What makes a destination worthy of your precious vacation days, hard-earned money, and Instagram grid? Is it the jaw-dropping scenery? The culture? The food? Or that indescribable feeling when you witness something that leaves you speechless?

Join me as I break down the world's top 10 travel destinations, complete with unfiltered commentary about why each earns its spot. From New York City's chaotic charm (though I'll tell you why Chicago deserves that spot more) to the postcard-perfect views of Santorini that somehow look even better in person, we're exploring what makes these places magnetic for travelers. You'll hear about my personal experiences eating carbonara while staring at the Colosseum, the ongoing joke about my husband's favorite city (Paris) that he's never taken me to, and why Tokyo claims the number one position as the ultimate travel experience.

Between destination details, I share a personal update on my cancer treatment journey and how travel continues to be my north star through difficult times. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter with a dog-eared passport or someone who travels primarily through Google Earth with a good glass of wine, this episode celebrates both the grandeur and the small moments that make travel transformative.

The world is waiting, your knees won't work forever, and airlines might start charging us to breathe any day now. Pack light, laugh loud, and don't forget to take the damn trip. Your stories are waiting to be written, whether they involve spiritual awakening in Bali or your suitcase bursting open at the airport (because those make the best stories anyway).

Forget the fancy leggings and Instagram-perfect workouts—real fitness is about finding joy in movement and giving your body what it needs to thrive through life's challenges. After decades of starting and stopping various exercise routines, I finally discovered that consistency matters more than intensity, and finding movement you genuinely enjoy is the true secret to lifelong fitness.

Having recently completed 12 weeks of chemotherapy and 16 rounds of radiation, I can personally attest to exercise's profound impact on health resilience. My oncologist directly credited my relatively smooth cancer treatment experience to two factors: my positive attitude and my commitment to regular exercise. Even on my worst days, I'd drag myself to water aerobics, feeling terrible going in but significantly better coming out. This isn't just anecdotal—research consistently shows that regular physical activity supports immune function, improves treatment outcomes, and enhances quality of life during serious illness.

The fitness world loves to categorize us—the gym unicorn who never sweats, the reluctant hero checking their watch, the bragger discussing their pre-brunch 10K, or the influencer filming every perfect lunge. But real-world exercise isn't about fitting into these archetypes; it's about moving your unique body in ways that feel good. At 64, I've found my joy in water aerobics, while my 69-year-old husband runs five miles daily. Your movement might look completely different—walking your dog, gardening, or dancing in your kitchen—and that's not just okay, it's perfect. Because when it comes to exercise, if you sweat, it counts, and the best workout is always the one you'll actually do.

Ready to reframe your relationship with movement? Listen now, then share your favorite way to move in the comments. Your body will thank you, and you might just inspire someone else to find their exercise joy too!

Think sunscreen is just for beach days? Think again. Harmful UV rays are bombarding your skin daily—even through clouds, windows, and during quick dog walks. Your left arm is likely aging faster than your right from driving, and that "healthy tan" is actually radiation damage in disguise.

In this eye-opening exploration of sunscreen, I dive into the sticky world of sun protection with some startling revelations about how most of us are doing it all wrong. Adults need a full shot glass of product for their entire body, reapplied every two hours—and no, that misty spray-and-pray technique isn't cutting it. I break down the critical differences between chemical sunscreens (containing oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate) that can disrupt hormones and damage coral reefs, versus mineral alternatives with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that reflect rays safely.

I share personal recommendations straight from my beach bag, including Elta MD UV Clear, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, Blue Lizard Baby, and Coco Kind Silk SPF. Plus, the shocking truth about heat destroying sunscreen effectiveness—meaning that bottle baking in your beach bag might be worthless by midday. As someone currently undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer, I've gained a new perspective on protecting our bodies from unnecessary radiation exposure. Don't treat SPF like an optional accessory; make it your daily armor against skin cancer and premature aging. Subscribe, leave a review, or simply commit to better sun protection habits—your future self will thank you!

The days are longer, the bugs are bolder, and the fridge is 90% watermelon - summer has arrived! This episode explores what it means to be intentional during these precious 100 days of summer many of us experience.

After sharing some exciting podcast news (I'm resurrecting my "Aging Ain't for Sissies" podcast alongside this one!) and personal updates about my ongoing cancer treatment, I dive into what summer means to different people. Whether you're managing kids who are suddenly home from school or enjoying retirement like me, summer invites us to reset our routines and embrace a different rhythm.

What does your ideal summer look like? I guide you through creating a realistic summer bucket list - not pie-in-the-sky dreams you'll never accomplish, but attainable joys like trying one new local adventure, enjoying screen-free afternoons, or experimenting with a new summer recipe. For me, it includes hosting a rooftop luncheon for my girlfriends, something I've been planning meticulously despite the challenges of Chicago weather and my building's "no glass" policy on the deck!

I also share mini summer rituals worth embracing: morning light walks, decluttering just one space (maybe your beach bag?), and creating weekly "joy lists" of three things you're looking forward to. Summer is the perfect container for intentional living because its boundaries are clear - approximately June through August for most of us.

As we cruise into what I call "the SPF and grilling everything season," I encourage you to write down your own summer intention. Mine? "Laugh more, stress less, and only commit to plans if they involve snacks and shade." What will your summer story be?

Share your summer intentions with me at InsideMarcisMinд@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @marcibackus. And remember, summer bodies are made in the kitchen, mostly standing in front of the fridge.

Life throws curveballs, but how we respond defines us. After developing a painful blood clot following back-to-back flights, I've learned valuable lessons about travel safety that I'm eager to share. The experience was particularly frightening given my ongoing cancer journey and inability to take standard blood thinners. Despite these challenges, I'm continuing with radiation treatments and maintaining my signature optimistic outlook.

My passion for travel remains undimmed. Years of exploration have taught me systems that maximize experiences while minimizing hassles and expenses. I've perfected the art of packing for two-week trips using only carry-on luggage through careful color coordination, strategic clothing selection, and organizational tools like packing cubes. This approach isn't just about convenience—it's about preserving your energy and mobility for the experiences that matter.

Airline loyalty has transformed my travel experience in ways most budget travelers never discover. Even modest status levels unlock perks that elevate inexpensive tickets into comfortable journeys: priority boarding, free checked bags, preferred seating, and dedicated customer service during disruptions. Similar principles apply to rental cars and accommodations, where knowing which options to select can yield significant savings without sacrificing quality.

Chicago serves as my beautiful home base between adventures—a city of architectural wonders, engineering marvels, and culinary delights that often surprises visitors with its beaches, riverside scenery, and vibrant energy. As I look toward future travels and potential retirement considerations, I'm guided by the principle that smart financial decisions today create more opportunities for exploration tomorrow.

Whether you're navigating health challenges, planning your next getaway, or simply looking to travel more efficiently, remember that preparation and positivity make all the difference. Share your own travel tips or questions with me—I'd love to hear how you balance adventure with practicality in your journeys!

Marcy returns with updates on her health journey, sharing the welcome news that she's been off chemotherapy for two weeks and feeling "awesome." Her vibrant energy shines through as she discusses recent travels to California where she spent meaningful time supporting her transgender son Kyle through some personal challenges—a connection that deepened their relationship in unexpected ways.

The episode weaves between personal stories about printer malfunctions, Harry Potter store visits, and future plans to look at retirement properties in Arizona. Marci's authentic voice creates an intimate atmosphere as she shares her excitement about turning 65 and finally qualifying for Medicare after years of paying $1,500 monthly for health insurance.

The heart of this episode focuses on an often-overlooked financial opportunity: finding money you didn't know you had. Marci presents a comprehensive guide to locating unclaimed assets through various resources including missingmoney.com for uncashed checks, lostandfounddol.gov for forgotten retirement accounts, and treasuryhunt.gov for unclaimed savings bonds. She expertly breaks down each site's purpose and how listeners can use them to potentially recover forgotten funds.

Following this financial treasure hunt, Marci warns about "six risky discounts" that often end up costing consumers more than they save. From subscription traps and privacy-invading apps to store credit cards with exorbitant interest rates, she offers practical advice for avoiding common financial pitfalls in today's digital marketplace. Her straightforward guidance on monitoring credit card statements and managing digital privacy reflects her no-nonsense approach to personal finance.

The episode concludes with a delightful fun fact about elephants being the only animal that cannot jump, alongside a heartfelt appeal to never ride elephants due to the harm it causes these sensitive creatures. Marci's passion for animal welfare adds yet another dimension to her multifaceted personality.

Join Marci for this blend of personal updates, practical financial advice, and warmhearted wisdom. Have questions or topic suggestions? Email insidemarci'smind@gmail.com to connect directly with Marci for future episodes.

Celebrating the end of chemotherapy marks a significant milestone in my ongoing health journey, as I share my excitement about the upcoming four-week break before radiation begins. This episode captures both personal transitions and practical advice as I prepare for a week in California to support my oldest child through challenging times, followed by travels to Arizona where retirement possibilities await in Sun Lakes.

Chicago has captivated my heart with meaningful experiences – from attending my friend Lenore's orchestra performance at Symphony Hall to enjoying a private tour of the Art Institute's impressive exhibits on a Tuesday when the museum was closed to the public. These cultural treasures make me reflect deeply on what truly matters when considering retirement locations and the difficult balance between loving where you are and finding what makes practical sense for the future.

The heart of this episode offers valuable insights into high-return exterior home improvements that can significantly increase property value. Whether you're preparing to sell or simply enhancing your living space, strategic investments like upgrading your mailbox, refreshing landscaping, brightening your front door, and adding outdoor lighting can yield returns of 50-200% on modest investments. The National Association of Realtors confirms that spending just $3,500 on curb appeal can add approximately $12,000 to your home's value. I share specific recommendations for both front yard and backyard spaces, emphasizing how proper maintenance signals to potential buyers that the entire property has been well-cared for. From travel packing strategies using color-coordinated systems to fun facts about laughing rats and Australia's surprising width, this episode weaves together life's transitions with practical advice for making the most of your home's potential.