Awe & Wellbeing • Solo Travel • Travel Experiments

In this inspiring episode of Conversations for Curious Travelers, Tracy Smyth, travel coach and founder of Travel Bug Tonic, shares how awe, curiosity, and solo adventures have transformed her travels—and her life. We explore how to approach each trip as a personal experiment, why travel is a profound learning environment, and how moments of wonder (even in your own backyard!) can ripple into lasting personal growth.

Whether you're planning your first solo journey, curious about mindful travel, or looking to cultivate awe in your day-to-day life, this episode offers heartfelt insights and practical tools for the journey.

🌱 This Week’s Small Step to Enhance Your Next Trip

Go on an “awe-venture.”
Wherever you are—at the beach, in your backyard, or on a walk around your block—slow down, notice something new, follow your curiosity, and reflect with gratitude. These micro-moments of awe build the awareness and presence you’ll take with you on your future travels.

💭 Reflection from the Episode

“What if the key to meaningful travel, and a meaningful life, starts with intentionally nurturing our own wellbeing?”
Let that question guide your week. Journal about it, walk with it, or talk it through with a fellow traveler.

Connect with Tracy:

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

🔗 Links & Resources

• 🧳 Travel Bug Tonic Website — blog, resources & newsletter
• 📬 Free 14-Day Email Challenge:It's a gentle email challenge for the woman who may have thought about solo travel, dreamed about it, admired others who've done it, but is still hesitant. It's free! https://www.travelbugtonic.com/go-solo-travel-challenge 
• 🌸 Awe-venture Challenge  focused on weekly intentions that use a travel mindset to feel more present, curious, creative and connected. https://www.travelbugtonic.com/aweventure-challenge 
• 💡 Ignite Your Inner Traveler Coaching Package for people ready to experience travel that truly sparks joy but are unsure about the where, what, how and (especially) why? It's a one-session kickstarter to transform travel whims and wishes into tailored journey ideas.  https://www.travelbugtonic.com/ignite-your-inner-explor

Thanks for joining me on Conversations for Curious Travelers, a Trip Scholars podcast. I'm so glad you are here!

Please support the show— follow and leave a review—it helps more thoughtful travelers like you discover these conversations. Thank you!

Want to make your next trip even better?
Download your free guide: The Curious Traveler’s 5-Step Guide to More Meaningful Trips

Ready for personalized support?
Explore my workshops, classes, and travel coaching to get expert guidance in planning meaningful, personalized journeys at TripScholars.com

Let’s stay connected:
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest

Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates.

Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com

Welcome to Conversations for Curious Travelers Episode 1

Ready to enhance your travels? In this premiere episode of Conversations for Curious Travelers, host Erica Forrest invites you into a new kind of travel podcast—one that helps you learn more about the world and yourself travel. Whether you're a lifelong learner, a parent planning a family trip, or someone craving more connection in your travels, you're in the right place.

🎙️ In this episode:

• Why this podcast exists and who it’s for
• An introduction to LEARN Through Travel
• What to expect in upcoming episodes—personal stories, expert guests, and practical resources
• Why travel is one of life’s greatest teachers

🌍 This Week’s Small Step to Enhance Your Next Trip

Choose one activity to educate yourself about your next destination. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
🎥 Watch a film
📖 Read a myth or historical novel
🍽️ Try a recipe
🎨 Do an art activity with kids
Let your curiosity guide you and make the experience joyful, not overwhelming. Download the free guide below for many more ideas!

💭 Reflection from the Episode

“When did you take a trip that changed you?”
What did it teach you about yourself? About the world?
Take a walk, journal, or ask someone you love to share their story with you.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

• 📥 Free Guide: The Curious Traveler’s 5-Step Guide to More Meaningful Trips
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Free Guide for Parents & Caregivers: The Busy Parent’s 5-Step Guide to Better Family Trips
• 🧭 Learn more about the LEARN Through Travel Framework
• 🔗 Find many more resources and articles at TripScholars.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, or share it with someone who loves to travel as much as you do. Your support helps more curious travelers find us.

Thanks for joining me on Conversations for Curious Travelers, a Trip Scholars podcast. I'm so glad you are here!

Please support the show— follow and leave a review—it helps more thoughtful travelers like you discover these conversations. Thank you!

Want to make your next trip even better?
Download your free guide: The Curious Traveler’s 5-Step Guide to More Meaningful Trips

Ready for personalized support?
Explore my workshops, classes, and travel coaching to get expert guidance in planning meaningful, personalized journeys at TripScholars.com

Let’s stay connected:
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest

Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates.

Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com

Welcome to Conversations for Curious Travelers, the Trip Scholars podcast hosted by certified travel education coach Erica Forrest. This show is for lifelong learners who want to travel with more meaning, connection, and curiosity.

In this short trailer, Erica shares what you can expect from the podcast and invites you into a space where travel becomes a powerful tool for connection, growth, and understanding. Whether you're planning your next big adventure or seeking more enriching day-to-day travel, you’ll find inspiration, tools, and expert insights about educational travel here. 

In this trailer, you’ll discover:

• What makes this podcast different from other travel shows
• How to learn more about the world and yourself through travel
• What kinds of guests and solo episodes you can expect
• How travel can deepen connection—with yourself, others, and the places you visit

New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe now and join a community of curious travelers who know that travel is one of life's greatest teachers.

🌍 Discover more about travel and learning at TripScholars.com

📩 Get your free guide: The Curious Traveler’s 5-Step Guide to More Meaningful Trips

🎙️ Please follow the show and share it with fellow curious travelers—it helps others discover the podcast and supports thoughtful educational travel.

Thanks for joining me on Conversations for Curious Travelers, a Trip Scholars podcast. I'm so glad you are here!

Please support the show— follow and leave a review—it helps more thoughtful travelers like you discover these conversations. Thank you!

Want to make your next trip even better?
Download your free guide: The Curious Traveler’s 5-Step Guide to More Meaningful Trips

Ready for personalized support?
Explore my workshops, classes, and travel coaching to get expert guidance in planning meaningful, personalized journeys at TripScholars.com

Let’s stay connected:
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest

Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates.

Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com

Educational Travel • Student Trips • Teaching Through Travel

In this inspiring episode of Conversations for Curious Travelers, Erica connects with longtime friend Scott Rainey. Scott is a two time finalist for Traveling Teacher of the Year and the founder of the nonprofit East County Student Travel. 

He has spent decades helping middle schoolers see the world—and themselves—through travel. Scott shares powerful stories from the annual East Coast trips he’s led over the last twenty years.

This conversation dives into the heart of educational travel: how it builds empathy, deepens civic understanding, and inspires lifelong learning. You’ll hear real stories from the road, powerful moments from student journeys, and why travel can be one of life’s most impactful opportunities for learning. 

This Week’s Small Step to Enhance Your Next Trip
Start walking more today.
Many big trips involve walking a lot! Sometimes averaging 10 miles a day. Begin building that habit now—around your neighborhood, at the park, or during errands—so your body and mind are ready to fully experience your next adventure.

Reflection from the Episode:

“May you live all the days of your life.” — Jonathan Swift
Let this quote invite you to be more fully present—on your travels and at home. How might your days feel different if you approached each one as a part of the journey?

Learn More About the East Coast Tour of Discovery and Support the Trip

Learn More About the East Coast Tour of Discovery

Make a Contribution to East County Student Travel

Follow on Facebook

Links Mentioned in the Show

Educational Travel Services Incorporated is the company Scott has been using to organize the tours for over 20 years.

Student & Youth Travel Association is an excellent resource for traveling educators.

Thanks for joining me on Conversations for Curious Travelers, a Trip Scholars podcast. I'm so glad you are here!

Please support the show— follow and leave a review—it helps more thoughtful travelers like you discover these conversations. Thank you!

Want to make your next trip even better?
Download your free guide: The Curious Traveler’s 5-Step Guide to More Meaningful Trips

Ready for personalized support?
Explore my workshops, classes, and travel coaching to get expert guidance in planning meaningful, personalized journeys at TripScholars.com

Let’s stay connected:
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest

Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates.

Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com