Happy Women Travel More

Ever had a vacation itinerary that left you feeling like you signed up for a marathon with a sprinter's timeline? You know the drill – epic plans that demand two months but get squeezed into a mere 10 days. Guilty. Been there, done that. No shame if you have too, but I'm here to help you recognize when to dial it back a notch with FOUR telltale signs that your itinerary might be pushing the bounda...

Ever scrolled through Instagram and stumbled upon those envy-inducing family travel accounts, where toddlers are practically racking up more passport stamps than most adults? Well, here's the deal – after some serious contemplation, I've made the call to hold off on international adventures with my son (who's currently a toddler) for a good while. Today, I'm laying it all out, sharing the genuine...

Speed dating with a Greek twist – we're matching you with the Cyclades Islands of your dreams (minus the awkward small talk). I'm your guide to decoding the vibes of 12 main Cyclades Islands in Greece, dishing out what makes each one a unique catch, so you can find your island soulmate for that picture perfect Greece vacation.  I'm also serving up some advice on how to craft a realistic itinerary...

Ever pondered what your vacation expectations are when it comes to entertainment? It's one of those things that doesn't get enough airtime in the vacation planning world, so today's the day to talk about it. It's time to decode what those deep-rooted expectations are about the actual enjoyment of your vacation and approach this topic from a fresh and often-overlooked perspective. This conversation...

On this episode, two Angies gush about Montana. 😊 I'm joined by a wonderful podcast listener, Angie Hodge, as she recaps a family-favorite trip to Montana in the summer of 2020.  I especially love the simplicity of our conversation and how it highlights the magic of making lasting memories and finding joy in the simplicity of togetherness, without the need for extravagant plans or international t...

Ever feel like life and vacations are stuck on autopilot, following a script written by society? Yeah, me too, but I'm kind of over it. I firmly believe that the key to a happier life and amazing vacations is tossing out the pre-decided life milestones, scripted daily grind, and society's vacation to-do list. Society's one-size-fits-all approach is not the answer – it's time to break away from the...

We are diving into life's million-dollar question: How do you live a happier life? This might sound like a huge question, but hey, it's right up the alley of the Happy Women Travel More podcast. After all, your happiness (plus more travel) is the reason I'm here. Sure, I'm not some certified happiness guru, therapist, or life coach, but I've got a knack for tweaking life's dials to make it a bit s...

To all you hardworking ladies who have practically forgotten what a vacation feels like: I get it, getting back into the vacation groove can be trickier than you'd think. It's like trying to pick up a hobby you haven't touched in ages. But guess what? The secret sauce to kickstart your vacation game is refreshingly simple. But not as simple as those overly positive online posts telling you to spon...

As we approach a brand new year, my mission is to inject a hefty dose of motivation and inspiration into your travel aspirations. Half the reason this podcast even exists is to be your companion in tackling those hurdles that might be holding you back from embracing the joys of vacations. I'm here to pave the way for you to explore those incredible destinations that have been lingering on your tra...

More time and more travel - that's what we want right? It's the dream—more moments while we're out exploring, more adventures crammed into our lifetime. Yet, here's the paradox: time often seems to be the one thing playing hard to get when it comes to our travel dreams. Because our time is needed in other areas of our lives outside of our wanderlust needs. In this episode, we're diving into the he...

Get ready to sleigh the holiday season as we dive into the enchanting world of Christmas Markets in Germany! If the mere thought of twinkling lights, festive vibes, and the aroma of mulled wine makes your heart skip a beat, you're in for a treat. In this episode, we're unwrapping all the details you need to make your German Christmas market adventure unforgettable. From nailing down the logistics...

Be honest: when is the last time you spun a globe to see where your finger woud land? Or poured over an atlas? Or panned around aimlessly on Google Maps? As a geographer, I do this all the time, but I know I'm not the majority. So in this episode, I'm grabbing one of my trusty globes, giving it a whirl, and wherever my finger lands, we're diving into it: I'm dishing my raw, unfiltered thoughts on...

If you've been following along live, you know I'm knee-deep in the wild ride of building a custom home – and let me tell you, it's been a j-o-u-r-n-e-y. This dream project is inching closer to reality, and as we near the finish line, I've been doing some serious reflection on the whole journey, so I want to share 6 valuable lessons this process has taught me – and how these insights surprisingly r...

In the rollercoaster that was 2020, amidst all the chaos I birthed something pretty special: the Vacation Bucket List Challenge . If you've been hanging out in my world these past few years, this might ring a bell. But if not, get ready for an annual tradition that might be more satisfying than your go-to holiday feast: dusting off and updating that travel bucket list of yours . And if you're wond...

It's time to dive into something we all love – the idea of more travel without breaking the bank. I mean, who doesn't get a little thrill from snagging a deal? Now, I'm just your average person who still feels that surge of joy when I find a good bargain. But here's the real talk: our love affair with travel deals might be setting us up for a vacation that isn't what we had in mind, so we need to...

Our daily routine has those must-do tasks that get us from day to day. You know  – get ready for work, commute, run errands, fit in a workout, and feed the kiddos. Even though vacations are an escape from our daily routine, they still come with their own set of logistical "must-dos" too, like getting through the airport, figuring out how to get around in a foreign destination, and navigating forei...

I'm beyond thrilled to shake things up a bit and have a guest join me on the show! My guest Erica Keckley, who you might recognize from the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group , is a fellow adventurer, middle-school English teacher, book lover, loyal listener of the podcast, and we've been having the most delightful chats about all things travel.  During this interview, she's generously sharing...

So, Europe—it can feel pretty crowded, right? The hustle and bustle of locals and tourists in a concentrated area can make a dream European vacation feel a lot busier than you might be wanting in your next vacation. Yet those charming streets, historic architecture, and the cafe culture is all you can dream about… So how can you take a European vacation WITHOUT the crowds? I've got the ultimate ti...

For those of us who crave genuine connections with the locals when exploring new destinations, it can sometimes feel like a challenge. After all, being labeled as a tourist can create a barrier to forging authentic bonds.   While engaging with local travel providers like tour guides can be enriching, the opportunity for spontaneous encounters with locals often eludes us. But if you're someone who...

Have you ever paused to calculate the sheer amount of time it takes to plan a vacation?    Chances are, it's more extensive than you might realize.    Because we tend to spread out the planning process, pondering details and discussing ideas with our fellow travelers. But those minutes and hours do add up.   The reality is, crafting a vacation itinerary, especially one tailored precisely to your p...

With fall upon us, I'm excited to present you with a transformative challenge that can significantly enhance your experience this season.   Here's a sneak peek: It's a highly practical exercise, involving just you, a pen, and some paper, and is surprisingly enjoyable if you let it be.    The best part is you can begin this challenge today, requiring only a small pocket of your time – a practice I'...

The months of March, April, and May are sometimes tricky to choose a destination because of the weather, but there are some awesome destinations in the world that are fabulous to travel to in the spring.   But rather than giving you one generic list, I've  hand-picked a list just for your unique travel style avatar , with a total of 20 destination recommendations!   This episode is jam-packed with...

Holy crap, I've done it. I've just had my best vacation yet . So of course I have to tell you all about it. But before you get too excited - spoiler alert that I don't have any bear encounters or funny stories to share from this vacation. Yet it was still the best ever. I found myself questioning WHY that was, and I want to unpack that with you so you can see how different types of vacations can s...

Most travel advice I give is highly personalized to the person, travel group, or destination, but I have 2 pieces of travel advice that will apply across the board - no matter the person or destination. And these two things are the REAL DEAL. The internet is deafening with travel tips and hacks, but this is advice that is actually going to serve you by helping you take better vacations and travel...

When's the last time you just sat next to a tree? Or watched the birds? Or listened to a creek?   Our world is quickly changing, and our once-pristine natural areas are shrinking, leaving us with less opportunity than ever to connect with nature. On my recent nature-focused vacation, I literally weeped in relief and gratitude at the opportunity to spend so many peaceful days surrounded by nature,...