In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quiltripping Travel with Rose" podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her unforgettable journey through southern France aboard a luxury hotel barge with French Waterways.

Cruising along the historic Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre World Heritage Site, Rose discovers the joys of slow travel while exploring charming villages, remarkable engineering marvels, regional cuisine, celebrated wines, and authentic French culture.

Traveling aboard an intimate hotel barge, Rose enjoys exceptional hospitality while cruising through one of France's most picturesque regions. Along the way, she visits centuries-old locks and aqueducts, samples local vermouth, wines, and olive oils, explores the magnificent medieval fortress of Cité de Carcassonne, and uncovers hidden gems that many travelers never experience.

This immersive journey celebrates the beauty of slowing down, connecting with local communities, and discovering the history, traditions, and flavors that make southern France so unforgettable. Whether you're dreaming of a European canal cruise, love French food and wine, or enjoy exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this episode is sure to inspire your next adventure.

Celebrate French-American Heritage Month by discovering the history, culture, cuisine, and timeless beauty of France through one of Europe's most memorable slow travel experiences.

📖 Read Rose's Articles: - A Luxury Barge Cruise Through History, Wine & Good Food: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/barge-cruise-french-waterways - Athos Barge Cruise Review: https://quiltripping.com/athos-barge-cruise-review/

🚤 Learn More About French Waterways: https://www.french-waterways.com/

🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/

📰 Check out the Quiltripping Travel Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG

🎧 Subscribe to Quiltripping Travel with Rose Podcast: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/

Celebrate Great Outdoors Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's Quiltripping Travel" Podcast. Travel expert, photographer and host Rose Palmer joins producer Lisa D. Smith from France — where she's in between trips — to share her unforgettable experience aboard Windstar's brand-new Star Seeker on its inaugural Alaska cruise.

Unlike the big-ship experience, the Star Seeker's small size unlocked a side of Southeast Alaska most travelers never see.

Rose takes us deep into Misty Fjords National Monument by zodiac, up close to the Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm, and through the authentic streets of Wrangell — one of Alaska's last truly uncrowded towns. She shares wildlife encounters including humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, and even a mother black bear and her cubs in Ketchikan.

Along the way, Rose explores the Tongass National Forest — one of Earth's last great coastal temperate rainforests — and reflects on why slow travel is the only way to truly experience Alaska's wild, pristine beauty.

📰 READ ROSE'S ARTCILES: 🔗 Sailing Off the Beaten Path on a Windstar Cruise to Alaska: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/windstar-cruise-to-alaska 🔗 Windstar Star Seeker Review: https://quiltripping.com/windstar-star-seeker-review/ 🔗 Rose's Full Alaska Cruise Article: https://quiltripping.com/windstar-cruise-to-alaska/

🎙️ Rose Palmer shares her travel adventures every second Thursday on Big Blend Radio. Find her at: https://quiltripping.com https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/rose-palmer-travel-writer-photographer

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” podcast, travel writer and photographer Rose Palmer shares her unforgettable expedition cruise through Antarctica and South Georgia Island, exploring not only the breathtaking glaciers and wildlife, but also the strict environmental protections and sustainable tourism practices that help preserve one of Earth’s last great wildernesses.

From towering icebergs and dramatic polar landscapes to unforgettable encounters with penguins, seals, and seabirds, Rose reflects on the awe-inspiring beauty and emotional impact of visiting the “Last Continent.” She discusses what it’s really like to travel aboard an expedition cruise through the Southern Ocean, including the logistics of Antarctic travel, onboard life, and the importance of flexibility in remote environments.

The conversation also dives into the extensive conservation efforts that protect Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem. Rose explains how carefully managed tourism, biosecurity protocols, and strict wildlife regulations help minimize environmental impact while allowing travelers to experience this extraordinary destination responsibly.

Whether you dream of expedition cruising, wildlife photography, polar exploration, or immersive nature travel, this episode offers inspiration, practical insights, and a deeper appreciation for one of the most pristine places on Earth.

📖 Read Rose’s Antarctica Articles: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/antarctica-south-georgia-rose-palmer

🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/

📰 Check Out the “Quiltripping Travel” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG/#p=1

🎧Follow the Podcast from your Favorite Listening Platform: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/