I'm beyond thrilled to shake things up a bit and have a guest join me on the show! My guest Erica Keckley, who you might recognize from the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group, is a fellow adventurer, middle-school English teacher, book lover, loyal listener of the podcast, and we've been having the most delightful chats about all things travel.

During this interview, she's generously sharing her journey of discovering her and her husband's unique travel styles. Spoiler alert: it involved a bit of trial and error, plus one pivotal trip that was the right destination, but the wrong adventure that led her down the path to taking her best vacations ever.

This episode was an absolute blast! Erica's authenticity shines through, and I appreciate how real and honest she got with us. Her story is packed with takeaways that I believe you'll find not only useful but also liberating. So, buckle up for some travel wisdom and fun anecdotes!

Connect w/ Erica inside the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

Connect w/ Erica on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildlifeandwater

So, Europe—it can feel pretty crowded, right? The hustle and bustle of locals and tourists in a concentrated area can make a dream European vacation feel a lot busier than you might be wanting in your next vacation.

Yet those charming streets, historic architecture, and the cafe culture is all you can dream about…

So how can you take a European vacation WITHOUT the crowds? I've got the ultimate tip for you in this episode.

This ONE thing is the key to turning your European journey as charming as you've dreamed out. Plus, I've got five savvy strategies to help you dodge crowds as much as possible when crowds are expected or inevitable for your trip.

(And if you think I'm going to suggest the classic "travel in winter" tip —nope, that's not even it.)

Tune in to learn how to make your European vacation less of a whirlwind, and more impactful!

Learn about the Vacation Blueprint Design service to jumpstart planning your next vacation: https://wildhairtravels.com/vacation-blueprint/

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 27: Why You Should Travel to Portugal Next

Episode 87: Why You Should Travel to Croatia Next

Episode 160: My #1 Hack For Meeting Locals on Vacation

For those of us who crave genuine connections with the locals when exploring new destinations, it can sometimes feel like a challenge. After all, being labeled as a tourist can create a barrier to forging authentic bonds.

While engaging with local travel providers like tour guides can be enriching, the opportunity for spontaneous encounters with locals often eludes us. But if you're someone who longs for these meaningful interactions but finds them elusive in your travels, you're in for a treat.

On this episode, I'm dishing my #1 hack that can significantly increase your chances of striking up conversations with locals and ultimately, transforming your travel experience into something truly impactful.

Learn more about my done-for-you vacation planning services: https://wildhairtravels.com/work-with-me

Get on the Wild Hair Waitlist: https://wildhairtravels.com/waitlist

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 42: Why You Should Travel to Ireland Next

Episode 49: Some of My Favorite Travel Memories

Episode 68: My #1 Hack for Taking a Relaxing Vacation

Have you ever paused to calculate the sheer amount of time it takes to plan a vacation?

Chances are, it's more extensive than you might realize.

Because we tend to spread out the planning process, pondering details and discussing ideas with our fellow travelers. But those minutes and hours do add up.

The reality is, crafting a vacation itinerary, especially one tailored precisely to your preferences, is a time-consuming endeavor - but I'm here to help streamline the process for you.

Join me as we explore 5 practical strategies to make your planning smoother and more time-effective!

Learn more about my done-for-you vacation planning services: https://wildhairtravels.com/work-with-me

Get on the Wild Hair Waitlist: https://wildhairtravels.com/waitlist

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 60: How to Make Vacation Planning Less Time-Consuming

Episode 93: The Main Reason Vacation Planning Feels Like a Chore (+ How To Bring Back the Fun)

Episode 95: What It's Like to Have Me Plan Your Vacation

Episode 151: The Timeline to Your Next Vacation

With fall upon us, I'm excited to present you with a transformative challenge that can significantly enhance your experience this season.

Here's a sneak peek: It's a highly practical exercise, involving just you, a pen, and some paper, and is surprisingly enjoyable if you let it be.

The best part is you can begin this challenge today, requiring only a small pocket of your time – a practice I've always advocated for.

The outcome? Anticipate a notable increase in joy and happiness throughout the upcoming season.

In this episode, join us as we delve into the details of this empowering challenge and learn how to embark on a journey towards a more enriching autumn.

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

Get Angela's help to plan next year's vacation: https://wildhairtravels.com/work-with-me

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 146: How Seasonal Planning Could Help With the Overwhelm

The months of March, April, and May are sometimes tricky to choose a destination because of the weather, but there are some awesome destinations in the world that are fabulous to travel to in the spring.

But rather than giving you one generic list, I've hand-picked a list just for your unique travel style avatar, with a total of 20 destination recommendations!

This episode is jam-packed with ideas to get your wheels turning for a spring vacation. I even moved up a destination on my own personal bucket list after this fresh inspiration.

LISTEN BACK:

80: Why You Should Travel to New Zealand Next

124: The 8 Travel Style Avatars // Which Are You?

137: How To Do It All in Peru

Holy crap, I've done it. I've just had my best vacation yet. So of course I have to tell you all about it.

But before you get too excited - spoiler alert that I don't have any bear encounters or funny stories to share from this vacation.

Yet it was still the best ever.

I found myself questioning WHY that was, and I want to unpack that with you so you can see how different types of vacations can serve us in different ways.

Get Angela's support to plan your next vacation: https://wildhairtravels.com/waitlist

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

Listen Back:

Episode 110: Don't Ignore the BIGGER Purpose of a Vacation

Episode 112: Let's Review Our Past Vacations

Most travel advice I give is highly personalized to the person, travel group, or destination, but I have 2 pieces of travel advice that will apply across the board - no matter the person or destination.

And these two things are the REAL DEAL.

The internet is deafening with travel tips and hacks, but this is advice that is actually going to serve you by helping you take better vacations and travel more.

I've never shared this advice before, but as a trusted listener of the show, I know you will get and appreciate how this advice is everything.

Get Angela's support to plan your next vacation: https://wildhairtravels.com/waitlist

Take the Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win a $150 airfare gift card! (Closes on 08/31/23)

Listen Back:

Episode 38: Quit Polling Your Facebook Friends for Vacation Recommendations

Episode 68: My #1 Hack for Taking a Relaxing Vacation

Episode 90: How to Guarantee You Take That Next Vacation SOON

When's the last time you just sat next to a tree? Or watched the birds? Or listened to a creek?

Our world is quickly changing, and our once-pristine natural areas are shrinking, leaving us with less opportunity than ever to connect with nature. On my recent nature-focused vacation, I literally weeped in relief and gratitude at the opportunity to spend so many peaceful days surrounded by nature, and was reminded of the healing power of taking a break from our busy lives while embracing the natural world.

It's common knowledge that time spent in nature is vital for our overall well-being, whether you're a nature enthusiast or a city girl, so I'm sharing four signs that tell us it's time to bring nature into our lives, especially when planning our upcoming vacations.

Let this episode serve as the first nudge to renewing your bond with the great outdoors!

DON'T FORGET! // Enter to win the GIVEAWAY by taking the Happy Women Travel More Podcast Listener Survey (Closing on 08/31!)

Listen to our milestone episode Episode 150: What Do YOU Want to Talk About?

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

I'm on vacation this week, but I have three quick things I must remind you of! This is a very quick, NOT-MISS episode.

And here are some hand-picked past episodes to binge in the meantime:

Episode 04: Permission Travel the World

Episode 63: How To Stop NOT Taking Vacations

Episode 95: What It's Like to Have Me Plan Your Vacation

Episode 104: THIS Is The Best Month To Book Next Year's Vacation

Episode 150: What Do YOU Want to Talk About?

Get Angela's support to plan your next vacation: https://wildhairtravels.com/waitlist

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore