In This Episode:

• Discover practical tips and strategies for making friends while traveling solo.
• Hear personal stories and experiences that highlight the joys and challenges of solo travel.
• Learn how to step out of your comfort zone and connect with fellow travelers and locals.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of being open and approachable.
• Utilizing social media and travel apps to find like-minded travelers.
• Engaging in group activities and tours to meet new people.
• Building meaningful connections that enhance your travel experience.

Join the Conversation:

• Follow us on Instagram @wakeupandwanderco Tiktok: @wakeupandwanderco
• Share your solo travel experiences and tips using #WakeUpAndWander
• Register for our free coffee chat and learn more about the virtual event here:

  https://bit.ly/wanderlustandlattes

Summary: In this inspiring episode of the Wake Up and Wander Podcast, I share 12 invaluable lessons I learned from slow traveling to over 30 countries in my 20s. I passionately believe that true transformation and growth come from immersing yourself in new cultures and communities, living like a local, and embracing the unexpected. Tune in to discover how slow travel can shape your mindset, build your confidence, and open your heart to the incredible diversity of our world.

Episode Highlights:

1. Embrace Hugging and Personal Connection:

   • I share my experience with international students who introduced me to more affectionate greetings, highlighting the importance of physical connection and community.

2. The Art of Slow Living in Spain:

   • Discover how living in Salamanca, Spain, taught me to slow down, enjoy the moment, and embrace the local custom of siestas.

3. Living Financially Day-to-Day in Mexico:

   • I reflect on the Mexican culture of living in the present and how it contrasts with the American focus on saving for the future.

4. Skin Tone Preferences and Self-Acceptance:

   • A lesson from Thailand on how beauty standards differ globally and the importance of loving and accepting yourself as you are.

5. The Reality of Pollution:

   • My travels to Bali and Thailand opened my eyes to the severe pollution problems, emphasizing the importance of environmental consciousness.

6. Face Masks and Cultural Respect:

   • A reflection on how wearing face masks in Thailand for common colds showed me the respect for others' health, contrasting with the American response during COVID-19.

7. Safety Perceptions in Different Countries:

   • I discuss the misconceptions about safety in countries like Mexico and Morocco, emphasizing the importance of traveling smart and being aware of your surroundings.

8. Tourism's Impact on Local Communities:

   • Learn about the environmental and cultural effects of tourism and the importance of conscious travel, as highlighted by my boat tour experience in the Philippines.

9. Adopt, Don't Shop:

   • I share my heartfelt story of adopting a street dog in Mexico and the importance of giving homeless animals a loving home.

10. The Value of Learning a New Language:

    • The enriching experience of studying Spanish in Spain and Mexico, and the advantages of being multilingual.

11. Travel and Diversity as the Greatest Teachers:

    • I emphasize the educational value of travel and diversity, and how it has shaped my views on homeschooling and experiential learning for future generations.

12. Food Quality in America vs. Europe:

    • A revelation about the differences in food ingredients and regulations between the US and Europe, highlighting the need for healthier food choices.

Takeaway Message: Traveling slowly and immersing yourself in new cultures is a profound way to learn about the world and yourself. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zones, embrace the unknown, and explore the vast and diverse world around you. Whether it's adopting new customs, learning a language, or understanding the environmental impact of tourism, these lessons can transform your life and broaden your horizons.

Resources Mentioned:

• Follow my travels and insights on Instagram: @wakeupandwanderwithhailey Tiktok: @wakeupandwanderco
• Interested in adopting a street dog? Check out shelters that facilitate international adoptions such as SOS el Arca (Instagram: @sos_el_arca)

Join the Conversation:

• Have you experienced slow travel? Share your stories and lessons learned on social media with #WakeUpAndWanderPodcast.
• Subscribe to the podcast for more episodes on mindful living, self-discovery, and transformative travel experiences.

Rate & Review:

• If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more wanderers like you!

In this episode of the Wake Up & Wander podcast, we dive into all things trusting your gut and blocking out outside opinions to create the life of your dreams. Key Topics Covered: • Intro to the episode with what to expect [00:07]

• Podcast Trailer [00:33]

• My journey with trusting my gut [01:34]

• Intro to stories in my life where I was challenged to trust my gut or go with what society said was the "right" path to take 2:26

• Travel or go straight to a 9 to 5/career [3:06]

• How one decision to study abroad in Spain led me to ESL teaching [08:11]

• Considering changing my major/minor vs listening to societies suggestions to take the easy route [12:00]

• Seeing results from trusting my gut with how one thing leads to another and everything worked itself out [14:06]

• The pressure from society is there for everyone and you get to choose the life you want and if it doesn't feel right for you it probably isn't! [15:43]

• A life-changing experience/lesson for me that changed the way I view live and why I prioritize and live by the quote "Live and Travel Now" [17:05]

• Knowing when to trust your gut [19:45]

• Tips and tricks to identify the difference between what your brain/influence from society is trying to tell you is "right" vs your gut/intuition [20:16]

Let's Connect: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @wakeupandwanderwithhailey Show Some Love: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review or sharing it with a friend. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue creating valuable content. Thank You for Listening! We appreciate you tuning in to the Wake Up & Wander Podcast. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with inspiration, insights, and practical tips for living your best life.

In this episode of the Wake Up & Wander podcast, we dive into the steps I took to become the version of myself I day dreamed about. Feel free to listen and take mental notes or download the free journal guide HERE to work through this episode with me.

Key Topics Covered:

• Intro to the 6 key steps to building healthy habits to become your dream self [2:28]

• Step one: Define your dream self [2:53]

• Step two: Examine the habits that future version of you would have [4:33]

• Step three: Set goals and take action - BABY STEPS [5:50]

• Recap of steps one to three [7:00]

• Step four: Identify barriers and limiting beliefs [7:22]

• Habit stacking [9:30]

• Changing negative thoughts to positive 10:15

• Step five: Cultivate self-compassion and resilience [10:38]

• Step six: Embrace the journey [13:47]

• Wrap up and motivation on taking these lessons into the real world [14:43]

Let's Connect:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @wakeupandwanderwithhailey

Show Some Love:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review or sharing it with a friend. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue creating valuable content.

Thank You for Listening!

We appreciate you tuning in to the Wake Up & Wander Podcast. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with inspiration, insights, and practical tips for living your best life.

In this episode of the Wake Up & Wander podcast, we dive into the why behind the podcast, my journey in self-development and confidence growth. I am Hailey, your host, a small town girl turned solo female traveler who has been ALL over the world. Tune into this episode to get to know me, where I am sharing my story, and how taking scary action has changed my life for the better.

Key Topics Covered:

• Introduction and who this podcast is for
• What I mean when I say "I am from a small town" [3:04]
• Growing up in a small town with Anxiety [4:31]
• My first trip abroad [5:20]
• Getting uncomfortable to grow [6:21]
• The purpose of this podcast [8:09]
• Where my journey with mindset work, self-development, and personal growth started [8:40]
• Working to travel and building an online business [9:42]
• What success looks like to me and dealing with pushback from society [13:45]
• Fears in your 20s of having it all figured out [15:18]
• Why I continue to make travel a priority [16:20]
• Breaking away from societal norms and building the life of your dreams [17:02]
• How I grew my confidence, let go of self doubt, and became the next-level version of myself I day dreamed about [18:09]
• Wrapping it up, lessons to take away, and what to expect from this podcast [22:14]

Let's Connect: - Email: [email protected] - Social Media: @wakeupandwanderwithhailey

Show Some Love: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review or sharing it with a friend. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue creating valuable content.

Thank You for Listening! We appreciate you tuning in to the Wake Up & Wander Podcast. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with inspiration, insights, and practical tips for living your best life.

Welcome to the Wake Up & Wander podcast. Your go-to podcast to guide you on your journey of self-discovery, confidence-building, and transformative travel experiences. Join me as we navigate the intersections of self-development, mindfulness, and the joy of exploring the world around us.

Get ready to wake up to the possibilities of mindful living and wander with intention as we embark on this exhilarating journey, called life, TOGETHER!

Join us for a new episode every other Tuesday!