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What would it take to stop you from exploring the world? For Penny Zubula, even total blindness couldn't dampen her wanderlust. This remarkable travel writer navigates foreign countries with her photographer husband Simon and guide dog Splendid—proving that disabilities don't have to limit adventure.

Penny's journey from Jerusalem-born, Montreal-raised TV host to acclaimed travel writer showcases an extraordinary life dedicated to experiencing new cultures. Through her website "Six Legs Will Travel," she creates vivid, sensory-rich travel narratives that go far beyond visual descriptions, breaking barriers for travelers with disabilities while inspiring everyone to see the world differently.

The conversation reveals fascinating insights into traveling internationally with a service animal—from the relatively straightforward EU requirements to the more complex regulations of Japan and Israel. Penny and Simon share their strategies for selecting destinations, with special appreciation for Holland America cruises that accommodate service animals expertly. They've developed a unique approach to cultural immersion by volunteering at language schools across Europe, where they help locals practice English while gaining authentic experiences themselves.

When asked what advice she'd give hesitant travelers, Penny's wisdom rings clear: "If you waste those opportunities, the person you hurt most is yourself." Her adventures—rock climbing, hot air ballooning, and exploring remote destinations—demonstrate that limitations are often self-imposed rather than insurmountable barriers. What's your excuse for not exploring the world? Join us to discover how this inspiring trio is redefining what it means to truly experience travel through all senses.

Penny's Website: https://sixlegswilltravel.com/ and https://muckrack.com/penny_zibula

Simon's Photos: https://photos.myeclecticimages.com/ and https://myeclecticimages.com/

Penny's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixlegswilltravel

Simon's Instagram: https://instagram.com/myeclecticimages

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Fifty episodes in, and we're still discovering what retirement travel truly means to us. After a health challenge forced us to pivot from our original three-year international adventure, we've established a new rhythm – a home base in Tennessee with 6-9 months of global exploration annually. Our latest journey began with a two-week exploration of Portugal and Spain that revealed surprising preferences and unexpected gems.

The adventure started somewhat roughly – an overnight transatlantic flight with a screaming baby, condensation-soaked windows in our Lagos Airbnb, and a missed bus in Portugal. Yet these small hiccups faded against the backdrop of magnificent experiences. While the Algarve coast offered postcard-perfect beauty, we discovered something profound: after years living on Ecuador's Pacific shores, we've evolved beyond beach resort destinations.

Spain delivered the most delightful surprise of this leg. Seville captivated us with its walkable streets, vibrant culture, and extraordinary depth of history. We wandered ancient Jewish quarters where streets barely accommodate a single person, dined in a restaurant operating since 1386, and experienced authentic flamenco paired with mouthwatering tapas. The grandeur of the Cathedral housing Columbus' remains contrasted wonderfully with the world's largest wooden structure, the Parasol, offering 360-degree city views.

Lisbon challenged us with hills that would make San Francisco blush, yet rewarded our efforts with hidden treasures like the unassuming Santa Catarina Cathedral – modest outside, breathtaking within. At the communal tables of Time Out Market, we shared meals with honeymooners and, remarkably, fellow Tennesseans from just miles away from our home. A ferry ride to Trafaria revealed a glimpse of what local Portuguese life could offer away from tourist centers.

Our journey continues next episode as we venture to the British Isles, but this first segment taught us valuable lessons about what we truly seek in our traveling retirement. Sometimes the most memorable experiences come not from famous landmarks but from wrong turns, local connections, and places that weren't even on our original itinerary.

What secret corners of Portugal and Spain have you discovered? What unexpected destinations have captured your heart? We'd love to hear your stories at jim@jimsantosbooks.com as we continue redefining retirement through meaningful exploration.

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https://www.jimsantosbooks.com
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jim@jimsantosbooks.com

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Travel writer Linda McCarley joins Jim and Rita to share her remarkable journey from childhood trips to Scotland through her recent decision to purchase a villa in Tuscany. Born in Canada to Scottish parents, Linda's travel adventures began at just three years old, planting seeds for a lifelong passion that would eventually lead her to Italy.

With refreshing candor, Linda reveals how her approach to travel evolved from standard tourism to meaningful cultural immersion—a shift that intensified when she became a travel writer during the pandemic. "The more we traveled, the more we did not want to be tourists," she explains, describing how writing pushed her to research destinations more deeply and seek experiences away from the crowds.

Her story of unexpectedly purchasing a 1920s villa in Barga (considered "new" by Italian standards) offers listeners a glimpse into the realities of overseas property ownership, complete with bureaucratic delays and renovation plans. Linda's recent five-week language immersion in Lucca provides practical insights for anyone considering similar adventures—from the moment she began thinking in Italian to participating in cultural excursions that included Carnival celebrations and food outings.

Throughout our conversation, Linda shares genuine recommendations for lesser-known Italian destinations like Arezzo and Camogli that offer authentic experiences away from tourist crowds. Her description of walking ancient streets where buildings predate the founding of America reminds us why European travel continues to captivate our imaginations.

Whether you're dreaming of your own Italian villa, planning extended travel abroad, or simply looking to experience destinations more authentically, Linda's story offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Follow her journey at lindagotravelwriter.com and let her experiences guide your next travel adventure.

Website - https://lindagotravelwriter.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lindafunaymccarley/

Support the show

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2292506/supporters/new
https://www.jimsantosbooks.com
http://jimsantos.net
https://www.instagram.com/jimsantosblog
https://www.youtube.com/@jimsantos508
jim@jimsantosbooks.com