In this episode, I am joined by Jen Parlin, founder of For the Love of Greece, a Greece-focused travel consulting company inspired by her deep connection to the country and years of exploration.

Jen works one-on-one with travelers who want to experience Greece in a way that feels intentional, authentic, and well supported. With a background in sustainability, fair trade, and hospitality, she believes travel should be meaningful and respectful, not just beautiful.

She shares what first captured her heart in Greece, the islands she returns to again and again, and the foods that define the experience for her.

Jen lives in Maine with her dog Evie and has a lifelong love of music, which influences the way she connects with culture while traveling.

What We Talked About

Jen’s First Trip to Greece

Jen describes what it felt like to arrive in Greece for the first time and what immediately stood out. From the rhythm of daily life to the warmth of local hospitality, she shares how that first visit shaped everything that followed.

Her Top 3 Greek Islands

Jen reveals three islands she recommends often, each offering something different, whether dramatic scenery, rich history, or a slower, more local atmosphere.

Favorite Greek Foods

From simple seaside meals to traditional regional dishes, Jen talks about the flavors that define Greece for her and why food plays such an important role in cultural connection.

Traveling with Intention

We also discuss how travelers can experience Greece beyond the postcard by supporting local communities, respecting traditions, and creating more meaningful memories.

Key Takeaways

Greece is more than famous views. It is a feeling, a pace, and a way of connecting

Choosing the right island matters more than choosing the most popular one

Food is one of the most powerful ways to understand a place

Thoughtful travel creates richer experiences for both visitors and locals

Connect with Jen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greecewithjen/

Website: www.fortheloveofgreece.com

Want More Greece Inspiration

If Greece is on your mind, she share destination ideas, travel tips, and insider guidance in her monthly newsletter. Subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/64a0eb12b37c/greece-newsletter-signup

Thank you for tuning in today! If you enjoy travel, join My Weekly “Trips & Sips” Meetup

We're all about travel, inspiration, and community. It’s a relaxed space to connect, ask questions, learn something new, and share your travel dreams with people who get it.

Register here: https://www.meetup.com/trips-and-sips-travel/

Also, if you are ready to book a trip and get out for a change of scenery, I’m leading an immersive trip to China in 2026 https://justtravelwithsandy.com/china-2026 and co-host a weekly webinar with Julie Marx focused on demystifying China.

You can register here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inside-china-culture-travel-what-most-visitors--experience-tickets-1979519163104?aff=oddtdtcreator

If Germany is on your radar check out the off the beaten track Christmas Market trip to Germany and France in December 2026 https://justtravelwithsandy.com/christmas-markets-2026

Until next time, keep dreaming and exploring. And remember, every journey starts with a single step!

#Podcasting #WomenEntrepreneurs #TransformationalTravel #JustTravelWithSandy #TravelPodcast

In this episode, I’m joined by Charisse Pierce, a Master Certified Professional Coach and founder of Cordison Consulting. We talk about what it looks like when life appears successful on the outside but feels misaligned on the inside, how early signs of being out of rhythm often show up quietly, and why balance needs to be compassionate and season-aware. We also explore how stepping away from the familiar, through travel or intentional space, can bring clarity and perspective.
Connect with Charisse:
Website: https://www.cordisonconsulting.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charisse-pierce-phr-shrm-cp-77116096
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cordisoncoaching/
And here is the link to the Clarity | Balance | Alignment Mini-Assessment, as a free gift from Charisse! It only takes 5 minutes and Charisse provides an individual and personalized insight.
Thank you for tuning in today! If you enjoy travel, join My Weekly “Trips & Sips” Meetup
We're all about travel, inspiration, and community. Come hang out with me twice a week at our Trips & Sips sessions.
It’s a relaxed space to connect, ask questions, learn something new, and share your travel dreams with people who get it.
Register here: https://www.meetup.com/trips-and-sips-travel/
Also, if you are ready to book a trip and get out for a change of scenery, I’m leading an immersive trip to China in 2026 (https://justtravelwithsandy.com/china-2026) and co-host a weekly webinar with Julie Marx focused on demystifying China.
You can register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inside-china-culture-travel-what-most-visitors--experience-tickets-1979519163104?aff=oddtdtcreator

If Germany is on your radar check out the off the beaten track Christmas Market trip to Germany and France in December 2026 https://justtravelwithsandy.com/christmas-markets-2026

#Podcasting #WomenEntrepreneurs #TransformationalTravel #JustTravelWithSandy #TravelPodcast

In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa Allen, founder of EverFar, a sustainable travel essentials brand created for travelers who want to explore the world thoughtfully, without excess, waste, or overwhelm.

EverFar was born from Lisa’s own experience trying to stay low-waste while traveling. After years working as a creative project manager in the consumer packaged goods industry, she saw firsthand how much unnecessary waste is built into traditional travel products. She knew there had to be a better way and created one.

We talk about intentional travel, simplifying what you pack, and how small, practical choices can make travel feel lighter, more aligned, and more fulfilling. EverFar’s curated, low-waste personal care kits are designed for eco-conscious travelers and hosts who want travel to support the places they visit—not burden them.

Because travel should fill the soul, not the landfill.

Learn more about EverFar:

* Website: https://goeverfar.com/

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goeverfar/. (@goeverfar)

* Shop EverFar: https://tinyurl.com/everfarpartner?bg_ref=2J7RA0MyYO

* Interested in partnering with EverFar? https://goeverfar.com/pages/affiliate-program

And don’t forget - I’m leading an immersive trip to China in 2026 (https://justtravelwithsandy.com/china-2026) and co-host a weekly webinar with Julie Marx focused on demystifying China and helping travelers approach it with clarity and confidence. You can register here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inside-china-culture-travel-what-most-visitors-never-experience-tickets-1979519163104?aff=oddtdtcreator

If Germany is on your radar check out the off the beaten track Christmas Market trip in December 2026 https://justtravelwithsandy.com/christmas-markets-2026

#Podcasting #WomenEntrepreneurs #TransformationalTravel #JustTravelWithSandy #TravelPodcast

A grounded, reflective episode on how intentional travel can quietly change who you are and why the space before 2026 begins is the best time to protect time for it. The conversation focuses less on bucket lists and more on using even one well planned trip as a reset for your nervous system, perspective, and identity.

Travel breaks everyday autopilot and forces presence, which naturally creates growth.

Transformation often comes from small moments: eating alone, asking for help, choosing rest over "one more email."

Now, before the year fills, is the moment to block time for a 2026 trip that supports rest, courage, connection, clarity, or creativity.

Grounded planning (realistic dates, budget, and expectations) turns "someday" travel into something your life can actually hold.

Choose one word for your 2026 trip (rest, courage, connection, clarity, creativity).

Pick one realistic window in 2026 and take one small step this week: check dates, peek at flights, start a savings pot, or send a "let's plan this" text."

Join My Weekly “Trips & Sips” Meetup

If you love travel talk, inspiration, and community, come hang out with me twice a week at our Trips & Sips sessions.

It’s a relaxed space to connect, ask questions, learn something new, and share your travel dreams with people who get it.

Register here: https://www.meetup.com/trips-and-sips-travel/

This is YOUR invitation to an immersive trip to China in September 2026 with expert guide Julie Marx who lived in China for 20 years and will guide us on this immersive, one of a kind trip. Learn more here: https://justtravelwithsandy.com/china-2026

Also on the 'menu' for 2026 are Peru, Marocco, Brazil, and Germany at Christmas time.

Grab my free e-book, The Effortless Escape: A Luxe Guide to Europe for Women 50+ and start planning your dream trip with ease: justtravelwithsandy.com/ebook

In this episode, we sit down with Aly Breathe, a Business & Mindset Mentor known for helping high-achieving women redefine who they are before refining what they do. If you’re navigating a career shift, craving clarity, or searching for a more aligned path in leadership, this conversation offers powerful, grounded guidance.

Aly shares her journey of immigrating alone at 22, rebuilding her identity across multiple countries, and discovering how deep self-inquiry and calm strategy can unlock real confidence. We explore how travel shapes personal growth, how to lead from inner alignment, and what it really takes to rewrite your story as a woman in business.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to rebuild your identity during major transitionsWhy self-inquiry is essential for aligned leadershipHow travel influences confidence, clarity, and personal power

This episode is perfect for women leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking grounded, honest personal development without the fluff.

Connect with Aly Breathe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aly-breathe-258ba7338/Podcast: Brave Enough to Win — https://pod.link/1800603300

Join My Weekly “Trips & Sips” MeetupIf you love travel talk, inspiration, and community, come hang out with me twice a week at our Trips & Sips sessions.It’s a relaxed space to connect, ask questions, learn something new, and share your travel dreams with people who get it.Register here: https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-rlienigf/members/

This is YOUR invitation to an immersive trip to China in September 2026 with expert guide Julie Marx who lived in China for 20 years and will guide us on this immersive, one of a kind trip. Learn more here: https://justtravelwithsandy.com/china-2026Also on the 'menu' for 2026 are Brazil and Germany at Christmas time.

Grab my free e-book, The Effortless Escape: A Luxe Guide to Europe for Women 50+ and start planning your dream trip with ease: justtravelwithsandy.com/ebook

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Kristin Foust, the heart behind Foust Family Travel, where she and her husband Jason help families create smoother, more joy-filled vacations.

Kristin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commercial Recreation and Tourism and has spent years exploring cultures across the world. As a mom of three energetic boys, she learned firsthand what so many families face: the travel industry often caters to families of four, leaving larger families feeling overlooked and overwhelmed. That gap became her calling.

Kristin now specializes in removing the mental load from planning family vacations so parents can trade stress for excitement, and experience travel as it’s meant to be—connected, easeful, and full of memories that last.

Connect with Kristin & Foust Family Travel

Website: www.foustfamilytravel.com

Facebook: facebook.com/foustfamilytravel

Instagram: instagram.com/foustfamilytravel

TikTok: tiktok.com/@foustfamilytravel

Join My Weekly “Trips & Sips” Meetup

If you love travel talk, inspiration, and community, come hang out with me twice a week at our Trips & Sips sessions.

It’s a relaxed space to connect, ask questions, learn something new, and share your travel dreams with people who get it.

Register here: https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-rlienigf/members/

And don’t forget, I’m also leading an immersive trip to China in 2026:

Culture, wellness, and soul-deep renewal await. Learn more here: https://justtravelwithsandy.com/china-2026

Also on the 'menu' for 2026 are Brazil and Germany at Christmas time.

Grab my free e-book, The Effortless Escape: A Luxe Guide to Europe for Women 50+ and start planning your dream trip with ease: justtravelwithsandy.com/ebook

Plus, check out my book, The Travel Lounge Life, for stories and strategies to make travel life-changing instead of overwhelming: justtravelwithsandy.com/my-book

Luca and I also invite you into Sandy & Luca’s Travel Lounge, our warm community for women 50+. Join now and be part of the very first circle shaping this supportive space: justtravelwithsandy.com/sandys-travel-lounge

Why do so many of us default to familiar trips like Disney — even when our hearts crave something more? In this episode, Sandy shares her honest reflections on family vacations, the quiet fears that hold travelers back, and what it really means to explore the world with confidence and calm. Discover how to create travel experiences that feel richer, more personal, and deeply fulfilling — no magic mouse required.

Travel is more than a destination, it’s a doorway to who we become. Join Sandy Colling and guest Ana Oliveira, a journey curator known for The Speakeasy Experience, as they explore creativity, culture, and the art of meaningful connection through travel.