Episode 39: Travels, Tribulations and Bramble

Pura Vida! We kick off this podcast with our “drink of the week” segment. This weeks concoction is a delicious and delectable cocktail called the Buffalo Bramble. Made with Vodka, Creme de Cassis and fresh blackberries, it’s a refreshing addition to our coping cocktails series, packing an equal punch of potency and flavor!

Next we shift gears and dive into our latest findings on all things travel, including which countries lifted travel restrictions, which ones didn’t, and how to deal with cancellations and refunds. We also talk about some of the changes to airlines and hotel cancellation and rescheduling policies affected by the pandemic as well as our experiences handling changes and cancellations. It’s a jam-packed episode, so strap in, grab your favorite cocktail (and be sure to check out this weeks Buffalo Bramble recipe) and enjoy the ride. Don’t forget to check out our Destinations page to find the perfect location for your next travel plans.. Cheers!

Episode 38: Discovering Monterey California

Pura Vida and welcome to Pure Life Podcast! In this episode, we talk about one of our favorite destinations in Northern California, Monterey. Before we get into our main topic, we kick of this episode with out latest recipe – a slight twist on a Peach Punch. This simple and refreshing cocktail is sure to be a favorite distraction and the perfect way to take the edge off all our modern day stresses. Salud!

Next, we dive into uncovering Monterey, a true gem nestled about two hours south of San Francisco, California. Known for it’s famed cannery row, amazing aquarium, Pebble Beach golf course and ambiance galore, Monterey is a perfect destination for a quick weekend getaway or a more relaxed extended stay. From the mesmerizing beauty of 17-Mile Drive to the enchanting creatures of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we unveil the not-to-miss sights that will make your visit an unforgettable adventure.

Tune in to discover rich history and vibrant culture that make Monterey a must-visit destination for travelers of all interests. Pack your bags, and let’s explore the captivating charm of Monterey together! For more travel ideals in California and beyond, please visit our Destinations page. Enjoy!

Episode 37: Top Online Safety Tips

In this episode of Pure Life Podcast, we take a pause for our travel topics and dive into keeping your private information secure with some important online safety tips while also discussing one of our featured drinks. This weeks feature is not a cocktail but one of my favorite bourbons: Basil Hayden’s. Basil Hayden’s is a light-bodied small-batch bourbon that goes down smoothly either neat or on the rocks (especially with Whiskey Ball ice cubes), and compliments any occasion. Cheers!

The episode continues by diving into some tips and guidance on how to remain safe while online. The last few years have been interesting and challenging to say the least. One rather interesting outcome of all this is we changed how we conduct our daily lives and are now spending more of our time online. With more of our activity being conducted online, we dive into some of latest online scams and threats and provide some much needed guidance on how to keep you and your loved ones safe while online.

Strap yourselves in as we explore some easy online safety tips. Be sure to check out our Destinations page for inspiration in planning your next trip with your new online skills. Enjoy!

Episode 36: Best Airline Reward Card Programs, Part 3

With so many challenging things going on all at once, we could all use a break from the news to focus on more enjoyable distractions. And one of our favorite distractions is doing research on traveling. So in this episode we continue our discussion on the best credit cards by diving into research we have been doing on airline rewards cards and programs .

Before discussing the best airline credit cards, we start off this episode with what we hope will be a favorite segment of the show: our featured cocktail. And to kick that segment off we break down a deliciously drinkable espresso martini! Refreshing, bold and packing a nice punch, an espresso martini goes great with any dinner or as a relaxing way to wind down an evening. The show continues with a discussion of some of the major airline credit card rewards programs that we have had experience with.

It’s never been a better time to research that next destination and to start racking up those rewards miles. And when you are ready to redeem those points, be sure to check out our Destinations page to narrow down your choices. Enjoy!

Episode 35: Ultimate Margarita Recipe

In this episode, we venture away from our normal format and dive into some topics we hope you find helpful during stressful times and in-between travels. In particular, we will be highlighting some of our favorite cocktails you can craft at home – with the right tools and ingredients.

In this episode, we will break down a simple but satisfyingly delicious margarita. As we’ve mentioned before, we are known to enjoy some libations! And one of our favorites is a margarita, but not just your run-of-the-mill syrupy sweet concoction. We like the top shelf variety using our favorite margarita base; Don Julio Tequila. Join us as we break down bar kits essentials and precise measurements for making the best margaritas. Be sure to check out our Destinations page for the perfect spot to enjoy even more margaritas. Salud!

Episode 34: Best Credit Card Rewards Program, Part 2

In the last episode, we provided some tips on how to identify the best credit card rewards program for your travel needs. In this episode, we go a bit deeper and explore some of the cards we personally own that have worked well for us. Whether traveling domestically or internationally, there are some great programs to satisfy where ever your travels take you.

Now is the perfect time to start doing some research on how to maximize your next hotel stay. And credit card rewards programs are a great way to earn immediate status at some of the top hotels and properties across the globe. What’s more, they are offering even more incentives to entice new subscribers. Many of the credit cards we cover in this episode offer up to 3x’s rewards points towards stays, cash-back rewards for certain purchases as well as discounts for a variety of other amenities. We break it all down in this episode and share our favorite credit card travel rewards programs to help you maximize your points accumulation. And don’t forget to check our top Destinations when it’s time to redeem all those points. Enjoy!

Episode 33: Best Credit Card Rewards Programs: Part 1

Every day we see ads for various credit cards. Whether it’s Capital One, American Express, Chase, or Discover, they all offer attractive rewards programs geared toward travel. But that begs the question: which are the best credit card rewards programs for me?

Choosing the right travel rewards program can be time consuming, confusing and frustrating. In this episode – Best Credit Card Rewards Programs: Part 1 – we break down the questions you need to answer as well as share some tips to help guide you through the maze of choices to maximize your travel rewards. Don’t miss our next episode where we’ll provide additional guidance as well as uncover some of the “gotchya’s” to avoid that we learned along the way. After you settle on the best card for your travel needs, peruse our Destinations page to find the perfect spot to use all those points. Enjoy!

Episode 32: Tokyo Travels Unleashed, Exploring the Best Day Trip Destinations

In this episode, we continue our adventures in and around Tokyo with some of our top day trip destinations for exploring the area around Tokyo. As amazing as Tokyo is, the surrounding countryside, coastlines and rustic beauty of Honshu Island are in full display when you venture just a bit south and west of the city.

Some of our favorite destinations that are within an hour or two of Tokyo include Hakone, Nikko, Izu, and Kamakura. In this episode we break down all four cities – at most about a 2-hour train ride out of Tokyo – to give you a taste of what awaits just on the outskirts of Tokyo. From the majesty of the famous Mt. Fuji to the beautiful beaches, ornate temples and shrines to the numerous hot springs, adventure awaits with enough variety to suit any interest. What are you waiting for? Be sure to check out the Japan section of our Destinations page to explore even more of Japan. Enjoy!

Episode 31: Insiders Guide to Tokyo, Japan

With this episode of Pure Life Podcast, we start a much anticipated series on Japan with a special focus on Tokyo and the area around Tokyo. Tokyo holds a special place in our hearts and has been a frequent destination for us – both for pleasure and business – that covering all must-see and must-do activities can’t be done in just one episode.

For first timers or seasoned travelers to Japan, this episode provides first-hand tips and guidance on what to expect getting in and out of Tokyo as well as some of our favorite foods, shops and destinations. With so much to offer, Tokyo is a must visit destination and there’s never been a better time to start exploring Tokyo. We break it all down for you so you can maximize your stay in Tokyo. Be sure to check out all things Japan in our Destinations page for even more activities in the Land of the Rising Sun. Enjoy!

Episode 30: The Best of the Yucatan, Mexico

In this episode, we return to Mexico to continue exploring the Yucatan Peninsula. Before we jump into exploring the area, we share some advice and things to look out for when selecting your next all-inclusive resort to ensure you maximize your stay and avoid any unintended surprises.

Next, we jump into some of the sights and sounds that we recommend for first-timers as well as seasoned travelers to the Yucatan, including the amazing Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum ruins. However, if water adventures are more your thing, we also talk about the amazing reef at Chankanaab Beach Park on Cozumel as well as the Dos Ojos Cenotes, Xel-Ha and Xcaret parks. Any way you slice it, there’s so much to do and see beyond the all-inclusive resorts. If Cancun or the Mayan Riviera are on your destination list, this episode provides some great tips on where to go to see and explore some of the best the Yucatan has to offer. Don’t forget to stop by our Destinations page for even more on Cancun and Mexico. Enjoy!