Author: Jim Santos
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A Pleasant Surprise – Seville, Spain
When we were originally planning our spring 2025 trip, we were not thinking about Spain at all. Our primary goal was the UK and Ireland, but our late-March start meant it would be a little too cold to enjoy. So instead, we decided to stay a couple of weeks in the Algarve region of Portugal…
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Why Not Take a Cruise?
Cruising represents one of the most versatile and value-packed ways to explore the world, offering travelers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and adventure. While cruises sometimes get dismissed as superficial travel experiences, our recent conversation with veteran cruiser Babs Dearmond revealed why these floating resorts might be the smartest way to see multiple destinations…
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The Transformative Power of Women’s Travel
The transformative power of travel has been a recurring theme on our podcast, and our recent conversation with Sonja Thayer of Rom-Soul Escapes provided remarkable insights into how women-focused travel is reshaping the landscape of global tourism. As certified yoga teacher, lifelong traveler, and retreat organizer, Sonja has created a unique niche focusing on women’s…
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Mistakes Were Made
In our last post, we were finishing up in Lagos, Portugal and ready to move on to Sevilla, Spain. We were packed, and just relaxing until it was time to order a Bolt to take us less than a mile to the bus station. What could go wrong? Well, it all started about 11:45am. Our…
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Three Nights in Lagos, Portugal – Part 2
For our second and last full day in Lagos, were were up and at ’em and ready to call a Bolt for a ride out to the Ponto da Piedade. The ride out cost just €3.65, which seemed to be the base rate. Every rideshare we ordered, no matter how near or far, was €3.65.…
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Three Nights in Lagos, Portugal
Well, we are finally on the road again! Our trip started off smoothly enough. No problem getting an Uber to the Knoxville airport, and we were there in plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely dinner before heading to our gate. A short flight to Dulles, a long walk to our new departure gate, and…
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Breaking Through Barriers: How Lori Bruton Found Hope Through Travel and Writing
In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Lori Bruton, a multifaceted individual whose journey as an author, travel writer, speaker, and breakthrough coach offers valuable insights for aspiring travelers and writers alike. Lori’s story is one of transformation and resilience, demonstrating how she overcame personal obstacles to build a life…
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And Away We Go
Here we are once again, just two days away from taking off on a 75 day adventure. It’s been just over six months since my pancreas and gall bladder called a halt to our planned life on the road, but now our new home base is settled enough that we can set out on another…
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Paradise Found in Panama
When Roy McGinnis and Julie Tallman first visited Panama’s Azuero Peninsula in September, they had no idea that they would soon be wiring money to a builder named Roy for their future retirement home. Their journey, shared on the Travels with Jim and Rita podcast, offers a fascinating glimpse into the process of choosing an…
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My Gumbo Process
We’ve moved into a new home here in east Tennessee, and we finally have the house and my kitchen pretty much the way we want them. Even better, the neighborhood seems full of friendly people, all more or less in the same age brackets. They also like to have get-togethers. We enjoyed a Christmas party…