Summary

In this episode of 'Life in the Baggage Claim,' host Jim Hauck and co-host Chuck Longerbeam welcome Linda King, a bestselling author, travel writer and blogger. Founder of The Smart Travelista. She was previously a travel agent and banker. She has an MBA and studied travel writing and creative non-fiction. The Smart Travelista created from love of travel and saving money. We discuss the intricacies of solo travel, safety tips, and financial planning for travelers. Linda shares her experiences and insights on traveling alone, the importance of travel insurance, and how to make the most of travel points and budgeting. The conversation also touches on cultural differences in tipping and currency exchange, offering listeners practical advice for their own adventures. You can check out her website at https://www.thesmarttravelista.com/ and her books are available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8CNHLB5.

Takeaways

Solo travel builds character and resilience.

Always research safety and security of destinations.

Travel insurance is essential for peace of mind.

Use travel points for long-haul flights to save money.

Exchange currency locally for better rates.

Avoid peak travel seasons to save costs.

Early flights can be cheaper, despite inconvenience.

Cultural awareness in tipping can prevent overpaying.

Visa cards often offer the best exchange rates.

Traveling off-season can offer significant savings.

Sound Bites

"Solo travel builds character." 

"Research safety before you go." 

"Travel insurance is a must." 

"Use points for long-haul flights." 

"Exchange currency locally." 

"Avoid peak travel seasons." 

"Early flights save money." 

"Be aware of tipping culture." 

”Visa offers best exchange rates." 

"Travel off-season for savings."

Call to Action

Solo travel is a growing option for many people - especially women and singles who want to explore the world. Do not wait for a time to travel with someone, take a chance, go solo, and learn and grow so much from the experience.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:00:00 Linda's Solo Travel Experiences

00:00:00 Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

00:00:00 Financial Planning and Budgeting

00:00:01 Cultural Differences in Travel

00:00:01 Travel Hacks and Tips

Keywords

solo travel, travel safety, travel insurance, budgeting, travel points, currency exchange, Linda King, Smart Travelista, travel tips, financial planning

Hashtags

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Production

Recording Date: September 23, 2025

Recording Time: 1:00 PM CST

Release Date Trailer: October 22, 2025

Release Date Full Episode: October 24, 2025