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  • How to Become an Escapepreneur

    How to Become an Escapepreneur
    2025/08/26
    The Travel Brats Podcast had the pleasure of sitting down with Karen King, the OG “escapepreneur” and founder of Gold Star Pro, who helps solopreneurs and small business owners build a lifestyle of freedom. Karen shares how automation, AI, and smart business systems can unlock more time for travel, play, and doing the work you love. Explore her top tools, travel tips, and Q&A insights from The Travel Brats Podcast.
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    24 分
  • From Boardrooms to Beaches: Karen King's Escapepreneur Plan

    From Boardrooms to Beaches: Karen King's Escapepreneur Plan
    2025/08/12
    Ever dreamed of ditching your 9-to-5 to travel the world? Meet Karen King—the visionary entrepreneur who did just that, kids in tow. In this episode, the Travel Brats chat with Karen about her bold leap from corporate burnout to full-time global adventuring. As the founder of Gold Star Pro, she helps coaches and solopreneurs simplify their systems and embrace location freedom. She also launched Freedom Families, a 13,000-strong community for worldschooling families, and the Escapepreneur Movement to support others chasing purpose over paychecks. Whether she’s taking Zoom calls from a ski slope in Bulgaria or homeschooling on the beaches of Tulum, Karen proves that freedom, family, and fun can mix—and she’s here to spill the secrets.
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    48 分
  • Meet Missouri: The Show-Me State Uncovered

    Meet Missouri: The Show-Me State Uncovered
    2025/07/29
    The Best Things to Do in -1. St. Louis, MO:St. Louis is often called the “Gateway to the West,” but it’s also a gateway to a memorable, well-rounded travel experience. From world-class art and live entertainment to major league baseball and local culinary treasures, this Midwestern gem packs a punch. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, here are some of the top things to do in St. Louis that highlight the city's diverse appeal.🌉 Start with a St. Louis Icon: The Gateway ArchNo matter how many times you visit, the Gateway Arch remains a must-see. Standing 630 feet tall on the Mississippi Riverfront, it’s the tallest monument in the U.S. and offers panoramic views of the city and beyond. Ride the tram to the top, then check out the Museum at the Gateway Arch below, which tells the story of America’s westward expansion and St. Louis's role in it. It’s the perfect place to begin your exploration.🎭 Catch a Musical Under the Stars at The MunyLocated in beautiful Forest Park, The Muny is the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. Every summer, The Muny stages big, Broadway-style productions that rival anything you’d see in New York. Even better? There are 1,500 free seats available for every performance, making it one of the most accessible cultural experiences in the country. The atmosphere is electric, the performances top-notch, and there’s just something magical about watching live theater under the open sky. We got to see the opening night of the acclaimed Broadway hit Come from Away, starring Heidi Blickenstaff. It was an amazing experience! ⚾ Feel the Energy at a St. Louis Cardinals GameBaseball is a way of life in St. Louis, and catching a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium is a rite of passage. With a view of the Gateway Arch in the background and some of the most passionate fans in the league, the game-day experience is hard to beat. Before the game, we headed to Ballpark Village next door for drinks, dining, and fan-friendly fun. Even if you’re not a baseball diehard, the energy and tradition of Cardinals Nation is infectious. ♟️ Explore Strategy and Art at the World Chess Hall of FameNestled in the Central West End, the World Chess Hall of Fame is a unique cultural spot that’s both intellectually stimulating and surprisingly stylish. Exhibits rotate regularly and showcase everything from historic chess sets to artwork inspired by the game. Whether you're a lifelong chess fan or just curious, it’s a fascinating stop. Across the street, the Saint Louis Chess Club frequently hosts world-class tournaments that draw international talent. This was a delightful and unique stop during our time in St. Louis! 🌳 Wander Through Forest Park – A City TreasureIf you’re looking for green space, head to Forest Park—one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., and bigger than New York’s Central Park. It’s home to walking trails, picnic spots, paddleboats, and more. Best of all, many of the attractions inside the park are free. We rented scooters and rode all over the park, as well as downtown! It was a very fun way to see the most of the city, but especially Forest Park. 🖼️ The Saint Louis Art MuseumHoused in a stately building overlooking Art Hill in Forest Park, the Saint Louis Art Museum features an impressive collection that spans thousands of years—from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. Admission to the museum’s main collection is free every day, making it easy to explore at your own pace. It’s a quiet, inspiring space that art lovers shouldn’t miss.🦁 The Saint Louis ZooConsistently ranked among the best zoos in the country, the Saint Louis Zoo is a can't-miss experience for families and animal lovers alike. Located in Forest Park, the zoo features over 16,000 animals from around the world—from elephants and sea lions to penguins and polar bears. Admission is free, and the zoo’s naturalistic habitats and interactive exhibits make it one of the best family-friendly attractions in the Midwest.🧪 The Saint Louis Science CenterAlso located in Forest Park, the Saint Louis Science Center is both educational and wildly fun. With over 700 hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and an OMNIMAX Theater, it’s a favorite for curious minds of all ages. You can walk through a giant model of a human heart, try flight simulators, or learn about the stars—all for free. It’s one of the few science museums in the country that doesn’t charge admission.🏛️ The Missouri History MuseumWant to dig deeper into the story of St. Louis and the surrounding region? Head to the Missouri History Museum, yet another free gem in Forest Park. Exhibits cover everything from the 1904 World’s Fair to civil rights, local sports, and more. It’s a great way to get context on the city’s past and present, all housed in a beautiful historic building.🍝 Eat Like a Local at Anthonino’s TavernaAfter a day of sightseeing, head to ...
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    53 分
  • Would You Rather: Beach & Island Life Edition

    Would You Rather: Beach & Island Life Edition
    2025/07/15
    🇬🇷 Greece vs. 🇮🇩 Bali: Island-Hopping or Beach Bumming?🛥️ We both said: GREECE!We’re all about island-hopping vibes — think Santorini sunsets, Mykonos parties, and quiet gems like Zakynthos and Milos. Want the best cruise recs? We gotchu:🔗 Celebrity Cruises – Greek Island Routes🔗 Celestyal Cruises – Authentic Greek Vibes🔗 Windstar Cruises – Yacht-Style Romance🔗 Seabourn – Ultra Luxe & CultureBut hey, Bali isn’t just chillin’ in the corner. It’s got major surf, stunning cliffside beaches, and killer snorkeling. If you’re chasing waves and epic sunsets, don’t miss:🌊 Uluwatu Beach – Surf & Views🌅 Seminyak – Trendy Vibes & Nightlife🐠 Amed Beach – Shipwreck Snorkeling🌕 Full Moon in Thailand or 🔥 Bonfire in Hawaii?Sof said: Hawaii. All the way.Natalie: Team Thailand, baby!What even is a Full Moon Party? Only the wildest all-night beach rave ever, hosted in Koh Phangan, Thailand. Think neon paint, fire dancers, insane DJ sets, and thousands of people from around the world.🕺 Guide to the Full Moon Party📍 Where it Happens – Haad Rin BeachPrefer something chill and soul-soothing? Picture this: Hawaiian beach bonfire, ukulele music, and stargazing with friends. Yeah, we’re down for that too.🔥 Top Bonfire Spots in Hawaii🏄‍♀️ Learn to Surf in Costa Rica or Paddleboard in the Maldives?BOTH sound dreamy. But we’re currently obsessed with the Maldives 🏝️ and those overwater bungalows. Our bucket list is growing fast…🧘‍♀️ Soneva Fushi – Eco-Luxe & Stargazing💑 Anantara Veli – Adults Only Romance🌅 Vakkaru Maldives – Snorkel + Spa GoalsBut don’t sleep on Costa Rica, especially if you’re a surfer girl (or guy). Check out:🏄‍♂️ Tamarindo – Great for Beginners🌴 Santa Teresa – Laid-back Surf Town🌊 Witch’s Rock – Epic Waves & Adventure🥥 Chill in the Caribbean or 🪩 Party in Ibiza?This was a toss-up!Sof: Ibiza, duh.Natalie: Pass me a coconut on the beach.✨ Top Clubs in Ibiza:🔗 Hï Ibiza🔗 Ushuaïa🔗 DC-10🔗 Pacha🔗 O Beach💖 Best Caribbean Beaches to Relax:🐚 Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos🌸 Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas🏝️ Shoal Bay, Anguilla🐢 Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico🏖️ Live on a Sailboat in the Bahamas or Beachfront in Tulum?This one had us split.Sof: Sailboat ALL the way. (Tulum’s gotten a little sketchy lately.)Natalie: Tulum, please! (Lived on a boat already — been there, done that!)🛥 Bahamas Island-Hopping Musts:🐷 Exumas – Swim with Pigs🐠 Andros – Best Diving in the Bahamas🎨 Harbour Island – Pink Sands & Chic Vibes🌮 Tulum Perks (and Precautions):📍 Tulum Travel Safety Tips🌴 Top Beachfront Hotels in Tulum🛺 Navigating Tulum’s Party Scene💬 Drop Us a Comment!Which destination would you pick? Greece or Bali? Surf or spa? Coconut chill or Ibiza rave?DM us @thetravelbrats or leave a comment below! We want to hear all about your dream vacay vibes 💌💕 Follow + Subscribe🎧 Listen on Spotify🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts📺 Watch on YouTube📸 Instagram🎵 TikTok📍 Threads📘 Facebook🐦 X / TwitterCatch ya next week for Episode 3! Until then… keep traveling like a brat 😎💄✈️— Sof & Natalie 💋The Travel Brats
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    48 分
  • Country Roads & Island Vibes: Erica Sunshine Lee on Music, Travel & Trop Rock Dreams

    Country Roads & Island Vibes: Erica Sunshine Lee on Music, Travel & Trop Rock Dreams
    2025/07/01
    The Travel Brats Q&A with Erica Sunshine Lee Meet the Georgia GypsyQ: Erica, would you kick us off by telling us more about yourself? Where did you grow up, and how did you become the country star you are today?A: I grew up in a small town called Elberton, Georgia, population 5,000, the granite capital of the world. I loved my small-town upbringing, where you know everybody, and people are genuinely there for you. I was raised on '90s country, '90s rock, and R&B, so music’s just always been in my soul. But it wasn’t until after college that I really dove into it full-time. I sold everything I had and started touring—literally living out of my car and playing all over the globe! Travels + Touring LifeQ: You perform for big venues and small! What does a year typically look like for you?A: It’s nonstop! I average about 250 shows a year, from major festivals to intimate house concerts. Typically, I start out in Florida. March has been Texas and Colorado, then Europe in April. In May, I go back to the Keys, then my summer tour goes from Georgia to northern Wisconsin, Seattle to San Diego, and back across the US. I end up in Key West for the winter! I love to travel and perform for all types of audiences across the world, seeing mountaintops to oceans, and meeting people from all walks of life who relate to my music.Q: For those who don’t know, what exactly is a house show?A: It’s like your own personal concert—folks host me in their backyard stages, incredible venues where people can come to a listening room environment and hear the intimate stories behind the songs in their beautiful properties, living rooms, barns, or even boats. It’s intimate, interactive, and honestly, some of my favorite performances.Q: You’ve performed in over 20 countries! What are some of your favorite destinations?A: Italy, Australia, and New Zealand are high up there. The people are warm, and the views are just breathtaking. Love the connection with my Australian and Kiwi peeps since I toured down under there 6 years, and I’m obsessed with the Italian culture, food, history, all the wonderful country line dancers, and all the amazing people!Q: Do you have a favorite international audience?A: Aussies and Kiwis really get into it—they love country and storytelling. Italy too—surprisingly huge country music fans!Q: What’s the weirdest or most memorable venue you’ve played?A: Definitely the nudist colony in Northern California!!! That one took the cake!Q: With hundreds of shows a year, how do you keep your energy up?A: Coffee, adrenaline, and pure love for what I do. And sleep whenever I can get it!!!!Q: Travel must-pack item that fans wouldn’t expect?A: A mini portable blender—I gotta have my smoothies!Q: Craziest travel experience while on tour?A: My car once got robbed completely in Orlando, Florida. I lost everything—guitars, clothes, merch. But I made the show, and after I bought a new guitar! But 7 years later, they caught the girl who robbed me, and she had to pay me back! That’s just the crazy life on the road!!!! Music + SunshineQ: You’ve written over 1800 songs and released 11 albums. Where do you find the fuel to keep creating?A: Heartbreak, joy, travel, life on the road—it’s all songwriting material. I journal constantly and write songs almost daily! Q: Do you write songs while traveling? Any examples?A: Absolutely! “Single for the Summer” came to me while I was lounging on a dock in Stock Island, “Champagne” was inspired after I survived my first hurricane, and I wrote “Hearts Still Beat” the night I evacuated Hurricane Irma and arrived at my folks' house in Georgia. A lot of my songs are postcards from my life.Q: How did your unique blend of country, pop, and tropical rock come about?A: I grew up on classic country, then fell in love with Classic Rock when I started singing in the Rodeo Clowns band in Northern California. I write from real life, so my travels from Costa Rica to the South Pacific and down the southeast beaches have been responsible for many beach days, surf trips, and many memories made that have inspired my tropical rock side. I love the mountains too, but the beach vibe is so fun, happy, and makes people feel good!! I just combined what I loved, and it’s honest to who I am.Q: “Same Ship, Different Day” has those beachy country-rock vibes. Where should we be listening to that album?A: Definitely on a boat or a coast with a cold drink in hand—or driving with the windows down on a road trip to a warm tropical escape!!!! Q: What’s one of your favorite songs that you’ve written for someone else?A: “Healing” by Justin Touchette was really special for me because it’s his actual story, and it’s a powerful reminder that suicide should never be an option for anybody. It’s a strong encouragement to tell people, especially veterans suffering from PTSD, never to give up! No matter how bad things get or how alone you ...
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    36 分
  • Harmony in Transit: An Interview with Traveling Musician Eric Travers

    Harmony in Transit: An Interview with Traveling Musician Eric Travers
    2025/06/17
    Captivating audiences since his teenage years, Eric Travers has solidified his status as a seasoned musician in the vibrant Asheville music scene. Hailing from the mountains of Black Mountain, NC, Travers first made his mark as the heartbeat behind an acclaimed Rock n Roll, Jam Band, Travers Brothership, which he co-founded with his brother Kyle at just 13 years old. Over the past 15+ years, the group has amassed an impressive catalog of 35+ published tracks and extensive touring experience. Now 31, Travers has reached new heights in 2024 with the release of his latest single, "Dead End Street," and his new role as Owner and CEO of the All Aboard Records label. Drawing from his diverse musical background in rock, Americana, and blues, Travers' emotive performances and melodic sensibilities have earned him a dedicated following across Western North Carolina and beyond, cementing his role in the local music scene. With the launch of his latest project, the Eric Travers Band, this versatile multi-instrumentalist is primed to take his artistry to thrilling new levels.1. Background and Music CareerHow did you get started in music? What inspired you to pursue it as a career?My father was a career musician who always had instruments and fellow musicians around. My first "real" drumset was gifted to me when I was 8-9 years old. It became a dream of mine when I received praise and applause from my cousins playing air guitar at the age of 3 and 4. I was inspired to start a career in music because I made enough money to barely get by as a musician and this was my end goal. All or none. I sought out a living and a labor of love.When did you first start performing and touring?My first performance was for my school, performing an Elvis Christmas song with my twin brother and father. Performing regularly started when I was 15, with my brother, playing shows from Brevard, NC all the way to Marion, NC as "Travers Brothers Band / Caution Tape", a four piece Rock n' Roll outfit with a 2010, 10 track LP. Our bandmate's father helped us with transportation for 3 years. Touring started after my time freed up, at the age of 17. (When we could drive). I made the choice to leave college for the career in music. Now the band was performing for only $200 every Thursday in Greensboro, NC. A 2 1/2 hour drive from our hometown, Black Mountain, NC.How would you describe your musical style, and how has it evolved over time?My music style is American roots music. When I was 11-13 my band "The Predatorz" played strictly Rock n' Roll like Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top. I started playing piano and acoustic guitar at this time which was strictly music by The Beatles. "Caution Tape--> Travers Brothers Band" then came along at 14-17. And the Rock n Roll became more jam band oriented with extended guitar solos influenced by The Allman Brothers Band. Then, groove oriented funk music became a thing.My brother and I founded a very successful touring band at the age of 18 called Travers Brothership. In 2012 our debut release was very progressive, soulful, funk and rock group. For the next 4 years we toured with 7 members performing what we called "funkadelic" music. Our 3 piece horn (brass) section helped color this genre.In 2016 the lineup changed back to the original 4 members of the band including my twin brother. We had no choice but to return to a jammy, Rock n' Roll vibe to keep audiences on their toes. We had to stick to our guns and give the audience a powerful sound to make up for 3 lost players in the band.2. The Traveling ExperienceWhat is the most exciting part about traveling for your music?The most exciting part is seeing landmarks, going to new places, seeing national parks and observing the different arts and cultures.How do you typically prepare for a tour? Does your preparation change depending on where you’re performing?When preparing for tour I have to make sure my drumset is ready for performance. All items must be accounted for in our vehicle and/or trailer. In the beginning I required everyone to have foodstamps. We got by with very little. When we were traveling for longer lengths of time we brought more clothes and made sure our vehicle was in proper condition. Eating nutriously required extra packing which was always tough because everyone's priorities are different. Our preparation will change if we are traveling further, flying or if we need our clothes to be nicer. Dressing accordingly is just one step "above" the audience - say, if the audience has T-shirts, we wear button downs.How do you stay grounded and connected to home while you’re on the road?Staying connected to home always came with forfeiting home for the road. My dog traveled with me everywhere. The road and music were my home and a way of life.Have you ever had a surprising or unexpected cultural experience while performing in a different country or city?New Orleans, LA was a culture shock. The large but small music community was humbling. The ...
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    57 分
  • Would you Rather: Adventure & Thrill-Seeking Edition

    Would you Rather: Adventure & Thrill-Seeking Edition
    2025/06/03

    Natalie and Sofia dive head first into some exciting and fun Travel Themed Questions! It's a Would You Rather episode full of lots of helpful tips and tricks for each place that gets talked about! From bungee jumping in South Africa, to whitewater rafting in Costa Rica, to trekking the Inca Trail to Rainbow Mountain, and so so much more, your Travel Brats decide what they would rather do! Play along as you listen and let them know what you think on their Instagram, @thetravelbrats. Enjoy!!

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    37 分
  • An Extraodinary EPICsode to Remember!

    An Extraodinary EPICsode to Remember!
    2025/05/20

    Travel Brats Nat and Matt talk about Universal's newest and most innovative theme park, Epic Universe! The Park is set to have it's Grand Opening in just two days. When it comes to redefining the limits of theme park imagination, Universal Destinations & Experiences has never been one to hold back. But with Epic Universe, Universal is setting a new bar—not just for itself, but for the entire industry. Check out this episode to hear all about the rides, the theming, the food, and more!!

    What Is Epic Universe?

    Epic Universe is the latest addition to the Universal Orlando Resort portfolio and promises to be its most ambitious project yet. Located just a few miles south of the existing parks, this massive expansion isn’t just a new land or a few new rides—it's an entire theme park resort unto itself, complete with a hotel, restaurants, shops, and a range of immersive lands inspired by beloved franchises.

    Universal describes it as their “most immersive and innovative theme park ever,” and for those who've had the chance to go, it certainly delivers!

    Lands and Attractions

    ✨ Super Nintendo World

    Already a smash hit in Japan and Hollywood, Super Nintendo World allows guests to jump into the worlds of Mario, Luigi, and Donkey Kong. With vibrant environments, gamified attractions, and the much-anticipated Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride. A Donkey Kong-themed roller coaster, complete with a “mine cart” effect that simulates jumping broken tracks.

    🐉 How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

    Based on the DreamWorks franchise, this land brings the Viking village of Berk to life with interactive experiences, flying dragon rides, and probably one of the most kid-friendly and emotionally rich settings in the park.

    🧙‍♂️ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

    Rather than retread familiar ground, this new Potter-themed land dives deeper into the lore, drawing inspiration from Paris’s wizarding community featured in Fantastic Beasts as well as the Ministry of Magic itself. This land is smaller, but truly amazing!

    🦇 Dark Universe

    This land leans into Universal’s horror roots and revives its Classic Monsters in an all-new way. Think Frankenstein, Dracula, the Wolfman—done with modern storytelling and cutting-edge ride technology. Expect spooky ambiance, a signature dark ride, and an immersive gothic village to explore.

    🌌 Celestial Park (The Central Hub)

    What connects all of these worlds is Celestial Park, the gateway to each themed land and a destination in its own right. Featuring gardens, fountains, restaurants, and a massive dual-racing roller coaster (called Starfall Racers), this area serves as both a central hub and an experience all its own.

    Innovation in Design

    What truly sets Epic Universe apart is how it rethinks the traditional theme park layout. Rather than looping around a central lake like Islands of Adventure or forming a circle like Magic Kingdom, Epic Universe functions more like a spoke-and-wheel—with each land self-contained and fully immersive, connected via portals from the central Celestial Park. This allows for a deeper thematic experience with better crowd flow and separation between worlds.

    The use of cutting-edge technology—augmented reality, facial recognition for interactive elements, and ride systems that blend physical sets with digital storytelling—promises to make Epic Universe one of the most technologically advanced theme parks in the world.

    Why It Matters

    Universal is betting big on Epic Universe, and it’s more than just a new theme park—it’s a strategic play to capture the booming travel and entertainment market, especially as theme park attendance continues to rebound post-pandemic. It also positions Universal as a direct and formidable rival to Disney’s dominance in Central Florida.

    More importantly, it’s a symbol of what’s possible when storytelling, engineering, and creativity collide at a massive scale.

    Epic Universe is shaping up to be more than just a theme park—it’s an experience that promises to redefine what immersive entertainment means. Whether you’re a lifelong Potterhead, a Nintendo fan, a thrill-seeker, or someone who just wants to soar with dragons, there will be something in Epic Universe that speaks to your imagination.

    And when the gates officially open in two days, one thing’s for sure: the future of theme parks is about to get a lot more EPIC.
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    55 分