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
• Jessica Grace Coleman — Planning Movie-Inspired Trips
• Sara Cole — Love Comes First: Building Connections Through Travel
• Missy Meskell — Backpacking with Kids: Lessons from the Pacific Crest Trail
• Scott Rainey — How Educational Travel Changes Lives

🌍 Solo Episodes Mentioned

• Welcome to Conversations for Curious Travelers
• Insider Museum Tips to Make Your Visits Unforgettable
• Why Travel Matters in Uncertain Times
• Travel with Gratitude: Stories, Science & Simple Practices
• Thoughtful Travel Gifts: Experiences and Ideas They’ll Remember Forever

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

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

Links & Resources

• Trip Scholars: The Secret to Meaningful Gifts for Travelers
• Trip Scholars: Travel Gear Guide
• Trip Scholars: The Best Books for Travelers (Multiple Articles)
• Trip Scholars: Cozy Hygge Travel Gifts
• Trip Scholars: Best Games for Travelers
• Trip Scholars: Language Learning Before You Travel
• TripScholars: Work Exchanges
• Trip Scholars: Everything I Offer
• My free guide: The Curious Traveler’s Guide to More Meaningful Trips
• 6 Ways to Give Better Gifts—Based on Science
• Experiential gifts and the construal of meaningful consumption episodes

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

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:

• How gratitude can reframe even the hardest travel moments.
• Simple, science-backed practices you can use before, during, and after travel.
• The surprising ways gratitude improves health, relationships, and resilience.
• Insights from Costa Rica’s culture of Pura Vida and everyday gratitude.

Next Step:
Try shifting one I have to into an I get to every day this week.

Reflection:
“The root of joy is gratefulness...It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” -- Brother David Steindl-Rast

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 Happy Planet Index

Costa Rica Happier Lives Institute

Costa Rica Reforestation

Costa Rica Renewable Energy

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings."-- Will

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