Ever thought about volunteering while traveling? Learn how to start, what to expect, and why it could be your most rewarding adventure yet!

In today's travel talk episode, host Kim Anderson explores the world of volunteer tourism—a unique way to see the world while giving back. Inspired by her conversation with Niamh McAnally (Episode #125), she dives deep into all things volunteer travel!

From environmental conservation to teaching English, she breaks down the types of volunteer travel opportunities available, offers tips on how to start, and shares insights on how this travel style deepens connections with the places and people you encounter.

We’ll also explore the pros and cons of free and paid programs and why volunteer tourism might be the life-changing experience you’re looking for.

Join us as we uncover how to travel with meaning, explore opportunities, and dive into the world as a volunteer tourist!

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What if sailing the seas could lead you to both adventure and love?

In this week’s episode, host Kim Anderson sits down with bestselling author Niamh McAnally, who shares her journey of volunteer travel, living aboard a sailboat, and finding love along the way. From working with sea turtles to crossing the Caribbean, Niamh’s story is filled with heart and adventure.

In this episode, you'll hear Niamh’s story of leaving behind her career to explore island nations in the Caribbean and South Pacific, volunteering her time, and living among locals. She shares how these experiences opened up a deeper connection to the world and ultimately led her to meet the love of her life while sailing the Bahamas.

Expect to be inspired by Niamh’s tales of adventure, including her work with turtle conservation, her unique view on service through travel, and how her time at sea has shaped both her life and writing.

Whether you're curious about volunteer travel, sailing, or how life can surprise you with love when you least expect it, this episode has something for you.

Tune in and discover how travel can open your heart to the world—and maybe lead you to places (and people) you never imagined.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• What sailing can teach you about relationships
• Paid volunteer VS. Unpaid Volunteer Opportunities
• What it's like to restart life at 55
• Finding either the gift or the lesson in a situation

RESOURCES:
Connect with Niamh:
WEBSITE: The Writer on the Water
Niamh's BOOKS:
1. Following Sunshine: A Voyage Around the Mind, Around the World, Around the Heart
2. Flares Up (shortlisted for the Sunday Times Sports Book Award)

⚡ ROUND BOOK:
SOLO: On Her Own Adventure by Susan Fox Rogers

EPISODE DETAILS:
02:00 - Life is like the ebb and flow of the tides in the ocean.

11:50 - We are all the same at the core level. We just want to love and be loved.

13:57 - Remember to stay present in each and every moment.

20:41 - - Ask yourself, why is this happening for me and not to me.

24:24 - Be careful what you ask the universe for because you might just get it

We're now booking guests for 2025!
Is there someone you'd love to hear on the show?
LMK! Send me a DM Instagram @DesignHerTravel
Think you'd be a great fit as a guest? Apply Here

Support the show

Let's CONNECT!

• FREE GUIDE: Travel Longer for Less 🌏
• Let's connect on 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.

Curious about the places your ancestors called home and the stories they left behind?

In this week's Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson dives into heritage travel—also known as ancestry or genealogy travel—an immersive way to connect with your family’s story through travel.

Inspired by her conversation with Erica Forrest (EPISODE #123), creator of Trip Scholars, Kim explores how digging into family history can turn any trip into a personal journey of self-discovery.

Get ready to uncover practical tips for planning your first ancestry adventure, from researching family origins to finding local connections and re-enacting traditional ways of life. This episode is your guide to designing a trip that bridges generations and makes family history come alive.

Whether you’re planning a solo journey to uncover your roots or a unique family trip that honors your heritage, tune in for everything you need to make this trip one to remember.

We're now booking guests for 2025!
Is there someone you'd love to hear on the show?
LMK! Send me a DM Instagram @DesignHerTravel
Think you'd be a great fit as a guest? Apply Here

Support the show

Let's CONNECT!

• FREE GUIDE: Travel Longer for Less 🌏
• Let's connect on 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.