Sometimes, achieving your dreams requires more than just a plan—it calls for this one thing: Blind confidence or as PacksLight creator, Gabby Beckford called it (Episode #101), delusional optimism.

In this Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson explores the grit, tenacity, and optimism needed to build a life you love, even when the path feels uncertain. Inspired by her conversation earlier this week with corporate gal turned full time travel creator, Janelle on a Jet (Episode #129) this episode is the medicine you need to help fuel your dreams.

If you’re ready to take one step toward your dreams and trust in the process, this episode is for you. Be sure to save it for those moments when you need a little extra inspiration, and remember—you’ve got this.

What steps are you taking toward your dream life today?
Let me know over on Instagram @DesignHerTravel

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Think travel creators have it easy? Think again.

Once an engineer, Janelle on a Jet is now a full-time travel creator, known as the Internet’s Travel BFF, sharing authentic, relatable, and inspiring travel stories online. Whether it’s scoring first-class upgrades, managing cash flow as an entrepreneur, or navigating plus-size travel challenges, Janelle keeps it real while traveling the world in style.

In this episode, you’ll discover Janelle’s journey from her first travel hacks to landing long-term brand deals with companies like Delta.

You’ll also hear about the ups and downs of leaving a stable career to take a leap into the unknown and why being your true self is the ultimate key to success.

Get ready for actionable tips, a behind-the-scenes look at the content creator lifestyle, and plenty of inspiration to fuel your own adventures.

Tune in now, and don’t forget to share your favorite moment by tagging @DesignHerTravel on Instagram!

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• Managing cash flow as a creator
• Finding empowerment through entrepreneurship
• Landing your dream collaboration

CONNECT with Janelle: Instagram, Tiktok, YouTube

⚡ ROUND RESOURCES:
World Travel by Anthony Bourdain
Hot Tub Boats Seattle

EPISODE DETAILS:
06:51 - Sometimes all you need is the blind confidence
12:09 - Being an entrepreneur is empowering
13:18 - Saying yes is important, but sometimes saying no is even more important
15:01 - Managing your cash flow
26:16 - Sometimes the travel creation world can feel a little like a highlight reel.

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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.

In today's Travel Talk episode with host, Kim Anderson, we’re diving into the magic of finding your “why” and how it can lead you to a life filled with purpose, freedom, and adventure.

Inspired by Kim's recent chat with midlife travelers Brad and Sheila Crow (Episode #127) we’re exploring how knowing your “why” can be the compass for every choice you make—whether that’s planning a dream trip or building a life you truly love.

We’ll talk about how a clear “why” can fuel your journey, keep you inspired during challenging times, and open up a world of possibilities you never saw coming.

If you’re ready to travel with intention and design a life that aligns with your heart, this episode is for you. So, grab a cuppa and settle in!

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• 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.

Wondering how to make travel a big part of your life without blowing your budget?

In this episode, host Kim Anderson chats with Brad and Sheila Crow - a couple who’s done just that—traveling to 46 countries and creating an Instagram following that’s all about helping others reimagine what’s possible in midlife.

With years of experience across six continents, they’ve found ways to make travel affordable, accessible, and just plain fun. Learn about their journey and how they’ve built a thriving online space for adventure seekers at any age.

They share their best travel hacks and open up about how traveling together has strengthened their relationship along the way.

You’ll also hear about their unique approach to travel planning and why they’re all about creating experiences that cater to different budgets—because they believe adventure should be for everyone.

So, tune in for this week's travel inspiration!

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• Explosive social media growth after finding your niche
• The way travel styles change over time
• Strengthening your relationship through travel
• The need for midlife faces in social media

RESOURCES:
Connect with Brad & Sheila - Travel With the Crows: Website, Instagram

EPISODE DETAILS:
02:56 - If you want to find a relationship that is full of travel, then make it a requirement that they have a passport

06:11 - Don't wait until you're old or retired to travel

18:18 - Sometimes it is really nice to just slow down

22:07 - To keep things working smoothly, and the relationship on an even keel while you're traveling, remember to H.A.L.T

22:45 - Focusing on the positive that you are experiencing and enjoying time together really does contribute

25:35 - Travel doesn't mean that you have to hop on a plane.

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Let's CONNECT!

• FREE GUIDE: Travel Longer for Less 🌏
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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 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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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.

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

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Let's CONNECT!

• FREE GUIDE: Travel Longer for Less 🌏
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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.

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.

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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.

Ready to be inspired by a woman transforming travel into a deeper learning experience?

This week host Kim Anderson chats with Erica Forrest, a travel education specialist, published author, and founder of Trip Scholars. With over 30 years of experience in education and travel, Erica helps people make their trips more meaningful through her LEARN through travel method.

In this episode, Erica shares how she combines her passion for travel and education to help others connect with destinations on a deeper level.

You’ll learn how she uses travel as a tool for personal growth and as a key component in her kids homeschool education. Erica also shares insights into heritage travel and the unique ways she helps others create transformative journeys.

Whether you’re interested in deepening your travel experiences or looking for practical tips to enrich your adventures, Erica offers actionable advice you won’t want to miss. From travel coaching to cultural immersion, this episode is full of ideas to elevate your next trip.

Ready to make your travels more meaningful? Tune in now to be inspired by Erica’s unique approach to learning through travel!

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• How to create a meaningful trip
• Travel coaching - what is it and do you need it?
• Reconnecting to your roots through ancestry travel
• The ways travel makes you feel alive

RESOURCES:
Connect with Erica: Trip Scholars Website, Instagram

⚡ ROUND BOOKS:
On the Road by Jack Kerouac

EPISODE DETAILS:
5:38 - Travel not only shows us just what a small piece we are in the world, but it also shows us just how significant we are.

13:15 - Travel coaches can help you when you are planning asignificant trip.

18:45 - If you find yourself with a long list of fears about a trip, it might be holding you back, then grab a pen and a journal, and list out all of the fears that you have.

21:47 - If you are looking for a meaningful trip, consider taking an ancestry trip.

31:03 - One of the best reasons to travel is that it allows you to feel keenly awake and keenly alive in each moment.

Want travel tips and a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast?
SIGN UP for our weekly newsletter here!
It's just the good stuff, I promise. No spam here.

Support the show

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.