85 Percent: A Wanderful Podcast

Hey everyone, it's Beth Santos here and we are continuing to celebrate Women in Travel! In our latest episode of 85 Percent, we dive deep into an inspiring conversation with Alexa West, a best selling travel author who transformed her heartbreak into a thriving career. Through solo traveling, Alexa shares how she found purpose and stability through solo travel, even without a traditional support system. From teaching abroad to publishing The Solo Girl's Travel Guide, to publishing The One Way Ticket Plan in 2023, Alexa's journey is a powerful testament to resilience and creativity in carving your own path and she is one to watch if you are thinking about joining the travel industry and creating a travel career.

Don't miss it! Catch the full episode on your favorite podcast platform.

Honorable Mentions

Wander Woman - Travel Book

Wanderful Community

B & H Photo Digital

Kids Are a Trip

Groups Are a Trip

Follow Alexa in these spaces:

Website: https://alexa-west.com/

Alexa's new podcast: https://www.truecrimetravelers.com/quick-links

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful and author of Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, and in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow. She's also the godmother to the Azamara Onward cruise ship, a cafe owner and a mom of three.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85 Percent"?  I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85 Percent Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.

Welcome to another episode of 85 Percent. Today, we dive into the transformative journey of Catarina Rivera, a remarkable advocate for disability inclusion and accessibility and the creator behind the popular Instagram channel @BlindishLatina. A deaf-blind traveler, Catarina takes us on a solo trip to Montreal where a moment to herself creates a lifelong confidence in herself as she travels the world.

Join us as Catarina talks about her journey of acceptance, the significance of accessible travel, and her mission to make the world more inclusive for those with disabilities.

Honorable Mentions

Wander Woman - Travel Book

Wanderful Community

B & H Photo Digital

Margie Jordan

Follow Catarina in these spaces:

Website: https://www.catarinarivera.com/media-kit

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindishlatina/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catarinarivera/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/catarinarivera

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blindishlatina

Website: https://www.catarinarivera.com/

Speaker Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obt6CRq5VHw

TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/wbXxhuraJsE

Download free accessibility eBook: https://www.catarinarivera.com/freeebook

Join my newsletter: https://catarinarivera.ck.page/newsletter

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful and author of Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, and in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow. She's also the godmother to the Azamara Onward cruise ship, a cafe owner and a mom of three.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85 Percent"?  I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85 Percent Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.

This episode is a treat for your ears! I had the opportunity to speak with Stephanie Jones, the visionary Founder & CEO of the Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance, Inc. (CHEA), a pioneering organization dedicated to transforming the travel and tourism landscape through innovative, sustainable initiatives empowering BIPOC businesses, professionals and students.

Stephanie shared her journey from growing up with limited travel opportunities to becoming a published author and luxury travel enthusiast. We dove into the importance of planning and budgeting for travel, the transformative power of exploring new cultures, and why self-care through travel is essential. Whether you're cutting back on daily expenses or using influencer hacks, Stephanie proves that everyone can achieve their travel dreams. Don't miss out on this inspiring episode!

Honorable Mentions

Wander Woman - Travel Book

Wanderful Community

B & H Photo Digital

Amena Bakali

Follow Stephanie in these spaces:

Website: https://stephaniemjonesspeaks.com/

Website: https://disruptforchange.com/

Website: https://futureofblacktourism.com/

Podcast: https://thenecessarydisruptor.com/the-host

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfishluxurytraveler/

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful and author of Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, and in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow. She's also the godmother to the Azamara Onward cruise ship, a cafe owner and a mom of three.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85 Percent"?  I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85 Percent Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.

I'm thrilled to share with you the latest episode of 85 Percent, where we dive deep into the world of travel, empowerment, and incredible personal growth stories. In this episode, I chatted with the amazing Gabby Beckford, the award-winning travel entrepreneur behind Packs Light. 🌍✨Her audience is women who aspire to a life of adventure lived on their terms, and Gabby delivers in many ways from her inspiring content, to her Saas start-up that amplifies funded travel opportunities SeekPTO, and the $30,000 in travel grants she's directly offered to her audience. Because of her accolades she's been featured in national publications like The New York Times, CNNTravel, Travel+Leisure, and more.

But Gabby wasn't always the travel pro we think her to be. In this episode, we're sharing one of Gabby's earliest moments of travel — when she showed up on a 7-day backpacking trip to Iceland with, well, no backpack! Her story reminds us that the most profound growth often comes from stepping far outside our comfort zones and, when necessary, asking for help.

Honorable Mentions

Wander Woman - Travel Book 

Wanderful Community

B & H Photo Digital

Nnennaya Fakoya-Smith

Follow Gabby in these spaces:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/packslight/

Website: https://www.packslight.com/

Seek PTO: https://www.packslight.com/opportunities-dashboard/

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful and author of Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, and in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow. She's also the godmother to the Azamara Onward cruise ship, a cafe owner and a mom of three.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85 Percent"?  I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85 Percent Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.

Welcome back to "85 Percent," the podcast where we celebrate the diverse experiences of women in travel! In today's episode, we delve into the captivating story of Nikki Vargas, a travel journalist who faced a life-altering decision at the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls. Nikki's journey takes us through the complexities of calling off her first wedding, grappling with her Colombian heritage, imposter syndrome and ultimately finding resilience and happiness in her career and relationships. Join us as I explore the concept of self-care as a verb, not a noun, and highlights Nikki's best-selling memoir, "Call You When I Land." This episode promises to inspire, challenge, and celebrate the unique perspectives of women in travel.

Honorable Mentions

Wander Woman - Travel Book 

Wanderful Community

B & H Photo Video

Call You When I Land

A Solo Woman Traveling

Real Self Care by Pooja Lakshman

Point-and-shoot memories: The influence of taking photos on memory for a museum tour

Follow Nikki in these spaces:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niknakvargas/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callyouwheniland/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unearthwomen/

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow for International Women's Day, in TimeOut as one of 10 people shaping the future of Boston, as well as a BostInno 50 on Fire, a Chicago Scholars 35 Under 35 Young Leader Making an Impact, a Zell Fellow (a prestigious fellowship for entrepreneurs pursuing their MBA), and an alumna of the Babson WIN Lab. She was recognized by the Obama Administration as one of the top 100 travel bloggers in the US. In 2022, she was named Godmother of the Azamara Onward.

She is a dynamic keynote speaker, an entrepreneurship and marketing consultant for the travel + tourism industry, and a supportive coach who thrives on helping people build lasting, impactful communities.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85%"?  I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85% Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.

Get ready for an exciting new season of the 85 Percent podcast! In Season 2, we're kicking things up a notch by deep-diving into the favorite travel stories that were defining moments for some of our industry's most remarkable women, featuring guests like award-winning author Nikki Vargas and Gen Z expert Gabby Beckford. Plus, we'll be sharing YOUR real travel stories too — that's right, straight from the mouths of our own listeners. Submit yours on our website, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode. Stay tuned for our first episodes dropping this September. Spread the word, subscribe, and get ready to be inspired.

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow for International Women's Day, and in TimeOut as one of 10 people shaping the future of Boston. She is the author of Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo, published in 2024. Beth is founder and CEO of international women's travel community Wanderful. In 2022, she was named Godmother of the Azamara Onward.

She is a dynamic keynote speaker, an entrepreneurship and marketing consultant for the travel + tourism industry, and a supportive coach who thrives on helping people build lasting, impactful communities.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo

Blog

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85%"?  I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85% Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.

Jen Ruiz holds many titles including lawyer, a TEDx speaker, #1 Amazon Bestseller, 2018 Reader's Favorite Award Winner and the 2023 Bessie award winner for the category "Most Impactful Piece of Writing". Before her 30th birthday, Jen decided to take 12 trips in 12 months. She not only surpassed her goal completing 20 trips in 12 months, but within those 12 months, her whole life changed.

Join me and Jen as we discuss:

• Study Abroad

• Comfort Zone

• Travel Immersion

• Travel without borders

• Cultural Relativism

• Anxious Traveling

• Perfectionism

• Entrepreneur

Honorable Mentions

Is It Time to Leave Your Comfort Zone?

I Gave Up Dating To Travel The World And It Changed My Life

TedX Talk: The Power of Flying Solo

Jen Ruiz Books

Follow Jen in these spaces:

Website: https://jenonajetplane.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenonajetplane

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow for International Women's Day, in TimeOut as one of 10 people shaping the future of Boston, as well as a BostInno 50 on Fire, a Chicago Scholars 35 Under 35 Young Leader Making an Impact, a Zell Fellow (a prestigious fellowship for entrepreneurs pursuing their MBA), and an alumna of the Babson WIN Lab. She was recognized by the Obama Administration as one of the top 100 travel bloggers in the US. In 2022, she was named Godmother of the Azamara Onward.

She is a dynamic keynote speaker, an entrepreneurship and marketing consultant for the travel + tourism industry, and a supportive coach who thrives on helping people build lasting, impactful communities.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85%"?  I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85% Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.

Kirstie and Christine are an award-winning multicultural LGBTQ+ couple using their platform and production company On Airplane Mode to inspire others to follow their passions all while celebrating who they are and who they love! They started their platform from the ground up to empower women and the LGBTQ+ community to have their voices heard. In under two years, they are proud to have built an engaging and loyal following of half a million, success across multiple social media platforms, and recognized across multiple media outlets.

Join me, Kirstie and Christine as we discuss:

• New York Travel & Adventure Show

• Entrepreneur

• LGBTQ+ Traveling

• Politics

• Petra

• Bora Bora

• PDA

• Privilege

• Traveling Safely

Honorable Mentions

1 in 3 companies anticipate laying off 30% or more of workforce in 2023

"Great Resignation" Continues

20 Entrepreneur Statistics You Need To Know (2023)

9 Tips for Keeping Your Relationship Strong and Healthy

Follow Kirstie and Christine in these spaces:

Website: https://www.onairplanemodetravels.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onairplanemode__/

YouTube: https://www.tiktok.com/@onairplanemode__

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow for International Women's Day, in TimeOut as one of 10 people shaping the future of Boston, as well as a BostInno 50 on Fire, a Chicago Scholars 35 Under 35 Young Leader Making an Impact, a Zell Fellow (a prestigious fellowship for entrepreneurs pursuing their MBA), and an alumna of the Babson WIN Lab. She was recognized by the Obama Administration as one of the top 100 travel bloggers in the US. In 2022, she was named Godmother of the Azamara Onward.

She is a dynamic keynote speaker, an entrepreneurship and marketing consultant for the travel + tourism industry, and a supportive coach who thrives on helping people build lasting, impactful communities.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85%"?  I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85% Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.

Yulia Denisyuk is an award-winning travel photographer and writer who turned to travel journalism after serving in the US military and working as a Fortune 500. She's written for The New York Times, National Geographic, TIME, Conde Nast Traveler, BBC Travel, and more, on unique assignments that have brought her to share a roof with nomads in Mongolia and learn the art of Imigongo with artist collectives in Rwanda. 

But Yulia's wild and adventurous stories are only the beginning of her journey – they're the fuel that have allowed her to become a multi-talented entrepreneur running numerous businesses that expand travel – and the way we see and write about travel – for others around the world.

Join me and Yulia as we discuss:

• Bessie Award

• Creator of the Year

• Puerto Rico

• Kazakhstan

• Estonia

• Maya Angelou

• Switching Careers

• National Geographic

• Travel Blogger

• The Middle East

• Travel Industry

• WITS

• Farms to Table Movement

• Cognitive Writing

Honorable Mentions

Disrupting The Travel Industry with Wanderful's Beth Santos

5 Reasons Why You Should Commit Your Goals to Writing

The Cognitive Costs of Losing Focus at Work to Interruptions

10 Powerful Reasons Why People Love To Travel

In Barcelona for Vacation—and Fertility Treatments

Dream Big Travel Blog

Why Is It Harder For Women To Travel Solo?

Follow Yulia in these spaces:

Website: https://www.yulia-denisyuk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insearchofperfect/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelmedialab/

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow for International Women's Day, in TimeOut as one of 10 people shaping the future of Boston, as well as a BostInno 50 on Fire, a Chicago Scholars 35 Under 35 Young Leader Making an Impact, a Zell Fellow (a prestigious fellowship for entrepreneurs pursuing their MBA), and an alumna of the Babson WIN Lab. She was recognized by the Obama Administration as one of the top 100 travel bloggers in the US. In 2022, she was named Godmother of the Azamara Onward.

She is a dynamic keynote speaker, an entrepreneurship and marketing consultant for the travel + tourism industry, and a supportive coach who thrives on helping people build lasting, impactful communities.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85%"?  I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85% Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.

Joelle Sfeir and Nada Raphael are co-founders of Tourleb, a socially responsible tour operator owned by women and based in Lebanon, and a finalist at 2023's Bessie Awards for Travel Startup of the Year. Although their company began by accident, they have been nothing but intentional in making sure they work within their values including giving back to the community and providing a safe space for their guests. In this episode, you will hear how passionate they are about Lebanon as well as the importance of travel.

Join me, Joelle and Nada as we discuss:

• Feedback

• Learning from each other

• San Juan

• Christians

• Muslims

• Political Unrest

• Safety

• Biased Travel

Honorable Mentions

10 SURPRISING SIMILARITIES BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS

Lebanon 2016: Reshuffling of Political Alliances and Vulnerable Political Compromises

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beirut

Most Dangerous US States 2023 – Stay Safe

Travel Alaska

Follow Joelle and Nada in these spaces:

Website: https://tourleb.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tourleb/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tourleb

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow for International Women's Day, in TimeOut as one of 10 people shaping the future of Boston, as well as a BostInno 50 on Fire, a Chicago Scholars 35 Under 35 Young Leader Making an Impact, a Zell Fellow (a prestigious fellowship for entrepreneurs pursuing their MBA), and an alumna of the Babson WIN Lab. She was recognized by the Obama Administration as one of the top 100 travel bloggers in the US. In 2022, she was named Godmother of the Azamara Onward.

She is a dynamic keynote speaker, an entrepreneurship and marketing consultant for the travel + tourism industry, and a supportive coach who thrives on helping people build lasting, impactful communities.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85%"?  I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85% Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.