! ⚾ Feel the Energy at a St. Louis Cardinals GameBaseball is a way of life in St. Louis, and catching a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium is a rite of passage. With a view of the Gateway Arch in the background and some of the most passionate fans in the league, the game-day experience is hard to beat. Before the game, we headed to Ballpark Village next door for drinks, dining, and fan-friendly fun. Even if you’re not a baseball diehard, the energy and tradition of Cardinals Nation is infectious. ♟️ Explore Strategy and Art at the World Chess Hall of FameNestled in the Central West End, the World Chess Hall of Fame is a unique cultural spot that’s both intellectually stimulating and surprisingly stylish. Exhibits rotate regularly and showcase everything from historic chess sets to artwork inspired by the game. Whether you're a lifelong chess fan or just curious, it’s a fascinating stop. Across the street, the Saint Louis Chess Club frequently hosts world-class tournaments that draw international talent. This was a delightful and unique stop during our time in St. Louis! 🌳 Wander Through Forest Park – A City TreasureIf you’re looking for green space, head to Forest Park—one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., and bigger than New York’s Central Park. It’s home to walking trails, picnic spots, paddleboats, and more. Best of all, many of the attractions inside the park are free. We rented scooters and rode all over the park, as well as downtown! It was a very fun way to see the most of the city, but especially Forest Park. 🖼️ The Saint Louis Art MuseumHoused in a stately building overlooking Art Hill in Forest Park, the Saint Louis Art Museum features an impressive collection that spans thousands of years—from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. Admission to the museum’s main collection is free every day, making it easy to explore at your own pace. It’s a quiet, inspiring space that art lovers shouldn’t miss.🦁 The Saint Louis ZooConsistently ranked among the best zoos in the country, the Saint Louis Zoo is a can't-miss experience for families and animal lovers alike. Located in Forest Park, the zoo features over 16,000 animals from around the world—from elephants and sea lions to penguins and polar bears. Admission is free, and the zoo’s naturalistic habitats and interactive exhibits make it one of the best family-friendly attractions in the Midwest.🧪 The Saint Louis Science CenterAlso located in Forest Park, the Saint Louis Science Center is both educational and wildly fun. With over 700 hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and an OMNIMAX Theater, it’s a favorite for curious minds of all ages. You can walk through a giant model of a human heart, try flight simulators, or learn about the stars—all for free. It’s one of the few science museums in the country that doesn’t charge admission.🏛️ The Missouri History MuseumWant to dig deeper into the story of St. Louis and the surrounding region? Head to the Missouri History Museum, yet another free gem in Forest Park. Exhibits cover everything from the 1904 World’s Fair to civil rights, local sports, and more. It’s a great way to get context on the city’s past and present, all housed in a beautiful historic building.🍝 Eat Like a Local at Anthonino’s TavernaAfter a day of sightseeing, head to ...
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    53 m
  • Would You Rather: Beach & Island Life Edition

    Would You Rather: Beach & Island Life Edition
    Jul 15 2025
    🇬🇷 Greece vs. 🇮🇩 Bali: Island-Hopping or Beach Bumming?🛥️ We both said: GREECE!We’re all about island-hopping vibes — think Santorini sunsets, Mykonos parties, and quiet gems like Zakynthos and Milos. Want the best cruise recs? We gotchu:🔗 Celebrity Cruises – Greek Island Routes🔗 Celestyal Cruises – Authentic Greek Vibes🔗 Windstar Cruises – Yacht-Style Romance🔗 Seabourn – Ultra Luxe & CultureBut hey, Bali isn’t just chillin’ in the corner. It’s got major surf, stunning cliffside beaches, and killer snorkeling. If you’re chasing waves and epic sunsets, don’t miss:🌊 Uluwatu Beach – Surf & Views🌅 Seminyak – Trendy Vibes & Nightlife🐠 Amed Beach – Shipwreck Snorkeling🌕 Full Moon in Thailand or 🔥 Bonfire in Hawaii?Sof said: Hawaii. All the way.Natalie: Team Thailand, baby!What even is a Full Moon Party? Only the wildest all-night beach rave ever, hosted in Koh Phangan, Thailand. Think neon paint, fire dancers, insane DJ sets, and thousands of people from around the world.🕺 Guide to the Full Moon Party📍 Where it Happens – Haad Rin BeachPrefer something chill and soul-soothing? Picture this: Hawaiian beach bonfire, ukulele music, and stargazing with friends. Yeah, we’re down for that too.🔥 Top Bonfire Spots in Hawaii🏄‍♀️ Learn to Surf in Costa Rica or Paddleboard in the Maldives?BOTH sound dreamy. But we’re currently obsessed with the Maldives 🏝️ and those overwater bungalows. Our bucket list is growing fast…🧘‍♀️ Soneva Fushi – Eco-Luxe & Stargazing💑 Anantara Veli – Adults Only Romance🌅 Vakkaru Maldives – Snorkel + Spa GoalsBut don’t sleep on Costa Rica, especially if you’re a surfer girl (or guy). Check out:🏄‍♂️ Tamarindo – Great for Beginners🌴 Santa Teresa – Laid-back Surf Town🌊 Witch’s Rock – Epic Waves & Adventure🥥 Chill in the Caribbean or 🪩 Party in Ibiza?This was a toss-up!Sof: Ibiza, duh.Natalie: Pass me a coconut on the beach.✨ Top Clubs in Ibiza:🔗 Hï Ibiza🔗 Ushuaïa🔗 DC-10🔗 Pacha🔗 O Beach💖 Best Caribbean Beaches to Relax:🐚 Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos🌸 Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas🏝️ Shoal Bay, Anguilla🐢 Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico🏖️ Live on a Sailboat in the Bahamas or Beachfront in Tulum?This one had us split.Sof: Sailboat ALL the way. (Tulum’s gotten a little sketchy lately.)Natalie: Tulum, please! (Lived on a boat already — been there, done that!)🛥 Bahamas Island-Hopping Musts:🐷 Exumas – Swim with Pigs🐠 Andros – Best Diving in the Bahamas🎨 Harbour Island – Pink Sands & Chic Vibes🌮 Tulum Perks (and Precautions):📍 Tulum Travel Safety Tips🌴 Top Beachfront Hotels in Tulum🛺 Navigating Tulum’s Party Scene💬 Drop Us a Comment!Which destination would you pick? Greece or Bali? Surf or spa? Coconut chill or Ibiza rave?DM us @thetravelbrats or leave a comment below! We want to hear all about your dream vacay vibes 💌💕 Follow + Subscribe🎧 Listen on Spotify🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts📺 Watch on YouTube📸 Instagram🎵 TikTok📍 Threads📘 Facebook🐦 X / TwitterCatch ya next week for Episode 3! Until then… keep traveling like a brat 😎💄✈️— Sof & Natalie 💋The Travel Brats
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    48 m
  • Country Roads & Island Vibes: Erica Sunshine Lee on Music, Travel & Trop Rock Dreams

    Country Roads & Island Vibes: Erica Sunshine Lee on Music, Travel & Trop Rock Dreams
    Jul 1 2025
    The Travel Brats Q&A with Erica Sunshine Lee Meet the Georgia GypsyQ: Erica, would you kick us off by telling us more about yourself? Where did you grow up, and how did you become the country star you are today?A: I grew up in a small town called Elberton, Georgia, population 5,000, the granite capital of the world. I loved my small-town upbringing, where you know everybody, and people are genuinely there for you. I was raised on '90s country, '90s rock, and R&B, so music’s just always been in my soul. But it wasn’t until after college that I really dove into it full-time. I sold everything I had and started touring—literally living out of my car and playing all over the globe! Travels + Touring LifeQ: You perform for big venues and small! What does a year typically look like for you?A: It’s nonstop! I average about 250 shows a year, from major festivals to intimate house concerts. Typically, I start out in Florida. March has been Texas and Colorado, then Europe in April. In May, I go back to the Keys, then my summer tour goes from Georgia to northern Wisconsin, Seattle to San Diego, and back across the US. I end up in Key West for the winter! I love to travel and perform for all types of audiences across the world, seeing mountaintops to oceans, and meeting people from all walks of life who relate to my music.Q: For those who don’t know, what exactly is a house show?A: It’s like your own personal concert—folks host me in their backyard stages, incredible venues where people can come to a listening room environment and hear the intimate stories behind the songs in their beautiful properties, living rooms, barns, or even boats. It’s intimate, interactive, and honestly, some of my favorite performances.Q: You’ve performed in over 20 countries! What are some of your favorite destinations?A: Italy, Australia, and New Zealand are high up there. The people are warm, and the views are just breathtaking. Love the connection with my Australian and Kiwi peeps since I toured down under there 6 years, and I’m obsessed with the Italian culture, food, history, all the wonderful country line dancers, and all the amazing people!Q: Do you have a favorite international audience?A: Aussies and Kiwis really get into it—they love country and storytelling. Italy too—surprisingly huge country music fans!Q: What’s the weirdest or most memorable venue you’ve played?A: Definitely the nudist colony in Northern California!!! That one took the cake!Q: With hundreds of shows a year, how do you keep your energy up?A: Coffee, adrenaline, and pure love for what I do. And sleep whenever I can get it!!!!Q: Travel must-pack item that fans wouldn’t expect?A: A mini portable blender—I gotta have my smoothies!Q: Craziest travel experience while on tour?A: My car once got robbed completely in Orlando, Florida. I lost everything—guitars, clothes, merch. But I made the show, and after I bought a new guitar! But 7 years later, they caught the girl who robbed me, and she had to pay me back! That’s just the crazy life on the road!!!! Music + SunshineQ: You’ve written over 1800 songs and released 11 albums. Where do you find the fuel to keep creating?A: Heartbreak, joy, travel, life on the road—it’s all songwriting material. I journal constantly and write songs almost daily! Q: Do you write songs while traveling? Any examples?A: Absolutely! “Single for the Summer” came to me while I was lounging on a dock in Stock Island, “Champagne” was inspired after I survived my first hurricane, and I wrote “Hearts Still Beat” the night I evacuated Hurricane Irma and arrived at my folks' house in Georgia. A lot of my songs are postcards from my life.Q: How did your unique blend of country, pop, and tropical rock come about?A: I grew up on classic country, then fell in love with Classic Rock when I started singing in the Rodeo Clowns band in Northern California. I write from real life, so my travels from Costa Rica to the South Pacific and down the southeast beaches have been responsible for many beach days, surf trips, and many memories made that have inspired my tropical rock side. I love the mountains too, but the beach vibe is so fun, happy, and makes people feel good!! I just combined what I loved, and it’s honest to who I am.Q: “Same Ship, Different Day” has those beachy country-rock vibes. Where should we be listening to that album?A: Definitely on a boat or a coast with a cold drink in hand—or driving with the windows down on a road trip to a warm tropical escape!!!! Q: What’s one of your favorite songs that you’ve written for someone else?A: “Healing” by Justin Touchette was really special for me because it’s his actual story, and it’s a powerful reminder that suicide should never be an option for anybody. It’s a strong encouragement to tell people, especially veterans suffering from PTSD, never to give up! No matter how bad things get or how alone you ...
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    36 m
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