In part two of their Vienna story, Ashley and Emily share the redemption arc after fleeing the Ritz-Carlton and checking into the Almanac Hotel Vienna. From the moment they arrive, the experience is a complete 180, with an effortless check-in, warm and thoughtful service, and a stylish, loft-like suite that finally delivers on comfort and design. They walk through what made the stay so special, including the spacious room layout, spa-like bathroom, Japanese toilet, deep soaking tub, cozy wellness area, and standout breakfast experience. Ashley recounts an unexpectedly perfect late-night work session in the hotel bar that turned into a masterclass in hospitality, while Emily reflects on why the Almanac felt worth the splurge after such a rough start to the trip. The episode wraps with practical advice on booking hotels in Vienna during Christmas market season, using Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, points versus cash stays, and why sometimes doing it “for the plot” makes the best travel story.

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****This episode was originally recorded as one long story, but it ended up being too wild not to split in two. Part one is the nightmare, and part two is the redemption.****

In this episode of Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily, they share the full, unfiltered story of what led them to sneak out of the Ritz-Carlton Vienna less than 24 hours after checking in. From exhausting travel delays and sky-high expectations to baffling service issues, tense front desk interactions, and a shockingly underwhelming suite, everything that could go wrong seemed to go wrong. Ashley and Emily walk through the moments that escalated from minor frustrations to a full-blown hotel breakup, including an unforgettable checkout attempt that turned into a literal escape. This episode sets the stage for the redemption arc to come in part two, when they move to the Almanac Hotel and finally get the Vienna experience they were hoping for.

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In this episode of Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily, Ashley and Emily kick off their European Christmas market series in Vienna, a city that completely surprised them. What they both once felt lukewarm about quickly became their favorite stop of the trip thanks to Vienna’s elegant decorations, abundance of Christmas markets, and magical holiday atmosphere. They share how the city transforms during the season, why staying multiple nights is worth it, and how each market offers its own vibe, food, and experience. From palace-front markets and cozy alley stalls to mulled wine mugs, snow globe shopping, and carousel regrets, they break down what made Vienna so special and why it’s now a destination they want to return to every Christmas. They also cover practical tips like what to wear in the cold, cash versus card at the markets, getting around the city, and how to plan your days to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

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Today on the Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily podcast, the girls are comparing their experiences flying United Polaris Business Class.

Ashley shares a few smart ways to find lie-flat seats on domestic routes, including checking airplane configurations before you book. She also spills some insider tips for spotting the best-value business class options when you’re searching award flights.

Emily shares all about her time in the Polaris lounge — and why it’s absolutely worth making sure you’re in the real Polaris lounge, not just the regular United Club. She gives the full scoop on the food, service, and her in-flight experience, while Ashley pays homage to the famous cookie skillet that everyone still dreams about.

Together, they compare the bedding, seat setup, food, service, and overall comfort — and, of course, reveal whether they’d fly Polaris again. If you’ve ever wondered what makes this product stand out (and whether it’s really worth your points or cash), this episode is packed with firsthand insight, laughs, and honest reviews from both sides of the aisle.

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Today on Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily, Emily picks up with the second part of her incredible French Polynesian honeymoon — this time in dreamy Bora Bora. She shares how she scored an amazing deal at the Westin Bora Bora using points and gives a fantastic tip for flying between islands on Air Tahiti that every traveler should know.

Emily walks through the check-in and resort tour process, including the unexpected shenanigans required just to get a bike, and shares her honest take on the hotel’s amenities, food, and breakfast options. She also reveals why she believes this property has the best view in all of Bora Bora.

Finally, Emily opens up about what she learned during a tour of the main island — from Bora Bora’s dark past to the challenges locals still face today. It’s a mix of paradise, perspective, and practical tips you won’t want to miss.

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Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily is back — and this time, Emily’s fresh from her honeymoon in French Polynesia! In this two-part series, the girls dive into every detail of the trip, starting with their time in beautiful Tahiti.

Emily shares why waiting a bit after the wedding to take their honeymoon turned out to be the best decision, plus all the details from their stay at the Hilton Tahiti — from the surprising average guest age to her honest thoughts on the pool and lounge chair situation.

You’ll hear about a fun (and unexpected!) status perk, what lounge access really offers, and their favorite off-property excursions. It’s full of practical tips, funny moments, and all the dreamy Tahitian vibes.

Be sure to tune in next week for Part 2, when Emily takes us along to Bora Bora!

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The Travel Chat ladies are back and this time Ashley is sharing one of her most ambitious adventures yet - the Turkish Airlines Million Miles Challenge. While she hasn't finished the challenge yet she already has some crazy stories to share. In just 11 days, she crisscrossed the globe with a route that took her from the US to Ireland, Dubai, Istanbul, Estonia, Bogotá, Miami, and finally back home to Raleigh. Along the way, she tried JetBlue Mint for the first time, endured hours stuck on the tarmac, and even made time for a stop at a Texas Roadhouse in Dubai.

Her whirlwind journey wasn’t just for the story — when it’s all said and done, Ashley will have earned 1 million Turkish miles worth at least $40,000 in travel. She breaks down how she pieced together the absolute cheapest flights to make it possible, shares the method behind the madness, and even reveals the best place in Europe to score luxury goods at unbeatable prices.

If you love points and miles, wild shenanigans, and epic travel stories, this is one you don’t want to miss.

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This week on Travel Chat with Ashley & Emily
They're back with the second half of their hosted stay at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando — but this time, it’s all about the details! After last week’s big-picture overview, Ashley and Emily are diving deep into the incredible amenities that make this resort so special.

From world-class golf and a dreamy spa to standout dining, seamless transportation, and next-level service, they’re covering it all. If you loved the first part of their hosted stay, you won’t want to miss this conclusion — packed with insider tips, personal experiences, and everything you need to know before booking your own getaway.

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