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.

In this episode of The Random and Wonderful, Grace Simmons chats with Heike Yates, a wellness coach and passionate traveler. Heike shares insights from her journey to "Pursue Your Spark," a movement dedicated to helping women rediscover themselves at every stage of midlife. From managing work-life balance to integrating wellness into everyday life, Heike dives into the importance of self-discovery and staying active. She also shares memorable travel stories, like her “6 for 60” adventure in Hawaii, and offers advice for cultivating a joyful, balanced life.

Heike Yates is a Midlife Health and Fitness Expert with over 35 years of experience. She empowers midlife women to break free from limiting beliefs and outdated habits, turning challenges into simple, actionable steps that help them truly thrive. Heike’s approach goes beyond fitness and nutrition; she focuses on helping women get unstuck, build strength, develop a resilient mindset, and boost their energy. As the founder of Pursue Your Spark, Heike also hosts a popular podcast that reflects her mission to inspire real transformation. Outside of coaching, she’s an avid triathlete and adventurer, always embracing new challenges in the great outdoors.

• Pursuing Your Spark: How Heike’s journey led her to create a movement focused on igniting and sustaining passion in midlife.
• Defining Midlife and Rediscovering Purpose: Heike’s insights into the changes women experience between 40 and 80, and the importance of self-care and honest reflection.
• Work-Life Boundaries and Self-Care: Heike’s transition from constant work to finding balance, prompted by her husband’s gentle “wake-up call.”
• Incorporating Wellness into Travel: Heike’s approach to active vacations, including hiking, biking, and embracing local culture to stay physically and mentally fit.
• Adventure and Growth Through Travel: Heike’s “6 for 60” Hawaii trip, where she and her husband worked for a week and then took a week of vacation, fully embracing both adventure and relaxation.

• "I realized that many women dim their light as they get older. Pursuing your spark is about reigniting that light and finding what truly makes you feel alive."
• "It’s not just about the vacation—it’s about immersing yourself in local culture, discovering the hidden gems, and truly experiencing a place."
• "After three miles of running, all the world’s problems are solved."

• Find and Pursue Your Spark: Rediscovering purpose in midlife involves honest reflection, whether through journaling, physical activity, or deep conversations.
• Create a Balance Between Work and Life: Setting boundaries is crucial for health and relationships. Heike’s story of balancing work and vacation in Hawaii shows how mindfulness can enhance productivity and personal joy.
• Integrate Wellness Into Everyday Adventures: Whether at home or traveling, wellness can be a natural part of life. Heike encourages staying active by exploring your surroundings and engaging with local communities.

• Pursue Your Spark (Heike Yates' website)
• REI Trail App (for finding hiking trails across Maryland and beyond)

In this episode of The Random and Wonderful, Grace Simmons chats with Edwin Covarrubias, full-time podcaster and creator of Scary.fm, a podcast network dedicated to paranormal storytelling. Edwin recounts his life-changing experience walking the El Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage through Spain that has shaped his outlook on life and work. He shares how the physical challenges of the journey pushed him beyond his limits and helped him achieve mental clarity, patience, and resilience. Throughout the episode, Edwin gives practical advice and insights for future travelers, all while offering heartfelt reflections on his personal growth during the pilgrimage.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Edwin’s preparation for the El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and the physical challenges he faced.
• How the simple act of walking for days provided mental clarity and self-discovery.
• The lessons of perseverance, patience, and resilience learned from the journey.
• The cultural and spiritual significance of the Camino and the connections made with fellow travelers.
• Practical tips for anyone considering the pilgrimage, emphasizing the importance of mindset over physical readiness.

Takeaways:

• The Camino de Santiago offers much more than just a physical challenge; it is a mental and emotional growth journey.
• Travel, especially solo travel, has the power to shift perspectives and offer clarity in unexpected ways.
• Edwin's experience shows how perseverance through hardship fosters personal development.
• The pilgrimage is a cultural and spiritual experience that profoundly connects you with others and yourself.

Resources Mentioned:

Scary.fm Podcast Network (Edwin’s platform for paranormal storytelling)

The Way (movie)

El Camino de Santiago App

Welcome to the Random and Wonderful Podcast! On this special Father's Day episode, I'm chatting with Andrew Cook of Ahead Business Support about his traveling experience with his family. Andrew's secret ingredient is that he is an anxious traveler who has gone worldwide. How does he manage it? Listen in to find out!

Learn more about Andrew here:

Andrew Cook currently owns and operates an HR consulting and coaching business. He helps small business owners with fewer than 50 employees untangle their HR knots and simplify their practices to save time and money. He's been working in human resources for over 18 years, and started running his consulting business full time in January of 2023. He is currently working on launching a coaching business that will help inexperienced international travelers overcome their travel anxiety so they can confidently plan, book, and enjoy the life-changing trip of their dreams.

https://aheadsupport.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cook-80344a253/

For more information on The Amethyst Palaver Hut LLC and travel coaching, sign up here for the latest updates and news: https://pages.amethystpalaverhut.com/profile

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4kjlZLp1Vc0l1QOC7S9jdl?si=9deddfa99d744a8d

Welcome to the Random and Wonderful podcast! Today is a special episode for the introverts. We are talking about finding and using your creative outlet to release tension healthily. You'll get a bonus travel tip so stay tuned.

Quick Highlights:

• Defining a creative outlet
• Benefits of a creative outlet
• Sprinkling your creative outlet in your travels

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For more information on The Amethyst Palaver Hut LLC and travel coaching, sign up here for the latest updates and news: https://pages.amethystpalaverhut.com/profile

What mark do you intend to leave in this world? Join me as I catch up with the author of Getting Lost in the Sauce, Aya Hojadova, in today's episode. We discuss the impact of travel, finding the motivation to overcome difficult times, and how we use the opportunity to leave our mark moving forward.

Aya's Bio: Aya Hojadova is a versatile professional with a diverse marketing, entertainment, and entrepreneurship background. Originally from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and raised in San Francisco, she holds a marketing degree from San Francisco State University. Aygul now excels in the commercial real estate industry. Her journey has been a captivating exploration of creative pursuits, including acting, modeling, screenwriting, coaching, consulting, and even publishing her first book. Aya published her book, Getting Lost in the Sauce on May 4th of 2023, to inspire and share her story of overcoming the downfalls of her old life and recreating a new life worth living. Her story is a testament to the possibilities of embracing one's creative passions.
www.CommercialRealtySouth.com

https://shorturl.at/bdgw9

To learn more about the Amethyst Palaver Hut & the Empowered Solo retreat, click here

Bonus: ⁠Inspiration for Your Next Trip⁠