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

Have you ever considered embarking on a life-changing adventure with your family, one that goes beyond the typical vacation and dives deep into cultural immersion and personal growth? If so, you'll find incredible inspiration in the latest episode of the Transform with Travel podcast, where I interview Annika Paradise about her co-authored book The Wonder Year and her experiences with family travel.

Annika discusses how traveling as a family can completely reshape dynamics, drawing from her own experience of shifting from a family of four to a family of three. She emphasizes the importance of showing children that parents don’t always have all the answers, fostering teamwork and mutual respect.

Travel reshaped Annika’s family dynamics, strengthening their relationships and fostering personal growth. She recounts how her children learned invaluable life lessons about kindness, cultural diversity, and resilience, enriching their understanding of the world.

Annika encourages families to overcome obstacles and start planning their adventures, emphasizing that the perfect time to travel may never come. She shares a powerful message of seizing the moment and making memories that will last a lifetime.

These insights from Annika Paradise will inspire you to embark on your own adventures, seeing the world not just as a backdrop for vacations but as a vast classroom for priceless family experiences.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 03:47 Annika's Early Travel Influences
• 07:29 The Impact of Family Travel
• 09:47 Peace Corps and Cultural Immersion
• 13:55 Reentry Challenges and Continued Adventures
• 26:19 Overcoming Social Hurdles
• 27:27 Financial Planning for Extended Travel
• 28:19 Intentional Travel Destinations
• 30:21 Family Dynamics and Personal Growth
• 33:47 Health Benefits of Traveling
• 40:02 Advice for Aspiring Traveling Families

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Byte: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/byteandcoffee 

Connect with Annika

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wonderyeartravel/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wonderyeartravel/
• https://wonderyear.com/

Connect with me

• Follow the Podcast on IG: www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel  
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday
• Instagram www.instagram.com/risingnatureretreats 
• Website: https://risingnatureretreats.com 

Travel holds an unparalleled ability to transform lives. It’s not just about the destinations visited but the personal growth and self-discovery that happen along the way. In this episode of Transform with Travel, I sit down with Gabriella Arbesu, a long-time friend and avid traveler, about the profound impacts of her travel journey.

Gabi shares the influence of her Cuban-American heritage on her identity, painting a vivid picture of growing up in a bustling and loud Cuban household against the backdrop of a quieter American culture. This duality of cultures shaped her into a bold, unapologetic individual, proud of her heritage and open to the world’s diversity.

Travel and yoga often intersect in the realm of personal transformation. Gabi discusses her introduction to yoga following a traumatic incident and how it became a healing and empowering tool. Her journey encapsulates the transformative potential of embracing new experiences and finding solace and strength in practices like yoga, highlighting the healing power of movement and mindfulness.

Travel is synonymous with personal growth and cultural connection. Gabi's stories of navigating the challenges and beauties of destinations worldwide shed light on travel's dual nature: it tests limits while also offering incredible vistas, local interactions, and life-changing experiences.

The conversation shifts towards a significant milestone in Gabi's life - purchasing land in Nicaragua with her partner. This decision symbolizes not just an investment in property but a deeper commitment to a life of adventure, love, and the pursuit of dreams.

Through Gabi's experiences, you will gain insight into the trials and triumphs of living abroad. From the idyllic visions painted on social media to the realities of adapting to a different culture, language, and lifestyle, this part of the conversation offers a balanced view of expatriate life and going against the grain and starting her OnlyFans.

This episode is a testament to the power of travel and personal growth. It’s a reminder that we all have the power to transform our lives through our journeys, both literal and metaphorical. I encourage you to embrace the unknown, pursue your passions, and let the world open your minds and hearts to new perspectives.

Share your thoughts: How has travel transformed you? Join the conversation and let us know your story of transformation through travel! #transformwithtravel

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:47 Exploring Cuban-American Heritage and Growing Up in South Florida
• 05:09 Gabby's Yoga Journey: From Trauma to Transformation
• 09:27 The Art of Holding Space: Lessons from Yoga and Retreats
• 09:53 The Impact of Travel on Personal Growth and Cultural Connection
• 29:14 Navigating Relationships and Travel: Moving to Central America
• 29:51 The Reality of Living Abroad: Challenges and Triumphs
• 35:21 Falling in Love with Nicaragua
• 36:13 The Decision to Buy Land
• 36:59 Understanding Property Ownership in Nicaragua
• 37:42 Building a Dream: From Vision to Reality
• 39:41 Exploring the Future of Yoga Retreats
• 41:57 Embracing Creativity: The OnlyFans Journey
• 58:27 Travel Insights and Life Lessons

Connect with Gabi

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriella__cristina
• https://hoo.be/gabriellacristina

Connect with me

• Follow the Podcast on IG: www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel  
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday
• Instagram www.instagram.com/risingnatureretreats 
• Website: https://risingnatureretreats.com 

SPONSORS:

• Child & Company
• Byte & Coffee

In the ever-evolving landscape of careers and personal growth, few stories resonate as vividly as those that intertwine the transformative power of travel with the courage to embrace professional change. In this episode of the Transform with Travel podcast, I’m joined by Courtney Page, a seasoned executive recruiter turned career coach, about the intricacies of navigating career transitions, the profound impact of travel on personal growth, and the philosophy of life that fuels such journeys.

Courtney is a seasoned executive recruiter turned executive coach who excels at guiding high-level professionals through the intricacies of executive-level work. With a background in ancient Eastern philosophies, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and Tibetan Buddhism, she is an experienced yoga teacher, reiki practitioner, and meditation guide who deeply understands how energy affects all aspects of life, including careers. Courtney holds certifications in yoga, reiki, mindfulness, human resource management, and recruiting and talent acquisition.

Courtney Page's career journey is a testament to the unpredictability of life's path. Following in her father's footsteps, she entered the world of executive recruiting, a role that unexpectedly aligned with her craving for autonomy and her fascination with the personal stories behind career decisions. However, it was the freedom and introspection provided by remote work, coupled with a lifelong interest in yoga philosophy, that eventually led her to pursue a career in coaching. 

Courtney and I share a profound belief in the transformative power of travel. For Courtney, a semester spent studying Buddhism and yoga philosophy in India not only shaped her worldview but also her approach to life and coaching. This experience underscored the importance of being present and content, principles that she applies to her coaching practice. Her travel stories serve as a reminder that sometimes, the journey within is as significant as the distance traveled across the globe.

One of the episode's key takeaways is the importance of embracing career breaks. Rather than viewing them as a setback, she advocates for seeing these pauses as opportunities for reflection, self-discovery, and ultimately, growth. Whether it's a sabbatical, a gap year, or maternity leave, these breaks provide individuals with the breathing room needed to reassess their goals, desires, and what truly makes them content.

We also talk about the influence of yoga and Buddhist philosophy in her life and career choices illuminate another layer of her transformative journey. The principles of non-permanence, interconnectedness, and finding contentment in simplicity have not only shaped her personal life but also her approach to helping others navigate their career paths. These philosophies encourage a mindset of openness and flexibility, essential qualities in today's ever-changing professional landscape.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:45 Exploring Career Breaks and Personal Growth Through Travel
• 01:18 Courtney’s Journey from Executive Recruiter to Career Coach
• 08:51 The Impact of Yoga Philosophy on Career Choices
• 14:16 Studying Abroad in India: A Transformative Experience
• 23:44 Navigating Career Ebb and Flow: Intuition and Change
• 25:14 The Power of Mentorship and Coaching in Career Pivots
• 26:41 Differentiating Between Therapists and Coaches
• 32:06 Embracing Career Breaks: Sabbaticals, Gap Years, and Maternity Leave
• 35:20 Resume Writing and Interview Tips After a Career Break
• 41:39 Travel Insights and Life Lessons

Connect with Courtney

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneyaustinpage/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resume.careers/
• Podcast: https://www.resume-careers.com/podcast
• https://www.resume-careers.com/

Connect with me

• Follow the Podcast on IG: www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel  
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday
• Instagram www.instagram.com/risingnatureretreats 
• Website: https://risingnatureretreats.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Child & Company

Byte & Coffee

Mention "Transform with Travel" at checkout for 10% off your order at Byte & Coffee in Lighthouse Point, Florida.

Byte & Coffee

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.

The venture is a brilliant marriage of Ashley’s corporate background, spiritual insights, and her passion for sustainability. It's a testament to how personal values and professional endeavors can align to create something impactful. Through The Conscious Crop, Ashley and her team are not just selling products; they are fostering a community of conscious consumers and contributing to a more sustainable world.

Ashley’s narrative is rich with lessons on travel, identity, entrepreneurship, and the art of living consciously. Her journey from experiencing cultural immersion as a child to fostering an eco-conscious community through The Conscious Crop teaches us the power of embracing our journeys, no matter how nonlinear they may seem.

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
• 01:50 Growing up in a culturally rich background
• 06:57 What leads or creates a multi-passionate person
• 07:00 The power of multilingualism and cultural identity
• 09:08 Setting your own identity through living all over the world
• 21:39 What is astrocartography
• 22:38 Ashley's soul hustle - The Conscious Crop
• 30:54 Behind launching The Conscious Crop
• 33:05 The impact of Conscious Crop at Rising Nature Retreats
• 40:51 How to stay grounded when traveling
• 40:51 Travel rituals and staying grounded
• 46:23 Integrating travel experiences into everyday life

Resources: 

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

Connect with Ashley

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

Connect with me

• Follow the Podcast on IG: www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel  
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday
• Instagram www.instagram.com/risingnatureretreats 
• Website: https://risingnatureretreats.com 

Travel is more than moving from one place to another; it's a journey of personal transformation and growth. In this episode of the Transform with Travel podcast, we had the pleasure of diving into the remarkable journey of Madison Bailey Mengueme, a true embodiment of how travel can profoundly shape one’s life. Madison's journey weaves in culture, service, and sustainability work across the globe, culminating in entrepreneurship back in the United States.

From a young age, travel was ingrained in Madison's life from a young age. Her passion for exploring the world was truly ignited after a life-changing trip to the Dominican Republic (DR) at 17, a journey she embarked on reluctantly after a breakup. Little did she know, this trip would shape her future career and passions. Working with a nonprofit on sustainability projects in the DR, Madison got her first taste of merging her love for travel with meaningful work, a theme that would define much of her life.

Madison’s travels took her from the bustling cities of Europe and South America to the remote Amazon jungle of Peru, where she implemented a mosquito prevention program while pursuing her master's at the University of Notre Dame. Each destination brought new challenges, insights, and a deeper understanding of the world and her place in it. 

Madison continued to push the boundaries of her comfort zone. Her sustainability and health education work spanned continents, from assisting with a mosquito prevention program in Peru to empowering teens in Seville, Spain, with the Red Cross. Her time in Cameroon with the Peace Corps, where she met her husband and developed numerous community health initiatives, was a testament to her commitment to making a tangible difference in the communities she served.

Madison’s story is a reminder of the transformative power of travel - not just in changing locations, but in changing lives. Her journey underscores the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, embracing new cultures, and dedicating oneself to meaningful work. It is a call to all aspiring adventurers to pick a place on the map, go, and let the journey transform you.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:37 What first sparked her interest in travel
• 07:39 What led her to do a mosquito prevention program
• 09:07 Living in the Amazon
• 10:59 Choosing to join the Peace Corps
• 11:41 The onboarding process of joining the Peace Corps
• 21:15 The kinds of projects she was working on
• 22:47 Did she ever feel respected in the community, or like she belonged?
• 23:50 Did homesickness set in?
• 25:35 The mindset that helped her overcome the barrier of isolation
• 27:04 Meeting her husband out of the blue
• 32:14 Being in Cameroon when the pandemic hit
• 33:27 Coming home after living in the village of Cameroon
• 36:04 How 'materialism' reshaped Madison as a person
• 38:26 Weaving in her son's Cameroonian culture
• 39:46 Running a small business in America

Connect with Madison

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MadisonMengueme/
• Instagram (Popalicious Popcorn): https://www.instagram.com/popaliciouspopcorn 

Connect with me

• Follow the Podcast on IG: www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel  
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday
• Instagram www.instagram.com/risingnatureretreats 
• Website: https://risingnatureretreats.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Child & Company

Byte & Coffee

Mention "Transform with Travel" at checkout for 10% off your order at Byte & Coffee in Lighthouse Point, Florida.

Byte & Coffee

In this episode of Transform with Travel, Romi Wallach joins me to talk about her journey from moving her young family from Toronto to Miami to co-founding The Daily Drip, a platform that empowers South Florida businesswomen, and exemplifies how travel and challenging oneself can lead to profound personal growth.

Romi’s journey shifts when her family decided to move from Toronto to Miami. Unlike the typical migration pattern of retirees heading south, Romi and her husband made the move when their children were just toddlers, searching for new opportunities and adventures. This leap into the unknown was driven by a desire for growth and change.

In 2021, amidst navigating personal challenges, Romi co-founded The Daily Drip. The platform, envisioned as a beacon for South Florida's businesswomen, offers content, resources, and community support, aiming to empower women on their journey to reaching their maximum potential. This initiative, rooted in the spirit of community and upliftment, mirrors Romi's own life philosophy.

Romi's philanthropic spirit is deeply rooted in her family's legacy. From a young age, involvement in charitable endeavors was a way of life. This ingrained sense of giving back, underpinned by the Jewish principle of Sadaqah, has guided her actions and choices, from spearheading charity events to her passionate involvement with "The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis." 

Romi’s story is one of transformation through travel, challenges, and community engagement. It underscores the idea that growth often comes from stepping out of our comfort zones, embracing new experiences, and contributing to something larger than ourselves. Through her journey, Romi demonstrates that when we face life’s currents together, we can navigate towards a future of growth and shared achievements.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:21 Romi's Big Move: From Toronto to Miami
• 05:12 Building a New Life and Community in South Florida
• 08:22 Romi's Philanthropic Journey and the Power of Giving Back
• 10:22 The Inspiring Challenge of Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis
• 20:32 Training, Challenges, and the Mental Game of Endurance Paddling
• 29:54 The Unforgettable Beach Landing Experience
• 31:28 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Post-Challenge Life
• 35:31 The Healing Power of Nature and the Ocean
• 38:31 Family Adventures and the Joy of Shared Experiences
• 43:55 Cultivating a Culture of Philanthropy in the Family
• 44:51 Building a Community Through The Daily Drip
• 50:11 Travel Insights and Final Thoughts

Help Fundraise for The Crossing for CF:

• https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4830153

Connect with Romi

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romiuncensored/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/romi.wallach  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romi-wallach-56027819/
• 
  

Connect with The Daily Drip

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-daily-drip/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedailydripofficial
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedailydripofficial/
• Website: https://www.thedailydrip.com/
• 
  

Connect with me

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday
• Instagram www.instagram.com/risingnatureretreats 
• Website: https://risingnatureretreats.com 

Mentioned in this episode:

Rising Nature Retreats

Byte & Coffee

Mention "Transform with Travel" at checkout for 10% off your order at Byte & Coffee in Lighthouse Point, Florida.

Byte & Coffee

Mentioned in this episode:

Child & Company

Byte & Coffee

Mention "Transform with Travel" at checkout for 10% off your order at Byte & Coffee in Lighthouse Point, Florida.

Byte & Coffee

Are you looking for more joy, play and adventure in your life?

In today's episode, we speak with Carly Jean Wright, Founder of The Vibrant Mama Method. She's a Somatic & Energetic Healing Facilitator for moms and women navigating life’s biggest transitions, and she's a proud boy mom.

Carly dives deep into how we can support yourselves emotionally, at home & as we travel, by embracing play, joy and micro-adventures into our daily life.

What We Discuss:

• How she became passionate about Maternal Mental Health Support
• Coming back to Who You Are in Motherhood
• Carving out time for Play as an Adult
• Micro Adventures with your children
• How can we get excited about life again? 
• Emotional Regulation Tips for Travel

Connect with Carly:

• Instagram @thatvibrantmama
• TikTok @thatvibrantmama
• The Vibrant Mama Journal

Connect with Kelly:

• Instagram @kelly.tolliday.yoga
• Instagram @risingnatureretreats
• Website https://risingnatureretreats.com

Thanks for tuning in!

Mentioned in this episode:

Child & Company

Byte & Coffee

Mention "Transform with Travel" at checkout for 10% off your order at Byte & Coffee in Lighthouse Point, Florida.

Byte & Coffee

Are you interested in taking your travels to the next level through connection, service and purpose?

Would you like to make a positive impact when you travel?

In today's episode, David O'Connor with Global Shapers is on the pod, discussing his lifelong commitment to travel, building community and giving back.

David travels all over the world, as the leader of his local Global Shapers Hub, to create sustainable impact for communities in need.

What We Discuss:

• How David combines Service & Traveling
• Growing up on the road with his family
• Engaging with the communities we travel to in a meaningful way
• Acknowledging his privilege to travel 
• His participation in the Global Shaper Community 
• How Hospitality differs around the world
• What does being a part of a Community actually mean
• People are inherently good 

Connect with David:

• Instagram @daveabroad
• Global Shapers Community

Connect with Kelly:

• Instagram @kelly.tolliday.yoga
• Instagram @risingnatureretreats
• Website https://risingnatureretreats.com

Thanks for tuning in!

Mentioned in this episode:

Rising Nature Retreats

Byte & Coffee

Mention "Transform with Travel" at checkout for 10% off your order at Byte & Coffee in Lighthouse Point, Florida.

Byte & Coffee

In today's episode, your host, Kelly Tolliday, discusses her most recent trip to Southeast Asia with her family of 4, and goes over what she learned as a traveling family.

In Episode 25, Kelly discussed her top Mindset Hacks, Tricks and Travel Podcasts to make traveling with kids a little less stressful.

But this month, she dives DEEP into the lessons she learned while on the road with her husband and two young children. With the hopes, that these lessons will help you travel with more ease and less stress, as well.

What We Discuss:

• Southeast Asia Trip Recap
• Slow Down Your Pace with your Children
• Find Your Flow & Rhythm When You Travel
• Lean into Micro Moments of Joy
• Get Comfortable with Making Pivots 
• How to Restart your Day

Connect with Kelly:

• Instagram @kelly.tolliday.yoga
• Instagram @risingnatureretreats
• Website https://risingnatureretreats.com

Thanks for tuning in!

Mentioned in this episode:

Byte & Coffee

Mention "Transform with Travel" at checkout for 10% off your order at Byte & Coffee in Lighthouse Point, Florida.

Byte & Coffee

Rising Nature Retreats

In today's episode, we chat with Sel & Pedro Perez from Nomads with Kids on their experience of overcoming internal and external fears to be able travel through Central America for 8 months. This trip changed the course of their life, and they now travel full time as a family of 3 with their daughter Sol.

Because of their experiences, they created a community called Nomads with Kids, which connect families with flexible schooling and child care options around the world. And at the airing of this episode, they have JUST launched their latest project, Homestays with Kids, which connects families around the world to be able to stay at each others homes and allow kids and parents to make invaluable connections and communities.

What We Discuss:

• How Set and Pedro started their journey as nomads 
• Surviving 8 Months of Travel as a New Relationship
• Overcoming obstacles and fears of travel
• Choosing to live life on the road as a family
• How they started Nomads with Kids
• Launching Homestays with Kids

Connect with Sel & Pedro:

• Nomads with Kids Website
• Instagram @nomadswithkidsorg
• Homestays with Kids Website
• Instagram @homestayswithkids
• Instagram @selypimenta

Connect with Kelly:

• Website https://risingnatureretreats.com
• Instagram @risingnatureretreats
• Instagram @kelly.tolliday.yoga
• Come to Portugal with Kelly!

Thanks for tuning in!

Mentioned in this episode:

Byte & Coffee

Mention "Transform with Travel" at checkout for 10% off your order at Byte & Coffee in Lighthouse Point, Florida.

Byte & Coffee

Rising Nature Retreats