Podcast
Explore With Tony
Hosted by Tony Swartz · EN
Hey there, welcome to Travel with Tony! I'm Tony, your host, and I've been bitten hard by the travel bug. In the past decade, I've explored over 40 countries, from cruising through the icy waters of Antarctica to playing trumpet with a band in Japan and New Zealand. I've hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc in Europe, I studied Spanish in Argentina, and I even tracked lions on safari in Kenya. For me, travel isn’t just a vacation — it’s about diving headfirst into different cultures, exploring breathtaking landscapes, and building stories that last a lifetime.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
020: Using AI for Trip Planning? Here's my late 2025 experience.
Feb 2200:05:16Tap to summarizeI used ChatGPT to plan most of my trip to Portugal in late 2025. How did it go? Pretty well, though with some hiccups. Listen to learn what I'm going to do different next time.
Transcribe →019: Does the Vegas Sphere live up to the hype?
Feb 1300:05:44Tap to summarizeI went to see The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere in Vegas. Did it live up to the hype? Listen for my experience.
Transcribe →018: Portugal with a 1 Year Old Baby?!
Dec 2900:05:03Tap to summarizeWe visited Lisbon and Porto with our 16 month old for Thanksgiving. Here is a recap of how things went, lessons learned, and what I would do differently next time.Car seat: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Cosco-Kids-Scenera-NEXT-Convertible-Car-Seat-Moonlit-Night-Infant-Toddler-Unisex/9321554473Stroller: https://www.amazon.com/Joolz-Lightweight-Travel-Stroller-Toddler/dp/B0FM82ZBZR/
Transcribe →017: Ride the Rim bike ride in Crater Lake, Oregon
Dec 1100:04:52Tap to summarizeI recently completed Ride the Rim in Oregon (https://ridetherimoregon.com/). It was about 35 miles for the whole loop, traversing huge ascents and declines given the hilly route. It was a lot of fun and you should look into it for next year!My bike:https://www.salsacycles.com/collections/confluence (though honestly it was a bit heavy and I aimed to NOT use the e-bike portion, so a regular road bike likely would have been better)
Transcribe →016: Traveling Mentally and Physically Present
Jun 1300:04:54Tap to summarizeShow Notes & LinksJonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation (book that inspired earlier thoughts): Buy it hereMoment App – To track and limit screen timeDay One Journal App – Simple way to jot down daily travel memoriesHeadspace Mindful Walking Guide – Practice staying present, even while moving
Transcribe →015: The Anxious Generation and the Anxious Traveler
May 28, 202500:04:51Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Explore with Tony, I reflect on how technology has shaped — and sometimes undermined—the way we travel, inspired by my recent read of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. As someone who grew up before smartphones were a constant presence, I share how I’ve seen the shift from real-world connection to screen-based living, even on the road. I talk about how travel used to feel more immersive and how I’m now trying to reclaim some of that presence — both for myself and as a model for my son. I share practical tips on disconnecting while still using your devices mindfully, and challenge you to try just one afternoon of travel without checking your phone. Let’s get back to experiencing travel with our own eyes, not just through our screens.Check out the book:The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Transcribe →014: Tokyo is awesome...and here's why
Apr 23, 202500:05:36Tap to summarizeJapan is one of my favorite countries and Tokyo is awesome. Here's why and a few links you can check out after the episode:teamLab Planets (Digital Art Exhibit): https://planets.teamlab.art/tokyo/Suica & Pasmo Transit Cards: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.htmlTsukiji Outer Market Info: https://www.tsukiji.or.jp/english/Best Tokyo Neighborhoods to Explore: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa, and GinzaWant more Japan episodes? Let me know—I’ve got plenty more where this came from.
Transcribe →013: Converting Travel Photos into Art on my Frame TV
Apr 12, 202500:05:02Tap to summarizeSamsung Frame TV – Learn moreMy Van Gogh-Style Conversion Prompt:“Convert the photos I upload into a painting using Van Gogh style with obvious paint splotches/bumps/texture spots. Colors should track the photo, but be realistic in terms of what a real artist would be able to replicate. Make the final image 3840 x 2160 pixels. Do not add a border.”Custom Art & Print Tools:Moo.com – Custom postcards and printsArtifact Uprising – Photo books and home decorCanvasPop – Canvas art from your own photosLet me know if you want a version of this with one of your own converted images as a cover reference!
Transcribe →012: 2025 Travel Backpack Choices
Mar 17, 202500:03:25Tap to summarizeIf you’re looking for a more organized way to pack, the Solgaard closet system is a must-try. Let me know what your go-to travel bags are, and I might feature them in a future episode!My Current Travel Setup: Solgaard Carry-On Closet Suitcase – Learn more Solgaard Travel Backpack – Learn more Nomatic Travel Pack – Learn moreOther Popular Travel Backpacks I Haven’t Tried Yet But Am Considering: Peak Design Travel Backpack – Learn more Tortuga Travel Backpack – Learn more Able Carry Max Backpack – Learn more
Transcribe →011: Travel Chargers, Cords and More
Mar 3, 202500:04:12Tap to summarizeIf you’re looking to simplify your travel charging setup, switching to USB-C everything is the easiest way to do it. Let me know what your go-to travel chargers are, and I might feature them in a future episode!My Favorite Travel Chargers:Anker MagSafe Compatible MagGo UFO 3-in-1 Charger – Amazon LinkAnker Nano Travel Adapter – Amazon LinkMYBAT Magnetic Portable Charger 5000mAh – Amazon LinkCable Matters Short Retractable USB-C Cable (3.3 ft) – Amazon Link
Transcribe →