Traveling off the tourist path. Talking about those places most tourists just don't know about because, well, nobody ever told them. Also travel tips and news about travel and tourism to make your trip a little easier, cheaper and more memorable.
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Send us Fan Mail Wounded, no food, no water, no weapon. A young Texas Ranger wakes up on the ground near the Nueces River, realizes everyone has left him for dead, makes a decision that turns him into a legend. Subscribe for more travel history stories, share this with a friend planning a Texas Hill Country weekend, and leave a review with the next destination you want us to cover. Please…
Send us Fan Mail A lot of towns get remembered for a stadium or a slogan. Bryan-College Station deserves to be remembered for a man most people can’t name and for the living history that still surrounds Texas A&M. We trace the life of Major General James Earl Rudder, born in tiny Eden, Texas, who goes from teacher and coach to leading the 2nd Ranger Battalion on D-Day at Point Du Hoc, where…
Send us Fan Mail A small Texas town holds one of the most improbable American legends: a tightly run brothel that fed families during the Depression, helped sheriffs solve crimes, and then ignited a statewide showdown once a TV crusader and a governor took notice Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. Feel free to drop me an email I would love to hear from you editor@thetravellingfool.com…
Send us Fan Mail We map the biggest travel shifts for 2026 using real search data, from spontaneous short escapes and small-town storytelling to purpose-driven city breaks and the return of cruises. Practical questions and examples help you plan a flexible, meaningful trip without the stress. Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. Feel free to drop me an email I would love to hear from…
Send us Fan Mail A quiet Texas town with a world-famous sweet tooth, a high-wire legend, and an oil claim that rewrote state history—Corsicana packs more surprises per mile than most big cities. We head south of Dallas to trace how a German baker created an early mail-order empire, why a mysterious one-legged tightrope walker still draws visitors to a simple grave, and how one cop built a parallel…
Send us Fan Mail We chase the disputed lifespan of Isaac Brock from headstone to census record, then turn a myth hunt into a smart Waco travel plan. Between archives, museums, and good food, we map a route where Texas legend meets places worth your time. Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. Feel free to drop me an email I would love to hear from you editor@thetravellingfool.com You can…
Send us Fan Mail We share a practical holiday travel game plan to cut stress, avoid delays, and keep your cool from booking to baggage claim. From early departures and car prep to smart packing, safety, and flexibility, these tips help you arrive safe and sane. Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. Feel free to drop me an email I would love to hear from you editor@thetravellingfool.com…
Send us Fan Mail Prices keep climbing, but the best travel bargains are hiding in plain sight. We walk through the smartest ways to cut travel costs using military portals, deal alerts, credit card strategies, and overlooked memberships that unlock private rates and perks. The goal is simple: stack savings on flights, hotels, cruises, and resorts without sacrificing quality. Please subscribe and…
Send us Fan Mail Your next great getaway might be hiding an hour from home. We break down a practical, repeatable system for finding day trips that feel fresh, personal and affordable—without getting stuck in the same “top 10” lists. Instead of relying on broad search results, we tap into eight reliable sources that locals and curious travelers can use anywhere: state and county tourism…
Send us Fan Mail What if your best travel memories aren’t on any list? We dig into the difference between moving through a place and letting a place move through you, with practical tips to shift from tourist to explorer. Instead of racing to landmarks, we talk about landing light, walking slow, and using your senses—smell, sound, and small cues—to find the real city living between the sights.…
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered if you need travel insurance and just what it covers? We break down when travel insurance is worth it and plenty of real-world detail, so you can decide what to buy, when to buy it, and how to make it pay when things go sideways Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. Feel free to drop me an email I would love to hear from you editor@thetravellingfool.com You…
Send us Fan Mail A strange 1897 newspaper report turns Aurora, Texas into a place with a curious story, a lasting legend and a mysterious visitor named Ned. We weigh thin evidence against rich folklore, then share nearby spots to explore if you go chase the story yourself. Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. Feel free to drop me an email I would love to hear from you…
Send us Fan Mail We map a six-stop Southeast Texas loop where Texas independence, immigrant craft, Spanish missions, and small-town museums meet rivers, saloons, and a famously strange cryptid. The route works as a long weekend or a slow, weeklong wander with time to linger and learn. Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. Feel free to drop me an email I would love to hear from you…
Send us Fan Mail We trace Abilene, Kansas from a Chisholm Trail boomtown to Eisenhower’s hometown, stopping for a mansion wired by Edison, a Greyhound Hall of Fame greeting, a 1901 carousel ride, and a back-room chocolate secret. History, food, trains, murals, and small-town charm deliver a trip worth planning. Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. Feel free to drop me an email I would…
Send us Fan Mail Think travel demands deep pockets? We push back with a road-tested guide to seeing more while spending less. We challenge the idea that travel is only for big budgets, using a lifetime of road trips, points strategies, and common-sense choices to show how to see more for less. From camp stoves to tram rides, we trade luxury for stories and keep the wonder intact. Please subscribe…
Send us Fan Mail We head upriver from New Orleans to explore Louisiana’s River Parishes—where grand oaks, Creole stories, and a rare tobacco aged in whiskey barrels share a landscape with gators, smokehouses, and a 1950s drive-in. History isn’t erased here; it’s told plainly, tasted slowly, and easy to reach. Please hit that like or subscribe button When I do up the show notes for this podcast and…
Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what happens when a con man's legacy becomes a cornerstone of state history? The story of this Texas town unravels like a frontier thriller – complete with embezzlement, assumed identities, and a silver-tongued fugitive who changed the course of Texas settlement. Meet Philip Hendrik Nering Bögel, a Dutch tax collector who fled Europe after stealing 250,000 guilders in…
Send us Fan Mail Step into the shadows of Galveston's most captivating historical mystery as we unlock the secrets of Ashton Villa and its unforgettable resident, Betty Brown. We'll also explore modern Galveston's vibrant charm—from historic districts and Gulf beaches to Victorian architecture and fresh seafood destinations. Subscribe now to hear more untold stories from America's most fascinating…
Send us Fan Mail Dreaming of the perfect getaway but overwhelmed by endless planning details? You're not alone. The latest wave of travel innovation is here, and it's transforming how we discover, plan, and experience destinations around the world. As I reveal in this episode, nearly 20% of millennials turned to artificial intelligence for trip planning in 2024 - and I'm among the growing number…
Send us Fan Mail Tucked away in the northwest corner of South Carolina, Oconee County reveals itself as an undiscovered treasure where natural beauty intertwines with captivating history. As I wandered through this Blue Ridge Mountain paradise, I uncovered the poignant legend of Issaquena, a brave Choctaw maiden who risked everything for love, leaving her name on what is now a magnificent 200-foot…
Send us Fan Mail Every monument tells a story. Every museum preserves voices that might otherwise be forgotten. As a veteran who served for two decades, I've always been drawn to military history – not for political reasons, but because these sites connect us to our shared human experience. From the moment you step into the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, you're walking above a…
Send us Fan Mail The famous historical landmarks of Texas like the Alamo and San Jacinto battlefield draw thousands of visitors each year, but the Lone Star State harbors dozens of lesser-known historic treasures that tell equally compelling stories without the crowds. In this episode, we uncover twenty overlooked historic sites across Texas that reveal surprising chapters of the state's rich…
Send us Fan Mail Uncover the secret weapon that savvy travelers have been using for years – local Visitor's Bureaus. These often-overlooked offices hold the keys to transforming good vacations into unforgettable journeys, and today we're diving into exactly why you should make them your first stop in any new destination. Whether you call them welcome centers, tourism boards, or CVBs (Convention…
Send us Fan Mail What happens when you venture beyond the bright lights of Austin, the packed River Walk of San Antonio, or the urban sprawl of Dallas-Fort Worth? Texas reveals itself in ways no guidebook fully captures—through towns with characters as big as the state itself but too often overlooked by travelers chasing the obvious. From Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas that has flown nine…
Send us Fan Mail Ever feel like you're stuck in a tourist trap, surrounded by selfie sticks, waiting in line just to glimpse something you've already seen a thousand times on social media? There's a better way to travel, and it doesn't require visiting the Eiffel Tower or Times Square. Drawing from personal stories that span from small-town Texas to Czech beer halls and Filipino prisons, I reveal…
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we tackle the crucial topic of respectful travel and how to avoid the all-too-common pitfalls that turn people into "bad tourists." From respecting local customs to understanding food etiquette, we discuss ten essential tips to ensure your travels are both enjoyable and considerate to the cultures you are visiting. Subscribe, share your thoughts, or tell us about…
Send us Fan Mail Experience the thrill of the open road as we delve into the advantages of road trips in our latest episode. Join me as I share my personal journey preparing for an exciting drive from Texas to South Carolina, discussing why I prefer the freedom of the highway to the chaos of airports. Hear stories from past adventures, sprinkled with insights about ensuring your vehicle is ready…
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a cryogenically preserved grandfather became the life of the party? Join me, as we uncover the story behind this festival and other eccentric festivals, where the bizarre meets the beautiful, and communities come alive in the most unexpected ways. But that's not all—we're cooking up a storm with some of the quirkiest food festivals across the globe. Each festival…
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a small town became the birthplace of a state as vast as Texas? Join me as I unravel the history and charm of Brenham and Washington County, Texas. From the hallowed grounds of Washington on the Brazos, where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed, to the intriguing exhibitions of the Star of the Republic Museum and Independence Hall, this episode…
Send us Fan Mail Slow travel transforms vacations into meaningful journeys by encouraging travelers to take their time and connect with the places they visit. In this episode, we explore practical tips for embracing slow travel, the surprising encounters it can lead to, and why depth of experience matters more than the number of destinations. Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. Feel…
Send us Fan Mail What draws people to places marked by tragedy and suffering? Join me as we explore the fascinating and often misunderstood world of dark tourism on "The Traveling Fool." We examine why sites like Auschwitz, Pompeii, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial attract millions each year—is it morbid curiosity or a deeper quest for understanding and connection with history? I share my personal…
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how to balance thrill and relaxation during the winter months? Get ready to explore some of the most exciting and lesser-known travel destinations for January and February. Discover why Park City, Utah, is a paradise for snow enthusiasts and film lovers alike, and how Galveston, Texas, provides a warm escape filled with history and vibrant festivals. Let me guide you…
Send us Fan Mail Discover the liberating world of solo travel for seniors, as I share personal stories about newfound independence and adventure.This episode paints a vivid picture of why more seniors, especially women, are seizing the opportunity to explore the world on their own terms. With 84% of solo travelers being female, the adventurous spirit of senior women is truly inspiring. Journey…
Send us Fan Mail Experience Wichita like never before as I share a whirlwind three-day adventure through this fascinating city, promising insights into its rich Wild West history and modern marvels. From the legendary tales of Wyatt Earp to the authentic Old Cowtown Museum, this journey captures the essence of Wichita's past and present. We'll explore the legacy of Oscar-winning actress Hattie…
Send us Fan Mail Escape the winter blues with us as we uncover hidden gems that promise warmth and adventure without the need for a passport. Ever dreamt of swapping snow for sunshine? From charming towns, outdoor activities like fishing, snorkeling and hiking, to casino escapades. Then, picture yourself basking in the sun on a beautiful beach with no stress. Enjoy National Parks or indulge in the…
Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to affordable travel as I share a wealth of money-saving tips for your next getaway. Discover how a simple browser extension like can transform your booking experience by scouting for the best coupon codes, and learn about exclusive resources for active, retired military and veterans. These tools could be your ticket to a more budget-friendly vacation, whether…
Send us Fan Mail Ready to transform your travel experience? Discover how Europe and the UK are redefining border security and streamlining processes with groundbreaking measures. Get the inside scoop on Europe's Entry and Exit System (EES) launching this November, and prepare for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) coming in 2025. Plus, learn about the UK's upcoming…
Send us Fan Mail Step aboard history and prepare for an unforgettable journey through Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama! Ever wondered what it feels like to be inches away from a Pershing tank or to navigate the decks of a colossal WWII battleship? This episode promises an immersive adventure as we explore an extraordinary collection of military tanks, artillery, and aircraft from key…
Send us Fan Mail What secrets do the bastions of Fort Gaines hide from the Civil War era? Journey with us to Dauphin Island, where we'll uncover the rich history of Fort Gaines, a pivotal stronghold in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Explore the pentagon-shaped fortification that protected the port of Mobile and discover the stories of soldiers who lived within its walls. From its completion in 1861 to…
Send us Fan Mail Is artificial intelligence ruining travel writing? Join me, Bob Bales, on The Traveling Fool Podcast as I confront the relentless invasion of AI in the travel industry. AI-generated content is drowning out authentic voices, overshadowing the unique perspectives of independent travel bloggers and personal websites. Drawing from my own journey as a ghostwriter, I highlight how AI's…
Send us Fan Mail What if the most serene, adventure-filled getaway was right in your backyard? Join me, Bob Bales, on the Traveling Fool Podcast as we uncover the charm of the Redneck Riviera, a stretch of paradise from Fort Morgan, Alabama to Panama City, Florida. Fresh from the Southern Travelers Explorer Conference, I share my firsthand experiences of this beloved Emerald Coast destination.…
Send us Fan Mail What if you could transform every trip into a more enriching and memorable experience by simply adopting a theme? Join me, Bob Bales, in this episode of the Traveling Fool, where I reveal the magic of theme travel. From immersing yourself in military history to exploring local food and drink scenes, we'll discuss how selecting a travel theme can open doors to hidden gems and…
Send us Fan Mail Eager to embark on an adventure that takes you off the beaten path? Prepare to be armed with an extensive toolbox of road trip planning strategies. From the comfort of our studio, we take you through every aspect of road trip preparation, from prepping your vehicle to planning your route. Not only will we cover the basics, but also dive into how to use Google Maps beyond just…
Send us Fan Mail Why do small towns often hold the most intriguing histories? What if secrets of famous figures from the past are just waiting to be uncovered in places many people overlook? Join me, Bob Bales, on a journey to an unsuspecting place that's been home to supermodels, outlaws, and even the King of Rock and Roll himself. That's right, we're heading to the heart of Texas, to a small…
Send us Fan Mail The Traveling Fool Episode 14 / How To Make Memorable Moments On Your Trip Without Spending A Lot Ever dreamt of embarking on unforgettable travels without emptying your wallet? In this episode I talk about how to make your trip memorable without breaking the bank. I'll share stories of simple and inexpensive experiences that turned out to be the most cherished moments, proving…
Send us Fan Mail Ever dreamed of escaping to a tropical paradise that requires no passport for Americans to visit? Your dream is about to become a reality as we journey to the United States Virgin Islands, the overlooked treasure often eclipsed by Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Join your host, Bob Bales, as he peels back the layers of the islands' rich history, from Christopher Columbus' discovery to its…
Send us Fan Mail More and more tourists are behaving badly. Wether it is defacing historic properties, disrepecting cultures or putting themselves and others in danger. Is it because of likes on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook or are they just plain morons? Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. Feel free to drop me an email I would love to hear from you editor@thetravellingfool.com You…
Send us Fan Mail Tips for traveling solo. Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. Feel free to drop me an email I would love to hear from you editor@thetravellingfool.com You can sign up for my email list Past Podcasts Follow me on social media FaceBook Twitter now X LinkedIn Instagram
Send us Fan Mail Solo travel myths and misconceptions Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. Feel free to drop me an email I would love to hear from you editor@thetravellingfool.com You can sign up for my email list Past Podcasts Follow me on social media FaceBook Twitter now X LinkedIn Instagram
Send us Fan Mail Ft Benton Montana is known as the birthplace of Montana. This beautiful town is a great place to visit and it has quite a History. Resources Mentioned in this episode: Historic Ft Benton The story of Shep The Grand Union Hotel Please subscribe and leave a review on I-Tunes. You can sign up for my email list Podcast Link Follow me on social media FaceBook Twitter LinkedIn Please…
