Listen in to hear Kristy's thoughts on the Small Town opportunities to be gained from National Travel & Tourism Week!

Kristy dives into the trends and covers:

-Introduction to National Travel & Tourism Week

-The Economic Impact of Domestic Travel

-Trends in Small Town Travel

- The Rise of Second Cities and Small Towns

-Traveling Amid Economic Pressures

- The Shift Towards Regional Travel

-Understanding Small Town Travel

- The Importance of Community in Travel

-Conclusion and Future Outlook for Small Town Travel and how you can be a part of it this year!

Okay, here it is, the episode that gives you an insider viewof writing small town material. Listen to Daniela’s Journey to create her debut Novel, I Can Save Her, the real-life inspiration behind the story and what it takes to truly become a writer.

Listen in as Daniela and Kristy discuss:

- How our childhood memories stay with us and inspire uslater in life.

- How capturing stories behind the lens for years turnedinto a passion for writing.

-How small-town travel truly played a major role in Daniela’sdebut novel.

-How a journey Daniela decided to take on a women’s retreatin Colorado, confirmed her path to writing.

-How making travel part of your lifestyle can change thedirection of your life.

-How to figure out what type of writer you are.

-Why for Daniela, becoming a “thriller writer” also needs toinclude humor.

-Overview of Daniela’s Debut Novel, I Can Save Her.

- The Real-Life Town that inspired Daniela’s novel.

-Is Kristy Burns a part of this book?? Guess you’ll have tolisten and read the book to find out about this hilarious little mishap!

-A small-town shout out from Daniela.

-Upcoming projects from Daniela Murray.

About Daniela Murray:

Hi, I'm Daniela (Photographer turned Storyteller)

After 17+ years behind the lens, capturing emotion andmoments in a single frame, I felt called to tell stories in a new way. What I once captured through light and lenses, I now tell with words—letting the stories unfold slowly, and without apology.

While I have only written one book so far, I have self-publishedthrough Amazon and learning new things everyday. I discovered I enjoy writing what I love to read. Fast-paced, easy to fall into, with unexpected humor and moments of whiplash and thrill along the way.

Looking ahead in 2026, I have several projects in theworks: A YA novel more suited for a teen audience (as requested by my son), the sequel to my debut novel, and my first Rom-Com.

When I am not writing or behind the camera, you'll find mebeing a mom to two kiddos. They keep me on my toes and have been my biggest cheerleaders through this entire journey. In my downtime, I'll be reading romance (the smuttier kind) or a good psychological thriller likely by Freida Mcfadden.

Follow Daniela Murray:

Website: https://www.danielamurray.com/

Facebook: @https://www.facebook.com/Deedeedavila

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/danielam.author/

TikTok: @https://www.tiktok.com/@daniela.m.author

Check out our newest episode with Azdean Elmoustaquim, the Owner/Founder of Destinations Morocco, and one of the nicest, kindest people I have ever interviewed!

This podcast was so much fun, talking with Azdean about the fabulous Small-Town locations in Morocco and all the ways Destinations Morocco is making a difference in the small-town travel community.

Listen in as Azdean and Kristy discuss:

-How Destinations Morocco was born from a desire to teach the next generation about their heritage & culture.

- How Azdean is driven by his passion to uplift the smaller communities of Morocco through travel.

-Azdean’s heart for Co-ops, Markets, and the Small Villages in Morocco.

-Why Destinations Morocco is a tour company unlike any other.

-Why Small Group Tours are the BEST way to go!

-If you have not yet learned about a “Riad” or how to stay in one, listen in!

-The step-by-step guide on how to go on an amazing adventure with Destinations Morocco.

-What you can expect from the Destinations Morocco Podcast & how to use it as a great research tool.

**More on Azdean Elmoustaquim:

Azdean Elmoustaquim is an expert in Morocco travel and has hosted the Destination Morocco podcast since 2022. Destination Morocco is a tour company that primarily crafts personalized, small group tours to Morocco, for families, couples, weddings, and honeymoons, and cultural or thematic travelers.

Azdean himself is a native Moroccan, based for the past 25 years in Houston, Texas. He returns to Morocco himself at least once a year to capture on-location material.

It's an exciting time to talk about Morocco, and Azdean is here to help you get inspired and prepared!

Click Here for Website: https://destinationsmorocco.com/

Follow on Facebook: ⁠@destinamorocco

Follow Instagram: @destinations.morocco

About The ⁠Travel Small Towns Podcast⁠:

Welcome to the ⁠Travel Small Towns Podcast⁠ (formerly My Town Travels). The Only Podcast Dedicated to Small Town Travel Destinations, Culture, & Lifestyle from a small-town perspective. We are bringing you Destination Stories, Experiences, and Tips with Expert Interviews,including Travel Professionals, Writers, Bloggers, Influencers, and Special Individuals who uplift their ⁠Small-Town Communities⁠! Listen now to great travel stories and insights you’ll love, whether for an escape, a laugh, to relate, or to find the best Small-Town Destinations! Join host Kristy Burns, guest collaborators, and small-town enthusiasts as they discuss what makes small towns special and unique places to visit.

Check out More on Small Town Travel Destinations or Sign Up your Small Town at: ⁠Travelsmalltowns.com

Listen in to this awesome episode with Caroline Makepeace(Caz), award-winning travel writer and co-founder of yTravelBlog, one of the world’s longest-running family travel sites!

It is always a treat to talk with someone as experienced inthe world of travel writing as Caroline!

Listen in as Caz and Kristy discuss:

- A “Working AbroadStrategy.”

- How a five-year honeymoon turned into a travel-based business.

-Tips from someone who has been doing Travel Blogging sincethe industry began.

-The positive effects travel has on families that travel fora living.

-How you have to be willing to make sacrifices to live atravel lifestyle.

-Do you have a specific Travel Niche, or are you a TravelCollective?

-Navigating how much the blogging landscape has changed over the past decade.

-Sound advice, and stories from someone who has made travel her job for over 3 decades.

-Small Town Travel Tips & Favorite Small Towns from CazMakepeace.

-A perfect little, small-town story from Caz that shows theidyllic small-town experience.

-What small town has hippos grazing on the streets??

-Ever met a real-life explorer? Don’t miss the second halfof the show.

About: yTravelBlog (@ytravelblog)

Caroline Makepeace is an award-winning travel writer andco-founder of yTravelBlog, one of the world’s longest-running family travel sites. After nearly three decades of exploring the globe, she’s become especially passionate about small towns and lesser-known destinations — the places where community, culture, and connection really shine. ThroughyTravelBlog, Caroline helps travelers move beyond bucket lists and experience places in a slower, more meaningful way.

Follow yTravel Blog:

Website: https://www.ytravelblog.com/

Facebook: @yTravelBlog

Instagram: @ytravelblog

Pinterest: @ytravelblog

Listen in to this awesome episode with Betsy Ramsey, also known as Gal!

This podcast was so much fun talking with Betsy about her fabulous travel tips and mottos!

Listen in as Betsy and Kristy discuss:

-What is Capsule Wardrobe…

-What is Mindful Fashion….

-What are High - Low Travel Experiences & how does aging play a role?

-How do you actually get rid of clothing that you feel attached to but never wear?

-What really is the best way to pack for travel?

-A great conversation about High Lo Travel that uses an example of Southwest Airlines to explain…. My apologies that Southwest’s seating program has COMPLETELY changed since we recorded this, but I think you’ll get why I kept it in this episode!

-What’s the Dirty Little Secret that all Content Creators should know??

-Small Town Travel Tips & Favorites from Natty Gal

-A perfect little small town story from Natty Gal the shows why Small Town Travel is so exceptional

-Why you should take a little extra time to contact places in your small-town destination to connect about your experiences.

About Betsy Ramsy (@nattygal)

Betsy Ramsey is a travel and style writer specializing in couples travel, luxury travel, itineraries, food, wine, beer, travel packing, and capsule wardrobes. She lives in Brecksville, OH with her husband Gavin and dog, Dolce. Betsy is the owner/content creator behind Natty Gal, where she encourages readers to travel with less baggage and more adventure! She loves trip planning and helping others maximize their travel experiences. To date, Betsy has visited 64 countries and 34 US states.Follow Natty Gal:

Blog/Website: NattyGal

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Pinterest

Facebook

LinkedIn

Check out this very insightful episode with the CEO of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, Jill Rowland-Lagan!

This podcast was so much fun talking with Jill about the fabulous Small-Town Destination of Boulder City, NV, and all this town has to offer its guests.

Listen in as Jill and Kristy discuss:

-The History of Boulder City

-The highly anticipated new Adventure Center – Opening in July 2026

- Why Boulder City, NV is a great destination for veterans and those with special needs

- “The Best Dam Podcast” and how Boulder City is making connections with their guests before they arrive

-Tons of marketing tips from this experienced CEO you don’t want to miss, and Jill’s personal thoughts on what makes Boulder City a Very Special Small Town to Visit.

**More on – Jill Rowland-Lagan, ACE

A native of Boulder City, Nevada, Jill Rowland-Lagan is anexperienced entrepreneur and community leader who has served as the CEO of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce for over 25 years. Driven by the need to see others succeed, she takes pride in providing each Chamber Investor her time and consideration so that they are empowered to surround themselves with success as well. As the CEO, her goals include building the business community into an economically strong one and positioning the Chamber at the forefront by being a bright light in Boulder City that providesexcellence in customer service to guests and to those doing business here.

Click Here for Website: https://www.bouldercitychamber.com/

Follow on Facebook & Instagram: ⁠@bouldercitychamber

About:

The ⁠Travel Small Towns Podcast⁠:

Welcome to the ⁠Travel Small Towns Podcast⁠(formerly My Town Travels). The Only Podcast Dedicated to Small Town Travel Destinations, Culture, & Lifestyle from a small-town perspective. We are bringing you Destination Stories, Experiences, and Tips with Expert Interviews,including Travel Professionals, Writers, Bloggers, Influencers, and Special Individuals who uplift their ⁠Small-Town Communities⁠!Listen now to great travel stories and insights you’ll love,whether for an escape, a laugh, to relate, or to find the best Small-Town Destinations!

Join host Kristy Burns, guest collaborators, and small-townenthusiasts as they discuss what makes small towns special and unique places to visit.

Check out More on Small Town Travel at ⁠Travelsmalltowns.com

Check out this fun episode with Journalist, Blogger, & Road Tripper, Clayton Hensley!

This podcast was so much fun talking with Clayton about hisbrand, Knox Road Tripper, a few of his favorite small-town destinations, and a great conversation about:

-Small Town Marketing and how to “Flip The Script”for Small Towns.

-You also learn about The “Small Movements” in Small TownMarketing that Matter.

Note: This recording was made before the newly constructed Aspire Park in Clinton, TN, was opened. https://alwaysaspire.com/

**More on Clayton Hensley (@knoxroadtripper)

Travel does more than transport you from one place toanother; it provides an avenue for endless adventure. My name is Clayton Hensley (a.k.a.knoxroadtripper). I am an East Tennessee native who has always loved the open road and the chance to experience newplaces.

Following a 15-year career in the television news business,I found myself writing more and more about travel. I started as a freelancerwith the Knoxville News-Sentinel, then moved to writing for outlets online. Eventually I created my own website focused on travel, knoxroadtripper.com.

The travel writing journey not only took me to differentplaces, it also took me to new levels professionally as my writing expanded towork in travel guides, work on a wide range of websites, and attending many travel-related conferences. My hope is to inspire people to venture out on aroad trip and return with a new perspective about the places they visited along the way.

My wife Melinda and I have lived in Clinton, TN for more than 25 years. We have a son and a daughter, who, over the years, loved traveling with us (most of the time)! My“real” job is working as a communications director for a large church. In what little spare time I have, I love taking lots of pictures, cooking, and catchingup on the TV shows I’ve missed because I’m out on a road trip.

Click Here for Website: https://www.knoxroadtripper.com/

Follow on Facebook & Instagram: ⁠@knoxroadtripper

Small Towns Featured in this Episode:

-9 Lakes of East Tennessee

-Clinton, TN

About The ⁠Travel Small Towns Podcast⁠:

Welcome to the ⁠Travel Small Towns Podcast⁠(formerly My Town Travels). The Only Podcast Dedicated to Small Town Travel Destinations, Culture, & Lifestyle from a small-town perspective. We are bringing you Destination Stories, Experiences, and Tips featuring Expert Interviews with Travel Professionals, Writers, Bloggers, Influencers, and Special Individuals who uplift their Small-Town Communities! Listen now to great travel stories and insights you’ll love, whether for an escape, a laugh, to relate, or to find the best Small-Town Destinations! Join host Kristy Burns, guest collaborators, and small-town enthusiasts as they discuss what makes small towns special and unique places to visit.

Check out More on Small Town Travel at ⁠Travelsmalltowns.com