『The Travel Brats』のカバーアート

The Travel Brats

The Travel Brats

著者： Sofia Blanno Natalie Brouwer
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Your one-stop media destination for inspiration to create a travel-filled life you don't need a vacation from. The Travel Brats are building a community around a love for travel, uncovering hidden gems with locals, and empowering exploration from your home city to around the globe.2020 Who Wear There Podcast マネジメント・リーダーシップ リーダーシップ 旅行記・解説 社会科学 経済学
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  • Let's Take a Gap Year in Ecuador with Lindsey Goldstein

    Let's Take a Gap Year in Ecuador with Lindsey Goldstein
    2026/07/07
    Ecuador Isn't Just a Destination—It's a Fresh Start. What if one trip had the power to completely change the direction of your life? For author Lindsey Goldstein, that's exactly what happened. Long before she became a published novelist, Lindsey spent a gap year living in Ecuador—a decision that shaped not only her love of travel but ultimately inspired her debut novel, Gap Year. In this episode of The Travel Brats Podcast, Lindsey joins us to share how Ecuador became her second home, why she believes it's one of the world's most underrated destinations, and how travel has the power to transform us at any stage of life. Whether you're dreaming of hiking through the Andes, snorkeling in the Galápagos Islands, wandering colorful markets, or simply looking for inspiration to take that first leap into the unknown, this conversation is a reminder that adventure doesn't have an age limit. Meet Our Guest Lindsey Goldstein is an author, traveler, and lifelong advocate for meaningful travel experiences. After taking a gap year in Ecuador as a teenager, Lindsey returned several times over the years—living in Quito, volunteering in the Galápagos Islands, conducting research, and building lifelong friendships along the way. Those experiences eventually inspired her novel Gap Year, a story about rediscovery, courage, and finding yourself through travel. During our conversation, Lindsey shared not only the inspiration behind the book but also practical advice for anyone considering Ecuador as their next destination. In This Episode Here's what you'll hear during our conversation: Why Lindsey chose Ecuador for her gap year How living abroad shaped her confidence and independence The real inspiration behind her novel Gap Year Why Ecuador deserves a spot on every travel bucket list Lindsey's favorite destinations throughout Ecuador Solo travel tips and lessons learned Ecuadorian food you shouldn't miss Safety myths about South America Why it's never too late to reinvent yourself through travel Why Ecuador Left Such a Lasting Impression Many travelers overlook Ecuador in favor of larger South American destinations, but Lindsey believes that's exactly what makes it so special. Despite its relatively small size, Ecuador offers incredible diversity. Within just a few hours, travelers can experience: The Andes Mountains Colonial cities The Amazon Rainforest Pacific beaches Indigenous markets The Galápagos Islands Very few countries pack so many unforgettable experiences into one destination. As Lindsey explains throughout the episode, Ecuador isn't just beautiful—it's incredibly accessible, welcoming, and full of opportunities for meaningful cultural connections. Lindsey's Favorite Places in Ecuador Throughout the episode, Lindsey shares several destinations that continue to inspire her years after her first visit. Quito Ecuador's capital combines colonial architecture, rich history, incredible mountain views, and vibrant local neighborhoods. Lindsey recommends spending time exploring the UNESCO-listed historic center and riding the TelefériQo for panoramic views of the city. Cuenca Often overlooked by international travelers, Cuenca quickly became one of Lindsey's favorite cities. Its walkable streets, charming cafés, beautiful churches, and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal destination for travelers looking to slow down and experience everyday Ecuadorian life. The Galápagos Islands For Lindsey, the Galápagos remain one of the most magical places on Earth. During the episode, she shares unforgettable stories about: Snorkeling with sea lions Watching giant manta rays Camping on an active volcano Wildlife encounters found nowhere else in the world Conducting research on the islands It's clear why the Galápagos continue to capture travelers' imaginations. The Amazon Rainforest Lindsey also recounts one of the funniest stories from the interview—her mother's unforgettable reaction after discovering an unexpected frog inside their rainforest cabin. Moments like these remind us that the best travel memories often come from the experiences we never planned. One of Our Favorite Takeaways Travel isn't just about seeing new places. It's about discovering new facets of yourself. Throughout our conversation, Lindsey returns to this idea again and again. Living abroad forced her outside her comfort zone. She learned Spanish. She navigated unfamiliar cities. She built friendships across cultures. She became more independent. Those experiences ultimately shaped who she is today. It's a powerful reminder that the greatest souvenirs aren't things—they're the confidence, perspective, and resilience we bring home. Ecuadorian Foods Lindsey Recommends No trip is complete without trying the local cuisine. Some of Lindsey's favorites include: Humitas Quimbolitos Fresh choclo with local cheese Ají (Ecuador's beloved spicy sauce) Fresh tropical fruit from local markets She encourages travelers to ...
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    55 分
  • How to Plan a Vacation Step-by-Step (Budgeting, Booking & Travel Tips)

    How to Plan a Vacation Step-by-Step (Budgeting, Booking & Travel Tips)
    2026/06/02
    Planning a vacation should be exciting—not overwhelming. But between choosing a destination, booking flights, creating an itinerary, and figuring out logistics, it's easy to feel stressed before your trip even begins. At The Travel Brats, we've planned everything from last-minute city getaways to international adventures booked nearly a year in advance. Over time, we've learned that the best trips happen when you focus on smart planning without overplanning every minute. Here's our step-by-step guide to planning a vacation the right way. 1. Start With Your "Why" Before choosing a destination, ask yourself: Do I want relaxation or adventure?Am I traveling for food, culture, nature, or nightlife?Am I recharging or packing my schedule? Your answer determines everything from budget to destination to daily activities. Helpful questions to research: Is this destination better for couples, friends, or families?Is it good for digital nomads?Can I visit without renting a car?Does it offer more adventure or relaxation? The clearer your travel goals, the easier every other decision becomes. 2. Set Your Dates and Budget You don't need an exact budget, but you need a realistic one. Consider: Number of travel daysFlight costsHotel or Airbnb costsFood and drinksTransportationActivities and excursions Most importantly, leave room for unexpected expenses. A good vacation budget includes a buffer because travel rarely goes exactly as planned. Also factor in important deadlines such as: PTO approvalSchool breaksWeddingsSpecial events 3. Choose Your Destination Strategically Timing can completely change your experience. Ask yourself: What's in season during my travel dates?Will weather affect the trip?Is it peak tourist season?How long is the travel time?Is the destination easy to navigate? If you only have a few vacation days, shorter flights often win. We've seen travelers hate destinations during crowded peak seasons and fall in love with the same places during shoulder season. Research matters. 4. Book the Big Stuff First Follow this order: ✈️ Flights 🏨 Accommodations 🚗 Transportation 🎟️ Activities Booking major items first reduces stress and gives you more flexibility. When to Book Domestic U.S. Travel 1–3 months ahead International Travel 2–6 months ahead Peak Seasons As early as possible For our New Zealand trip during summer, flights were booked nearly nine months in advance and activities months before departure. Meanwhile, a spontaneous New York trip booked one week ahead worked perfectly because it wasn't a particularly busy travel period. The key is understanding seasonality. The Travel Brats Booking Strategy Book early with free cancellation whenever possible. Great tools include: Booking.comHotels.comGoogle HotelsAirbnb Then keep an eye on prices. If rates drop, cancel and rebook. Also remember: Location is often more important than price. A slightly more expensive hotel in a walkable neighborhood can save hundreds on transportation. And don't wait forever hoping prices will drop—they often don't. 5. Create a Flexible Itinerary One of the biggest travel mistakes is over-scheduling. Instead of planning every hour, plan by theme. Examples: Food dayBeach dayOld town explorationMuseum dayNature day A great trip includes structure and flexibility. Helpful Planning Searches Must-see spots in [destination]Hidden gems in [destination]Overrated vs underrated attractionsBest neighborhoods to stay inWhat should I book in advance? Plan one or two anchor activities each day and leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best travel moments happen when you wander. 6. Group Activities by Location Don't zig-zag across a city. Group activities by neighborhood to save time and energy. Use Google Maps to: Save attractionsOrganize locationsBuild efficient routes This simple step makes sightseeing significantly easier and reduces unnecessary transportation costs. 7. Schedule Rest Like an Activity Travel burnout is real. Many travelers try to do too much, especially on shorter trips. Build in: Slow morningsDowntime after travel daysBreaks between activities Avoid scheduling early tours after late nights whenever possible. You don't need to see everything to have an amazing trip. 8. Handle the Logistics Before You Leave This is the boring stuff—but it's important. Passport Many countries require your passport to remain valid for at least six months after your trip. Check before booking. Visas Visa requirements depend on your passport, not where you live. Use trusted resources like: Embassy websitesIATA Travel CentreSherpaVisaHQiVisa You may need: No visaeVisaVisa on arrivalEmbassy visa Always verify requirements before departure. Vaccines Depending on your destination, you may need: Yellow FeverHepatitis AHepatitis BOther travel-related vaccines Some countries require proof through an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP), often called the yellow card. Travel Insurance Travel...
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    49 分
  • Travel with Purpose: Volunteer Travel & Impactful Adventures with Kimberly Haley-Coleman

    Travel with Purpose: Volunteer Travel & Impactful Adventures with Kimberly Haley-Coleman
    2026/05/19
    Serving the World: Travel, Impact & Adventure with Kimberly Haley-Coleman What if your next vacation could change not only your perspective—but someone else’s life, too? In this episode of The Travel Brats Podcast, we sit down with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, the founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware, to explore what it really means to travel with purpose. With more than 25 years of experience leading short-term volunteer adventures in over 25 countries, Founder of Globe Aware, Kimberly Haley Coleman, has helped thousands of travelers turn meaningful impact into a core part of their journey. Her work has been featured on major platforms like CNN, The Today Show, and The New York Times—and for good reason. This conversation goes beyond travel tips. It’s about shifting your mindset from simply seeing the world to truly connecting with it. How It All Started: The Traveler Behind the Mission Kimberly’s love for travel didn’t start with a perfectly curated itinerary—it started with curiosity and connection. Inspired early on by a sense of global wonder, she began traveling internationally and quickly realized that the most meaningful experiences weren’t found in tourist attractions—but in human connection. That realization became the foundation for her nonprofit, Globe Aware. What began as a vision to connect travelers with communities around the world has grown into a globally recognized nonprofit offering structured, ethical, and sustainable service programs. And while Kimberly has traveled across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, it’s not just the destinations that stand out—it’s the people, the resilience, and the shared humanity she’s encountered along the way. Redefining “Volunteer Travel” Let’s address the elephant in the room: Is volunteer travel just “poverty tourism”? Kimberly doesn’t shy away from this conversation. She explains that ethical, impactful travel is about partnership—not saviorism. It’s about working with communities, not for them. The goal isn’t to “fix” anything—it’s to support locally driven initiatives in a meaningful and sustainable way. What Ethical Travel Looks Like: Programs led by or in partnership with local communitiesProjects that address real, ongoing needs—not short-term opticsCultural exchange that goes both ways Green Flags to Look For: Transparency about where your time and money goLong-term relationships within the communityA balance between service and cultural immersion Red Flags: Programs that center the volunteer over the communityLack of clear impact or follow-through“Feel-good” experiences with no sustainable outcome What a Globe Aware Trip Actually Feels Like So what does a week of service travel really look like? Imagine landing in a destination like Peru. You’re welcomed into a community, introduced to your project, and quickly become part of something bigger than yourself. Over the course of the week, you might: Help build infrastructure, like schools or housingSupport environmental or conservation effortsWork alongside locals on community-driven initiatives And no, you don’t need special skills or to speak the language. What you do need is an open mind. Travelers often leave these trips surprised—not just by what they’ve seen, but by what they’ve learned about themselves. There’s growth, perspective, and yes… sometimes even tears. Because when you step outside your comfort zone, you start to see the world—and your place in it—differently. Balancing Impact & Adventure One of the most unique aspects of Globe Aware trips is the balance. You’re not volunteering 24/7. Typically, about 30 hours of your week are dedicated to service, leaving plenty of time to explore, experience local culture, and enjoy the destination. It’s not about sacrificing travel—it’s about enhancing it. The Personal Growth Side of Travel Kimberly’s journey isn’t just about building a nonprofit—it’s about what travel taught her along the way. Leaving a high-level corporate career to pursue Globe Aware came with challenges, but also clarity. Through her work, she’s learned: Resilience from communities facing adversityThe power of connection across culturesThat leadership looks different around the world And after more than two decades, what still moves her most? The people. Who Is This Type of Travel For? Short answer: almost everyone. Globe Aware trips are designed for: Solo travelers looking for a deeper connectionFamilies wanting meaningful shared experiencesStudents seeking perspective before entering the workforceCorporate teams building a purpose-driven culture There are minimal age restrictions, and no prior experience is required. Practical Tips Before You Go If you’re considering a service trip, here’s what Kimberly recommends: Mentally prepare: Go in with humility, not expectations. Stay open: You’re there to learn just as much as you are to help. Don’t stress about ...
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    55 分
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