Shows / Sunshine Travelers Podcast
Sunshine Travelers Podcast
Real Travel Tips, Bucket List Inspiration, and the Confidence to Book the Trip and Go! Ready to travel more and better? The Sunshine Travelers Podcast is your go-to travel podcast for real-world travel tips, inspiring stories, and expert guidance to help you plan extraordinary trips, with less stress and more joy. Hosted by real travelers Scott and Melissa Barronton, this podcast is built for midlife travelers and couples looking to finally take that dream trip—whether it’s a luxury safari in…
Episodes
Sunshine Travelers PodcastSt Augustine: Hidden Gems, State Parks, and What Surprised Us in America's Oldest City - Ep190
We lived about an hour from St. Augustine for over four years and only ever took day trips. So after we sold our house and moved into our RV full-time, we…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastOur First Week Full-Time RVing: 6 Questions Everyone’s Asking | Episode 189
One week into full-time RV living, do we miss our house? Can we really share 400 square feet without driving each other crazy? And where are we going first?…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastWhy We Sold Our House to RV Full-Time with Our Dogs | Episode 188
We sold our Florida house to RV full-time in retirement, and this is the honest story of why. After 32 years of homeownership, we traded a house for 400 square…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 187 - Why Fall Is the Best Time to Visit Amelia Island, Florida
Most people picture Amelia Island as a summer beach destination, but as locals, we consider fall our favorite season on the island. The heat and humidity ease…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 186 - Costa del Sol, Spain: The Underrated Beach Vacation + Málaga, Marbella, Ronda, and Gibraltar
When most Americans think beach vacation, Spain doesn't usually make the list. But after a week based in Estepona visiting our daughter and her family with day…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 185 - Visiting Seville, Spain: Things to Do & What We Loved
We recently went back to Seville with our kids and grandkids and spent several days exploring the Royal Alcázar, Plaza de España, the historic bullfighting…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 184 - The Beach Destination Most Safari Travelers Don't Know About (And Why It Might Beat Zanzibar)
Most people plan an African safari without realizing the Indian Ocean is right there. We've now added a beach stay to our safari, where we checked out both…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 183 - Is Zanzibar Worth Visiting? Our Honest Experience
Zanzibar delivers on the turquoise water and white sand — but there are a few things we wish we'd known before landing. In this episode, we share our honest…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 182 - Mont-Saint-Michel: Everything We Wish We Knew Before Visiting
We'd looked at photos of Mont-Saint-Michel for years. They didn't prepare us for what it's actually like to walk toward it. In this episode, we share what it's…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 181 - Planning an African Safari? What We Learned After Returning Again
For more information about our Safari Group Trip in June 2027, Click HERE. If you are looking to plan a private custom safari, please click here. We have a…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 180 - Walking Through History: Visiting Normandy’s D-Day Beaches and Memorials
There are some places you visit because they have always been on your bucket list. Then there are places that mean something to you long before you ever…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 179 - Planning a Multi-Generational Trip to Paris? Here’s What We Learned
Planning a Multi-Generational Trip to Paris? Here’s What We Learned What started with one question from our granddaughter: "Will you meet us in Paris before we…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 178 - Planning a Trip to Italy? Here’s What We’d Tell a Friend
We just spent an amazing month in Italy but there were quite a few things that really surprised us, both good and bad. Join us as we give out Italy Travel…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 177 - Why Venice is the City We Were Completely Wrong About
Venice had a bad reputation, at least that's what we had heard. For years we'd heard it was overcrowded, overpriced, and honestly not worth the hassle. So when…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 176 - Is Puglia the Italy You Have Been Searching For?
Whitewashed towns, trulli houses, and incredible food, Puglia delivers on every postcard image you've seen. But after a month exploring this region, we…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 175 - The Amalfi Coast Without the Crowds: Why We Stayed in Atrani instead of Positano
Here's the thing nobody tells you before you go to the Amalfi Coast is it requires understanding of what you actually want from the experience before you go…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 174 - How We Escaped the Crowds in Florence and Found the City We Were Looking For
There are some cities in the world that instantly pull you in the moment you arrive. Florence wasn’t one of those cities for us. In fact, when we first arrived…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastREPLAY - Episode 9 - What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to St John in the US Virgin Islands
This week we are taking a break to spend some time with our kids and grandkids in Paris before they leave to return home to the US. In the meantime, we invite…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 173 - How Local Food Experiences Helped Connect us Deeper With Italy and Spain
Have you ever wondered what happens when you stop simply sightseeing and start participating in a destination? There’s a point on many trips where you realize…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 172 - Walking Through Tuscany with Macs Adventure | Self-Guided Italy Travel
Last year, we partnered with Macs Adventure for their Umbria Short Break, a self-guided walking trip through the Italian countryside where we moved from town…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 171 - Why We Think Bologna the MOST Underrated City in Italy?
Bologna wasn’t on our itinerary. It was supposed to be a simple stop between Morocco and Tuscany. A place to rest, reset, and move on. Instead, it became one…
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Episode 170 - Can AI Actually Plan Your Trip? Here's Where It Falls Short
If you’ve started planning a trip recently, there’s a good chance you’ve opened up an AI tool and asked it to build you an itinerary. And honestly, that’s not…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 169 - What you Need to Know Before you Visit Morocco
Morocco is one of those destinations that sits on a lot of bucket lists. It had been on ours for a really long time. But for most people, it also comes with a…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 168 - Our Latest Trip to London: Hoxton Southwark, Guided Tours, and Insider Travel Tips
Planning a trip to London? Join us as we share insider tips from our 8th visit to London together, including our experience at Hoxton Southwark hotel, guided…
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Episode 167 - Should You Try Virgin Voyages? A Different Kind of Cruise Experience for Adults
In this episode, we’re talking about one of the fastest-growing cruise lines in the industry and one that’s doing things very differently, Virgin Voyages. If…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 166 - How to Spend 48 Hours in Buenos Aires: What to Do, Eat & Know
We spent a couple of days in Buenos Aires, and it’s a city that feels a little different than what you might expect. It leans more European than Latin American…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 165 - Atlas Ocean Voyages Review: World Voyager Antarctica Expedition
Episode 165 Atlas Ocean Voyages Review: Is the World Voyager Worth It for Antarctica? We just returned from one of the most bucket-list trips on the planet, an…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 164 - What It's Really Like to Visit Antarctica (Cost, Wildlife, and Drake Passage)
We've just returned from one of the most extraordinary trips we’ve ever taken… Antarctica. This one was especially meaningful because it wasn’t just the two of…
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Episode 163 - 10 Europe Travel Mistakes People Make (Even Experienced Travelers)
Episode Summary: Planning a trip to Europe is exciting, but even seasoned travelers can fall into common planning traps. After years of traveling throughout…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 162 - Should You Buy A City Pass in Europe? Real Cost Breakdown (London and Beyond)
Episode Summary: If you’re planning a trip to Europe, you’ve probably seen ads for city passes promising big savings, skip-the-line access, and an easy way to…
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Episode 161 - Mid-Winter Getaway in Florida: A Warm, Relaxed Weekend on Hutchinson Island
A few weeks ago we booked a weekend getaway in our home state of Florida. Our criteria was not too busy and hidden gem. We hit the nail on the head. Join us as…
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Episode 160 - How We're Building a Travel-Focused Life & Our 2026 Global Route
As we begin to navigate Scott's pending corporate retirement, we are currently planning our first big global trip. We're sharing where we are going and why…
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Episode 159 - How to Live Abroad in Retirement: Without Becoming an Expat
In our last episode, we shared that I’ll be retiring from my corporate role at the end of March. And for us, that doesn’t mean slowing down. It means changing…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 158 - Our Review of Sailing Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam - A Mid-Size Cruise Ship
Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam Review: Alaska Cruise Highlights Some cruise lines you try once. Others you come back to because they fit the way you like to…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 157 - Princess Cruise Lines: An Honest Review of the Crown Princess
If you’re searching for an honest Princess Cruises review, especially a real-world look at the Crown Princess, you’re in the right place. We recently sailed…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 156 - What I Found When I Returned to Hong Kong After 20 Years + Our 2 Day Itinerary
Hong Kong was the final stop on our month-long journey through Asia, following our cruise from Hobart to Singapore. For Scott, it was a return after nearly 20…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 155 - How to See Singapore in 36 Hours!
In this episode we share that by only having 24 hours in Singapore puts you in “taste-test mode” — you’re not trying to do everything, you’re trying to feel…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 154 - How We're Balancing Big Travel Dreams With Real Life in 2026
In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on how we’re thinking about travel in 2026. Not dates. Not spreadsheets. But mindset. We talk honestly about…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 153 - What We Learned Through Travel in 2025: Key Experiences, Lessons, and What’s Next
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re stepping back from individual destinations to reflect on how we traveled this year, and how that is starting to shift…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 152 - Best Food Tour in Penang, Malaysia (with Culture stops)
Join us as we explore the heart of Penang, Malaysia, where food is more than just a meal—it's a cultural inheritance. With the guidance of a local expert, Poh…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 151 - Visiting Kuala Lumpur: What to See, Eat & Experience on Your First Trip to KL
Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Here's the link to the exact tour we booked. It included the entrance to the Petronas Twin Towers. What We…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 150 - Lombok Cruise Port Guide: The Perfect Day Trip to Waterfalls & the Gili Islands
Our first stop in Asia was nothing short of unforgettable. In this episode, we take you with us to Lombok, Indonesia—just east of Bali—where we spent one of…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 149 - Disneyland Hong Kong: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go: Our Experience
We literally hit record on this episode as soon as we got back to the hotel from visiting Hong Kong Disneyland. We had an amazing day and don't want you to…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 148 - Exploring Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef: Our Unforgettable Upolu Reef Snorkel Adventure
Some adventures feel almost dreamlike—where even in the moment, you know you’ll remember every detail. That was Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef for us. After…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 147 - What Surprised Us the Most About Sydney & Brisbane Australia - One Day Itineraries & Tips
We spend one day in each port - Sydney & Brisbane Australia and could Sydney be the best port view in the world? Here's how we recommend that you spend one day…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 146 - Cruising Australia to Asia: Tasmania, Eden, and the Journey North on the Crown Princess
In this episode, we are live from aboard the Crown Princess as we sail along the coast of Australia and are sharing the highs, hiccups, and unforgettable…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 145 - Hong Kong: Disney by Day, Skyline by Night, Two Perfect Days in Hong Kong
Of course! Here’s your revised version of the description and What You’ll Hear in This Episode section, written in the first person to match your friendly…
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Episode 144 - Travel Deals Thursday: Iceland's Winter Magic, A Mediterranean Dream, and what about that cruise status?
Iceland’s Winter Magic, A Mediterranean Dream, and What About That Cruise Status? This week’s episode is packed with some serious wanderlust fuel. We’re…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 143 - Singapore In a Day: Slowing Down in the City of the Future - Gardens by the Bay
What happens when you have just one day in Singapore—and limited mobility? In this episode, Scott and Melissa share their one-day itinerary for Singapore…
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Episode 142 - Discovering Malaysia: Insider Tips on Kuala Lumpur and Penang with Colin + Meg
Many thanks to our friends Colin + Meg for coming on the show again to share his love and knowledge of Malaysia with us. Please follow them on Instagram at…
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Episode 141 - Travel Deals Thursday - Japan to Alaska, St Lucia, 12 Day Caribbean
Want help booking one of these deals? Visit SunXTravel.com and let us take care of the details for your next trip. Deal 1: 15-Day North Pacific Crossing with…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 140 - Lombok, Indonesia: What Bali Was Like Before the Crowds
When most travelers think of Indonesia, Bali comes to mind — but just across the water lies Lombok, a lesser-known island filled with waterfalls, volcanoes…
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Episode 139 - Seeing the World, from Tasmania to Singapore - In Memory of Gene Bright
In this episode, we share the story behind our most unique cruise yet — a repositioning voyage from Hobart, Tasmania to Singapore. This itinerary spans two…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 138 - Best International Travel Tips and Long-Haul Flight Hacks You Need to Know
Planning an international trip? This episode of the Sunshine Travelers Podcast is your ultimate guide to stress-free international travel. From what to pack in…
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Episode 137 - Travel Deals Thursday: Beaches Turks & Caicos, Rhine River Cruise, Tenerife
3 Limited-Time Travel Deals: Beaches Family Fun, Atlas Expeditions & Viking’s Christmas on the Rhine 1. Beaches Resorts – Caribbean Sale Save up to 65% off…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 136 - Discover Ireland's Underrated Gem and Why We Will Be Returning
Planning a trip to Ireland and wondering whether to journey north? In this episode, we explore the wild charm of Donegal, a region known for its rugged…
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Episode 135 - Travel Deals Thursday: Postcard Cabins, Hotel Deals, and Explora Journeys
This week’s episode of Travel Deals Thursday is all about unexpected luxury at a great value. We’re talking about: Marriott’s brand-new Postcard Cabins — 15%…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 134 - Ireland’s Best-Kept Secret: Why Donegal Should Be on Your Travel List
Learn more about tours at IrelandByBike.com Donegal Coast 1 Day Self-guided Electric Bike Tour When travelers dream of Ireland, names like Dublin, Galway, and…
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Episode 133 - Travel Deals Thursday: Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady & Celebrity Last-Minute Sailings
Deal 1: Virgin Voyages. Their brand-new ship, the Brilliant Lady, is making waves in the Caribbean. Right now, Virgin is offering 70% off the second sailor and…
Sunshine Travelers PodcastEpisode 132 - Northern Ireland Travel Guide: Belfast, Dark Hedges, Causeway Coastal Route & Giant’s Causeway
Touch down in Dublin, point the car north, and shake off that red-eye the right way—outside. In this episode, we walk you through a 48 hour Northern Ireland…