journeyPod is taking our listeners to one of the most beautiful cities in Germany - Hamburg. The 2nd largest city in Germany and 2nd largest port in Europe, Hamburg is a contemporary and historic city with so much to offer!

Theatre buffs will enjoy the Lion King, set in a truly marvelous theatre built especially for this musical, attend a ballet at the Hamburg State Opera or watch any of the theatre shows currently touring the city.

Take the kids to the Tierpark Hagenbeck, founded in 1907 and labeled as the first zoo with moated, barless enclosures.

Shopaholics have found their heaven at the Moenckebergstrasse, Jungfernstieg and the Europa Passage (The largest city centre shopping mall in Europe).

Float along the Alster on a canoe, dine at any of the fabulous restaurants, bar-hop in the Reeperbahn nightlife district or witness true sportsmanship during a soccer game at the HSH Nordbank Arena.

The Hamburger Dom is North Germany’s biggest funfair, held 3 times a year. Make sure to check to see when its going to be in the city - so much fun!

The trendiest boutique hotel in Hamburg is the Empire Riverside Hotel. Relax in style with a panoramic view of the Hamburg Harbour, mingle with the A-listers at 20up or order room service from a room you will never want to leave! Just steps away from Hamburg’s nightlife district - The Empire Riverside Hotel is THE place to stay in the city.

Let’s listen in on our chat with Kati Bandow, Assistant Director of Sales for the hotel.

Enjoy podsafe music by 3rd Culture and their hit “One Promise

RIU Palace Resorts, a favorite for honeymooners and couples, distinguishes itself from other all-inclusive resorts by offering first-rate service and amenities. The newest location in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico holds true to its name and boasts sophisticated rooms with an impeccable view of the ocean, all the luxury amenities one’s heart could desire (including an in-room premium liquor bar) and a great variety of dining options.

Enjoy 24-hour room service or choose any of the fantastic restaurants like La Peninsula, Krystal, Guacamole, La Toscana, Bolero, Colibri and Petit Pigalle.

If you’re a sports fanatic you will be happy to know that the all-inclusive package at the RIU Palace Pacifico includes complimentary beach & water volleyball, gym, windsufing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking and even an introductory scuba diving lesson!

If R&R is on your mind then simply lounge by the pool with a Caipirinha, soak in the jacuzzi, tan on the beach or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment at Renova Spa. journeyPod was fortunate enough to experience the “Four Hand Massage” treatment - simply heavenly!

Lets listen in with the Corporate Director of Renova Spa, Claudine Riemer, as she tells us a bit more about the facility and services.

journeyPod discovers luxury lifestyle tips at Atlanta’s ultimate day spa. Much more than your typical spa, Blue Med Spa offers guests cosmetic procedures, diet & nutrition advice and personalized full-day itineraries to soothe those tired muscles, over worked minds and enhance the current you!

Can’t get rid of those love handles - let expert therapists advise you on the perfect diet and exercise regime to fit your body or offer clinical treatments. SmartLipo has become the most sought after procedure today. Patients are guided through the process and most return to work within 48 hours!

Lets listen in to our chat with Dr. Melissa Grill Peterson, Director of Operations & Future Growth of Blue Med Spa.

Enjoy podsafe artist The Pierces and their hit “Go to heaven”.

Santa Barbara lies on the West Coast of the United States, 92 miles north of Los Angeles and 332 miles south of San Francisco. The area is famous for its beautiful beaches, most of which lie along a unique south-facing stretch of coastline that affords beach visitors sun all day long and greater shelter from winds and surf. But there's far more here than beaches. Not to miss spots include: Front Street, the Santa Barbara County Historic Courthouse, the Santa Barbara Mission.

Santa Barbara is a very walkable city. You can get everywhere you need to go via foot, the trolley, or public transportation! journeyPod actually took the train—gotta love Amtrak—from Los Angeles. After two hours sipping a nice bottle of Pinot we brought along, the train stopped in the center of downtown Santa Barbara. We walked about seven minutes to our hotel—Hotel Oceana Santa Barbara. (If the name sounds familiar, it’s because journeyPod produced a show on the sister property—Hotel Oceana Santa Monica--last summer. Be sure to check out that podcast as well.)

journeyPod met up with Melissa Treue, the new General manager of this newly renovated beachfront property. Listen up to what she had to say, then listen on for the unique sounds of The Front Street Project and their song, “Nighty Night.”

San Diego, California. The name conjures up complete bliss: pristine beaches, sunny year round weather, the Zoo, shopping, and of course fine dining and luxurious hotels and resorts. journeyPod has had the opportunity over the past few yeas to cover a few select San Diego area properties such as the Ivy, The Rancho Bernardo Inn, La Costa, Estancia, L’Auberge, and a few select others. (Be sure to check out our archives for these great podcast shows!)

Well, my fellow jet-setters, it’s time to add a new favorite to the list: The Grand Del Mar. As the name suggests, it’s grand. Located in Northern San Diego, this property will make you think you’ve been magically transported to the Tuscan countryside. Really.

Add to the opulent atmosphere of this new destination resort the fact that it’s signature fine dining restaurant, Addison, has earned one of the most coveted awards of all: a Five Diamond rating from the Automobile Association of America (AAA).  journeyPod definitely agrees. We had a private tasting with Chef William Bradley and Jesse Rodriguez, Sommelier, gave us the pleasure of a fabulous wine pairing.

Let’s take a listen as Tom Voss, president of Manchester Grand Resorts, chats with journeyPod.

And I will leave you with the electronic sounds of amb26 and their song, “The Grand Prize.”