Your Bucket List Buster

Meet Your Bucket List Buster Karen Duncan who introduces herself to those who love to travel and those who want to. Your Bucket List Buster takes us through the passport process especially important information for minors.  She and Brenda Benson Vice President of Wireless Traveler talk about how to remain safe when using the internet abroad and the resources to do so.Your Bucket List Buster takes us to Keukenhof Gardens for the spring blossoms during Tulip season.  She talks about going on a river cruise to get the most of the destination and the best value for the dollar in Europe.  And she has a little fun by describing the first of the different traveler personalities and what types of trips are best suited for their preferences.Find out more about AWADAE the non-profit that provides respite vacations for families with special needs through scholarships. Help sponsor 12 families. AWADAE.org Contact Your Bucket List Buster through Facebook, tell herwhat's at the top of your bucket list?  And find links t

Today I am saying good bye to all my great listeners and fans.  We've been on the air now for over a year and it's time for us to move on.  I'm happy to say that Yolanda will continue Eatin and Sippin Locally so look for her to launch her new show.  I will be a guest speaker occassionally bringing you eatin and sippin from some exotic destinations I'm about to embark on with Mayflower Tours. Peeks Cruises & Tours is still available to check off those boxes of your bucket list.  And in fact with my association with Mayflower Tours I will be looking for groups who dream about Europe, Asia, Africa, Cuba, not to mention our wonderful State Park system. It has been a very fun ride and I'd like to thank all of you who have supported us.  Remember to live your passions!  Because we are.. Karen

Do you try to capture everything you see on vacation?  You want to make sure everyone sees what you saw when you get back home?  Well today our guest speaker Charles Quinn of Charles Quinn photography will address vacation photography.  He will give us tips on what to do and what not to do like spend your whole time behind the lense, and following the rules of photography when traveling. We'll also talk about next years trip to Yellowstone National Park in celebration of the centennial of the national park system with Mayflower Tours. Yolanda will tell us all about what went on with SXSW. Join us today for this exciting episode.

Yep, it's that time of year where the Austin area is booming, with so many activities and events.  people are booking travel like crazy, promotions gallore and all kinds of special events.  There is no excuse for not having anything to do. Today's show we will have a great guest speaker Dan Decker of Sea World San Antonio telling us about all the upcoming events and attractions coming to Sea World this season.  We'll discuss their animal rescue program, their sustainability policy for running the park, the groups that qualify for free tickets. Yolanda will excite us with her Eating Local. And Lindsey who is always exciting will tell us about all that's going on in her Living Local segment. So much to discuss. I'd like to thank all my wonderful vendor partners and staff who helped with our 20 year anniversary and travel pfestival, as well as all those that attended. Listen in find out what you can do this Springbreak..

Did you know there are actual studies that show how beneficial a vacation is to your well being?  Taking a break from everyday life is as essential to your health as eating right and exercise.  If you want that promotion at work, want to be a better parent or partner, taking time out to unplug could be the answer. Todays show we will talk about how the benefits of vacations, date nights, staycations, and taking time for self. We are kicking off the 20th annivesary bash for Peeks Cruises & Tours, by giving away a door prize today to the 7th and 10th callers.  More prizes being given away at the event on Thursday.  Airline tickets included compliments of Funjet Vacations. We'll discuss some of the promotions our partners are providing for the next week to celebrate our Travel Pfestival at the Hawaiian Falls Aloha Event Center.  Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Mayflower Tours, Globus Family of Brands, Silver Link, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Funjet Vacations Paul Gaugin Small Ship Crui

Have ever dreamed of going to an exotic destination but you weren't sure where to go or what to see, you just know you want to go?  Do you travel alone or with others because the destination is really fanscinating but you are a bit nervous?  Today's show we will talk to Globus Family of Brands' Rhonda Richardson.  She will talk to us about how traveling with Globus takes the mystery out of a destination because of the guides.  But they offer different levels of guides, so you can have as much independence as you would like as well with the comfort of guidance from a company that's been there done that. We'll have  special guest Miriam Parker of the Austin Food and Wine Alliance talking about their upcoming event Official Drink of Austin. The Bourbon and Bacon event is the week as well in Austin. In Travel News: we'll discuss Disney Cruise lines Star Wars sailings next year.  And Tours by Locals top 15 most popular places to hire a local guide.  And of course much much more! Don't forget to RSVP for the T

Well this show will be jam packed with information about group travel.  Some people enjoy traveling in groups others don't.  Why travel with a group, there are some benefits even if you don't know the people in the group.  We'll discuss those benefits.  The advantages and disadvantages of traveling in groups. Group leaders, what are they, who are they, who would make a good group leader. What are the responsibilities of a group leader.  There can be huge benefits for declaring yourself the group leader.  You've probably been planning group trips anyway, get the perks. What makes a group?  How many people are considered a group?  We'll talk about the different numbers based on travel suppliers and partners in the industry. And of course how to find a group.  You are a part of groups throughout your life that can turn into a travel group. So listen in as we define this fun way to travel with benefits! Travel Trends, Travel News, The Travelers Club Meetup Group activities, and other fun discussions on this

This episode we will have John Woolcock of the Jamaican Tourism Board discuss the fun and legendary island of Jamaica.  This island, which is one my favorites because of the people, the food, the beaches, and loads of activities and music, remains high on a lot of peoples list to visit. The Caribbean has a strong tourism economy and remains one the most popular areas of the world to travel year after year.  Listen in and find out why Jamaica is so popular with cruise and land based customers. Yolanda will discuss her search for a great Caribbean restaurant in Austin and her experiences on the hunt.  Shellda will have her Jamaican Fun Facts, and Lindsey will talk about upcoming Caribbean events. Dont forget about Peeks Cruises & Tours 20th celebration and Travel Pfest with our great travel partners, Funjet Vacations, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Sandals, and Globus Family of Tours and more to come....We'll announce a great surprise if you attend this event.    

Pets have never been more pampered and spoiled in history than now. Boutiques, Doggy Daycare, Pet Clothes, Boutique pet food, and owners leaving millions to their 4 legged loved ones is all the rage.  So why not travel with your trusty companion.  They deserve a vacation as well.  If you are traveling with the one you love then for a lot of us that may mean our loving cat or dog. This episode is for the pet lovers out there listening.  Now all vacations are not for pets, I believe parents of both children and pets should take time to themselves on occassion to really be able to relax and bond with a mate or nature.  But the times you want your friends with you there are lots of options and suggestions on making the best of it for you and your pet. This is valentines month which is the day to show your loved ones you care, that means Vido as well.  Listen for travel tips on flying or driving with your pets, pet friendly hotels, database on animal import requirements, and cool websites to help you make the ri

Are you looking for something a bit different this year?  You've done the mass vacation experience or you don't like crowds?  Well you'll enjoy this show.  We have two great guest speakers that represent a little something different for you to consider. American Queen Steamboat company travels the rivers of Unites States. If you are a history buff and would like to see Antebelum South, or the great Pacific Passage then you will want to tune in for some great information on wonderful itineraries that are not for the masses. Hy Cooper Vice Western Vice President of Sales will wet our appetites to experience the history of the our wonderful nation's rivers. Next, if you are a person that shys away from the large resorts of the masses, you like smaller more intimate hotels, with great service in exotic destinations do we have a speaker for you.  Jessica Charles of St Lucia Crystals Hotel will call in to talk to us about her family run, romantic hideaway in St Lucia.  She'll go into detail about the grounds,

This is wedding show season and alot of you got engaged during the holidays or will perhaps for Valentines day.  So we are going to discuss great places to celebrate your love starting with Mexico. Mexico having been known in the past as a great place for springbreakers is fast in the past.  Mexico now has entered the luxury market and is high on the list for the best value and one of the best deals when choosing a destination for a wedding or honeymoon. And why do people choose a destination wedding in the first place, we'll discuss the differences of weddings at home and a destination wedding.  What Mexico has to offer for honeymoons, and the difference for vow renewal. Also we will discuss the legal requirements of getting married in Mexico. This episode we will introduce two new segments and new voices of Travel Time with Karen.  Lindsey will be our local Austin free and family friendly host and Yolanda will talk about all things food travel related in the Central Texas area.   Listen in and meet our n

So much is going on in the world of travel.  The Caribbean is seeing record growth and are building new infrastructure to accommodate the influx of visitors.  It's Wave Month, and the cruise lines are offering some fantastic promotions to get you to book early.  New destinations are making people's bucket list.  And experiential travel, culinary travel, and river cruising top the list of travel trends. Robert DeNiro is part owner of a new hotel in the Caribbean and the Brando in Tahiti named after it's prior owner Marlon Brando are making the list repeatedly for travel agents to inform their luxury clients about. This show will bring in the new year with teasers of things to come through out the year.  Travel Time with Karen has so much information to get out to it's listeners to help you make the right decisions for your vacation dollars and time in 2015. More travel trends of what was good in 2014 and what's going to be better in 2015. Elechia France from Funjet Vacations is back to give you up

2014 is on the way out and we'll take a look at travel trends of 2014, The Best of Travel Products and Suppliers, and what we see coming in 2015.  US cities that got tourism right and why, which cruise lines get the hightest marks, and which international destinations hit the jackpot.  We'll also look what which destinations you should have on your list for 2015. We'll get a call from Fito Kahn of the Austin Jazz Alliance to discuss the 2015 Texas Jazz Jam Cruise, upcoming Ship Inspections with Royal Caribbean, and other upcoming travel events with Peeks Cruises & Tours. Plus, one final 2014 ticket giveaway compliments of Funjet Vacations.  Caller number 14 -(646) 716-9154  

Today, I just want to say thanks for supporting Travel Time with Karen in 2014.  I want to wish everyone a special Holiday Season and Safe Travels.  Remember the reason for the season and spend extra time this year appreciating being with friends and family. Next week we will recap the year and talk about upcoming episodes and promotions.  Remember there is still availability to getaway during this holiday season. Know that we appreciate you all for listening and we look forward to hearing from you in the next season of Travel Time with Karen. On behalf of Karen, Shellda, Mitchell, and Duane.  Happy Holidays!    

Hawaii, one of the United States of America, a very culturally rich destination, and one of the prettiest places on Earth.  Hawaii is on everyone's bucket list and we have the inside track from someone who lives and works there. Stephanie Barksdale of Oahu Concierge is going to give us the scoop on what to do and where to go.  Stephanie lives in Oahu and owns Oahu Concierge a service to help you plan your stay in Hawaii. We'll discuss popular activities, hotels, and of course holidays in the Hawaiian islands. We'll also giveaway two more tickets to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico for the caller that can call in and aswer the question of the day. Travel News, we've got highlights on Funjet Vacations, Southwest Airlines, and the new Hyatt in Jamaica, and the Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba..  Plus I will highlight a new local winery I just recently discovered Austin Custom Winery. Listen for a surprise from Peeks Cruises & Tours. We are also trying to help Texas Women in Business with their diaper colle

It's here the season of promotions, sales, and giveaways.  Today our show is full of great travel sales and promotions.  There is so many deals being offered by our travel partners we decided to devote the whole show to providing you with the inside scoop. Elechia France with Funjet Vacations, will be on the show to talk about the great new relationship between Funjet and Southwest Air and their direct flights from Texas to Mexico and the Caribbean.  She'll also discuss their new low deposit policy, free bags, and how to earn free rooms when booking a group in 2015 and much much more. Plus we will have our first Ticket Giveaway, air from Austin to Cancun for the 9th caller, compliments of Funjet Vacations.  Will you be that lucky caller today?  So put this show on your calendar with a reminder so you dont miss out! We will talk about Royal Caribbean's WOW sale that ends tomorrow, Holland America sale for onboard credit, Carnival, Azmara, Princess, Sandals, you name it there is something for everyone this s

  Happy Post Thanksgiving we hope you had a safe and wonderful time with family and friends.  I also hope you sat around and discussed what and where you would like to go for vacation in 2015 with your family and friends.  Looking for something or someplace you've never gone before?  Tired of the same old thing or places, well I've got an island I know you should consider. Today we have the pleasure of having . Chrislyn Lashington, Corporate Communications Officer, Grenada Tourism Authority on the show.  We will give tribute to and learn all about what even people from other islands consider their favorite island.  We'll find out why.  Its a wonderful little island in the South of the Caribbean, the Spice Island as it's known because of the wonderful spices grown there, like nutmeg.  There is even a nutmeg garden De La Grenade.  With new air lifts available from Miami now and hopes of other direct flights from Houston soon, this wonderful gem is getting easier to get to, but trust me it's worth the effor

As we approach the holiday season we have a great opportunity for you to surprise a love one with the gift of travel.  We'll have a great guest speaker from Karisma Resorts/Lomas Tours get us really excited about the deals, resorts, and fun activities at our closest destinations to the South of Texas. Rue Ann Adamson has worked in the business with Funjet Vacations/Mark Travel and now Karisma/Lomas.   And yes Mexico has made a comeback, and Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen specifically. We'll highlight what we already have on tap for 2015 for you to choose from and we'll tell you about the specials and promotions going on right now.  The travel industry is pullling out the stops to get you to give the gift of travel now!  We do have Black Friday in the travel industry also. We'll highlight the El Dorado Royale Resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico and the Cancun market as a whole.  Plus the greatest announcement ever, direct flights Texas to the Cancun area year round, plus other destinations direct from Texas

Exciting Exotic Destinations that most people would not think about flying to or sailing to: Belize and Roatan Island (Mahogany Bay).  Learn about Currency, Food, and Things to do when flying to or sailing into these great destinations.  Also enjoy some great Travel News and Travel Trends.  Co-host today with Shellda and Duane.

This episode we will speak with Pauline Salzer of The Passport and Visa Company to discuss the different required documentation for international travel.  Pauline will speak specifically about Brazil with the Summer Games on many people's radar, now is the time to learn what you will need. Pauline will discuss the difference in work visas', student, and tourist visa's.  We never know where we may end up and what travel opportunities may come our way so this will be a great show to learn what's needed and the process. We'll also discuss tourism trends in Brazil, the many Unesco Heritage Sites, Wellness, and Ecotourism. And of course provide the available package for the Summer Games in Rio Summer 2016. In Travel News: Calling all Single Men. There's a singles cruise that has more women signing up than single men and we need to even things out. Find out where they are going and what they will be doing. The Quantum of the Seas is in New Jesery about to sail for the first time and there are still some surpris