Ecuador Isn't Just a Destination—It's a Fresh Start. What if one trip had the power to completely change the direction of your life? For author Lindsey Goldstein, that's exactly what happened. Long before she became a published novelist, Lindsey spent a gap year living in Ecuador—a decision that shaped not only her love of travel but ultimately inspired her debut novel, Gap Year. In this episode of The Travel Brats Podcast, Lindsey joins us to share how Ecuador became her second home, why she believes it's one of the world's most underrated destinations, and how travel has the power to transform us at any stage of life. Whether you're dreaming of hiking through the Andes, snorkeling in the Galápagos Islands, wandering colorful markets, or simply looking for inspiration to take that first leap into the unknown, this conversation is a reminder that adventure doesn't have an age limit. Meet Our Guest Lindsey Goldstein is an author, traveler, and lifelong advocate for meaningful travel experiences. After taking a gap year in Ecuador as a teenager, Lindsey returned several times over the years—living in Quito, volunteering in the Galápagos Islands, conducting research, and building lifelong friendships along the way. Those experiences eventually inspired her novel Gap Year, a story about rediscovery, courage, and finding yourself through travel. During our conversation, Lindsey shared not only the inspiration behind the book but also practical advice for anyone considering Ecuador as their next destination. In This Episode Here's what you'll hear during our conversation: Why Lindsey chose Ecuador for her gap year How living abroad shaped her confidence and independence The real inspiration behind her novel Gap Year Why Ecuador deserves a spot on every travel bucket list Lindsey's favorite destinations throughout Ecuador Solo travel tips and lessons learned Ecuadorian food you shouldn't miss Safety myths about South America Why it's never too late to reinvent yourself through travel Why Ecuador Left Such a Lasting Impression Many travelers overlook Ecuador in favor of larger South American destinations, but Lindsey believes that's exactly what makes it so special. Despite its relatively small size, Ecuador offers incredible diversity. Within just a few hours, travelers can experience: The Andes Mountains Colonial cities The Amazon Rainforest Pacific beaches Indigenous markets The Galápagos Islands Very few countries pack so many unforgettable experiences into one destination. As Lindsey explains throughout the episode, Ecuador isn't just beautiful—it's incredibly accessible, welcoming, and full of opportunities for meaningful cultural connections. Lindsey's Favorite Places in Ecuador Throughout the episode, Lindsey shares several destinations that continue to inspire her years after her first visit. Quito Ecuador's capital combines colonial architecture, rich history, incredible mountain views, and vibrant local neighborhoods. Lindsey recommends spending time exploring the UNESCO-listed historic center and riding the TelefériQo for panoramic views of the city. Cuenca Often overlooked by international travelers, Cuenca quickly became one of Lindsey's favorite cities. Its walkable streets, charming cafés, beautiful churches, and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal destination for travelers looking to slow down and experience everyday Ecuadorian life. The Galápagos Islands For Lindsey, the Galápagos remain one of the most magical places on Earth. During the episode, she shares unforgettable stories about: Snorkeling with sea lions Watching giant manta rays Camping on an active volcano Wildlife encounters found nowhere else in the world Conducting research on the islands It's clear why the Galápagos continue to capture travelers' imaginations. The Amazon Rainforest Lindsey also recounts one of the funniest stories from the interview—her mother's unforgettable reaction after discovering an unexpected frog inside their rainforest cabin. Moments like these remind us that the best travel memories often come from the experiences we never planned. One of Our Favorite Takeaways Travel isn't just about seeing new places. It's about discovering new facets of yourself. Throughout our conversation, Lindsey returns to this idea again and again. Living abroad forced her outside her comfort zone. She learned Spanish. She navigated unfamiliar cities. She built friendships across cultures. She became more independent. Those experiences ultimately shaped who she is today. It's a powerful reminder that the greatest souvenirs aren't things—they're the confidence, perspective, and resilience we bring home. Ecuadorian Foods Lindsey Recommends No trip is complete without trying the local cuisine. Some of Lindsey's favorites include: Humitas Quimbolitos Fresh choclo with local cheese Ají (Ecuador's beloved spicy sauce) Fresh tropical fruit from local markets She encourages travelers to explore neighborhood markets and family-owned restaurants to experience Ecuador's incredible culinary culture. Is Ecuador Safe? One of the most common questions travelers ask is whether Ecuador is safe. Lindsey believes many of the concerns surrounding South America are based on outdated perceptions. Like any destination, Ecuador requires common-sense precautions. Stay aware of your surroundings. Research neighborhoods. Secure your belongings. Use reputable transportation. Trust your instincts. For Lindsey, those practices allowed her to enjoy years of incredible experiences throughout the country. Why "Gap Year" Isn't Just for Teenagers Perhaps the biggest lesson from this episode is that reinvention doesn't have an age limit. Lindsey's novel centers on an adult woman whose life changes unexpectedly before she embarks on a transformative journey through Ecuador. The message resonates far beyond the pages of the book. Whether you're: Changing careers Recovering from burnout Becoming an empty nester Retiring Looking for a fresh start Travel has the unique ability to offer perspective, healing, and renewed confidence. Sometimes changing your surroundings changes everything. Favorite Quote from the Episode "Travel isn't about escaping your life. It's about returning home with a new perspective." Travel Brats Take One of the reasons we loved this conversation is because it reminds us why we started The Travel Brats in the first place. Travel isn't simply about checking countries off a list. It's about collecting stories. Meeting people. Stepping outside your comfort zone. Learning something new about the world—and about yourself. Lindsey's journey through Ecuador perfectly captures that spirit. Her experiences remind us that some destinations stay with us forever, shaping not only the memories we make but the people we become. If Ecuador wasn't already on your bucket list, we have a feeling it will be now. Listen to the Episode In this episode, you'll hear: Lindsey's incredible Ecuador stories Behind-the-scenes inspiration for Gap Year Hidden gems throughout Ecuador Solo travel advice Ecuador travel tips Lessons on reinvention and resilience Listen wherever you enjoy podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Resources Mentioned Book - Gap Year by Lindsey Goldstein Places - Quito, Cuenca, Otavalo Market, Galápagos Islands, Amazon Rainforest, Cotopaxi National Park, Mitad del Mundo Continue Exploring Ecuador If you're planning your own adventure, don't miss these additional Travel Brats resources: The Ultimate Ecuador Travel Guide Complete Ecuador Packing List How to Visit the Galápagos Islands Best Things to Do in Quito South America Travel Tips Solo Travel Guide Join the Travel Brat Tribe Love discovering destinations beyond the typical tourist trail? Subscribe to The Travel Brats Podcast for inspiring conversations with travelers, authors, creators, and industry experts who share the stories behind the destinations they love. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd leave us a review, share it with a fellow traveler, and tag @TheTravelBrats on social media so we can follow along on your next adventure.
