Stacking Adventures: Every Traveler Has a Story

• David's Adventures Around Mont Blanc: Hiking, Gear, and Trail Tales

  What do you get when you mix alpine grandeur, French wine, and a few awkward encounters with public transportation? The trek of a lifetime. Joe and Crystal sit down with globe-trotting guest David to relive his incredible Tour du Mont Blanc—an iconic hike that crosses France, Italy, and Switzerland. From cultural quirks to culinary delights (hello, croissants and polenta!), David shares what it’s really like to hike Europe’s most scenic loop. You’ll hear trail-tested tips on how to train, what to pack, and how to avoid blowing your budget—or your knees—on the way. Whether you’re planning your own hiking getaway or just dreaming from the couch, this episode is packed with laughs, insight, and a few “you won’t believe this” moments from the trail. Here’s what’s packed in our metaphorical backpack today: 🎬 The Sound of Music made us do it: What movie scenes and mountain views have in common 🥾 Crossing borders on foot: Why the Tour du Mont Blanc is the ultimate passport stamp 🎒 What NOT to forget in your pack (and what David says you absolutely don’t need) 💡 Accommodations, luggage hacks, and trail shortcuts for the savvy traveler 🍷 Why hiking is better with wine and what David learned about blending adventure and indulgence 🧀 Croissants in France, coffee in Italy, fondue in Switzerland… need we say more? 🗣️ Struggling with French? We’ve got stories—and survival phrases 🚶‍♂️ What to know about rest days, restrooms, and rustic beds Whether you're dreaming of alpine treks or just here for the croissant jokes, this episode is your trailhead to adventure. 🧭 Thinking about planning your own trip? David now runs Blaze Adventure Tours—hear how he custom-builds trips for hikers and cyclists who want the thrill without the stress.  David's company link: Home - Blaze Adventure Tours- Bicycle Tours and Backpacking  

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• Donna's Pre-Cruise Puerto Rico Pit Stop Adventure

  Is it Caribbean or Caribbe-an? We kick off this episode of Stacking Adventures with the great pronunciation debate—then head straight into a destination you can explore without needing a passport: Puerto Rico. Hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond welcome travel advisor Donna Pelletier from Vacations by Donna, who shares highlights from her recent pre-cruise mini-adventure in Puerto Rico. While it wasn’t a deep-dive vacation, Donna packed in just enough to give us a taste of what’s possible in a short visit—and how to make the most of your own. In this episode: Where to stay when time is limited (Donna’s take on the Hilton Garden Inn) Smart ways to squeeze in dining, cocktails, and local flavor without overcommitting Kayaking, ATVs, casinos, and other mini excursions worth considering A few surprising insights—like how a quick stop at Walmart can save your trip How to lower stress and costs when adding Puerto Rico to your cruise itinerary Plus, don’t miss our Gear of the Day pick that can save your soles when you’re pounding pavement between piña coladas. Whether Puerto Rico is your main event or just a quick stop, this episode is full of practical, doable adventure hacks for travelers on the go.

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• Heather's Adventure Bartering Her Way Across the USA

  Trading skills, transporting pigs, and building a life of freedom on the open road. What if instead of budgeting your way around the world, you bartered your way through it? In this episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond sit down with travel writer and full-time nomad Heather Jacks, who has turned bartering into an art form while living in her beloved bus, Bubba. From growing up on Indian land to crossing the Australian outback, from working at Starbucks to navigating the uncertainty of the COVID era on the road, Heather shares how she’s learned to trade what she has—her words, her work ethic, even her typing skills—for what she needs. You’ll hear: How she bartered her way across the country, including one story that involves a pig and a gas tank Clever ways to swap your skills for essentials while traveling The emotional and logistical ups and downs of life on the move How she handled moments of risk, including a brush with robbery in Nashville What she’s learned about resilience, reinvention, and staying curious in a world that doesn’t always go to plan Whether you’re dreaming of life on the road or just want a few creative ideas for living well on less, Heather’s story is full of resourceful inspiration and unforgettable moments. Because sometimes the best currency isn’t cash—it’s creativity.

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• Kate and Kimberly's Slow Travel Adventure: Europe, Central & South America

  What happens when you ditch the itinerary, close the spreadsheet, and simply wander? In this episode, we meet Kate and Kimberly, two adventurous travelers who swapped rushed vacations for a months-long slow travel journey across Europe and Latin America. And trust us—it’s not just about beautiful views (though there are plenty of those). They share with Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy what it’s really like to: Roam the winding streets of Venice, Florence, and Cinque Terre without a rigid plan Embrace the unexpected—from Christmas markets in Austria to Carnival in Brazil Discover the rhythm of life in places like Guatemala, Argentina, and Portugal Balance remote work and travel without losing the magic (or the Wi-Fi) Say no to travel perfectionism and yes to getting gloriously lost Along the way, they reflect on the challenges of long-term travel, the joy of lingering in one place, and why slowing down can lead to deeper cultural experiences—and better stories. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to take your time, immerse yourself in a new place, and make the world feel just a little smaller… this episode is your passport. Pack light, take your time, and come wander with us.  

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• YOUR Thailand Adventures

  We're BACK in Thailand with YOU, and the stories are (as expected) all over the map, and incredible. From backpacking to ending up in the ER, you've had some southeast Asian adventures. So...what happens when your perfect travel plans meet reality? In this episode, we dive into real-life stories from travelers who found magic in the mayhem—and lessons in the chaos. You’ll hear: Jesse Cramer’s wild honeymoon tale from the Phi Phi Islands (spoiler: scuba diving doesn’t always go to plan) A heartwarming and eye-opening moment from listener Denise at an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai Crystal Hammond’s savvy, budget-smart tips from her trip to Thailand Unexpected twists and local discoveries from travelers like Laurel, Katie, and Chris, who embraced the highs and lows of travel with curiosity and courage These stories aren’t just entertaining—they’re full of reminders that the best parts of an adventure often happen when things go off the itinerary. And before we wrap, don’t miss our Gear of the Day—a small but mighty item that might just save your next trip from turning into a logistical nightmare. So pack light, stay curious, and get ready for tales that might just inspire your next journey.  

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