Wanderlust Diaries - Tales of Solo Travelers Terri

Laura shares her travel experiences, including her time in the Peace Corps and her solo trip to Morocco. She discusses the challenges and rewards of solo travel, the importance of immersing oneself in different cultures, and the value of having a guide in unfamiliar places. Laura also emphasises the need for research and preparation when traveling during holidays. The conversation covers the importance of research and flexibility in travel planning, the difference between solo travel and traveling with kids, and the challenges and joys of traveling with children. The conversation concludes with a discussion about future travel plans.
 
Teaser for Laura's podcast:Join host Laura Lisensky as she explores the world! As much about storytelling as it is about travel recommendations, this podcast will immerse you in the sound and experience of discovering a place for the first time.A country Laura fell in love with as discussed, is Africa. Mauritania is also a favourite because it is so different from anywhere else Laura has been. Its part sub-saharan Africa and part of the Arab world, too.  Its a very interesting place!
Takeaways
Immersing oneself in different cultures can lead to personal growth & understandingHaving a guide in unfamiliar places can provide valuable insights and enhance the travel experienceResearch & preparation are important, especially when traveling during holidays Flexibility is key when traveling, as unexpected opportunities & changes in plans often arise.Solo travel offers a liberating & spontaneous experience, while traveling with kids requires more planning and consideration of their needs.Traveling with children can be challenging but also rewarding, it allows for shared experiences and the opportunity to introduce them to new cultures.The conversation highlights the importance of embracing spontaneity and being open to new experiences while traveling.The host's podcast, 'Travel Along with Laura,' offers a unique audio experience that immerses listeners in the sounds and atmosphere of different travel destinations.Laura's links:
Podcast website:   https://travelalongpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Patreon: (where you can find photos for each episode)   patreon.com/travelalongpodcast
Facebook: Travel Along With Laura
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550249477638
Instagram: @travelalongpodcast
https://www.instagram.com/travelalongpodcast/
My personal instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bugsandstuf/
Thank you for listening! Follow me on:

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Download my free guide: 15 Steps to Remove Limiting Beliefs
Visit my website: https://www.terrireynoldscoaching.co.uk/ and read my blog
Read my blog written for The Travel Coach Network
Read my article featured in EmpowHer Journal

I have to say I am very excited in this episode, so much so, that my voice has gone up quite a few notches at the start!  That's because this is my very first audio sofa session, and to celebrate you can hear us 'cheers' at the start of the pod.   Hopefully this is the first of many more in person podcasts.  It's not perfect, as you'll find out, but neither am I! 

Julie is the “Financial Fortune Teller”. Helping Business Owners find the
fortune in understanding and managing their numbers.
Julie is a Finance and Business Growth Mentor and qualified
accountant, helping Founders in their business journey from start-up to
growth and scale-up, to identify areas of growth and to reach their goals.
Her aim is to take the fear out of finance and make it simple to
understand.
Julie is qualified accountant, Finance Director and finance & business professional with 30 years’ experience working with diverse organisations ranging from FTSE listed blue-chip to SMEs and start-ups.
She is experienced in multiple sectors including banking, property, education and fintech. As well as her technical skills, she is adept at supporting organisations to grow through her friendly, problem-solving approach. She applies leading business thinking to come up with innovative ideas to help organisations unlock their growth.
Throughout her career, she focuses on connecting finance with operational parts of the
organisation. She is an advocate that a strong finance function with a clear financial strategy is critical to the success of any company. Everything you do in business has a financial impact so finance is not just a back-office support function. All departments should work together and not in isolation, in order to achieve the organisation’s objectives.
As well as being a mentor, Julie is also a fractional Finance Director, providing commercial and strategic support to businesses that do not require a full-time FD.
As a speaker, she shares her passion and knowledge to empower business owners to
master their numbers to maximise impact and profit.
Julie believes in taking the “fear out of finance” and that knowing your numbers is key to
business growth and success. With a holistic approach to business she will help identify
which area needs attention. Julie likes to be able to connect the activities of sales, marketing and operational strategies with financial and overall business strategy.

This is how you can contact Julie to find out more:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wong-fd-mentor/
Email: juliewong.fd@gmail.com
Thank you for listening! Follow me on:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/terri_reynolds_coaching
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088818823571
Download my free guide: 15 Steps to Remove Limiting Beliefs
Visit my website: https://www.terrireynoldscoaching.co.uk/ and read my blog
Read my blog written for The Travel Coach Network
Read my article featured in EmpowHer Journal

In this episode, Becky Guldin, a solo traveler, is also in a relationship. They discuss the motivation behind solo travel, the empowerment and independence it brings, and the importance of communication and support from a partner. Becky shares her tips for solo travellers in relationships, including the need for open conversations and setting expectations. They also talk about the research and planning involved in solo travel, as well as the importance of embracing local culture. Becky shares her favourite travel destinations and highlights a surprising experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this episode, They discuss the value of having a tour guide while traveling, highlighting the benefits of having a knowledgeable guide who can provide insights and explanations about the places visited. The importance of recommendations from other travellers is also emphasised. The conversation then shifts to the topic of persuading a partner to support solo travel, with the understanding that solo travel can be a transformative and enriching experience. The chapter on overcoming nervousness about solo travel includes personal anecdotes and reassurances that solo travellers can enjoy their own company without feeling self-conscious. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the timing of solo travel and the variety of travel experiences that can be enjoyed, both solo and with companions.
Takeaways
Having a tour guide can greatly enhance the travel experience by providing insights and explanations about the places visited.
Recommendations from other travelers can be valuable in finding reliable and knowledgeable guides.
Solo travel can be a transformative and enriching experience, and it is important to communicate with partners and seek their support.
Overcoming nervousness about solo travel can be achieved by starting small, embracing independence, and realising that others are often too focused on themselves to pay attention to solo travellers.

Contact Rebecca here - https://www.inbloomcommunications.com
Thank you for listening! Follow me on:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/terri_reynolds_coaching
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088818823571
Download my free guide: 15 Steps to Remove Limiting Beliefs
Visit my website: https://www.terrireynoldscoaching.co.uk/ and read my blog
Read my blog written for The Travel Coach Network
Read my article featured in EmpowHer Journal

Rowena Hicks, a property entrepreneur, shares her experience of traveling solo in a van with her greyhounds and volunteering with sad animals. She explains her passion for rescuing greyhounds and the benefits of traveling with them. Rowena discusses her adventures in the UK and abroad, including house sitting and volunteering in Spain. She provides tips for preparing to travel with dogs and shares some funny stories and challenges she has faced along the way. In this conversation, Rowena Hicks shares her experiences of traveling in her van with her pets and how it relates to her property entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of trusting directions and not relying solely on sat navs. Rowena recounts a terrifying experience of driving on a cliff edge and how it tested her driving skills. She also talks about her stays at retreat places and volunteering at a horse sanctuary. Rowena explains how she got into property entrepreneurship and the benefits of investing in the UK. She discusses her strategy of service accommodation and how it provides a passive income. Rowena also highlights her work with refugees through her properties. She shares her upcoming trips to Amsterdam and Italy and offers tips for traveling with pets, including the use of sat navs and connecting with other travellers through Airbnb experiences.

Takeaways
Trust directions and don't solely rely on sat navs when traveling.
Driving on a cliff edge can be terrifying, but it can also test your skills and build confidence.
Combining travel and property entrepreneurship can provide a flexible and fulfilling lifestyle.
Investing in property in the UK can be a lucrative venture due to the high rental demand.
Connecting with other travelers and locals can enhance the travel experience and provide valuable insights.




Thank you for listening! Follow me on:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/terri_reynolds_coaching
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088818823571
Download my free guide: 15 Steps to Remove Limiting Beliefs
Visit my website: https://www.terrireynoldscoaching.co.uk/ and read my blog
Read my blog written for The Travel Coach Network
Read my article featured in EmpowHer Journal

Joining me today is Shareen Geers.   With a Master's in Law and her own Events Management company, Shareen prioritizes travel despite her professional commitments. Not letting work hinder her adventures, she flew to Sydney for a 1-hour meeting and explored the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam while 6 months pregnant. With experiences like walking the Camino De Santiago and diving with Great White Sharks in Cape Town, she launched group tours for women, combining her passion for travel with connecting women, inspired by visiting 52 countries by age 52.

Shareen, a South African living in South Wales, talks about her solo travel journey and reveals how her first Cardiff trip ignited her passion for adventure, discussing the thrill of new experiences and the dopamine rush of travel. She tackles solo travel fears, stressing the value of taking small steps to conquer them. Shareen also shares her Facebook group success,  uniting women travelers and fostering a supportive community. The conversation celebrates travel's transformative power and the confidence it builds. Terri and Shareen delve into the joys and challenges of solo travel, sharing tips and favourite destinations while inspiring others to make lasting memories on their journeys.

Takeaways
Solo travel allows for personal growth, empowerment, and a sense of achievement.
Challenges while traveling can be overcome with determination and a positive mindset.
Favourite travel destinations include Guatemala, Mexico, and Indonesia.
Tips for solo travelers include doing research, joining organized tours or travel groups, and starting with smaller trips to build confidence.
Inspiring others to travel and sharing experiences can create a sense of community and encourage more people to explore the world.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:12 Love for Travel
05:22 The Thrill of New Experiences
07:31 Overcoming Fear and Anxiety
10:50 Confidence and Empowerment
14:24 Creating a Travel Community
22:43 The Urge to Travel
23:09 The Joy of Solo Travel
23:22 The Benefits of Group Travel
24:18 Solo Travel and Life Transitions
25:26 Empowerment through Solo Travel
26:23 Personal Stories of Solo Travel
27:12 Overcoming Challenges while Traveling
28:46 Creating Lasting Memories
29:21 Hiking Adventures
31:11 The Feeling of Achievement
32:00 Inspiring Others to Travel
33:19 Favourite Travel Destinations
34:13 Tips for Solo Travelers
41:05 Closing Remarks

Contact Shareen here:
Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/grouptoursforwomen/
Thank you for listening! Follow me on:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/terri_reynolds_coaching
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088818823571
Download my free guide: 15 Steps to Remove Limiting Beliefs
Visit my website: https://www.terrireynoldscoaching.co.uk/ and read my blog
Read my blog written for The Travel Coach Network
Read my article featured in EmpowHer Journal

Jamillah Welch-Bercy, CEO and travel advisor at Travel Groupie, shares her passion for travel and empowering women. She discusses her early travel experiences and how they inspired her to start a travel business. Jamillah also talks about the transformational power of travel and the importance of embracing new cultures. She shares her experience as a co-author of the book 'My Walk Past Hell' and her passion for giving back. Jamillah also briefly discusses her real estate ventures and highlights three surprising travel experiences in Malaysia, Thailand, and the Karen Village. In this conversation, Jamillah Welch-Bercy shares her experiences traveling to Thailand and Colombia. She discusses the controversial tourist attraction in Thailand and why she wouldn't visit again. Jamillah also highlights the beauty of Thailand, the friendly people, and the delicious food. She talks about her solo travel experiences in Thailand and how safe she felt. Moving on to Colombia, Jamillah explains how the country transformed her and challenges the negative stereotypes associated with it. She praises the vibrant culture, revitalised communities, and the positive impact on her mental and physical well-being. The conversation ends on a positive note, emphasising the love and happiness Jamillah found in Colombia.

Takeaways

Thailand is a beautiful country with friendly people and delicious food.
Solo travel in Thailand is safe and recommended, especially in cities like Bangkok.
Colombia challenges negative stereotypes and offers a vibrant culture, revitalized communities, and a positive impact on mental and physical well-being.

Jamillah's links:
www.thetravelgroupie.com
https://www.facebook.com/jamillahwelchbercy
https://www.instagram.com/thetravelgroupie/


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
03:03 Early Travel Experiences and Inspiration
09:41 Starting a Travel Business
14:02 Transformation through Travel
18:27 Embracing New Cultures
21:08 Writing and Publishing a Book
26:22 Passion for Giving Back
29:30 Real Estate Ventures
32:30 Surprising Travel Experiences
36:13 Thailand: A Controversial Tourist Attraction
37:07 The Beauty of Thailand
38:12 Solo Travel in Thailand
39:19 Colombia: A Transformational Experience
41:44 The Benefits of Living in Colombia
42:22 Ending on a Positive Note


Thank you for listening! Follow me on:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/terri_reynolds_coaching
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088818823571
Download my free guide: 15 Steps to Remove Limiting Beliefs
Visit my website: https://www.terrireynoldscoaching.co.uk/ and read my blog
Read my blog written for The Travel Coach Network
Read my article featured in EmpowHer Journal