Bon Voyage Besties

About Bon Voyage Besties

Two Jersey girls, Rachel Miller and Rosa Castillo, share their love of travel, life, friendship, and everything in between. These travel experts share their best tips for traveling the world without quitting your job, discussing their favorite travel destinations, sharing friendship advice on the road and at home, laughing about travel fails and wins, and much much more. Come along for the ride and Bon Voyage Besties!

Publisher

Rosa and Rachel

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Feb 2025

Latest episode

2 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

82 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Oct 2026

   Episode 79: How to Experience Tuscany Like a Local: Insider Tips from Vanessa Gordon

   Join Rosa and Rachel as they explore the magic of Tuscany with Vanessa Gordon, CEO of East End Taste. From charming hilltop towns and unforgettable meals to transportation tips and local experiences, this episode is your guide to making the most of a trip through one of Italy’s most beloved regions. Vanessa shares her insights on which Tuscan towns are worth visiting, how to experience the region beyond the major tourist stops, and where food lovers should focus their time. We also talk about the Italian approach to slow living, connecting with locals, finding the right accommodations, and exploring Tuscany without overspending. Plus, get practical advice for navigating the region, whether you’re renting a car or relying on other transportation, along with what to pack and which experiences deserve a spot on your itinerary. Whether you’re dreaming of your first Italian adventure or planning a return trip, this conversation is packed with ideas for experiencing Tuscany through its food, landscapes, culture, and people. Tune in for tips on hidden gems, culinary adventures, budget-friendly travel, and the memorable experiences that make Tuscany so special. Follow Vanessa at @VanessaPGordon on Instagram. Follow Bon Voyage Besties @BonVoyageBesties on Instagram and Substack.

2. 

   25 Sept 2026

   Episode 78: A Local’s Guide to Montreal & Quebec Province with Mel Schaffer

   What if you don’t need more vacation time, but simply need to use the time you have more intentionally? On this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rosa and Rachel are joined by Mel Schaffer, founder of BRB Travel Blog, for a practical conversation about making travel work when you have a full-time job and limited PTO. With more than 20 years of experience living in Montreal and exploring Quebec, Mel shares smart strategies for maximizing vacation time, from combining holidays with weekends to taking strategic Fridays or Mondays off. We also talk about why day trips, staycations, and nearby weekend getaways absolutely count as travel, and why asking for more vacation time during salary negotiations might be worth considering. Then we head to Montreal! Mel shares what makes the city so special, from its bilingual and multicultural identity to its incredible food scene. We talk bagels, poutine, smoked meat, Mile End, the Plateau, Verdun, summer festivals, and hidden gems like Au Pied Du Courant. Mel also shares ideas for exploring beyond the city, including the Eastern Townships, Tadoussac, and Gaspésie, along with practical winter packing tips. Whether you’re planning a quick Montreal getaway or simply trying to fit more travel into a busy life, this episode is all about making the most of the time you have. Follow Mel @brbtravelblog and Follow Bon Voyage Besties @BonVoyageBesties on Social Media and Substack

3. 

   18 Sept 2026

   Episode 77: Solo Female Travel in Underrated Destinations: Uzbekistan, India & Beyond with Flavia Cornejo

   In this episode of Bon Voyage Besties, Rosa and Rachel joined by Flavia, a Peruvian-American travel blogger and tour operator who empowers women—especially women of color—to travel the world with confidence. Flavia shares her journey into travel content creation and how her own experiences shaped her passion for helping women overcome travel fears and embrace solo adventures. We chat about some of Flavia’s favorite underrated destinations, including Uzbekistan and India, and the cultural experiences and local connections that make these places so special. She shares practical tips for navigating language barriers, staying safe while traveling solo, and handling the logistical challenges that can come with exploring unfamiliar places. Flavia also takes us behind the scenes of running successful travel tours for women and discusses how social media has transformed the way we discover destinations and find travel inspiration. From building confidence to embracing cultural curiosity, this conversation is packed with encouragement and practical advice for anyone ready to step outside their comfort zone and see more of the world. Follow Flavia at @latinatraveler and Bon Voyage Besties at @bonvoyagebesties. You can also find Bon Voyage Besties on Substack at https://substack.com/@bonvoyagebesties.

Who has been a guest on Bon Voyage Besties

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Tess Millhollon
• Robin DeGracia
• Shane Steinecker

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 48 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

84

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Bon Voyage Besties

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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Questions about Bon Voyage Besties