What happens when your world is turned upside down and you choose reinvention instead of retreat?

In this episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, Emily speaks with Laura Ericson—a writer, travel entrepreneur, and proud member of the childfree community—whose divorce became the unlikely spark for a total life transformation. After leaving behind a 14-year career in higher education, Laura followed her curiosity across the globe and built a thriving travel company that leads immersive, ethical group trips to destinations often misunderstood by the Western gaze.

From solo travel to soul-stirring adventures, Laura opens up about the unexpected ways that discomfort, cultural immersion, and stepping outside your routine can catalyze personal growth. Together, she and Emily explore the connection between being childfree and having the freedom—mentally, emotionally, and logistically—to say yes to life’s biggest adventures.

Key Takeaways

• Why travel can be a catalyst for reinvention: Laura shares how leaving her marriage and her career opened the door to a completely different life—and business.

• The truth about transformational travel: It's not about luxury or escape. It's about discomfort, immersion, and seeing yourself with new eyes.

• Being childfree and travel freedom: Laura reflects on how not having kids gave her the capacity to build a global business rooted in purpose.

• Ethical travel matters: From tipping generously to steering clear of elephant rides, Laura reveals how small choices can create a massive ripple effect.

• How to give back while exploring the world: Learn how Laura’s trips incorporate real community impact—and why it’s not about charity, but humanity.

• What happens when we strip away the roles we play?: Travel offers a rare chance to reconnect with the parts of ourselves we forget in everyday life.

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Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

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The guest on this episode, Laura Ericson, traded her 14-year career in higher education in 2021 to start a group travel company after a divorce that became her unexpected catalyst for rediscovery. She's not just a traveler – she's a cultural bridge-builder who ventures beyond tourist hotspots to shine light on misunderstood destinations like Kenya, India, and Cuba. Since taking the leap into entrepreneurship, Laura has guided over 220 solo travelers through transformative journeys across eight countries. Her childfree lifestyle allows her to fully dedicate herself to creating authentic adventures that many only dream about. As a writer, content creator, and impact-focused travel curator, she designs experiences that don't just cross borders – they break down barriers. Her mission is to help others discover the world's most fascinating places through a lens of authenticity and intention, while creating positive ripples in every community she touches. 

Connect with Laura online: www.lauraericson.com

www.instagram.com/lolawhiskey

www.facebook.com/groups/lolalovestravel