Your Travel Bestie Kat

What happens when a simple travel idea turns into a life-changing adventure?   In this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, Kat sits down with Hanna, Rachel, and Carlos to relive their unforgettable journey through Morocco. From navigating bustling markets and exploring the ancient streets of Fez to riding camels into the Sahara Desert, this conversation is packed with honest insights, surprising di...

Welcome to Day 1 of my Viking River Cruise adventure!   In this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, I'm taking you along as our European river cruise begins in beautiful Amsterdam. From kicking off the trip with a professional photo shoot to learning how to make authentic Dutch waffles, every moment set the tone for an unforgettable journey.   We'll also head to the iconic A'DAM Tower for incredibl...

Disney Travel Tips, Family Vacations & Hidden Gems with Jillian Shults   Part 2 with former Disney Cast Member and travel advisor Jillian Shults is packed with practical Disney tips, family travel advice, and some HOT takes on what’s actually worth the splurge at Disney.   We’re talking: 🏰 Best Disney resorts for families 🍌 Most underrated Disney snack 🎢 Favorite rides and Disney cruise opi...

Ever wondered what it’s REALLY like being a Disney Cast Member? This week on Your Travel Bestie Kat, I’m joined by former Disney Cast Member and travel advisor Jillian Shults to talk behind-the-scenes Disney magic, customer service lessons, and why planning Disney vacations has become more complicated than ever. We chat about: ✨ Working at Disney World in 2007 ✨ Behind-the-scenes stories from Fi...

What happens when luxury hospitality meets fantasy storytelling?    In this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, I sit down with Melissa Blettner, CEO of Ancient Lore Village, to talk about creating immersive guest experiences, leading with heart, entrepreneurship, and why travelers are craving meaningful connection more than ever.   We dive into:   Building a one-of-a-kind destination experience Lu...

This week on Your Travel Bestie Kat, I’m joined by Arlene Stearns, founder of Image Up System, to talk all things confidence, personal branding, travel style, and showing up like the powerful woman you already are.   We dive into:   Why image impacts opportunity Style mistakes entrepreneurs make Packing tips for business and leisure travel Confidence transformations she’s witnessed Fashion disaste...

Part 2 gets FUN. 🚢🥓🌴   Robin Haffer is back on Your Travel Bestie Kat and this episode is packed with cruise stories, travel laughs, Belize adventures, Virgin Voyages talk, and somehow… bacon becomes part of the conversation too. 😂   From favorite cruise experiences to what makes Virgin Voyages different, Robin shares his thoughts on travel, food, relaxing at sea, and the destinations that kee...

What’s it like moving from Germany 🇩🇪 to Las Vegas 🇺🇸 as a teenager and starting over in a completely different world?   In Part 1 of this episode of *Your Travel Bestie Kat*, Robin Haffer shares his journey as a 15-year-old immigrant adjusting to American culture, navigating culture shock, and discovering when the United States finally started to feel like home. From hilarious differences between...

The countdown is ON… and so is the chaos 😅✈️   In this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, we’re diving into the emotional rollercoaster that is the 7 days before vacation. From the delusional “I have plenty of time” phase to the last-minute packing panic at 10pm… you know exactly what I’m talking about.   We’re covering:   The week-before-vacation spiral we all pretend we don’t have What you actu...

Packing for a trip with teens and tweens? Yeah… good luck with that 😂   In this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, we’re talking about the fine line between giving your kids independence… and making sure they actually pack what they need (like underwear… because apparently that’s optional now??).   From the “independence illusion” to the silent suitcase check 👀, I’m sharing real-life tips to hel...

What do plumbing and travel have in common? More than you think 👀✈️   In this episode of *Your Travel Bestie Kat*, I’m joined by Abi Wilson of Friendly Neighborhood Plumber to talk about what it really looks like to build a successful business from the ground up—without losing your life in the process.   We’re diving into the real behind-the-scenes of entrepreneurship: the hustle, the systems, an...

🎙️ NEW PODCAST EPISODE DROP   What do the mighty Mississippi, the legendary Nile, and breathtaking Iceland have in common? 👀 …they’re all on our travel radar—and you’re invited.   I sat down with Jeff Marshall to talk all things river cruising with Viking River Cruises—and trust me, this episode is PACKED with bucket-list inspiration ✨   🚢 Picture this: • Sailing the iconic Mississippi River—sm...

Thinking about booking a long cruise (16+ days)? Before you do… let’s have a real conversation.   In this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, I’m breaking down the good, the GREAT, and the “hmmn… nobody warned me about this” side of long-distance sailings. From the mental reset and deep friendships to food fatigue, random boredom, and that mid-cruise “what day is it?” moment—we’re covering it ALL....

Thinking about combining healthcare with a passport stamp? In this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, we’re diving into the world of medical tourism—where travel meets transformation.   From dental work in Mexico to cosmetic procedures in Colombia and wellness retreats in Thailand, I’m breaking down what medical tourism actually is, why it’s booming, and how to do it safely.   We’ll talk:   💉 Wha...

What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan… and you decide to rewrite the story anyway?   In this powerful episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, I sit down with Image Impact Strategist Debbie Jurek — a former Wall Street analyst who transformed personal pain into purpose and now helps women step boldly into their next chapter.   After three decades in finance and a 30-year marriage, Debbie f...

🤔 What do radio and travel have in common? They both tell stories that bring people together.   I loved sitting down with Brad Allen to talk about voice, storytelling, and how radio still builds community in such a powerful way.   And let’s be honest… you can never miss a podcast episode that also talks about Texas BBQ. 😄   Catch the conversation soon on Your Travel Bestie Kat. 🎙️🌎   #Podcast #...

Many talented women entrepreneurs are incredible at what they do—but struggle to be seen, heard, and recognized.   In the newest episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, I sit down with visibility and executive presence expert Dawn Stebbing to talk about:   ✨ Confidence and executive presence in life, travel, and business  ✨ Why so many women feel invisible in business and solo travel  ✨ Relationship...

What if the secret to enjoying vacation and staying healthy is the same principle that drives great fitness results? Balance.   In this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, I sit down with Andrew from Fitness Together to talk about how travel and fitness actually have a lot in common.   We dive into how you can stay active while cruising, exploring new cities, or relaxing on vacation—without turning...

On this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, Kat sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur Jackie Rainforth, founder of Rainmakers Business Solutions, for a conversation that proves travel and business growth are more connected than we think.   We dive into everything from life-altering accidents on vacation that changed perspective forever… to dreaming big in Bali alongside elephants… to creating a bo...

In this heart-centered conversation, Your Travel Bestie Kat joins Teri to explore how travel becomes more than just a vacation — it becomes a pathway to growth, clarity, and connection.   From using geo tracking to meet new friends for dinner across the globe to recognizing the moments when life nudges you toward something bigger, this episode dives into what happens when you stop forcing and star...

🎙️ Travel Insurance: The One Thing You Hope You Never Need (But Will Be Glad You Have)   Is travel insurance actually worth it—or just another upsell? 👀 In this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, I’m sitting down with a travel insurance specialist to break down what’s really covered, what’s not, and the mistakes travelers make that can cost them BIG time.   We’re talking cruise coverage, internat...

Packing shouldn’t feel like a workout—or a crisis 😏 In this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, I’m sharing my best packing tips, cruise hot takes, and must-have essentials so you can stop overpacking, avoid rookie mistakes, and travel lighter every time. Whether you’re cruising, beach-bound, or flying overseas, this episode will help you pack smarter, stress less, and leave room for souvenirs.  ...

In this episode, Your Travel Bestie Kat chats with Rita Thomas, CRM and systems expert who helps service-based entrepreneurs automate lead generation, scheduling, payments, and customer follow-up—so business doesn’t stop when life (or travel) happens.   This is exactly how Kat is able to book dream trips through Kat’s Purrfect Getaways while her business keeps moving behind the scenes.   Rita work...

In this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, I sit down with a Virgin Voyages Business Development Manager for an insider conversation on what truly sets the brand apart.   We talk about why Virgin Voyages is intentionally not for everyone, how that clarity creates such a strong guest experience, and who the ideal Virgin sailor really is. It’s a thoughtful look at a modern cruise brand that’s redefi...