Author: Annie Collins

MAGICAL MOROCCO-Listeners, I believe, want to know the relationship between the guest and the host.  In this case, I had been searching for a reliable partner in Morocco and found Jamal, owner of Mint Tea Tours.  As our relationship grew I was confident that I had made a wise decision, however it wasn’t until I met him in person and experienced his guides, drivers and work ethic first hand that I was sure there would be no one else. Jamal was born in a small Berber village in the Middle Atlas, and grew up interested in all things mathematical and scientific. …

THE MANY FACES OF ITALY– Marie Leiter, started out as a travel companion on a trip to Italy that her sister arranged with me. Later she would call me herself to set up the next trip—most of them to Italy, and much later she and I would travel together to South Africa. Many good working relationships lead into long term bonds. Such is the case with Marie and me. Always and forever, granddaughter of Italian immigrants, consummate style fashionista and foodie, I find beauty in a simple meal, a destination, architecture, fashion and spaces –just to name a few. Perhaps…

A LOVE OF LANGUAGE – Over the past year we have explored the many facets of travel and why people venture abroad. People travel for vacation that is, to escape routine, for healing to find peace and to reflect, with their children to educate and show them another world, people travel for work, retreats, and to explore. Today we look closely at another reason—language. Meet Gina Arnold.Gina, Freedom Travel’s marketing coordinator, is an adamant lover of travel, adventure, and languages. Over the past six years, she’s spent her “free time” teaching, learning, and adventuring in Haiti, Guatemala, the United Kingdom,…

FAMILY WITHOUT BORDERS – A family with 3 kids made it a goal to visit 197 countries. What an intriguing notion.Chantal Patton is a location independent entrepreneur who has traveled to over 100 countries together with her husband and 3 daughters over the last 8 years. They have a family goal to visit every country in the world together and are documenting their journey on their YouTube Channel “Growing Up Without Borders”. Originally from Canada, the Patton family now world schools their kids while sharing their adventures and showcasing the beauty of different countries and cultures. The 3 Patton girls…

In this show I will be talking about train travel. From the first time I watched Murder on the Orient Express to my first step aboard a train in Luxembourg, train travel has been one of my favorite modes of transportation. Contrary to airplanes and automobiles, trains are an uncomplicated and relaxing way to get around and see the landscapes.Today we are going to hear from Danny Becker with Rocky Mountaineer who has been in the luxury travel business for over 30 years—just like me! Danny is going to help us “Get on Board” with the rail options right here…

In this show I will be talking with Robin Jones who, along with her daughter Rebecca, traveled to Camino de Santiago in Spain. Robin shares her walk experiences in Camino de Santiago, their journey with mountain ranges to pilgrimages and the unique properties of Spain, the Paradors. Story Notes: Camino de Santiago HistoryThe TrainingAccommodations: Bunk BedsMountain RangesWalking JourneyUnique Properties: ParadorsAdvices and Tips Annie Collins is a true Travel Architect–passionate about custom-designing unique and seamless travel experiences.  If you would like to have a conversation with Annie about planning your next trip, head on over to freedomtravelllc.com to arrange a convenient time.If you…

1977 Belize: “the land was calling us both” In this show I will be talking with Lucy Fleming who, along with her husband Mick, built the very first jungle lodge in Belize. Two hippy kids traveling from London to South America, make a stop in Belize and never left. In 1977 they were offered a piece of land near the Guatemala border that they farmed for 4 years before Chaa Creek would grow from one thatched roof, dirt floor, stick walled cottage to the luxury jungle resort that it is today. Hear about their 44 year journey and passion for…

FOOT TRODDEN — The image and title of this new book was so intriguing that I contacted Ryan Opaz, the author immediately. I was dying to talk with him. Portugal has been a love of mine for a very long time. I visited myself in the mid-80’s, then my parents relocated and lived there for 15 years and that meant I could take travelers there too. “Paint Portugal” trips were frequent. My brother, David (on an earlier show) is a winemaker too, and so it seemed Ryan and I would have plenty to discuss. FOOT TRODDEN, is a joint venture…

Portugal is country that I know fairly well from years past. My parents lived there for 15 years and they made lots of friends. I brought several groups to visit over those years and of course, mom wanted me to meet all her friends. One friend, Luisa, told mom that I might like to know about this tour guide. Mom told me and I reached out to Jorge Silva and we have stayed in touch and worked together for years. Jorge owns Tours by Jorgeand is with me today. We will revisit places I have been to and we will…

Alain De Botton in his book The Art of Travel, “relates even the most disappointing experiences with delightful wit, graceful prose and surprising insight.” Los Angeles Times. Here to walk through this with me is Iain Baird, a friend, frequent guest on the show and a man who loves a good discussion. Show Notes: Overview of the book and 5 sections: Departures, Motives, Landscape, Art and Return.Why does one travel. Alain De Botton gives many reasons. Iain and I talk about escape, adventure, culture (art, food, historic sites) and curiosity as a few.Alain De Botton uses artists and writers like Wordsworth,…

Charleston, one of America’s gems, and a great place to visit or revisit. This episode is a casual conversation with our tour guide, Jim Gresham who shares his love for the city and the nearby islands. Show Notes: We are introduced to Jim Gresham and hear what attracted him to Charleston.Comparing and contrasting two great southern cities: Charleston and Savannah. Jim walks us “virtually” through his Alleys and Hidden Passages of Charleston, giving a few historical facts and a look into life as it was. (link below)Nearby there are 3 barrier islands: Isle of Palms, Sullivan and Folly. Jim Gresham describes…

Fashion meets Travel, or is it Travel meets Fashion? In today’s episode I will be talking with Diane Sustendal, a woman who knows both art & travel intimately. Diane covered the art scene in New Orleans at the beginning of her career, later moved to New York where she covered fashion and high profile events like The America’s Cup, fancy Newport balls, as well as interviewing entertainers, politicians, and others of notable fame. Her fashion assignments took her around the world where, later after 9/11, fashion writing morphed into freelance travel writing including pieces for the Times of India.In this episode you will…