Your Bucket List Buster

Host Karen Duncan talks with Joe and Catherine co-owners of Farmhouse Inn a wonderful boutiquie hotel in the Sonoma/Napa Wine country about how a small percentage of wineries were affected by the fires, but the region is still open for business.  You will want to hop on a plane and head straight to the area once you hear about the wonderful things still available to do in the region and this fantastic hotel.  The Bartolomeis are waiting with the porch light on for you to head their way for special occassions, girlfriend getaways, even that proposal or just some relaxation.   Karen also provides a hint of something to come about a big bucket list item she's about to check off her list and how she will take her audience on the journey with her.. And of course our wifi tips for the holidays with our friends over at the Wireless Traveler.. Don't forget to start looking at your group travel plans with Peeks Cruises & Tours for 2018 and enjoy the best all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean with Sandals and B

Host Karen Duncan and Gregg Burger General Manager of Precision Cameras in Austin Texas have a frank and spirited conversation about camera and video equipment versus smart phones. Tune in to find out what’s best for your next adventure Links:  http://www.precision-camera.com/                https://www.instagram.com/precisioncamera/ https://www.facebook.com/precision.camera.video/ Plus did you know that Tijuana is hot on the foodie list of places to go?  I didn't either but listen in and find out why. Today's show is brought to you by Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Peeks Cruises & Tours, and The Wireless Traveler..

Michael Dolan is the ski technician and head bicycle mechanic at Sun and Ski Sports in Austin Texas. He loves being able to introduce new people to cycling and winter sports and get them outfitted for new adventures. He also loves to get out there himself and rides his bicycle almost every day. His favorite ride is along Lake Austin. He does not miss riding his bike through the Boston winters, where he worked as a bicycle courier. Listen as he tells us stories about riding around Austin, and what went into his decision for riding or not riding on vacation in Scotland with his wife. Peeks Cruises & Tours-Upcoming Travel season is already on the move…From exploring the west Seattle to San Francisco, culinary and wine in Portugal,  to Pickleball in Jamaica, we have groups available for you to join in on or create your own..Now is the time to plan it. We’ve received calls for people planning groups for anniversaries, milestone birthday, churches, and community groups just to name a few.  The best space will

Host Karen Duncan takes you to a whole new place with this episode, from Christmas markets around the world to back home with for a staycation.  She has a disagreement with Wikepdia about their definition on Staycations and she's very vocal about why.  Tune in to give your opinion on who has it right. And who needs more stuff for the holidays.  Its the old saying you can't take it with you..When you leave this Earth how many possessions will your family have to get rid of, and how many experiences or memories will they have to remember you by?  That's the question, let's stop collecting items and start collecting time together with family and friends by going on vacations.  Karen considers herself the new clutter buster and memory maker! Plus on the episode Karen talks about how to get comfortable in your hotel and the top Christmas markets around the world. Plus as usual Thursday's Tips from her friends at the Wireless Traveler. Portugal Webinar has been changed to Nov 30 at 6PM CST and how to become a g

Host Karen Duncan takes you to the Poconos.  Whether you are a family looking for winter fun or looking to break away from the kids and have some adult only fun, the Poconos has it all. Karen talks with KELLY SHANNON PR & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER of the Poconos tourism bureau to learn all about the mountainous resort area in Pennsylvania Sandals and what they are up to…Karen and Mitchell went to a big travel agent reveal last week in Houston and found out all the new details about destination weddings or Weddingmoons as Sandals calls them for the new year.  Plus their over the water suite collections are expanding across the Caribbean.  And learn why Karen is such a fan of Sandals, they not only have a great product, they take care of their employees, find out how! Universal’s new ride Fast & Furious and Nat Geo is partnering with our friends at Scenic river cruises top out the what's trending in travel this week. Plus of course our top tech friends at the Wireless Traveler has one of Oprah's top gadge

Best Winter Vacations- Gwen Shearman is an Editor/Digital Producer for the Travel section at U.S. News where she writes and edits a variety of travel-related consumer advice content. Since joining the travel team in 2014, she’s focused on the Best Vacations and Best Cruise Lines franchises. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Georgetown University, where she earned a master’s degree in journalism. You can follow Gwen on Twitter or email her at gshearman@usnews.com. So what are the Best Winter Vacation Destinations.  Well Karen has connected with US News and their researchers and found out their picks and she will provide her professional feedback on each.. What’s your favorite winter vacation?   In News and Trends this week Karen talks about where Sandals Resorts is headed next.  And did you know that Club Med is planning a new ski resort in North America? Tip for the week, start the Gobal Entry process! And who were some of the winners from this years Travel Weekly Mage

Karen Duncan talks about why Tahiti is at the top of her bucket list with the beauty and all the activities and culture this part of the world has to offer.   It’s summer there the weather is warm and the beaches are magnificent.  She provides information about two events that take place in Tahiti during the Christmas holiday. Karen provides the list of Top Destinations to visit in 2018 according to Lonely Planet- from the well known like South Africa and Portugal to some new spots even Karen is unfamiliar with like Djibouti which is Africa she soon discovers and South Korea. Next on the list as we are about to celebrate Halloween are the top places in the world to celebrate this goulie holiday.  New Orleans is #1 on the list due to its Voo Doo heritage and celebratory atmosphere. LA, New York City, Mexico, and Transylvania make the list as well. Another YBLB trip has been added to the Portugal Wine and Culinary getaway, if you play pickleball you don't want to miss the first annual Sets On the Beach Pickl

Winter Travel-Where to go during the Cool Winter Months Host Karen Duncan provides some fun and interesting advise on traveling during the winter months. What’ are your preferred winter activities? Skiing, snow boarding, Ice fishing, or riding the rails?  Or maybe you are still a beach lover in the winter. Find out some fun and exotic things to do as the winter comes. During a recent trip to Chicago, Karen's hometown she reminiscences about the Chicago she grew up with and the Chicago today.  The multitude of things to do and see in this exciting city, there is something for everyone.  Karen talks about the many festivals and events during the fall and winter.  And how Chicago gets a bad rap on the news but is such a great city to visit and be a tourist. Trends this week include, an intelligent technology company that helps you discover your subconscious thoughts about where and what you prefer on vacation.  And Celebrity cruises will be providing same sex marriages at sea! Find out why so many are intere

Tela Mange Vice President of Communications at the Special Olympics Texas explains how traveling to events with the Special Olympics transforms lives through the joy of sport, every day, everywhere. They are the world’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities: with more than 5 million athletes in over 170 countries -- and over a million volunteers.  Host Karen Duncan and Tela Mange have a great conversation about the impact of the Special Olympics on the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities.  "It brightens their lives, you can see the change in them almost immediately"   Plus with the Special Olympics they get to travel within the state, country and internationally when selected to represent the US..This also creates a wealth of opportunities for the city hosting these events.   Karen raps up her series on sports travel with golf technology used on the islands of Hawaii golf courses.  Have you seen the golf boards?   And what are the new destinations topping people

It’s all about Pickleball..Pickle Ball you say? What is that?  Well it’s one of the fastest growing sports in the country and you better get on the wave. Host Karen Duncan has discovered pickleball and wants you to know more about this multi-generational sport.  Learn about the necessary equipment, and where to learn to play in your area. What are the top 20 Happiest destinations on Earth. We need to discover what makes these destinations so happy and maybe bring some of their happiness to our own backyard. Karen gives some love to her air partner of the week, Jet Blue Airlines for providing relief with their 100 x 35 campaign to Puerto Rico by providing air lift, pounds of supplies, and inexpensive one way fares just to name a few. And luxury hotels are pulling out all the stops to help us learn to sleep better when we visit their hotels.  Can these extra touches make us a happier world?  Karen is willing to try out all of the locations for the sake of her listeners if necessary. Tech Thursday with the W

Join Host Karen Duncan as she speaks with Brian Walters a seasoned business valuation specialist and management consultant that helps people with: pricing analysis; budgeting and financial analysis; financial projections and pro forma statements; HR management; business startup/expansion assistance.  Brian came to the United States from Jamaica with his family at the age of 12 and with that heritage he brought the love of Cricket, the second most popular sport in the world.  Brian talks about how it's played, and how he is doing his part to increase awareness of the game in United States, starting with children. Karen also talks about why Sports Travel/Tourism even matters, economic impact on the destination. Karen also discusses the difference between volunteering and voluntourism as she discusses how we can help provide help for some of the islands in the Caribbean impacted by hurrican's Harvey and Irma. And of course Tech Thursday with the Wireless Traveler. Join Your Bucket List Buster in Portugal ne

It’s that time of year college football has started, NFL, Baseball is still going on, Hockey is coming and so is the NBA.  Not to mention the US open just finished with a new phenomenal winner, and then there is soccer, etc.  But guess what there are some great new sports that are causing people to travel all over the world like Pickle Ball, join host Karen Duncan as she takes you through some fun episodes on sports tourism for the next few weeks. This week Karen will discuss the impact of sports travel and the different sports that will be discussed in the coming weeks. The two events that attract the most tourists worldwide are the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup, The major event for the National Football League is the Super Bowl which brings in millions from around the world. Sports Tourism is a billion dollar industry from children's amateur sporting events to professional sports that have cities building million dollar arenas.  Karen talks about her traveling for tennis, bowling and skiing as a child,

Host Karen Duncan has just become certified with IBBCCES and she will discuss the rigorous course work it took to become one of the few Certified Autism Travel Professionals in the country and why this is necessary to help families whose children have Autism with Jacklyn Fratus. Karen also focuses on how we all can help support tourism in the Caribbean by making sure we go back when they are ready for us to visit.  How about a Voluntourism Trip to help them put the pieces together after Hurricane Irma and Harvey? Upcoming shows include sports tourism, music tourism and more.. Meet Karen at the River Cruising Meetup at Tortuga Flats in Round Rock Texas 6-8PM  Yourbucketlistbuster@gmail.com    

Traci Bogan describes her life’s challenges and how spending too many nights out after work in her younger days inspired her to travel the world..In doing so she found her life’s purpose of enhancing other’s lives through her speaking engagements and books and soon a movie based on her story..Are you a Dreamer or Dreampreneur? Learn the difference and hear this inspiring story of how travel opens your mind, your body and soul to what the universe has in store for you.. What is the Southwest Affect!  Learn how Southwest coming into your market helps lower air prices with other airlines. And have you gotten on the music tourism band wagon yet?  Host Karen Duncan talks about how the music industry is really starting to impact the travel industry. Karen also, talks about holiday travel in her thoughts for the week..Have you made your plans yet? Why not give everyone a break and go on vacation as a family.  If not a vacation at least get your airline tickets now. Join Karen and her family on a 11 day cruise to

- Your Bucket List Buster special needs edition-great onsite interview with Gordon Hartman founder of Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio..We are doing the show live from this fantastic park –Named after his daughter Morgan who has physical and cognitive challenges. Morgan's Wonderland is an An All Inclusive Theme Park, meaning it has something for everyone, able bodied, and special needs..The Whole family can come and have a great time together. Gordon Hartmen discusses all of the wonderful benefits of this park, his special needs employees and guest and why it was so important for him to build this fantastic place..The only one in the world. Karen talks about her new workshop, Travel Tips for Caregivers Traveling by Air, Car, and Cruise Children with Special Needs© and how you can have her come speak to your family group.  Plus our friends at Wireless Traveler give their tips for the week. Want to go on a respite cruise with specialist/staff and AWADAE families join us on March 18th..Go to AWADAE.org

Ruth Medlin The Traveling Teacher-It’s Never Too Late to Start Traveling Ruth is a successful business consultant that helps entrepreneurs and managers become more successful in their careers and companies to plan strategically in leadership, employee engagement and meeting facilitation. But when she’s not helping others she’s discovering the world..learn how she is catching up on destinations of the world. And how Paris is her once a year favorite destination. Talking about not too late to travel some of the trends in travel this week include : Top trips for people over 50 and top Mancation Destinations according to #menwhoblog.  Also, Countries with the fastest wifi and our friends from Wireless Traveler talk about being connected in Cuba. Join us at the Your Bucket List Buster Meetup with Caroly Szekeres of Scenic and Emerald Waterways at Tortuga Flats in Round Rock Texas on Aug. 26th at 6PM as we learn more about River Cruising 2018 Trips of the Weeks  

Marco  Fernandes, Owner and  Vice President of Sagres Vacations a tour company that provides customized and destination specialist for Portugal and Spain experiences.. Sagres is famous for the school of Navigation built by Prince Henry the Navigator.. WE will also talk about the trends that have emerged in 2017 like the millennials being the largest traveling population, adventure and active travel, responsible travel and more.. Plus I’ll be announcing some our trips of the week..YBLB will hosting several trips around the globe next year so we will discuss those give you a little detail and you can find the rest on YBLB Facebook webpage under group travel.. The Danube River Cruise, Gambling Bus, Everyone can go Winter Cruise, etc. Plus our travel tech options-Accessories, for the week are brought to you by The Wireless Traveler Telecom Thursday Karen Duncan CTC, DS, CATP yourbucketlistbuster@gmail.com http://Facebook.com/yourbucketlistbuster

Innovative and Imaginary Travel-MSC Cruises a Leader Some of us have traveled a lot and we have this comfort level about where we go, what we do, what suppliers or cruise lines and resorts we use or stay at when we go. Today’s show is about stepping outside your comfort zone and finding out new places, new activities, and new companies to spend your travel dollars with..This is where it’s very important to find people you trust to steer you in the right direction.. Host Karen Duncan discusses how to find a new place or thing to do on vacation.  Find people in your family or sphere of influence where you trust their judgement and decisions and ask their recommendation..Or find a travel professional that is recommended or that you've researched and find out their expertise and ask them the right questions. But MSC Cruises moving out from behind the more commercial lines by creating some fun, innovative ships, onboard programs, and promotions.  Rosalie De Los Hoyos the business development manager for several

Your Bucket List Buster hosts Joel Ryan of Beaches Resorts   Joel Ryan the Group Director of Kids Programming & Entertainment  for Beaches Resorts the family friendly arm of Sandals/Unique Vacations discusses the inclusion camps for all children visiting with their parents in Jamaica, and Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean.  Beaches is known as all-inclusive and they have just certified many of their camp counselors with the International Board of  Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, with a Autism Certificate..The plan is to have as many employees at the resort certified as possible, 100% by 2019. The accreditation ensures all of the kids camp and team members have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to cater to all children.  The training addresses: Sensory Awareness Competency Motor Skill Competency Autism Awareness Program Development Enviroment Competency and more Host Karen Duncan also addresses additional resorts that cater to families and what type of v

Host Karen Duncan visits 7 National Parks to visit for the summer.According to an article by Melissa Popp, there are some National Parks that don't get the press or the crowds some of the others do..The diversity of our National Parks system has something new and adventureous for everyone. Giant Red Wood trees, Caverns, Wildlife, and Kayakors and Canoers dreams. During My Thoughts for the Week, Karen discusses going dream of going to destinations made famous by movies and TV shows.  Like Croatia and Northern Ireland to visit the Game of Thrones sites. The main segment of this weeks show is about American Cruise Line a progressive and very popular cruise line that sails the American Rivers..Karen talks to Susan Schultz the Director of Sales with American Cruise Line about the creative themed cruises, the different areas of the country, and the new ships they are building to increase capacity..These small ships have some great amenities and a historian, naturalist, or entertainment on every cruise. I bet you