Are you a Disney person? So many people are, and I was reminded of that last month when my son-in-law, Mat, an Imagineer with Disney, was sent to London to design the Christmas windows at the storied department store Selfridges (yes, the same Selfridges featured in the popular Netflix series).
Watching the British embrace those windows made me wonder: Why do the Brits love Disney so much? I have many English friends, and when I ask what they enjoyed most about their visit to the U.S., they always say Disney World in Orlando.
Curious, I called up Simon Veness, author of the long-running guide Disney for Brits, published and updated every year for an astonishing 29 years. I invited him onto my podcast this week—and what a delightful, eye-opening conversation it was. He explained the deep affection British travelers have for all things Disney, and the cultural reasons behind the phenomenon.
We didn’t stop there. We also explored the best ways to see Antarctica, drove into sports travel, covered World Cup travel insights and our thoughts on retiring on a cruise ship.
In our usual segments, I cover:
Ask Adriane: What is the best way to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? I want to view it next year.
News You Can Use: Why airline delays are not compensated, and exercises to reduce leg swelling on long flights.
Culture Vulture: A cultural journey through Poland.
Luxury Travel for Less: Galicia, Spain, and Alberta, Canada.
Happy Holidays and…stay tuned for our Week-Before-Christmas newsletter on the magic of “Christmas in Utah and NYC”.
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This Week’s Highlights
On Our Podcast
This week, I interviewed Travel Bro, Simon Veness
In this inspiring episode of the Ageless Traveler, I sit down with travel expert Simon Veness, who shares his captivating journey through the world of travel and journalism. From his early experiences living in Africa to his love for Orlando and Disney, Simon discusses the unique perspectives that come with being a travel writer.
Listen, and learn about Simon’s upcoming book on apartheid in South Africa and his aspirations to visit Antarctica. Additionally, we highlight the importance of voluntouring and the impact of charities like Give Kids the World. Tune in for a delightful conversation filled with travel insights, personal anecdotes, and a shared love for exploring the world!
I found the Jewish History Museum, spanning 1000 years, enlightening. I learned in great depth about early Jewish European history. Warsaw is a treasure chest of other cultural experiences, offering richly preserved UNESCO World Heritage sites and vibrant annual festivals that make every visit feel both meaningful and celebratory.
Top 5 Cultural Highlights of Poland:
Kraków Old Town & Wawel Hill (UNESCO)–A beautifully preserved medieval center filled with Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance courtyards, and the royal Wawel Castle. Poland’s cultural heart.
Wieliczka Salt Mine (UNESCO)–A surreal underground world of chapels, sculptures, and vast chambers carved entirely from salt—one of Europe’s most extraordinary heritage sites.
Warsaw Old Town (UNESCO)–Painstakingly rebuilt after WWII, this iconic district displays Poland’s resilience, artistry, and commitment to cultural preservation.
Kraków Jewish Culture Festival–One of the world’s largest Jewish cultural festivals, featuring concerts, workshops, street events, and powerful celebrations of history and heritage.
Wianki Midsummer Festival & Chopin Concerts–Celebrate ancient Slavic traditions at the Wianki Festival on the Vistula River, then enjoy free outdoor Chopin concerts in Warsaw’s Łazienki Park — a luxurious cultural treat at no cost.
Yes, there is an impressive and depressing amount of holocaust monuments, Warsaw Ghetto exhibits, and walks through the monstrous Ghetto itself. This includes the train station depot area that took millions of Jews, including almost two million children, to their deaths. Full disclosure. I find these sites hard to bear, and do not want to burden you with my reactions. That doesn’t mean I cannot find joy in visiting Poland in a new way with my heart open to its place as a travel venue.
Luxury Travel for Less
Some years ago, I decided to look at real estate purchases worldwide. Two places that caught my eye are also great travel destinations for The Ageless Traveler. Alberta, Canada: is drop-dead gorgeous. Galicia: still under the radar for that little bolt hold in Europe you may long to own.
Galicia, Spain
Galicia delivers a beautifully balanced mix of lush landscapes, historic cities, and fresh Atlantic cuisine — yet remains surprisingly budget-friendly. You can stroll through the medieval streets of Santiago de Compostela, enjoy the scenic coastline, or savor seafood in port towns like Vigo, all without the high costs typical of more “touristic” Mediterranean destinations. I have visited Vigo many times and love the bagpipes (GALACIA=GALIC) and the tapas.
Visiting outside the peak summer season — or opting for family-run pensions rather than luxury hotels — makes this gem of “Green Spain” ideal for mature travelers seeking authenticity, beauty, and value.
Alberta, Canada
For travelers who love grand landscapes, crisp mountain air, and natural wonders — without the overheated price tag — Alberta stands out. The province boasts more UNESCO World Heritage sites than anywhere else in Canada, including iconic mountain parks like Banff National Park and unique fossil-rich lands like Dinosaur Provincial Park. If you go to Lake Louise, walk up to the Japanese Tea House…think of me as you sip.
Friends Meeting Friends
Reinvention Rebels is a podcast that celebrates bold women 50 to 90+ who’ve reimagined what’s possible in midlife and beyond.
Host Wendy Battles, aka Midlife Reinvention Architect, shares powerful conversations with women who’ve bet on themselves—choosing purpose over fear and curiosity over convention.
From launching new careers in their 60s to traveling solo in their 70s or embracing style, joy, and unapologetic self-expression in their 80s, these Reinvention Rebels are rewriting the aging narrative and designing the lives they want to live.
Each episode is a masterclass in thriving at every age—filled with wisdom, courage, and inspiring insights about navigating change, defying limitations, and finding joy along the way.
Reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.
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