Love & Travel: Romantic Getaways

“Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get — only with what you are expecting to give — which is everything.” ~ Katharine Hepburn

Guest Introduction: 

Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and founder of Pangea World Travel Agency.

If you’re a midlife professional, an empty nester, or a woman with a heart for adventure, you’re in the right place. This isn’t just another travel podcast—it’s an invitation to explore how travel shapes our lives, helping us grow, see the world in new ways, and rediscover ourselves along the way.

And today, we’re embracing love and travel in the spirit of Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re dreaming of a honeymoon-worthy escape or an unexpected romantic adventure, this episode is all about creating magical moments with the one you love.

So, grab your coffee—or maybe a mocktail or even a glass of champagne for the occasion—get cozy, and let’s set off on this journey together.

To help me unpack these Romantic Getaways I’ve invited three incredible travel advisors who know romance when they see it.

1.     Josh Scheer is the founder of White Lotus Travel Design, a travel agency he established in 2023 after a diverse career journey. With a background in musical theater as an actor and a second career as a Solution Architect in sales, Josh brings a unique perspective to the world of travel. Based in New York City, Josh specializes in crafting bespoke multi-city European vacations tailored specifically for culinary travelers—those eager to explore the tastes, flavors, and culinary cultures of Europe in a truly immersive way.

2.     Ashley Stevens is the owner of Trellis Travel, a boutique travel agency specializing in bespoke European and Caribbean experiences, with a focus on luxury small-ship and river cruises. She creates experiences that offer authenticity and connection for discerning travelers who lead with their hearts when they travel. 

3.     Angie Brandt believes a single moment can shape our story and leave a lasting legacy. Through Both Worlds Travel, she curates journeys for those who seek deeper connections—whether through culture, adventure, or quiet luxury. To Angie, true romance isn’t just candlelit dinners or breathtaking views; it’s the unforgettable moments that touch your heart and stay with you forever. She infuses this philosophy into every trip she designs, ensuring each journey is rich with meaning, connection, and lasting memories.

Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: 

Welcome, everyone! I’m so excited to have this conversation today and wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day!

6:23 (Josh) The most romantic trip I’ve ever taken was my engagement trip. My husband and I got engaged and spent two weeks in Italy, visiting only four places. So often, people feel the need to rush from one spot to the next, snapping selfies and checking off landmarks. But slowing down made our trip even more special.

7:50 (Cindy) I’ll jump right in and share a place I found incredibly romantic. When I think of romantic trips, I’ve been on many, but a recent one that stood out was an Alaskan cruise last year. Many people don’t typically consider an Alaskan cruise romantic, but it truly was.

9:23 (Ashley) The first place that came to mind was St. Lucia in the Caribbean—one of the most naturally beautiful and diverse places I’ve ever seen. We stayed at Cap Maison, a five-star resort on the island’s north shore.

10:54 (Angie) I’d have to say Croatia. I know we talked about this in my last podcast, but there’s something incredibly raw and real about it. For example, one night in Korčula, a charming little village, I was struck by its beauty. During the day, its cobblestone streets and stone buildings create a stunning, timeless atmosphere.

13:26 (Josh) Our job is to seek out those unique experiences in each destination. Most of the calls I receive are about travel to Europe, particularly Western Europe, along the Mediterranean. In addition to Italy, that includes France and Croatia as well.

16:55 (Angie) Building on what Josh and Ashley said, our job isn’t to tell clients what to do—it’s to truly understand them. That means listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and getting to know them on a deeper level. Ultimately, we’re here to advise, which is why we’re called travel advisors. But travel is full of nuance, and that’s where our expertise comes in.

22:51 (Ashley) I find the South of France to be a perfect fit for many occasions, especially romantic trips. There’s so much to do—you could plan an entire trip around UNESCO sites, explore medieval 12th-century villages for days, or relax in beautiful beach destinations.

25:03 (Cindy) Of course, the best destination depends on what our clients are looking for, but one place that stands out to me—and that I personally want to experience—is an African safari. I’ve been to South Africa, but I’d love to explore more, combining Cape Town with private guided tours, helicopter flights along the coastline, and a luxury safari experience.

32:01 (Josh) When we talk about Italy, there are some incredibly popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, and Taormina—cities that get a lot of attention. But just nearby, there are amazing alternatives. For example, right next to Lake Como in Piemonte, you’ll find Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. Piemonte is also one of Italy’s best wine regions. You could stay in a charming town like Stresa, right on Lake Maggiore, and experience the beauty and tranquility it offers.

37:44 (Ashley) This may not be considered a hidden gem, but it can lead to discovering hidden gems. One thing I’ve learned, and what I specialize in, is river cruises. In Europe, a river cruise offers the opportunity to unpack once while visiting multiple destinations.

44:11 I’d like to ask everyone: What are one or two words that travel means to you?

Josh: Exploration and freedom.
Angie: Life and connection.
Ashley: Perspective and connection.
Cindy: Awareness and freedom.

Thank you so much for tuning into Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition. I’m Cindy MacMillan, and you can always find me at PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com. If you found this episode helpful—or if it sparked some curiosity—I would love for you to hit that subscribe button. That way, you’ll never miss a new episode, and we can keep exploring these life-changing journeys together.

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And hey, if you’re dreaming of your next cruise or adventure, I’m here to turn that dream into reality. Head over to PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com, and let’s make it happen—one journey at a time.

Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and take care.