In this short, heartfelt update, I share why I’m taking a break from the podcast for the rest of November. The recent election results had a profound emotional impact, and I’m stepping back to focus on my writing. This pause is necessary for me to create meaningful content without forcing myself through such a heavy space.

To anyone deeply affected by the election results—whether you’re part of the BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or women’s communities, an immigrant, or anyone feeling vulnerable—you’re not alone. I’m here, and this space is open for support. The podcast will return on December 3 with new stories to share. Thank you for being here and for understanding.

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In this episode of Let’s Get Real, I’m sharing the real talk on why rest is essential when we travel. From unexpected rainy days in Biarritz to navigating steep hills in Portugal, I get into my own lessons learned the hard way—and how taking breaks has transformed my travel experiences. I’ll share tips on building downtime into your itinerary, listening to your body, and discovering how rest can be the secret ingredient to savoring every part of your journey. Spoiler: resting doesn’t mean missing out—it’s how you truly show up for the adventure.

Timestamps:

[00:00] – Introduction

[00:54] – The significance of rest in travel

[03:07] – Recognizing signs of travel fatigue

[04:48] – Finding balance

[06:24] – Personal story: Embracing a rainy day in Biarritz

[07:51] – Personal story: Navigating knee pain in Portugal

[10:24] – Learning to rest more in Scotland

[12:38] – Mental rest and decision fatigue

[15:51] – Planning downtime in your itinerary

[17:29] – Resting isn’t wasting time

[18:47] – Overcoming the 'go-go-go' mentality

[20:23] – Mental rest and travel fatigue research

[21:35] – Listener engagement: Reflecting on your travel experiences

[22:05] – Outro

[23:37] – Episode Teaser

Get the full show notes here. If you have trouble accessing them, please email me at hello@tobeexplored.net

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In this Halloween-inspired episode, I explore the real fears and “spooky” moments of solo travel. From unnerving encounters to facing my own internal monsters like anxiety and self-doubt, I’m sharing how traveling alone isn’t always as glamorous as it seems. Tune in for my survival tips, personal stories, and a few laughs as I get real about the highs and lows of navigating the world solo. Perfect for anyone curious about the realities of traveling alone!

Timestamps:

Intro/Trigger Warnings: 00:00-01:04

Why Solo Travel?: 01:05-03:32

Challenges in Solo Travel: 03:33-06:14

Mental Health & Solo Travel: 06:15-08:12

Balancing Solitude: 08:13-09:23

Handling Travel Anxiety: 09:24-10:54

Facing Fears Head-On: 10:55-12:39

The Seyðisfjörður Drive: 12:40-15:26

Content Creation Balance: 15:27-18:30

Advice for Solo Women Travelers: 18:31-20:42

Outro: 20:43-21:35

Get the full show notes here. If you have trouble accessing them, please email me at hello@tobeexplored.net

Support the show