Globetrotters Podcast

Latin America has some of the world’s most incredible travel experiences—so why are so many travelers still hesitant to explore it? Kathleen Hall, co-founder of Explore the Americas and Dive the Americas, shares how moving to Costa Rica changed her life and ultimately shaped the kind of travel company she wanted to build. Picking up from Part 1 with her business partner Melanie Marsell, we talk about the misconceptions still holding Latin America back, what travelers actually want from the region, and why luxury can mean being pushed outside your comfort zone without sacrificing comfort. We also get into responsible wildlife tourism, choosing the right local partners, scaling a highly personalized business, and why destinations like Guatemala and El Salvador deserve more attention. Kathleen also shares why changing perceptions and a growing demand for experiential travel could make the next decade a defining one for tourism across Latin America.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Latin America accounts for just a fraction of global tourism—but Melanie Marsell believes travelers are overlooking one of the most diverse regions in the world. As the co-founder of Explore the Americas and Dive the Americas, Melanie has built her career around helping people experience the region differently. Born in Costa Rica and raised between Costa Rica and Florida, her journey took her from hotels and travel consulting to scuba diving and eventually entrepreneurship. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we talk about what travelers actually value, responsible tourism beyond the buzzwords, the misconceptions still holding Latin America back, and what it takes to build a travel company around the places and principles you genuinely believe in. Next Wednesday, Melanie’s business partner Kathleen Hall joins us for Part 2.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

She couldn’t afford a passport, so she sold chocolates until she could. Now, Helo has traveled to 76+ countries—and somehow keeps finding herself in the middle of a good story.She plans obsessively, gets lost on purpose, talks to strangers, and actively chases the things that make her uncomfortable. This is about what happens when you stop waiting for life to get easier and start putting yourself in places where something can actually happen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

The future of travel discovery belongs to creators, not search engines. Co-Founder: Lexi St. John shares how The Nod is helping creators, travelers, and hospitality brands build trust through authentic recommendations instead of traditional advertising. We explore the evolution of the creator economy, why tourism operators need to rethink discovery, and how trusted voices are shaping the future of travel.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

If you've ever dreamed of saying, "I quit!" and booking a one-way ticket, this episode is for you. After experiencing corporate burnout and setting off on a solo trip through Southeast Asia, Gabi Nowak-Jelonek discovered that the hardest part of travel wasn't finding incredible destinations—it was finding people to share them with. That realization led her to create Females Flying Solo, a Facebook group that has since grown into a global travel company. We talk about building community from scratch, why more women are embracing solo travel than ever before, and how stepping outside your comfort zone can completely reshape your life.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

After more than 50 episodes on the Globetrotters Podcast, Chelsea joins Jon for one last conversation to reflect on friendship, community, personal growth, and the journey they've shared together. A heartfelt farewell—but not goodbye.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Melissa Clover grew up surrounded by adventure, but after years of guiding travelers through Yellowstone and Grand Teton, she's learned that people rarely remember the miles ridden or the wildlife they spotted. They remember how they felt. In this episode, Melissa shares how a 70-year family outfitting legacy (Wilderness Trails Outfitters) has created a space where strangers become friends, solo travelers find community, and busy people finally slow down. We discuss life at "three miles per hour," the rise of solo female travel, what we've lost as we've become more disconnected from one another, and why authentic experiences in the outdoors continue to resonate in an increasingly digital world.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Liz Long didn’t set out to become a full-time traveler. After graduating college and starting a publishing career in Boston, she found herself burned out, anxious, and questioning the version of success she had been chasing. What started with pet sitting and budget travel eventually turned into a lifestyle built around freedom, wellness, meaningful relationships, and intentional living. Since then, Liz has traveled across more than 25 countries while finding creative ways to make long-term travel financially sustainable. In this episode, we talk about the realities of solo travel, loneliness, money, community, wellness, and what it actually takes to build a life you genuinely love instead of waiting for “someday.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Amanda Black built the Solo Female Travel Network after a terrifying experience in Cancun where everything she owned was stolen, leaving her isolated without a trusted support system while traveling alone. What started as a small Facebook group for women to share advice, safety tips, and real-time support quickly evolved into a global community of more than 500,000 members built around trust, reliability, and connection. Amanda shares powerful stories of women helping one another across borders, including moments where community members stepped in during dangerous situations abroad when local systems failed them. SoFe Travel grew from that same foundation — creating small-group adventures centered around trust, cultural immersion, meaningful connection, and making destinations that once felt intimidating or inaccessible feel possible for women traveling solo.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Owen Beiny is the founder of Points Partner and creator of the Fly Free Academy, helping thousands of people travel the world for little to no cost. A former CEO with 15 years of global travel experience, he combines strategic thinking with real-world tactics to maximize every mile, upgrade, and benefit. While his expertise spans all types of travel, Owen also shows—through his experience as a father—that flying free with a family is entirely achievable.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Kimberly Haley-Coleman, Founder and CEO of Globe Aware, breaks down one of the most important shifts in travel today: the move from passive tourism to purpose-driven service vacations. What began as a personal frustration with the lack of short-term, meaningful ways to engage abroad turned into a global organization connecting travelers with community-led projects across more than 25 countries. In this episode, we get into why traditional tourism—and even “voluntourism”—often falls short, what most people misunderstand about serving abroad, and why these experiences are less about helping and more about learning. Kimberly shares how stepping into a community with humility, not a savior mindset, leads to deeper cultural understanding and lasting personal impact. If you’ve ever felt like typical travel is missing something—or wondered how to experience the world in a more meaningful way—this episode will challenge how you think about going abroad.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Michael Mazzara, CEO of Rogue Expeditions, breaks down one of the most overlooked trends in travel: running tourism. What started as a personal challenge turned into a global opportunity—multi-day running experiences that combine movement, culture, and community across destinations like Japan, Slovenia, and the Dolomites. In this episode, we get into why traditional race travel often falls short, who these trips are actually designed for (hint: not elite runners), and how shared physical experiences create deeper, more meaningful connections than typical group travel. If you’ve ever laced up your shoes in a new city or wondered what travel could look like beyond sightseeing, this one’s for you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Solo group travel and community trips are reshaping how people explore the world. Mantas Zvinas, founder of Surf Yoga Beer, shares how a lifestyle built around surfing, fitness, beer, and connection evolved into a global travel company bringing active, like-minded people together. Since 2014, SYB has designed high-energy itineraries packed with epic moments, spontaneous adventures, and friendships that last long after the trip ends. Most travelers arrive solo, but leave as part of the crew.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

What if you didn’t know where you were traveling until the day you left? Lillian Rafson, Founder and CEO of @packupgo_travel, shares how a random conversation in a hostel in Riga led her to move back to Pittsburgh and start a surprise travel company at 23. Turning a simple idea into a company that has sent more than 50,000 travelers to 300+ destinations across the U.S. takes more than good marketing — it requires trust, logistics, and a deep understanding of how people actually want to travel. The conversation explores how surprise travel works, why travelers willingly give up control, and what it takes to design trips that prioritize discovery over endless planning.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Building a top-ranked Airbnb Experience takes more than aesthetics — it requires systems, hospitality, and trust at scale. Christy Hunter, Founder & Co-Owner of Photowalk Nashville and one of Airbnb’s top Experience hosts, shares how she turned photography into a multi-city travel business rooted in human connection. This conversation breaks down experience design, platform dependence, scaling with partners, and what both travelers and travel professionals can learn from businesses that prioritize transformation over transactions.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

BIPOC creatives are still underrepresented in the travel industry — Aspen Cierra shares how collectives like Black Women Photographers and the Black Travel Alliance unlocked grants, press trips, mentorship, and access that led to Iceland, Jordan, and beyond. From a Nikon-backed grant to tourism board work and creator press trips, her journey shows how representation, shared resources, and showing up in the right spaces can change who gets seen — and who gets hired. This conversation is about building a career through alignment, visibility, and belonging in an industry still catching up.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Pretty travel content doesn’t pay the bills — value does. Angie Thomas of The Honest Passport unpacks the realities of building a sustainable travel creator business, from navigating rates and early mistakes, to understanding when gifting no longer makes sense. Grounded in her European upbringing and corporate IT background, Angie breaks down what providing value actually means beyond aesthetics and how genuine passion leads to better partnerships. With the creator economy projected by Goldman Sachs to approach $480B by 2027, this conversation is essential listening for creators and travelpreneurs who want to grow with integrity, intention, and leverage.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Personalized European travel at scale requires more than technology — it demands expertise, trust, and intentional design. Bryan Lewis, founder and CEO of Tenon Tours, breaks down how he built an award-winning boutique travel company across 18 European destinations by balancing structure with flexibility and keeping the human touch at the center. From sourcing “farm-to-table” travel experiences and expanding during COVID to lessons from failed launches, motorcycle touring in Ireland, and evolving traveler expectations, this conversation offers practical insight into bespoke travel, experiential tourism, and scaling a high-touch service business without losing quality.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

In this conversational, story-driven episode, global traveler and communication strategist Lauren Gibson shares the journey behind her 44-country passport — from studying in France and China as a teen to solo breakthroughs in Canada and navigating culture shock in North Africa. Each chapter pushed her toward greater independence, resilience, and self-understanding. Rather than tactics, we explore the human side of travel: identity, safety, discomfort, curiosity, courage, and the spiritual wake-up calls that come from being far from home. Lauren’s experiences reveal how moving through the world can reshape how you see yourself. If you’ve ever felt that travel changes you in ways you can’t quite explain, this one will feel like a conversation you’ve been waiting for.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Andrew Herr, founder and CEO of FlyKitt, breaks down the science behind jet lag and how his system helps travelers feel dramatically better after flying. He’s worked with Navy SEALs, business executives, and pro athletes at Inter Miami. From explaining how cabin pressure and low oxygen trigger inflammation to why most travel hacks get circadian rhythm timing wrong, Andrew shows how FlyKitt helps over 90% of travelers beat jet lag on both long-haul and short-haul flights. He shares what he’s learned from coaching elite performers and why everyday travelers lose 20–40% of a trip just trying to feel normal again. If you’ve ever landed foggy, bloated, or drained, this episode will change the way you travel.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Few people have had a front-row seat to travel’s evolution like Dan Christian, former Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Digital Officer at The Travel Corporation, a billion-dollar global travel group. Now the host of The Travel Trends Podcast and founder of The Acceleration Team, Dan helps brands and travelers make sense of what’s next. From generative AI and hyper-personalized planning tools to the surge of multi-day adventures, festival tourism, and a new generation seeking real-world connection over screens—this conversation unpacks the forces redefining why, where, and how we travel. For anyone building, booking, or dreaming about the next era of travel, Dan’s insights offer a rare look at the innovations—and human stories—reshaping the industry’s future.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Travel planning shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle. Rome2Rio makes it effortless — showing every possible way to get from A to B across flights, trains, buses, ferries, and everything in between. CEO Wendy Olson Killion shares how the platform is blending technology, sustainability, and human connection to make complex journeys simple — and why smarter, slower, more connected travel is the next frontier. For creators, travelers, and brands shaping the future of mobility, this is a roadmap worth hearing.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Photographer and visual storyteller Ilan Sánchez captures more than moments — he captures meaning. Through analog film photography, street portraits, and honest connection, his work explores how slowing down helps us truly see people, not just pass by them. From Mexico City to Oaxaca, Ilan builds community through art that gives back instead of taking, documenting culture, identity, and everyday life with intention. Born and raised in Oaxaca, he offers a rare local perspective on how the city’s sudden global spotlight — from mezcal to design and tourism — is reshaping its creative and cultural landscape. This conversation dives deep into street photography, creative process, authenticity, and the future of art in a world that moves too fast.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Award-winning bilingual travel journalist, TV host, and speaker Jeannette Ceja has visited over 60 countries, redefining what it means to see the world through a Latina lens. With her first passport at just nine months old, she’s spent her life using storytelling to bridge cultures and amplify underrepresented voices. At sixteen, she wrote a heartfelt letter to the editor after seeing J.Lo on the cover of CosmoGIRL!—only to have her words printed in the very issue featuring Beyoncé on the cover, a moment that revealed the power of words and representation. Today, Jeannette continues to challenge perceptions and champion visibility for women of color in travel media, reminding us that how we communicate—and who gets to be seen—can change everything.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Canadian veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford has turned voluntourism into a lifelong mission, often funding his own trips to rescue animals across the globe. From performing surgery in Ukraine as missiles shook the operating room, to treating pets displaced by wildfires in Greece, to saving a giant fruit bat in India, his journeys blend veterinary medicine, travel, and humanitarian action. Discover how this world-traveling vet channels compassion, courage, and personal sacrifice to protect wildlife and pets in the most challenging environments.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Sarah Mehl Histand is a lifelong Alaskan, educator, and founder of Mind & Mountain, a platform that merges fitness, mental health, and outdoor adventure. She explores how mindful interval training and nervous system awareness redefine strength, helping people build confidence, prevent injury, and feel a deeper sense of belonging in wild spaces. Drawing from years of experience guiding and training in Alaska’s rugged landscapes, Sarah shares practical tools for building resilience, embracing imperfection, and finding balance between physical challenge and mental well-being.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

What happens when travel shifts from consumption to connection? In this conversation, we explore what it means to truly show up — not just to a place, but to its people, stories, and rhythms. From women-led, sustainable journeys to experiences that give back to local communities, this episode dives into how mindful travel can transform both traveler and host. We also touch on the immersive trips Kate Boardman curates, including her annual journey to Oaxaca for Día de los Muertos.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Satlantis is building the future of travel for digital nomads, Bitcoiners, and freedom seekers. Unlike ad-heavy platforms like Google Maps or TripAdvisor, Satlantis personalizes city rankings, merchant reviews, and community insights based on people who share your lifestyle and preferences. Head of Growth Jordi Llonch Esteve breaks down how the platform blends the social feel of Instagram with the practicality of NomadList—creating a decentralized, community-driven hub for travelers who want real connections, not algorithms.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Ever wondered what it takes to photograph one of the world’s biggest music superstars? Gaby Deimeke shares how she became J Balvin’s personal photographer, traveling across 5 continents and capturing everything from arena shows to Paris Fashion Week. In this episode, you’ll learn the skills, routines, and mindset needed to break into tour photography — and how you can start your own path toward shooting for global artists.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

From organizing group trips to Costa Rica and Greece to connecting with listeners across the globe, we’ve seen how travel can bring people together in powerful ways. We reflect on what community means to us, how it’s grown alongside the podcast from day one to over 100 episodes, and the joy of sharing adventures with like-minded travelers. It’s a look at the connections, experiences, and stories that make building community through travel so meaningful.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Justin Peters shares how he designed a life that lets him explore the world without sacrificing financial security. From taking a career sabbatical to launching a podcast, he explains the mindset shifts and money strategies that opened the door to more freedom and adventure. Learn how intentional planning, financial responsibility, and smart work choices can put you in a position to do more of what you love—without feeling like you’re constantly trading time for money.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Approximately 55% of American travelers have experienced lost luggage—but is checking a bag really that bad? The age-old debate: carry-on or checked bag—which is truly best for different types of trips? We also explore how to negotiate travel credits like a pro, turning delays and cancellations into future travel wins.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Michael Motamedi, MasterChef Canada alum and host of the No Fixed Address podcast, shares how becoming a father transformed his approach to life on the road. Alongside his wife and young daughter, he explores the world as a family of three, embracing slower travel, deeper connection, and the everyday challenges of parenting abroad. His story offers practical insight for new parents, aspiring digital nomads, and anyone curious about building a life centered on food, family, and intentional travel.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

After more than 100 episodes recorded across screens and time zones, these two travel hosts finally meet in real life. In this special in-studio episode, Chelsea and Jonathan sit down face-to-face for the first time and celebrate with a travel-themed card game — unfiltered and uncut. This one’s personal, fun and for the Globetrotters community.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Christine Lozada has spent more time at sea than most people have spent in airports.Christine shares what it’s actually like to travel by cruise ship—how it compares to other styles of travel, what surprises people the most, and why she keeps coming back. We also dive into different cruise ships and what makes Virgin Voyages feel different from the rest, and why it’s become her go-to. Whether you're cruise-curious or practically live on deck, this one’s for you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Whether you’ve chosen not to have kids, are still figuring it out, or just enjoy honest stories from people living life on their own terms, this conversation offers something meaningful to take away. Zoë Noble is an acclaimed photographer, public speaker, and founder of We Are Childfree, a global movement and storytelling platform challenging the stigma around choosing not to have children. She shares her journey to a childfree life, the cultural assumptions she’s worked to dismantle, and how travel has shaped her identity. From launching We Are Childfree to building a global community, Zoë reflects on the emotional realities and liberating possibilities of life beyond traditional norms.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

For the first time on the Globetrotters Podcast, we’re joined by a pastor — or rather, a former pastor. Douglas Brouwer spent 45 years in ministry across the U.S. and Europe, leading mission trips, cultural tours, and walking solo pilgrimages across Spain and Portugal. But this conversation goes beyond religion — into longing, identity, and what it really means to find home through travel. It’s a deeper, more reflective kind of episode — one that explores the spiritual side of movement in ways we haven’t before.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Jasmine Awad is redefining walking tours through meaningful human connection. As CEO of Unseen Tours, she leads a social enterprise offering guided walks across the UK, led by people who have experienced homelessness. These tours combine storytelling, local history, and social insight to challenge perceptions, empower guides with paid work and new skills, and foster empathy through firsthand voices. We explore how travel can move beyond sightseeing to become a catalyst for understanding and change.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Having visited more than 140 countries, Orest Zub knows a thing or two about travel. As managing partner at NomadMania, he’s helping lead a platform built for the world’s most dedicated travelers — one that breaks the globe into 1,300+ regions, verifies visits through a peer-reviewed system, and ranks members based on how deeply they’ve explored. We dive into what makes a place truly visited, how NomadMania builds real connection across borders, and why depth matters more than dots on a map.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Ever wondered what it’s like to visit every country in the world—not once, but twice? Harry Mitsidis has done just that, and along the way, he founded NomadMania, a platform uniting over 45,000 serious explorers across the globe. From redefining what it means to truly see a place, to uncovering the emotional weight of travel in conflict zones, Harry shares insights only someone with his passport could offer. A conversation with one of the most accomplished—and humble—travelers alive.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

After years of closure to foreigners due to the pandemic and political tensions, North Korea quietly reopened the Pyongyang Marathon in 2025 — and Alex Page was one of the few Americans to lace up and run it. Alex recounts what it was like entering one of the world’s most isolated countries, the intriguing and tightly controlled experience of being a tourist there, and the surreal vibe of running through Pyongyang’s streets. It’s part adventure, part curiosity, and fully unforgettable.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Costa del Sol isn’t just beaches and resorts—it’s a lifestyle, a culture, and for locals like Cristina Reina, it’s home. Born and raised in Málaga, Cristina shares what most travelers miss: authentic spots, local flavors, and the real rhythm of southern Spain. If you're thinking of visiting Spain, she’ll make you reconsider where you land. This episode is your shortcut to experiencing Costa del Sol like a local, not a tourist.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

30 countries. 50 million views. One unstoppable traveler. Andrea Constantino didn’t just backpack across Asia and the Middle East—she rewrote what bold, immersive travel looks like. From trekking to Annapurna Base Camp to going viral for a face massage in India, Andrea dishes on the wild, wonderful lessons from life on the road and her "why not" mentality.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Alexandra Lauren, better known as The Bucket List Mermaid, has been to over 45 countries, lives full-time in an RV, and isn’t waiting for “someday” to live the life she wants. In this episode, she shares what pushed her to leave behind a traditional path—including medical school—to start checking things off her bucket list now. From free diving in a mermaid tail to solo hiking Half Dome, Alexandra talks about the highs, the hard parts, and how she stays inspired to keep going. If you’ve ever felt stuck or like you were waiting for the perfect time to start living fully, this one’s for you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Jori Sutton grew up in a small Texas town with big dreams of seeing the world—and she’s done just that, visiting over 50 countries and living in four. She's the creator behind The Tejana Abroad and The Tejana Biker, where she shares stories from her adventures on the road — often on two wheels. One of her most unforgettable experiences? A 30-day motorcycle ride from Texas to Alaska and back with her dad, offering a fresh look at long-distance motorcycle travel, father-daughter road trips, and what it means to explore the world on your own terms.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

For our 100th episode, we’re joined by Erika De Santi, Chief of Experience and Co-Founder of WeRoad, the multi-million dollar European travel company redefining group adventures for solo travelers.Named to Fortune Italy’s 40 Under 40 and EU-Startups’ Top 100 Most Influential Women, Erika shares how WeRoad grew into a community-driven brand across Europe—with a unique model that features travel coordinators who help shape the group dynamic alongside local guides.We explore how WeRoad challenges conventional travel norms, builds connection through shared experiences, and what Erika has learned leading one of Europe’s most exciting startups.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Greece is more than just Santorini sunsets and Mykonos beach clubs—there’s a whole world beyond the tourist traps, and Joanna Kalafatis is here to spill the secrets. As an actress, writer, and all-around adventurer, she brings sharp wit and deep cultural insight to the table, sharing hidden gems, local traditions, and the realities of over-tourism. From dodging the pitfalls of imported tipping culture to uncovering the real soul of Greece, Joanna makes you want to book a flight and explore like a local. Plus, she’s hilarious—so expect plenty of laughs along the way.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Alexa McDonald, a full-time traveler who’s been to 55+ countries without breaking the bank is back to share exactly how she does it. This time, she’s spilling all the details on how to score free places to stay, get paid to travel, and find epic experiences without spending a dime. She’s even put together a 50+ page e-book packed with insider tips, and we’re getting the highlights. If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling more but thought you couldn’t afford it, this episode might just change your mind.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Airbnb arbitrage has become a way for travel entrepreneurs to make money without owning property. It can be risky, but lucrative, like in the case of Hailie Anderson, who made $1.4 million last year and is on track to hit $3 million this year. But it’s not without challenges — managing dozens of units, navigating regulations, and keeping neighbors and guests happy. Today, we’ll hear from Hailie about how she scaled her business to 57 units in just two years, the ups and downs of the industry, and what it really takes to succeed.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.

Nomadic Matt (Matt Kepnes) is a New York Times best-selling author who revolutionized budget travel with How to Travel the World on $50 a Day. With over 15 years of globetrotting experience and having visited more than 100 countries, he shares expert insights on affordable travel, building a sustainable nomadic lifestyle, and the evolution of the travel industry. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a first-time traveler, this conversation is packed with practical tips, inspiring stories, and a deep dive into what it truly means to explore the world on a budget.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/globetrotters-podcast--5023679/support.