Travel is one of life’s greatest teachers. Join host Erica Forrest, Trip Scholars founder, published author, and internationally certified travel education coach for inspiring stories, thoughtful conversations, and practical tips to enhance your own travel experiences. In each episode, we explore how travel helps us learn more about the world-- and ourselves. This is the show for curious travelers who want to learn more, experience deeper, and travel better.
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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.
📬 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
💡 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 whim
Ready for personalized support? Explore my workshops, classes, and travel coaching to get expert guidance in planning meaningful, personalized journeys 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.
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.
How Educational Travel Changes Lives: A Conversation With Scott Rainey
Season 1 · Episode 3
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 • Duration 57:07
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
Experiencing Interconnectedness Through Travel with Krista Fabian DeCastro
Season 2 · Episode 2
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • Duration 27:23
In this inspiring conversation, I'm joined by Krista Fabian DeCastro, founder of Fortuna Redux Travel Experiences. Through powerful stories from Senegal, Poland, and Tanzania, we explore how travel can create meaningful connections rather than being a one-sided experience.
With a background in cultural exchange and travel experiences in more than 45 countries, Krista designs thoughtful, personalized itineraries that balance adventure, connection, and sustainability while helping travelers create meaningful experiences together.
Episode Highlights:
The interconnectedness of history, culture, and travel
Why travel is inherently self-centered — and ways to gently shift that mindset
What it means to see ourselves as guests in the places we visit
Supporting local communities through thoughtful travel choices
Questions to ask about who is telling the story and where the money goes
Involving kids in travel planning to create deeper engagement and learning
A meaningful experience traveling with a Maasai-owned safari company in Tanzania
Simple research tips to help you travel more thoughtfully
A powerful story from Senegal that helped shaped Krista’s travel philosophy
The unexpected emotional experience that transformed a visit to Poland
Next Step
Before your next trip, begin reading the news about the places you hope to visit.
Understanding what is happening helps you connect more deeply and travel with greater awareness and empathy.
Reflection
Krista shared the Bantu concept of:
"Ubuntu" often expressed as: “I am because you are.”
It emphasizes our interconnectedness and that our identity can be found in our relationships with others. How might this idea impact the way you think about both travel and life?
Connect with Krista
From Backpacking the World to Sharing Its Stories: James Hammond of the Winging It Travel Podcast
Season 2 · Episode 1
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 • Duration 41:01
Travel Storytelling · Cultural Connection · Backpacking
Travel is often inspired by a desire for adventure. But over time, it can become something deeper: a way to build connection, expand empathy, and better understand ourselves and others.
In this episode of Conversations for Curious Travelers, I’m joined by James Hammond, creator and host of the Winging It Travel Podcast, the Roaming with Hammo YouTube channel, and a member of the Voyascape Network. Drawing from his experiences traveling through 70+ countries, James reflects on how his journey has evolved — from adventure-driven travel toward a more connection-centered approach.
Together, we explore what it means to slow down, stay open, and travel without rigid expectations. James shares powerful stories from his time trekking in Nepal, moments of awe and humility, and how staying curious has helped him form meaningful connections across cultures. We also discuss storytelling, content creation, and why presence and flexibility often lead to the most memorable travel experiences.
This conversation offers inspiration, perspective, and practical ideas for anyone who wants to enhance their travels.
Episode Highlights
Lessons learned from visiting over 70 countries
The shift from adventure-based travel to traveling for connection
A moving story from trekking in Nepal
How curiosity and flexibility open the door to deeper cultural connection
Tips for traveling more thoughtfully, including walking tours and overland travel
What storytelling has taught James about reflection and presence
Next Step
Plan a weekend trip to a place a few hours from home that you have never visited before.
Reflection
James shared an inspiring quote by Mark Twain:
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did.
Insider Museum Tips to Make Your Visits Unforgettable
Season 1 · Episode 5
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 • Duration 23:27
Museums can be awe-inspiring and are often highlights of our travels. But they can also be overwhelming, crowded, and exhausting. In this episode I’m sharing insider museum tips that will help you make the most of your visit.
You’ll learn lesser-known strategies like skipping the longest lines, finding hidden discounts, avoiding museum fatigue, and deepening your connection with the art, history, and culture around you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to plan your route inside a museum so you don’t miss what matters most.
Where to find free or discounted entry
Smart ways to skip the line at popular museums
The best times to visit to avoid crowds and overstimulation
Why your phone might be getting in the way of a richer experience — and how to fix that
How to reflect and keep the memories alive after you’ve left
This Week’s Small Step to Enhance Your Next Trip
Visit the website of the next museum you plan to visit. Look for open hours, free days, special exhibits, events, or the educator section to enhance your visit.
Reflection
“You always need to save something for next time.” – Pat Carroll
This episode’s quote is from my mom, who loved to travel and knew the wisdom of appreciating, and not rushing, through travel experiences.
Take my course: The Independent Traveler’s Guide to Art & Culture
Plan deeply personal and culturally rich trips with step-by-step guidance. As a podcast listener enjoy $10 off with code: CURIOUSTRAVELER
Backpacking with Kids: Lessons from the Pacific Crest Trail with Missy Meskell
Season 1 · Episode 4
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 • Duration 48:59
Family Travel • Hiking with Kids • Building Connections
What can hundreds of miles on the trail teach us about family, nature, learning, and ourselves? In this inspiring episode, educator and outdoor adventurer Missy Meskell shares the unforgettable experience of hiking the entire Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail with two of her children.
Together, we explore how travel in nature—especially with kids—can stretch our perspectives, strengthen relationships, and create opportunities for reflection and growth. From moments of awe in the wilderness to opportunities for lessons on problem-solving, Missy’s stories are full of warmth, humor, and wisdom. Whether you're dreaming of a backcountry trek or want to build deeper connections through travel, this conversation offers insights you can carry into your own adventures.
In this episode, we explore:
How Missy and her kids hiked the entire Oregon stretch of the PCT
How travel fosters connection, resilience, and joy in children (and adults!)
How to ask better questions instead of giving directions
Why embracing discomfort can lead to deeper connection and growth
Actionable tips to get started backpacking
This Week’s Small Step to Enhance Your Next Trip:
Thinking about a backpacking trip? Start with the imagination and inspiration piece! Think about what you are most interested in—whether it's hiking, the sense of accomplishment, or quiet time by a creek with your journal. Do some journaling to discover the part you’re most looking forward to. That clarity will help guide your planning and make it easier to choose the right trail and gear.
Reflection from the Episode:
“Wherever you are, there you are.”
Missy reminds us that traveling with kids often means being fully present to them, to yourself, and to the shared experience. You can’t plan away every challenge, but you can turn even hard moments into transformational shared experiences.
Season One Wrap-Up: Gratitude, Growth, and What’s Next
Season 1 · Episode 13
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 • Duration 11:35
As this year — and our first season of Conversations for Curious Travelers — comes to a close, I’m filled with gratitude for you and everyone who’s joined me on this journey. In this reflective episode, I share highlights from our inspiring guests and solo explorations, what I’ve learned through creating this show, and why I’m taking a short break before Season Two launches in January.
From awe and thoughtfulness to family connection and gratitude, this season has been full of stories that remind us how travel can teach us about the world — and ourselves.
💡 In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:
Reflections and favorite moments from our first season
Guests who shared wisdom on awe, creativity, connection, and education
Solo episodes on travel, gratitude, and making the most of every journey
How the LEARN Through Travel framework continues to shape the show
A personal update and what’s ahead in Season Two
Ways you can stay connected and keep learning through travel
🌍 Guests Featured This Season
Tracy Smyth — Cultivating Awe as Travelers
Amanda Kendle — How to Travel More Thoughtfully
Sahara Rose De Vore — Travel Coaching Insights: Changing the Travel Industry
Looking for the perfect gift for the traveler in your life? In this episode of Conversations for Curious Travelers, I’m sharing meaningful, thoughtful, and practical gift ideas that go far beyond souvenirs. From once-in-a-lifetime experiences to cozy at-home touches, you’ll find inspiration for every budget and every kind of traveler.
I’ll also share a personal story about a powerful travel gift my husband gave me before a trip to France—a reminder of how the right gift can create memories that last a lifetime.
Episode Highlights
Why the most meaningful gifts aren’t things, but experiences and connections
Inspiring ideas for travel gifts—from National Park passes to cooking classes
Affordable and low-cost gifts that create big impact
Smart and sustainable travel gear ideas travelers will actually use
Next Step
Think of one traveler in your life. Reflect on what they love most about travel, or where they’re headed next. Use one of today’s ideas to choose a thoughtful gift just for them.
Reflection
“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” — Simone Weil
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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.
Ready for personalized support? Explore my workshops, classes, and travel coaching to get expert guidance in planning meaningful, personalized journeys at TripScholars.com
Ready for personalized support? Explore my workshops, classes, and travel coaching to get expert guidance in planning meaningful, personalized journeys at TripScholars.com
Ready for personalized support? Explore my workshops, classes, and travel coaching to get expert guidance in planning meaningful, personalized journeys at TripScholars.com
Ready for personalized support? Explore my workshops, classes, and travel coaching to get expert guidance in planning meaningful, personalized journeys at TripScholars.com
Ready for personalized support? Explore my workshops, classes, and travel coaching to get expert guidance in planning meaningful, personalized journeys at TripScholars.com
Ready for personalized support? Explore my workshops, classes, and travel coaching to get expert guidance in planning meaningful, personalized journeys at TripScholars.com
Ready for personalized support? Explore my workshops, classes, and travel coaching to get expert guidance in planning meaningful, personalized journeys at TripScholars.com
Ready for personalized support? Explore my workshops, classes, and travel coaching to get expert guidance in planning meaningful, personalized journeys at TripScholars.com
Ready for personalized support? Explore my workshops, classes, and travel coaching to get expert guidance in planning meaningful, personalized journeys at TripScholars.com
