Your Travel Bestie Kat

Kat Mahn

Your Travel Bestie Kat is the go-to podcast for women who love the idea of travel but want it to feel easy, fun, and stress-free. Hosted by Kat - your travel agent BFF and the face behind Kat's Purrfect Getaways - this podcast breaks down cruises, vacations, and travel planning in a real, relatable way. No confusing jargon. No TikTok myths. Just honest advice, insider tips, and behind-the-scenes knowledge from someone who actually books travel for a living. Because Google doesn't know you...but your travel bestie does!

  1. 1d ago

    Medical Tourism: Can Traveling Abroad Save You Thousands on Healthcare? | Mark Fachler of GoMedEscape

    What if your next trip could save you thousands of dollars on healthcare?   In this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat.  I’m talking with Mark Fachler, founder of GoMedEscape, about the growing world of medical tourism—and why more Americans are looking outside the U.S. for dental care, fertility treatments, hair restoration, aesthetic procedures, and other medical services.   Mark shares his personal journey from investment banking and private equity to entrepreneurship and medical tourism, including his own experience traveling to Costa Rica for dental care after receiving a $20,000 estimate in Los Angeles for treatment he was able to have done for around $4,000.   We talk about:   ✈️ What medical tourism actually is 💰 Why procedures can cost dramatically less abroad 🦷 Why dental care is one of the biggest medical tourism categories 👶 The surprising growth of fertility and IVF travel 🌎 Why Costa Rica, Mexico, and Panama are popular destinations 🔎 How GoMedEscape vets doctors, clinics, credentials, reviews, and facilities 🏥 What patients should look for when choosing an international provider 🛡️ Safety, certifications, English-speaking staff, and aftercare 💳 How financing may be available for medical tourism 🏖️ Turning a medical trip into a travel experience when appropriate ⚠️ The biggest myths and red flags surrounding medical tourism 🌱 Where Mark sees the industry heading over the next 5–10 years   We also talk about something every traveler should think about before booking: research and aftercare. Medical tourism can offer significant savings, but choosing the right provider is critical.   Mark's biggest piece of advice? Do your research. Don't choose a provider simply because they have the prettiest website or the lowest price.   This conversation is for informational purposes and isn't medical advice. Always research your options and consult qualified healthcare professionals before making decisions about treatment abroad.   Because sometimes travel isn't just about seeing the world—it can be about finding options you didn't know existed.   🎧 Listen now and discover whether medical tourism could change the way you think about healthcare and travel.   Connect with Mark & learn more about GoMedEscape: GoMedEscape.com   Follow Your Travel Bestie Kat: Travel + Transformation + a little sass ✈️ Helping you stop postponing joy and start saying YES to travel with confidence.

  2. Aug 14

    RAGBRAI: Hills, Food & Hospitality Across Iowa with Mark Shupe | Your Travel Bestie Kat

    What happens when a bicycle ride becomes a family tradition, a physical challenge, and an unforgettable vacation all at once?   In this episode of Your Travel Bestie Kat, Kat Mahn sits down with Mark Shupe to talk about RAGBRAI—the world’s largest week-long bicycle ride that stretches across the state of Iowa from west to east.   Mark shares what makes this iconic event so special, from rolling hills and small-town hospitality to legendary food stops and unexpected roadside entertainment. He offers practical advice for first-time riders, including training tips, packing essentials, camping logistics, and common mistakes to avoid.   Along the way, you'll hear stories about homemade pies, famous pork chop vendors, local breweries, and unique attractions like the Field of Dreams movie site and Glenn Miller's boyhood home. Most importantly, Mark reflects on the family memories created during the ride and why RAGBRAI is about much more than cycling.   Whether you're an avid cyclist, adventure traveler, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, this episode offers an inside look at one of America's most beloved annual events.   🎙 Hosted by Kat Mahn ✈️ Travel Advisor, Podcaster, and Founder of Kat's Purrfect Getaways   Subscribe for more travel stories, adventure inspiration, and conversations with travelers from around the world.   #RAGBRAI #CyclingAdventure #BikeLife #AdventureTravel #TravelPodcast #YourTravelBestieKat #BicycleTouring #IowaTravel #OutdoorAdventure #ActiveTravel #BucketListTravel #RoadCycling #TravelStories #ExploreMore #TravelInspiration #FamilyAdventures #BikeTour #EnduranceChallenge #CyclingCommunity #TravelTips #PodcastLife #AdventureSeeker #SeeTheWorld #MidwestTravel #RideAcrossIowa

About

Your Travel Bestie Kat is the go-to podcast for women who love the idea of travel but want it to feel easy, fun, and stress-free. Hosted by Kat - your travel agent BFF and the face behind Kat's Purrfect Getaways - this podcast breaks down cruises, vacations, and travel planning in a real, relatable way. No confusing jargon. No TikTok myths. Just honest advice, insider tips, and behind-the-scenes knowledge from someone who actually books travel for a living. Because Google doesn't know you...but your travel bestie does!