Conversations for Curious Travelers

In this inspiring conversation, I'm joined by Krista Fabian DeCastro, founder of Fortuna Redux Travel Experiences. Through powerful stories from Senegal, Poland, and Tanzania, we explore how travel can create meaningful connections rather than being a one-sided experience. With a background in cultural exchange and travel experiences in more than 45 countries, Krista designs thoughtful, perso...

Travel Storytelling · Cultural Connection · Backpacking Travel is often inspired by a desire for adventure. But over time, it can become something deeper: a way to build connection, expand empathy, and better understand ourselves and others. In this episode of Conversations for Curious Travelers , I’m joined by James Hammond , creator and host of the Winging It Travel Podcast , the Roaming with Ha...

As this year — and our first season of Conversations for Curious Travelers — comes to a close, I’m filled with gratitude for you and everyone who’s joined me on this journey. In this reflective episode, I share highlights from our inspiring guests and solo explorations, what I’ve learned through creating this show, and why I’m taking a short break before Season Two launches in January. From awe an...

Looking for the perfect gift for the traveler in your life? In this episode of Conversations for Curious Travelers , I’m sharing meaningful, thoughtful, and practical gift ideas that go far beyond souvenirs. From once-in-a-lifetime experiences to cozy at-home touches, you’ll find inspiration for every budget and every kind of traveler. I’ll also share a personal story about a powerful travel gift...

T ravel with Gratitude · Gratitude Travel Tips · Gratitude and Travel Stories In this special episode, I explore how gratitude transforms our travel experiences and our lives. I share personal stories from Costa Rica, practical tools , and science-backed benefits of gratitude that can help you navigate both holiday travel stress and life’s bigger challenges. Episode Highlights: How gratitude can r...

Movie Inspired Trips · Set Jetting & Movie Tourism · Cinematic Travel Experiences From set-jetting to magical movie moments, travelers are discovering how films and TV shows can enhance their journeys. In this episode I sit down with Jessica Grace Coleman — author, filmmaker, podcaster, and founder of Movify Your Life — to explore how movie-inspired travel can transform not just your trips, bu...

Thoughtful Travel • Sustainable Travel • Meaningful Journeys What does it really mean to travel thoughtfully—and how can it transform the way you experience the world? In this conversation, I sit down with Amanda Kendle, longtime travel writer, lecturer, and host of The Thoughtful Travel Podcast . Amanda has been exploring and teaching about responsible, mindful journeys for decades, helping trave...

Why travel matters • Finding connection and perspective • Resilience and joy Do you feel overwhelmed by the state of the world? In this episode you’ll discover how travel can give you the tools to meet these challenges with empathy, curiosity, and resilience. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why travel in uncertain times isn’t an escape but a pathway to resilience How encounters while traveling redu...

Travel Coaching • Intentional Travel • Meaningful Journeys What happens when travel is more than just a vacation? In this conversation, Sahara Rose De Vore, founder and CEO of the Travel Coach Network, shares how her journey from broke college student to visiting 84 countries solo led her to pioneer a new field: travel coaching. Sahara is a TEDx speaker and global thought leader in the travel indu...

Family travel • Parenting tips • Roadschooling Family adventures are filled with possibility—new places, shared discoveries, and chances to grow closer. But they can also test patience and resilience.  In this heartfelt conversation, I’m joined by my longtime friend Sara Cole , a certified parent coach with over 20 years of experience supporting families. Sara and her family spent 400 days roadsch...

Museums can be awe-inspiring and are often highlights of our travels. But they can also be overwhelming, crowded, and exhausting. In this episode  I’m sharing insider museum tips that will help you make the most of your visit. You’ll learn lesser-known strategies like skipping the longest lines, finding hidden discounts, avoiding museum fatigue, and deepening your connection with the art, history,...

Family Travel • Hiking with Kids • Building Connections  What can hundreds of miles on the trail teach us about family, nature, learning, and ourselves? In this inspiring episode, educator and outdoor adventurer Missy Meskell shares the unforgettable experience of hiking the entire Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail with two of her children. Together, we explore how travel in nature—especia...

Educational Travel • Student Trips • Teaching Through Travel In this inspiring episode of Conversations for Curious Travelers , Erica connects with longtime friend Scott Rainey. Scott is a two time finalist for Traveling Teacher of the Year and the founder of the nonprofit East County Student Travel.  He has spent decades helping middle schoolers see the world—and themselves—through travel. Scott...

Awe & Wellbeing • Solo Travel • Travel Experiments In this inspiring episode of Conversations for Curious Travelers , Tracy Smyth, travel coach and founder of Travel Bug Tonic , shares how awe, curiosity, and solo adventures have transformed her travels—and her life. We explore how to approach each trip as a personal experiment, why travel is a profound learning environment, and how moments of...

Welcome to Conversations for Curious Travelers Episode 1 Ready to enhance your travels? In this premiere episode of Conversations for Curious Travelers , host Erica Forrest invites you into a new kind of travel podcast—one that helps you learn more about the world and yourself travel. Whether you're a lifelong learner, a parent planning a family trip, or someone craving more connection in you...

Welcome to Conversations for Curious Travelers , the Trip Scholars podcast hosted by certified travel education coach Erica Forrest. This show is for lifelong learners who want to travel with more meaning, connection, and curiosity. In this short trailer, Erica shares what you can expect from the podcast and invites you into a space where travel becomes a powerful tool for connection, growth, and...