Design Her Travel: Tips & Inspiring Stories for Women and Solo Travelers

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Delta is using AI to price tickets in real time. Are you getting a deal… or getting played?

Delta has started using artificial intelligence to personalize airfare pricing, and it could change how you book flights forever. But is this new tech a money-saver or just a smarter way for airlines to charge more?

In this episode, host Kim Anderson breaks down what Delta’s AI pricing strategy actually means for travelers, why this shift matters, and how it fits into a much bigger trend in the airline industry. From the evolution of flight pricing to the rise of hyper-personalized fares, this conversation will give you a clearer view of what’s happening behind the scenes the next time you search for a flight.

You’ll get insight into what’s changing, what to watch for, and a few potential ways travelers are trying to avoid getting overcharged.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• What we know about Delta’s AI pricing system and how it could impact your airfare
• The difference between dynamic pricing and surveillance pricing
• A few practical ways travelers are trying to work around AI-driven fares

Whether you fly often or only once in a while, this episode will help you make smarter decisions when it comes to booking your next trip.

Tune in to find out what the algorithm might already know about you and how it could be shaping your next flight price.

Like this, WANT MORE? Tune into these episodes about how AI is transforming the travel industry:

1. Will AI Take Over Travel? What Every Creator and Traveler Needs to Know Right Now w/ Ross Borden #194
2. What Every U.S. Traveler Needs to Know About the 2025 REAL ID Deadline | TRAVEL TALK #169
3. The Future of Travel: Pros & Cons of Digital & Biometric Passports | TRAVEL TALK #102

Support the show

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

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Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. It helps support the show, so thank you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #ad

Ever wondered what it’s really like to travel across the U.S. by train?

In this episode, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Amtrak’s Empire Builder, one of the most scenic and underrated train routes in North America.

Host Kim Anderson shares her personal experience riding the Empire Builder from Seattle to Chicago with her young son, and walks you through everything you need to know about planning your own Amtrak train trip.

Whether you're curious about cross-country train travel, looking for an alternative to road trips and RV life, or just want a relaxing, unplugged adventure with incredible views, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
 • What it’s like to travel the full Empire Builder route from Seattle to Chicago
 • Where to stop along the way (hint: there are AMAZING options!)
 • What to expect from Amtrak sleeping cars, meals, and lounge access
 • Pro tips on luggage, Wi-Fi, and why this journey is a great option for families, solo travelers, and slow travel fans

This is your sign to slow down, take the scenic route and see a whole new side of America.

Planning your own Amtrak adventure? Tune in to learn how to make the most of the Empire Builder route and decide if cross-country train travel might be your new favorite way to explore.

Support the show

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram!  @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout 

Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. It helps support the show, so thank you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #ad

 AI is changing how we travel—and raising big questions about who gets left behind.

In this episode, host Kim Anderson sits down with Ross Borden,  the founder of Matador Network to explore how artificial intelligence is turning the travel world upside down. From simplifying trip planning to disrupting the creator economy, this conversation dives deep into the promise—and the peril—of a new era.

You’ll hear how Matador’s GuideGeek AI is reshaping the way travelers find information, why personalization is becoming the norm, and how brands are racing to keep up. But it’s not just about innovation: Ross shares honest reflections on the ethical challenges of AI, the environmental impact of large-scale data models, and what all of this means for the future of authentic travel storytelling.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The inspiration behind building an AI travel assistant and what it can (and can’t) do
• How AI is eroding traditional web traffic and changing how creators earn a living (spoiler alert: it's not al doom and gloom!)
• Why ethical considerations, accuracy, and sustainability matter more than ever

Whether you’re a digital creator, an avid traveler, or simply curious about where technology is taking us next, you’ll walk away with fresh insights and maybe a few tough questions to ponder.

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Ross on Instagram & Matador Network Website
• GuideGeek
• ⚡️ROUND travel tip: Skip the crowds at Muir Woods and check out the redwoods on Stinson Beach Steep Ravine Trail instead.

Like this? Try these epsiodes:

1. Behind the Scenes of a Delta Brand Ambassador: FromCorporate Girlie to Full Time Travel Creator w/ Your Travel BFF Janelle on a Jet #129
2. Below Deck IRL: How to Work on Superyachts and Get Paid to Travel w/ Hugo Ortega #132
3. Astrotourism 101: How to Plan the Ultimate Stargazing, Dark Sky, and Northern Lights Trip w/ Stephanie Vermillion #172

EPISODE DETAILS:

07:41 - Even with the rise of AI creators will become

14:54 - Websites that are not AI-centred 

16:05 - Optimized for AI

20:40 - Double down on your own experience 

21:47 - Branch out

31:11 - To keep your environmental footprint down

23:36 - Be as specific 

Support the show

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram!  @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout 

Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. It helps support the show, so thank you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #ad

What happens when you say yes to the unknown with just $2,000 and a surfboard? Spoiler: It might change your life and your idea of freedom, forever.

In this week's Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson takes you along on her personal journey through New Zealand’s South Island, where she learned the true meaning of freedom, travel, and trusting herself. Armed with only $2,000, a surfboard, and a bold spirit, Kim stumbled into van life and discovered a life of simplicity, self-reliance, and wild possibility.

From buying a van with serious mishaps to staying warm in winter with creative hacks, Kim shares candid stories about the challenges and magic of solo female van life. More than just a travel tale, this episode is a heartfelt reflection on community, nature, and breaking free from traditional success to live life on your own terms.

You'll learn:

• How to embrace solo female van life with confidence and courage
• Practical advice for adapting to New Zealand’s unique van life challenges
• Why sometimes the best journeys start with saying yes to the unknown

If you want a fresh perspective on freedom, travel, and what it means to trust yourself on the road, this episode will inspire you to say yes to your own wild dreams.

Like this WANT MORE? Check out these episodes about traveling as a solo female:

1. Fantastic Characters, Weird Jobs & Memorable Moments on the Road in New Zealand: Solo Episode

2. Solo Travel for Black Women: Cultural Adaptation, Dating, and Mental Health Abroad w/ Christina Jane #119

3. How to Handle Foreign Privilege and Unwanted Attention Abroad - Solo Female Travel Tips | TRAVEL TALK #122

Support the show

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram!  @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout 

Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. It helps support the show, so thank you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #ad

If you’ve been eyeing van life content but are still wondering how people really do it, this one’s for you.

For the last five years, Fiorella and her husband have lived full-time on the road in not one but two self-converted vehicles. They’ve road-tripped through 40+ states, explored more than 30 national parks, and turned a fire investigation truck into a fully off-grid home on wheels. Fiorella also works remotely as a content marketing specialist for RVshare, giving her a front-row seat to both sides of the mobile lifestyle.

In this episode, host Kim Anderson sits down with Fiorella to talk about all the practical, unexpected, and magical parts of van life. Whether you’re van-life curious, ready to convert your own vehicle, or just love hearing how people design unconventional live, they’ve got stories and insight for you.

You’ll hear what it really takes to live on the road full-time, how to decide what kind of vehicle and layout might work best for your lifestyle, and what they’ve learned the hard way over two conversions.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to choose a vehicle and avoid the biggest first-timer mistakes
• Which features they now consider non-negotiable after years of living on the road
• How to find those off-the-beaten-path places that make van life truly magical

If you're dreaming of a more flexible life or just want to know if you could ever make this work, this episode is for you.

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Fiorella on Instagram & YouTube
• Want to try van life before committing to the lifestyle? Check out RV Share
• Fiorella's favorite boondocking spot: Flaming Gorge, Utah
• Find the best dry camping / off radar locations with Onyx Offroad

⚡️ROUND BOOK: Nowhere for Very Long: The Unexpected Road to an Unconventional Life by Brianna Madia

WANT MORE stories about Overlanding or Epic Road Adventures? Check out these epsiodes:

1. Extreme Adventure: Motorbiking the Pan-American Highway and Canoeing the Darien Gap w/ Charlie Reynolds #142
2. What It’s Really Like to Overland Solo as a Woman Across Africa & the Middle East w/ Charline Ribotta #103
3. Roadmap to Happiness: Overlanding & Unschooling Around the World while Living a Global Mission w/ Brittney Highland of Hourless Life  #41

Support the show

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram!  @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout 

Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. It helps support the show, so thank you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #ad

Would you hop into a white van with six strangers while hitchhiking solo across Australia?

If you've ever wondered what hitchhiking is really like as a solo female traveler, this episode is for you. 

This week’s Travel Talk was inspired by host Kim Anderson’s recent conversation with Ana Lucas, aka The Sustainable Backpacker (Episode #190). Ana is a solo female traveler who’s currently hitchhiking all the way from Portugal to Australia. That's over 40,000 km, across 25 countries!

That conversation brought back a memory of Kim's first time hitchhiking in Australia, and a moment that tested intuition, courage, and trust in the kindness of strangers.

You’ll hear about one surprising ride that shaped the journey in unexpected ways… and what it taught about listening to your gut, staying open, and finding connection where you least expect it.

In a world that often focuses on what can go wrong, this episode explores the surprising and uplifting moments when things turn out even better than you ever imagined. 

In this episode, you’ll explore:

• What it’s really like to hitchhike as a solo female traveler
• Why trusting your instincts is everything on the road
• Sometimes life requires you to literally fight for your dreams

If you’ve ever wondered if the world is still full of kind, generous humans, or just needed a sign to follow that dream tugging at your heart - this is it.

Hit play and send this one to a friend who’s always down for the adventure!

WANT MORE solo female travelers chasing wild adventures? CHECK OUT these episodes:

• The Art of Solo Travel: Navigating the World as a Full Time Content Creator w/ Savanna Crowell #49
• Traveling Syria: A Solo Female Traveler’s Unfiltered Journey #146
• How to Handle Foreign Privilege and Unwanted Attention Abroad - Solo Female Travel Tips | TRAVEL TALK #122

Support the show

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram!  @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout 

Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. It helps support the show, so thank you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #ad

Think hitchhiking across 25 countries as a woman is dangerous? Think again.

Meet Ana Lucas, also known as The Sustainable Backpacker, a solo female traveler currently hitchhiking from Portugal to Australia. 

That’s 25 countries, 40,000 kilometers, and an epic journey that defies the media narrative about the dangers of traveling alone as a woman. 

In this episode, host Kim Anderson learns how Ana's her open-hearted approach to slow, sustainable travel has not only brought her across continents, but into contact with the kindness of strangers, the depth of her own courage, and a version of the world that’s very different from the one we often see on the news.

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a big leap, challenging the status quo, or just seeing what happens when you trust humanity and follow your gut, Ana’s story will light a fire in you. 

From her mindset and practical tips for hitchhiking to the quiet moments of clarity she’s had on the road, this conversation is filled with wisdom, vulnerability, and inspiration.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• What it’s really like to hitchhike solo as a woman across 25 countries
• The safety tools Ana swears by and how to tune into your intuition
• The key to meaningful long-term travel.

This episode is for anyone who’s craving a deeper kind of journey, questioning the fear-based narratives we’re often sold, or secretly dreaming about that one wild adventure they can’t stop thinking about.

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Anna on Instagram & YouTube
• ⚡️ ROUND BOOK: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

EPISODE DETAILS:

05:44 - A journey isn’t just about getting somewhere

11:23 -  If you’re interested in long-term travel 

13:56 - One of the most important ways to stay safe 

28:31 -  Bravery is as simple as

29:35 - If there’s an idea in your head and heart

WANT MORE Stories from Solo Female Travelers? 

Try these episodes:

• How to Handle Foreign Privilege and Unwanted Attention Abroad - Solo Female Travel Tips #122
• Traveling Syria: A Solo Female Traveler’s Unfiltered Journey #146
• Wander Woman: Empowering Women to Travel Solo - The Ins & Outs of Solo Female Travel #10

Support the show

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram!  @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout 

Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. It helps support the show, so thank you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #ad

Tired of the crowds? Let’s talk about how to travel to hidden cities that’ll make you feel like a local.

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares why exploring hidden cities—also known as secondary cities—might just be the travel upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Inspired by her conversation with Jake and Michelle Schomp (Episode #188), Kim digs into why skipping the big-name destinations can lead to more meaningful, affordable, and sustainable adventures.

You’ll hear why these lesser-known spots often offer richer local experiences, fewer crowds, and a chance to connect more deeply with the people and places you visit. Plus, Kim shares practical tips on how to actually find these under-the-radar destinations (hint: it’s easier than you think).

If you’ve been craving something different, maybe something more grounded and real, this episode will show you how getting off the mainstream travel trail can be the most rewarding decision you make.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The perks of basing yourself in a secondary city
• How traveling off the beaten path supports more sustainable tourism
• Practical ways to find hidden gems and plan your next not-so-typical adventure

Perfect for curious explorers, slow travelers, and anyone tired of overcrowded “must-see” spots. 

Like this & WANT MORE episodes about getting off-the-beaten-path? Check out these:

1. The Ultimate Guide to Off the Beaten Path Travel #37

2. How a Corporate VP Became a Full-time Travel Influencer (Best of Series) #180

3. Rediscovering Home: One Woman's Solo Adventure through Italy on a Scooter #63

Support the show

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram!  @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout 

Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. It helps support the show, so thank you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #ad

Thinking about taking your kids on the road and giving them a global education? You’ll want to hear this.

In this week’s episode, host Kim Anderson chats with Jake and Michelle Schomp, a nomadic family of five who’ve traveled the world for 10 years. Their three kids have experienced public school in Mexico, homeschooling, and worldschooling. 

Today, the focus is on Boundless Life—a structured worldschooling program offering community, continuity, and education across seven international locations.

Get an inside look at how Boundless Life works, what it costs, and how it supports families living abroad without sacrificing academics. The Schomps share exactly what to expect—curriculum, community, and why it could be the perfect education solution for traveling families.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Boundless Life blends worldschooling, routine, and learning
• What families can expect from curriculum and daily life abroad
• Who this lifestyle is for and how to know if it’s a fit

This episode is for you if you’ve ever wondered: “How do I educate my kids while we travel?” or “Is there a way to worldschool without chaos?”

RECOURCES: 

• Connect with Jake & Michelle: Boundless Life YouTube Playlist & Instagram
• Get €600 off Boundless Life with code MichelleSchomp or MICSCH73
• Listen to Jake & Michelle's first Design Her Travel interview Episode #14

⚡️ ROUND:

• Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money & Life by Bill Perkins 
• 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
• Kids Pop Up Tent

EPISODE DETAILS:

07:34 - The whole premise of world schooling

26:48 - One of the perks

22:32 - Where boundless differs

29:08 - This style of education helps kids

WANT MORE? Check out these episodes on family travel and education:

1. Green School Bali: A Family’s Story of Education & Adventure #111
2. Family Travel Adventures: Making the World Your Classroom w/ Jenny Lynn #91
3. Worldschooling, Unschooling & International Schools Education in the Digital Age #112
4. Growing Up Without Borders One Family’s Adventure Visiting Every Country in the World #99
5. Roadmap to Happiness: Overlanding & Unschooling Around the World #41

Support the show

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram!  @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout 

Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. It helps support the show, so thank you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #ad

Planning an international trip and wondering how to get money abroad without paying extra fees or getting stuck with the worst exchange rates? You’re not alone. 

In this Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson breaks down exactly how to handle your travel money like a pro, so you can spend more time exploring and less time stressing about ATMs, cash, and cards.

From the smartest ways to get foreign currency to what you should (almost) never do at an airport kiosk, Kim shares everything you need to know to travel confidently with the right money strategy in place. Whether you're heading to Europe, Southeast Asia, or beyond, these tips will help you avoid hidden fees, protect your accounts, and keep your wallet happy.

You’ll learn:

• Whether you actually need to carry cash while traveling abroad
• The safest and cheapest ways to get local currency on your trip
• Pro tips to avoid ATM fees and currency conversion markups
• Kim’s personal favorite debit card for international travel (and why it’s a lifesaver)

This episode is perfect for first-time international travelers or anyone who’s ever asked: Do I need cash in Europe? or What’s the best way to get money abroad?

Tune in and start planning your trip with confidence.

Support the show

Travel Longer with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram!  @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout 

Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. It helps support the show, so thank you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #ad