Author: Annie Collins

This episode addresses two questions that are intriguing. 1) How does one overcome the first 9 years in a Romanian orphanage—a horrific experience and 2) then what was the drive to personally make a difference in the world. At the young age of 29 and author of Tabula Rasa: Beyond a Place Called There…Zoltan Powell is that powerful young man.Show Notes: Describing his life growing up in a Romanian orphanage, the history of why and how 500,000 children were abandoned.How he came to America, taught himself English, was adopted and then abandoned.His boarding school years where he went from a…

In this show you will meet Giuseppe Savignano, Owner of Tenuta Santo Pietro. Alluring, historical and totally Tuscan, yes that is how one might describe the boutique property name: Tenuta Santo Pietro. This winery hotel is a true “agriturismo” where you experience an authentic slice of Italian culture and rural life that you won’t find in a hotel. Now, simply sit back, relax and prepare to take a journey with me and the owner of Tenuta Santo Pietro, Giuseppe Savignano. By the end you too will be dusting off your passport and saying Ciao to everyone you meet.Show Notes: History…

Today I want to introduce you Chinedu Akunne, my friend, fellow podcaster, and part of an entrepreneur support group called Side Hustle. Chinedu immigrated from Nigeria, schooled in Louisiana, earned his doctorate in Pharmacy. You will hear today how he overcame the challenges of being sponsored, getting a green card… and how he calculated a plan to be “employer free” in 7 years—that would be December 31, 2020. Here’s how he achieved that plan and his Side-Hustle. Show Notes:· Chinedu’s early childhood growing up in Nigeria then boarding school for 6 years· Chinedu and his father decide jointly for him to…

In this show you will meet Fred Plotkin, author of 9 books who has written for dozens of leading publications, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, Opera News, Gourmet, Time, Newsweek, GQ, Travel & Leisure, Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Financial Times, The Daily Telegraph, Gastronomica, and magazines around the world. The New York Times calls Fred “expert on everything Italy.” Fred also hosts a YoTube show titled, Fred Plotkin on Fridays. Show Notes: The early years in Italy and how he came to write Italy for the Gourmet Traveler.What Bologna taught him about cooking and ingredients.Why the…

My 30 year career has focused on international travel – that is where my heart has let me until recently when my daughter and I decided to do a research trip to Utah. This episode shines a light on two key destinations that are completely different and equally magical: Moab and Sundance. My guests are Mike Ballard, tour guide and founder of Big Iron Tour Co. and Donna Campbell, licensed massage therapist for Sundance Resort in Provo.Show Notes:Mike Ballard Born and raised in Moab, forging for food while exploring the red hills all dayGrew up poor in a family of…

This episode of Freedom Travel Podcast, Annie Collins, Owner & Travel Architect talks with Kim Hanson, about her move to Morocco and her living experiences.Show Notes:1. After studying in England Kim decides she wants to live abroad2. Decision to join a group of strangers on a trip to Morocco—first stop Fes How the trip in 2013 changed her perspective and her life choicesLogistics of making a move abroadWhat life is like in FesA few simple questions:LanguageMosquesFoodFriends 3. Considering Morocco as a good travel destination4. Any plans to return home to America? Annie Collins is a true Travel Architect–passionate about custom-designing…

In this show you will meet Zoltan Bagdy, friend, and traveler who, at the age of 17, escapes Hungary in 1956 with his parents and sister. You will hear about his life before and during the revolution, you will hear about how they walked through the cold, snowy, dark and strange countryside to finally cross into Yugoslavia. You will hear about refugee camps and their travels to the very different America.Story Notes: The early years in Hungary—prosperous family, good student, vacations, happy homeThe revolutionCollege student demonstrating – Speeches at parliamentRussians arrive – thousands of Hungarians killed, thousands escapedA family decision—stay…

In this show I visit with Jonathan and Melissa Hunter who have two travel stories to share. The first is one of surprise. That is, Jonathan wanted to take his two teenage girls on a trip — but it was going to be a surprise! The second begins with the wedding announcement and how it changes from a beach destination wedding to New Orleans wedding and an Italian honeymoon with 14 others! Story Notes:First Story — Plans to surprise his two teenage daughters with a trip Boston turns into LondonIncludes Wimbledon, foodThe Gordon Ramsey dinner Second Story — Jonathan and…

In this show I talk with James O’Byrne, Pulitzer Prize-wining journalist and writer who spent 36 years in New Orleans as a reporter and editor for the Times-Picayune and NOLA.com. He shares stories from those glory years before the chaos and disruption of the digital revolution and the risky decision he and his wife Paula made to sell their belongings, move to France and begin a new life. Story Notes: Remembering life 20+ ago as journalist and editor for a major US newspaperWhat happened after the digital revolution and his resignation How James and Paula came to their risky decisionThe philosophy…

In this episode of the Freedom Travel Podcast, Annie Collins, Owner & Travel Architect at Freedom Travel LLC, interviews John Calthorpe, owner and travel planner with Prestigious Travel UK. They share highs and lows of owning a travel company, the concepts, stories, philosophy and their shared passion of exploration. Some of the topics discussed How John accidentally gets into the travel businessGetting bit by the travel bugExploring Wales & Scotland Relationships with experts–surround yourself with expertsStarting a business with starry eyes and the difficult early daysPanic/Nightmare stories and how one recoversTravel philosophy–It’s the client’s vacation, after all.A passion for Scotland. Edinburgh…

In this show I will dive deeper into the 3-key reasons to travel with children and grandchildren. You will hear about my first experience traveling to Europe in 1985 with 3 teenagers and my method for getting and keeping them engaged. You will hear from my son, Ryan Williams and my daughter, Kristine Antoon about their experience of 35 years ago and their advice now to other parents. Story Notes: Three key reasons to travel with children/grandchildrenTravel is always an educationTravel teaches independence and confidenceTraveling with kids is just dang fun and they are great help-matesTalk with Ryan Williams, now…

In this episode of the Freedom Travel Podcast, Annie Collins, Owner & Travel Architect at Freedom Travel LLC, interviews Graham Carter, Co-founder of Unforgettable Travel Co. with small ships around the world.Some of the topics include: How Croatia has changed from the war-torn country of YugoslaviaCroatia the undiscovered destinationSuggested itinerary for first time visitorsSmall ships vs large cruise linesOther small ship destinations To get in touch with Graham:Unforgettable Travel CompanyFifth Floor, 649 Mission StreetSan Francisco, CA, 94109unforgettablecroatia.comunforgettablegreece.com+1 844 381 5808 Annie Collins is a true Travel Architect–passionate about custom-designing unique and seamless travel experiences. If you would like to have…