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.

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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.

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Think your driver’s license will still get you through airport security next month? Maybe… or maybe not.

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares what every U.S. traveler needs to know about the upcoming REAL ID deadline—and why it could be a major issue if you’re not prepared. Whether you fly all the time or just take the occasional trip to visit family, this episode is your no-nonsense guide to staying travel-ready.

The REAL ID requirement has been pushed back for nearly two decades, but with the May 7, 2025, deadline looming, it finally looks like it’s sticking. And if your ID isn’t compliant, you could be facing long TSA delays—or worse, a missed flight.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What the REAL ID actually is (and how to know if you already have one)
• Why a passport doesn’t replace a REAL ID for domestic flights
• What to expect if you show up to the airport without one

So if you’re a U.S.-based traveler who loves to stay ahead of the game (or just hates the DMV), this one’s for you. Because trust me—you do not want to be that person scrambling at security come May.

👉 Hit play and make sure your ID is ready before your next adventure.

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Most people fantasize about escaping the modern world—this woman actually did it.

In this week’s episode, host Kim Anderson sits down with Miriam Lancewood, international bestselling author and wilderness explorer, whose life story reads like a modern-day survival epic.

Miriam and her husband Peter walked into the wilds of New Zealand in 2010 with no technology, no back-up plan, and a big question: What happens to mind and body when you live far away from civilization? That one question shaped their next seven years—and changed their lives forever.

You’ll hear about the life skills it takes to truly live off the land, what it means to hunt your own food after growing up vegetarian, and why boredom might be one of the greatest teachers of all. Miriam also shares the story of their nomadic lifestyle across Europe, settling in the Bulgarian mountains, and the deep clarity that only nature can provide.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What it really takes to survive in the wilderness without modern tools or tech
• The unexpected truths about hunting, solitude, and slowing way down
• Why living with nature transforms your body, mind, and relationship

If you've ever dreamed of escaping the chaos and returning to something more primal, this episode is for you. Tune in—you might just walk away rethinking the way you live.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Miriam: Website & YouTube

Pick Up a Copy of Her Books:

1. Woman in the Wilderness
2. Wild at Heart: The Dangers of a Nomadic Life

WANT MORE? Check Out these episodes from other female adventurers:

• Rowing Across the Pacific, Breaking World Records & Redefining Leadership through Adventure Travel w/ Sophia Denison Johnston #32
• Walking the World: One Woman’s 20,000-Mile, 7-Year Journey Across 4 Continents w/ Angela Maxwell #154

EPISODE DETAILS:

05:17 - You don't have to work in order to live

13:18 - The miracle

15:13 - Confidence comes by comparison

26:14 - When you have nothing but time

35:50 - The key to a healthy, long-lasting relationship

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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.

Ever had a place just click for you in a way you couldn’t explain?

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares what makes a place feel like home—and why that answer is never one-size-fits-all.

Inspired by her conversation with Nancy De Losa (Episode #166), who splits her time between Australia and Italy, Kim reflects on her own first experience in Italy, the instant connection she felt, and how that feeling shaped her travels going forward.

You’ll hear Kim’s personal story of living in the port of Rome, building community abroad, and learning to embrace the places that speak to your soul—whether or not anyone else understands. Because the truth is, what you love about a place might be exactly what someone else can’t stand—and that’s the beauty of it all.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why “What’s your favorite place?” isn’t always an easy question
• How to trust your gut when a place just feels right
• The importance of letting your travel experiences be yours—without comparison

If you’ve ever felt at home in a faraway place—or still wonder where that feeling might show up for you—this episode is your sign to keep exploring. So grab your coffee, press play, and let’s talk about the places that stay with you.

Craving more Italy–Australia inspo? Check out Episode #113 with fellow Italian-Australian Cristian Bonetto—a Lonely Planet author and travel writer with his own take on life between these two beautiful places.

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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.

Ever wondered what it takes to turn your passion into a lifestyle—and your lifestyle into a business?

In this week’s episode, host Kim Anderson dives into the world of cycling, travel, and entrepreneurship with Nancy De Losa, co-founder of A’qto Cycling. Nancy’s journey spans across two continents—Australia and Italy—where she and her husband have built a boutique cycling tour company that blends sport, food, culture, and adventure. With a corporate marketing background and a passion for wellness and connection, Nancy’s story is the perfect blend of business and lifestyle design.

What can you expect in this episode?

A conversation filled with insights on how to transform a passion into a thriving business, and the rewarding challenges of living across two continents.

You’ll hear about the evolution of A’qto Cycling and why slowing down and embracing a seasonal lifestyle can bring unexpected joy and fulfillment.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• The secret sauce behind curating high-end cycling tours that offer more than just sport
• The lifestyle rewards and challenges of splitting time between Australia and Italy
• Why aligning your business with your personal values creates ultimate freedom

This episode is for dreamers, cyclists, aspiring digital nomads, and anyone craving inspiration on how to design a life they love—whether on the bike or off.

Tune in for a journey of transformation, passion, and adventure!

RESOURCES:

Connect with Nancy: A'qto Website, Instagram, Facebook

⚡ ROUND BOOK: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

EPISODE DETAILS:

14:10 - Being partners in both business and in life

14:36 - If you're interested in becoming a travel entrepreneur

23:33 - Finding success as a travel entrepreneur

26:32 - Starting your own business

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Your suitcase is late—but what if I told you that’s a good thing?

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares a little-known travel hack that could score you free airline miles—all for waiting at baggage claim. Inspired by her conversation with Betsy (Episode #164), an Alaska Airlines points and miles expert, Kim breaks down exactly how this perk works, who’s eligible, and how to make sure you don’t miss out on easy miles the next time your bag takes its sweet time arriving.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The airline policies that reward you for delayed baggage.
• How to claim your miles (and the key deadlines you can’t miss!).
• Pro tips to make sure you always get the compensation you deserve.

So, the next time your suitcase is MIA at baggage claim, don’t stress—get rewarded. Tune in now!

Like this and want more? Check out these episodes for more travel hacking tips & inspiration!

• Travel More, Spend Less: The Ultimate Guide to Budget Travel Hacking w/ Kendyl Grender #58
• Behind the Scenes of a Delta Brand Ambassador: From Corporate Girlie to Full-Time Travel Creator w/ Janelle on a Jet #129

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Support the show

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.