In this episode, we chat about:

• moving away from external validation and traditional career paths to create a life aligned with personal values

• how traveling alone and living abroad gave Riya clarity and courage to choose a new path

• designing trips that go beyond sightseeing to create deeper, more meaningful experiences

• unlearning cultural and societal pressures, especially as a first-generation Indian-American

• making bold decisions even when they feel uncertain or unconventional

• blending Riya's cultural knowledge, lived experiences, and love of curation into a boutique travel business

• listening to intuition when making life and business decisions

• how experiences abroad can shift perspectives and open new possibilities

Resources + Links:

Explore intentional travel experiences with Next Horizon at nexthorizontravel.comFollow Next Horizon on Instagram for curated travel inspiration: @nexthorizontravel Connect with Riya personally and follow her journey on Instagram: @riyafindstheworld

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

In this episode, Sara has a heartfelt conversation with Riya Kurian, founder of Next Horizon, about what it really means to step off the beaten path—both in travel and in life. Riya shares her journey from the traditional career expectations placed on her as a first-generation Indian-American to finding freedom, clarity, and joy through solo travel and building her own business. Together, they explore how travel can be an act of self-discovery, why intentionality matters when curating experiences, and the courage it takes to choose yourself even when it defies convention.

Riya Kurian is the founder of Next Horizon, a boutique travel company that designs personalized, intentional European trips for clients ranging from honeymooners and first-time travelers to solo adventurers and luxury seekers. A former attorney and first-generation Indian-American, Riya left behind a career that looked successful on paper but never felt aligned, choosing instead to follow the clarity she found through solo travel and living abroad. Today, she draws on her cultural knowledge, lived experiences, and gift for thoughtful curation to create one-of-a-kind itineraries that go beyond surface-level sightseeing, inspiring others to choose themselves, trust their gut, and embrace the unknown.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:58 Meet Riya Kurian

01:17 Riya's Background and Journey

02:05 The Decision to Focus on European Travel

08:36 First Experiences in Europe

15:38 Starting a Travel Business

19:09 Advice for First-Time European Travelers

28:10 Top European Travel Recommendations

31:37 How to Work with Riya

34:13 Conclusion and Contact Information