Send us a text What does it really look like to quit a 9–5 job and move abroad? In this episode of the Taste Toast Travel podcast, we’re joined by Anna Schild, who shares her journey from working a corporate job in the United States to backpacking around the world—and eventually building a life in Germany. From navigating visas and residency requirements to adjusting to everyday life as an American living in Europe, Anna offers an honest look at the challenges and rewards of long-term...

Send us a text New Year’s is one of the few moments the entire world seems to pause, but the way we welcome a new beginning looks completely different depending on where you are. In this solo episode, Tara takes you on a global journey through New Year’s traditions around the world, exploring how different cultures use food, ritual, symbolism, and community to let go of the old year and step into what’s next. You’ll hear: ✈️ How New Year traditions reflect cultural values around luck, ...

Send us a text Is wine actually healthier than beer, seltzers, or cocktails, or is that just good marketing? In this episode of Taste Toast Travel, we're diving into one of the most debated questions in food and drink culture: can wine fit into a healthy lifestyle? With John’s background as a Certified Sommelier and both of our experience working in the wine industry, we unpack the science, myths, and nuance behind wine’s so-called “health halo.” We start by addressing the most impor...

Send us a text Join us as we unpack major travel trends of 2025! We're digging into our 2025 year-in-review of food, drink, and travel trends, where we break down the biggest moments, shifts, and cultural movements that defined the year. From tinned fish evolving into a luxury pantry staple to golden hour dining, to the rise of AI-powered travel itineraries and airline and travel updates (and much more), there's something in this episode for everyone! Whether you love food, wine, fun drinks...

Send us a text In this episode, we're taking you on a global tour of December holiday traditions around the world—going far beyond the typical Christmas celebrations. From vibrant festivals to soulful rituals, this cultural deep dive explores how different countries honor light, community, and renewal during the winter season. We break down each tradition with storytelling, history, and fun cultural insights—perfect for curious travelers and anyone who loves learning how the world cel...

Send us a text Today we're breaking down Condé Nast Traveler’s newest list of the best places to travel in Europe in 2026. From classic cities getting exciting new updates to underrated regions ready for their moment, this episode is packed with insider insights and inspiration for your next trip. This list dives into the cultural highlights, new attractions, and major developments that make these cities top contenders for 2026 travel. You’ll also hear about emerging hotspots where sustainab...

Send us a text In this episode, Tara sits down with Certified Health & Wellness Coach Tess Cheng for a deep dive into mindful traveling, staying healthy on the go, and finding the sweet spot between wellness and wanderlust. Tess has explored all seven continents, and she brings a wealth of real-world travel insight. From navigating jet lag and long-haul flights, to making thoughtful choices around food, hydration, and movement. Together, we unpack: ✈️ How to stay aligned with your...

Send us a text In this episode we're exploring the fascinating world of the MICHELIN Guide, from its humble beginnings as a tire company’s travel booklet to the gold standard of global dining. We break down how the MICHELIN Star system really works: ⭐️ What inspectors look for when awarding stars ⭐️ How restaurants can earn, maintain, or even lose their MICHELIN status ⭐️ The secretive process behind these coveted ratings Plus, you’ll hear about some of the most iconic three-star MICHELIN r...

Send us a text In this episode of Taste Toast Travel Tara sits down with Grant Garry, a filmmaker who turned his personal journey of grief and morning coffee ritual into a powerful exploration of coffee culture. Grant shares how this morning coffee ritual evolved from a moment of solace into a passion for storytelling—ultimately leading him to create a coffee documentary that connects people through the universal love of a good cup. From visiting a vertically integrated coffee farm in...

Send us a text We're breaking down Hilton’s 2026 Global Travel Trends Report and uncovering what’s next for travelers around the world. From the growing craving for peaceful, restorative getaways to the rise of solo travel and digitally planned trips, we're exploring how our travel habits are evolving in exciting new ways. Discover why quiet luxury vacations and slow travel are becoming top priorities, how family travel dynamics are shifting, and what these trends might mean for your own fut...

Send us a text Let's explore one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks: Alcatraz Island. Come with us on a night tour! As Bay Area locals, we're sharing our firsthand experience. From stepping onto the ferry to wandering through the eerie prison corridors—once occupied by infamous inmates like Al Capone and The Birdman. We're taking you through: ✈️ A walk through of our experience ✈️ Recommendations on things we would do again, or things to avoid ✈️ Considerations to keep in mind if...

Send us a text Today we're exploring Europe’s most haunted places! Continuing our spooky travel theme from last week’s episode on haunted places in the United States, we uncover the ghost stories, legends, and dark histories behind these iconic European landmarks. We're digging into: 👻 The Tower of London in England 👻 Edinburgh Castle in Scotland 👻 The Paris Catacombs 👻 Bran Castle in Transylvania 👻 Poveglia Island in Venice Join us on this journey through Europe’s most haunted destinations...

Send us a text Spooky season is here! In this episode of Taste Toast Travel, we're uncovering the most haunted places in the United States just in time for Halloween. From battlefields to prisons to historic hotels, we explore the chilling stories and paranormal encounters that make these spots legendary. Featured haunted destinations: 👻 Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 👻 The Stanley Hotel, Colorado 👻 Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia 👻 Myrtle’s Plantation, Louisiana 👻 Salem, Massachusetts T...

Send us a text Dreaming of owning a home in Italy for just one euro? In this episode of Taste Toast Travel, we're doing a reality check on this! Join us as we dive into Italy’s €1 houses, and whether these deals are really too good to be true. We explore: 🇮🇹 How the €1 house auctions work 🇮🇹 Why so many of these properties are available (hint: demographics and history play a big role) 🇮🇹 The real costs of renovation 🇮🇹 Common pitfalls, from Italian bureaucracy to hidden legal hurdles 🇮🇹 Why ...

Send us a text Raise your steins and tighten your lederhosen—it’s Oktoberfest time! In this episode of Taste Toast Travel, Tara's taking the lead and diving into the history, traditions, and unforgettable stories behind the world’s largest beer festival: Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. From its royal wedding origins in 1810 to the modern-day celebration that draws over six million people each year, we’re exploring how Oktoberfest became a cultural phenomenon. You’ll discover: 🇩🇪...

Send us a text We're so excited about this episode, because we're diving into the autumn vibes big time. Join us as we explore how cultures across the globe celebrate the Fall equinox! From ancient monuments to seasonal feasts, this episode uncovers the history, spirituality, folklore, delicious foods, and traditions tied to the changing of the seasons. In this chat we're traveling to: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Stonehenge in England 🇮🇪 Newgrange in Ireland 🇰🇭 Angkor Wat in Cambodia 🇵🇪 Machu Picchu in Peru 🇲🇽 C...

Send us a text Tara is taking the lead on this episode of Taste Toast Travel as she chats with Isabelle Lesschaeve, a distinguished sensory scientist and wine expert. Isabelle shares her inspiring journey through sensory science to the wine and non-alcoholic beverage industries, drawing from her academic and professional experiences in the US and Canada. We dig into: 🍷 Isabelle’s journey from France to North America and her career in sensory science and wine research. 🍷 How sensory evaluati...

Send us a text Today we're taking you to Siena, Italy! Siena holds a special place in our heart because we lived and worked at a winery just outside of the city for several months in 2018, and were married there in 2022. We're sharing stories, travel tips, and our favorite experiences in one of Tuscany’s most iconic destinations. From the heart-pounding excitement of the Palio di Siena horse race to the best city and countryside viewpoints, we dive into what makes Siena unforgettable and a no...

Send us a text In this episode of the Taste Toast Travel Podcast, we’re raising a glass and celebrating California Wine Month! 🍷 From iconic varietals like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to legendary regions including Napa Valley, Paso Robles, and Mendocino, we’re exploring what makes California a global wine powerhouse—literally, we’re 4th in the WORLD in wine production! The conversation uncorks everything from the economic impact of California wine to the industry’s resilience post-COVI...

Send us a text It’s happy hour on the Taste Toast Travel podcast! This week, we’re diving into two iconic cocktails: the Mai Tai and the Aperol Spritz. We explore: 🍹 The intriguing and unexpected histories behind the Mai Tai and Aperol Spritz 🍹 Tips on how to make the perfect versions of each cocktail 🍹 Fun variations and alternatives you can try at home 🍹 Our travel experiences sipping these drinks around the world To wrap things up, we take you to Siena, Italy, for a look at the Palio di Si...