Most people fantasize about escaping the modern world—this woman actually did it.

In this week’s episode, host Kim Anderson sits down with Miriam Lancewood, international bestselling author and wilderness explorer, whose life story reads like a modern-day survival epic.

Miriam and her husband Peter walked into the wilds of New Zealand in 2010 with no technology, no back-up plan, and a big question: What happens to mind and body when you live far away from civilization? That one question shaped their next seven years—and changed their lives forever.

You’ll hear about the life skills it takes to truly live off the land, what it means to hunt your own food after growing up vegetarian, and why boredom might be one of the greatest teachers of all. Miriam also shares the story of their nomadic lifestyle across Europe, settling in the Bulgarian mountains, and the deep clarity that only nature can provide.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What it really takes to survive in the wilderness without modern tools or tech
• The unexpected truths about hunting, solitude, and slowing way down
• Why living with nature transforms your body, mind, and relationship

If you've ever dreamed of escaping the chaos and returning to something more primal, this episode is for you. Tune in—you might just walk away rethinking the way you live.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Miriam: Website & YouTube

Pick Up a Copy of Her Books:

1. Woman in the Wilderness
2. Wild at Heart: The Dangers of a Nomadic Life

WANT MORE? Check Out these episodes from other female adventurers:

• Rowing Across the Pacific, Breaking World Records & Redefining Leadership through Adventure Travel w/ Sophia Denison Johnston #32
• Walking the World: One Woman’s 20,000-Mile, 7-Year Journey Across 4 Continents w/ Angela Maxwell #154

EPISODE DETAILS:

05:17 - You don't have to work in order to live

13:18 - The miracle

15:13 - Confidence comes by comparison

26:14 - When you have nothing but time

35:50 - The key to a healthy, long-lasting relationship

Support the show

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Let's connect on Instagram! @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.

Ever had a place just click for you in a way you couldn’t explain?

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares what makes a place feel like home—and why that answer is never one-size-fits-all.

Inspired by her conversation with Nancy De Losa (Episode #166), who splits her time between Australia and Italy, Kim reflects on her own first experience in Italy, the instant connection she felt, and how that feeling shaped her travels going forward.

You’ll hear Kim’s personal story of living in the port of Rome, building community abroad, and learning to embrace the places that speak to your soul—whether or not anyone else understands. Because the truth is, what you love about a place might be exactly what someone else can’t stand—and that’s the beauty of it all.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why “What’s your favorite place?” isn’t always an easy question
• How to trust your gut when a place just feels right
• The importance of letting your travel experiences be yours—without comparison

If you’ve ever felt at home in a faraway place—or still wonder where that feeling might show up for you—this episode is your sign to keep exploring. So grab your coffee, press play, and let’s talk about the places that stay with you.

Craving more Italy–Australia inspo? Check out Episode #113 with fellow Italian-Australian Cristian Bonetto—a Lonely Planet author and travel writer with his own take on life between these two beautiful places.

Support the show

More Travel, Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @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.

Ever wondered what it takes to turn your passion into a lifestyle—and your lifestyle into a business?

In this week’s episode, host Kim Anderson dives into the world of cycling, travel, and entrepreneurship with Nancy De Losa, co-founder of A’qto Cycling. Nancy’s journey spans across two continents—Australia and Italy—where she and her husband have built a boutique cycling tour company that blends sport, food, culture, and adventure. With a corporate marketing background and a passion for wellness and connection, Nancy’s story is the perfect blend of business and lifestyle design.

What can you expect in this episode?

A conversation filled with insights on how to transform a passion into a thriving business, and the rewarding challenges of living across two continents.

You’ll hear about the evolution of A’qto Cycling and why slowing down and embracing a seasonal lifestyle can bring unexpected joy and fulfillment.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• The secret sauce behind curating high-end cycling tours that offer more than just sport
• The lifestyle rewards and challenges of splitting time between Australia and Italy
• Why aligning your business with your personal values creates ultimate freedom

This episode is for dreamers, cyclists, aspiring digital nomads, and anyone craving inspiration on how to design a life they love—whether on the bike or off.

Tune in for a journey of transformation, passion, and adventure!

RESOURCES:

Connect with Nancy: A'qto Website, Instagram, Facebook

⚡ ROUND BOOK: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

EPISODE DETAILS:

14:10 - Being partners in both business and in life

14:36 - If you're interested in becoming a travel entrepreneur

23:33 - Finding success as a travel entrepreneur

26:32 - Starting your own business

Support the show

More Travel, Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @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.

Your suitcase is late—but what if I told you that’s a good thing?

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares a little-known travel hack that could score you free airline miles—all for waiting at baggage claim. Inspired by her conversation with Betsy (Episode #164), an Alaska Airlines points and miles expert, Kim breaks down exactly how this perk works, who’s eligible, and how to make sure you don’t miss out on easy miles the next time your bag takes its sweet time arriving.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The airline policies that reward you for delayed baggage.
• How to claim your miles (and the key deadlines you can’t miss!).
• Pro tips to make sure you always get the compensation you deserve.

So, the next time your suitcase is MIA at baggage claim, don’t stress—get rewarded. Tune in now!

Like this and want more? Check out these episodes for more travel hacking tips & inspiration!

• Travel More, Spend Less: The Ultimate Guide to Budget Travel Hacking w/ Kendyl Grender #58
• Behind the Scenes of a Delta Brand Ambassador: From Corporate Girlie to Full-Time Travel Creator w/ Janelle on a Jet #129

SIGN UP for our weekly newsletter and get exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from each episode!

Support the show

More Travel, Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

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 wish you could fly business class without paying business class prices?

In this episode of Design Her Travel, host Kim Anderson sits down with Betsey, an Alaska Airlines points and miles expert who’s cracked the code on how to travel in luxury without draining your bank account. From grocery store hacks to unexpected redemption perks, you’ll learn how to stretch every dollar into travel rewards—especially if you’re flying Alaska Airlines.

Whether you’re completely new to the travel hacking game or you’re ready to level up your strategy, this episode will teach you smart, repeatable, and surprisingly easy ways to earn and redeem Alaska Airlines miles for maximum value.

You’ll learn:

• Why Alaska Airlines is one of the hottest loyalty programs right now
• How to earn miles on groceries, gift cards, and even late luggage
• How to book premium travel without spending premium money

This episode is for you if you're ready to stop watching everyone else fly first class and start doing it yourself—without spending more than you already are. Seriously, if you can buy a coffee, you can earn miles. Press play and prepare to be blown away.

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Betsey on Instagram @heralaskatravels
• ⚡ROUND Book: We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
• Looking for that carryon with a seat? Check it out here: MiaMilly

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• Behind the Scenes of a Delta Brand Ambassador: From Corporate Girlie to Full-Time Travel Creator w/ Janelle on a Jet #129

EPISODE DETAILS:

13:56 - Alaska and Hawaiian airlines recently merged

16:33 - If you are an Alaskan native

18:57 - Amex platinum cards are a great way to get 5 points

20:08 - There are lots of ways to stack points and miles

Support the show

More Travel, Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

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.

Dreaming of taking your furry best friend on a European adventure? You’ll need this first.

In this week's Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson breaks down everything you need to know about the EU Pet Passport—the must-have document that makes traveling across Europe with your pet a breeze.

Inspired by world travelers like Tom Turcich (who walked the globe with his dog, Savannah – Episode #162) and Stephanie & Gillian of Our Freedom Years (who roam with their two pups – Episode #20), this episode tackles the big questions:

• What exactly is an EU Pet Passport, and who needs one?
• How do you get one—and why can’t you get it before arriving in the EU?
• What are the biggest mistakes pet owners make (and how can you avoid them)?

If you’re planning to explore Europe with your four-legged companion, this episode is your one-stop guide to stress-free pet travel. Grab your leash, your pup (or cat… or ferret?), and tune in!

CONNECT with Kim and Support the Show:

• Instagram @designhertravel
• Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter

Support the show

More Travel, Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

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.

One man, one dog, and a seven-year journey across 38 countries—this is their story.

In this episode, host Kim Anderson sits down with Tom Turcich, the tenth person to ever walk around the world—and the first to do it with a dog. After the sudden loss of a close friend, Tom was compelled to make the most of life. The day before his 26th birthday, he set out on an adventure that spanned seven years, 38 countries, and 28,000 miles, redefining his understanding of travel, resilience, and human connection.

Along the way, Tom faced extreme weather, illness, and the loneliness of long stretches on the road. He also gained an unexpected travel companion—Savannah, a rescue dog who became his loyal partner in adventure. From the mental and physical challenges of walking the world to the powerful lessons he learned about patience, purpose, and embracing the unknown, Tom’s journey is as inspiring as it is extraordinary.

Tune in to hear:
✔️ How grief and a love for adventure fueled Tom’s world walk
✔️ The logistics of walking across continents (with a dog!)
✔️ Life lessons from the road—why patience and presence are key to any dream

Whether you're dreaming of your own big adventure or looking for motivation to take the next step in life, Tom’s story will leave you inspired.

CONNECT with Kim and Support the Show:

• Instagram @designhertravel
• Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter

CONNECT WITH TOM:

• Website: The World Walk
• Pick Up Your Copy of Tom's Book

RESOURCES Mentioned in the Episode:

• Episode #154: Walking the World: One Woman’s 20,000-Mile, 7-Year Journey Across 4 Continents w/ Angela Maxwell
• Into the Wild by John Krakauer
• Karl Bushby
• Steve Newman

WANT MORE? Check out these episodes:

• Part One: The First Person to Travel to Every Country Without Flying w/ Thor Pedersen - Once Upon a Saga (Episode #59)
• Part Two: The First Person to Travel to Every Country Without Flying w/ Thor Pedersen - Once Upon a Saga (Episode #61)

EPISODE DETAILS:

5:25 You only have so much time in this one life

6:15 Dreams require commitment

8:26 You only get this one life

14:58 If you are living your dreams

25:36 The more you travel, the more you realize

36:21 We are all small humans

Support the show

More Travel, Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

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.

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson explores how your spending choices can make travel more meaningful and sustainable.

Supporting women-owned businesses isn’t just a feel-good decision—it’s a powerful way to create authentic connections, uplift communities, and contribute to sustainable tourism. This conversation was inspired by Kim’s discussion with Vanessa Karel (Episode #160), founder of the travel start-up GreetHer, who is passionate about empowering women through travel.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

✨ How choosing women-owned businesses can make your travels more impactful and immersive

✨ The economic ripple effect of supporting female entrepreneurs abroad

✨ Why women-led businesses are essential to sustainable travel

You’ll also get practical tips on how to find and support women-owned businesses worldwide—so you can make every travel dollar count.

Tune in now and start traveling with purpose!

Like this? Check out these episodes on sustainable travel:

The Mindful Traveler: Redefining Adventures in the Age of Sustainability w/ Author & Travel Writer Nina Karnikowski #54

The Ripple Effect: Women Leading the $2.5T Global Travel Revolution #145

Travel Talk - How Women Travelers Spark Positive Change #70

Support the show

More Travel, Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

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.