The unexpected is part of travel, but being unprepared doesn’t have to be. Let’s figure out how to get ahead of it.

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson dives into something most travelers don’t think about until it’s too late: preparing for emergencies before you leave home.

Inspired by her recent conversation with Diana (Episode #146)—who found herself in Syria when rebel forces launched an attack—this episode is all about making sure you’re ready for the unexpected.

We’ll talk about 8 ways to set yourself up for success before you even leave home, from the steps you can take before you pack your bags to the tools that will help you feel more secure on the road.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a big adventure, this episode will leave you feeling more prepared and confident to tackle whatever comes your way.

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What would you do if your travel plans collided with a revolution?

In this episode, host Kim Anderson sits down with Diana, the solo traveler behind the popular Instagram account @justwanderlustblog, who shares her extraordinary journey through Syria.

With over 100 countries under her belt, Diana’s trip to Syria was about more than just exploration—it became a front-row seat to history when rebel forces launched an attack that kicked off an 11-day skirmish and overthrew Assad.

Diana recounts her experience navigating the warn torn country, witnessing the resilience of the Syrian people, and finding moments of unexpected kindness amidst the uncertainty.

She also shares the breathtaking beauty of being the only traveler visiting untouched ancient ruins, the safety precautions she took, and the lessons she learned about humanity.

This powerful episode is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of gratitude, especially when facing circumstances most of us can hardly imagine.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• The logistics of traveling in a heavily sanctioned country
• Day to day life goes on, even in war.
• What happens when it's illegal to quit your job
• Walking around with grocery bags full of cash
• Visas and border crossings - how do you get there?

RESOURCES:
Connect with Diana on Instagram

⚡ ROUND:
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
This must-have travel item for a good nights sleep

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Did you know women are responsible for a whopping 80% of all travel decisions?

In today's Travel Travel episode, host Kim Anderson delves into the surprising power of women in the travel industry.

Inspired by her conversation earlier this week with Stacy Ray (Episode #144), we'll uncover how your travel choices – from that cozy Airbnb to that eco-friendly tour – are shaping the world. We discuss how women aren't just travelers, but powerful forces driving economic growth and social change.

We discuss the way women's travel spending supports local economies, empowers female entrepreneurs, and promotes sustainable tourism.

Discover how your choices create a ripple effect that benefits communities worldwide. From boutique hotels and immersive cultural tours to adventure travel companies and sustainable initiatives, women are leading the way in creating meaningful travel experiences and changing the world as we go!

Get ready to be inspired by the incredible impact of female travelers and entrepreneurs! Tune in and unlock the true power of your wanderlust.

Want more? Check out these episodes featuring female entrepreneurs who are changing the game:

• Empowering Women Travelers: Building Confidence through Group Trips w/ Doni Belau #115
• The Realities of Entrepreneurship & Turning Your Passion Into Profit w/ Travel Girl Gang Creator, Ashley Jones #97
  
  

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Let's CONNECT!

• FREE GUIDE: Travel Longer for Less 🌏
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• Please Note: I may earn a small commission when purchasing through these links. It doesn't cost you anything extra but does help support the show.

What if your passport held the key to your reinvention?

Travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about finding freedom, building friendships, and stepping into the life you’ve always dreamed of.

This week’s guest, Stacey Ray, knows all about it. After exploring over 80 countries with her husband, she turned personal tragedy into purpose, founding Sisterhood Travels, a global movement that empowers women to embrace travel as a tool for connection and transformation.

Stacey's story is a testament to the power of resilience, and her trips have brought joy and healing to thousands of women worldwide.

In this episode, we talk about how travel can help you rediscover your confidence, the magic of women-only adventures, and why midlife is the perfect time for reinvention. You’ll hear about the power of community, the beauty of cultural immersion, and why saying “yes” to adventure is the ultimate act of self-care.

If you’re craving freedom, joy, and connection, you're in the right place!

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• The magic that happens when women gather together
• Connection and support are the medicine women need
• Ready for your Me-Moon?
• Midlife women aren't invisible, they're Invincible

RESOURCES:
Connect with Stacey at Sisterhood Travels: Website, Instagram, Facebook

⚡ ROUND:
Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr, Suess
Keep cool on the go with the Venti Portable Fan

EPISODE DETAILS:
05:44 - Live where you don't have any regrets
07:41 - Making friends as an adult is hard
16:43 - Middle-aged women are a powerful movement
17:30 - I'd rather die while I'm living
15:13 - When traveling we all learn new things
22:37 - There are honeymoons and baby moons, why not a me moon?

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Let's CONNECT!

• FREE GUIDE: Travel Longer for Less 🌏
• Instagram: @DesignHerTravel
• Start your travel fund with Acorns Investment and get $5 free!
• Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout
• Please Note: I may earn a small commission when purchasing through these links. It doesn't cost you anything extra but does help support the show.

If you only had one month to live, what would you most regret not doing?

In this inspiring Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson reflects on her recent conversation with adventurer Charlie Reynolds (Episode #142), who is riding a motorbike from Canada to Ushuaia, Argentina. Motivated by a deeply personal question, Charlie’s journey highlights the power of taking action and living life without regrets.

Kim dives into the profound lessons from their chat, exploring why dreams require action—not just planning—and how saying "yes" to adventure can transform your life.

Whether it’s pursuing location independence, traveling with your family, or finally booking that dream trip, this episode will inspire you to stop waiting and start doing.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• How asking the right questions can spark life-changing decisions
• The transformational growth that comes from bold adventures
• Why taking action is the greatest gift you can give yourself

Tune in and let’s make those dreams a reality!

What's your biggest dream or adventure?
Send Kim a DM and let her know! @designhertravel

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• Please Note: I may earn a small commission when purchasing through these links. It doesn't cost you anything extra but does help support the show.

What’s the one thing you’d regret not doing if you only had a month to live?

That’s the question that led adventure enthusiast Charlie Reynolds to start his current journey—a 30,000-kilometer solo motorbike ride from Canada to Ushuaia, Argentina, along the Pan-American Highway.

In this week’s episode, host Kim Anderson sits down with Charlie to hear how his love for exploration and the desire to live fully fueled his decision to sell everything and embark on this life-changing adventure.

Charlie shares the highs and lows of his Pan-American journey, including the logistics of solo travel, the personal growth he's experienced, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

We also dive into his incredible 21-day canoe trip through the dangerous and remote Darien Gap—a feat that’s both thrilling and sometimes terrifying.

Charlie’s story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the transformative power of stepping outside your comfort zone.

Whether you’re dreaming of your own adventure or just looking for some inspiration to pursue your passions, this episode will leave you motivated and ready to take on life’s biggest challenges.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• The appeal of the Pan American Highway
• Rescuing yourself when the going gets tough
• Why leaving is the most important part
• The way an epic adventure opens Pandora's Box

RESOURCES:
Follow Charlie's journey on Instagram @bemorecharles
⚡ ROUND BOOK: Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

WANT MORE? Check out these episodes:
What It’s Really Like to Overland Solo as a Woman Across Africa & the Middle East w/ Charline Ribotta #103

Roadmap to Happiness: Overlanding & Unschooling Around the World while Living a Global Mission w/ Brittney Highland of Hourless Life #41

The First Person to Travel to Every Country Without Flying w/ Thor Pedersen
Part One & Part Two

EPISODE DETAILS:
07:43 - Ask yourself, what would you regret most about life if you died in one month?
10:17 - Leaving is both the hardest and the most important part of any journey.
23:41 - When faced with any adventure or situation in life
39:21 - Life is always going to be difficult and there will always be fear.

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• Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout
• Please Note: I may earn a small commission when purchasing through these links. It doesn't cost you anything extra but does help support the show.

Have you ever wondered how to land those dream brand collaborations you see other travelers scoring?

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson breaks down the art of pitching and how it can help you build the travel life you’ve been dreaming about.

Inspired by her chat earlier this week with Leona Marlene (Episode #140), we’re diving into what makes a pitch stand out, why your value matters, and how to approach brands with confidence—even if you’re just getting started.

Whether you’re dreaming of turning travel into a side hustle or going full-time as a travel entrepreneur, this episode is packed with tips to help you take that next step.

Plus, Kim share why pitching isn’t just for beginners—everyone, even the pros, have to put themselves out there to land collaborations with brands they love.

This episode is practical and inspiring, and it’s for anyone ready to turn their travel dreams into reality. LFG!!!

Interested in learning how the some of the big names in the industry pitch?
Then check out these episodes:

1. Gen Z Travel Influencer: Building a Brand & Empire with over 500k Followers w/ PacksLight Creator, Gabby Beckford

2. Behind the Scenes of a Delta Brand Ambassador: FromCorporate Girlie to Full Time Travel Creator w/ Your Travel BFF Janelle on a Jet

3. The Art of Solo Travel: Navigating the World as a Full Time Content Creator w/ Savanna Crowell

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Let's CONNECT!

• FREE GUIDE: Travel Longer for Less 🌏
• Instagram: @DesignHerTravel
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• Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout
• Please Note: I may earn a small commission when purchasing through these links. It doesn't cost you anything extra but does help support the show.

Ever wondered how content creators land paid brand deals while traveling the world? This episode is for you.

If you've ever scrolled through your feed and wondered how travel content creators are getting paid to explore the world, this is your chance to find out. This week we're diving into everything you need to know about turning your travel obsession into a paycheck.

Join us as host, Kim Anderson chats with seasoned travel content creator, Leona Marlene, who inspires over 100k followers with her authentic storytelling about life as a full-time traveler. Leona is sharing her no-holds-barred advice on how to thrive as a content creator and avoiding burnout.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to pitch brands like a pro, learn about things to consider while building a personal brand, and the steps to ensure you're getting paid what you're worth in the growing influencer industry.

Leona opens up about her journey and gives you the real-world tips you need to succeed—from figuring out your niche to navigating the influencer world with confidence and professionalism.

Get ready to bust open that notes app, because Leona holds nothing back.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• How to start small and travel locally
• Finding your niche in the content creator world
• Crafting pitches that land dream brand partnerships
• Growth projections in the influencer and content creation industry
• The importance of staying professional
• How to keep the fun in content creation while building your brand

RESOURCES:
Connect with Leona: Instagram, TikTok & YouTube

WANT MORE?
Check out our recent episodes with Your Travel BFF @janelleonajet or @PacksLight Queen, Gabby Beckford

EPISODE DETAILS:
10:35 - It's amazing to be able to let go of those limiting beliefs and boundaries we kind of put on our self.

10:59 - The true joy in life is not chasing the next high

13:21 - We all are building our personal brand

14:41 - The beautiful thing about starting out is you can try a few different things and see what really catches on for you.

15:15 - Brands have to recognize that you're offering value.

16:10 - The biggest things are to just start

26:26 - It’s important to maintain a level of professionalism in this industry

40:47 - “The market in content creation and influencers is not over saturated

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Let's CONNECT!

• FREE GUIDE: Travel Longer for Less 🌏
• Instagram: @DesignHerTravel
• Start your travel fund with Acorns Investment and get $5 free!
• Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout
• Please Note: I may earn a small commission when purchasing through these links. It doesn't cost you anything extra but does help support the show.