In this episode, I reconnect with friends in Tupelo, Mississippi, whom I first met in May of 2000 while backpacking the Natchez Trace. The Natchez Trace was just a small segment of my walk from San Diego, CA, to Calais, ME. We reminisce about our time together and attending the Passion OneDay 2000 conference in Memphis, TN. Matt Robinson, who owns …

In this episode of my 16-month walk across America, I cross into Louisiana from Texas and then make it to the Natchez Trace in Mississippi. Meeting wonderful people who show me the meaning of hospitality every step of the way.بقلم Jason Jamar

In this episode: My backpacking trek from California to Maine continues as I leave Austin, TX and continue my cross-country hike east through College Station, Nacogdoches, and Marshall, TX on a Texas College tour. I also get to assist in building a lake.بقلم Jason Jamar

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Donald S. Frazier, Director of the Texas Center at Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX. My journey to backpack across America began in San Deigo in Sept. of 1999. I took a brief layover in Marble Falls and Austin, TX, in 2000 while en route to Maine. I had set out from Austin on March 2, 2000, to coincide with …

In this episode, after a six-week break, I make my way from my hometown of Marble Falls to Austin, TX, stopping to camp at one of my favorite places in the world - Krause Springs. BJ, my husky/red healer mix puppy, begins his walk, and it is a little rough at first, but he does well. Our adventure is now underway.…

In this episode, my guest Ethan West hiked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail and followed that up with a kayak trip down the Texas Llano and Colorado Rivers to the Gulf of Mexico.بقلم Jason Jamar

In this episode, my guest is Laine Melikian, who Peddled 2,000 miles from Virginia Beach, VA, to Georgetown, TX. Laine shares his adventures during many rain-slogged miles from the East Coast to Central Texas. He also raised funds for Wendy's Wish in honor of his mother, who passed from cancer. Some old video clips he and his friends made from thei…

In Episode 9, my Christmas special. I picked up from the previous episode of the walking adventure just past Brady, TX. I then make it to Marble Falls, TX - my hometown, for Christmas of 1999. And I get a puppy to raise as I make the continuing trip up to Maine. I know that I will need to give my new hiking buddy some time to grow, so pause the wal…

In this episode, I cross the New Mexico/Texas border and scramble to take refuge from the elements. I have a great welcome in San Angelo, TX, and break my backpack 80 miles from home.بقلم Jason Jamar

In this episode I hike from Datil to Carlsbad, New Mexico. I meet amazing people, see some amazing sites, and learn a lot of history. My travels take me through Roswell, including the Bottomless Lakes, the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and the Dr. Robert H. Goddard Museum. Then finish up with Carlsbad Caverns and Sitting Bull Falls. https:/…

In this episode, quite a few things go bump in the night. I hike from Dewey, AZ, to Pie Town, New Mexico, via the Mogollon Rim. Encounter Elk, other campers, and long-distance hikers, and avoid an old west riot!بقلم Jason Jamar

In this episode, I continue my trek through the Desert Southwest. Earthquakes, abandoned gold mines, jeep rides, and generous hospitality abound in this dry, harsh land. Some sound effects provided by https://quicksounds.com“بقلم Jason Jamar

Shortcuts make for Barbaric Yelps! In this episode of my backpacking trek from San Diego, CA, to Calais, ME. I traverse through the San Jacinto mountains into the California desert. On my way down to Palm Desert, I take a shortcut that proves to be anything but. I also visit the Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Oasis and the General Ge…

I reached the Pacific Crest Trail in Southern California in the fall of 1999, a late addition to the trek that proved highly challenging and almost derailed the whole backpacking trip from San Diego, CA, to Calais, ME. “Sound effects from https://quicksounds.com“بقلم Jason Jamar

On September 20, 1999, I embarked on a two-and-a-half-year journey. A trek on foot over 4,000 miles from San Diego, CA, to St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada – just across the international bridge from Calais, ME. This episode goes into detail to the motivation, plans, and preparation for the trek.بقلم Jason Jamar

This is Jason Jamar and the Long Journey Podcast, detailing my travels across America as I share thrilling stories from my 16-month backpacking adventure from California to Maine and my eight-month kayak voyage from Maine to Texas. In this episode the journey begins on the beach in San Diego, CA. By Jason Jamar © Copyright - The Long Journey Podcas…

I sat down with Kristin Karst, co-owner of luxury river cruise company AmaWaterways, to find out what's new on the rivers for next year. Kristin reveals more about their soon-to-launch double-wide river ship built solely for the Danube river.بقلم Sherry Laskin

This week we talk with Doug Parker from Cruise Radio about his very first river cruise. Find out what he learned from his lack of research.

This week's episode catches up on the new river ships set to launch this year. From Europe to the USA, new river ships are taking on a new look. Not sure what Europe river cruise shore excursions to choose? Curious about Keukenhof? Here's a rundown on several extra-special shore excursions, most of which are included in the price of your river crui…

A cruise along Scotland's west coast is truly a bucket list vacation. Step aboard Argyll Cruising's eight-passenger Splendour and set sail from Holy Loch, one of Scotland's most picturesque ports. Argyll Cruising is family-owned and operated by the Duncans and everyone pitches in. Meet Jamie Duncan and learn about their unique, hand-picked itinerar…

A lower Danube river cruise is like stepping back in time to the Cold War era, when the entire region was under Communist rule. Beginning in Bucharest, Romania and cruising upriver to Vienna, the transformation from Eastern to Western culture is clearly noticeable. River cruiser Rusty Pickett describes his first Danube river cruise experience, what…

This week we hear from Annie Rudolph who just returned from her first Tauck luxury river cruise. From Prague to Budapest, Annie talks about her first impressions of Tauck's MS Savor, life aboard and all of the special, exclusive Tauck events in cities on their river cruise. Ever wonder what it's really like to cruise aboard a truly all-inclusive ri…

Did you know there's a new river cruise line only for Millennials? This and more river cruise news about new ships for next year...who's building what and where they'll cruise. Embarkation day doesn't have to be stressful. Here's some advice and suggestions about embarking on your river ship as well as what to expect when you get there. When it's t…

This week we answer more of your listener question. Sherry Kennedy from GuidetoRiverCruising.com answers them. Are there any times during the year that river cruise lines offer great deals? How do I know what river I should go on, to be honest, they all seem the same to me! If I'm a single cruiser, how can I avoid getting charged that dreaded singl…

Sherry Kennedy from GuideToRiverCruising.com stops by to answer more of your listener questions. 1. Are all river cruise ships alike? 2. Is it easy to gain weight on a river cruise? 3. What are some good ways to stay active on a river cruise? 4. What is the smoking policy on a river cruise? 5. What happens if the river levels are too high or too lo…

This week we answer some of your questions about river cruising. Sherry Kennedy from GuideToRiverCruising.com takes the hot seat. 1. Categories of river cruises? 2. When to river cruise? 3. What is life like onboard? 4. Is all inclusive really all inclusive? 5. How does the gratuity program play out? 6. Do people get seasick? Thoughts or comments? …

Sherry just returned from a river cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers in the northwest part of the United States. Sherry shares her adventure and gives us a full trip report. It was a very interesting time to travel because of the wildfires impacting the area and the Hurricanes back on the east coast.…

After a recent trip to Venice, Italy, we talk tips on navigating the city and how to get around.

On this episode, we answer some of your questions about European Christmas market river cruises. We talk about the general vibe at the actual Christmas markets, what to expect, excursions and activities themed around the sailing itself, and a good entry-level Christmas market cruise to take. Special thanks to Simon Duvall, Community Manager at Crui…

We are taking a break from European river cruises and heading to our own backyard this week! Chris Gray Faust from CruiseCritic.com joins us to talk about her recent adventures cruising North American waters.

Every once in a while I come across a guest who can give us a lot of information on river cruises and offer some raw data. On this episode, the ceo of CruiseDirect.com stops by and we discuss river cruise trends, new European river ship launches, and upcoming itineraries that people are booking. Comments or would like to share a review? Email me: d…

We talk with a river cruise skeptic, Tommy Casabona from the Always Be Booked Podcast, who isn't the least bit interested in taking a river cruise. When he told me this, it fascinated me, so I turned the mic on and we chatted about the reasons why.

This week we answer a listener request comparing an Azamara Club Cruise to a Viking River Cruise in Europe. Is there a difference? Simon from Cruiseline.com stops by to compare and contrast the two.

Ever wonder what European river cruise might be for you? Or maybe it's not Europe - maybe it's one somewhere else. Editor and river cruise guru, Chris Gray Faust from Cruise Critic joins us to match the right cruise with your interest. We discuss wine/food cruises, art sailings, river cruises with active excursions, scenic and history based river c…

This week we answer two more of your listener questions. 1. A couple excursions don't look appealing to us. What is the best way to approach building our own food and wine tour? 2. What are the packing essentials for a river cruise? Send us your river cruise question to be answered on the show, doug@cruiseradio.net.…

Today we have Sherry Kennedy on to help field your river cruise questions. We are traveling on the Rhine this fall and are looking for some wine advice. Our family is telling us to bring back some great wine but we know nothing about buying wine in Europe! What is a good starting point? Please help! - John, SD Do you have any advice in finding a po…

This week we break down the difference between European river cruises and river cruises that are sailed on American waters. We talk about the types of cruises, excursions, onboard atmosphere, and key distinctions.

Howard and Alex just returned from an 11-night European river cruise on Scenic River Cruises, roundtrip from Paris. The couple normally sails Viking River Cruises but Normandy and Paris have been on their radar for a while and they decided to check it out. Hear a Scenic River Cruises review, what it was like visiting the beaches of Normandy, and wh…

A river cruise is all about the destination so today we are going to talk about shore excursions offered on river cruises and how to pick them. We will tackle: What types of shore excursions are there? Examples of culinary tours? Active tours? Sightseeing tours? How do you pick a shore excursion on a river cruise? Can you buy on from a third party …

Paul wrote in and told us that he's taking a Christmas market cruise with Viking River Cruises. He told us we should talk more about dining on European river cruises. On this episode, we attempt just that! Ask your questions: doug@cruiseradio.net.

Chris and his wife are on a 14-night cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. We last talked to Chris as he was getting ready for his journey. On this episode, Chris talks about his journey to Europe and the airline part of the European river cruise. He also talks to us about his mindset of traveling in Europe after the latest terrorist events overseas.…

Chris and his wife are about to fly to Budapest for a 15-day, 14-night river cruise to Amsterdam. This voyage is coined the Grand European Tour and travels throughout the heart of Europe, often docking in small towns along the way. Chris talks about the Viking River Cruise pre-cruise experience, getting there, and what to expect along the voyage. B…

Theresa Norton just returned from the christening of AMAKristina, a brand new river cruise ship from Ama Waterways. Her itinerary from was Amsterdam to Switzerland. We talk about the design of the cruise ship, the dining options onboard, the stateroom, and the ports of call she went to. Share your river cruise review: doug@cruiseradio.net.…

Chris drops by this episode to chat with us about the where the river cruise industry is at and where it's going. We discuss: AMA Waterways just announced a pretty state of the art ship that will debut next years. What are river cruise lines doing to separate themselves from the competition? What about ocean cruising - are the river cruise lines tr…

Sherry Kennedy links up with us this week from Europe where she just stepped off Avalon Waterways' Artistry II. She was sailing on a seven-night Northern Holland and Tulips cruise. This is a seasonal sailing that Avalon offers. We hear about: Her pre-cruise adventure How embarkation was different than other sailings she's been on The thoughts of th…

This week I had a chance to chat with Vanessa Lee, river cruise expert, and Godmother of the Avalon Vista. I've known of Vanessa for years and finally had a chance to meet her on a Holland America sailing in 2016, we quickly became friends. We chat about: Being a Godmother of a river cruise ship Where she thinks river cruising is going Are world ev…

We link up with Sherry Kennedy who is in chilly Zurich, Switzerland this week. Sherry is about to embark on a seven-night European river cruise on Rhine river. She talks to us about her pre-cruise stay and gives us some important tips. Sherry chats with us about: Weather in Zurich, Switzerland Quick overview of the river ship she’s sailing on What …

When people think of Disney, they don't normally think of a European river cruise. Thanks to a partnership that Ama Waterways has with Adventures By Disney, Disney now has you covered with ocean AND river cruises. We first spoke with the owner of Ama Waterways a few weeks ago to talk about the program, now we're getting a review of an Adventures by…

We’re back this week, but with a twist. This week I’m being interviewed about my Douro river cruise experience in Portugal. We discuss getting from Florida to Portugal, what life was like onboard, the tours offered, and the food. Special thanks goes to Richard Simms for taking the time to interview me.…

This week we are broadcasting live in Porto, Portugal with CroisiEuope River Cruises as they christen the brand new MS Miguel Torga. The Miguel Torga sails six to eight-night cruises along the Douro River across Portugal. The Douro River is known for its scenic views and wine trails. We discuss the ship itself, the services offered onboard, dining,…