Explore & Expand

One of the questions our group travel participants ask us most is: how did you two meet? Buckle up, because in this episode, we spill the tea on the origins of our real life friendship. From meeting on the the sales floor at Pier One Imports and dancing on bars in our youth, to leading boutique travel experiences around the world, we share all the highs and lows of 25 years of deep friendship, and...

Ever wondered how seasoned travelers seem to have everything but the kitchen sink zipped into their carry-on, while the rest of us somehow seem to be overpacked and underprepared? We've been there! And, over our many years hosting retreats all over the world, we've finally nailed down the travel must-haves. In this episode, we unzip the mysteries of our "not your average" packing list, and spill (...

Have you ever wanted to go on a trip, but something held you back? We can relate. There are always reasons why "not" to take the trip of a lifetime: time, money, fear of the unknown. And yet every single time we've taken the trip, despite all those familiar reasons that could have held us back, we are so damn glad we did. Join us for as we reminisce about some of the most pivotal travel experience...

At Explore & Expand Retreats, we're redefining success—moving away from the pursuit of "more" and toward the fulfillment of "enough." To us, successful growth looks like deeper relationships, more profound experiences, and a business rooted in authenticity and heart. Join us for a conversation about what this means for us, and why it matters for you. If you prefer a quick read, our latest blog pos...

Gather 'round everyone, it's story time! In this episode, hear some of our most cringe-worthy our travel foibles. We'll share the 5 most important lessons we've learned abroad, so that you don't have to make the same mistakes! -------------------------------- Curious about our travel philosophy, or what has folks travel with us year after year? Check out our website ! Want to join us on a future r...

In this episode, we teach you our best tips and tricks for packing for every situation. Included in this episode: how to pack minimally while still prioritizing personal comfort what we pack with us no matter where in the world we're traveling what we leave at home no matter where we're traveling packing mistakes we've made so that you don't have to Tune in, and let us know your packing must have'...

Welcome back, Explore & Expand podcast fam! We are back from our most recent retreat in Italy with an Ah-mazing group of participants, and have a few practical travel tips to share! From how to manuever public transit to our do's and don'ts for choosing a restaurant, we've got you covered.   Curious about our travel philosophy, or what has folks travel with us year after year? Check out our websit...

In this episode, we share with you some of our all-time favorite, sensory related travel experiences. We continent hop our way from Latin America to Southeast Asia and back again, exploring our favorite sights, smells, sounds, tastes, and sensations along the way. Join us! Want to follow join us for soulful and sometimes silly conversations on Insta? Follow us: https://instagram.com/exploreandexpa...

While last episode we share some of our all time favorite meals from around the world, in this episode we share about...bugs (and other unexpected treats) we have eaten! Join us for a fun, occasionally itchy, and surprisingly delicious episode of bug-inspired delicacies!  We wanna know about the bugs you have eaten! Send us a note! info@exploreandexpandretreats.com Want to follow join us for soulf...

By popular request, today we tell tales about some of our very favorite meals and edible treats around the globe. From Italy to Morocco (and back to Italy again!), we share in vibrant detail, some of our most sensational flavor experiences from around the world. We get more and more excited (and caffeinated) as the episode unfolds; join us for allll the glorious details of some of our very favorit...

By popular request, today we tell tales about some of our very favorite meals and edible treats around the globe. From Italy to Morocco (and back to Italy again!), we share in vibrant detail, some of our most sensational flavor experiences from around the world. We get more and more excited (and caffeinated) as the episode unfolds; join us for allll the glorious details of some of our very favorit...

Are you missing travel these days as much as we are? Join in as we share 4 of the most inspiring places we've ever visited, and wanderlust right along with us. You may walk away with some new places to visit, as well as a newfound appreciation for your own inspiring travel memories.  As always, feel free to check us out on the 'gram at @exploreandexpandretreats or online at www.exploreandexpandret...

Join Carrie and Kelly for a candid convo on our best tips for plane travel. By the end, you just might find yourself ready for your next flight, or in our words, a "mini-retreat in the sky."  In the meanwhile, browse our upcoming bucket list retreats for intrepid travelers online at Explore & Expand Retreats.

What's the difference between a comfort zone and a boundary? Why are we advocates of getting outside your comfort zone? And wtf does any of this have to do with travel? Kelly and Carrie discuss all of this and more, with a hefty dose of potty talk (literally, ya'll), and share a powerful tool for determining your own boundaries around travel.  We'd love to hear about your travel-related boundaries...

Is your wanderlust on overdrive? We feel you! Find out how we're channeling our suppressed travel desires in a travel-sparse Covid world. We promise actual recommendations and tips (!!!) for how to prepare for your next bucket list trip, even when you can't actually travel.   Wanna see what we're up to on a day to day basis? Hop on over to Insta and let's connect!   https://instagram.com/explorean...

In this episode, Carrie and Kelly interview Susan Hughes, one of Explore & Expand's previous retreat participants. Susan shares life lessons she has learned while traveling the globe, as well as her best advice for travelers who may be afraid of getting outside their comfort zones. Check out Susan's yoga classes online at our friendly neighborhood-turned-global yoga studio, Noda Yoga !  Have a sho...

Meet Travel Disaster and Problems McGee, a.k.a. Salty Mango and Cracked Young Coconut, a.k.a. Kelly and Carrie. In this episode we share the shenanigans that earned us our travel nicknames.   Dear listener: we'd love to hear from you! Do you have a travel nickname? If so, what is it and how did you earn it?   info@exploreandexpandretreats.com   Want to follow join us for soulful and sometimes sill...

Have you ever planned a bucket-list trip, spending inordinate amounts of time scouring travel guides and reviews, only to be met with a disappointment and underwhelm (and occasionally scathed taste buds)? This, dear traveler, is a phenomenon we refer to as a "travel trap." Join us behind the scenes as we describe why we scout our locations ahead of time, on behalf of our fellow travelers. Hint: In...

Two wanderlusting gals hell bent on travel wax poetic about the weird things we miss during quarantine. For Kelly, it's exploring the intoxicating sights, sounds, and smells of a foreign city from the back of a tuk tuk. For Carrie, it's the laser sharp experience of arriving halfway around the globe, just in time to greet a brand new day.  We'd love to hear the weird and wacky things YOU miss most...

In this episode, we explore our individual packing neuroses. Kelly makes lists of her lists months in advance, while Carrie piles shit on the floor and eventually puts it in a suitcase, moments before her Uber pulls up to take her to the airport. Join us as we giggle and chat about our packing styles, accentuated by an f-bomb or two.  So: Are you a Carrie, or a Kelly? Drop us a line! info@explorea...