What if where you stayed actually changed the way you traveled?

For several weeks this summer, I tried house sitting in England, piecing together three different dog sits as I traveled through the southern part of the country.

Along the way, I spent time in places I might never have visited otherwise, from rural Hampshire and Winchester to Bradford on Avon and Axbridge.

In this episode, I’m sharing what house sitting is really like, how I made it work without a car, and some of the new places I discovered along the way.

I’ll also talk about the benefits — and responsibilities — of house and pet sitting and why it can be an interesting way to travel longer, spend less on accommodations and experience a destination a little more like a local.

If you love dogs (or cats or any other animals), slower travel and discovering places beyond Europe’s usual stops, house sitting might just be another way to Wander Your Way.

Want to chat more about pet sitting or any of these destinations?

Send me a message at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com.

In this episode:

1:40: Intro

2:39: How housesitting works

10:53: Worthing

12:34: Winchester

18:12: Droxford

24:55: Bradford-on-Avon

30:15: Bath

33:36: Badgworth & Axbridge

37:07: Final thoughts

42:33: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Trusted Housesitters

Mind My House

Nomador

TASC Clothing

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

Do you learn a few words of the local language before traveling to another country?

Even knowing how to say hello, please and thank you can make a difference.

But learning a little more can open the door to deeper connections with the people you meet along the way.

In this episode, I’m joined by Margherita Berti, founder of Italian Matters, to talk about how learning and using the local language can lead to a more meaningful travel experience.

Margherita grew up in Bergamo, Italy, and has spent years studying languages, linguistics and how we actually learn to communicate in another language.

She shares practical tips for learning before you travel, from flashcards and podcasts to music, movies and the shadowing technique.

We also talk about which words and phrases are most useful, why it helps to prepare for situations you know you'll encounter, and how to get past the fear of making a mistake and actually speak the language once you're there.

Because you don't need to be fluent.

And you definitely don't need to be perfect.

Sometimes simply making the effort to speak a few words in the local language can create a connection — and become one of those moments you remember long after the trip is over.

In this episode:

1:10: Intro

1:53: About Margherita Berti

4:02: Italy to Indiana

10:24: Various learning tools

16:04: Key phrases to learn

18:01: Understanding creates connection

19:40: Using translating apps

22:51: Teaching English speakers

27:31: Advice for confident speaking

33:44: Margherita's final tips & thoughts

36:18: Lynne's final tips & thoughts

41:10: Wrapping it up

Important links:

Italian Matters

Wander Your Way

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way Resources

Safety Wing

Tips For Traveling in Another Language

I love independent travel.

I love being able to go where I want, when I want, and experience a destination in my own way.

So I wasn't entirely sure how I would feel about small group travel.

Yes, I know.

I offer small group trips. 😄

But turns out, I love it.

In this episode, I'm sharing 9 reasons why independent travelers might just love small group travel too — from handing over the logistics and having knowledgeable local guides to getting into places that can be more difficult to experience on your own.

We'll also talk about soft adventure, spending time in nature, experiencing the culture of a destination, leaving room for spontaneity and — perhaps most importantly — sharing those incredible travel moments with a small group of like-minded travelers.

And small group travel doesn't mean giving up your independence completely.

There's still room for downtime, wandering on your own and simply doing your own thing.

Small group travel may not be for everyone.

But if you're an independent traveler who has always thought, "Group travel isn't for me," this episode might just change your mind.

In this episode:

0:50: Intro

7:30: First...a story

11:34: Don't have to worry about logistics

13:47: Experience places you may not get to on your own

17:02: Local guides and their knowledge

20:50: Time for soft adventure and in being nature

27:22: Cultural experiences as well

31:00: Allows for spontaneous moments

34:41: Sharing moments with others

39:31: Small means small

41:49: Maintain your independent time

44:57: Recap

47:05: Final thoughts

53:39: Wrapping it up

In this episode:

Wander Your Way Adventures

Wander Your Way