Tired of the crowds? Let’s talk about how to travel to hidden cities that’ll make you feel like a local.

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares why exploring hidden cities—also known as secondary cities—might just be the travel upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Inspired by her conversation with Jake and Michelle Schomp (Episode #188), Kim digs into why skipping the big-name destinations can lead to more meaningful, affordable, and sustainable adventures.

You’ll hear why these lesser-known spots often offer richer local experiences, fewer crowds, and a chance to connect more deeply with the people and places you visit. Plus, Kim shares practical tips on how to actually find these under-the-radar destinations (hint: it’s easier than you think).

If you’ve been craving something different, maybe something more grounded and real, this episode will show you how getting off the mainstream travel trail can be the most rewarding decision you make.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The perks of basing yourself in a secondary city
• How traveling off the beaten path supports more sustainable tourism
• Practical ways to find hidden gems and plan your next not-so-typical adventure

Perfect for curious explorers, slow travelers, and anyone tired of overcrowded “must-see” spots.

Like this & WANT MORE episodes about getting off-the-beaten-path? Check out these:

1. The Ultimate Guide to Off the Beaten Path Travel #37

2. How a Corporate VP Became a Full-time Travel Influencer (Best of Series) #180

3. Rediscovering Home: One Woman's Solo Adventure through Italy on a Scooter #63

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Planning an international trip and wondering how to get money abroad without paying extra fees or getting stuck with the worst exchange rates? You’re not alone.

In this Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson breaks down exactly how to handle your travel money like a pro, so you can spend more time exploring and less time stressing about ATMs, cash, and cards.

From the smartest ways to get foreign currency to what you should (almost) never do at an airport kiosk, Kim shares everything you need to know to travel confidently with the right money strategy in place. Whether you're heading to Europe, Southeast Asia, or beyond, these tips will help you avoid hidden fees, protect your accounts, and keep your wallet happy.

You’ll learn:

• Whether you actually need to carry cash while traveling abroad
• The safest and cheapest ways to get local currency on your trip
• Pro tips to avoid ATM fees and currency conversion markups
• Kim’s personal favorite debit card for international travel (and why it’s a lifesaver)

This episode is perfect for first-time international travelers or anyone who’s ever asked: Do I need cash in Europe? or What’s the best way to get money abroad?

Tune in and start planning your trip with confidence.

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Ever dreamed of a European summer with your kids but immediately felt overwhelmed by the planning?

Traveling Europe with kids sounds dreamy, but pulling it off without stress? That’s the real adventure. In this episode, host Kim Anderson chats with Kristin Karstensdotter, co-owner of LivTours, a travel company based in Italy that’s all about meaningful, personalized experiences. Kristin’s built her life and business around making travel feel easy, impactful, and fun - especially for families.

Together, Kim and Kristin dive into what makes Europe an incredible destination for families, with a special spotlight on Italy. From how to avoid overwhelm when planning to what kids (and parents) really want on vacation, this conversation is packed with real-world insight and practical tips to make your European holiday one to remember - for all the right reasons.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The biggest planning mistakes families make when booking a European trip—and how to avoid them
• Why Italy is one of the best family-friendly destinations (and not just because of the gelato)
• How to balance sightseeing with downtime so everyone stays happy, rested, and excited

Whether you’re dreaming of your first family trip to Europe or want to make your next one smoother, this episode is your go-to guide for a fun, flexible, and stress-free summer abroad.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Kristen: LivTours Website & Instagram

⚡ ROUND BOOK: The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo by Irving Stone

EPISODE DETAILS:

05:40 - When planning your trip

06:53 - Create a trip that is full of fun

08:03 - Renting apartments

08:25 - When traveling to Europe

15:23 - A great way to prep your kids

Want more tips on family travel? Check out these epsiodes:

1. The World Is Our Classroom: Full-Time Family Travel & Worldschooling Adventures w/ Jake & Michelle Schomp of Passport Explorers

2. Journeying Together: How Travel Shaped Our Family's Core Values w/ my Son, Elias

3. A Travelers Guide to Building a Family Abroad & Creating a Life You Love w/ Australian Content Creator, Colleen Deere

4. Roadmap to Happiness: Overlanding & Unschooling Around the World while Living a Global Mission w/ Brittney Highland of Hourless Life

5. Family Travel and Global Living: How They Made the World Their Classroom (Best Of Series) #185

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What if your family’s education plan included camel rides in the Sahara and math lessons in the mountains of Nepal?

This episode will have you rethinking everything.

In this episode of the Best Of series, host Kim Anderson sits down with Jenny Lynn, the powerhouse behind the popular Travelynn Family travel blog. Jenny, her husband Jason, and their two kids have carved out a wildly inspiring life of full-time family travel, multiple education styles for the boys, and running not one, but four, successful travel websites.

From trekking the Himalayas to living in India and now settling in Malaysia through a digital nomad visa, Jenny’s story is proof that you don’t have to choose between adventure and stability, you can design a life that includes both.

In this episode, you’ll hear how they:

• Education methods that aren't homeschooling
• Make full-time travel possible with kids (and how to get them involved in the planning)
• Balance parenting, adventure, and growing an online business while living abroad

This one’s for any parent who’s ever wondered if it’s “too late” to live a big, beautiful life or anyone curious about turning travel into a sustainable lifestyle.

Ready to rethink what’s possible for your family? Hit play and let’s go.

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Jenny: Travelynn Family Blog, Instagram, Facebook
• ⚡ROUND BOOK Where to Go When by Lonely Planet

WANT MORE? Check out these episodes of families living on their own terms:

1. Episode #30: Journeying Together: How Travel Shaped Our Family's Core Values w/ my Son, Elias
2. Episode #14 The World Is Our Classroom: Full-Time Family Travel & Worldschooling Adventures w/ Jake & Michelle Schomp
3. Episode #33: A Travelers Guide to Building a Family Abroad & Creating a Life You Love w/ Australian Content Creator, Colleen Deere
4. Episode #41: Roadmap to Happiness: Overlanding & Unschooling Around the World while Living a Global Mission w/ Brittney Highland of Hourless Life

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More Travel with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

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Please Note: I may earn a small commission when purchasing through these links. It doesn't cost you anything extra but does help support the show.

What happens when deep loss fuels the dream of a lifetime?

In this week's Best Of episode, host Kim Anderson shares Hudson and Emily’s unforgettable journey.

This incredible couple, high school sweethearts turned full-time travelers, set out to visit every country in the world—and they had already visited 187 countries when we first spoke! Their adventure was born from a deep, life-changing loss that motivated them to stop waiting and start living.

Now, with 197 countries under their belts, their dream of seeing the world together became a reality, and their journey is proof that anything is possible when you follow your heart.

In this episode you'll learn:

• The transformative power of travel: How exploration broadens your perspective and opens your eyes to the world's beauty.
• Expanding dreams: How saying "yes" to new experiences can lead you to unexpected and fulfilling adventures.
• The kindness of strangers: Why unexpected encounters can leave a lasting impact on your travels.
• Travel as a couple: The unique challenges and rewards of full-time travel with your partner.

Ready to get inspired? Tune in and discover how Hudson and Emily are conquering the world, one adventure at a time!

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Hudson & Emily: Website or Instagram
• ⚡ Round Book: Love Does by Bob Goff

Dreaming of visiting every country? Check out these episodes from other incredible guests who’ve done it!

1. Celebrating Women Who Break Records & Travel the World w/ Very Hungry Nomad, Marty Sebova #69
2. Journey to Every Country with the World's Most Traveled Man & Creator of Nomadmania, Harry Mitsidis #57
3. The First Person to Travel to Every Country Without Flying - Part One & Part Two

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Planning a dark skies or aurora trip? Here’s what you actually need.

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares five essentials for planning an unforgettable stargazing or Northern Lights trip — without overpacking or overthinking it.

Inspired by recent conversations with Outside Magazines Dark Skies columnist, Stephanie Vermillion (Episode 172) and location astrologer, KJ Atlas (Episode 170), this episode is all about simplifying your astro-adventure and setting you up for success under the stars.

From light pollution maps to layering like a pro, you’ll learn exactly what to pack, how to find dark sky locations, and which apps help you make the most of the night sky — no telescope or fancy gear required.

You’ll walk away with:

• The top 5 things every dark skies traveler needs
• How to capture frame worthy photos without all the fancy gear
• The best tools to find dark sky locations and forecast the aurora

If you’ve ever dreamed of stargazing in a Dark Sky Park or chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland, this episode is your no-stress prep guide.

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Ever wonder what happens when you actually design your life around your dream?

In this Best Of episode, host Kim Anderson rewinds the conversation with Lucas Chesterton, founder of Indy Escapes, a travel company creating epic group adventures for solo travelers in dreamy destinations like Kenya, Uganda, Turkey, Croatia, the Maldives, and Bali.

Lucas has explored over 120 countries, but his journey isn’t about ticking off a list. It’s about living with purpose, building meaningful community, and chasing the kind of joy that can’t be faked. In this episode, you’ll hear how he turned a soul-searching question"If money were no object, how would you spend your days?" into a life filled with travel, connection, and real impact.

If you’ve ever dreamed of ditching the 9-to-5, building something meaningful, or living with more freedom and heart, Lucas’ story is your permission slip.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How one question can reshape your entire life
• Why travel is the ultimate connector—and what makes a trip truly transformational
• The power of building a lifestyle, not just a business

This one’s for the dreamers, the explorers, and anyone craving more adventure and intention in their everyday life.

Hit play and get inspired to design a life you don’t need a vacation from.

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Lucas & Indy Escapes
• ⚡ ROUND Book: 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz

WANT MORE? Check out these episodes from passionate travelers living life on their terms:

1. How a Travel Writer Built Peru’s Best Travel App While Living Abroad
2. The Mindful Traveler: Redefining Adventures in the Age of Sustainability

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