My Just You Story: Karen Goodall

Consistently rated a five star experience by your fellow Just You customers, we were keen to get the lowdown on the highlights of America’s Music Heritage. We spoke to Karen Goodall to get her verdict, and it seems that whether you’re a music fan or not, there’s a lot to love about this tour, with inspiring history and heritage, and a few surprises along the way.

I've always wanted to explore North America, as I’m a big movie fan and of course the US and Canada are full to the brim with filming locations. I chose America’s Music Heritage as I have never seen Nashville or Memphis before, and I thought it would be interesting to learn more about their musical history.

There were 25 in the group, which gave me the opportunity to meet different people. A few of us really hit it off and we would tag along with each other, but then other days it was nice to bump into other folks on tour and spend time with them.

In Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame was a big highlight for me and just looking on at the walls, full to the brim with hit records was amazing. We learned a lot about country music, and the stars behind the iconic tracks. I like such a variety of music, so this tour was a great way to not only learn about them, but gain an appreciation for them.

Also, it was fantastic to get out and explore Nashville itself, seeing all the different areas and buildings. There’s even a Batman Building; it’s actually a telecoms building but it looks just like Batman’s cowl. It’s pretty cool to see for yourself and it’s difficult to miss as it’s the tallest building in Tennessee.

And when in Nashville(!) I had to buy a cowboy hat to get into the rhythm of things. At $40 it was a bit of a bargain and the US is a great place to stock up on clothing at lower prices than the UK. So keep plenty of room in your luggage!

Beale Street in Memphis was an eye opener, the atmosphere is incredible with the sounds of live music spilling out onto the streets. We went to BB King’s blues club to have a meal and watch a band perform, we had a wonderful time.

At the Stax Museum of Music, I loved listening to a duet by two students from the Stax Music Academy perform, they were phenomenal. It was a privilege to learn about musicians of the future, not just the legacy of artists from the past.

I revel in doing something a bit different to the norm, and our Holiday Director Jackie was fantastic at bringing us all together for some unique experiences.

One of those moments was entering the Peabody Hotel in Memphis for the duck march. Watching them being led through the hotel by the Duck Master, it’s extraordinary, we were all captivated.

It's been a daily tradition for 90 years now, and what started as a joke by the General Manager in the 1930s, soon developed into a world famous attraction. It just goes to show you that no idea is a silly one as ideas have legs, and feathers it seems!

I’m not a huge Elvis fan but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Graceland and Tupelo. I learned so much about his life, I hadn’t realised he had a twin brother or that growing up, his family were really poor. He loved his cars as you’ll discover in the museum here, including a striking pink Cadillac.

When you move inside to his stately home and see his records room and plush bedroom it’s like two completely different worlds colliding. It also feels a bit haunting and sad too, like time has stood still.

You also have the flexibility to head off on your own too of course, which is what I did in New Orleans. I ducked out of the swamp tour as I had done it before. The hotel was really centrally located and it was a great opportunity to explore.

I strolled down by the riverside and visited a war museum. I bumped into a couple of chaps in the group, so it’s quite nice that you never feel completely alone on a Just You tour either – there’s a nice sense of familiarity. The museum was interesting, as you’re seeing history being told from the American viewpoint.

I booked the paddle steamer excursion which was great fun to take in the city from the river, and of course it’s a source of heritage, so nice to feel part of history too.

You visit a number of recording studios on this tour, and I was taken aback by just how small the studio rooms are, it’s hard to believe that they managed to record anything! The studio tours are great as you learn so much about how music is recorded, and some of the artists behind the hit songs which was really insightful.

If you’ve got your eye on this tour, my advice is regardless of whether you’re a music fan or not, just go for it, take it all in, live it and breathe it. There are many fascinating stories and unexpected encounters to be enjoyed on this trip. If I was to visit again, I would love to spend more time in Beale Street in Memphis to check out more restaurants and bands.

And recalling my very first solo trip, the advice I would have given myself back then would have been don’t be shy, talk to people, ask questions and be curious. I used to lack confidence but solo travel has helped me to come out of my shell and grow as a person.

I highly recommend booking an airport hotel the day before you travel, regardless of your flight time. It just means you can relax and allow plenty of time to get there, and can start your trip refreshed and not frazzled. It’s worth every penny.

Travel is in my blood and I started travelling solo with Just You as I wanted to see more of the world. I think I get it from my dad, who was a merchant seaman and travelled all over the world.

I book with Just You as I feel safe and I know I have someone there just in case there’s ever a problem. Jackie, our Holiday Director, was always switched on, ready to greet us with a smile and was available to the whole group.

My next trip is Canada’s Eastern Splendours, which was influenced in part by a Michael Portillo show which featured Quebec and Ottawa, which are included on this itinerary. I look forward to seeing new places and meeting new people.

I’m still in touch with one lady from my first trip in 2001, Fran. She lives in Devon and we still call and write to each other, and we always reminisce about our adventures which is nice. With Just You, you collect moments to last a lifetime, and my photo wall at home is a fond reminder of all the journeys so far, with plenty of space for lots more to come too!