The famous historical landmarks of Texas like the Alamo and San Jacinto battlefield draw thousands of visitors each year, but the Lone Star State harbors dozens of lesser-known historic treasures that tell equally compelling stories without the...

Uncover the secret weapon that savvy travelers have been using for years – local Visitor's Bureaus. These often-overlooked offices hold the keys to transforming good vacations into unforgettable journeys, and today we're diving into exactly why...

What happens when you venture beyond the bright lights of Austin, the packed River Walk of San Antonio, or the urban sprawl of Dallas-Fort Worth? Texas reveals itself in ways no guidebook fully captures—through towns with characters as big as t...

Ever feel like you're stuck in a tourist trap, surrounded by selfie sticks, waiting in line just to glimpse something you've already seen a thousand times on social media? There's a better way to travel, and it doesn't require visiting the Eiff...

In this episode, we tackle the crucial topic of respectful travel and how to avoid the all-too-common pitfalls that turn people into "bad tourists." From respecting local customs to understanding food etiquette, we discuss ten essential tips to...

Experience the thrill of the open road as we delve into the advantages of road trips in our latest episode. Join me as I share my personal journey preparing for an exciting drive from Texas to South Carolina, discussing why I prefer the freedom...

Ever wondered how a cryogenically preserved grandfather became the life of the party? Join me, as we uncover the story behind this festival and other eccentric festivals, where the bizarre meets the beautiful, and communities come alive in the ...

Ever wondered how a small town became the birthplace of a state as vast as Texas? Join me as I unravel the history and charm of Brenham and Washington County, Texas. From the hallowed grounds of Washington on the Brazos, where the Texas Declara...

Slow travel transforms vacations into meaningful journeys by encouraging travelers to take their time and connect with the places they visit. In this episode, we explore practical tips for embracing slow travel, the surprising encounters it can...

What draws people to places marked by tragedy and suffering? Join me as we explore the fascinating and often misunderstood world of dark tourism on "The Traveling Fool." We examine why sites like Auschwitz, Pompeii, and the Hiroshima Peace Memo...

Ever wondered how to balance thrill and relaxation during the winter months? Get ready to explore some of the most exciting and lesser-known travel destinations for January and February. Discover why Park City, Utah, is a paradise for snow enth...

Discover the liberating world of solo travel for seniors, as I share personal stories about newfound independence and adventure.This episode paints a vivid picture of why more seniors, especially women, are seizing the opportunity to explore th...

Experience Wichita like never before as I share a whirlwind three-day adventure through this fascinating city, promising insights into its rich Wild West history and modern marvels. From the legendary tales of Wyatt Earp to the authentic Old Co...

Escape the winter blues with us as we uncover hidden gems that promise warmth and adventure without the need for a passport. Ever dreamt of swapping snow for sunshine? From charming towns, outdoor activities like fishing, snorkeling and hiking,...

Unlock the secrets to affordable travel as I share a wealth of money-saving tips for your next getaway. Discover how a simple browser extension like  can transform your booking experience by scouting for the best coupon codes, and learn ab...

Ready to transform your travel experience? Discover how Europe and the UK are redefining border security and streamlining processes with groundbreaking measures. Get the inside scoop on Europe's Entry and Exit System (EES) launching this Novemb...

Step aboard history and prepare for an unforgettable journey through Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama! Ever wondered what it feels like to be inches away from a Pershing tank or to navigate the decks of a colossal WWII battleship? Th...

What secrets do the bastions of Fort Gaines hide from the Civil War era? Journey with us to Dauphin Island, where we'll uncover the rich history of Fort Gaines, a pivotal stronghold in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Explore the pentagon-shaped forti...

Is artificial intelligence ruining travel writing? Join me, Bob Bales, on The Traveling Fool Podcast as I confront the relentless invasion of AI in the travel industry. AI-generated content is drowning out authentic voices, overshadowing the un...

What if the most serene, adventure-filled getaway was right in your backyard? Join me, Bob Bales, on the Traveling Fool Podcast as we uncover the charm of the Redneck Riviera, a stretch of paradise from Fort Morgan, Alabama to Panama City, Flor...

What if you could transform every trip into a more enriching and memorable experience by simply adopting a theme? Join me, Bob Bales, in this episode of the Traveling Fool, where I reveal the magic of theme travel. From immersing yourself in mi...

Eager to embark on an adventure that takes you off the beaten path? Prepare to be armed with an extensive toolbox of road trip planning strategies. From the comfort of our studio, we take you through every aspect of road trip preparation, from ...

Why do small towns often hold the most intriguing histories? What if secrets of famous figures from the past are just waiting to be uncovered in places many people overlook? Join me, Bob Bales, on a journey to an unsuspecting place that's been ...

The Traveling Fool Episode 14 / How To Make Memorable Moments On Your Trip Without Spending A LotEver dreamt of embarking on unforgettable travels without emptying your wallet? In this episode I talk about how to make your trip memorable...

Ever dreamed of escaping to a tropical paradise that requires no passport for Americans to visit? Your dream is about to become a reality as we journey to the United States Virgin Islands, the overlooked treasure often eclipsed by Hawaii and Pu...