Ever dreamt of riding the world’s fastest roller coaster or discovering the next big Disney park before the crowds? This week on Stacking Adventures, Crystal and Joe Saul-Sehy trade hiking boots for roller coaster harnesses in a theme park episode packed with thrills, insider tips, and laugh-out-loud travel tales.

They’re joined by legendary theme park journalist Robert Niles from Theme Park Insider, who spills details from his recent globe-trotting adventure—including a massive announcement about a brand-new Disney theme park coming to Abu Dhabi.

From planning hacks and can’t-miss attractions to splurges that are actually worth it (hint: don’t skip the early entry pass), this episode helps you get the most fun per dollar out of any park visit. Whether you’re a coaster junkie, food stand connoisseur, or just trying to survive summer vacation with your budget intact, you’ll find plenty to pack into your next theme park adventure.

• Why Cedar Point, Kings Dominion, and Busch Gardens still make the A-list

• The real scoop on Disney’s next mega park in the Middle East

• Tips to skip lines, beat the heat, and avoid overpriced regret

• Insider previews of Epic Universe, Siren’s Curse, and other wild new rides

• When to splurge on upgrades—and when to pocket that churro cash

• Budget tips for families, plus why timing your visit can make or break it

• Theme park food that’s actually worth the calories (yes, they exist)

• Robert’s personal favorite hidden gems and underrated parks

• How to avoid letting your memory bank ruin your money decisions—even at theme parks

So grab your virtual FastPass and take this ride with us. Got your own theme park story? Share it with us—we want to hear your best (or most disastrous) moments!

What do you get when you mix alpine grandeur, French wine, and a few awkward encounters with public transportation? The trek of a lifetime.

Joe and Crystal sit down with globe-trotting guest David to relive his incredible Tour du Mont Blanc—an iconic hike that crosses France, Italy, and Switzerland. From cultural quirks to culinary delights (hello, croissants and polenta!), David shares what it’s really like to hike Europe’s most scenic loop.

You’ll hear trail-tested tips on how to train, what to pack, and how to avoid blowing your budget—or your knees—on the way. Whether you’re planning your own hiking getaway or just dreaming from the couch, this episode is packed with laughs, insight, and a few “you won’t believe this” moments from the trail.

• 🎬 The Sound of Music made us do it: What movie scenes and mountain views have in common

• 🥾 Crossing borders on foot: Why the Tour du Mont Blanc is the ultimate passport stamp

• 🎒 What NOT to forget in your pack (and what David says you absolutely don’t need)

• 💡 Accommodations, luggage hacks, and trail shortcuts for the savvy traveler

• 🍷 Why hiking is better with wine and what David learned about blending adventure and indulgence

• 🧀 Croissants in France, coffee in Italy, fondue in Switzerland… need we say more?

• 🗣️ Struggling with French? We’ve got stories—and survival phrases

• 🚶‍♂️ What to know about rest days, restrooms, and rustic beds

Whether you're dreaming of alpine treks or just here for the croissant jokes, this episode is your trailhead to adventure.

🧭 Thinking about planning your own trip? David now runs Blaze Adventure Tours—hear how he custom-builds trips for hikers and cyclists who want the thrill without the stress.

David's company link: Home - Blaze Adventure Tours- Bicycle Tours and Backpacking

Is it Caribbean or Caribbe-an? We kick off this episode of Stacking Adventures with the great pronunciation debate—then head straight into a destination you can explore without needing a passport: Puerto Rico.

Hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond welcome travel advisor Donna Pelletier from Vacations by Donna, who shares highlights from her recent pre-cruise mini-adventure in Puerto Rico. While it wasn’t a deep-dive vacation, Donna packed in just enough to give us a taste of what’s possible in a short visit—and how to make the most of your own.

In this episode:

• Where to stay when time is limited (Donna’s take on the Hilton Garden Inn)

• Smart ways to squeeze in dining, cocktails, and local flavor without overcommitting

• Kayaking, ATVs, casinos, and other mini excursions worth considering

• A few surprising insights—like how a quick stop at Walmart can save your trip

• How to lower stress and costs when adding Puerto Rico to your cruise itinerary

Plus, don’t miss our Gear of the Day pick that can save your soles when you’re pounding pavement between piña coladas.

Whether Puerto Rico is your main event or just a quick stop, this episode is full of practical, doable adventure hacks for travelers on the go.

Trading skills, transporting pigs, and building a life of freedom on the open road.

What if instead of budgeting your way around the world, you bartered your way through it?

In this episode of Stacking Adventures, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond sit down with travel writer and full-time nomad Heather Jacks, who has turned bartering into an art form while living in her beloved bus, Bubba.

From growing up on Indian land to crossing the Australian outback, from working at Starbucks to navigating the uncertainty of the COVID era on the road, Heather shares how she’s learned to trade what she has—her words, her work ethic, even her typing skills—for what she needs.

You’ll hear:

• How she bartered her way across the country, including one story that involves a pig and a gas tank

• Clever ways to swap your skills for essentials while traveling

• The emotional and logistical ups and downs of life on the move

• How she handled moments of risk, including a brush with robbery in Nashville

• What she’s learned about resilience, reinvention, and staying curious in a world that doesn’t always go to plan

Whether you’re dreaming of life on the road or just want a few creative ideas for living well on less, Heather’s story is full of resourceful inspiration and unforgettable moments.

Because sometimes the best currency isn’t cash—it’s creativity.

What happens when you ditch the itinerary, close the spreadsheet, and simply wander?

In this episode, we meet Kate and Kimberly, two adventurous travelers who swapped rushed vacations for a months-long slow travel journey across Europe and Latin America. And trust us—it’s not just about beautiful views (though there are plenty of those).

They share with Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy what it’s really like to:

• Roam the winding streets of Venice, Florence, and Cinque Terre without a rigid plan

• Embrace the unexpected—from Christmas markets in Austria to Carnival in Brazil

• Discover the rhythm of life in places like Guatemala, Argentina, and Portugal

• Balance remote work and travel without losing the magic (or the Wi-Fi)

• Say no to travel perfectionism and yes to getting gloriously lost

Along the way, they reflect on the challenges of long-term travel, the joy of lingering in one place, and why slowing down can lead to deeper cultural experiences—and better stories.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to take your time, immerse yourself in a new place, and make the world feel just a little smaller… this episode is your passport.

Pack light, take your time, and come wander with us.

We're BACK in Thailand with YOU, and the stories are (as expected) all over the map, and incredible. From backpacking to ending up in the ER, you've had some southeast Asian adventures. So...what happens when your perfect travel plans meet reality? In this episode, we dive into real-life stories from travelers who found magic in the mayhem—and lessons in the chaos.

You’ll hear:

• Jesse Cramer’s wild honeymoon tale from the Phi Phi Islands (spoiler: scuba diving doesn’t always go to plan)

• A heartwarming and eye-opening moment from listener Denise at an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai

• Crystal Hammond’s savvy, budget-smart tips from her trip to Thailand

• Unexpected twists and local discoveries from travelers like Laurel, Katie, and Chris, who embraced the highs and lows of travel with curiosity and courage

These stories aren’t just entertaining—they’re full of reminders that the best parts of an adventure often happen when things go off the itinerary.

And before we wrap, don’t miss our Gear of the Day—a small but mighty item that might just save your next trip from turning into a logistical nightmare.

So pack light, stay curious, and get ready for tales that might just inspire your next journey.

What happens when you take a bus to Travel Con, pack a Pilates bar, and chase the best local experiences? Crystal finds out.

Crystal Hammond returns from Travel Con with her backpack full of insider tips, unexpected laughs, and some seriously useful travel hacks. From the moment she stepped on a shuttle in Tucson, this adventure was all about curiosity, connection, and clever ways to travel smarter.

• A behind-the-scenes look at Travel Con—including the quirky bus ride that kicked it all off

• Must-know gear tips, like collapsible water bottles and a surprisingly travel-friendly Pilates bar

• Why Airbnb Experiences are the secret to unlocking a destination’s real culture

• Smart ways to save money using airport shuttles, public transport, and Costco car rentals

• Sustainable travel practices and how to stay grounded (even when jet-lagged)

• Credit card strategies and road trip snack wisdom that might just change how you pack

Plus, Crystal shares tips from fellow adventurers she met along the way—like Dominic’s genius hack, new tricks for navigating unfamiliar cities, and how to keep a routine while still saying yes to spontaneity.

If you want your next trip to be more intentional, more fun, and way less expensive, this episode is your passport to better adventures.

Looking for our gear-of-the-day? Head to https://stackingadventures.com/gotd

Hoping to contribute to a future show? Tell your story at https://stackingadventures.com/mystory

Perfect—here’s the updated version with the correct spelling of names:

Is stacking just a fun pastime… or is there real science behind the obsession?

Today, we go deep—clinically deep—into the phenomenon of stacking with Dr. Nicole Meli from Moreland Hills University, the leading researcher on the psychology and history behind our favorite pastime. Joining the conversation is Crystal Hammond, world record holder in Lego stacking (yes, really), and Joe Saul-Sehy, who may not hold any records but definitely has opinions.

From the dopamine hit of a perfect stack to the dark side of stacking gone too far, this episode is filled with enlightening research, relatable stories, and a few jaw-dropping confessions.

In this episode:

• The fascinating psychology of stacking—why we do it, what it triggers, and how it started

• Crystal Hammond’s journey to stacking greatness (with a few literal and figurative collapses)

• Dr. Meli explains when stacking becomes too much—and how to spot the warning signs

• Listener stories of stacking triumphs and near-disasters

• A special edition Gear of the Day reveal that might just change your stacking game

• A totally professional commercial break that definitely didn’t go off the rails

Whether you’re a casual stacker, an adventure addict, or someone trying to understand a loved one’s growing collection of “just one more stackable thing,” this episode brings science, insight, and plenty of laughter.

🎧 Tune in and discover the science behind your next great adventure—one stack at a time.