Exploring the Seasons of Life

By: Cynthia MacMillan
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  • Summary

  • A podcast designed for women with an adventurous spirit, busy midlife professionals, and empty nesters eager to rediscover life’s magic through travel. After years of dedication to your career and family, it’s time to embrace the joy of discovery and reignite your passions. In each bi-weekly episode, I’m joined by guests who share your love for travel, personal growth, and wellness. Together, we’ll explore the topics that matter most, guiding you toward a more enriched and adventurous life.
    @2024
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Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
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Episodes
  • Chrissy Gates: Discover the Joys of Alcohol-Free Travel

    Chrissy Gates: Discover the Joys of Alcohol-Free Travel
    Jan 27 2025

    “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

    Guest Introduction:

    Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition. I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and the founder of Pangea World Travel Agency, a boutique agency located on the Space Coast of Florida.

    I’m delighted to introduce a truly inspiring guest, Chrissy Gates, founder of Where is Chrissy Today? LLC, an affiliate of 1000 Mile Travel and Virtuoso Travel.

    Chrissy has been part of the travel industry for over 18 years, but her most transformative journey began just a year and a half ago when she realized that alcohol was no longer serving her life or her joy. This shift opened a remarkable new chapter for Chrissy, both personally and professionally.

    As someone who adores travel, Chrissy knew her adventures would look different—but no less fulfilling—without alcohol. She also recognized a need within the travel space: creating experiences for others who choose to travel alcohol-free in a world that often revolves around its consumption.

    Here’s a glimpse of our conversation:

    Welcome Chrissy. I have been looking forward to our conversation.

    1:23   I just came back from the Mindful Drinking Fest. I went out to Washington, D. C. on Friday, and it went through till Sunday, January 10-12, 2025.

    1:52 Attending the Mindful Drinking Fest as a travel advisor was a fascinating experience, especially considering the potential for incorporating some of these brands into properties and cruise lines.

    3:15 What I like to tell people is that I’m not a prohibitionist—I don’t believe alcohol needs to be removed from bars or properties entirely. However, it’s essential to offer thoughtful options for people who don’t drink. These shouldn’t be limited to basic juice or soda, but instead, carefully curated adult beverages. These drinks should feel intentional and sophisticated, not something like a Shirley Temple, which is more suited for children.

    7:27 There are mocktails I enjoy, but I prefer having someone else make them for me since I’m not a mixologist. In some of the places I’ve visited, they create incredible beverages, and it’s clear they’re crafted by professionals.

    9:18 It’s about the experience and the ambiance—that’s what truly matters. Alcohol-free travel isn’t just about the beverages, though those are a wonderful bonus. It’s about fully immersing yourself in the moment, staying clear-minded, and truly appreciating your surroundings without losing the experience to overindulgence in alcohol.

    23:00 One of the biggest misconceptions about not drinking is the idea that you won’t have any fun. People often wonder, How can you enjoy yourself without alcohol? The truth is, you absolutely can have fun without drinking.

    You can find Chrissy Gates at:

    Website | Instagram

    Thank you so much for joining me on Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition. I’m Cindy MacMillan, and you can find me at PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com. If you enjoyed this episode—and I truly hope you did—be sure to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

    If you could take a moment to leave a review, it would mean the world to me. Your support helps us connect with more amazing listeners like you.

    If you’re dreaming about your next cruise or adventure, I’m here to help make it a reality! Visit linktr.ee/CindyMacMillan to get started. Let’s plan your perfect journey together.

    Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and take care!
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    29 mins
  • Robert Eagles: 2025 Group Trip Scotland and Ireland

    Robert Eagles: 2025 Group Trip Scotland and Ireland
    Jan 22 2025
    “Of all the small nations of this earth, perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots in their contribution to mankind.” ~ Winston Churchill Guest Introduction: Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and the owner of Pangea World Travel Agency, a boutique travel agency on the beautiful Space Coast of Florida. Today, as I record this episode on January 16, 2025, I’m thrilled to share details of an incredible group trip you won’t want to miss. Let me introduce the 2025 Taste of Scotland & Ireland, a 10-day, 9-night group adventure starting on September 19, 2025. Imagine savoring a whisky tasting, marveling at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, exploring historic St. Andrews, and enjoying a Medieval Castle Banquet — and that’s just the start of this incredible itinerary. This group is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, scenic explorers and folks who Enjoy meeting new people, engaging with locals, and sharing experiences with a group of like-minded travelers. My guest today is going to walk us through the 2025 Taste of Scotland & Ireland tour with CIE Tours. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest, Robert Eagles. 2:18  I really felt travel was my passion, so I began looking to get back into the travel industry. I found that CIE Tours had a position open, and the rest is history. 3:28 Founded in 1932, CIE Tours has built a reputation for excellence by delivering signature Irish hospitality. Now, 93 years later, we’re proud to still be going strong, sharing the beauty and culture of Ireland with travelers worldwide. 6:21 I would say Paris. In high school, I did a study abroad program in northeastern France, but I only had one day to explore Paris. I've studied French extensively and find French history absolutely fascinating, so Paris holds a special interest for me. 10:25 All of our destinations feature accommodations that are always four-star or higher. Whether it’s hotels, manor homes, or even castle stays included on some tours, you can trust that the accommodations will always be of exceptional quality. 11:36 The hotel we're staying at just outside of Edinburgh is called the Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club. It's absolutely stunning, with beautiful gardens to stroll through, a golf course, and a luxurious leisure club with pool and state-of-the-art gym. It's truly an incredible place to stay. 19:33 You’ll visit the Skellig Experience, which focuses on Skellig Michael, one of Ireland’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You'll learn about the early Christian hermits who built and lived in this incredibly remote settlement—a truly fascinating part of Ireland’s history. 25:11   Our motor coaches are nothing like the ones you might remember from high school. These are luxury coaches, fully equipped with air conditioning and heating tailored to the season of your visit. A special group departure to Taste of Scotland and Ireland 📅 Dates: September 19–28, 2025 🌟 Trip Details: 10 Days | 9 Nights | 16 Meals Your Tour Includes: • Sightseeing by luxury coach with a professional tour director • All on-tour transportation including shuttles and ferries • Welcome get-together drink with your group • Free Wi-Fi on coaches so you can stay connected along the way • Deluxe documents wallet and backpack to keep you organized • All local taxes, hotel service charges & handling of one suitcase per person Food, history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await you! 💵 Deposit: Only $250 per person!⏳ Sign-Up Deadline: February 16, 2025💼 Spots are limited, and the deadline is approaching fast! Don’t wait—secure your spot today. E-mail Cindy@PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com to save your place on this extraordinary adventure! Thank you so much for joining us on Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition. I'm Cindy MacMillan, and you can find me at PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com. If you enjoyed this episode—and I truly hope you did—be sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a show. If you could leave a review, it would mean the world to me. Your support helps us connect with more incredible listeners like you. And remember, if you're dreaming of your next cruise or adventure, I'm here to help make it a reality. Visit my website to get in touch, and let's start planning your journey. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and take care!
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    30 mins
  • Kim Foy: Group Trip to the Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City

    Kim Foy: Group Trip to the Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City
    Jan 15 2025
    “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost Guest Introduction: Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition. I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and the owner of Pangea World Travel Agency, a boutique agency located on the Space Coast of Florida. As I record this episode on January 6, 2025, we’ve just celebrated the holidays—but let me tell you, now is the perfect time to start dreaming about next year’s festive season. Why? Because magical winter getaways don’t just happen; they’re planned. Picture this: a holiday wonderland brought to life with twinkling lights and the sweet scent of mulled wine in the air. Join us for an unforgettable trip to the Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City, happening December 3rd–9th, 2025. This experience is perfect for friends and empty nesters who want to blend nostalgia with the enchantment of holiday magic. So settle in and let’s start planning a journey that will fill your heart with joy and your holidays with unforgettable memories. Travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about who you become along the way. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest, Kim Foy 1:31 I've been working with Collette for 15 years, and it has been an incredible journey. I started as a tour manager, a role I absolutely loved because travel has always been such an important part of my life. About eight years ago, I decided to return to my roots in sales and became the Business Development Manager for Central Florida. In this role, I continue to help people explore the world. 2:10 Collette is a family-owned and operated company with deep roots in the travel industry. As the oldest tour operator in the United States, we've been continuously operating for 107 years, offering exceptional travel experiences. 6:29 This is a two-city tour featuring Quebec City and Montreal, two destinations that offer a charming, European-like atmosphere right here in North America. It's a fantastic way to experience the magic of Christmas markets without needing to travel all the way to Germany or across the Atlantic. 9:45 The beauty of this trip is that all travelers need to do is pack their suitcase—Collette takes care of the rest. We provide all the essential information to make the journey seamless. The tour manager plays a vital role as a leader, facilitator, and even a friend. They're there to assist with any concerns, such as mobility issues, and can address them discreetly to ensure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable experience. 13:04 The transportation provided is always a deluxe motor coach, allowing you to sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful scenery without the stress of driving or parking. Since this tour includes just two destinations, you'll enjoy multiple-night stays in each hotel, giving you plenty of time to settle in and fully experience each location. 25:52 First and foremost, make sure you have a valid passport—it’s an essential investment for any traveler. When planning your journey, working with a reputable company like Collette or a trusted travel advisor, like yourself, ensures a smooth and worry-free experience. It's similar to relying on a specialized doctor or attorney—you can place your trust in their expertise and guidance I want to share an exciting opportunity! On January 23rd at 2:00 PM Eastern, Kim and I, both based in Florida, will be hosting a Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City Zoom session. We’ll cover much of the same information but in greater depth, featuring beautiful photos and additional details to inspire your journey. To join, simply email me at cindy@pangeaworldtravelagency.com, and I'll send you the Zoom link. Please note, you’ll need to sign up in advance. Additionally, mark your calendar for an in-person meeting about the Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City on February 12th at 1:00 PM Eastern. We can't wait to connect with you and share more about this incredible experience!
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    31 mins

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