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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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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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.

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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 wonder why you’re treated differently as a solo female traveler in certain countries?

Today, we’re diving into that very topic and uncovering what it means to experience foreign privilege while on the road and how to manage unwanted attentions along the way.

In this Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares insights inspired by her recent conversation with Samantha Shae of Intentional Detours (Episode #121). Samantha traveled through Pakistan and now lives in the Hunza Valley, where she’s seen firsthand the different ways foreign women are treated compared to local women. From special treatment to the unspoken challenges, we’ll explore how these differences can affect your experience as a traveler.

You’ll also learn practical tips for navigating unwanted attention, how dressing with cultural sensitivity can make a big difference, and why being aware of these dynamics is so important.

If you’re looking for ways to travel more thoughtfully and safely while embracing all the adventure, this episode is for you!

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What’s it like to be an American woman traveling solo in Pakistan?

This week, host Kim Anderson chats with Samantha Shae, an American who met her Pakistani husband while traveling solo through the breathtaking Hunza Valley.

Now married and living in his home region, Samantha shares her unique perspective on daily life in Pakistan, navigating cultural differences, and how speaking Urdu has helped her connect with the local community.

In this episode, you’ll hear all about what it’s really like to be a solo female traveler in Pakistan, from safety tips to understanding societal norms.

Samantha offers practical advice for those interested in visiting Pakistan, along with a candid look at the warm hospitality and genuine kindness of the people. Her life as part of a Pakistani family provides an insider's view into a culture that many travelers overlook.

Samantha founded Intentional Detours, a travel company offering group trips to Pakistan’s most beautiful and remote regions to help share her love of the country and its people.

Listen in to hear Samantha’s story of love and adventure, and why she believes Pakistan is a must-see destination for solo travelers.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• Cultural norms that make it safe to use public transportation as a woman traveling solo
• Life with 5 hours of electricity per day
• Hike breathtaking trails without another traveler in site
• Cultural differences throughout different regions of Pakistan
• Perception versus Reality of life in Pakistan

RESOURCES:
Connect with Samantha & Intentional Detours: Website, Instagram, YouTube
How Pakistan Changed my Life is the video referenced in the interview.

EPISODE DETAILS:
7:19 - You will experience the kindest people

10:05 - Foreign privilege as a sole female traveler

13:38 - Travel on public transportation with safety

17:30 - You won't accidentally wade into an unsafe place

23:35 - Pakistan is a nation that has many different cultural norms

40:10 - Extra power banks

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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.

Adventure is great, but maintaining your mental well-being while traveling is just as important—let’s talk about how to make both happen.

Traveling can be an incredible experience, but how do you stay mentally grounded when you're constantly on the move? In this episode, we’re diving into essential tips for keeping your mental health in check while you explore the world.

Inspired by her conversation earlier this week with Being Christina Jane (Episode #119) in today's Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson walks you through how to maintain your well-being while traveling. From creating simple routines to handling the most common mental health challenges, Kim shares practical advice to help you stay balanced and make the most of your journey.

You'll get insights on managing stress, staying connected with loved ones, and the importance of being prepared—mentally and physically—before you hit the road.

Plus, Kim touches on a few self-care practices that are easy to incorporate no matter where you are.

Whether you're planning a quick getaway or a long-term adventure, this episode is full of valuable tips to keep your mind in the right place so you can fully enjoy your travels.

Like this episode?
Then try Episode #77 to learn more about maintaining good mental health and preventing burnout with Productivity Coach, Ali West.

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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.

Curious about what it’s really like to embrace solo travel as a Black woman, navigate dating abroad, and adjust to life in unfamiliar cultures?

Join us as Christina, creator of the popular travel blog, Being Christina Jane, shares her transformative journey. From her first solo trip to Ghana to her current life abroad in Doha, she navigates dating, adapts to new cultures, and prioritizes mental health.

In this episode, Christina opens up about the highs, lows, and everything in between. Discover how she found patience and community in Ghana, and learn her insights on dating abroad, adapting to cultural norms, and setting personal boundaries.

We also discuss the importance of mental health while living an extraordinary life abroad. Christina shares how she stays grounded and balances the image we project online with who we truly are.

Whether you're curious about solo travel, life overseas, or simply need a mental health check-in, this episode offers practical advice and plenty of inspiration.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• What do you do when all your fears happen on your first trip
• Daily life in Doha
• How to maintain good mental health while living overseas
• Life lessons learned in Ghana

RESOURCES:
Connect with Christina: Being Christina Jane Website, Instagram
⚡ ROUND BOOK: All About Love by Bell Hooks

EPISODE DETAILS:
8:30 - Sometimes all of your fears can happen in one trip.and you can learn to make it work.learn to problem, solve and learn.

13:50 - Especially in the online space, who we really are and who people perceive us to be are sometimes very different.

14:54 - Mental health is an important part of life, no matter where you are.

18:27 - You don't know what's on the other side if you don't go

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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!
• 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 do you do when the world around you feels overwhelming and unrecognizable?

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson reflects on the power of humanity in the face of devastation, inspired by recent global events, including the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in the Southeastern U.S.

In this conversation, Kim shares the challenges of watching fellow humans suffer and highlights how communities are rising up to help one another.

As a traveler, you’ve likely experienced the kindness of strangers and the strength of local communities firsthand, and this episode reminds you that you can play a role, too. Whether it’s through supporting local efforts, donating to relief causes, or offering a helping hand, every small act you take makes a difference.

This episode isn’t about doom and gloom; it’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, you have the power to help.

Tune in to discover how you, as a traveler, can be part of a movement that brings light, hope, and change.

Together, we rise.

Tune in to EPISODE #117 to hear Jarryd's story.

CONTRIBUTE to the relief efforts in North Carolina & Tennessee
1. Manna Food Bank - Asheville
2. North Carolina Community Foundation
3. Samaritan's Purse
4. East Tennessee Foundation
5. Beloved Asheville

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.