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 🌏
• Let's connect on Instagram: @DesignHerTravel
• Start your travel fund with Acorns Investment and get $5 free!
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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.

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.

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.

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.