The Travel Brats

Guest: Clarissa CappellettiCompany: WeRoadEpisode Focus: Solo travel, destinations, travel confidence, safety, age, and finding connection on the road In This Episode What happens when someone who has visited 58 countries gives us the real talk on solo travel? We sit down with Clarissa Cappelletti, Regional Manager for English-speaking travel coordinators at WeRoad, to talk about where solo travelers should go, where they might want to wait, and why you shouldn't let fear — or a destination's reputation — decide your next adventure.  Clarissa shares how she went from growing up in a tiny Swiss village to living in four countries and traveling the world, why she didn't start solo traveling until her late 20s, and how becoming the only single person in her friend group helped push her into traveling on her own. We Talk About: Growing up in an 87-person Swiss village How Clarissa caught the travel bug during a California road trip with her dad Living in Switzerland, Italy, the United States, and the UK Why London surprised her the most Traveling to 58 countries Why Colombia exceeded her expectations The Lost City Trek Why Nepal is one of her favorite destinations Italy's incredible history The best destinations for active travelers Why South Africa is underrated for adventure travel Switzerland vs. Latin America for travel costs The destination that challenged Clarissa the most: Japan Her favorite countries for food Why she could happily return to Colombia and Nepal Why "hidden gems" don't stay hidden for long How social media is changing tourism Her definition of solo travel: "Discovery" Why solo travel isn't necessarily lonely The importance of human connection while traveling How media can influence perceptions of travel safety Whether you're ever "too old" for solo travel The biggest solo-travel mistake people make Why first-time solo travelers should start small Why the Maldives isn't just for couples How language barriers can affect your first solo trip Why travelers shouldn't automatically write off Latin America Mongolia, Central Asia, Canada and New Zealand on Clarissa's bucket list And, of course… the infamous Jordan canyoning wig story! Clarissa's Travel Picks Unexpected favorites: Colombia & Nepal Best for history: Italy Best for mountain adventures: Nepal & Switzerland Underrated for active travel: South Africa Food favorites: Italy, Mexico, Peru, South Africa & Southeast Asia Places she'd happily revisit: Colombia & Nepal Top wishlist destinations: Central Asia, Mongolia, Canada, New Zealand & Patagonia Solo Travel Takeaways Start small. Your first solo trip doesn't have to be two weeks on another continent. Don't overthink it. There is no single perfect destination. Do your safety research. Know the areas, activities, and situations that require extra awareness. Don't let fear make the decision for you. Language matters. If you're new to solo travel, going somewhere where you can communicate easily may make your first trip less stressful. Don't assume a destination isn't for you. Couples' destination? Family destination? Bachelorette destination? Who cares. Go anyway. And most importantly: JUST TRIP IT. Favorite Quote From Clarissa "Solo travel in one word: discovery." And honestly, we couldn't have said it better. A Question For Our Travel Brats  Would you take your first solo trip tomorrow if you knew you couldn't talk yourself out of it? Tell us where you'd go! Connect With The Travel Brats The Travel Brats are here to help you travel the world in a fun, smart, and unforgettable way. Follow along for travel guides, destination inspiration, travel tips, podcast episodes, deals, hot takes, and plenty of no-regrets travel. 🌎 Website: thetravelbrats.com 🎙️ YouTube: The Travel Brats 📱 Social: @TheTravelBrats  

In This Episode We Discuss: Why travel insurance isn't just for expensive vacations The difference between travel medical insurance and trip cancellation coverage The biggest misconceptions travelers have about insurance What your regular health insurance actually covers abroad (hint: probably less than you think) How to choose the right travel insurance for your trip Why timing matters when purchasing travel insurance What to do if you have a medical emergency while traveling The hidden benefits most travelers don't know they have The truth about credit card travel insurance Common travel mistakes even experienced travelers make Real stories of travelers whose insurance saved their trips—and in some cases, their lives Why having an advocate matters when filing a claim Practical travel safety tips every traveler should know before departure You'll Also Hear... The unbelievable elevator accident that changed a couple's lives A gorilla encounter you'll never forget Bill's surprising dream destination Catherine's favorite hidden gems around the world The travel items they never leave home without Their funniest travel mistakes Travel trends they're loving right now Their biggest travel pet peeves Our Biggest Takeaways ✔ Travel insurance is often far more affordable than people think. ✔ Medical emergencies don't only happen to older travelers—they can happen to anyone. ✔ Buying insurance early unlocks important benefits that may not be available later. ✔ Having someone advocate for you during an emergency can be just as valuable as the insurance policy itself. ✔ The best trips are the ones you're prepared for. Sponsor This episode is sponsored by MissionSafe. When we travel, one of the easiest decisions we make before every trip is making sure we're protected. MissionSafe helps travelers around the world with travel medical insurance, trip cancellation protection, emergency evacuation coverage, and more. Get a quote, learn more, and get protected here: https://missionsafe.com/thetravelbrats Connect with MissionSafe 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gomissionsafe/ Connect with The Travel Brats 🌎 Website: https://thetravelbrats.com 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/thetravelbrats 🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thetravelbrats ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thetravelbrats 🎙 Listen to The Travel Brats Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Read our blog on MissionSafe HERE on our website. Before your next adventure, explore our recommended travel protection options through our trusted partner, MissionSafe. 👉 https://missionsafe.com/thetravelbrats If you'd like to watch the video version of the episode, click the link below: https://youtu.be/BAr1k5SmOGA?si=KFhwFi5ewgZ_AW9j If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and share it with someone planning their next adventure. It helps us continue bringing you conversations that inspire smarter, more confident travel. #TravelInsurance #TravelTips #TravelPodcast #MissionSafe #TravelMedicalInsurance #TripCancellation #TravelPlanning #TravelBrats #AdventureTravel #InternationalTravel #TravelSafety

Ecuador Isn't Just a Destination—It's a Fresh Start. What if one trip had the power to completely change the direction of your life? For author Lindsey Goldstein, that's exactly what happened. Long before she became a published novelist, Lindsey spent a gap year living in Ecuador—a decision that shaped not only her love of travel but ultimately inspired her debut novel, Gap Year. In this episode of The Travel Brats Podcast, Lindsey joins us to share how Ecuador became her second home, why she believes it's one of the world's most underrated destinations, and how travel has the power to transform us at any stage of life. Whether you're dreaming of hiking through the Andes, snorkeling in the Galápagos Islands, wandering colorful markets, or simply looking for inspiration to take that first leap into the unknown, this conversation is a reminder that adventure doesn't have an age limit.   Meet Our Guest Lindsey Goldstein is an author, traveler, and lifelong advocate for meaningful travel experiences. After taking a gap year in Ecuador as a teenager, Lindsey returned several times over the years—living in Quito, volunteering in the Galápagos Islands, conducting research, and building lifelong friendships along the way. Those experiences eventually inspired her novel Gap Year, a story about rediscovery, courage, and finding yourself through travel. During our conversation, Lindsey shared not only the inspiration behind the book but also practical advice for anyone considering Ecuador as their next destination.   In This Episode Here's what you'll hear during our conversation: Why Lindsey chose Ecuador for her gap year How living abroad shaped her confidence and independence The real inspiration behind her novel Gap Year Why Ecuador deserves a spot on every travel bucket list Lindsey's favorite destinations throughout Ecuador Solo travel tips and lessons learned Ecuadorian food you shouldn't miss Safety myths about South America Why it's never too late to reinvent yourself through travel   Why Ecuador Left Such a Lasting Impression Many travelers overlook Ecuador in favor of larger South American destinations, but Lindsey believes that's exactly what makes it so special. Despite its relatively small size, Ecuador offers incredible diversity. Within just a few hours, travelers can experience: The Andes Mountains Colonial cities The Amazon Rainforest Pacific beaches Indigenous markets The Galápagos Islands Very few countries pack so many unforgettable experiences into one destination. As Lindsey explains throughout the episode, Ecuador isn't just beautiful—it's incredibly accessible, welcoming, and full of opportunities for meaningful cultural connections.   Lindsey's Favorite Places in Ecuador Throughout the episode, Lindsey shares several destinations that continue to inspire her years after her first visit. Quito Ecuador's capital combines colonial architecture, rich history, incredible mountain views, and vibrant local neighborhoods. Lindsey recommends spending time exploring the UNESCO-listed historic center and riding the TelefériQo for panoramic views of the city.   Cuenca Often overlooked by international travelers, Cuenca quickly became one of Lindsey's favorite cities. Its walkable streets, charming cafés, beautiful churches, and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal destination for travelers looking to slow down and experience everyday Ecuadorian life.   The Galápagos Islands For Lindsey, the Galápagos remain one of the most magical places on Earth. During the episode, she shares unforgettable stories about: Snorkeling with sea lions Watching giant manta rays Camping on an active volcano Wildlife encounters found nowhere else in the world Conducting research on the islands It's clear why the Galápagos continue to capture travelers' imaginations.   The Amazon Rainforest Lindsey also recounts one of the funniest stories from the interview—her mother's unforgettable reaction after discovering an unexpected frog inside their rainforest cabin. Moments like these remind us that the best travel memories often come from the experiences we never planned.   One of Our Favorite Takeaways Travel isn't just about seeing new places. It's about discovering new facets of yourself. Throughout our conversation, Lindsey returns to this idea again and again. Living abroad forced her outside her comfort zone. She learned Spanish. She navigated unfamiliar cities. She built friendships across cultures. She became more independent. Those experiences ultimately shaped who she is today. It's a powerful reminder that the greatest souvenirs aren't things—they're the confidence, perspective, and resilience we bring home.   Ecuadorian Foods Lindsey Recommends No trip is complete without trying the local cuisine. Some of Lindsey's favorites include: Humitas Quimbolitos Fresh choclo with local cheese Ají (Ecuador's beloved spicy sauce) Fresh tropical fruit from local markets She encourages travelers to explore neighborhood markets and family-owned restaurants to experience Ecuador's incredible culinary culture.   Is Ecuador Safe? One of the most common questions travelers ask is whether Ecuador is safe. Lindsey believes many of the concerns surrounding South America are based on outdated perceptions. Like any destination, Ecuador requires common-sense precautions. Stay aware of your surroundings. Research neighborhoods. Secure your belongings. Use reputable transportation. Trust your instincts. For Lindsey, those practices allowed her to enjoy years of incredible experiences throughout the country.   Why "Gap Year" Isn't Just for Teenagers Perhaps the biggest lesson from this episode is that reinvention doesn't have an age limit. Lindsey's novel centers on an adult woman whose life changes unexpectedly before she embarks on a transformative journey through Ecuador. The message resonates far beyond the pages of the book. Whether you're: Changing careers Recovering from burnout Becoming an empty nester Retiring Looking for a fresh start Travel has the unique ability to offer perspective, healing, and renewed confidence. Sometimes changing your surroundings changes everything.   Favorite Quote from the Episode "Travel isn't about escaping your life. It's about returning home with a new perspective."   Travel Brats Take One of the reasons we loved this conversation is because it reminds us why we started The Travel Brats in the first place. Travel isn't simply about checking countries off a list. It's about collecting stories. Meeting people. Stepping outside your comfort zone. Learning something new about the world—and about yourself. Lindsey's journey through Ecuador perfectly captures that spirit. Her experiences remind us that some destinations stay with us forever, shaping not only the memories we make but the people we become. If Ecuador wasn't already on your bucket list, we have a feeling it will be now.   Listen to the Episode In this episode, you'll hear: Lindsey's incredible Ecuador stories Behind-the-scenes inspiration for Gap Year Hidden gems throughout Ecuador Solo travel advice Ecuador travel tips Lessons on reinvention and resilience Listen wherever you enjoy podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Resources Mentioned Book - Gap Year by Lindsey Goldstein Places - Quito, Cuenca, Otavalo Market, Galápagos Islands, Amazon Rainforest, Cotopaxi National Park, Mitad del Mundo   Continue Exploring Ecuador If you're planning your own adventure, don't miss these additional Travel Brats resources: The Ultimate Ecuador Travel Guide Complete Ecuador Packing List How to Visit the Galápagos Islands Best Things to Do in Quito South America Travel Tips Solo Travel Guide   Join the Travel Brat Tribe Love discovering destinations beyond the typical tourist trail? Subscribe to The Travel Brats Podcast for inspiring conversations with travelers, authors, creators, and industry experts who share the stories behind the destinations they love. And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd leave us a review, share it with a fellow traveler, and tag @TheTravelBrats on social media so we can follow along on your next adventure.  

Planning a vacation should be exciting—not overwhelming. But between choosing a destination, booking flights, creating an itinerary, and figuring out logistics, it's easy to feel stressed before your trip even begins. At The Travel Brats, we've planned everything from last-minute city getaways to international adventures booked nearly a year in advance. Over time, we've learned that the best trips happen when you focus on smart planning without overplanning every minute. Here's our step-by-step guide to planning a vacation the right way.   1. Start With Your "Why" Before choosing a destination, ask yourself: Do I want relaxation or adventure? Am I traveling for food, culture, nature, or nightlife? Am I recharging or packing my schedule? Your answer determines everything from budget to destination to daily activities. Helpful questions to research: Is this destination better for couples, friends, or families? Is it good for digital nomads? Can I visit without renting a car? Does it offer more adventure or relaxation? The clearer your travel goals, the easier every other decision becomes.   2. Set Your Dates and Budget You don't need an exact budget, but you need a realistic one. Consider: Number of travel days Flight costs Hotel or Airbnb costs Food and drinks Transportation Activities and excursions Most importantly, leave room for unexpected expenses. A good vacation budget includes a buffer because travel rarely goes exactly as planned. Also factor in important deadlines such as: PTO approval School breaks Weddings Special events   3. Choose Your Destination Strategically Timing can completely change your experience. Ask yourself: What's in season during my travel dates? Will weather affect the trip? Is it peak tourist season? How long is the travel time? Is the destination easy to navigate? If you only have a few vacation days, shorter flights often win. We've seen travelers hate destinations during crowded peak seasons and fall in love with the same places during shoulder season. Research matters.   4. Book the Big Stuff First Follow this order: ✈️ Flights 🏨 Accommodations 🚗 Transportation 🎟️ Activities Booking major items first reduces stress and gives you more flexibility. When to Book Domestic U.S. Travel 1–3 months ahead International Travel 2–6 months ahead Peak Seasons As early as possible For our New Zealand trip during summer, flights were booked nearly nine months in advance and activities months before departure. Meanwhile, a spontaneous New York trip booked one week ahead worked perfectly because it wasn't a particularly busy travel period. The key is understanding seasonality. The Travel Brats Booking Strategy Book early with free cancellation whenever possible. Great tools include: Booking.com Hotels.com Google Hotels Airbnb Then keep an eye on prices. If rates drop, cancel and rebook. Also remember: Location is often more important than price. A slightly more expensive hotel in a walkable neighborhood can save hundreds on transportation. And don't wait forever hoping prices will drop—they often don't.   5. Create a Flexible Itinerary One of the biggest travel mistakes is over-scheduling. Instead of planning every hour, plan by theme. Examples: Food day Beach day Old town exploration Museum day Nature day A great trip includes structure and flexibility. Helpful Planning Searches Must-see spots in [destination] Hidden gems in [destination] Overrated vs underrated attractions Best neighborhoods to stay in What should I book in advance? Plan one or two anchor activities each day and leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best travel moments happen when you wander.   6. Group Activities by Location Don't zig-zag across a city. Group activities by neighborhood to save time and energy. Use Google Maps to: Save attractions Organize locations Build efficient routes This simple step makes sightseeing significantly easier and reduces unnecessary transportation costs.   7. Schedule Rest Like an Activity Travel burnout is real. Many travelers try to do too much, especially on shorter trips. Build in: Slow mornings Downtime after travel days Breaks between activities Avoid scheduling early tours after late nights whenever possible. You don't need to see everything to have an amazing trip.   8. Handle the Logistics Before You Leave This is the boring stuff—but it's important. Passport Many countries require your passport to remain valid for at least six months after your trip. Check before booking. Visas Visa requirements depend on your passport, not where you live. Use trusted resources like: Embassy websites IATA Travel Centre Sherpa VisaHQ iVisa You may need: No visa eVisa Visa on arrival Embassy visa Always verify requirements before departure. Vaccines Depending on your destination, you may need: Yellow Fever Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Other travel-related vaccines Some countries require proof through an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP), often called the yellow card. Travel Insurance Travel insurance can protect you from: Trip cancellations Medical emergencies Lost luggage Travel disruptions It's especially valuable for international trips and expensive vacations. Other Essentials Before leaving: Download offline maps Save copies of important documents Notify your bank Review your phone plan Check transportation options Do it once, then stop worrying about it.   Bonus Travel Brat Tips Take a Food Tour Food tours combine sightseeing, local culture, and dinner in one experience. They're one of the easiest ways to get familiar with a destination. Give Yourself Extra Time Getting lost happens. Allow extra time for: Airports Train stations Public transportation Finding attractions Learn Local Transportation Every destination works differently. For example, some cities rely heavily on trains, while others require taxis or rental cars. Research transportation before you arrive. Be Early for Trains Trust us on this one. Sometimes trains run late. Sometimes they're early. Being early is always the safer choice.   The Golden Rule If there's one thing to remember from this guide, it's this: Under-plan your days. Over-prepare your logistics. The best vacations aren't packed from sunrise to sunset. They're the ones where transportation is organized, reservations are handled, paperwork is complete, and you have the freedom to enjoy the experience. Plan the essentials, leave room for the unexpected, and you'll create a trip that feels effortless instead of exhausting. And if you need help planning your next adventure, ask your brats—Soph and Nat are always here to help.

Serving the World: Travel, Impact & Adventure with Kimberly Haley-Coleman What if your next vacation could change not only your perspective—but someone else’s life, too? In this episode of The Travel Brats Podcast, we sit down with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, the founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware, to explore what it really means to travel with purpose. With more than 25 years of experience leading short-term volunteer adventures in over 25 countries, Founder of Globe Aware, Kimberly Haley Coleman, has helped thousands of travelers turn meaningful impact into a core part of their journey. Her work has been featured on major platforms like CNN, The Today Show, and The New York Times—and for good reason. This conversation goes beyond travel tips. It’s about shifting your mindset from simply seeing the world to truly connecting with it. How It All Started: The Traveler Behind the Mission Kimberly’s love for travel didn’t start with a perfectly curated itinerary—it started with curiosity and connection. Inspired early on by a sense of global wonder, she began traveling internationally and quickly realized that the most meaningful experiences weren’t found in tourist attractions—but in human connection. That realization became the foundation for her nonprofit, Globe Aware. What began as a vision to connect travelers with communities around the world has grown into a globally recognized nonprofit offering structured, ethical, and sustainable service programs. And while Kimberly has traveled across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, it’s not just the destinations that stand out—it’s the people, the resilience, and the shared humanity she’s encountered along the way. Redefining “Volunteer Travel” Let’s address the elephant in the room: Is volunteer travel just “poverty tourism”? Kimberly doesn’t shy away from this conversation. She explains that ethical, impactful travel is about partnership—not saviorism. It’s about working with communities, not for them. The goal isn’t to “fix” anything—it’s to support locally driven initiatives in a meaningful and sustainable way. What Ethical Travel Looks Like: Programs led by or in partnership with local communities Projects that address real, ongoing needs—not short-term optics Cultural exchange that goes both ways Green Flags to Look For: Transparency about where your time and money go Long-term relationships within the community A balance between service and cultural immersion Red Flags: Programs that center the volunteer over the community Lack of clear impact or follow-through “Feel-good” experiences with no sustainable outcome What a Globe Aware Trip Actually Feels Like So what does a week of service travel really look like? Imagine landing in a destination like Peru. You’re welcomed into a community, introduced to your project, and quickly become part of something bigger than yourself. Over the course of the week, you might: Help build infrastructure, like schools or housing Support environmental or conservation efforts Work alongside locals on community-driven initiatives And no, you don’t need special skills or to speak the language. What you do need is an open mind. Travelers often leave these trips surprised—not just by what they’ve seen, but by what they’ve learned about themselves. There’s growth, perspective, and yes… sometimes even tears. Because when you step outside your comfort zone, you start to see the world—and your place in it—differently. Balancing Impact & Adventure One of the most unique aspects of Globe Aware trips is the balance. You’re not volunteering 24/7. Typically, about 30 hours of your week are dedicated to service, leaving plenty of time to explore, experience local culture, and enjoy the destination. It’s not about sacrificing travel—it’s about enhancing it. The Personal Growth Side of Travel Kimberly’s journey isn’t just about building a nonprofit—it’s about what travel taught her along the way. Leaving a high-level corporate career to pursue Globe Aware came with challenges, but also clarity. Through her work, she’s learned: Resilience from communities facing adversity The power of connection across cultures That leadership looks different around the world And after more than two decades, what still moves her most? The people. Who Is This Type of Travel For? Short answer: almost everyone. Globe Aware trips are designed for: Solo travelers looking for a deeper connection Families wanting meaningful shared experiences Students seeking perspective before entering the workforce Corporate teams building a purpose-driven culture There are minimal age restrictions, and no prior experience is required. Practical Tips Before You Go If you’re considering a service trip, here’s what Kimberly recommends: Mentally prepare: Go in with humility, not expectations. Stay open: You’re there to learn just as much as you are to help. Don’t stress about skills: Your presence and willingness matter more than expertise. Safety: Programs are structured and vetted—safety is always a priority. The Bigger Picture: Can Travel Change the World? Kimberly believes it can. When people experience different cultures firsthand, it fosters empathy, understanding, and connection—things the world needs more of. Her hope for the future of travel? That more travelers shift from asking “What can I get from this trip?” to “What can I give—and what can I learn?” Final Thoughts This episode is a reminder that travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you show up when you get there. And sometimes, the most unforgettable trips aren’t the ones where you saw the most—but the ones where you felt the most. Ready to travel with purpose? If you’ve been wanting a trip that goes beyond sightseeing—one where you can truly make an impact, learn about a culture, and connect with locals while exploring incredible destinations—this is your sign. We’ve partnered with Globe Aware to help YOU experience a different kind of travel: one-week service adventures in places like Peru, Costa Rica, Cambodia, and more. You’ll spend part of your trip assisting and connecting with local communities—while also discovering the culture, food, and beauty of each destination. No special skills needed—just an open mind and a willingness to show up and immerse yourself. If this sounds like your kind of adventure, we’d love to help you get started. Email us at [email protected] with the subject line “GLOBE AWARE TRIP”, and we’ll send you a code for $100 off your first Globe Aware booking. Let’s travel differently—more meaning, more connection, more impact. Listen to the Episode Ready to explore Europe beyond the tourist traps? This episode is packed with travel tips, cultural insights, and destination inspiration to help you plan a more meaningful trip.   Read the full blog post here: https://thetravelbrats.com/serving-the-world-travel-impact-adventure-with-kimberly-haley-coleman/   Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/mAIjo83mCCo   Visit tenontours.com and include the code TRAVELBRAT300 to your initial trip request or provide it when you first connect with your Travel Designer.