Today, I’m sharing practical strategies for overcoming travel anxiety, including confidence-boosting tips and personal stories to help you manage those travel jitters and fully enjoy your adventures. Whether you’re heading out for your first trip or you’re a seasoned traveler, these insights will help you navigate unfamiliar situations with more ease. I also tell a funny story about how stepping away from frustration during a chaotic airport delay helped me stay calm. Plus, you’ll hear all about my upcoming Cultivating Confidence Wellness Retreat in Bacalar, Mexico, and a special course I created to help you plan your next trip with confidence!

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why travel anxiety happens and how it’s your brain’s way of keeping you safe.
• 5 Confidence-building strategies
• Personal story: Grace’s experience with a stressful airport delay in Spain and how a brief interaction and stepping away helped her reset.
• Upcoming Cultivating Confidence Wellness Retreat in Bacalar, Mexico (May 8-12, 2025).
• Details on Grace’s new travel planning course to help anxious travelers feel more confident.

Key Quotes:

• "Travel anxiety isn’t a sign that you shouldn’t be traveling—it’s just your brain’s way of trying to protect you."
• "Confidence isn’t about not feeling afraid; it’s about taking action despite the fear."
• "When anxiety feels overwhelming, remember—you can still have an amazing trip even if you experience moments of stress."

Takeaways:

• Travel anxiety is normal but manageable with the right mindset and tools.
• Small actions, like mentally rehearsing your travel day or having a solid safety plan, can significantly ease anxiety.
• Give yourself grace during stressful moments and celebrate small wins along the way.

Resources Mentioned:

• Cultivating Confidence Wellness Retreat: https://pages.amethystpalaverhut.com/products/journeytowellness
• Grace’s Travel Planning Course (with a special discount) – https://www.udemy.com/course/overcome-the-fear-of-traveling/?couponCode=91206B790BBBDA28F973

Grace Simmons talks with Michelle Newman, podcast producer, storyteller, and founder of Newman Media, about her love for solo travel, embracing spontaneity, and finding joy in the little things while on the road. Michelle shares hilarious and heartfelt stories, from staying in an Earthship in New Mexico to driving through Ireland under rainbows. With her unique blend of humor and insight, Michelle offers tips on balancing safety, self-care, and adventure during solo travels while giving a behind-the-scenes look at her creative work in podcasting.

Guest Bio:

Michelle Newman is a podcast producer, storyteller, and founder of Newman Media. A former Los Angeles artist, Michelle spent years creating DIY projects that blended musical performances, comedy, storytelling, and animation. Since pivoting to the podcasting industry in 2019, she has focused on creating high-quality, immersive audio experiences. Michelle’s work includes Deep Healing with Greg Barris, an award-winning experimental comedy podcast, and Tell Me a Ghost Story, a fast-growing show on the Scary.fm network where listeners share eerie and compelling tales. Her passion for audio storytelling and sound design brings creativity and depth to every project she undertakes.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Michelle’s favorite travel stories include a quirky adventure in New Mexico and exploring Ireland’s countryside.

• Why solo travel offers unparalleled freedom and opportunities for self-discovery.

• Tips for balancing spontaneity and safety while traveling alone.

• How self-care practices, like slowing down and “traveling at your own pace,” can enhance any trip.

• Insights into her creative journey in podcasting, from sound design to storytelling.

Key Quotes:

• "Just because you’re in a new place doesn’t mean you have to go non-stop. Take time to rest—everything will still be there when you’re ready."

• "Always be prepared to lie to strangers for safety—I’ve got a big beefy boyfriend back at the hotel."

Takeaways:

• Solo travel can be both liberating and transformative, offering opportunities to connect with yourself and the world in meaningful ways.

• Self-care, like taking breaks or going at your own pace, is essential for enjoying travel.

• Staying flexible and open to unexpected experiences leads to the most memorable adventures.

Resources Mentioned:

• Newman Media: newmanmedia.com

• Tell Me a Ghost Story: tellmeaghoststory.com

Summary:

In this inspiring episode, Grace Simmons chats with Michelle Plante, a travel advisor and pioneer in alcohol-free luxury travel for women. Michelle shares her journey to sobriety, her passion for creating meaningful travel experiences, and the transformative power of travel. From Boston to Costa Rica, Michelle’s focus on mindful connections and personal growth shines through as she discusses her luxury alcohol-free retreats and how travel can inspire change and self-discovery.

Guest Bio:

Michelle Plante is a travel advisor and a recent pioneer in organizing luxury alcohol-free trips for women. A dedicated member of the Wellness Tourism Association and the Transformational Travel Council, Michelle blends luxury, adventure, and wellness to create experiences that allow women to connect, thrive, and be their best selves.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Michelle’s journey to sobriety and how it led her to curate alcohol-free travel experiences.
• The importance of setting intentions for meaningful and fulfilling travel.
• How to find joy and connection while embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle.
• Michelle’s favorite self-care practices for wellness, both at home and during travel.
• Highlights of Michelle’s upcoming alcohol-free luxury retreats in Costa Rica and India.

Key Quotes:

• "It’s not about what you can’t do when you’re sober—it’s about the thousands of incredible things you can do."
• "Travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s a way to grow, connect, and rediscover yourself."
• "Set your intentions before you travel. Knowing how you want to feel afterward can transform your trip."

Takeaways:

• Sobriety can unlock a new perspective on travel and life, offering deeper connections and meaningful experiences.
• Setting clear intentions before a trip enhances its purpose and allows travelers to appreciate it fully.
• Simple self-care practices, like prioritizing sleep and disconnecting from devices, contribute to overall wellness while traveling.

Resources Mentioned:

Michelle Plante’s website: michelleplante.com

• Alcohol-Free Luxury Trips in 2025:
• Costa Rica: TBD
• India: TDB

Instagram: @michelleplantetravels

Connect with Michelle:

You can find Michelle on Instagram at @michelleplantetravels or visit her website for more information on her luxury retreats and travel advisory services.