In this episode of Put the Guidebook Down, Kiara sits down with one of her best friends, Christine, to unpack what it means to build confidence as a traveler. From guided tours in Ireland to planning her own Paris getaway, Christine reflects on what it’s like to grow from an occasional traveler to someone ready to embrace more spontaneous, meaningful cultural experiences.

Together, they explore the fears that come with international travel, like language barriers and uncertainty, and how even small steps like learning local phrases, using Duolingo, or starting with an all-inclusive resort can help you gain confidence before taking that first big leap into cultural travel.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

* Christine’s honest look at being a “baby traveler” and what’s helped her feel more secure abroad

* The pros and cons of tour groups, independent trips, and all-inclusive resorts

* How learning a few local phrases can completely change your travel experience

* The difference between cookie-cutter travel and cultural travel and where tour groups can surprise you

* Kiara’s stories from learning Indonesian and navigating language “glitches” abroad

* Why meaningful travel is for everyone, no matter your age, budget, or experience

Key Takeaways

* Confidence grows through experience. Start small and build from there.

* Language matters. Even an imperfect effort in local languages builds trust and connection.

* There’s no one-size-fits-all trip. Whether you plan every detail or join a tour, the key is finding what fits your comfort level.

* Cultural travel isn’t just for the bold. It’s for anyone willing to engage with people, traditions, and daily life beyond their own.

* Ask yourself: What’s one thing that would make you more confident to take your first big cultural trip?

How to Engage with Kultura Travel

We’d love to hear your spontaneous travel stories!Share your “off-script” moments on Instagram @kultura.travel or reply directly to this Substack with your story. Follow the journey as Kultura Travel launches its first phase of the app, designed to help you travel deeper, not just farther.

Subscribe to Put the Guidebook Down for new episodes, reflections, and cultural travel insights every week.

Where to listen:👉 Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kulturatravel.substack.com