Travel Chat with Ashley & Emily

40 Episodes
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By: Ashley Peterson and Emily Cooper

Ever wondered what really goes on when solo traveling the world? Join Emily from Emily Eats and Explores and Ashley from Ashley gets Around weekly as they air out their crazy travel stories, share travel tips, and just chat about travel! Emily Cooper is a full-time traveler and the creator behind Emily Eats and Explores. In 2022, Emily quit her job in healthcare to travel the world solo and create content. Now, she teaches women how they can make money while they travel the world! Ashley Peterson is a content creator, travel hacker, and AVgeek who’s been to almost 100 countries. Sh...

Emily's Honeymoon Part 2: The Westin Bora Bora
#14
Today at 8:00 AM

Today on Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily, Emily picks up with the second part of her incredible French Polynesian honeymoon — this time in dreamy Bora Bora. She shares how she scored an amazing deal at the Westin Bora Bora using points and gives a fantastic tip for flying between islands on Air Tahiti that every traveler should know.

Emily walks through the check-in and resort tour process, including the unexpected shenanigans required just to get a bike, and shares her honest take on the hotel’s amenities, food, and breakfast options. She also reveals why she beli...


Emily's Honeymoon Part 1: All About Tahiti
#13
10/21/2025

Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily is back — and this time, Emily’s fresh from her honeymoon in French Polynesia! In this two-part series, the girls dive into every detail of the trip, starting with their time in beautiful Tahiti.

Emily shares why waiting a bit after the wedding to take their honeymoon turned out to be the best decision, plus all the details from their stay at the Hilton Tahiti — from the surprising average guest age to her honest thoughts on the pool and lounge chair situation.

You’ll hear about a fun (and unexpect...


Chasing 1 Million Turkish Miles
#12
10/07/2025

The Travel Chat ladies are back and this time Ashley is sharing one of her most ambitious adventures yet - the Turkish Airlines Million Miles Challenge. While she hasn't finished the challenge yet she already has some crazy stories to share. In just 11 days, she crisscrossed the globe with a route that took her from the US to Ireland, Dubai, Istanbul, Estonia, Bogotá, Miami, and finally back home to Raleigh. Along the way, she tried JetBlue Mint for the first time, endured hours stuck on the tarmac, and even made time for a stop at a Texas Roadhouse in D...


The Four Seasons Resort Orlando: Part 2 – Golf, Spa, Dining & More
#11
09/30/2025

This week on Travel Chat with Ashley & Emily
They're back with the second half of their hosted stay at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando — but this time, it’s all about the details! After last week’s big-picture overview, Ashley and Emily are diving deep into the incredible amenities that make this resort so special.

From world-class golf and a dreamy spa to standout dining, seamless transportation, and next-level service, they’re covering it all. If you loved the first part of their hosted stay, you won’t want to miss this conclusion...


Luxury and Disney Magic at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando: Part One
#10
09/23/2025

Ashley and Emily are back from an incredible hosted stay at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort — and in part one, they’re spilling all the details. From flawless service to magical surprises, this trip was packed with Disney magic and luxury from start to finish.

They share their flight experience, a little-known airport lounge rule, and trying the iconic Harry Potter Krispy Kreme donut. You’ll also hear all about their night at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, exploring the lazy river, and the b...


Ashley's Birthday at the NIGHTMARE Hotel
#9
09/02/2025

Ashley takes the stage in this episode, sharing the story of her unforgettable birthday trip. What began as a plan to celebrate in Bora Bora quickly changed when business class flights proved impossible to book. With a flight credit in hand, she pivoted to Cancun — a destination she knows and loves.

The first half of her stay at the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen brought a few bumps, but things truly unraveled when she moved to a second hotel. After a series of bizarre, frustrating, and downright unbelievable experiences, Ashley found herself repeating one mantra: “We should have...


SURPRISE! The Travel Chat Duo is BACK with Emily’s Wedding Story!
#8
08/26/2025

What happens when your “maybe elopement in Italy” turns into a totally unique wedding at UMASS? In this episode, Emily takes listeners behind the scenes of her two-year wedding planning saga—from the initial dream of escaping to Italy, to pivoting into a heartfelt ceremony at her alma mater.

Emily opens up about how she chose to keep things real and meaningful, skipping traditional florals and embracing nonconformity in her wedding style. Meanwhile, Ashley gets candid (and comedic) about her hotel hijinks—yes, there was a run-in with security—and shares the emotional joy of witnessing the beautiful...


Mulled Wine & Map Pins: Planning Our Christmas Market Adventures
#7
05/06/2025

Today on Travel Chat: Ashley and Emily are finally making a dream come true—their ultimate bestie trip to the European Christmas Markets! 🎄✨ After years of dreaming and scheming, it’s really happening, and they couldn’t be more excited.

In this episode, they dive into their wishlist itinerary, chat about the charming cities they hope to visit, and even throw around ideas for a few spontaneous stops along the way. Whether you're a holiday market lover or just here for the fun of the planning process, this episode is full of laughs...


Ashley’s Finally Making Her Move!
#6
04/29/2025

This week on Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily, things get personal—and a little wild! After chatting about it forever, Ashley is finally taking the plunge: she’s making a major move and starting fresh in a brand-new city. Tune in to hear where she's headed and why now felt like the perfect time to take the leap.

She also shares how she’s designing her new space with the help of a groundbreaking home design company that’s changing the game.

And because no episode is complete without a little chaos, get ready for some...


Emily FINALLY Gets the HYPE About Hawaii
#5
04/22/2025

**Thank you all for your patience and messages- the tech issues have been fixed! Enjoy the episode!**

Ashley and Emily are back—and this time, they're talking all things HAWAII! 🌺🌴

As East Coasters, Hawaii hasn’t always been at the top of their travel list (so many closer bucket-list spots!). But when Emily flew out to visit a friend, everything changed. She finally gets the hype—and she's here to spill all the details.

From where she landed and stayed to the can't-miss activities, mouthwatering eats, and breathtaking sights, Emily walks you through...


Elevated Disney: The Magic of Luxury, No Matter Your Budget
#4
04/01/2025

Ashley and Emily wrap up their Disney interview series with the planDisney team, and this time, they’re diving into Ashley's personal favorite topic—luxury! While Ashley reigns as the queen of VIP tours, this episode reveals that luxury touches can be found throughout Disney, even at various price points, if you know where to look.

This episode is packed with practical tips and brilliant ideas to help you craft a one-of-a-kind, magical Disney experience. Whether you're dreaming about your next trip or planning those special splurges, this insider interview will leave you inspired and ready to make...


planDisney Reveals Secrets to Magical Family Vacations
#3
03/25/2025

This week on Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily, the ladies are soaking in the magic at Disney during a special hosted stay. For the first time ever, they’re sitting down to do an exclusive interview for the podcast! Tune in as they chat with planDisney experts about all things family travel at Disney. With kids in tow on this trip, Ashley and Emily dive deep into the best tips and tricks for navigating Disney with little ones. From insider advice to helpful recommendations, this episode is packed with incredible insights you won’t want to miss. Plus, get...


VIP at the Most Magical Place on Earth + Our BIG SECRET
#2
02/25/2025

Today on Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily, the ladies have some BIG NEWS! But...you'll have to tune into this episode to find out what it is. Trust us, it’s worth the wait.

Before they dive into the big reveal, they are sharing all the details of Ashley’s recent trip to Disney, where she had the ultimate experience: a coveted 10-hour VIP tour! She’s giving the inside scoop on this exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime (or more if you're Ashley) adventure, and all the perks that came with it—think skipping...


Welcome to Season 3 of Travel Chat!
#1
02/18/2025

Welcome back to Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily for Season 3! This season promises to be bigger and better than ever, with tons of exciting updates, fresh adventures, and special announcements from your favorite hosts. Ashley and Emily are kicking things off by sharing some big life changes and personal updates, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s been happening in their worlds. Get ready for a season full of incredible travel stories, expert tips, and fun surprises. They’ve got a lot in store, so buckle up for an unforgettable season!


Mark your...


Ashley and Emily on Safari: Part 2
#48
01/07/2025

In the second installment of their Kenyan safari, Ashley and Emily dive into all the nitty-gritty details of their incredible safari experience. From the thrill of spotting wildlife to the behind-the-scenes logistics, they share everything you’d want to know about the safari itself!

What types of animals did they encounter? How did the safari driver make the experience even more unforgettable? Ashley and Emily recount their up-close encounters with Kenya’s stunning wildlife and share insights into what to expect during game drives.

But that's not all! They also offer practical advice for anyone cons...


Ashley & Emily on Safari: Part 1
#47
12/31/2024

In today’s episode of Travel Chat, Ashley and Emily share the unforgettable details of their bucket-list, luxury safari adventure in Kenya. In this first of a two-part series, they take you behind the scenes of Ashley’s wild journey to reach their hotel, which starts with a crazy experience at a Hyatt. Tune in to hear how Ashley’s famous sass got things back on track—this story is one you won’t want to miss!

On the flip side, their stay at the JW Masai Mara was nothing short of perfect. Ashley and Emily break down their...


Twas the Night Before Christmas.... When This Episode Dropped: Catching Up, Life Updates & 2025 Plans
#46
12/24/2024

On today’s episode of Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily, the girls are back for a long-overdue catch-up! In this special conversation, they reflect on the podcast highlights of 2024 and discuss some big changes happening within the podcast and beyond.

Ashley and Emily dive into their plans for the future, exploring the directions they’re taking their businesses in 2025. They also take one of their famous side quest conversations in a big topic: the ever-evolving landscape of the internet. From new opportunities to challenges and trends, they share their thoughts on how digital spaces continue to tran...


What is You Worst Travel Mistake? And MORE (AKA The WackADoodle Episode)
#45
12/03/2024

This week on Travel Chat, Ashley and Emily are bringing you a truly unhinged episode that covers a little bit of everything! First, they tackle a hilarious and unexpected question that came up during the Travel Partner Game at TravelMore, which is essentially their version of the Newlywed Game—travel style! Get ready for some laughs as they answer questions that reveal a bit more than they expected!

But that's not it. They also dive into the details of their upcoming safari adventure—sharing all the exciting plans and what they're looking forward to the most. Then, they...


Emily's AMAZING Nomad Cruise Recap
#44
11/26/2024

Today on Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily, we’re taking you on a journey back in time to Emily’s unforgettable experience on the Nomad Cruise! If you’ve ever wondered what life is like aboard this unique, travel-focused cruise for digital nomads, then this episode is a must-listen.

Emily walks us through her incredible adventures, starting with her time on the Nomad Cruise, and shares the excitement of being part of a community of like-minded travelers. From meeting inspiring people to navigating the challenges of life on the open sea, Emily gives an inside look into w...


TravelMore Con 2024 Recap!
#43
11/19/2024

Ashley and Emily are BACK after taking a well-deserved break following TravelMore Con, and they’re ready to share all the exciting details! In this episode, they spill the tea on everything that went down over the weekend—from the incredible sessions to the unforgettable moments that made the conference such an amazing experience.

Whether you missed out this year or were there soaking it all in, this recap covers it all. Ashley and Emily dive into the top highlights and they tell you why TravelMore Con is a conference you absolutely don’t want to miss next t...


Hurricane Helene: The Aftermath Part 2
#42
11/05/2024

Join the Travel Chat ladies as Ashley picks up where she left off last week, sharing the story of evacuating her Grandmother from Asheville to Dallas. This episode takes you through their last few weeks together, filled with ups, downs, and everything in between. As always, these ladies are open and candid, and this episode is no exception.

They’re also excited to connect with everyone at TravelMore this weekend! And if you miss the surprise announcement at the conference, be sure to tune in next Tuesday for a special episode all about it. Chat soon!

...


Hurricane Helene: The Aftermath Part 1
#41
10/29/2024

In this episode of Travel Chat, Ashley and Emily delve into the heartbreaking aftermath of Hurricane Helene, focusing on its devastating effects in Ashley’s hometown of Asheville. They discuss the profound impact of the storm on the community, including Ashley’s personal experience of returning home to find her childhood town transformed and her grandmother’s home lost.

Ashley shares her journey back from Mexico, detailing the emotional challenges she faced while trying to help her community. She recounts the difficult decision to evacuate her grandmother to ensure her safety amidst the chaos.

Join us nex...


The Value of Travel Conferences - Travel Creator Series Part 4
#40
10/22/2024

In this episode, Emily concludes their four-part Travel Creator Series with an insightful solo discussion on the invaluable role of conferences and events for travel creators.

Join Emily as she dives into the myriad opportunities these gatherings provide—from TravelCon to WITS to TravelMore (there are only a HANDFUL of tickets left to meet Ashley and Emily in Dallas at TravelMore Con- link below!) and beyond! You'll discover how these events are not just about learning, but also about building lasting relationships with like-minded individuals in the travel community.

Emily breaks down the typical schedule of...


The Power of Products and Services- Travel Creator Series Part 3
#39
10/15/2024

This week on Travel Chat, Ashley and Emily dive into the third episode of their Travel Creator Series. Last week, they explored making money through brand partnerships. This time, they focus on products and services—covering everything from digital offerings like guides and courses to services such as group trips and one-on-one consultations.

Though Ashley and Emily have taken very different paths in their content creation, they share a common element: a membership model. They discuss the specifics of their individual products and services and how these have benefited their businesses.

The duo also delves in...


How We Monetized Our Followings- Travel Creator Series Part 2
#38
10/08/2024

In this week’s episode of Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily, they continue their inspiring story of transitioning from traditional day jobs to thriving content entrepreneurs.

Last week, they explored the challenges of making that leap, and this week, they dive into the exciting topic of monetizing their followings. Emily takes the lead to discuss various ways to leverage social media for brand partnerships. She shares practical strategies, including affiliate marketing, user-generated content (UGC), and sponsorships, to help listeners turn their passions into profit. This episode is just the beginning, make sure to follow along next we...


From Day Jobs to Dream Careers- Travel Creator Series Part 1
#37
10/01/2024

Join us for an unforgettable episode of Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily! Today, our dynamic duo dives deep into their journeys as full-time travel creators who have successfully turned their passion for travel into thriving careers.

You’ll hear the full story of how Ashley and Emily made the leap from their 9-to-5 jobs to pursue their dreams. Over the next few weeks they will be sharing actionable tips on how you can start monetizing your own travel experiences. They also share the hurdles they faced along the way and how they overcame them, providing valuable in...


Ashley's Paris Olympic Adventure
#36
09/24/2024

Join Ashley and Emily on this week’s episode of Travel Chat as they dive into Ashley's unforgettable journey to the 2024 Olympics in Paris. They reminisce about a time when attending the Olympics seemed like a dream reserved only for the rich and famous.

Ashley shares her personal story, starting with the disappointment of missing the 2016 Olympics in Brazil and the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo due to the pandemic. Determined to make 2024 her year, Ashley’s luck turned when her name was selected in a 2023 ticket draw. Without knowing which teams she would see, she began securing tickets to v...


Digital Nomad Life- Revisited
#35
09/17/2024

In this episode of Travel Chat, Ashley and Emily explore the digital nomad lifestyle and its challenges. Ashley, who was once ready to take a break from constant travel, is now reconsidering becoming a nomad again. She discusses the logistics of managing a business without a U.S. address and whether to end her lease or stay put as she juggles her business commitments. Emily weighs in on the advantages of maintaining a U.S. base for reasons such as accessing health insurance and attending important events. She discusses how having a steady anchor in the U.S. can...


Solo No More
#34
09/10/2024

On this episode of Travel Chat, Ashley and Emily dive deep into their evolving perspectives on solo travel. Both have experienced the highs and lows of traveling alone extensively over the years, but as time passes, they find themselves increasingly drawn to the joys of social travel. In this engaging conversation, they reflect on how their preferences have shifted and what these changes mean for their future travel plans.

This episode explores the nuanced benefits of traveling with others, from the joy of companionship to the practical advantages of splitting expenses. Their conversation provides valuable insights for...


So Long, London!
#33
09/03/2024

In today’s episode of Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily, you will hear the conclusion of their Taylor Swift adventure! If you tuned in last week, you know their initial plan for a single London concert evolved into two unforgettable shows. Join Ashley and Emily as they share the journey of scoring amazing floor tickets for their second Taylor Swift concert in London. Ashley also recounts her experience attending a Taylor Swift concert in Germany and the story of meeting strangers to secure her tickets. Ashley and Emily give their best tips and tricks for scoring your own ti...


Taylor Swift, Tea and VIP
#32
08/27/2024

This week on Travel Chat, join Ashley and Emily as they dive into the first part of their unforgettable Taylor Swift adventure in London. What was planned as a single concert experience turned into two spectacular nights! Tune in to hear all about their first evening, featuring a lavish Diamond VIP package with a gourmet three-course meal in-suite. They’ll also share how they scored an amazing stay at the Hilton Wembley using points and their fun-filled Afternoon Tay tea party, which included dancing, karaoke, and a delectable spread of treats before the concert. Don’t miss part 2, where they...


Blast From The Past- The Secrets to Connecting With Other Solo Female Travelers
#31
08/20/2024

This week on Travel Chat, we are bringing you a blast from the past with this re-released episode from Ashley and Emily, where they dive into the world of connecting with fellow solo female travelers. Even though this conversation originally aired over a year ago, the tips and tricks are just as relevant today.

With the world at your fingertips, it's never been easier to connect with others on the road. From Facebook groups to group trips, there are countless ways to find your travel tribe, whether you're looking for free resources or willing to invest in...


Blast From The Past- TravelMore Con 2023
#30
08/13/2024

While Ashley and Emily are off on their whirlwind summer adventures, we thought it was the perfect time to bring back a fan-favorite episode all about TravelMore Con. Whether you missed it earlier this year or just want to relive the excitement, this re-release is the perfect way to get hyped for this year's TravelMore Conference in Dallas!

If you were at TravelMore Con in 2023, you already know it was an absolute blast! What was originally planned as a one-time event is making a comeback in 2024, and you'll soon find out why.

In this episode...


Emily's Road Trip- Part 2
#29
08/06/2024

This week on Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily, the road trip recap ends in a completely different place than it began. After leaving Savannah, Emily shares that she and her partner headed down to Jupiter, Florida, for a wedding, and then crossed over to the other side of the state. She talks about how they keep busy in the car and find joy in long drives together. She dreams of someday embarking on a cross-country road trip from east to west and considers traveling the southern border states in a similar fashion. Then, Ashley takes us on a...


Emily's Road Trip- Part 1
#28
07/30/2024

Join Ashley and Emily this week on Travel Chat as Emily shares the first part of her unforgettable road trip from Massachusetts to Florida with her fiancé. In this episode, you'll hear about their pitstop in the Outer Banks, where Emily is left wondering whether it's common for people to go shoeless in businesses.

In Savannah, Georgia, Emily recounts the magic of their hop-on, hop-off trolley tour through the historic district. They explore a famous horror house landmark and dine at the renowned Pink House restaurant. Listen in for tales from their sunset riverboat cruise, which they h...


Swifties Abroad
#27
07/23/2024

This week, Ashley and Emily dive into the details of their upcoming trip to see Taylor Swift in London. They get candid about the process- from the costs of their VIP tickets and why they chose London, to their outfit plans for the concert. Emily reminisces about missing a $13 Taylor Swift concert in 8th grade and her excitement about being completely unspoiled for the Era's Tour, while Ashley shares her high expectations for this event after following all things Taylor on Instagram.

They also highlight a few fun activities and sights in London for fellow Swifties. Tune...


Healthcare Nightmares Part 1
07/16/2024

Join Ashley and Emily on this week's episode of Travel Chat for the first part of Ashley's recent health journey. Ashley shares her experiences with a direct primary care company, providing an honest review of their services. She also explores the idea of starting her own Med Spa + Concierge Medicine business and highlights the benefits of using a company called TeleDoc. Don't miss out on these honest insights and tips, and be sure to tune in next week for part 2!

Join Emily from Emily Eats and Explores and Ashley from Ashley Gets Around weekly as they share...


Ashley Flies Delta's Inaugural Flight to Taipei
#26
07/09/2024

Join Ashley and Emily this week as Ashley recaps an unexpected month that started with plans to work from home and ended with her on Delta's inaugural flight to Taipei. Despite being a die-hard American Airlines fan, Ashley couldn't resist the chance to experience Delta One on this hosted trip—and she LOVED it. However, the adventure didn't stop there; she spent just 48 hours in Taiwan before returning to the US and then quickly jetting off to Europe. Tune in to hear the full story of this whirlwind month and find out if Ashley has discovered a new favorite ai...


TravelCon, Wrestlers, and Bears... Oh My
#25
07/02/2024

Join Ashley and Emily this week as Ashley recaps her time at TravelCon. This episode takes you on a wild ride, starting with Ashley’s experience as a conference speaker and ending with an unexpected encounter in a room full of famous wrestlers. You'll also hear the duo dive into the costs of organizing a conference, the story behind the time that Ashley unfollowed Emily on social media, and a  tale involving bear mace. You won't want to miss a second of this episode! Tune in for all the fun and surprises.

Join Emily from Emily Eats and...


Emily in Europe- Part 2
#25
06/25/2024

Join Ashley and Emily as they conclude the recap of Emily’s European adventures! In this episode, they discuss Emily breaking her Five Day Rule and traveling "Ashley Style" through Prague, Munich, and Zurich. Curious about Chimney Cakes, intrigued by beer spas, or a fan of The Last Holiday? This episode is for you! Emily shares her experiences ticking off bucket list items and exploring a town that inspired a classic Disney movie while listening to its soundtrack. Ashley and Emily wrap up by debating the merits of spontaneous travel versus meticulous planning.

Join Emily from Emily Ea...