What if your next bucket list trip revolved around the stars instead of the sights?

If you’ve ever dreamed of chasing the northern lights or stargazing under the darkest skies in the world, this episode is for you. In this conversation, host Kim Anderson chats with Stephanie Vermillion, a travel journalist and photographer whose work spans National Geographic, Outside Magazine, Vogue, and Travel & Leisure. As Outside’s astrotourism columnist and author of 100 Nights of a Lifetime from National Geographic, she’s the go-to expert on how to plan magical adventures after dark.

You’ll walk away from this episode with practical tips for planning your own stargazing or dark sky getaway - whether you're a first-timer or already obsessed with the cosmos. From chasing the solar maximum to capturing night sky photos with just your phone, you’ll learn how to plan unforgettable trips that revolve around wonder, not Wi-Fi.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the new moon is the best time for stargazing
• How to find the best dark sky locations
• What gear you actually need for night sky photography (spoiler: you probably already have it!)

This episode is your guide to astrotourism without the overwhelm. Whether you're heading to Morocco’s Sahara or Chile’s Atacama Desert—or just want to find a quiet, starry corner closer to home—you’ll get everything you need to start planning the ultimate after-dark adventure.

WANT MORE? Check out these episodes about exploring the night sky:

• Travel Talk: 3 Parks, 2 Quirky Histories, and 1 Luxury Stay - Your National Park Guide #106
• Astrocartography Explained: How to Use Your Birth Chart to Choose Where to Travel, Live & Thrive w/ KJ Atlas #170

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Stephanie: Website, @bystephanievermillion
• Pick Up a Copy of her Nat Geo Book: 100 Nights of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Adventures After Dark

⚡ROUND Book: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

PLACES & ITEMS REFERENCED:

Red-light Headlamp & Flashlight

Dark Skies Program

Light Pollution Map

Under Canvas Glamping

EPISODE DETAILS:

05:02 - New to astrotourism or planning

06:41 - Bring a red light headlamp
07:16 - Consider booking a local guide

08:18 - Plan y

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Ready to stop stressing about what to bring and start packing like a pro? Discover how less really is more.

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares her favorite carry-on-only strategy—the 5-4-3-2-1 capsule packing method—and why it’s been a total game-changer as she preps for a three-week trip to Spain.

Whether you're new to the idea of traveling light or you're a seasoned carry-on-only pro looking to simplify and refresh your packing system, this method gives you a flexible, easy-to-follow foundation. It’s perfect for longer trips, digital nomad life, and even those “what if I need it” overpackers. Plus, it’ll save you stress, time, money, and your back.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Exactly what the 5-4-3-2-1 capsule method is and how to adapt it to your own travel style
• How to effortlessly build a wardrobe that works for every outfit—and every occasion—using just a few key colors.
• Smart strategies for turning a handful of pieces into dozens of outfit combos (yes, really!)

If you're someone who wants to travel with less and still feel like yourself, this one's for you. Grab your coffee—or your packing cubes—and let’s dive in.

Support the show

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

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

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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 if you could use astrology to find your ideal city for love, work, or your next big adventure?

This week on the podcast, you’ll explore a whole new layer of astrology that could totally change how you plan your travels or your next move. Host Kim Anderson chats with locational astrologer KJ Atlas about astrocartography, a fascinating system that overlays your birth chart onto the globe to help you figure out the best places to live, grow, and thrive.

Whether you're thinking about writing a book in Bali, launching a business in London, or just want to know why Costa Rica keeps calling your name, this episode helps you see how your cosmic blueprint can guide you to the places that support your purpose.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What astrocartography and locational astrology actually are and how to start exploring your map.
• How your planetary lines can reveal your best places for love, career, spiritual growth, or major life changes
• How to use astrology to choose destinations that align with the version of you you're becoming.

If you're ready to stop guessing and start traveling with intention, this one's for you. Hit play and get inspired to align your next adventure with the stars.

RESOURCES:

Connect w/ KJ: Website, Instagram: @kj.atlas

⚡ ROUND BOOK: Astrology For the Soul by Jan Spiller

EPISODE DETAILS:

5:10 - Astro cartography can help you understand the energies

6:07 - All different people

18:20 - Before going into a professional astrology reading

30:53 - Looking at your Astrocartography map for the very 1st time.

Support the show

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

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

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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.