Ever wondered what it’s really like to travel across the U.S. by train?

In this episode, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Amtrak’s Empire Builder, one of the most scenic and underrated train routes in North America.

Host Kim Anderson shares her personal experience riding the Empire Builder from Seattle to Chicago with her young son, and walks you through everything you need to know about planning your own Amtrak train trip.

Whether you're curious about cross-country train travel, looking for an alternative to road trips and RV life, or just want a relaxing, unplugged adventure with incredible views, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What it’s like to travel the full Empire Builder route from Seattle to Chicago
• Where to stop along the way (hint: there are AMAZING options!)
• What to expect from Amtrak sleeping cars, meals, and lounge access
• Pro tips on luggage, Wi-Fi, and why this journey is a great option for families, solo travelers, and slow travel fans

This is your sign to slow down, take the scenic route and see a whole new side of America.

Planning your own Amtrak adventure? Tune in to learn how to make the most of the Empire Builder route and decide if cross-country train travel might be your new favorite way to explore.

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AI is changing how we travel—and raising big questions about who gets left behind.

In this episode, host Kim Anderson sits down with Ross Borden, the founder of Matador Network to explore how artificial intelligence is turning the travel world upside down. From simplifying trip planning to disrupting the creator economy, this conversation dives deep into the promise—and the peril—of a new era.

You’ll hear how Matador’s GuideGeek AI is reshaping the way travelers find information, why personalization is becoming the norm, and how brands are racing to keep up. But it’s not just about innovation: Ross shares honest reflections on the ethical challenges of AI, the environmental impact of large-scale data models, and what all of this means for the future of authentic travel storytelling.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The inspiration behind building an AI travel assistant and what it can (and can’t) do
• How AI is eroding traditional web traffic and changing how creators earn a living (spoiler alert: it's not al doom and gloom!)
• Why ethical considerations, accuracy, and sustainability matter more than ever

Whether you’re a digital creator, an avid traveler, or simply curious about where technology is taking us next, you’ll walk away with fresh insights and maybe a few tough questions to ponder.

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Ross on Instagram & Matador Network Website
• GuideGeek
• ⚡️ROUND travel tip: Skip the crowds at Muir Woods and check out the redwoods on Stinson Beach Steep Ravine Trail instead.

Like this? Try these epsiodes:

1. Behind the Scenes of a Delta Brand Ambassador: FromCorporate Girlie to Full Time Travel Creator w/ Your Travel BFF Janelle on a Jet #129
2. Below Deck IRL: How to Work on Superyachts and Get Paid to Travel w/ Hugo Ortega #132
3. Astrotourism 101: How to Plan the Ultimate Stargazing, Dark Sky, and Northern Lights Trip w/ Stephanie Vermillion #172

EPISODE DETAILS:

07:41 - Even with the rise of AI creators will become

14:54 - Websites that are not AI-centred

16:05 - Optimized for AI

20:40 - Double down on your own experience

21:47 - Branch out

31:11 - To keep your environmental footprint down

23:36 - Be as specific

Support the show

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

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout

What happens when you say yes to the unknown with just $2,000 and a surfboard? Spoiler: It might change your life and your idea of freedom, forever.

In this week's Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson takes you along on her personal journey through New Zealand’s South Island, where she learned the true meaning of freedom, travel, and trusting herself. Armed with only $2,000, a surfboard, and a bold spirit, Kim stumbled into van life and discovered a life of simplicity, self-reliance, and wild possibility.

From buying a van with serious mishaps to staying warm in winter with creative hacks, Kim shares candid stories about the challenges and magic of solo female van life. More than just a travel tale, this episode is a heartfelt reflection on community, nature, and breaking free from traditional success to live life on your own terms.

You'll learn:

• How to embrace solo female van life with confidence and courage
• Practical advice for adapting to New Zealand’s unique van life challenges
• Why sometimes the best journeys start with saying yes to the unknown

If you want a fresh perspective on freedom, travel, and what it means to trust yourself on the road, this episode will inspire you to say yes to your own wild dreams.

Like this WANT MORE? Check out these episodes about traveling as a solo female:

1. Fantastic Characters, Weird Jobs & Memorable Moments on the Road in New Zealand: Solo Episode

2. Solo Travel for Black Women: Cultural Adaptation, Dating, and Mental Health Abroad w/ Christina Jane #119

3. How to Handle Foreign Privilege and Unwanted Attention Abroad - Solo Female Travel Tips | TRAVEL TALK #122

Support the show

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

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout