We talk about Emmanuel's fascinating journey from growing up in France, learning to cook quiche Lorraine from his mom, landing in the flavor and fragrance industry, and going to Madagascar for vanilla but staying for so much more.

Emmanuel's second book, A Taste of Madagascar, is part travel log, part ingredient deep-dive, and part love letter to the farmers, beekeepers, and entrepreneurs who rarely get credit for the extraordinary things we eat every day. He also shares what responsible food travel actually looks like, both in your own grocery store and halfway around the world, and why understanding where ingredients come from can genuinely change lives, including your own.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Mexico City Foodie Tour Waitlist
2. Japan Waitlist

Links & Resources (Emmanuel)

1. Learn more: flavorsunknown.com
2. Podcast: Flavors Unknown
3. Book: A Taste of Madagascar
4. Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door
5. Instagram/Facebook/TikTok: @flavorsunknown
6. LinkedIn: Emmanuel LaRoche

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast IG: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you're listening.

What started as a small group scouting trip with other travel industry professionals ended up being a private, one-on-one tour of Ecuador with our incredible guide Jose, and it couldn't have gone better. Krista went in not knowing what to expect and came back a self-proclaimed bird watcher, cacao convert, and Ecuador evangelist. She hand-fed hummingbirds at sunset with the Andes as her backdrop, crawled through a cave that only four people know how to find, met with an all-female Amazonian tribe and their shaman, got a medicinal cacao facial in Mindo, and ate octopus in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. That's the pure magic of Ecuador.

We're officially taking a group there for New Year's Eve 2027, and after hearing everything Krista experienced, I am convinced this was meant to be. Listen in to hear everything we'll be doing on our upcoming group trip, and then make sure to claim your spot ASAP. There's no promise we'll be doing this one again!

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Ecuador: NYE 2027 (December 26, 2026-January 2, 2027)

Links & Resources (Krista)

1. @krista_kat901
2. Episode 19: Trusting Your Gut: How Body Wisdom, IFS, and Astrocartography Guide Travel Decisions

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you're listening.

What I love most about this conversation is that yes, we absolutely geek out about cats — we swap stories from Turkey to Morocco to Old San Juan, debate the ethics of wet food versus dry food for street feeding, and rate destinations by cuddliness (Lima, Peru gets five toe beans, for the record). But the conversation goes so much deeper than that. We talk about resilience, slowing down, and how the smallest, scruffiest creatures can be the best travel guides you never planned for. Jeff also shares the story of Tilly, his soul cat, and why this book is partly his way of making sure she's never truly gone.

Plus, Jeff tells us all about his upcoming street cat cruise through the Mediterranean, which is exactly as amazing as it sounds. And stick around to the end because Jeff and I are doing a co-branded giveaway: a signed copy of Street Cats and Where to Find Them, some cat gear from Jeff, and a couple of my favorite cat t-shirts from my merch store.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Cuba (TBD for future group trip when possible)
2. Kenya
3. Morocco: September 4 - 13, 2026

Links & Resources (Jeff)

1. Street Cats & Where to Find Them
2. @owtk
3. Muckrack

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Giveaway for a signed copy of Jeff's book and a cat t-shirt from our merch store

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you're listening.

We got into everything — how Ashley stumbled into entrepreneurship after losing her job and landing in Thailand, why airline loyalty is often working against you, the truth about points and miles (spoiler: she's kind of over it too), and how to actually think about finding and booking premium flight deals. We also went deep on the wild world of flight deal theft, Instagram trolls, and why she once cried on a Delta inaugural flight over Wi-Fi. It's a good one.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Morocco: September 4 - 13, 2026

Links & Resources (Ashley)

1. Ashley Gets Around
2. @ashleygetsaround

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you're listening.

She's the host of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, a podcast she started because she was tired of feeling invisible. Whether she was tuning into shows about marketing, fitness, or travel, parenthood somehow wove its way into every conversation. So she built the space she wanted to see - content where that just wasn't part of the equation.

This conversation hit me at a particularly interesting time. My life is shifting in ways I never expected, and I'm learning firsthand how quickly circumstances can change and how uncomfortable it feels when you don't fit neatly into any of the boxes you thought defined you. Emily fully understands this complexity - she talks about building intentional lives, filling our time with what actually matters, and giving ourselves permission to evolve without apologizing for it.

We're diving into why waiting for the perfect moment is a trap, how travel fits into designing the life you want, why representation matters (especially when you're coloring outside the lines), and what happens when life refuses to stay in its lane.

Links & Resources (Emily):

1. Podcast: Curious Life of a Child-Free Woman
2. Substack: Emily Paulsen

Links & Resources (Laura):

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

Well, eventually is now. This is my first solo episode — and probably my last for a while — but it felt like the only way to finally put it all in one place. I'm sharing what's been happening behind the scenes over the past year—and why things need to change.

After five years of running a travel business, I've hit a crossroads. The business I built to give me freedom and flexibility has become something that's depleting me instead of filling me up. And ironically, just as I finally found the relationship I'd been searching for, I have no time to actually live my life.

This episode is about the reality of solo entrepreneurship that no one talks about—the burnout, the guilt, the realization that success doesn't look the way you thought it would, and the courage it takes to admit that something needs to change.

If you're in your own version of "under construction" right now, I see you.

This episode is for you if:

1. You're an entrepreneur questioning whether your business is serving you anymore
2. You've been told to "hustle harder" but you're already exhausted
3. You've built something successful but don't feel successful
4. You're wondering if it's okay to change your mind about what you want

If you've made it this far in reading these show notes, thank you. And if you listen to the full episode, thank you even more. This was uncomfortable to record, but I hope it resonates with someone who needs to hear it.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. India
2. Kenya
3. Morocco

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you're listening.

If you haven't listened to our first episode together, listen here—I can't recommend it enough. It remains one of our most listened-to episodes on this podcast, and it's the kind of conversation that stays with you.

Andrés spent his entire life in Cuba — all 38 years of it — and in that first episode, he gave us one of the most honest, raw portraits of what daily life on the island actually looks like. The blackouts, the internet restrictions, the economy, the feeling of living behind a window: able to see the outside world, but never quite able to reach it.

Since I was in Cuba this past January, things on the island have only gotten worse — a humanitarian crisis triggered by the Venezuela conflict, streets gone quiet from fuel shortages, flights canceled due to oil scarcity. I'll be honest: I genuinely worried he might get stuck before he ever got his chance to leave.

But he made it. Andrés is in Spain. And he's here to tell us all about it.

This episode is the raw, one-week-in version of what life looks like on the other side of that window. We talk about the state of Cuba as he left, catching what may have been one of the last regular international flights out, and then his first week in Madrid — the food, the technology, the culture shock, the smells, the joy, and the profound experience of walking into a store and simply having options.

You can support Andrés and his husband Yunior as they start their new life in Spain here: http://spot.fund/ANewLifeInSpainForAndres

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Cuba (TBD for future group trip when possible)
2. Spain: 2027

Links & Resources (Andrés)

1. @andresasevis (Instagram)
2. Purchase your copy of Andrés' book, Cosa Negra
3. Episode 13: From Havana to Spain: A Cuban Guide's Journey to Freedom w/ Andrés Asevis

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you're listening.

Sara is the co-founder and CEO of Honeyfund, and her story started with a simple problem: she and her then-husband wanted to honeymoon in Fiji but didn't need another toaster. So they created a way for friends and family to fund their honeymoon instead. That personal solution has now helped nearly 1.6 million couples receive over a billion dollars in wedding gifts - and completely changed how we think about gift giving.

What I love about this conversation is how it challenges the traditional wedding playbook. We talk about why couples are finally prioritizing experiences over stuff, how the wedding-to-honeymoon spending ratio is shifting dramatically, and why Gen Z is rewriting all the rules. Sarah breaks down 2026 honeymoon trends (spoiler: Japan just knocked Mexico out of the top three), shares creative ways couples are using Honeyfund beyond just travel, and explains why unscheduled time might be the most important thing to include in any honeymoon.

We also get into the psychology of why travel strengthens relationships, the surprising data showing couples who honeymoon are more likely to be happily married a decade later, and why asking for what you actually want shouldn't feel taboo.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Georgia: October 2 - 11, 2026

Links & Resources (Sara)

1. Honeyfund
2. @honeyfund (Tiktok)
3. @honeyfund (Instagram)

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you're listening.

But here's what you don't know about Hannan: She's been traveling since she was two years old, took her first solo trip at seven, and has spent her entire life navigating between two cultures while teaching herself to cook by obsessively watching the Food Network as a teenager. She's someone who was working in professional kitchens at 15, grinding through culinary school and restaurant jobs, all while fighting this nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right.

Hannan's traveled to over 20 countries across four continents, and everywhere she goes, she's paying attention to how people gather, how they slow down, and how they use food to build something that we're desperately missing in American culture - genuine connection. This conversation goes deep. We're talking about the lost art of slowing down, what it means to trust your instincts even when everyone thinks you're crazy, why Americans have completely forgotten how to relax, and her dream of getting entire communities to sit down and share food together.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Kenya: March 11 - 21, 2026 + March 25 - April 4, 2026
2. Morocco: April 10-19 + September 4 - 13, 2026
3. Camp Lola Whiskey: August 27-30, 2026

Links & Resources (Hannan)

1. Tamoont Dining
2. Instagram: tamoontgathering
3. Facebook

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you're listening.

I first met Justin when I was scouting Kenya for our group trips, and within a day I knew he was exactly the kind of person I wanted around my travelers. He's got this infectious enthusiasm for Kenya's wildlife combined with real practical knowledge about what makes a safari transformative versus just checking animals off a list. Plus, he's really fun to travel with - which is honestly a key quality I look for when building my team in a new destination.

What I love about Justin's story is that he didn't follow some traditional path into wildlife photography. He started in high school with prize money and a camera, taught himself everything, and eventually broke into the travel industry by offering his services for free. He's completely self-taught, which makes his perspective even more valuable - he knows what it's like to not have fancy equipment or formal training, just passion and a willingness to figure things out.

Justin is the founder of Kenya Adventurous Media Expert and has spent over a decade photographing everything from elusive leopards (he's only seen five!) to charging elephants in Kenya's most incredible national parks. But what makes him special is how he thinks about the safari experience itself. He's got strong opinions about overlanding versus luxury lodges, what travelers actually need to pack versus what they think they need, and what makes Kenya stand out from every other safari destination in Africa.

We're diving into all of that - his favorite animals to photograph, what our March overlanding trips will actually look like on the ground, the biggest mistakes travelers make on safari, and why sometimes the best camera for your safari is actually no camera at all.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Kenya: March 11 - 21, 2026 OR March 25 - April 4, 2026

Links & Resources (Justin)

1. Instagram: @kenyaadventurousmediaexpert + @just_in_wildlyf

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you're listening.

I first met Iris at an Adventure Travel Trade Association conference in Denver back in May, and within about five minutes I knew she was someone I wanted in my corner. She's genuine, down-to-earth, and refreshingly easy to talk to in an industry that can feel a bit stuffy and--let's be honest--is often dominated by men.

We're diving deep into what ethical travel actually means beyond the buzzwords, why it's worth every penny, and how small locally-owned operators compete against the budget travel giants. Iris founded By Iris Representation to connect ethical tour operators and DMCs worldwide with North American travelers, and she started Women's Work - the first tourism-specific business accelerator for women and non-binary entrepreneurs in North America.

But this conversation goes beyond business. Iris is a 38-year-old queer woman who's chosen solo travel, staying single, being childfree, and building a life that doesn't fit the traditional mold the travel industry usually celebrates. We're talking about the single supplement penalty, why Barcelona is the best solo travel city, hop-on-hop-off buses (don't @ us), and how I fired a Moroccan tour guide who couldn't handle working with a woman in charge.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Georgia: October 2 - 11, 2026

Links & Resources (Iris)

1. LinkedIn: @irisserbanescu
2. wmnsWORK
3. By Iris

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

In this episode, I sit down with Sonia Cruz Oro, certified travel coach and astrocartography expert, to explore how geography and astrology intersect to influence our experiences. I share the stories behind my biggest life decisions—like deciding to end my marriage while in Barcelona and deciding to quit my 14-year career during a trip to Turkey—and why these weren't just random moments of clarity.

Sonia breaks down what astrocartography actually is, how to read your map, and why some places are meant to challenge you rather than comfort you. We talk about the difference between intuition and anxiety, how to trust those weird travel pulls, and what to do when you're stuck somewhere that doesn't support you.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. India: Feb 25 - March 7, 2026
2. Morocco: April 10 - April 19, 2026

Links & Resources (Sonia):

1. travelawakens.com
2. Free Destination Guide
3. Book Astro-Cartography

Links & Resources (Laura):

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

Teresa Kalina shares her story of rebuilding life after divorce at 44—from signing up for BumbleBFF to traveling to five countries, taking singing lessons, learning to paint, and working toward her goal of visiting all 50 states before turning 50. We talk about the dangers of waiting, the power of group travel for building community, and why your 40s might be the perfect time to start over. If you've ever thought "it's too late," this episode will prove you wrong.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Morocco: April 10 - April 19, 2026
2. Georgia: Oct 2 - 11, 2026
3. Greece: May 16-24, 2026

Links & Resources (Teresa)

1. Instagram: @tlkalina

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

But what if this year was actually different?

I'm sitting down with my friend Rachel Trapani, an elementary school teacher from Michigan who went from taking one trip in 2019 that she couldn't afford to five international trips per year by 2023. She's been on five of my group trips plus two scouting trips to Puerto Rico and Kenya.

We're breaking down the exact 10 resolutions that transformed her travel life - from automating her savings to packing light, mastering long-haul flights, and saying yes to trips that scared her. This isn't about vague promises like "I'll travel more." This is your actual roadmap to making 2026 your best travel year yet.

The Free Guide:

We created a FREE downloadable PDF with all our tips, product links, travel credit card recommendations, packing essentials, and apps we swear by.

How to get it:

1. Follow @type2travelpodcast on Instagram
2. DM us the word RESOLUTIONS
3. Get your free guide immediately

BONUS: One person who downloads the guide wins a FREE 1-year premium membership to Going (valued at $49) for flight deals in your inbox all year long.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. India: Feb 25 - March 7, 2026
2. Kenya: March 25 - April 4, 2026
3. Morocco: April 10 - April 19, 2026
4. Greece: May 16 - 26, 2026
5. Camp Lola Whiskey: Aug 27 - 30, 2026

Links & Resources (Rachel):

1. Instagram: @smockpaperscissors
2. Guest blogs: How To Save Money To Travel More (Part 1) and How To Save Money To Travel More (Part 2)

Links & Resources (Laura):

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

This conversation goes places I didn't expect. We're talking about living on a Colombian island with no electricity or running water, navigating the dating scene across multiple countries and cultures, and what it really takes to build a life abroad when you don't speak the language fluently. Lindsey gets refreshingly honest about the unglamorous parts - the Airbnb disasters, the language barriers that kill romance, and why traditional gender roles in Latin America are both attractive and complicated for an independent American woman.

What I love about this episode is how Lindsey challenges the Instagram version of nomadic life while still making it feel accessible. She's not rich, she's not fearless, and she didn't have it all figured out when she started. She just took one step at a time and figured out the rest as she went.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Cuba: Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 3, 2026
2. Colombia: Join the waitlist!

Links & Resources (Lindsey)

1. IG: @lindsey_tague
2. Linkedin: @lindsey-tague
3. Substack: @alifebydesign

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

But here's what I really want you to hear: This trip was magic. Chaotic, unpredictable, sometimes frustrating magic. And it's a perfect example of what happens when you throw yourself into a completely different culture during one of its most sacred celebrations. These three didn't just observe Day of the Dead from the sidelines - they were in local neighborhoods where people were genuinely thrilled to see them, getting spontaneous tattoos inspired by a spiritual experience, and eating approximately 30 tacos each (Stacey kept count).

Also, there's the small matter of why I'm sunsetting this particular trip. The overtourism during Day of the Dead has gotten out of control, and it no longer aligns with my mission to take people off the beaten path and support destinations that actually need tourism. But we'll get into all of that.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. India: Feb 25 - March 7, 2026
2. Camp Lola Whiskey: August 27 - 30, 2026

Links & Resources (Laura):

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

In this episode, I'm sitting down with Mea, Melissa, and Erik to relive our recent Georgia trip - a country most Americans can't even point to on a map, but one that's home to 8,000 years of winemaking history and hospitality so intense it's basically aggressive kindness.

We're diving into the stories behind the Instagram photos: the wine harvest day that got completely out of hand, the abandoned Soviet spa complexes we explored, the carpool karaoke our guide will never forget, and why this group had the strongest bond I've experienced in almost 30 group trips. If you've been curious about Georgia or wondering what group travel is really like beyond the highlight reel, this episode is for you.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Georgia: October 2 - 11, 2026

Georgia Group Crowdsourced Spotify Playlist:

1. Listen here!

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

Dawn spent over two decades in corporate leadership before nearly burning herself out. At 35, doctors thought she'd had a stroke. These days, she works as a business strategist and fractional advisor, helping leaders who've built successful businesses but feel like they're drowning under the weight of it all.

The Cuba trip was Dawn's first foray into leading group travel, and she picked arguably the hardest destination on my list. Not because she had some lifelong dream of visiting Cuba, but because she was drawn to the transformative nature of the experience itself—the giving back, the community, the discomfort that forces you to confront things about yourself.

We're getting into the messy, beautiful reality of being responsible for other people's travel experiences when you haven't even experienced it yourself yet. We talk about why the women she thought would struggle actually thrived, how watching other people be uncomfortable is one of the hardest parts of leadership, and why entrepreneurs who say they don't have time to travel are actually the ones who need it most. Dawn also shares some hard truths about letting go of perfectionism, trusting the process, and why sometimes the rain-soaked backup plan ends up being more memorable than the original itinerary ever could have been.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Cuba: Jan 4 - 11, 2026

Links & Resources (Dawn)

1. Learn more about Dawn: uniqueconnector.com
2. LinkedIn: @dawnmullarney
3. Instagram: @uniqueconnector

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Affiliate Links

1. Smooth move

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

I never knew the version of Kerry who was afraid of flying, who didn't like being away from home for very long, who spent her days reading books to pass the time instead of living her own adventures. That Kerry was, in her words, "just existing"—which I think so many of us can relate to when we're unhappy.

The Kerry I know now jumped headfirst into a hot air balloon over the ancient pyramids in Mexico and got her first tattoo at age 63–in a foreign country, nonetheless. Just existing is far from the way I would describe her.

In this conversation, we're diving into the hard parts of starting over—the fear, the doubt, the process of working through divorce and simultaneously booking plane tickets to unfamiliar places with strangers. We're talking about taking ownership of your happiness and refusing to let age, circumstance, or fear dictate what's possible.

Kerry's message is simple but radical: You have a choice. Are you going to be bitter or better?

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Cuba: Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 3, 2026
2. Kenya: March 25 - April 4, 2026
3. Greece: May 16-24, 2026

Links & Resources (Kerry)

1. Facebook: @kerry.breckle

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

Abby Hay is the founder of Nora Period Care and the Soul Purpose Foundation, and she's made it her mission to change the reality of period poverty—one pad at a time. She just got back from Malawi, where she met the team who manufactures Nora's products, and saw firsthand how ethical production can transform communities while getting safe period care into the hands of the women who need it most.

Abby doesn't just talk about the problem—she's out there doing the work, traveling to places most people will never see, asking hard questions, and building partnerships that actually make a long-term difference. She's also refreshingly honest about what it means to help responsibly and why understanding local culture matters before you ever try to save anyone.

We're partnering with Nora to bring reusable period kits to Kenya on our upcoming group trip—each kit includes four washable pads that last up to 10 years, a cleaning bucket, underwear, soap, and a carrying pouch. Our goal is to sponsor 260 girls for just $10 each. That's a decade of period care for the price of lunch.

How to Support Our Kenya Period Poverty Project

Sponsor a Girl for $10—each $10 donation provides:

1. 4 reusable Nora pads (lasts up to 10 years)
2. 1 carrying pouch
3. 1 bar of soap
4. 1 pair of underwear
5. 1 washing bucket
6. Shipping from Malawi to Kenya

Our Goal: Sponsor 260 girls at the school we're visiting in Kenya in March 2026

Learn more and donate here: lauraericson.com/periodpoverty

All donations go directly through Abby's nonprofit Soul Purpose Foundation to purchase supplies. I'll be assembling the kits in Kenya and delivering them in March with both of my groups. By donating and giving us your email, we'll share updates, photos, videos, and stories of the direct impact your contribution makes.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Cuba: Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 3, 2026
2. India: Feb 25 - March 7, 2026
3. Kenya: March 25 - April 4, 2026
4. Morocco: April 10 - April 19, 2026

Links & Resources (Abby)

1. Shop Nora Period Care: noraperiodcare.com
2. Instagram: @noraperiodcare
3. Soul Purpose Foundation (nonprofit managing donations)
4. Book Recommendation: The Power of Days (mentioned in episode)

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

Meredith and Dorenda are two of my favorite travel companions, and honestly, some of the most badass women I know. They literally get set on fire, thrown off buildings, and punched in the face for a living - yet when it comes to travel, they're some of the calmest, most grounded people you'll ever meet.

Here's what fascinates me: people who do incredibly dangerous things professionally often have a completely different relationship with fear than the rest of us. They've spent their entire careers assessing real risk versus perceived risk, and that skill translates beautifully to travel. We're talking about how to distinguish between actual danger and unfamiliarity, why surrounding yourself with people doing the "scary" thing makes it less scary, and what happened when an earthquake hit Morocco while we were there (spoiler: the stunt doubles were the calmest ones in the room).

Plus, you'll hear about ATVs in the Sahara, pregnant bellies on set, sandstorms, flash floods, and why Meredith would rather get set on fire than deal with airline customer service.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Cuba: Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 3, 2026
2. Kenya: March 25 - April 4, 2026
3. Morocco: April 10 - April 19, 2026

Links & Resources (Meredith + Dorenda)

1. Follow Meredith on Instagram: @bamastunts
2. Follow Dorenda on Instagram: @dorendamoore

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

I really wanted to pick Rachel's brain about this: Why do high-income earners still feel like they can't afford to travel? How do you save for big trips while still enjoying your life right now? And what's the deal with credit card points, anyway? We're talking about sinking funds, automated savings, the real cost of your DoorDash habit, and why group travel can actually save you money.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Morocco: April 10 - April 19, 2026

Links & Resources (Rachel)

1. Learn more about Rachel: @rachel_talksmoney
2. racheltalksmoney.com

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

We're diving into something I've been thinking about a lot lately—why does travel seem to crack us open in ways that everyday life just... doesn't? How do we distinguish between our intuition telling us to go somewhere versus our brain freaking out about all the "what ifs"?

We're getting into everything from astrocartography and letting the stars guide your travels to getting food poisoning in Morocco, plus the uncomfortable truth about why your body screams at you long before you finally listen. If you've ever made a major life decision while traveling or wondered why you feel more like "yourself" on trips than at home—this one's for you.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Camp Lola Whiskey 2026
2. Morocco: April 10 - April 19, 2026
3. Morocco: September 4 - 13, 2026

Links & Resources (Krista)

1. Learn more about Krista: @_modern_tribe & @travelingshamama

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

We're talking monkey attacks in cedar forests, heat exhaustion in 108-degree Sahara temperatures, getting pulled over by Moroccan police, and petting approximately 300 cats (we already knew that was going to happen).

Today I'm sitting down with three incredible women from that trip—Carrie, Teresa, and Danielle. These three came to Morocco not knowing each other at all, and they're leaving as lifelong friends with stories that'll make you either book a trip immediately or question every life choice that led you to considering group travel in the first place. Spoiler alert: it's probably both.

We're diving into the Moroccan wine stockpile strategy, the hammam bonding experience that got everyone very close very quickly, what it's like when your trip leader gets heat exhaustion in the desert, and how spending 10 days together in Morocco creates the kind of bonds that last long after you've unpacked your suitcase.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Morocco: April 10 - April 19, 2026
2. Morocco: September 4 - 13, 2026

Connect with the Morocco Crew:

1. Carrie: @doggystylezmobile
2. Teresa: @tlkalina
3. Danielle: @yeahdani

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

We met in Okinawa on a press trip, and within about five minutes I knew he was exactly the kind of person I wanted on this podcast. Joe is Cleveland-born, Berlin-based, and has built his career around getting off the beaten path - both literally and figuratively. He's the host of Without a Path podcast and the author of Talking Tico, with his work appearing everywhere from BBC Travel to National Geographic.

But what makes Joe different is how he combines authentic storytelling with his passion for trail running. He's not just writing about places - he's pounding the pavement, hitting the trails, and discovering stories that you can only find when you slow down and move through a destination on foot.

We're diving into how running becomes a lens for storytelling, what he discovered about Japanese culture that you can't find in guidebooks, and why sometimes the best way to understand a place is to literally run through it. From battling pneumonia at 35 kilometers into an ultra marathon in Nepal to dressing up as ninjas on Japanese trails, Joe shares what happens when you combine physical adventure with deep cultural exploration.

In This Episode:

1. Why trail running opens up destinations most tourists never see
2. The Ninja Trail Run experience in Japan
3. Getting pneumonia during an 8-day stage race in Nepal
4. How the Japanese concept of ikigai influences Joe's running practice
5. The reality of being an American living in Berlin right now
6. Why country counting is BS
7. The types of travelers who give us hope for authentic travel
8. Pakistan, Uganda, and other "off-limits" destinations on Joe's running bucket list
9. Practical advice for combining your passion with travel

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

Cuba: Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 3, 2026

India: Feb 25 - March 7, 2026

Kenya: March 25 - April 4, 2026

Morocco: April 10 - April 19, 2026

Links & Resources (Joe)

1. Instagram/TikTok: @BaurJoe
2. YouTube: youtube.com/JoeBaur
3. Substack: Without a Path
4. Burning River Running Company
5. Podcast: Without a Path

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you're listening.

Two years ago, I was a struggling entrepreneur who felt stuck and overwhelmed. I heard Bonnie's name at a networking event, and something about it just stuck with me. What I thought would be a quick 30-minute networking call turned into two hours where Bonnie saw patterns in my life and business that nobody had ever recognized before - and I've been in therapy my entire adult life.

Today we're diving into something that comes up for people constantly before, during, and after they take a trip: limiting beliefs, fear of taking risks, the need for permission, and questions of worthiness. While Bonnie doesn't work specifically in travel, her expertise in mindset and breaking through psychological barriers is exactly what so many of us need to hear when we're staring at that "book now" button but can't quite click it.

We're talking about why we create elaborate stories about why we can't do the things we actually want to do, the difference between dreamers and doers, what it really means to manifest versus taking action, and why discomfort is actually the gateway to transformation.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

Cuba: Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 3, 2026

CDMX: Oct 26 - Nov 3, 2025

Morocco: April 10 - April 19, 2026

Links & Resources (Bonnie)

1. Learn more about Bonnie: thefreelymejourney.com
2. IG: @thefreelymejourney

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

In this episode, we're talking about the kind of transformation that turns a "nice girl from Wisconsin" who dreamed about faraway places while reading encyclopedias into someone who casually drops "when I was in Cuba last month" into everyday conversation. Mel joined her first group trip to Morocco in fall 2023, and I've had a front-row seat watching her completely come out of her shell through travel.

What I find so fascinating about Mel's journey is how she went from being terrified of traveling with strangers to prioritizing travel over bathroom renovations (her words, not mine). We're diving into the magic of group trip dynamics, what it's like to shit on the side of a Moroccan highway with complete grace, and how stepping outside your comfort zone changes everything about how you show up back home in Door County, Wisconsin.

Credit card recommendations:

Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve

Capital One Venture

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Mexico City: Oct 26 - Nov 3, 2025
2. Cuba: Jan 4 - 11, 2026
3. Kenya: March 25 - April 4, 2026
4. Morocco: April 10 - April 19, 2026

Links & Resources (Mel):

1. Learn more about Mel: workwithpeapod.com
2. LinkedIn: @melissaripp
3. IG: @peapodmel

Links & Resources (Laura):

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

We're diving into navigating divorce and rediscovering who you are on the other side. Julie went through her own divorce at 37 with two young kids, and she's now the founder of the Get Over Divorce Collective, helping women transform one of life's most difficult transitions into an opportunity for growth.

I was on Julie's podcast almost two years ago sharing my own divorce story, so this conversation feels like a full circle moment. We're talking about how travel can be a catalyst for healing, why your comfort zone will shrink if you don't intentionally stretch it, and the difference between destructive escapism and soul-healing exploration.

Links & Resources (Julie)

1. Learn more about Julie: getoverdivorce.com
2. Facebook group: Thriving Community: Women Supporting Women Through Divorce
3. Get Over Divorce podcast

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

My travelers fall in love with him because he's fun, crazy intelligent, and has this way of making you feel like you're exploring Cuba with a friend rather than just following a guide around. What makes this conversation especially meaningful is that after years of dreaming and waiting, Andrés has finally gotten his Spanish citizenship and is about to embark on the biggest adventure of his life - leaving Cuba for the first time.

We're talking about what it's like to live in Cuba versus visit it, the reality of Cuban daily life beyond what tourists see, and what it means to chase your dreams across an ocean. This is a story about resilience, creativity, and the courage it takes to start over in a completely new country at 38 years old.

Upcoming Cuba Trips:

1. Cuba: December 27, 2025 - January 3, 2026
2. Cuba: January 4 - 11, 2026 (with Dawn + Mel)

Links & Resources (Andrés)

1. Follow Andrés on Instagram: @andresasevis (bookstagram account with personal stories)

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Cuba Travel Note: If you have unused medications (prescription or over-the-counter), consider bringing them on your next Cuba trip or sending them to Laura - they make an incredible difference in Cuban communities where pharmacies are often empty.

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you're listening.

We recently got back from an incredible fam trip to the Brazilian Pantanal together with the Adventure Travel Trade Association, where we bonded over jaguar sightings, cowboy culture, and getting absolutely demolished by mosquitoes. What I love about Steph is that she understands travel isn't just about collecting passport stamps - it's about those deeper connections and stories that unfold when you really immerse yourself in a place.

We're diving into what it's really like to make a living as a travel journalist in 2025, the challenges of AI disrupting the industry, and how to balance promoting amazing destinations without contributing to overtourism. Plus all the juicy details from our Brazilian adventure and why you should never visit the Pantanal during wet season.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Brazil

Links & Resources (Steph)

1. Learn more about Steph: worldlyadventurer.com
2. Moon Chile Guidebook
3. Instagram: @worldlyadventurer

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

Kim is a solo travel writer, hiker, and military spouse who's basically the poster child for writing your own story. She's lived across Europe and Asia, built a travel blog and career while navigating the unique challenges of military life, and is passionate about showing women that it's never too late to choose adventure over convention. Through her blog, Kimberly Kephart Travels, she helps women build confidence through travel, especially those who feel like they've somehow missed the right window for bold choices.

We're diving into her journey from following someone else's timeline to creating her own path, why the best time to start your adventure might be right now, and how she's carved out independence while moving countries every few years. Plus, we're talking about that invisible permission we think we need (spoiler: we don't) and why the grass isn't always greener - even when you're living in Europe.

Guest Bio

Kimberly Kephart is a travel writer, solo hiker, and unconventional military spouse who's contributed to Stars and Stripes Europe and Military Families Magazine. After years of moving across Europe and Asia with her husband's military career, she learned to carve out her own path through solo travel and hiking. She shares her adventures and hard-won wisdom on her blog, Kimberly Kephart Travels, showing others they can do it too - even when they have no idea what they're doing yet.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

Georgia: October 3 - 12, 2025

Links & Resources (Kimberly)

1. Instagram: @kimberlykepharttravels
2. Facebook: @KimberlyKephartTravels
3. Website: kimberlykepharttravels.com

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

This week I'm sitting down with three brave souls who survived our inaugural Camp Lola Whiskey in the Wisconsin Dells - Troy from Milwaukee (who proved engineers can be the life of the party), Rachel from Michigan (who said yes to adventure with just two days' notice), and Megan from Texas (who got an old fashioned tattoo before catching her flight home because that's apparently what you do after Wisconsin camp).

We're breaking down everything from Chef Hannan's mind-blowing food that had people comparing camp to "a wedding in the woods," to the borderline tornado that turned into the weekend's most bonding moment, to the cow hunting game that nearly started a camp civil war. Plus we're talking about Troy's secret life as camp's unofficial intern, Rachel's musical chairs injury, and how a single tarot card survived a storm to become the perfect camp memento.

If you've ever wondered what happens when you combine Wisconsin hospitality, craft cocktails, adult games, and Mother Nature's wildest mood swings, this episode is your behind-the-scenes pass to the chaos.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Camp Lola Whiskey 2026

Camp Sponsors Mentioned:

1. Siren Shrub
2. Dancing Goat Distillery
3. Beren's Old Fashioned Brandy
4. Driftless Glen Distillery
5. 45th Parallel Distillery
6. Lazy Coconuts
7. Olympia Granola
8. Viiq Wellness

Links & Resources (Laura):

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

Erin co-founded Wanderwell Travel Insurance, a certified B Corp that's legally required to consider their impact on travelers, employees, and the planet. While most travel insurance companies feel designed to collect your money and find creative ways to avoid paying claims, Wanderwell actually walks you through the process like humans instead of robots.

We're diving into why travel insurance isn't just another expense to grudgingly add to your trip budget, but actually one of the smartest investments you can make in your adventures. From the traveler stuck in a Thai hospital with dengue fever to someone whose entire European itinerary got derailed by a massive air traffic control meltdown - Erin's seen it all.

This conversation covers the real stuff: when you actually need coverage, the difference between travel insurance and your credit card "coverage," and why some claims involve people sleeping outside under desert stars (you'll have to listen for that story).

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

1. Morocco: April 10 - April 19, 2026
2. Cuba: Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 3, 2026
3. India: Feb 25 - March 7, 2026
4. Kenya: March 25 - April 4, 2026

Links & Resources (Erin):

1. Get travel insurance through Wanderwell
2. Learn more about Wanderwell
3. Follow Wanderwell on social: @go.wanderwell

Links & Resources (Laura):

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

We're diving into something that's keeping a lot of us up at night - how do you keep exploring the world when it feels like everything is falling apart? Casey has spent over 25 years building and leading teams in the adventure travel industry, and she's got the perspective we all need right now.

I really wanted to pick Casey's brain about this: How do we navigate our fears about traveling when the news cycle feels relentless and the world seems more uncertain than ever? We're talking about the difference between smart risk management and letting fear hijack your passport, plus some seriously questionable decision-making that led to the best travel stories ever.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

Cuba: Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 3, 2026

India: Feb 25 - March 7, 2026

Kenya: March 25 - April 4, 2026

Morocco: April 10 - April 19, 2026

Links & Resources (Casey)

1. Learn more about Casey: caseyhanisko.com
2. LinkedIn: @caseyhanisko
3. Leading Naturally newsletter
4. RISE Travel Institute
5. Adventure Travel Conservation Fund
6. Casey's Blog Post: Scared to Travel Right Now?

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

Kari is living proof that I won my divorce by keeping my sister-in-law. By day she's a dental hygienist, but she's also a Laura Ericson Group Trips Turkey and Mexico City survivor. When Kari is involved, ordinary travel moments somehow transform into the kind of stories you'll be telling for years.

Fair warning: if you've ever wondered how two supposedly responsible adults can turn a simple trip into a comedy of errors, this is the episode for you. From Turkish bath confusion to airport bathroom disasters, we're sharing it all.

Guest Bio

Kari Chance (aka "Auntie Kari" or "Uncle Kari" when she's wielding her mini chainsaw) is a dental hygienist from Wisconsin and Laura's former sister-in-law turned travel partner in crime. Known for her love of naps, cats, and creating armpit fart sounds at inappropriate moments, Kari proves that the best travel companions are the ones who aren't afraid to laugh at themselves - even when things go hilariously wrong.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

Cuba: Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 3, 2026

Mexico City: Oct 26 - Nov 3, 2025

Links & Resources (Kari)

1. Instagram: @adventureswithauntiekari
2. Facebook: @kari.lyn.56

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

In this episode we talk about:

1. Why Andrea said yes to a solo trip to Cuba—and left the mom guilt at home
2. The myth of “once you’re a parent, adventure stops”
3. How to handle loved ones projecting fear onto your travel plans
4. Why it’s crucial to model boldness and curiosity for your kids
5. How Andrea coaches parents to reconnect with their identities beyond parenting

There’s a pervasive story in our culture that once you become a parent, especially a mom, you’re no longer supposed to want big adventures—or if you do, you should feel guilty about them. Andrea is here to challenge that narrative. This conversation is for any parent who's ever felt pulled to explore more, reconnect with themselves, and model courage and joy for their kids.

And if you’re not a parent? It’s still a powerful reminder that you don’t need anyone’s permission to live a big, bold life.

Links & Resources

1. Learn more about Andrea: https://andreaandree.com/
2. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
3. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
4. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
5. Get on the waitlist for Camp Lola Whiskey 2026
6. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
7. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
8. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Tamara and I have shared countless travel stories-many hilarious, many horrifying, especially when it comes to dating. We’ve both been through the chaos of trying to find love on the road. Spoiler alert: it’s not easy. But, ironically, we both found serious relationships around the same time recently, and we finally get to reflect on all the frogs we kissed (metaphorically… mostly).

Tamara opens up about her mom’s influence on her love for travel (yes, she has the best flight attendant story involving the Mile High Club), how losing her parents pushed her to take a solo year-long trip around the world, and the memorable-and awkward-ways she spread her mom’s ashes across 24 countries.

We also dive into:

1. What it’s really like to date when you’re constantly moving
2. Our most cringey dating fails from around the world
3. How grief, growth, and gut instincts led Tamara to a trip that changed everything
4. Why finding love as a traveler is a whole different ball game

This episode is funny, heartfelt, and real—and I couldn’t think of a better person to share it with than Tamara.

So grab your headphones, settle in, and let’s talk about what it means to find love (or not) on the road.

Links & Resources

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Allie and I first met when she shot my Arizona retreat a few years ago, and since then she’s joined me in Greece, danced with me in Oaxaca, and basically become my favorite person to laugh across continents with. Whether we’re floating in the Aegean or eating ceviche on a patio doing absolutely nothing—every trip with her is pure gold.

In this episode, we talk all things travel photography, from the gear she actually uses (spoiler: it’s not about having the fanciest stuff) to how she balances being present vs. capturing the moment. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your travel photos feel less basic and more story-driven, this one’s for you.

Here’s what we got into:

1. How Allie went from Arizona weddings to photographing retreats around the world
2. Her most surprising travel destination
3. The real key to telling a story through your photos, not just snapping pretty pictures
4. What to pack (and what to leave behind) if you’re traveling with camera gear
5. Why your iPhone is more powerful than you think, especially when you’re just starting out

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by photography or unsure where to start, Allie’s advice is such a breath of fresh air. You don’t need a fancy camera. You just need to notice things and be intentional. That, and maybe be willing to look a little ridiculous in the middle of the road trying to get the perfect shot.

Cheers to that. (And yes, I was drinking rosé from our Greece trip during this episode. Obviously.)

xo,

Laura

Learn more about Allie Jorde Creative: https://www.alliejordecreative.com

Follow Allie’s work + travel adventures on Instagram: @alliejorde

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

I’m so thrilled to welcome Angela Gentile to the show. She’s a speaker, storyteller, educator, podcast host of Empowered Millennials, and founder of the Single Childfree Community. Angela’s all about helping single and childfree people feel empowered, not shamed, for choosing to live life on their own terms.

I first discovered Angela when I was searching for childfree podcasts (shoutout to the algorithm for doing its thing). I knew immediately we had to connect. She said yes to my cold email, we vibed instantly on her show, and now—we’re about to meet IRL on my Cuba trip this winter. Even better? We’re also co-hosting a group trip to Morocco for other badass single, child-free women.

In this episode, we talk about:

1. How Brazil surprised me (and why you should go)
2. What it’s like to be chased by a hippo
3. Angela’s journey to choosing a childfree life and never looking back
4. The story behind her viral TikTok and accidental global community
5. The freedom of solo travel—and the emotional labor of doing life on one income
6. Why being single and child-free doesn’t mean lonely or less-than—it can actually mean limitless

Angela brings so much fire and honesty to this conversation. Whether you’re child-free by choice, curious about it, or just want to hear two women talk about living life unapologetically-you’re gonna love this one.

More on Angela:

Angela Gentile is a speaker, educator, podcast host, and community builder known for her bold voice and unwavering commitment to helping single and childfree people feel seen, supported, and empowered. As the host of Empowered Millennials and founder of the Single Childfree Community, Angela creates transformative spaces for those living life outside traditional norms.

With humor, heart, and no-nonsense honesty, Angela challenges societal “shoulds” and champions authenticity—especially for women carving their own path. Whether she’s speaking on stage, going viral on TikTok, or organizing global meetups, she’s on a mission to make sure no one feels like they have to explain their life choices ever again.

Angela lives in Boston, loves a strong aisle seat, and will absolutely talk your ear off about her husky, travel mishaps, and the freedom that comes with choosing yourself.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

[Cuba: Dec–Jan] – Angela’s coming too!

[Morocco: Spring] – Hosted by me + Angela for single childfree women

Links & Resources (Angela)

1. Learn more about Angela: theangelagentile.com
2. Follow Angela on IG: @theangelagentile

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening

That’s why I’m so excited to share this conversation with Yulia Denisyuk. She’s not only an award-winning travel journalist and photographer, but she’s also someone I deeply admire. We met last fall in Okinawa, Japan during a press trip, and I was immediately drawn to her values and perspective. When I saw her speak again at a recent conference in New York, she brought the entire room to tears. She’s a powerful storyteller with a rare mix of vulnerability and strength.

In this episode, Yulia and I talk candidly about:

1. What “responsible travel” actually means today
2. How she went from serving in the U.S. military to becoming a globally recognized journalist
3. The complexity of living in the U.S. as an immigrant—and how that affects how we see the world
4. The often unseen impacts of mass tourism and why we need to think twice before booking that cruise or all-inclusive
5. What it really means to travel humbly and with intention
6. Who really benefits from tourism—and who often doesn’t

We also talk about what it’s like to work in media now (spoiler: it's not what it used to be), and why storytelling continues to be at the heart of what Yulia does—from journalism to photography to podcasting.

This isn’t a lighthearted episode, but it is a real and necessary one. If you’ve ever felt conflicted about your impact as a traveler, or unsure how to align your travel choices with your values, this conversation is for you.

Thanks for being here. I’m so glad we’re having these kinds of conversations on the podcast.

— Laura

More About Yulia Denisyuk

Yulia is an award-winning travel photographer, journalist, filmmaker, and podcast host. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, The New York Times, Time, Condé Nast Traveler, BBC Travel, and more. She’s the founder of Going Places, an independent journalism initiative, and teaches through her platform Travel Media Lab. She’s also based in Chicago with her pup, Leo.

Links & Resources (Yulia)

1. Learn more about Yulia's work: yulia-denisyuk.com
2. Explore her independent journalism initiative: goingplaces.com
3. Explore her storytelling platform: travelmedialab.co
4. Follow Yulia on IG: @goingplacesmedia

Links & Resources (Laura)

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

In this episode, I’m joined by my marketing manager (and podcast co-pilot!) Lauren, who flips the script and interviews me about how all of this started—my business, my travel style, my favorite mosquito-infested memories, and what it’s like to plan group trips for adventurous strangers.

We talk about:

1. The very real difference between solo travel and group travel (and why I love both... kinda)
2. Why I’m obsessed with culturally immersive travel and saying no to tourist traps
3. How a random trip to Colombia with a total stranger turned into a full-time business
4. The not-so-glamorous truth behind running group trips
5. Why I picked the name Type 2 Travel—and what it has to do with suffering, joy, and stories worth telling

Plus, we chat about how this show will work moving forward, including:

1. Updates from wherever I’ve just landed
2. Candid convos with fellow travelers + friends
3. Honest behind-the-scenes stories about what it’s really like to build a travel biz from scratch

Whether you’re travel-curious, a group trip alum, or just someone who’s tired of waiting on flaky friends to finally commit to that dream trip—this pod is for you.

Thanks for being here from day one.

Links & Mentions

1. Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
2. Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
3. Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
4. Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
5. Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
6. Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel