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In this heartwarming episode of Passport to Love, we share the beautiful story of Esther Milanzi, who found love in the most unexpected place—while teaching abroad in Thailand. Esther’s journey is a true testament to how travel can open doors to not only new experiences but also life-changing romantic connections.
We follow Esther’s love story that began on the sun-soaked beaches of Southern Thailand, where she met a fellow American expat teacher at a beach party. Despite being on the other side of the world, fate had a surprising twist in store—they were both from the same area back home in North Carolina! Their instant connection turned serious quickly, sparking a whirlwind romance that took them from the shores of Thailand to adventures in Vietnam and Bali.
In this episode, you’ll hear Esther’s first-hand account of:
Esther’s story is filled with joy, adventure, and the transformative power of travel, offering inspiration to anyone who believes that love can find you when you least expect it—sometimes even halfway around the world.
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Have you ever dreamed of your own Eat, Pray Love moment?
In this captivating episode of our Passport to Love series, we dive into the love story of Jennifer and Marco, who met by chance in a small coffee shop in Croatia. Jennifer, an American backpacker, was traveling the world on her own Eat, Pray, Love journey, when she met Marco, a charming Croatian working in the yachting industry. What started as a casual encounter over coffee quickly blossomed into a romance that would change the course of their lives.
Jennifer continued her adventures across the globe, eventually settling in Australia, but her heart kept pulling her back to Marco. After a lot of soul-searching, Jennifer made the life-changing decision not to stay in Australia and instead pursue her relationship with Marco, committing fully to building a future together. Today, the couple co-owns a yacht business in Croatia, Anchor Croatia, splitting their time between the stunning Adriatic coast and the bustling energy of New York City.
In this episode, Jennifer shares her journey of love, travel, and the pivotal decisions that led her to a life she never imagined. From falling in love while traveling to building a thriving business together, her story is one of adventure, passion, and following your heart across continents and oceans.
Key Takeaways:
If you’ve ever wondered how travel can lead to unexpected love and life-changing decisions, Jennifer’s story will inspire you to embrace the unknown and trust the journey.
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In this heartfelt episode of Transform With Travel, we explore the beautiful love story of Jackie Curnick, who fell head over heels for a South African dive instructor while living in the country. Jackie takes us through the magical moments of meeting her partner, the deep connection they formed, and how their shared sense of adventure and mutual respect for each other’s cultures brought them together.
But it wasn’t always smooth sailing—Jackie and her partner had to navigate the challenges of a long-distance relationship, with oceans and continents between them. Jackie shares her experience of building trust and maintaining love across miles, time zones, and cultural differences. Her story is a testament to how trust, communication, and a strong emotional bond can make even the most daunting distances seem small.
Tune in as Jackie opens up about the highs and lows of long-distance love, and how their relationship has thrived despite the challenges. Whether you’re in a long-distance relationship or just love a great romance story, Jackie’s journey will inspire you to believe that love can conquer any distance.
Key Takeaways:
Listen now to discover Jackie’s inspiring story of finding love in unexpected places and building a strong, lasting relationship against the odds!
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Disclaimer: The Arch RoamRight™ and the RoamRight® mark is used by Arch Insurance Company and owned by its parent company, Arch Capital Group (U.S.). Insurance coverages are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, NAIC #11150, under certain policy series, including LTP 2013 and amendments thereto. Certain terms, conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply and coverages may vary in certain states. Coverage costs vary based on age, trip length, and benefits selected. Based on a true story. Some details have been changed for privacy.
In this uplifting episode of our Passport to Love series, we dive into the love story of Francesca Beckett, who found more than just adventure while backpacking in Australia. (Spoiler Alert: she found the love of her life!)
Originally from England, Francesca met her partner, a dive instructor from New Zealand, in the sunny coastal city of Cairns, Australia. Their instant connection as backpackers quickly blossomed into a whirlwind romance, setting the stage for a lifelong journey together.
Francesca shares how their love grew amidst the backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef, and how their shared passion for travel, diving and adventure solidified their bond. After falling deeply in love, the couple eventually moved to New Zealand, where they decided to build a life together and start a family.
Tune in as Francesca takes us through the highs and challenges of navigating an international relationship, from falling in love on the road to raising a family in a new country, away from her home.
Key Takeaways:
If you’ve ever wondered how travel can change your life in unexpected ways, Francesca’s story will remind you that love can be found when you least expect it, even halfway across the world.
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Have you ever experienced an instant connection with someone while traveling?
In this episode of Transform With Travel, we talk with Salecia Host as part of our Passport To Love series, sharing stories of travelers who fell in love while on the road.
In this captivating episode of our Passport to Love series, we follow the incredible journey of Salecia Host, who fell in love during a transformative experience on a Kibbutz in Israel. What started as an instant connection turned into an epic love story spanning multiple continents.
After meeting her partner, Salecia and her newfound love embarked on a six-month journey around the world, visiting incredible places and making memories that would shape the rest of their lives.
But the adventure didn’t stop there. Salecia and her partner lived together in the United States before moving to Finland, and later, China. However, their love faced its biggest challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic when they were separated—Salecia remained in China with her daughter, while her partner and her sons were in Finland.
Despite the distance and uncertainty, their bond endured, and they were finally reunited, now living together in the United States.
Join us as Salecia opens up about navigating the highs and lows of a love that transcended borders, cultures, and even a global pandemic. She shares her experiences of building a life in different countries, the challenges of long-distance love, and how their relationship has grown stronger through every obstacle.
What We Discuss:
Listen now for an inspiring tale of love, resilience, and global adventure that proves true love can endure anything.
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How can one “Yes” change the trajectory of your life?
In this episode of Transform With Travel, we talk with Stefanie Grassley as part of our Passport To Love series, sharing stories of travelers who fell in love while on the road.
Stefanie shares her enchanting story of how she found love in one of Europe’s most picturesque cities—Copenhagen.
Stefanie shares the magical moments that led her to meeting her Airbnb Host in Copenhagen, and how this quickly turned into the love story of her dreams.
Listen as she shares how she navigates the thrills and challenges of an international relationship, and how their love story blossomed in a foreign land. Stefanie gives us an intimate look into her journey of building a life, a family and a love story overseas.
Whether you’re a travel lover, a romantic at heart, or someone looking for inspiration on how to follow your heart beyond borders, this episode is sure to spark your wanderlust and remind you of the transformative power of love through travel.
What We Discuss:
Tune in now and discover Stefanie’s unique journey, where love and travel intersect in the most beautiful way.
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Are you tired of the same old dating scene in your local area?
Ever wondered why connections made on a journey seem to have more spark?
What if I told you the secret to falling in love is off the apps and into the wide expanse of the world?
In this episode of Transform With Travel, we’re launching our Passport To Love series, sharing stories of travelers who fell in love while on the road.
To kick off the series, we’re diving into the fascinating research behind why falling in love while traveling feels more natural and authentic compared to dating apps.
Whether you're looking for love or already in a relationship, tune in to learn how travel can deepen your connections and create lasting bonds.
We explore:
Resources in this episode:
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Are you willing to step into the unknown to bring your dreams to life? In this episode of the Transform with Travel podcast, I had an enlightening conversation with Marisa Folz McConnell, a visionary entrepreneur behind The Wander Shop.
The Wander Shop was born out of Marisa's love for travel and fashion. Initially envisioned as a mobile store, Marisa's ingenuity and grit saw it evolve into a lifestyle boutique that supports local brands and artisans. With every change in her business model—from pop-up events and roaming Airstreams to stable retail locations—Marisa demonstrates the importance of flexibility and intuition in entrepreneurial success.
Travel has been a major influence on Marisa's fashion sense and business ethos. She draws inspiration from California’s laid-back style and Italy's classic elegance, incorporating versatile, timeless fashion pieces in her store. Trend forecasting for 2025 sees the return of baggy jeans and bold colors, and Marisa advises building a capsule wardrobe that balances the trendy with the timeless.
Marisa's story is a reminder to trust your instincts and seize opportunities when they arise. Her willingness to embrace risks and adapt to new circumstances offers a valuable lesson for anyone looking to transform their vision into reality.
If Marisa’s journey has sparked your wanderlust or inspired you to explore new territories in your own life, I'd be thrilled to assist. Contact me for a complimentary 20-minute consultation to start planning your next adventure using this link: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/book-a-call
Until next time, explore boldly and dream big.
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In this episode of Transform With Travel, we dive deep into the fascinating research behind how travel can help you live a longer, healthier life. We dive deep into the research from Ms. Fangli Hu, a researcher from Edith Cowan University (ECU), sharing groundbreaking findings on the benefits of travel and how it impacts longevity and overall well-being.
From reducing stress and promoting mental wellness to enhancing social connections and broadening perspectives, Ms. Hu's research sheds light on why taking time to explore the world isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for a long, fulfilling life.
Join us as we discuss the key takeaways from the study, the science behind the travel-health connection, and actionable tips on how you can incorporate more travel into your life for better physical and mental health.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Resources Mentioned:
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Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Transform With Travel. Happy travels in 2025! ✈️
Every January brings a natural energy for reflection and dreaming big. It’s a time proven to be perfect for setting intentions and planning how we want our lives to unfold. In this episode of the Transform with Travel podcast, I’m joined by Maria Maldonado Smith, a leading expert in goal setting and vision boards. Together, we explore the exciting journey of turning dreams, especially around travel, into reality
Maria explains that a vision board is a visual representation of your goals, acting as a powerful tool to keep your aspirations in focus. In a world inundated with images, vision boards help you curate what truly matters to you, leveraging your brain’s reticular activating system to align with your desires and create an information funnel that keeps your goals top of mind.
Many people, Maria notes, use excuses like lack of time or money to postpone their dreams. Instead, she encourages listeners to reevaluate their priorities and align their actions with their ambitions. Simple practices like setting aside time regularly for your goals and saving incrementally for dream trips can make a massive difference.
After creating your vision board, it's crucial to have an accountability system in place. Regularly check in on your progress, celebrate small wins, and adjust your goals as needed. Consistency, accountability, and grace are key to making your visions reality.
Whether it's learning a new language, embarking on a travel adventure, or deepening relationships, let this be the year you turn your dreams into reality. Happy vision boarding, and keep exploring! Remember to follow the Transform with Travel podcast so you don’t miss an episode.
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