Explore every episode of the podcast Conversations for Curious Travelers
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cultivating Awe as Travelers with Tracy Smyth | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:42:00 | |
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.” 💭 Reflection from the Episode “What if the key to meaningful travel, and a meaningful life, starts with intentionally nurturing our own wellbeing?” Connect with Tracy: 🔗 Links & Resources
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 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? Ready for personalized support? Book a free 20 minute call here Let’s stay connected: 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 | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:13:23 | |
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:
Choose one activity to educate yourself about your next destination. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
“When did you take a trip that changed you?”
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? Ready for personalized support? Book a free 20 minute call here Let’s stay connected: Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates. Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com | |||
| Conversations for Curious Travelers Trailer | 27 Jun 2025 | 00:02:41 | |
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:
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? Ready for personalized support? Book a free 20 minute call here Let’s stay connected: Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates. Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com | |||
| How Educational Travel Changes Lives: A Conversation With Scott Rainey | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:57:07 | |
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 Reflection from the Episode: “May you live all the days of your life.” — Jonathan Swift 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? Ready for personalized support? Book a free 20 minute call here Let’s stay connected: Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates. Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com | |||
| Experiencing Interconnectedness Through Travel with Krista Fabian DeCastro | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:27:23 | |
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:
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 Fortuna Redux Travel Experiences Website Krista's Responsible Travel Guide Links Mentioned in the Episode Kipe Adventures (Maasai-owned tour company) _____________________________________________________________________________________ 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? Ready for personalized support? Book a free 20 minute call here Let’s stay connected: Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates. Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com | |||
| From Backpacking the World to Sharing Its Stories: James Hammond of the Winging It Travel Podcast | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:41:01 | |
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
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. Connect with James Roaming With Hammo YouTube Channel Resources Shared in the Show Voyascape Network Cur _____________________________________________________________________________________ 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? Ready for personalized support? Book a free 20 minute call here Let’s stay connected: Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates. Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com | |||
| Insider Museum Tips to Make Your Visits Unforgettable | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:23:27 | |
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:
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 CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COURSE Links & Resources:
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 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? Ready for personalized support? Book a free 20 minute call here Let’s stay connected: Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates. Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com | |||
| Backpacking with Kids: Lessons from the Pacific Crest Trail with Missy Meskell | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:48:59 | |
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:
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.
“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. Links Mentioned in the Episode:
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 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? Ready for personalized support? Book a free 20 minute call here Let’s stay connected: Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates. Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com | |||
| Season One Wrap-Up: Gratitude, Growth, and What’s Next | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:11:35 | |
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:
🌍 Guests Featured This Season
🌍 Solo Episodes Mentioned
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 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? Ready for personalized support? Book a free 20 minute call here Let’s stay connected: Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates. Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com | |||
| Thoughtful Travel Gifts: Experiences & Ideas They’ll Remember Forever | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:25:50 | |
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
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 Links & Resources
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 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? Ready for personalized support? Book a free 20 minute call here Let’s stay connected: Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates. Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com | |||
| Travel with Gratitude: Stories, Science & Simple Practices | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:16:38 | |
Travel with Gratitude · Gratitude Travel Tips · Gratitude and Travel Stories In this special episode, I explore how gratitude transforms our travel experiences and our lives. I share personal stories from Costa Rica, practical tools , and science-backed benefits of gratitude that can help you navigate both holiday travel stress and life’s bigger challenges. Episode Highlights:
Next Step: Reflection: Links & Resources: Trip Scholars Post: Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude for Better Travel The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley: The Science of Gratitude Gratitude increases empathy and reduces aggression Gratitude helps build connections Gratitude enhances health, brings happiness — and may even lengthen lives Costa Rica Happier Lives Institute "Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgi _____________________________________________________________________________________ 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? Ready for personalized support? Book a free 20 minute call here Let’s stay connected: Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates. Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com | |||
| Planning Meaningful Movie Inspired Trips with Jessica Grace Coleman | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:37:31 | |
Movie Inspired Trips · Set Jetting & Movie Tourism · Cinematic Travel Experiences From set-jetting to magical movie moments, travelers are discovering how films and TV shows can enhance their journeys. In this episode I sit down with Jessica Grace Coleman — author, filmmaker, podcaster, and founder of Movify Your Life — to explore how movie-inspired travel can transform not just your trips, but your life. Jessica shares how she turned her adventures into a “moviementry” and practical tips for bringing cinematic magic into everyday travel. Episode Highlights
Next Step Grab a piece of paper and write down your favorite travel or life memories. Look for recurring themes — people, places, or details that always light you up. When planning your next trip, intentionally weave more of those elements into your itinerary and your life. Reflection Jessica shared a powerful line from Donald Miller’s A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: And once you live a good story, you get a taste for a kind of meaning in life, and you can't go back to being normal. You can't go back to meaningless scenes stitched together by the forgettable thread of wasted time.Connect with Jessica
Links & Resources
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 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? Ready for personalized support? Book a free 20 minute call here Let’s stay connected: Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates. Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com | |||
| How to Travel More Thoughtfully: Amanda Kendle of The Thoughtful Travel Podcast | 06 Oct 2025 | 00:39:43 | |
Thoughtful Travel • Sustainable Travel • Meaningful Journeys What does it really mean to travel thoughtfully—and how can it transform the way you experience the world? In this conversation, I sit down with Amanda Kendle, longtime travel writer, lecturer, and host of The Thoughtful Travel Podcast. Amanda has been exploring and teaching about responsible, mindful journeys for decades, helping travelers discover how curiosity and connection can shape more meaningful adventures. Episode Highlights:
Next Step Choose one way to experiment by stepping outside your travel comfort zone. It might be leaving an afternoon unscheduled, starting a conversation with a local, or swapping one planned activity for spontaneous discovery. Thoughtful travel often begins in the unexpected. Reflection “You did what you knew how to do, and when you knew better, you did better.” — Maya Angelou (via Oprah) Connect with Amanda Kendle Amanda is the host and producer of The Thoughtful Travel Podcast, a lecturer in media and communication at Murdoch University, and the Vice President of the Board at RISE Travel Institute. She has been a freelance travel writer and blogger for over 20 years, focusing on how we can travel in ways that benefit both travelers and the communities we visit. Links & Resources _____________________________________________________________________________________ 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? Ready for personalized support? Book a free 20 minute call here Let’s stay connected: Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates. Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com | |||
| Why Travel Matters In Uncertain Times: Finding Connection, Perspective & Hope | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:24:42 | |
Why travel matters • Finding connection and perspective • Resilience and joy Do you feel overwhelmed by the state of the world? In this episode you’ll discover how travel can give you the tools to meet these challenges with empathy, curiosity, and resilience. In this episode, you’ll learn:
This Week’s Small Step to Enhance Your Next Trip Put one simple adventure on your calendar—whether it’s a day trip, museum visit, or hike. Anticipating it will lift your spirits and remind you of the hope travel can bring, even in challenging times. Reflection “Travel brings power and love back into your life.” — Rumi Links & Resources Contact Hypothesis Meta-analysis Pew Research on Why People Changed Their Minds on Marriage Equality Curiosity Helps Learning and Memory Travel Brings Happiness and Lowers Stress Editor’s Note: The first version of this episode included an incorrect quote _____________________________________________________________________________________ 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? Ready for personalized support? Book a free 20 minute call here Let’s stay connected: Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates. Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com | |||
| Travel Coaching Insights: Changing the Travel Industry with Sahara Rose De Vore | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:37:42 | |
Travel Coaching • Intentional Travel • Meaningful Journeys What happens when travel is more than just a vacation? In this conversation, Sahara Rose De Vore, founder and CEO of the Travel Coach Network, shares how her journey from broke college student to visiting 84 countries solo led her to pioneer a new field: travel coaching. Sahara is a TEDx speaker and global thought leader in the travel industry. She has been featured in over 200 media outlets for her expertise and was recently named one of the Most Influential Women in Travel by Travel Pulse. In this conversation:
This Week’s Small Step to Enhance Your Next Trip Before you plan your next journey, pause to ask yourself: Why do I want to take this trip? Whether it’s rest, connection, or discovery-- explore your why and try to go deeper. Reflection “What does travel mean to you?” Connect with Sahara Rose De Vore & the Travel Coach Certification Program The Travel Coach Network Website Free resource: Beginner’s Guide to Travel Coaching Travel Coach Certification Program Instagram _____________________________________________________________________________________ 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? Ready for personalized support? Book a free 20 minute call here Let’s stay connected: Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates. Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com | |||
| Love Comes First: Building Connections Through Travel with Parent Coach Sara Cole | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:44:39 | |
Family travel • Parenting tips • Roadschooling Family adventures are filled with possibility—new places, shared discoveries, and chances to grow closer. But they can also test patience and resilience. In this heartfelt conversation, I’m joined by my longtime friend Sara Cole, a certified parent coach with over 20 years of experience supporting families. Sara and her family spent 400 days roadschooling across the United States, weaving together education, adventure, and deep connection. She shares stories of travel challenges turned into growth moments, insights from her coaching work with adoptive families, and practical tips any of us can use to strengthen relationships on the road and at home. In this episode, you’ll learn:
This Week’s Small Step to Enhance Your Next Trip Take a few minutes to sit down as a family and ask: What would you love to see, do, or learn on our next trip? Including your kids’ voices early will spark excitement and create a sense of shared ownership in the adventure. Reflection “Love comes first. Everything else is secondary and tentative.” – Hugh and Gayle Prather Connect with Sara Cole Sara Cole is a certified parent coach, Neufeld Institute Course Facilitator, and HeartMath Certified Mentor. She's trained with experts like Holly Van Gulden and Dr. Dan Siegel, and served as an Attachment Parenting International Leader for many years. As a coach, she helps parents cultivate deeper connections with their children. Sara specializes in supporting adoptive families.
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 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? Ready for personalized support? Book a free 20 minute call here Let’s stay connected: Subscribe to the Trip Scholars newsletter for travel insights, educational resources, and podcast updates. Explore more episodes and free resources at TripScholars.com | |||