Mel Ripp is living proof that travel doesn't just take you places - it fundamentally changes who you are.

In this episode, we're talking about the kind of transformation that turns a "nice girl from Wisconsin" who dreamed about faraway places while reading encyclopedias into someone who casually drops "when I was in Cuba last month" into everyday conversation. Mel joined her first group trip to Morocco in fall 2023, and I've had a front-row seat watching her completely come out of her shell through travel.

What I find so fascinating about Mel's journey is how she went from being terrified of traveling with strangers to prioritizing travel over bathroom renovations (her words, not mine). We're diving into the magic of group trip dynamics, what it's like to shit on the side of a Moroccan highway with complete grace, and how stepping outside your comfort zone changes everything about how you show up back home in Door County, Wisconsin.

Credit card recommendations:

Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve

Capital One Venture

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

• Mexico City: Oct 26 - Nov 3, 2025
• Cuba: Jan 4 - 11, 2026
• Kenya: March 25 - April 4, 2026
• Morocco: April 10 - April 19, 2026

Links & Resources (Mel):

• Learn more about Mel: workwithpeapod.com
• LinkedIn: @melissaripp
• IG: @peapodmel

Links & Resources (Laura):

• Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
• Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
• Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
• Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
• Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
• Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.