Transform With Travel: Trip Planning Made Easy For Busy Professionals Craving Bucket List Adventures

In this episode, I share the extraordinary journey of how I met my husband Sam. 

The story spans continents and years, beginning with my decision to study abroad in Switzerland and culminating in a chance encounter at a pub crawl in Dublin. 

As we relationship, we faced long-distance challenges and numerous adventures, ultimately leading me to move to Australia. Now, nearly a decade later, we are married with two children, and continue to infuse our lives with travel and exploration. Our story emphasizes the power of saying 'yes' to life’s adventures and how one decision can change everything.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:00 The Switzerland Study Abroad Experience
• 03:20 The Ireland Adventure Begins
• 07:15 Meeting Sam in Dublin
• 16:26 A New Year's Reunion in Europe
• 21:47 Building a Life Together
• 29:33 Final Thoughts

Resources & Links:

• Ready for your next adventure? Click here to view our Trip Planning Packages & 2025 Pricing: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/packages 

Connect with Kelly

• Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel   
• Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday 
• Transform With Travel Website: https://www.transformwithtravel.co 

Are you seeking a travel experience that is profoundly spiritual, serene, and life-changing? 

Perhaps a destination that not only satiates your wanderlust but also aligns with your values of sustainability and cultural authenticity? 

Welcome to Bhutan, a country that embodies a unique, unspoiled cultural and natural heritage you may not have discovered before. 

Nestled between the towering Himalayas, Bhutan offers more than just scenic vistas and ancient monasteries; it encapsulates a philosophy of travel that is radically sustainable and deeply mindful of cultural preservation. 

What sets Bhutan apart is its commitment to being one of the world’s only carbon-negative nations. This ethos extends into its tourism practices, making every visit to Bhutan not just a journey but a conscientious exploration.

In this episode, I’m joined by Sari Freeman, an expert in travel and hospitality. Sari, the owner and chief strategist at Passages of Distinction, shares her insights on Bhutan's captivating allure. Known for its strict visitor regulations, Bhutan limits tourism to maintain its pristine nature and cultural authenticity. The sustainable development fee (SDF) is a testament to the country’s dedication, channeling funds directly into healthcare, education, and environmental conservation efforts.

Whether you are a solo traveler seeking spiritual awakening, an adventurer eager for hiking and exploration, or someone desiring a serene escape surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, Bhutan offers the perfect backdrop. This unique country invites travelers to immerse themselves fully, reflecting on personal transformations along the way.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:35 Meet Sarah Freeman: Travel and Hospitality Expert
• 03:02 The Unique Appeal of Bhutan
• 07:16 Bhutan's Commitment to Sustainability
• 13:38 Meeting the King of Bhutan
• 17:46 Bhutan's Mindfulness City and Future Vision
• 21:19 Experiencing Bhutan: Culture, Cuisine, and Adventure
• 25:24 Exploring Bhutan's Unique Attractions
• 25:45 Wellness and Physical Preparation for Bhutan
• 27:27 Luxury and Sustainability in Bhutan
• 29:25 Top Luxury Hotels in Bhutan
• 32:14 Planning Your Bhutan Itinerary
• 34:04 Cultural and Spiritual Experiences in Bhutan
• 36:32 Transformative Power of Travel
• 42:14 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

Resources & Links:

• Ready for your next adventure? Click here to view our Trip Planning Packages & 2025 Pricing: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/packages 

Connect with Sari

• Sari’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saripod/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passages-of-distinction/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passagesofdistinction/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PassagesofDistinction/ 
• https://passagesofdistinction.com/ 

Connect with Kelly

• Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel   
• Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday 
• Transform With Travel Website: https://www.transformwithtravel.co 

Travel has the power to transform us, not just by the destinations we explore but through the profound realizations and connections we forge along the way. Ashley Brown’s journey is a testament to this transformative power, encapsulated beautifully in our soulful and heartfelt conversation. 

From Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Parker, Colorado, and many places in between, Ashley's upbringing was anything but ordinary. Early exposure to diverse cultures set the stage for her life’s trajectory. Moving from private to public school, from the sunny shores of Florida to the mountains of Colorado, Ashley encountered change with resilience and curiosity. Her family's adventurous spirit saw her tagging along on both domestic and international travels, embedding a deep love for exploration and language.

Her story goes beyond the typical tales of a well-traveled person. It's about the undercurrents of empathy, curiosity, and inclusivity that travel instills in a person. Ashley's multilingual abilities and multicultural background allowed her not just to perceive the world through various lenses but also to connect with it on a deeply empathetic level.

One of the most compelling chapters in Ashley’s journey is the inception and growth of The Conscious Crop. Born out of a period of introspection and a desire to merge her spiritual journey with her entrepreneurial spirit, The Conscious Crop is a sustainable, upcycled, and eco-friendly retail venture. It reflects Ashley's deep empathy for the planet and her commitment to conscious living.

Travel, as Ashley’s story beautifully illustrates, is more than just about the places we visit. It's about the internal transformations we undergo, the connections we forge, and the empathetic lens through which we start to view the world. It’s about finding our tribe, aligning our careers with our passions, and making a meaningful impact.

In the words of Ashley, the essence of travel and life is about “finding soul tribes in unlikely places,” and “saying yes to the universe.” Her story is a compelling call to embrace our multifaceted journeys, to seek transformation in every adventure, and to live intentionally, passionately, and consciously.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:09 Growing up in a culturally rich background
• 07:15 The Power of Multilingualism and Cultural Identity
• 09:13 Setting your own identity through living all over the worl
• 15:00 Transformative Travel Experiences: From Childhood to Adulthood
• 21:02 What is Astrocartography
• 22:01 Ashley's Soul Hustle - Conscious Crop
• 22:01 Embarking on a Soul Hustle: The Birth of Conscious Crop
• 30:07 Launching The Conscious Crop: A Sustainable Fashion Journey
• 31:24 Collaborating with The Retreat: Merging Fashion and Healing
• 32:16 The Impact of Conscious Crop at The Retreat
• 37:17 Reflections on The Retreat Experience
• 45:13 Integrating Travel Experiences into Everyday Life
• 55:58 Conclusion and Next Steps

In this episode:

• Episode 9: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/episode/009-use-astrology-to-plan-your-travels-with-zoe-cardiff

Resources & Links:

• Ready for your next adventure? Click here to view our Trip Planning Packages & 2025 Pricing: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/packages 

Connect with Ashley

• Instagram: @jpmorgan_ashley
• Instagram: @theconsciouscrop
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Conscious-Crop-100068713846865/

Connect with Kelly

• Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel   
• Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday 
• Transform With Travel Website: https://www.transformwithtravel.co 

How does pelvic health impact your travel experiences?

In this episode of the Transform with Travel podcast, I’m joined by Susan Winograd, a pelvic health expert. This insightful discussion explored the often-overlooked connection between pelvic health and travel, providing valuable advice for travelers of all kinds.

Susan emphasized the importance of a whole-body wellness approach, integrating various modalities to support clients comprehensively. This approach isn't just about addressing immediate health issues but ensuring long-term wellness. Susan's clinic offers a full spectrum of services, including nutrition and wellness programs, to help clients feel their best throughout life.

Susan provided practical tips to maintain health while traveling. Simple practices like changing positions frequently, staying hydrated, and planning for potential constipation can make a big difference. Breathwork was also highlighted as a powerful tool for pelvic health, helping balance the body's systems with every inhale and exhale.

Traveling across time zones often disrupts sleep patterns. Susan explained the importance of adjusting to local time as quickly as possible to help regulate bodily functions, including sleep and bladder control. Getting immediate exposure to sunlight upon arrival and integrating familiar routines can aid in this adjustment.

Susan's overarching message is to be proactive and plan for your health. By modifying what can be controlled and embracing new experiences, travelers can enhance their well-being. For those looking to connect with Susan, her practice Pelvicore Rehab and Wellness in Boca Raton, Florida, offers a wealth of resources, and she can be found across various online platforms.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 06:12 Susan's Journey to Pelvic Health
• 09:24 The Whole Body Approach to Wellness
• 14:45 Travel's Impact on Health and Wellness
• 24:41 Maintaining Health on the Road
• 32:04 Exploring Bladder and Bowel Health
• 32:28 Understanding Sleep and Bladder Connection
• 36:02 Tips for Adjusting to New Time Zones
• 41:27 Breathing Techniques for Pelvic Health
• 44:24 Travel Tips and Personal Insights
• 48:17 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

In this episode:

• Episode 33: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/episode/crossing-the-ocean-on-a-paddleboard-philanthropy-travel-with-romi-wallach 

Resources & Links:

• Ready for your next adventure? Click here to view our Trip Planning Packages & 2025 Pricing: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/packages 

Connect with Susan 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-winograd-8400bb156/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pelvicorerehabandwellness
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelvicHealthWellness 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pelvicorerehabandwellness 
• https://www.pelvicorerehab.com/ 

Connect with Kelly

• Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel   
• Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday 
• Transform With Travel Website: https://www.transformwithtravel.co 

We’re announcing a refreshing update for the podcast as it enters its third year of inspiring busy professionals to ignite their adventure spirit.

Over the next weeks, we will be highlighting the top 10 most played episodes from the past two years, including tips for overcoming flight anxiety, health hacks for travelers, building a life of global travel with family, and her personal love story.

You will hear:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:22 Exciting News and Podcast Refresh
• 01:01 Top 10 Most Played Episodes Announcement
• 01:18 Highlights of Past Episodes
• 02:04 Stay Connected and Work With Us
• 02:21 Conclusion and Next Steps

Resources & Links:

• Ready for your next adventure? Click here to view our Trip Planning Packages & 2025 Pricing: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/packages 

Connect with Kelly

• Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel   
• Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday 
• Transform With Travel Website: https://www.transformwithtravel.co 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Transform With Travel. Happy travels in 2025! ✈️

In this solo episode, I’m sharing my real talk reflections on our recent trip to Panama—what surprised me, what delighted me, and what I’d do next time. 

From the bustling cosmopolitan energy of Panama City to the Caribbean charm of Bocas del Toro and the lush, peaceful escape of El Valle, I’m breaking down each stop with tips, highlights, and honest feedback.

Plus who I partnered with to make this trip come to life - Ogaya Travel! 

If you’re considering a trip to Panama, this episode will give you the insider scoop—what’s worth the hype, where to slow down, and how to plan your route depending on what kind of traveler you are.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why I was surprised by Panama City—spoiler alert: Casco Viejo has serious charm
• Why Bocas del Toro is a must-visit, rain or shine!
• Why El Valle might be Panama’s most underrated gem
• How to think about logistics, internal flights, and ground transportation between regions
• My top tips for making your Panama itinerary more intentional, enjoyable, and less rushed

Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture buff, or looking for that perfect mix of both—this episode will help you decide if Panama’s your next destination.

Resources & Links:

• Ready for your next adventure? Click here to view our Trip Planning Packages & 2025 Pricing: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/packages 
• Full Episode 78 with Ogaya travel: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/episode/078-the-sustainable-paradise-youve-never-heard-of-until-now-travel-to-panama-with-ogaya-travel 

Connect with Kelly

• Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel   
• Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday 
• Transform With Travel Website: https://www.transformwithtravel.co 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Transform With Travel. Happy travels in 2025! ✈️

In this episode, I’m joined by Skyler Mason—founder of SKYIN and the heart behind Kenya’s most transformative safari experiences—for a powerful conversation on purpose, privilege, and the kind of travel that changes you forever.

But don’t expect just another guide to spotting lions or sipping sundowners.

From living with Maasai tribes to building sustainable tourism that funds water wells and jobs, Skyler shares how one soul-stirring trip at 13 years old set him on a lifelong path of connection, culture, and impact.

We explore what it really means to travel like a local, why authentic human connection is the true luxury, and how one woman’s solo trip to Kenya turned into a life-altering homecoming.

✨ Inside This Episode:

• Why Skyler walked away from a successful family business in the U.S.
• The surprising way he first traveled to Kenya as a teenager
• How safari can be a spiritual journey—not just a sightseeing one
• What travelers miss when they only seek out Instagram-worthy moments 
• The difference between authentic and performative cultural tourism
• How SKYIN is creating jobs and clean water access in remote communities
• The emotional stories of travelers who came back changed—for good
• What to look for when choosing a safari provider (and what to avoid)

🌍 Whether Kenya is already on your bucket list—or your heart just craves more purpose and connection in your next journey—this episode will remind you that the real magic of travel isn’t where you go. It’s how deeply you show up when you get there.

In this episode:

• 00:00 Introduction 
• 02:25 Skyler's Early Connection to Africa
• 05:48 Transformative First Visit to Kenya
• 07:12 Building a Career Around Passion
• 09:31 Creating Authentic Kenyan Experiences
• 16:47 Designing the Ultimate Kenyan Adventure
• 25:33 Balancing Luxury and Authenticity
• 31:10 Sustainability and Community Impact
• 35:15 The Burden of Fetching Water
• 36:01 Mission to Create Water Wells in Kenya
• 36:46 The Importance of Clean Water
• 39:33 Choosing the Right Safari Operator
• 45:57 Tips for First-Time Safari Travelers
• 50:56 Transformative Travel Stories
• 01:00:04 Closing Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions

Resources & Links:

• Download our Travel Planning Packages & Pricing: Click here to download our latest packages brochure - https://transformwithtravel.myflodesk.com/welcomeguide 

Leave a Review: Loving the show? Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your favorite travel buddy (or stressed-out parent friend 💛). It helps more families find joy and transformation through travel.

Connect with SKYIN

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Liveskyin/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveskyin/?hl=en%20 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/live-skyin/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfKCj1zahPmPxwJwMmn9CNA/featured 
• Website: https://liveskyin.com/ 

Connect with Kelly

• Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel   
• Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday 
• Transform With Travel Website: https://www.transformwithtravel.co 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Transform With Travel. Happy travels in 2025! ✈️

 Are you craving an overseas adventure or a little wellness escape, but maybe you're feeling a little uneasy about the world, your PTO or even your finances?  

This week, we share an excerpt from one of our top episodes of all time with Henley Vazquez - CEO of FORA - where we dive into the travel alternatives to classic destinations that are a little closer to home.

In this data-driven, yet heartfelt, conversation, Henley shares how all travel is real travel, whether it’s a staycation or an international journey. She also shares the hottest destinations, and a few domestic alternatives.

What We Talk About:

•  How to create the perfect wellness escape, no matter where you're traveling.
• How to confidently choose your domestic destinations in the US that give you a sense of awe and wonder, without needing to hop on a long flight.
• And why all travel is real travel, whether it's a one night staycation or a week long escape.

Resources & Links:

• Ready for your next adventure? Click here to view our Trip Planning Packages & 2025 Pricing: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/packages 
• Full Episode 47 with Henley Vazquez: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-future-of-travel-a-conversation-with-henley-vasquez-ceo-of-fora 
• Become a FORA Advisor: https://referral.foratravel.com/ABCLFE 

Connect with FORA

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foratravel/
• Website: https://www.foratravel.com/

Connect with Kelly

• Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel   
• Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday 
• Transform With Travel Website: https://www.transformwithtravel.co 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Transform With Travel. Happy travels in 2025! ✈️

In this episode, I’m joined by world-traveling chef, author, and storyteller Shannon Smith—creator of The Hidden Table—for a soul-stirring journey through food, culture, and the power of saying yes to curiosity.

But don’t expect a list of top restaurants or travel hacks.

From hidden kitchens in Morocco to salt pans in Mexico, Shannon opens up about what it means to connect with humanity—one conversation, one handmade dish, one unexpected invitation at a time.

We explore how embracing spontaneity, discomfort, and unfamiliar flavors can transform your travels—and yourself—and why some of life’s richest experiences can’t be Googled.

✨ Inside This Episode:

• How Shannon went from seamstress to global chef in her 40s
• The mindset shift that helped her unlock deeper travel connections
• Stories behind the hidden tables that shaped her new cookbook
• Why culinary travel is about people—not just plates
• What she’s learned from women entrepreneurs around the world
• Her approach to flexible, curiosity-led travel (no itinerary required)
• How she empowers women through teaching skills like cooking, sewing, and jewelry-making
• A powerful reminder that your next chapter can start any decade

🌍 Whether you’re craving more meaning in midlife or just hungry for a deeper taste of the world, this episode is your invitation to slow down, savor the flavors, and follow your curiosity all the way home.

In this episode:

• 00:00 Introduction 
• 04:57 Shannon's Culinary Beginnings
• 08:05 First Taste of International Travel
• 09:54 Rediscovering the World Through Food
• 15:55 Connecting Through Curiosity and Food
• 17:54 Culinary Adventures in Mexico
• 26:16 Choosing Stories and Recipes for the Book
• 29:08 The Art of Making Food Look Beautiful
• 30:13 Capturing the Essence of Different Cultures
• 31:04 Unexpected Culinary Adventures in Chile
• 34:07 The Magic of Spontaneity in Travel
• 35:09 Embracing Flexibility and Trying New Things
• 38:18 Empowering Women Through Culinary Skills
• 44:24 Advice for Finding Purpose After 50
• 48:24 Lightning Round: Culinary Favorites
• 51:28 Where to Find Shannon's Book and Recipes

Resources & Links:

• Purchase The Hidden Table: Cookbook: https://chefshannon.com/shop/p/hidden-table-cookbook 
• Best Day Brewing: Learn more about Best Day Brewing’s Earn $2 Back Program today! https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/best-summer-yet  
• Download our Travel Planning Packages & Pricing: Click here to download our latest packages brochure - https://transformwithtravel.myflodesk.com/welcomeguide 

Leave a Review: Loving the show? Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your favorite travel buddy (or stressed-out parent friend 💛). It helps more families find joy and transformation through travel.

Connect with Chef Shannon

• Cookbook: https://chefshannon.com/shop/p/hidden-table-cookbook 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefshannonsmith
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chefshannonsmith 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChefShannonSmith 
• Website: https://chefshannon.com/ 

Connect with Kelly

• Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel   
• Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday 
• Transform With Travel Website: https://www.transformwithtravel.co 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Transform With Travel. Happy travels in 2025! ✈️

In this solo episode, Kelly shares how to break free from the tourist script in Peru and uncover the magic that lies beyond the classic Machu Picchu itinerary. From the Sacred Valley to the surprising cultural moments that don’t make it into guidebooks, you’ll get real-life stories, practical tips, and a little pep talk on trusting your instincts while traveling.

Whether you're planning your first trip to Peru or you're dreaming of a more meaningful, less curated adventure, this episode will help you ditch the cookie-cutter route and connect more deeply with the heart of the Andes.

✨ Inside This Episode:

• How to strategically map out your Peru Itinerary
• Why you should avoid long transfer times in between destinations
• Incredible hotels to stay at throughout Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
• What trains to book to get to Machu Picchu
• The Short Inca Trail Experience (& why you should try it!) 
• The importance of booking with a local tour operator & experienced Travel Advisor
• Why you should make Machu Picchu more than just a day trip
• Things I was NOT prepared for before my first trip to Peru (and should have been!) 

🌍 If you’re ready to book your Bucket List Adventure to Peru & Machu Picchu, download our Getting Started Guide today - https://transformwithtravel.myflodesk.com/welcomeguide!

Resources & Links:

• AndBeyond: Check out their collection of sustainable & luxurious lodges, camps and itineraries at here: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/andbeyond

• Best Day Brewing: Learn more about Best Day Brewing’s Earn $2 Back Program today! https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/best-summer-yet  

• Download our Travel Planning Packages & Pricing: Click here to download our latest packages brochure - https://transformwithtravel.myflodesk.com/welcomeguide 

Connect with Kelly

• Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel   
• Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday 
• Transform With Travel Website: https://www.transformwithtravel.co 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Transform With Travel. Happy travels in 2025! ✈️