Travel expert Samantha Brown’s journey in her career is quite remarkable.

After studying musical theater in college, Brown relocated to New York City to chase her acting dreams. “That meant I waited tables for about eight years while going to auditions,” she shared with YSL News. One of those auditions was for the Travel Channel’s “Great Vacation Homes,” which she successfully landed in 1999.

Now, celebrating 25 years as a travel television host, she’s back with her Emmy-winning series, “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love.” The upcoming eighth season, debuting this Friday on PBS, features destinations from cities in Germany such as Berlin and Leipzig to Traverse City, Michigan, and the Crystal Coast in North Carolina.

Prior to the season premiere, YSL News spoke with Brown about the evolution of travel in her lengthy career, what she’s gleaned about community, and why travelers should think twice before heading directly to baggage claim after their flights.

This interview has been shortened for brevity and clarity.

Question: Over the last 25 years, how do you think the travel industry has evolved?

Answer: It’s drastically different. When I began 25 years ago, we had the internet, but it wasn’t central to our travel experiences. I didn’t even bring a laptop; I just carried a thesaurus because I was the show’s writer. I needed varied vocabulary to avoid overusing words like “quintessential” or “quaint.”

The internet has truly opened up travel in many ways, not only by making flights more accessible. It allowed people to book flights directly, reducing the travel agency monopoly on those opportunities. However, planning travel isn’t necessarily simpler now. This is where travel agents continue to excel; they save you from getting lost in the overwhelming amount of information available now. But now, anyone can travel.

Initially, I believed travel was primarily for the wealthy—those with the money, time, and confidence to explore the world. But with the rise of the internet, YouTube, and social media, you now see diverse groups of people traveling, making adventures feel attainable for all types of travelers. That’s the incredible way travel has transformed.

While it’s tough to pick favorites, do you have any unforgettable journeys?

I still have a deep love for China. I visited in 2007, ahead of the 2008 Olympics. The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace left me in awe. I truly enjoyed interacting with the local people and learning about our differences.

A lot of us are familiar with Europe due to its prominence in American history. I found that visiting Europe often made me question my knowledge, and if I didn’t know something, I felt like an uninformed American. In contrast, China was liberating; I felt like a curious child, free to explore without judgment. That was such a wonderful experience.

Bringing it closer to home, my favorite city in the U.S. is Santa Fe, New Mexico. It beautifully blends Native American and Spanish cultures. I’ve filmed four series there and brought both my mother and sister on different trips. It’s a place I’ve returned to for both personal and professional reasons.

‘Places to Love’ highlights the people shaping each destination. What insights have you gained about communities and their significance in travel?

I’ve come to realize that the most important aspect of travel is those personal connections. That, to me, defines travel. I’ve started to value human interactions over historical landmarks like monuments and castles; they often keep you stuck in the past. However, when you engage with people, you fully immerse yourself in the present and possibly the future through those interactions.

When I initially joined the Travel Channel for the show “Passport to Europe,” my experiences revolved around ticking off landmarks and visiting museums, which often left me feeling somewhat isolated. At that time, the focus on these traditional travel highlights didn’t ignite my passion for traveling. However, with my own series, where I have more control, my approach is centered on people. Interactions and stories of the locals greatly enhance the way a destination impacts you.

You’ve mentioned that you prefer exploring lesser-known destinations. What characteristics define a great location for an episode of ‘Places to Love’?

Absolutely, we focus on locations that have vibrant activities. We steer clear of isolated areas where little is occurring. Instead, we shine a light on smaller cities.

These places often possess unique aspects that might not be immediately evident. For instance, in Huntsville, Alabama, there’s a fascinating history tied to NASA and a rich background in science and space exploration. Plus, it’s a reasonably priced area to live in, attracting many artists. Therefore, a combination of affordability and a high quality of life for its residents is essential, as this contributes to its appeal as a travel spot.

Whenever I share travel advice for quick getaways, I suggest looking for independent bookstores. These stores often draw in a community of wonderful shops, cafes, and restaurants. If a town supports local bookstores, it’s definitely worth visiting.

Having traveled extensively over the past 25 years, what top travel tips would you share?

People often feel overwhelmed when it comes to navigating airports, which can be a daunting experience.

First and foremost, to significantly reduce stress, arrive at the airport well in advance. I plan my arrival based on the flight’s boarding time rather than the departure time.  By aiming to reach the airport about two hours before boarding—regardless of whether I need to check in or go through security—I’ve built in enough time to avoid stress. I extend that timeframe to three hours during peak travel seasons, such as summer.

Another insightful tip involves what to do when you land at the airport. Most travelers immediately look for baggage claim and exits. Instead, take a moment to look around and plan for your return. Modern airports often have cool features, such as interesting local dining options or quick massage spots.  Always observe the security line while you’re exiting. Is it chaotic? How do they manage the flow? This information will be handy for your return visit.

For those traveling with kids – I have twins who are now 11, but we’ve taken trips together since they were just two months old. A tip that truly benefited my husband and me was that we never took advantage of the preboarding for families. Instead, we stayed at the gate while one parent or caregiver utilized the preboard to bring all the necessary gear aboard.  Once everything was settled, I would wait with the kids until the final boarding call. This way, we could get on quickly, settle in, and ideally depart not long after boarding.

It’s important to note that boarding is often the most stressful part of the flight, even for adults. There’s a palpable tension as we scramble to stow our luggage in overhead bins, which children definitely pick up on. Once the plane reaches cruising altitude at 30,000 feet, that built-up tension is often released.

What are you particularly eager for audiences to experience in the latest season of ‘Places to Love’?

This season, just like all our previous ones, offers a diverse array of travel experiences. We ventured to Costa Rica in July, which many might question due to it being the rainy season. However, it’s a fantastic time to visit. You’ll find lower prices, and despite the rain, temperatures remain around 85 degrees, which can actually feel quite refreshing.

I’m particularly thrilled about completing our journey along Route 66. This historic route will celebrate its centenary in 2026. We commenced in Illinois last year and thought, What if we did the entire route? So this year, we continue from St. Louis (home of the Gateway Arch) down to Santa Fe. Next, we’re set to film starting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and journey all the way to California.

Being in the midst of this adventure, I’m especially keen on the segments covering Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas panhandle – regions that many overlook. The history and the local people from these areas are truly captivating. You walk away from these experiences thinking, What an incredible country we live in!