If you’re looking for Netherlands hidden gems, this episode is your invitation to discover the country beyond Amsterdam.

I’m joined by Rachel Heller, a longtime resident and Founder of Rachel's Ruminations, who shares what it’s really like to explore the Netherlands beyond the main stops.

We talk about life in Groningen, visiting Amsterdam in a more thoughtful way, and why hopping on a bike outside the city might be one of the best things you do.

Rachel also introduces lesser-known spots — like Bourtange and the historic towns of Friesland — that offer a quieter, more local feel.

If you’re looking for a more meaningful way to experience the country, this episode will give you a few ideas.

And maybe shift how you think about visiting altogether.

Want to chat more about the Netherlands?

Send me a message at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com

In this episode:

1:07: Introducing Rachel Heller

3:50: Rachel’s Story

6:27: Placing the Netherlands on the map

7:13: Amsterdam

12:40: Bourtange, Friesland and Elfsteden

18:55: Cities near Amsterdam

20:05: Tulips & Windmills

26:36: Islands & Coastline

30:15: Favorite places

38:12: The Hauge & Rotterdam

40:10: Logistics & Tips

49:31: Take aways

53:05: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Rachel's Ruminations

World Heritage Travel

The Netherlands Tourism

Boat Bike Tours

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

Oofos

Wander Your Way Resources

Wander Your Way Podcast

What exactly is soft adventure?

And how can you use it to explore Europe in a way that feels both meaningful and doable?

In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite ways to travel — soft adventure — and sharing easy ways to explore Europe’s outdoors without needing to be an extreme hiker or adrenaline junkie.

This is about getting outside, soaking in the landscapes, and experiencing a place more deeply — all at a pace that actually feels good.

I’ll walk you through what soft adventure really means — and why I love it so much — along with simple, accessible ways to bring more of it into your travels—sharing some of my own experiences along the way.

Think scenic walks, coastal paths, gentle hikes, time in nature, paired with local culture, great food, and those little moments of connection that make a trip unforgettable.

I also share practical tips to help you plan your own soft adventure experiences in Europe — whether you’re brand new to spending time outdoors or just looking to add a bit more movement and fresh air into your itinerary.

And if you’re feeling a little unsure?

Don’t worry.

We’re starting small and building from there.

Because exploring Europe’s outdoors doesn’t have to be hard to be incredible.

If you’re craving a trip that blends landscapes, culture, and connection—with just the right touch of adventure—this episode is for you.

Want to chat more about soft adventure?

Send me a note at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com

In this episode:

1:50: Intro

5:33: What is "soft adventure"?

9:27: Finding soft adventure

10:44: Cities & towns

12:32: Mountains

14:34: Coastal areas

16:40: Rivers & canals

18:01: Lakes & bays

21:50: Rural landscapes, forests & protected parks

25:24: Historical sites

27:20: Foraging & wildlife viewing

28:22: Defining soft adventure

31:11: Logistics & Tips

38:00: How I travel and why I love soft adventure travel

43:15: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Soft Adventure: The Wonderful Mix of Nature and Culture with The Wilderness Group

Tips for Solo Travel

Women in Travel + Solo Travel Tips with Beth Santos

Outdoors Ireland

REI

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Resources

Wander Your Way Podcast

In this episode, I’m taking you to one of England’s most beautiful and underrated corners — the Yorkshire Dales.

I share why this national park has been on my list for so long, why I finally made it there in 2025, and why I fell so hard for it.

From green valleys and windswept hills to charming villages, scenic drives, and easy walks, this is the kind of place that feels made for travelers who love nature, quieter destinations, a little culture, and a touch of soft adventure.

We’ll explore some of the amazing things to do in the Yorkshire Dales, including walks to Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, time in villages like Grassington, Hawes, and Askrigg, and a visit to Bolton Castle.

I also share what it’s like to stay in places like Malham and Bainbridge — and why slowing down here is part of the magic.

Plus, I cover the practical side of planning your trip, including where to stay, whether you need a car, and how to explore the Yorkshire Dales at your own pace.

If you’ve ever thought England was just about cities and famous sights, this episode might just change your mind.

Want to chat more about Yorkshire Dales?

Email me at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com

In this episode:

1:00: Intro

2:27: Placing Yorkshire Dales on the map

4:06: Learning about Yorkshire Dales

8:44: Malham and Malhamdale

17:14: Skipton & Grassington

21:55: Bainbridge & Wensleydale

27:40: Askrigg

28:37: Bolton Castle

32:50: Logistics & final thoughts

38:22: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Discovering the Diverse and Beautiful Peak District England

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Eagle Creek

Wander Your Way Resources

Holiday Cottages UK

Map of Malham Cove

The Kitchen at Beck Hall

The Buck Inn

Bolton Castle

The Middle House

Curious about using AI to plan your trip to Europe?

In this bonus episode, I share my honest take on using AI to plan your trip — where it can be helpful, where it can fall short, and why a little caution goes a long way.

While tools like ChatGPT can be great for gathering ideas or sketching out a rough itinerary, they don’t always catch the nuances that come from real, on-the-ground experience.

I walk through a real client example where AI missed a simple (and better) travel option, along with common pitfalls like outdated recommendations, closed sites, and logistics that don’t quite add up.

You’ll also hear my thoughts on the bigger picture — how AI is shaping travel planning, the pros and cons of using AI to plan your trip, and why having a real human in your corner still matters when things don’t go as planned.

If you’re thinking about using AI to plan your trip, this episode will help you do it smarter—so you can take advantage of the good without getting tripped up by the not-so-good.

And if you decide you’d rather hand things over — or just want a second set of eyes on your plans — I’m always here to help.

Want to chat more about this topic?

Feel free to email me at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com.

In this episode:

0:54: Intro

1:47: Ethical considerations of AI

2:42: Using AI for planning your trip

3:53: Some examples

5:18: More considerations in using AI

8:07: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Got questions about traveling in Europe?

I’ve got answers!

And this month’s Listener Q&A features two fantastic ones from Luana.

She’s heading to Europe for the first time this summer and wrote this:
"I am going to Europe for the first time this year in summer! Due to it being our first time a little over half of our trip is large/famous cities. So, understanding it will be very busy in these cities (Venice, Rome, Barcelona, Athens) are there any recommendations you have for making our experience smoother/more enjoyable in the crowds?"

So in this episode, I share some practical tips to help you navigate peak season with a bit more ease — from when to visit popular sites to how to find quieter corners and build in breaks so you can actually enjoy the experience.

Her second question takes us in the opposite direction:
“Do you have any off-the-beaten-path locations you would recommend in winter?”

I love this one.

We dive into why some destinations are actually better in the off-season, along with ideas for quieter regions, smaller towns, and even how to rethink those big-name cities when the crowds disappear.

If you’ve ever wondered how to handle Europe in the height of summer — or where to go when things slow down — this episode is full of thoughtful insights to help you travel Europe your way.

And if you’ve got a question you’d like me to answer in a future episode, head over to wanderyourway.com/podcast and submit it.

I just might feature it next.

Note: These Listener Q&A episodes don’t have a companion blog post, so you’ll only find this one in your favorite podcast app. Happy listening!

Important links:

Listener Question Form

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Resources

12 of My Favorite Amazing European Cities

Tips for Traveling Off the Main Tourist Track

5 Reasons Why Travel to Europe in Winter is a Sensational Idea

Long-distance trails have a way of capturing our imagination.

Whether it’s hiking across a national park, cycling through stunning countryside, or tackling a multi-day adventure somewhere in Europe, these kinds of journeys can feel both exciting and a little intimidating.

In this episode of the Wander Your Way podcast, I’m joined by Becki Rupp of Trailblazer Wellness.

Becki is an adventure coach and personal trainer who helps people prepare — physically and mentally — for long-distance hiking and cycling adventures.

She shares how she found her own path into adventure travel and coaching.

And why preparation can make all the difference when you’re taking on long-distance hikes or trails.

We talk about practical ways to train for long-distance hikes, including how to gradually build distance, why downhill training matters just as much as the climbs, and how getting comfortable in different weather conditions can help build resilience on the trail.

Becki also shares insight into the emotional side of these journeys.

How time spent on a trail can offer space for reflection, healing, and personal growth.

If you’ve ever dreamed about tackling long-distance hikes but aren’t sure where to begin, this conversation will give you plenty of helpful tips and encouragement.

From training advice to mindset shifts, Becki offers practical guidance to help make those big adventure dreams feel a lot more achievable.

We also chat about the different ways you can approach long-distance hiking — from going solo to joining a group or working with a tour operator who can help handle logistics along the way.

If the idea of spending days immersed in nature, moving through incredible landscapes, and challenging yourself in new ways appeals to you, this episode is for you.

Because the truth is… it’s never too late to start your own adventure.

Want to chat more about long distance hikes, walks or cycles?

Send me a note at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com

In this episode:

0:53: Intro

4:30: Introducing Becki

6:07: Becki’s story

11:40: Tips for physical training

16:58: Tips for mental training

25:42: Advice for hesitancy

29:02: Favorite trails

34:57: Becki’s services

41:45: Final tips & thoughts

49:15: Wrapping it up with Becki

50:56: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Trailblazer Wellness

Walking the West Highland Way • Scotland

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Resources

Patagonia

In this episode, I’m taking you to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England — one of the most magnificent country estates in all of Britain and absolutely worth your time.

I’ll share why Blenheim Palace isn’t just another stately home, but a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with history, drama, and architectural wow moments.

From its sweeping Baroque design to its jaw-dropping interiors, this place is grand in every sense of the word.

Of course, we’ll talk about its connection to Sir Winston Churchill — who was born here — and what you can expect from the exhibitions dedicated to his life and legacy.

But Blenheim Palace is so much more than Churchill.

I’ll walk you through the state rooms, the long library, the formal gardens, the landscaped parkland, and those iconic views that make you stop and just stare for a minute.

I’ll also share why I think you should plan to spend a full day here (yes, a full day), along with practical tips on timing your visit, how to approach the palace and grounds, and how to make the most of your time.

If you love history through travel, grand architecture, gorgeous gardens, and places that feel both regal and deeply human, then Blenheim Palace deserves a spot on your England itinerary.

Let’s wander through one of England’s most impressive estates together.

Want to chat more about Blenheim Palace?

Send me a note at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com

In this episode:

0:45: Intro

1:53: Placing Blenheim Palace on the map

3:31: Palace history

5:35: Pricing

7:06: Things to see in Blenheim Palace

14:49: The palace grounds

21:05: Final thoughts and tips

26:58: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Blenheim Palace

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

REI