Happy Women Travel More (Wild Hair Travels)

Sometimes the excitement leading up to a vacation is almost as good as the trip itself - and I want you to experience that.

But the reality is often that it doesn’t hit us that the vacation is coming up until a few weeks before, and then we have to scramble around prepping our jobs, our house, and our family for our absence, while simultaneously shopping, packing, and doing last-minute planning for the trip. Those rushed few weeks before a trip can sometimes make us feel like it’s not even worth it to take a vacation.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

I fully believe that with a little bit of planning and forethought into WHEN we are planning our vacation, those weeks before a trip don’t have to feel like a sprint.

Vacation planning is one of those things that falls to the bottom of the list when life gets busy. And putting vacation planning into your busy schedule like other career, family, or work to-dos is not something we think about doing, but that’s what we are doing in this episode.

I’m helping you come up with the planning timeline for your next vacation, so you know when you need to buckle down, hit certain milestones, and also when you can sit back and get excited.

Get on the Wild Hair Waitlist: https://wildhairtravels.com/waitlist

HAPPY WOMEN TRAVEL MORE PODCAST LISTENER SURVEY: https://wildhairtravels.com/podcast-survey

We are celebrating 150 episodes on the podcast and I want to hear from YOU.

I wanna hear what you love about the show. Which topics keeping you coming back every week? Which topics make you excited to press “play”?

I also wanna hear which topics you could do without. Which topics do you tend to pass on?

What questions do you have? What are you pondering on lately and wondering about? What are you struggling with that you wished you had an answer to?

And finally - what are YOUR ideas for topics for the show? Would YOU like to be a guest on the show?

Take the Happy Women Travel More Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win:

• One (1) Grand Prize: $150 Airfare Gift Card* + 40% off service with Wild Hair Travels
• Two (2) Runners-Up: $50 Athleta Gift Card

SURVEY LINK: https://wildhairtravels.com/podcast-survey

For those of us who crave genuine connections with the locals when exploring new destinations, it can sometimes feel like a challenge. After all, being labeled as a tourist can create a barrier to forging authentic bonds.

While engaging with local travel providers like tour guides can be enriching, the opportunity for spontaneous encounters with locals often eludes us. But if you're someone who longs for these meaningful interactions but finds them elusive in your travels, you're in for a treat.

On this episode, I’m dishing my #1 hack that can significantly increase your chances of striking up conversations with locals and ultimately, transforming your travel experience into something truly impactful.

Learn more about my done-for-you vacation planning services: https://wildhairtravels.com/work-with-me

Get on the Wild Hair Waitlist: https://wildhairtravels.com/waitlist

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 42: Why You Should Travel to Ireland Next

Episode 49: Some of My Favorite Travel Memories

Episode 68: My #1 Hack for Taking a Relaxing Vacation

Have you ever struggled to know what to wear on your vacation? Or worried that you will stick out like a dumb tourist? I definitely feel you, so I had personal fashion stylist Elysha Lenkin come and join me for a fun chat about the idea of dressing “appropriate” on vacation and how this can affect our vacation experiences!
-----
Join the Closet Shopping Collective on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/elyshalenkinstyle

-----
Snag your FREE Style Guide: https://www.elyshalenkin.com/styleguide

When you’re healthy, you’re happy. But things like fitting in a workout, creating healthy meal plans, and staying consistent can be so dang hard.

If you’re finding yourself wishing you felt better, energized, and stronger, this conversation with Certified Trainer and Nutrition Coach Megan Dahlman is your guiding light to getting back to a healthier (+happier) version of you.

Megan covers how to start down the journey to becoming fit again when you feel like you’re at the starting line, including 2 practical and simple tips that will forever change how you look at exercising and eating right. She also talks us through the 3 roadblocks that tend to impede our progress after we start gaining momentum, and how to bust through them.

----------------
Connect w/ Megan: https://www.instagram.com/megandahlman 

Listen to the Self Care Simplified Podcast: https://www.vigeofit.com/self-care-simplified-podcast

Connect w/ Angela: www.instagram.com/wildhairtravels

It’s easy to blame money for being the reason that you can’t travel more, but traveling the world actually has very little to do with the actual balance in your bank account.

On today’s episode, I’m sharing with you the secret to going on that big vacation that you “can’t afford” and becoming a frequent traveler even if your bank balance doesn’t tell that story. And hint: it’s easier than you think!

Join the Happy Women Travel More Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

At the heart of our podcast is the desire to enhance your life and happiness through self-awareness and travel experiences, which is why I’m so passionate about the Enneagram. I’m joined on this episode by the fun and relatable Enneagram Coach, Jackie Brewster, who is helping us see how understanding the Enneagram can make our vacations more fulfilling.

In previous episodes, I introduced you to the Enneagram through the Enneagram Travel Style series, aiming to help you identify your Enneagram type or travel style. But today, we're taking it up a notch. Jackie introduces us to the Enneagram Arrows, and offers a fresh perspective on how to become the healthiest version of ourselves, both in our normal lives, and while on vacation.

Imagine experiencing your happiest self during your travels – what would that look like? Jackie guides us through this exploration, offering insights type-by-type into how aligning with our healthiest traits can transform our vacation experiences.

If you’ve ever felt like the Enneagram was just another one of those personality assessments that “puts you in a box”, this conversation will open your eyes to how vast the system is and how it can truly help us understand our very unique personalities – and discover the path to a vacation that resonates with your truest self.

Follow Jackie on Instagram

Learn more from Jackie on her website

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 22: Let’s Learn Your Travel Style

Episode 124: The EIGHT Travel Style Avatars // Which Are You?

Episode 179: What Your Enneagram Can Tell You About Your Travel Style

If you are you dreaming about a once in a lifetime vacation to that big and shiny faraway destination, I want you to stop.

Because once in a lifetime vacations are NOT the answer to traveling more. Let’s talk through what's wrong with once in a lifetime vacations, and how to think about those big vacations in a different way, so that you can actually go on that trip you have in mind.

...and then go on 22 more big trips in your lifetime!

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

It’s been 17 years since my first trip abroad, and when I think back to my early days of exploring the world, my travels looked quite different from the vacations I take now.

There’s a lot I figured out along the way—and honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. But if given the chance, there are definitely a few insights I’d share with my younger self, as well as some things I’d choose to keep to myself.

In this episode, I’m reflecting on those formative travel experiences, the lessons they taught me, and the wisdom I’d pass along if I could go back.

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 32: Dressing “Appropriate” On Vacation w/ Personal Stylist Elysha Lenkin

Episode 49: Some of My Favorite Travel Memories

Episode 155: My Two Biggest Pieces of Travel Advice

Our daily routine has those must-do tasks that get us from day to day. You know  – get ready for work, commute, run errands, fit in a workout, and feed the kiddos.

Even though vacations are an escape from our daily routine, they still come with their own set of logistical “must-dos” too, like getting through the airport, figuring out how to get around in a foreign destination, and navigating foreign restaurant etiquette and menus.

I know that the super fun activities on your “can’t-miss” list are really how you want to be spending your vacation, instead of dealing with or worrying about these other “chores”, so on this episode, I’m sharing 8 practical tips to sprinkle some ease into those vacation logistics. From pre-departure prep to the final day of your journey, these tips are your ticket to a stress-free and oh-so-easy vacation experience.

Get Angela’s help to plan your next vacation: https://wildhairtravels.com/work-with-me

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 105: Here’s What to Splurge on (On Vacation)

Episode 151: The Timeline to Your Next Vacation

Episode 152 : The Travel Apps Most Used By My Clients

I took a Caribbean vacation with just my hubby when my baby boy was 8 months old, and I had a LOT of feelings to process before the trip about the decision to leave him at home with grandma. Once we got on the trip, I had even more feelings to process, which were different than expected, and now that it’s been a couple of months since the trip, I can really reflect back on these feelings in a more neutral way.

If you feel like you can’t take a vacation because you have a little one, you aren’t alone, but hopefully this chat will give you the perspective and permission to see how it can be possible for you, too. Yes, even with all of the worries! 

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildhairtravels

As you’re diving into this new year, you might be thinking about what you want to accomplish this year. But instead of focusing on the “hustle” mindset to help you achieve those goals, I’m chatting with you about a simple mindset shift that will make working towards your goals easier and just more fun. And hint, it has to do with vacations.

Get Angela’s help in planning your next vacation: https://wildhairtravels.com/plan-my-vacation

As we near the end of the year and celebrate 4 years of podcast content, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the core message of this show. You’ve likely heard me say that 'daily happiness and more travel aren’t just for digital nomads,' but what does that really mean?

On this episode, we’re unpacking the ‘nomad dream,’ examining how your travel frequency impacts your happiness, and exploring what it truly looks like to create a life you love—where travel enhances, rather than defines, your experience.

As we approach another year of the podcast, my goal remains the same: to inspire you to design a fulfilling life where travel is an exciting part of it (but not the entire picture).

**Want support planning your next vacation? Get on Angela's calendar HERE **

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 92: Traveling More Won’t Make You Happy

Episode 172: How to Live a Happier Life

Episode 191: Finding Your Travel Frequency: Bridging Wanderlust With Reality

There are 8 Travel Style Avatars: which one are you?

On this episode, we’re talking through the Socialite.

Tune in to see if this is YOUR avatar. And if not, check out the other episodes until you find your match!

p.s. I’m giving away a travel gift card + some hand-picked travel goodies if you join me on this series. Once you’ve listened and picked out your avatar, email me what yours is (angela [at] wildhairtravels.com), and I’ll put your name in the drawing to win!

Get ready to sleigh the holiday season as we dive into the enchanting world of Christmas Markets in Germany! If the mere thought of twinkling lights, festive vibes, and the aroma of mulled wine makes your heart skip a beat, you're in for a treat.

In this episode, we're unwrapping all the details you need to make your German Christmas market adventure unforgettable. From nailing down the logistics to pro tips that'll set you up for success, we're covering it all.

Join me as we explore not just what to see, but what to devour and sip, plus the perfect souvenirs to snag while you're soaking in the holiday magic. Whether you're a Christmas fanatic or just have a soft spot for Germany, this episode has your festive guide covered!

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 57: How to Be Happier This Holiday Season

Episode 91: Choosing Where to Stay In That Destination (Outside of the Obvious)

Episode 143: How to Bring Back the WONDER of Travel

Come indulge with me in a little vent sesh as we talk through those annoying life admin things that suck the energy from us as busy professional women. I’m giving you a big dose of permission and showing you how to drop those duties at home that fall on you that you don’t want to do or have the time for, because if they don’t bring you happiness, it’s time to break up with them!

Let’s be friends on Instagram: instagram.com/wildhairtravels

It’s common to think that WHEN you get more of those things you want, you’ll feel satisfied, happier, and more fulfilled.

But that’s just not true.

Even though as humans we’re always wanting the next thing, true satisfaction comes when you feel happy with what you currently have more than pining for what you want.

But “wanting more” is fun. Learning more, achieving more, building more, growing more, making more money - that journey keeps us going.

So how do we straddle that line between loving where we’re at and also desiring MORE?

There’s so many ways to look at this idea of wanting more, so let’s chat about it!

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildhairtravels

I’m rounding out the hiking travel story series with a story of my own, and this story is a big deal because it’s basically the origin story of my love for hiking - which, spoiler alert, didn’t happen all that long ago.

And even though I definitely -

>>think the amazing scenery is the main appeal of hiking

>>love the physical challenge of hiking to prove to myself that I can do it

>>have had some life revelations while hiking

- the driving reason why I hike is different from all of our other guests, and will probably make you raise your eyebrows a bit!

In addition to just being a great hiking tale, my hope is that my story will show you that it’s never too late to dive into a new activity and you might be surprised at a passion you find once you do.

-------

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildhairtravels

Airport anxiety. Being a nervous flyer. Fear of getting lost. Worry about your loved ones you leave back at home. The list of worries that involve a vacation can go on and on.

I’m dishing all of the worries that I regularly encounter every time I go on vacation so you can feel normal, validated, and human with your worries, too.

And even though I don’t have the answer to getting rid of all of your worries, I do have one piece of advice to give you the courage to travel anyway.

Follow Angela on IG: https://instagram.com/wildhairtravels

Just imagine yourself coming back to work and telling your colleagues: “That was my best vacation yet.”

It’s quite a prestigious label to give to a vacation, and one that might feel like a pipe dream that would only happen if all of the stars aligned just right.

And while I definitely believe there is always a reason for every twist and turn on a vacation experience, our best vacation yet usually doesn’t happen when entirely left to chance.

With some intentional planning, awarding this title to your next vacation is an easier achievement than you might think, and I’m here to guide you in HOW to craft your vacation so it has the best chance at morphing into your next vacation yet.

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 110: Don’t Ignore This BIGGER Purpose of a Vacation

Episode 155: My Two Biggest Pieces of Travel Advice

Episode 156: Behind-the-Scenes of My Best Vacation Yet

Taking a vacation when you’re a caretaker can seem flat out impossible. Whether you’re a mom juggling kids and pets, caring for elderly parents, or you’re in the sandwich season of caring for both kids and parents, I’m here to help you navigate the unique challenges of planning a getaway when others rely on you for their daily needs.

I know the thought of leaving your loved ones or pets behind (or taking them with you) can be overwhelming, but the actionable 3-step plan I’m sharing on this episode will show you that you don’t have to delay travel in this season. Let’s walk this path together and get you on that vacation, knowing everything at home is taken care of.

Is something else keeping you from a vacation? Tune into the rest of this special mini series for 3 other obstacles that might be holding you back from traveling more.

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 149: A Heart-to-Heart With Your Vacation Expectations

Episode 163: Practical Tips for Having an Ease-Filled Vacation

Episode 177: Why I’m Not Taking My Son Abroad For a While

This is the Enneagram Travel Style Series, where we are learning about the key traits and motivations that shape each enneagram type’s travel style and vacation experiences.

On this episode, we’re diving into the ENNEAGRAM SEVEN. We’re talking through the Enneagram 7’s biggest focus and fear with a vacation, as well as her preferences and tendencies within the 4-part Wild Hair Travels signature travel style framework.

Are YOU an enneagram 7? I’d love to hear from you about your unique travel style: send me a DM over on Instagram! Or share your thoughts and experiences as an Enneagram Two traveler over inside the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group.

Check out the other episodes in this series for the rest of the 9 Enneagram types!

LISTEN BACK:

The Original LEARN YOUR TRAVEL STYLE Series:

Episode 22: Let’s Learn Your Travel Style

Episode 23: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 1: Planning)

Episode 24: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 2: Excursions)

Episode 25: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 3: Confidence)

Episode 26: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 4: Comforts)

Travel Style Series 2.0:

Episode 73: You Don’t Have To Do That When You Go There

Episode 74: How Do You Like To Approach Your Vacation Days?

Episode 75: Let’s Talk About Sightseeing

Episode 76: Is Your Travel Style Keeping You In Your Comfort Zone?

Episode 77: Lodging Vibes That Vibe With Your Travel Style

Travel Style Avatar Series:

124: The 8 Travel Style Avatars // Which Are You?

125: Travel Style Avatars // The Bucket Lister

126: Travel Style Avatars // The Escapist

127: Travel Style Avatars // The Adventurer

128: Travel Style Avatars // The Soul Searcher

129: Travel Style Avatars // The Socialite

130: Travel Style Avatars // The Nomad

131: Travel Style Avatars // The Tourist

132: Travel Style Avatars // The Thrill Seeker

133: My Travel Style Avatar // How I Narrowed It Down

134: The BEST Travel Style Avatar Companions

In a world where we have the answers to everything at our fingertips, the expectation to DIY everything in our lives has become overwhelming. But would outsourcing your vacation planning improve your life - or your vacation experience - in some way?

I’m chatting through whether you would be a good fit to work with a custom vacation designer, and some signs that this should be the next thing that you outsource in your life.

Get Angela’s support to plan your next vacation: https://www.wildhairtravels.com/plan-my-vacation

Ever wondered what it truly means to love your life? It's something I've been pondering a lot lately, especially since leaving behind a long corporate career to embrace life as a stay-at-home mom and business owner.

While I can say I've never been happier in my current season of life, the daily highs and lows have made me question that certainty from time to time.

From moments of pure joy to unexpected frustrations, I'm sharing candid reflections on how embracing gratitude and staying true to my values have shaped my perspective. This heartfelt exploration invites you to reflect on your own journey and find inspiration in the everyday pursuit of happiness.

Follow Angela on Instagram

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 48: The ONE Thing That’s Made Me Happier Every Day

Episode 98: The Secret to Feeling Happy After a Vacation

Episode 172: How to Live a Happier Life

Vacations are fun and exciting, but managing the unique personalities and travel styles of your group can be a real challenge while you’re on the trip. But it is totally possible.

Join me as I reveal what my #1 hack for keeping the peace on vacation is, why it works so well, and how it can set the stage for a stress-free and harmonious vacation with your family or friends.

This super simple hack guarantees smoother, more enjoyable trips for everyone involved!

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 41: The Sweet Spot Between Planning Too Much and Too Little On Vacation

Episode 197: How Traveling With Different Enneagram Types Makes Your Vacation Better w/ Christa Hardin

The Original LEARN YOUR TRAVEL STYLE Series:

Episode 22: Let’s Learn Your Travel Style

Episode 23: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 1: Planning)

Episode 24: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 2: Excursions)

Episode 25: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 3: Confidence)

Episode 26: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 4: Comforts)

Travel Style Series 2.0:

Episode 73: You Don’t Have To Do That When You Go There

Episode 74: How Do You Like To Approach Your Vacation Days?

Episode 75: Let’s Talk About Sightseeing

Episode 76: Is Your Travel Style Keeping You In Your Comfort Zone?

Episode 77: Lodging Vibes That Vibe With Your Travel Style

Travel Style Avatar Series:

124: The 8 Travel Style Avatars // Which Are You?

125: Travel Style Avatars // The Bucket Lister

126: Travel Style Avatars // The Escapist

127: Travel Style Avatars // The Adventurer

128: Travel Style Avatars // The Soul Searcher

129: Travel Style Avatars // The Socialite

130: Travel Style Avatars // The Nomad

131: Travel Style Avatars // The Tourist

132: Travel Style Avatars // The Thrill Seeker

133: My Travel Style Avatar // How I Narrowed It Down

134: The BEST Travel Style Avatar Companions

There are 8 Travel Style Avatars: which one are you?

On this episode, we’re talking through the Thrill Seeker.

Tune in to see if this is YOUR avatar. And if not, check out the other episodes until you find your match!

p.s. I’m giving away a travel gift card + some hand-picked travel goodies if you join me on this series. Once you’ve listened and picked out your avatar, email me what yours is (angela [at] wildhairtravels.com), and I’ll put your name in the drawing to win!

Feeling overwhelmed by the stress leading up to your vacation? Are you already dreading what awaits you at work once you return? Have you found yourself questioning if the time off is even "worth it"?

I intimately know what pre-vacation and post-vacation stress feels like, but I have come out on the other side and learned that it doesn’t have to be that way.

Feeling stressed before and after a vacation is not a given, so I’m sharing two essential strategies to help you smoothly transition in and out of a vacation, so you can truly enjoy your well-deserved break from work.

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 05: How to Turn the Overwhelm to Happy

Episode 17: Preparing Yourself to be OOO For Vacation

Episode 65: Planning Your Work Around Your Vacations

We’re diving into the 1st piece of your travel style (of 4!) for this 2nd episode of the Travel Style Series 2.0: Planning!

One of the most helpful questions you can ask yourself to understand your planning travel style: how do you like to approach your vacation days? Do you prefer to have a plan, go with the flow, or are you somewhere in between?

Understanding which way you lean is not as straightforward as you might think, especially if you find yourself in the middle of the spectrum.

>>>Need to go back to the fundamentals for this piece of your travel style? Listen to episode 23: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 1: Planning).

>>>Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group: https://www.wildhairtravels.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

This is the Enneagram Travel Style Series, where we are learning about the key traits and motivations that shape each enneagram type’s travel style and vacation experiences.

On this episode, we’re diving into the ENNEAGRAM THREE. We’re talking through the Enneagram 3’s biggest focus and fear with a vacation, as well as her preferences and tendencies within the 4-part Wild Hair Travels signature travel style framework.

Are YOU an Enneagram 3? I’d love to hear from you about your unique travel style: send me a DM over on Instagram!

Or share your thoughts and experiences as an Enneagram Two traveler over inside the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group.

Check out the other episodes in this series for the rest of the 9 Enneagram types!

LISTEN BACK:

The Original LEARN YOUR TRAVEL STYLE Series:

Episode 22: Let’s Learn Your Travel Style

Episode 23: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 1: Planning)

Episode 24: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 2: Excursions)

Episode 25: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 3: Confidence)

Episode 26: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 4: Comforts)

Travel Style Series 2.0:

Episode 73: You Don’t Have To Do That When You Go There

Episode 74: How Do You Like To Approach Your Vacation Days?

Episode 75: Let’s Talk About Sightseeing

Episode 76: Is Your Travel Style Keeping You In Your Comfort Zone?

Episode 77: Lodging Vibes That Vibe With Your Travel Style

Travel Style Avatar Series:

124: The 8 Travel Style Avatars // Which Are You?

125: Travel Style Avatars // The Bucket Lister

126: Travel Style Avatars // The Escapist

127: Travel Style Avatars // The Adventurer

128: Travel Style Avatars // The Soul Searcher

129: Travel Style Avatars // The Socialite

130: Travel Style Avatars // The Nomad

131: Travel Style Avatars // The Tourist

132: Travel Style Avatars // The Thrill Seeker

133: My Travel Style Avatar // How I Narrowed It Down

134: The BEST Travel Style Avatar Companions

Happy Women Travel More is for the busy professional woman who’s craving that sense of balance between her career and life, but who also has dreams of traveling the world. It's like personal development with a travel twist! Listen for more of what to expect on the show.

Ireland. The shining Emerald Isle. Where there’s a history book version and a storybook version of the castle that you’re touring. Where hearty Irish stew and brown soda bread helps you ditch the chill from the weather outside. Where you cram into a pub booth with new friends to enjoy a pint together. 

On this destination feature episode, I’m chatting about what a vacation to Ireland could look like and helping you see if it’s a match for your next vacation.

Start planning your vacation to Ireland: https://www.wildhairtravels.com/plan-my-vacation

There’s a couple of things that have come out of the pandemic: an even greater appreciation for the freedom to be able to travel, and the ability to pivot and find alternate paths to our dreams. On this episode, career coach Steph Ritz and I chat about all things career growth and mentoring, and making the most of travel even in these tricky times.

What a fun chat!

Connect w/ Steph on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claimyourcareer

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/wildhairtravels/

Side effects of an independent vacation include:

More freedom. Less people. More leisure. Less annoyances. More fulfillment.

On today’s episode, I’m breaking down 5 signs that you might be an independent vacationer, so you can get clarity on the type of vacation experience that’s best suited for you.

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildhairtravels

You know my mission is to help you travel more, but how do you go from just talking about it to actually doing it? The answer is actually pretty simple, but it requires a bit of tough love, which I am happy to dish to you on today’s milestone 100th episode. ;)

Because I am done with you talking about taking that big vacation, and then delaying for years. I want you to achieve those traveling dreams SOON, and just become a person who travels a ton.

Get on the Wild Hair Waitlist!: https://wildhairtravels.com/waitlist

There are 2 main types of vacations: 1) Independent vacations, and 2) Guided/escorted vacations. Both of them exist because both are good options for different types of travelers!

On this episode, I’m chatting through the pros and cons of an independent vacation and sharing with you the filter that I use to help you make the right choice for your next vacation.

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

So there is this question.

And it’s a REALLY good question.

But it’s one that especially for us busy professional women or moms, we rarely get asked.

So I’m asking it today. And I’m also giving you space to think about it and honestly answer it for yourself.

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildhairtravels

We talk a lot about not planning a vacation that you need another vacation from, but what about a holiday season that you don’t need a vacation from?

Even though the holiday season is supposed to feel fun, more often than not, this time actually feels stressful or overwhelming.

But I’ve figured out why that is and what we can do to change that and bring more happiness and magic into our holiday experience.

Let’s ditch all of the hard work and fatigue this holiday season and actually enjoy it!

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildhairtravels

Whisky and Scotland go hand in hand—but if you’re not a whisky enthusiast, you might feel a bit lost when trying whisky in Scotland. With unfamiliar distillery names, regional styles, and the proper way to order, it can be a little intimidating.

In this episode of the Scotland, Your Way series, I’m sharing five essential things you need to know about whisky in Scotland. No jargon or deep dives—just simple, straightforward tips to help you feel confident when ordering, whether you’re in a cozy pub, your hotel bar, or picking up a bottle to take home.

So, if you’re new to whisky, this episode will get you ready for your trip with everything you need to know.

→ Get SUPPORT designing your SCOTLAND TRIP ←

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 221: Behind-the-Scenes of What My Scotland Trip Cost

Episode 236: Scotland, Your Way // Activities For Every Travel Style

Episode 237: Scotland, Your Way // A Guide to Every Region

Looking to get reacquainted with your overall life travel goals? Ready to make vacation a priority in your life?

A vision board might be just the thing you need as we set our sights on the new year.

Because when we visualize our future vacations with passion, excitement, and expectation, they end up happening for us.

On this episode, we’re diving into:

>>>What a vision board is + what it’s supposed to do for you

>>>The 3 different methods for creating your vision board + how to choose the right method for YOU

>>>How to design your vision board so that you actually get those vacations + common reasons that vision boards “don’t work”

>>>Some ideas for the specific elements you might want to include on your vision board (so you can make a list as we chat)

By the end of this episode, you’ll be armed with everything you need to sit down, get creative, and bring your vision board to life.


Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group (+ share your vision board!): https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore


Email a photo of your completed vision board to Angela (for a freebie!): angela@wildhairtravels.com

Sometimes it’s hard to start planning your next vacation when you know what lies on the other side of the starting line: a ton of to-dos. But Wild Hair Travels exists because I never want the planning of the vacation to keep you from your dreams of traveling the world.

I know that once we set the wheels of a big plan in motion - and we taste a little bit of what that end result (or vacation!) could look like - it’s so much easier to show up for the rest of the plan.

So let’s talk about how to JUMPSTART your vacation planning so that the ball starts rolling down the hill fast, and you get this vacation planned!

See how Angela can help you JUMPSTART your vacation planning: https://wildhairtravels.com/work-with-me

Rome and Florence. The Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre. Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. The Alps and the Dolomites. Tuscany and Sicily. Choosing where to spend your time in the amazing country of Italy is no easy feat with so many fantastic options!

In this destination feature episode, I’m giving you a rundown of each region of Italy to help you figure out where to focus your Italy vacation based on your travel style. Grab a pen and paper for this one!

Get on the Wild Hair Waitlist to get help in planning your Italy vacation: https://wildhairtravels.com/waitlist

I often see one piece of our vacation cost being forgotten about more than any other. But this piece can be just as much of a big deal as flights and lodging, and budgeting for it upfront is crucial to not being surprised with a big "bill" towards the end of the planning process. So let's talk about it so you never forget about it again!

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildhairtravels

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

This is the Enneagram Travel Style Series, where we are learning about the key traits and motivations that shape each enneagram type’s travel style and vacation experiences.

On this episode, we’re diving into the ENNEAGRAM FIVE. We’re talking through the Enneagram 5’s biggest focus and fear with a vacation, as well as her preferences and tendencies within the 4-part Wild Hair Travels signature travel style framework.

Are YOU an Enneagram 5? I’d love to hear from you about your unique travel style: send me a DM over on Instagram!

Or share your thoughts and experiences as an Enneagram Five traveler over inside the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group.

Check out the other episodes in this series for the rest of the 9 Enneagram types!

Do you LOVE to travel, but also kinda hate literally traveling? Do you dread the part of travel where you have to sit in an airplane for hours or have to drive even further once you land at the airport?

If so - I wanna help you fall back in love with traveling again, so on this episode, we are chatting about the literal travel journeys that we have to take to get to our destinations on a vacation.

And I wanna help you embrace the journey and see the journey as something really special instead of feeling frustrated by it.

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildhairtravels

Want to see some castles in Scotland? You’ll have plenty to choose from—but with so many, it can be tough to know which ones are actually worth your time. And after visiting a few, they can all start to blur together.

In this episode of the Scotland, Your Way series, I’m sharing some of the most stunning, fascinating, and memorable castles to visit. But this isn’t just a checklist—I’m helping you pick the castles that will truly stand out for you, by grouping them based on the most compelling reasons to visit.

Whether you’re after dramatic cliffside ruins, grand fortresses with rich history, or castles with jaw-dropping views, you’ll leave with a clear idea of which ones deserve a spot on your itinerary—and which you can skip.

→ Get SUPPORT designing your SCOTLAND TRIP ←

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 206: Three Ways to Fall in Love With a Destination

Episode 230: The Perfect Pace for a Multi-Leg Trip

Episode 236: Scotland, Your Way // Activities for Every Travel Style

Episode 237: Scotland, Your Way // A Guide to Every Region

This is the Enneagram Travel Style Series, where we are learning about the key traits and motivations that shape each enneagram type’s travel style and vacation experiences.

On this episode, we’re diving into the ENNEAGRAM FOUR. We’re talking through the Enneagram 4’s biggest focus and fear with a vacation, as well as her preferences and tendencies within the 4-part Wild Hair Travels signature travel style framework.

Are YOU an enneagram 4? I’d love to hear from you about your unique travel style: send me a DM over on Instagram! Or share your thoughts and experiences as an Enneagram Two traveler over inside the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group.

Check out the other episodes in this series for the rest of the 9 Enneagram types!

LISTEN BACK:

The Original LEARN YOUR TRAVEL STYLE Series:

Episode 22: Let’s Learn Your Travel Style

Episode 23: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 1: Planning)

Episode 24: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 2: Excursions)

Episode 25: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 3: Confidence)

Episode 26: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 4: Comforts)

Travel Style Series 2.0:

Episode 73: You Don’t Have To Do That When You Go There

Episode 74: How Do You Like To Approach Your Vacation Days?

Episode 75: Let’s Talk About Sightseeing

Episode 76: Is Your Travel Style Keeping You In Your Comfort Zone?

Episode 77: Lodging Vibes That Vibe With Your Travel Style

Travel Style Avatar Series:

124: The 8 Travel Style Avatars // Which Are You?

125: Travel Style Avatars // The Bucket Lister

126: Travel Style Avatars // The Escapist

127: Travel Style Avatars // The Adventurer

128: Travel Style Avatars // The Soul Searcher

129: Travel Style Avatars // The Socialite

130: Travel Style Avatars // The Nomad

131: Travel Style Avatars // The Tourist

132: Travel Style Avatars // The Thrill Seeker

133: My Travel Style Avatar // How I Narrowed It Down

134: The BEST Travel Style Avatar Companions

Before you dive into planning your Costa Rica vacation, there are a few things to consider and decisions to make so that you don’t find yourself frustrated by the vacation planning or shocked by the price of the trip.

Join me as I walk you through the 4 main things to know before you start planning, so you will be set up for an efficient planning experience and even better adventure.

If Costa Rica is on your bucket list, this episode is your first step in planning your vacation!

→ Get Angela’s support to plan your Costa Rica adventure ←

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 16: Why You Should Travel to Costa Rica Next

Episode 154: 4 Signs It’s Time for a Nature Fix

Episode 163: Practical Tips for Having an Ease-Filled Vacation

Have you been thinking that you might like my help to plan your next vacation? Amazing!

But do you have #allofthequestions? No problem.

I’ve got all of the deets on this episode about what the Wild Hair approach to vacation planning is like from before our first conversation, through the nitty gritty planning, and up until your stress-free departure.

Have a listen to learn what to expect from the experience of having me as your right hand girl to look after your vacation plans as if they were my own!

Get Angela’s support to plan your next vacation: https://wildhairtravels.com/plan-my-vacation

Do you know just how impressive you are?! I’ve found that we, as women, don’t give ourselves enough credit for all of the things we do, manage, and achieve in a day. Because it’s so easy to focus on what isn’t getting done or what’s left on our to-do lists.

So I’m sharing a little mindset hack that I’m obsessed with that keeps me going when times are feeling tough. This short episode is full of positivity to turn your day or week around!

Follow Angela on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildhairtravels

Choosing a vacation destination is half the battle of planning the thing - but it’s also the most important part! I’m breaking down my foolproof two-step process for choosing your next destination, and showing you two free ways to help you nail this decision!

Snag a free Destination Matching call: https://www.wildhairtravels.com/destination-matching

Sign up for the Vacation Bucket-List Challenge: https://www.wildhairtravels.com/bucket-list

As we approach the new year, I want to have a chat with you about living in a happy world.

But what does that mean? And how can that look who you are someone who wants to guard your happiness, but also can’t help but be affected by the bad things happening in our world?

I’m getting a little deep with you on this episode, because I truly want next year to be the happiest year of your life (so far)!

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildhairtravels

When most people start planning a vacation, they focus on finding and booking a flight and a hotel, because that makes the vacation “official”, right? But there is so much more to your vacation experience than the flight and hotel.

On this episode, I’m giving you my perspective on why planning out your detailed itinerary of how you’re going to spend your vacation is the better way to plan your vacation.

Learn about my Custom Itinerary Service: https://www.wildhairtravels.com/custom-itinerary-service

On this episode, two Angies gush about Montana. 😊 I’m joined by a wonderful podcast listener, Angie Hodge, as she recaps a family-favorite trip to Montana in the summer of 2020. 

I especially love the simplicity of our conversation and how it highlights the magic of making lasting memories and finding joy in the simplicity of togetherness, without the need for extravagant plans or international travels.

Tune in for a delightful journey that proves the best vacations don't always come with a hefty price tag.

Connect w/ Angela & Angie inside the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

When’s the last time you just sat next to a tree? Or watched the birds? Or listened to a creek?

Our world is quickly changing, and our once-pristine natural areas are shrinking, leaving us with less opportunity than ever to connect with nature. On my recent nature-focused vacation, I literally weeped in relief and gratitude at the opportunity to spend so many peaceful days surrounded by nature, and was reminded of the healing power of taking a break from our busy lives while embracing the natural world.

It’s common knowledge that time spent in nature is vital for our overall well-being, whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a city girl, so I’m sharing four signs that tell us it’s time to bring nature into our lives, especially when planning our upcoming vacations.

Let this episode serve as the first nudge to renewing your bond with the great outdoors!

DON’T FORGET! // Enter to win the GIVEAWAY by taking the Happy Women Travel More Podcast Listener Survey (Closing on 08/31!)

Listen to our milestone episode Episode 150: What Do YOU Want to Talk About?

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

Curious about what is my #1 must-have, non-negotiable, can’t-leave-at-home travel companion?

For years, I didn’t really have one. And I would struggle to find an answer to this question because I felt like it depended on the trip.

But after 17 years of traveling the globe, I’ve finally latched onto something that is absolutely a must-have for me these days, and I truly believe that whether you’re into extreme adventures or laid-back getaways, this is something you absolutely can't leave home without.

Tune in to hear what it is and get it for yourself!!

--> Get your own personalized VACATION HUB <--

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 96: Real Talk About Packing (From an Overpacker)

Episode 142: Want to Plan a Friends Trip? THIS Will Help You.

Episode 152: The Travel Apps Most Used by My Clients

Planning a multi-leg trip can feel like a balancing act—trying to see everything you want without ending up completely drained, wishing you had stopped to smell the roses a bit. The pace you choose definitely plays a huge role in shaping your experience, yet it’s all too easy to unintentionally plan a pace faster than we really want because of FOMO.

Join me as we explore how to set the perfect pace for your journey, as I share tips for designing your overall route, managing the daily itinerary, and the most important question to ask yourself before you start planning. Whether you’re envisioning a fast-paced tour or a more relaxed escape, this episode is here to guide you toward the most ideal pace for your multi-leg trip.

Book the Vacation Blueprint Design Service

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 111: How To Stop Treating Your Vacations Like a To-Do List

Episode 178: 4 Signs Your Itinerary is Too Ambitious

Episode 205: [Client Stories] How to Simplify Your Vacation and Still Do a Ton

It's been a year since the original Learn Your Travel Style series on the podcast, so it's time to bring it back in a bigger and deeper way! On this flagship episode for the Travel Style Series 2.0, we're talking through why learning your travel style helps you take better vacations and also makes planning easier. 

Because what I want more than anything is for you to have a rock-solid clarity on how you like to travel so your vacations elevate from the lackluster, status quo vacations that most people take to ones were designed especially for you.

Get Angela's support in planning your next vacation: https://wildhairtravels.com/plan-my-vacation

Usually one of the first things we do when we start to plan a vacation is hit up ol’ Google to find a flight and a place to stay. But where we’ve gone astray is putting the priority and the emphasis on the products BEFORE focusing on the experience that we want to have.

You know I’m all about helping you have YOUR perfect vacation, so let’s talk about a tweak you can make to your vacation planning that will guarantee richer travel experiences for you.

Get Angela’s support to plan your next vacation: https://wildhairtravels.com/plan-my-vacation

Craving some much-needed alone time but unsure how to make it truly worthwhile? While the idea of a solo staycation retreat might sound like exactly what you need, the reality of filling all that time by yourself can feel like a question mark.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through the two essential steps to planning a solo retreat that will be exactly what the doctor ordered — so you don’t end up wasting your precious time. I’ll also share my personal recipe for creating a staycation that balances relaxation, soul nourishing, and a sense of accomplishment, leaving you fully recharged.

Whether you're craving a little Netflix binge, inner reflection, or just need to get some stuff done, I have the tips you need to make sure your solo staycation retreat is planned for success.

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 110: Don’t Ignore This BIGGER Purpose of a Vacation

Episode 139: The ONE Question To Ask Yourself Today

Episode 146: How Seasonal Planning Could Help With Overwhelm

No one heads off on vacation hoping to waste their time on a tourist trap. Yet, it’s all too easy to end up at those overcrowded, overpriced spots that just don’t live up to the hype. The real challenge? Figuring out which experiences are worth it before you book.

In this episode, we’re tackling the tricky world of tourist traps—how to recognize them, steer clear of them, and craft an itinerary packed with authentic, memorable experiences. I’ll walk you through four key red flags to watch for so you can make the most of your travel time and budget.

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 149: A Heart-to-Heart with Your Vacation Expectations

Episode 160: My #1 Hack For Meeting Locals on Vacation

Episode 175: Decoding Your Vacation Entertainment Expectations

Peru is an amazing destination with some really unique attractions, and when you make the journey down to South America, it’s natural that you want to explore as much as you can!

But exploring them all on your 7 or 10 day vacation is no easy thing to do - thanks to geography, transportation, and all of the logistics involved in that.

This destination feature episode is jam-packed with useful information to help you create a realistic blueprint for your Peru vacation where you maximize your limited time. Tune in for a giant first step in your vacation planning!

Get on the Wild Hair Waitlist to get help planning your Peru vacation: https://wildhairtravels.com/waitlist

Wondering how much that big and shiny vacation is going to cost? Unfortunately, the answer is “it depends” - on your travel dates, your travel style, and your specific selections.

But because I know how helpful it is to get an idea early in the process of how much that vacation will cost, today I’m giving you some practical tips to come up with a ballpark, minimum estimate so that you at least have a good starting point.

-----

Check out my vacation planning services: https://www.wildhairtravels.com/work-with-me

Is witnessing the magical Northern Lights on your bucket list? If so, that probably means you live far away from where you would have the best chance of seeing them, which means you would have to make a special trip to achieve this dream.

There’s a lot to consider when planning a vacation with the main goal of seeing the northern lights, since the natural phenomenon is never guaranteed, but in this episode, I’ve got your back with the must-know essentials for planning your aurora adventure.

We’ll start with the single biggest tip you need to know for a chance at success, followed by seven other practical tips to help you maximize your chances of seeing those dancing green, purple, and pink lights.

Get Angela’s help to plan your Northern Lights vacation

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 09: Why You Should Travel to Alaska Next

Episode 28: So We Took a Winter Babymoon to Alaska

Episode 116: How to Adopt an Adventure Attitude

If you’ve found yourself 1, 5, or 10 years down the road without a vacation, I’m here to help you stop that pattern and break down those hurdles once and for all.

On this episode, I’m helping you figure out what that thing is that’s been holding you back, and giving you one tiny-but-mighty action to take to get you headed in the right direction.

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildhairtravels

I’m giving you a close-up look into what my custom vacation planning business Wild Hair Travels is all about. I’m sharing my journey, core values, and how my business name embodies my entire brand and fuels me to do what I do.

Learn more about Angela + Wild Hair Travels: https://wwww.wildhairtravels.com/about

Let’s connect on Instagram: https://wwww.instagram.com/wildhairtravels

It’s a new year! And I want more adventure for you. But the way to have more adventures is not necessarily to go hike a mountain, rappel down a waterfall, or solo backpack through Europe.

It’s less about the activities, and ALL about the attitude.

We’re chatting about how to embrace this adventure mindset on your vacations (and in life) when things go wrong - and also when things go right.

And more importantly, we’re pulling back the curtain on the ONE key thing that holds us back from adopting this adventure attitude - so it can stop sabotaging those adventures that we’re destined for.

Let’s start the year with the mindset and attitude of an adventurer!

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildhairtravels

Traveling with friends sounds like the best idea ever until you find yourself dealing with disagreements and hangry travel companions.

Taking a vacation with friends is just different than a vacation with your husband or your immediate family, so on this episode, I’m sharing with you the one thing you need to know to be able to travel with your friends and stay friends, including one slightly awkward but effective hack that saved my friendship with my 2 best friends on a trip to Ireland a decade ago.

Follow Angela on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildhairtravels

This is the Enneagram Travel Style Series, where we are learning about the key traits and motivations that shape each enneagram type’s travel style and vacation experiences.

On this episode, we’re diving into the ENNEAGRAM EIGHT. We’re talking through the Enneagram 8’s biggest focus and fear with a vacation, as well as her preferences and tendencies within the 4-part Wild Hair Travels signature travel style framework.

Are YOU an enneagram 8? I’d love to hear from you about your unique travel style: send me a DM over on Instagram! Or share your thoughts and experiences as an Enneagram Two traveler over inside the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group.

Check out the other episodes in this series for the rest of the 9 Enneagram types!

LISTEN BACK:

The Original LEARN YOUR TRAVEL STYLE Series:

Episode 22: Let’s Learn Your Travel Style

Episode 23: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 1: Planning)

Episode 24: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 2: Excursions)

Episode 25: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 3: Confidence)

Episode 26: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 4: Comforts)

Travel Style Series 2.0:

Episode 73: You Don’t Have To Do That When You Go There

Episode 74: How Do You Like To Approach Your Vacation Days?

Episode 75: Let’s Talk About Sightseeing

Episode 76: Is Your Travel Style Keeping You In Your Comfort Zone?

Episode 77: Lodging Vibes That Vibe With Your Travel Style

Travel Style Avatar Series:

124: The 8 Travel Style Avatars // Which Are You?

125: Travel Style Avatars // The Bucket Lister

126: Travel Style Avatars // The Escapist

127: Travel Style Avatars // The Adventurer

128: Travel Style Avatars // The Soul Searcher

129: Travel Style Avatars // The Socialite

130: Travel Style Avatars // The Nomad

131: Travel Style Avatars // The Tourist

132: Travel Style Avatars // The Thrill Seeker

133: My Travel Style Avatar // How I Narrowed It Down

134: The BEST Travel Style Avatar Companions

There are some pieces of your vacation that you should just go ahead and splurge on. ;) But what specifically are those things? What high ticket parts of a vacation give us the best bang for our buck? I’ve got the answer!!

And because I know that sometimes splurging isn’t easy to feel good about doing, I’m also sharing a bit of my personal journey from feeling like someone who doesn’t get to splurge on anything, to someone who feels fabulous about splurging (especially on vacation).

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

We are diving into life's million-dollar question: How do you live a happier life? This might sound like a huge question, but hey, it's right up the alley of the Happy Women Travel More podcast. After all, your happiness (plus more travel) is the reason I’m here.

Sure, I'm not some certified happiness guru, therapist, or life coach, but I've got a knack for tweaking life's dials to make it a bit sweeter. And guess what? I recently made a huge shift in my own life that's steering me in the right direction.

So I'm pulling back the curtain on my own reflections, straight from the pages of my journal and talking you through 2 major categories that I think are the recipe for a happier life. No PhD in happiness over here – just real talk about what's been working for me.

If you’re on the quest for more joy and less “meh”, join me as we chat about the nitty-gritty of living your best, happiest life. 

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 48: The ONE Thing That’s Made Me Happier Every Day

Episode 92: Traveling More Won’t Make You Happier

Episode 98: The Secret to Feeling Happy After Vacation

Episode 108: Living a Happy + Balanced Life w/ Katie Jefcoat

Soooo...my husband and I took a babymoon to Alaska. In the wintertime. Not the typical babymoon, huh?

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to take a winter vacation to the Last Frontier, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look into our trip, and also telling you all about why we chose Alaska over some other warm and sunny contenders.

Connect with Angela on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildhairtravels

“ChatGPT planned my entire 7-day vacation in 5 minutes!”

^^Sounds like the dream, right?

I know we are all looking for an easier way to get through the all-too-tedious process of vacation planning these days, and thanks to evolving AI tech, it’s starting to look more promising.

But are the bold claims about the hottest new tech true? Are our vacation planning woes over?

I had to see for myself, and I’m sharing with you everything I’ve learned!

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Community: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

How do you feel about the amount of vacation days that you get every year?

I have found that sometimes we have this weird push-pull battle with using our vacation days versus saving our vacation days. We don’t feel like we have enough vacation days in the first place or we don’t want to use them now and need them later.

If you tend to treat your vacation days like an “emergency savings account” - just waiting on a rainy day - I recorded this episode just for you!

____________

Join the Happy Women Travel More Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

Other than seeing some amazing scenery, there’s another really compelling reason to hike: to show yourself how strong, capable, and badass you are.

Because there is just something about taking a big hike in the wild that gets even the fittest and most experienced hikers out of their comfort zone.

Debra Hampton joins me on this episode to give us a recap of one of the hardest hikes she’s ever done, including what motivated her to take the hike, some standout memorable moments, and an ironic but relatable least favorite part that’s sure to make you giggle.

If your wild hair is telling you to take that hiking trip even though you aren’t sure if you could physically do it, Debra’s story has the motivation for you to do it. And do it sooner than later.

Connect w/ Debra: https://instagram.com/runr5az 

Connect w/ Angela: https://instagram.com/wildhairtravels

So you have this amazing destination on your bucket list, but let's be real – learning an entire foreign language before your trip is probably not gonna happen.

And that's totally okay! But I’m likely not the first person to tell you that picking up a few key phrases in the local language can make a world of difference.

From helping you order at restaurants and finding your way to that off-the-beaten-path spot, to enhancing your interactions with locals and making you feel more at home, I’m here to help you focus on the essential phrases with the biggest bang for your buck. We're talking about phrases that you'll use time and time again during your vacation.

And because there is just never enough time to learn as much of the language as you’d like, I’m also sharing a practical tip that goes beyond the obvious language learning techniques, helping you execute your fake-it-til-you-make-it linguistic skills in a much simpler way.

Get ready to take your travel game to the next level – one phrase at a time.

Want a personalized VACATION HUB for your next vacation?

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 16: Why You Should Travel to Costa Rica Next

Episode 141: Encouragement + Advice | Destinations that Make You a Tad Uncomfortable

Episode 160: My #1 Hack for Meeting Locals on Vacation

I’m beyond thrilled to shake things up a bit and have a guest join me on the show! My guest Erica Keckley, who you might recognize from the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group, is a fellow adventurer, middle-school English teacher, book lover, loyal listener of the podcast, and we’ve been having the most delightful chats about all things travel. 

During this interview, she’s generously sharing her journey of discovering her and her husband's unique travel styles. Spoiler alert: it involved a bit of trial and error, plus one pivotal trip that was the right destination, but the wrong adventure that led her down the path to taking her best vacations ever.

This episode was an absolute blast! Erica's authenticity shines through, and I appreciate how real and honest she got with us. Her story is packed with takeaways that I believe you'll find not only useful but also liberating. So, buckle up for some travel wisdom and fun anecdotes!

Connect w/ Erica inside the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

Connect w/ Erica on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildlifeandwater 

Take a peek at the title of this podcast: it doesn’t say travel more and then you’ll be a happier woman. But why not? I sure as heck thought this was the case for years - because I’m super happy when I’m on vacation, right? But one day I realized that I was living my life FOR the next vacation, and putting all of my happiness eggs in my vacation basket.

Of course I want you to travel more, but I want to make sure that you don’t fall into the trap of thinking that travel itself is THE thing that will make you happy. Tune in to hear why traveling more won’t make you happier, the thing that WILL, and how travel does contribute to our work-life balance and happiness.

Check out Angela’s vacation planning services: https://wildhairtravels.com/work-with-me

There are the people who love a solid vacation itinerary, but who wind up feeling exhausted from their trip, and there are the people who just show up and wing it on vacation, and wind up feeling disappointed that their trip wasn’t as expected.

If you’re wondering which approach is better, I’m sharing with you my recipe for that sweet spot in the middle so you can perfect your vacation planning!

Get my support in planning your next vacation: https://www.wildhairtravels.com/work-with-me

Ever scrolled through Instagram and stumbled upon those envy-inducing family travel accounts, where toddlers are practically racking up more passport stamps than most adults?

Well, here's the deal – after some serious contemplation, I've made the call to hold off on international adventures with my son (who’s currently a toddler) for a good while. Today, I'm laying it all out, sharing the genuine reasons behind my decision.

If you've got young kiddos too and have been secretly wondering why you haven't caught the travel bug with your little one yet, this episode's for you. I'm here to normalize the choice of keeping it local with your kids and assure you that putting the brakes on international travel doesn't mean hitting pause on all your vacation dreams.

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 44: Reflections on New Motherhood

Episode 99: Is a National Parks Vacation Right For Your Family?

Episode 145: How I Accidentally Cured My Airport Anxiety

Ever pondered what your vacation expectations are when it comes to entertainment? It's one of those things that doesn't get enough airtime in the vacation planning world, so today’s the day to talk about it.

It’s time to decode what those deep-rooted expectations are about the actual enjoyment of your vacation and approach this topic from a fresh and often-overlooked perspective.

This conversation is a game-changer, and is like cracking a code that unlocks a whole new level of vacation planning. Trust me: this is the missing piece you didn't know you needed. Let's decode those expectations and set the stage for your best vacation yet.

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 33: You Might Be An Independent Vacationer If…

Episode 53: The Pros and Cons of Independent Vacations

Episode 116: How to Adopt and Adventure Attitude

Want a vacation, but just don’t feel like now is the right time? I’m showing you how you can take some baby steps towards planning your next vacation, so that you will start to progress towards making that vacation happen for you.

Snag a free Destination Matching call:
https://www.wildhairtravels.com/destination-matching

Read more about my Custom Daily Itinerary Service: https://www.wildhairtravels.com/custom-itinerary-service

Remember when vacation planning felt FUN? Yeah, me too. But nowadays the to-do list just to get the vacation planned tends to sabotage the giddiness and fun that we should be experiencing.

Even though all of the Googling and mapping and decision-making kinda sucks, there is one MAIN reason that vacation planning feels like a chore these days. Join me as we talk about what this is, and I walk you through how to bring back the fun!

Get Angela’s help to plan your next vacation: https://wildhairtravels.com/plan-my-vacation

Have you ever paused to calculate the sheer amount of time it takes to plan a vacation? 

Chances are, it's more extensive than you might realize. 

Because we tend to spread out the planning process, pondering details and discussing ideas with our fellow travelers. But those minutes and hours do add up.

The reality is, crafting a vacation itinerary, especially one tailored precisely to your preferences, is a time-consuming endeavor - but I’m here to help streamline the process for you.

Join me as we explore 5 practical strategies to make your planning smoother and more time-effective!

Learn more about my done-for-you vacation planning services: https://wildhairtravels.com/work-with-me

Get on the Wild Hair Waitlist: https://wildhairtravels.com/waitlist

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 60: How to Make Vacation Planning Less Time-Consuming

Episode 93: The Main Reason Vacation Planning Feels Like a Chore (+ How To Bring Back the Fun)

Episode 95: What It’s Like to Have Me Plan Your Vacation

Episode 151: The Timeline to Your Next Vacation

It’s Day 3 of the Learn Your Travel Style series on the podcast - and we’re diving into the second piece of your travel style puzzle! Understanding what types of vacation activities will make the most impact on us, give us goosebumps, and leave us with those stories to tell for years to come will help us be sure that our experience is truly epic, and not just “pretty good”.

Have a listen to get some rock-solid clarity on what activities will leave you feeling the most fulfilled on your vacation.

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

Vacation planning today gives us the freedom to map out our own adventures, but with endless options and decisions to make, it can quickly become overwhelming—especially when you’re heading somewhere new.

While it may feel like vacation planning is something that you should tackle all by yourself because the internet makes it possible, there are still many ways to get support. Whether you're tapping into free resources, crowdsourcing advice, or considering my 1-on-1 vacation planning services, let’s explore how you can get the support you need to make the process easier and more enjoyable.

View the Wild Hair Travels suite of vacation planning services

Get on my calendar to plan your vacation

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 95: What It’s Like to Have Me Plan Your Vacation

Episode 107: How to JUMPSTART Your Vacation Planning

Episode 142: Want To Plan a Friends Trip? THIS Will Help You.

One of the things I love about being a mother is seeing the wonder of the world through my son’s eyes. Everything is so fresh and new, which means feelings of excitement, curiosity, and fun!

When we are new to traveling abroad, we take with us those fresh and eager eyes, too. But as we travel to more and more places, our sense of awe and wonder starts to fade a bit, just like it does when transitioning from childhood to adulthood.

But traveling the world with a sense of wonder is unlike anything else, and just because we travel more doesn’t mean we have to lose those feelings, so I’m sharing with you a list of ideas to bring back the wonder into your travels, even if you’ve traveled quite a bit.

Your challenge after listening to this episode is to choose 1 or 2 to use during your next vacation!

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

Taking time away for a retreat is one of my favorite forms of self-care, and I personally love and advocate for solo retreats. But I know they’re not for everyone—which is why I’m so excited to be joined by Amanda Raymond, the visionary behind nature-focused group retreats in breathtaking destinations.

Amanda is sharing with us what makes these retreats so special and why they might be exactly what you need. Whether you’re navigating a big life transition, processing grief, longing for connection with like-minded travelers, or simply craving a break from daily responsibilities, this conversation will help you decide if a group retreat is the right fit for you.

Connect 1-on-1 w/ Amanda via email

See what group retreats are upcoming at ONE LIFE. LIVE IT.: http://myonelifeliveit.com/

Connect w/ Angela: https://instagram.com/wildhairtravels

**Design a Solo Retreat That Recharge Your Soul - Get the Freebie**

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 217: A Last Minute Trip I Can Get Behind

Episode 218: How To Have a Successful Solo Staycation Retreat

Episode 219: My Top 10 Solo Retreat Tips

So your hubby never helps with the vacation planning, too? So glad I’m not alone! Believe when I say, I’ve tried all of the tactics to get my husband to give me an ounce of input about our vacation plans, and while there is no changing who he is, I’ve finally found a way to not let his lack of enthusiasm keep me from all of the beautiful excitement for a vacation.

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

When I first started traveling, I had to lug around a binder with printed confirmations and a handwritten calendar to keep me organized on a trip. And my system worked, but I am definitely happy to replace my cute little binder with some ultra-lightweight phone apps instead.

There are a handful of apps that I consistently recommend to all of my clients - and that I personally use, too - so on this episode, I’m listing out what those are, along with one app I do NOT recommend.

Listen to Episode 99: Is a National Parks Vacation Right For Your Family?

Get Angela’s support to plan your next vacation: https://wildhairtravels.com/waitlist

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

A lot of people tell me that there’s no way they could ever go on a big international vacation because they simply don’t have enough vacation days. But when you have that mindset, you’re closing the door on opportunities for being able to go on a trip before even trying to see if it’s possible. So let’s start with the facts, and talk about how many days you need to go to certain destinations in the world.

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

I’ll be the first to scream from the rooftops that you should NOT compromise at all on your vacation plans, but the reality is that there is a time and place to compromise, especially if we’re traveling with other people, have limited vacation time, or a set vacation budget. (Which is most likely the majority of the time.)

Fortunately there is a way to compromise that doesn’t make you feel resentful or unfulfilled from your vacation. But there’s also a time where you should guard your vacation experience like a lioness and NOT compromise at all.

So how do we strike a balance between getting the vacation that we want without dominating the vacation plans for everyone in the group?

Have a listen to dive into this oh-so-important topic!

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

Listen back to the Learn Your Travel Style series on the podcast!

022: Let’s Learn Your Travel Style

023: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 1: Planning)

024: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 2: Excursions)

025: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 3: Confidence)

026: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 4: Comforts)

I believe that daily happiness lies on the other side of living a purposeful life. I also believe that when we find ourselves at the end of our lives, we will feel that coveted fulfillment because of living a purposeful life.

This whole purposeful life thing is kind of a big deal, but HOW do you “live your life on purpose”? What does that mean and how does that look on the daily?

This episode is full of clarity, inspiration, and permission for you to become a woman who lives her life on purpose and reaps the happiness and fulfillment from that!

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildhairtravels

Listen to the Mom First Podcast Episode 47: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/47-how-to-find-purpose-in-your-job-despite-the-rise/id1598954015?i=1000576459430

There are 8 Travel Style Avatars: which one are you?

On this episode, we’re talking through the Escapist.

Tune in to see if this is YOUR avatar. And if not, check out the other episodes until you find your match!

P.s. I’m giving away a travel gift card + some hand-picked travel goodies if you join me on this series. Once you’ve listened and picked out your avatar, email me what yours is, and I’ll put your name in the drawing to win!

Enter to win by emailing angela[at]wildhairtravels.com

Do those photos you’ve been seeing of the otherworldly landscapes of the Isle of Skye or the white-sand beaches of the Outer Hebrides keep catching your eye? This episode will help you decide if they’re worth adding to your itinerary.

Exploring Scotland’s islands is like stepping into another world—each with its own unique charm, history, and rugged beauty. But with so many to choose from, it can be tricky to know if they’re even worth adding to your itinerary in the first place—and which ones deserve a spot if you do.

In this episode of the Scotland, Your Way series, I’m guiding you through the must-visit islands of the Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland. You’ll get a feel for what makes each one special, plus practical tips on how to get there.

Whether you’re short on time or planning a longer adventure, you’ll leave with a clear idea of whether Scotland’s islands are worth adding to your itinerary—and which ones to prioritize based on how much time you have.

→ Get SUPPORT designing your SCOTLAND TRIP ←

Connect w/ Angela on Instagram

LISTEN BACK:

Episode 147: The Bahamas // Choosing the Right Island

Episode 176: The Greek Island Matchmaker Episode

Episode 237: Scotland, Your Way // A Guide to Every Region

Speed dating with a Greek twist – we're matching you with the Cyclades Islands of your dreams (minus the awkward small talk). I'm your guide to decoding the vibes of 12 main Cyclades Islands in Greece, dishing out what makes each one a unique catch, so you can find your island soulmate for that picture perfect Greece vacation. 

I'm also serving up some advice on how to craft a realistic itinerary by focusing on the right number of islands, so you aren’t spending all of your time on planes and ferries and actually immerse yourself in the ambiance of the islands.\

Grab a notepad, and let's turn those Greece vacation dreams into a sun-soaked reality.

Listen Back to Other Destination Feature Episodes:

Episode 42: Why You Should Travel to Ireland Next

Episode 58: Why You Should Travel to Iceland Next

Episode 106: Italy // Which Region is Right For Your Travel Style?

I have decided that my favorite word needs to become your favorite word too! I’m telling you why embracing this word will be one of the best things you can do for your career, family, life, and vacation, and giving you some practical tips for fully embracing this in all areas of your life!

Connect w/ Angela on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildhairtravels

Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagagram.com/happywomentravelmore

This is the Enneagram Travel Style Series, where we are learning about the key traits and motivations that shape each enneagram type’s travel style and vacation experiences.

On this episode, we’re diving into the ENNEAGRAM TWO. We’re talking through the Enneagram 2’s biggest focus and fear with a vacation, as well as her preferences and tendencies within the 4-part Wild Hair Travels signature travel style framework.

Are YOU an Enneagram 2? I’d love to hear from you about your unique travel style: send me a DM over on Instagram!

Or share your thoughts and experiences as an Enneagram Two traveler over inside the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group.

Check out the other episodes in this series for the rest of the 9 Enneagram types!

LISTEN BACK:

The Original LEARN YOUR TRAVEL STYLE Series:

Episode 22: Let’s Learn Your Travel Style

Episode 23: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 1: Planning)

Episode 24: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 2: Excursions)

Episode 25: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 3: Confidence)

Episode 26: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 4: Comforts)

Travel Style Series 2.0:

Episode 73: You Don’t Have To Do That When You Go There

Episode 74: How Do You Like To Approach Your Vacation Days?

Episode 75: Let’s Talk About Sightseeing

Episode 76: Is Your Travel Style Keeping You In Your Comfort Zone?

Episode 77: Lodging Vibes That Vibe With Your Travel Style

Travel Style Avatar Series:

124: The 8 Travel Style Avatars // Which Are You?

125: Travel Style Avatars // The Bucket Lister

126: Travel Style Avatars // The Escapist

127: Travel Style Avatars // The Adventurer

128: Travel Style Avatars // The Soul Searcher

129: Travel Style Avatars // The Socialite

130: Travel Style Avatars // The Nomad

131: Travel Style Avatars // The Tourist

132: Travel Style Avatars // The Thrill Seeker

133: My Travel Style Avatar // How I Narrowed It Down

134: The BEST Travel Style Avatar Companions

We can do better than a “to-do list” approach to a vacation. We can have deeper and more impactful travel experiences. We can make sure that every activity we do on vacation lights us up and lets us come home with stories that we tell for years and years.

I’ve got 4 tips for how to change your approach to your vacations from a dull and gray checklist, to a colorful and vivid itinerary. Tip #4 might be my favorite, so be sure to listen to the end!

Join the Happy Women Travel More Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmore

Get on the Wild Hair Waitlist: https://wildhairtravels.com/waitlist

Sometimes when it’s time for a vacation, you might think that you don’t care where you go or what you do. On today’s episode, I’m helping you see why any old vacation probably isn’t going to cut it, and how to make sure that you plan a vacation that’s the exact match for what you need in your life right now.

Sign up for a Free Destination Matching call:
https://www.wildhairtravels.com/destination-matching 

Learn more about Angela and Wild Hair Travels:
https://www.wildhairtravels.com/about