Ready to time-travel without the flux capacitor? In this nostalgia-packed episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond hit the open road—metaphorically speaking—to explore some of America’s most iconic roadside landmarks, unforgettable signage, and quirky attractions that make every road trip an adventure worth taking.

Joining them is Americana enthusiast and Instagram-fueled author Rolando Pujol, who’s turned his childhood fascination with vintage neon and roadside kitsch into a full-fledged love letter to U.S. travel history. From giant peaches to lobsters as big as your car, from architectural oddities to places that scream "you can’t get this experience on Zoom," this episode is a celebration of the beautifully weird, wildly nostalgic, and unmistakably American.

• Road Signs that Raised Us: From Chicago’s White Sox signage to the Breezewood rest stop, Joe and Crystal reminisce about the places burned into our memory through pure roadside repetition.

• Rolando’s Retro Obsession: Discover how childhood drives through Sleepy Hollow turned into an Instagram account, which turned into a book deal. If you've ever pulled over to snap a photo of a fiberglass dinosaur, you'll feel seen.

• Where Quirky Meets Culinary: McDonald’s golden arches take a starring role—not just for fries but for its ever-evolving architecture. Plus, hear about Wild Blueberry Land in Maine, an oversized burrito haven in Arizona, and the cult-worthy Boll Weevil eatery.

• Signs of the Times: Learn why neon signs, repurposed buildings, and goofy roadside sculptures tell us more about a town than any chamber of commerce brochure ever could.

• The Enchanted Highway and Route 66: What happens when you mix art, open roads, and a passion for preservation? You get destinations that belong on every Adventurer's bucket list.

Beyond the entertainment value (and serious Instagram inspo), this episode celebrates how road trips connect us to history, creativity, and identity—one vintage sign or giant lobster at a time. You’ll laugh, you’ll map your next trip, and you might even dig out that old road atlas.

Got your own favorite roadside gem? Share it with the Adventurer community! Your quirky dive bar, haunting ghost town, or 20-foot gnome might just make someone else’s travel dreams come true.

Here's how to tell your story: StackingAdventures.com/MyStory. You'll have five whole minutes to share YOUR roadside attraction adventure!

Think theme parks are just for kids? Think again. We heard people who are VERY MUCH adults sharing their stories today...as we asked YOU for your theme park tales. On this episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond head to the gates of Cedar Point, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Holiday World, and beyond to relive the thrills, spills, and surprisingly refined etiquette of amusement park life. From world-class coasters to pro tips on navigating crowds (and even riding solo!), this one’s your summer soundtrack for theme park success.

Adventurers Randy and Nikki call in with nostalgic favorites—including Indiana’s under-the-radar Holiday World, home of the holy grail: free parking, drinks, sunscreen, and splashy water coasters. You’ll hear why this park might just beat the big boys on value and fun.

Joe and Crystal also debate which parks cater more to grown-up thrill seekers, unpack listener horror stories and etiquette fails, and reveal a travel MVP: a humble sweat towel that moonlights as a scarf, napkin, and workout essential.

Plus, are solo trips to Disneyland underrated? Spoiler: Yes. You’ll hear why going it alone can be a magic trick for skipping lines, recharging your social battery, and doing the park your way.

• The adult-friendly charm of Cedar Point vs. Busch Gardens

• Hidden gems like Holiday World (hello, free sunscreen!)

• Theme park etiquette that keeps the magic alive

• The thrill—and peace—of a solo Disneyland day

• Memories of the Gatekeeper, Magnum, and the dearly departed Witch’s Wheel

• Versatile travel gear you didn’t know you needed

• A call for your best stories from Belize and cruise adventures

Whether you’re a coaster connoisseur or just plotting your next getaway, this episode is packed with travel tales, practical tips, and all the community spirit Adventurers love.

Think cruises are just buffets and bingo? Think again. In this episode, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond hoist the anchor on all your cruising questions with travel agent Donna Pelletier (we call her the cruise director!)—who's seen it all from the Lido Deck to the lifeboats. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or still Googling “Do cruise ships have brakes?”, we’ve got you covered.

🛳️ Donna walks us through choosing the right cruise line and ship size (spoiler: not all floating cities are created equal).
🎟️ Learn the tricks to booking like a pro, from early bird perks to when upgrades are actually worth it.
🍹 We talk gratuities, drink packages, and what “all-inclusive” really means once you’re onboard.
🧳 Never lose your luggage again—thanks to packing strategies and must-have travel tech like AirTags.
🚢 Plus, tips on motion sickness, trip insurance, and excursions that don’t feel like cattle drives.

From insider tips to hilarious missteps (ours, mostly), this episode is your passport to smarter, smoother cruising.

What happens when your brother calls and says, “Want to meet me in Japan?” If you’re Adventurer Cosette, you don’t think twice. In this episode, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond sit down with Cosette to unpack a spontaneous, unforgettable journey that crisscrossed South Korea and Japan.

From wandering Seoul’s vibrant night markets and exploring the DMZ, to immersing herself in the peaceful reflection of Hiroshima and hiking snowy trails to spy on wild snow monkeys, Cosette’s story is packed with cultural depth, scenic beauty, and a little chaos (including a rough flight home!). Along the way, she dressed up for Ninja class, tackled Japan’s legendary Nine Bath Challenge in Shibu Onsen, and uncovered hidden gems across Kyoto and Kanazawa.

If you’ve ever dreamed of diving into a new country on short notice, this episode is for you. The crew also shares practical travel hacks—like how to find last-minute flight deals, why power banks are non-negotiable, and what you should really expect from Mount Fuji.

Highlights include:

• What it’s like to travel internationally on a whim
• How Korean and Japanese culture differ—and surprise you
• Packing tips and tech gear that saved the day
• Memorable stops: Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Kyoto’s Bamboo Forest, and Tokyo’s massive crowds
• Bonus challenge: Did Cosette complete all nine hot spring baths?

Whether you’re planning your first overseas trip or just dreaming of adventure from your couch, this episode reminds you: the best stories happen when you say “yes.”

Ever dream of ditching your deadlines for a hammock in Belize? Cris did just that—and she’s not looking back.

In this episode, we follow digital nomad and slow travel pro Cris, who’s been globe-hopping since 2018 and swears by one golden rule: travel slower, live deeper. Her favorite spot to soak it all in? Belize. And after this episode, it might be yours too.

From Placencia Village’s laid-back charm to underground river caves and grilled lobster tail under the stars, Cris walks us through how to make the most of Belize — not just as a tourist, but as someone who belongs.

What’s inside this episode:

• 🐢 Why slow travel might be your best travel hack (and how Cris made the leap)

• 🏝️ Hidden-gem vibes in Placencia Village — perfect if you love warm beaches and even warmer neighbors

• 👫 Building real community with locals and expats, plus how Rotary International plays a part

• 🌿 Wild adventures like cave tubing and the legendary ATM Cave (archaeology meets adrenaline)

• 🦞 The scoop on lobster season, local cuisine, and how to eat like a Belizean beach pro

• 🧳 Game-changing travel gear picks: Cris’s packable coffee dripper and “never-leave-home-without-it” metal straw

• 💬 Real talk on cost of living, safety, language, and cultural do’s and don’ts

• 🏨 Boutique stays in Hopkins and why Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn is more than just a name drop

🎒 Love exploring off the beaten path?
Subscribe, share this episode with your travel crew, and check your passport. Belize might be calling — just don't forget your snorkel or that collapsible coffee contraption.

Ever dreamt of riding the world’s fastest roller coaster or discovering the next big Disney park before the crowds? This week on Stacking Adventures, Crystal and Joe Saul-Sehy trade hiking boots for roller coaster harnesses in a theme park episode packed with thrills, insider tips, and laugh-out-loud travel tales.

They’re joined by legendary theme park journalist Robert Niles from Theme Park Insider, who spills details from his recent globe-trotting adventure—including a massive announcement about a brand-new Disney theme park coming to Abu Dhabi.

From planning hacks and can’t-miss attractions to splurges that are actually worth it (hint: don’t skip the early entry pass), this episode helps you get the most fun per dollar out of any park visit. Whether you’re a coaster junkie, food stand connoisseur, or just trying to survive summer vacation with your budget intact, you’ll find plenty to pack into your next theme park adventure.

• Why Cedar Point, Kings Dominion, and Busch Gardens still make the A-list

• The real scoop on Disney’s next mega park in the Middle East

• Tips to skip lines, beat the heat, and avoid overpriced regret

• Insider previews of Epic Universe, Siren’s Curse, and other wild new rides

• When to splurge on upgrades—and when to pocket that churro cash

• Budget tips for families, plus why timing your visit can make or break it

• Theme park food that’s actually worth the calories (yes, they exist)

• Robert’s personal favorite hidden gems and underrated parks

• How to avoid letting your memory bank ruin your money decisions—even at theme parks

So grab your virtual FastPass and take this ride with us. Got your own theme park story? Share it with us—we want to hear your best (or most disastrous) moments!

What do you get when you mix alpine grandeur, French wine, and a few awkward encounters with public transportation? The trek of a lifetime.

Joe and Crystal sit down with globe-trotting guest David to relive his incredible Tour du Mont Blanc—an iconic hike that crosses France, Italy, and Switzerland. From cultural quirks to culinary delights (hello, croissants and polenta!), David shares what it’s really like to hike Europe’s most scenic loop.

You’ll hear trail-tested tips on how to train, what to pack, and how to avoid blowing your budget—or your knees—on the way. Whether you’re planning your own hiking getaway or just dreaming from the couch, this episode is packed with laughs, insight, and a few “you won’t believe this” moments from the trail.

• 🎬 The Sound of Music made us do it: What movie scenes and mountain views have in common

• 🥾 Crossing borders on foot: Why the Tour du Mont Blanc is the ultimate passport stamp

• 🎒 What NOT to forget in your pack (and what David says you absolutely don’t need)

• 💡 Accommodations, luggage hacks, and trail shortcuts for the savvy traveler

• 🍷 Why hiking is better with wine and what David learned about blending adventure and indulgence

• 🧀 Croissants in France, coffee in Italy, fondue in Switzerland… need we say more?

• 🗣️ Struggling with French? We’ve got stories—and survival phrases

• 🚶‍♂️ What to know about rest days, restrooms, and rustic beds

Whether you're dreaming of alpine treks or just here for the croissant jokes, this episode is your trailhead to adventure.

🧭 Thinking about planning your own trip? David now runs Blaze Adventure Tours—hear how he custom-builds trips for hikers and cyclists who want the thrill without the stress.

David's company link: Home - Blaze Adventure Tours- Bicycle Tours and Backpacking

Is it Caribbean or Caribbe-an? We kick off this episode of Stacking Adventures with the great pronunciation debate—then head straight into a destination you can explore without needing a passport: Puerto Rico.

Hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond welcome travel advisor Donna Pelletier from Vacations by Donna, who shares highlights from her recent pre-cruise mini-adventure in Puerto Rico. While it wasn’t a deep-dive vacation, Donna packed in just enough to give us a taste of what’s possible in a short visit—and how to make the most of your own.

In this episode:

• Where to stay when time is limited (Donna’s take on the Hilton Garden Inn)

• Smart ways to squeeze in dining, cocktails, and local flavor without overcommitting

• Kayaking, ATVs, casinos, and other mini excursions worth considering

• A few surprising insights—like how a quick stop at Walmart can save your trip

• How to lower stress and costs when adding Puerto Rico to your cruise itinerary

Plus, don’t miss our Gear of the Day pick that can save your soles when you’re pounding pavement between piña coladas.

Whether Puerto Rico is your main event or just a quick stop, this episode is full of practical, doable adventure hacks for travelers on the go.