The Global Girlfriend

Planning a girls trip sounds dreamy… until the budgets start coming out. One friend wants the boutique hotel, another is saving for a wedding, and someone else is trying to keep the whole trip under $500. So how do you travel with friends when everyone’s income and spending comfort looks different?In this episode of The Global Girlfriend, we talk about the very real challenge of planning travel when your friend group has different financial situations. From choosing the right destination to navigating awkward money conversations, we share practical tips for planning a trip that works for everyone.We discuss how to set realistic travel budgets, avoid hidden financial pressure, and design trips with flexible options so no one feels stretched, embarrassed, or left out. We also share stories from our own girls trips and experiences living abroad, and reflect on how friendships evolve as careers, lifestyles, and incomes change.If you’ve ever felt awkward talking about money while planning travel with friends, this episode is for you.In this episode we cover:How to talk about travel budgets with friendsChoosing destinations that work for different income levelsPlanning trips with optional luxury experiencesAvoiding financial tension on group tripsHow to keep friendships strong while traveling togetherWhether you’re planning a weekend getaway, an international girls trip, or your next group adventure, this episode will help you travel smarter — and kinder — with your friends.Follow The Global Girlfriend for weekly conversations about women, travel, friendship, and life abroad.www.theglobalgirlfriend.comAll socials: @theglobalgirlfriend

Thinking about planning an international bachelorette party… but not sure where to start?In this episode of The Global Girlfriend Podcast, we break down exactly how to plan a destination bachelorette party — using Morgan’s London celebration as a real-life case study.From coordinating friends across six countries to budgeting flights, managing group dynamics, and building an itinerary that actually works — we’re sharing the practical steps (and honest lessons) behind planning a successful international hen do.Inside this episode, we cover:How far in advance to plan an international bacheloretteComparing international vs. domestic costs (you might be surprised)Using Google Docs to delegate roles and streamline planningChoosing a destination that feels authentic to the brideHow to build a realistic itinerary (without burnout or decision fatigue)Inviting beyond the bridal party and navigating global friendshipsHandling group dynamics and setting boundariesBalancing iconic events (like ABBA Voyage and West End shows) with downtimeAccommodation tips for large international groupsWe also talk about:How to divide responsibilities across your groupWhy logistics matter more than you thinkHow to prioritize what actually matters to the brideMaking an international trip feel inclusive and celebratoryThe emotional beauty of gathering friendships from different chapters of lifeIf you are:A bride considering a destination bacheloretteA maid of honor planning a hen party abroadA group of friends spread across countriesOr someone who loves women, travel, and big life momentsThis episode will give you both inspiration and strategy.International bachelorettes don’t have to be “extra” — with the right planning, they can be intentional, meaningful, and surprisingly doable.Would you plan a destination hen party abroad?Tell us the farthest you’ve traveled for a bachelorette.Connect with us on Instagram and TikTok @TheGlobalGirlfriend.If this episode helps you plan your trip, leave us a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — it helps more global girlfriends find us.

How do you take care of yourself when your life doesn’t stay in one place?In this cozy, intimate episode of The Global Girlfriend, we’re talking about the real-life self-care rituals we rely on while traveling, living abroad, and constantly moving. These aren’t picture-perfect routines, they’re grounding habits that help us feel calm, safe, and emotionally okay whether we’re in a hotel room, a hostel, an airport, or a tiny apartment on the other side of the world.We share how we build gentle structure in chaotic travel days, why routines create emotional safety, and the small practices that help us feel at home anywhere. In this episode, we cover:Morning and coffee rituals on the roadJournaling, reflection, and processing homesicknessMovement as self-care (walking, swimming, stretching — no pressure)Skincare and body rituals that bring comfort and familiarityHow scent, routine, and repetition help regulate emotions while travelingThe 3 pillars of travel self-care you can personalize for your own life abroadThis episode is for:Long-term travelers & digital nomadsWomen living abroadAnyone feeling untethered, overwhelmed, or emotionally stretched while travelingListeners who want soft, realistic self-care, not hustle culture wellness Because travel is beautiful and exhausting. And you’re allowed to rest — even in paradise.

Have you ever gone on a trip… and come back a completely different person?In this powerful and reflective episode, we explore how travel can spark life-changing decisions, shift your mindset, and help you see what’s truly possible. Inspired by the idea that “travel breaks the illusion that your current life is the only possible one,” we share personal stories, listener experiences, and honest insights into why one journey can reshape your entire future. From Morgan’s transformative trip to Paris that led her to move abroad, to Brianna’s life-changing teaching internship in Kenya, this episode dives deep into how travel creates clarity, courage, and confidence. We also discuss: Why travel helps you reconnect with your intuitionHow stepping outside your routine creates perspective The balance between therapy and real-world experiencesStories of quitting jobs, starting businesses, and ending relationships after travelHow different cultures redefine “success” and happinessWhy your dreams feel more possible when you’re abroadWhether you’re planning your first solo trip, dreaming of living abroad, or feeling stuck in your current routine, this episode will inspire you to listen to your inner voice and embrace change.If you’ve ever wondered:“How travel changes your life,”“Should I move abroad?”“Can travel help me find myself?”or “Why do trips feel so transformative?”—this episode is for you.Tune in, get inspired, and let your next adventure change everything.www.theglobalgirlfriend.comOn socials: @theglobalgirlfriend

In this episode of The Global Girlfriend Podcast, Brianna shares her unforgettable journey through North India—traveling independently without a tour and navigating one of the world’s most vibrant, intense, and beautiful destinations.From the iconic Golden Triangle route (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, bustling markets, colorful textiles, and unforgettable street food, Brianna gives you an honest look at what it’s really like to travel in India on your own.Together, Brianna and Morgan dive into:✨ Traveling through Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur✨ Visiting the Taj Mahal and Rajasthan highlights✨ Independent travel vs. group tours in India✨ Safety tips for women traveling in India✨ Train travel, tuk-tuks, and getting around✨ Coping with sensory overload and culture shock✨ Indian food, chai, and paneer masala obsessions✨ Budgeting, bartering, and avoiding scams✨ What to pack and how long to stay✨ Insider tips for first-time visitors to IndiaIf you’re dreaming of visiting India, planning a Golden Triangle itinerary, or wondering whether you should travel solo or book a tour, this episode is packed with practical advice, personal stories, and honest reflections to help you prepare.🎒 Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or building confidence for your next big adventure, this episode will inspire you to embrace the chaos, beauty, and magic of North India.Plus, Brianna announces a special North India travel guide coming soon to help you plan your own trip!🎧 Listen now and start planning your Indian adventure.

What starts as a TEFL certification in Florence turns into a life-changing journey through Rome, Tuscany, and the Italian wine world In this episode of The Global Girlfriend Podcast, we sit down with Tara, co-host of Taste Toast Travel, to talk about what really happens when you say yes to living abroad — the messy parts, the magic moments, and everything in between.Tara shares how a breakup and career crossroads led her from retail in California to teaching English in Italy, working with the Italian military, living in Rome, and eventually landing at a Tuscan winery where she met her husband and later got married — yes, at an Italian vineyard.We dive into:✨ What it’s actually like to get a TEFL certification abroad✨ How to find English teaching jobs in Italy✨ Florence vs. Rome — and why Rome might surprise you✨ Working at a winery in Tuscany✨ Planning a destination wedding in Italy (on a budget!)✨ Following your intuition when life feels uncertain✨ Building a global life, career, and family abroadThis episode is for anyone who’s dreamed about teaching English overseas, moving to Italy, or reinventing their life through travel — and wants the honest version, not just the Instagram highlight reel. Plus, Tara sticks around for our rapid-fire round covering Italian food obsessions, underrated destinations, and the ultimate wine to bring to a girlfriend dinner.If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be more than this” — this one’s for you.Follow Tara & Taste Toast Travel:Instagram & TikTok: @tastetostravel_Website & Podcast: tastetostravel.comFollow The Global Girlfriend:Instagram & TikTok: @theglobalgirlfriendWebsite: theglobalgirlfriend.com✈️ New episodes weekly. Bring your passport energy.

What happens when you choose adventure over the conventional path, and trust yourself enough to keep going?In this episode of The Global Girlfriend, we sit down with Jayce Keil, international luxury wedding photographer, former whitewater river guide, outdoor adventurer, and global entrepreneur, to talk about building a life driven by passion, creativity, and freedom.Jayce shares her journey from guiding multi-day river trips in Moab and ski seasons in Telluride, to traveling the world, falling in love across borders, and building a photography and videography business with her Irish husband that now spans the US and Europe. Together, we dive into what it really takes to create a location-flexible career, navigate international relationships, blend cultures while raising a child, and resist the pressure to “pick just one life.”This episode is for anyone dreaming of:• Living and working abroad• Building a location-independent or creative career• Navigating love, marriage, and family across cultures• Choosing adventure over expectations• Designing a life that doesn’t fit into a single boxJayce’s story is an honest reminder that you don’t have to follow the script, and that believing in your vision (even when others don’t) can change everything.🎧 Tune in for inspiration, real talk, and permission to run toward the life you actually want.Find Jayce here: https://jaycekeil.com/ insta: @jaycekeil Follow The Global Girlfriend here: www.theglobalgirlfriend.cominsta: @theglobalgirlfriend

As we step into a new year, this episode of The Global Girlfriend is all about pausing, reflecting, and dreaming forward. In this New Year special, we’re looking back at 2025: a year of travel, growth, courage, and unexpected lessons...and setting powerful intentions for 2026. From unforgettable destinations and meaningful cultural moments to behind-the-scenes reflections on building a global podcast and community, this episode is about honoring where you’ve been and getting excited about where you’re going.We reflect on what travel taught us in 2025—about slowing down, belonging, confidence, and purpose—and share how The Global Girlfriend podcast evolved through conversations centered on global living, love, friendship, and personal expansion. We also express deep gratitude for our listeners, whose messages, stories, and support continue to shape this community.Looking ahead to 2026, we talk about:Dream travel destinations and intentional ways of exploring the worldSlow travel, deeper cultural immersion, and traveling for meaning, not just contentNew podcast themes, dream guests, and how we want the show to feel next yearPersonal intentions, growth goals, and choosing a word or mantra for the year aheadThis episode is also an invitation to reflect on your own year and step into your Global Girlfriend era, wherever you are in the world. You don’t need a passport to live globally, curiosity, courage, and intention are enough.Whether you’re planning your next trip, navigating life abroad, or simply craving a sense of expansion and connection, this episode is meant to feel like a hug and a boarding pass.🎧 Subscribe, share this episode with a fellow global girlfriend, and tag us with your 2026 dreams. Wherever you are in the world, you belong here.

What happens when you listen to the quiet nudge that says there’s more?In this episode of The Global Girlfriend Podcast, we’re joined by Jaid ( @jaidinthelife ) — a Canadian content creator who packed up her life in Toronto and moved to southern Italy in her 30s on a working holiday visa… without a job, without Italian, and without a long-term plan.Now living in Bari, Italy, Jaid opens up about what it really looks like to start over abroad: the fear, the freedom, the unexpected love story, and the slow, beautiful shift into a softer pace of life. From restaurant work to wedding planning, solo travel to building community, this conversation is a refreshingly honest look at what happens when you say yes to possibility.We talk about:Moving abroad in your 30s (and why age shouldn’t stop you)Following intuition and trusting the “pull” toward something newSolo travel as a catalyst for personal growthFinding work abroad without speaking the languageDating and relationships overseas (yes, Italian men ...)Making friends and building community in a new countryLetting go of hustle culture and embracing a slower lifeWhy you don’t need everything figured out to take the leapIf you’ve been dreaming about living abroad, taking a solo trip, or changing your life but fear, timing, or “logic” keeps getting in the way, this episode will remind you that you’re allowed to begin again.Pour yourself a glass of prosecco and press play. 🍾✨

What does it really mean to build a life around travel, purpose, and curiosity? In this episode of The Global Girlfriend Podcast, we’re joined by travel creator, journalist, and host of the Eternally Evolving podcast, Miriam Donovan, who’s currently living on a boat in French Polynesia . From studying international relations and Middle Eastern politics to full-time slow travel across 44 countries, Miriam shares how she followed her intuition, left her apartment behind, and created a sustainable travel lifestyle rooted in cultural understanding, ethical tourism, and community. We dive into her transformative experiences in Jordan, Nicaragua, Central America, and beyond—and what those places taught her about identity, belonging, and growth.In this episode, we talk about:What full-time travel actually looks like behind the scenesLiving and working on a boat in French PolynesiaSlow travel, work exchanges, and building community abroadTurning multiple passions into a sustainable careerEthical, cultural, and responsible travelOvercoming fear, anxiety, and uncertainty while traveling soloHow travel can be the ultimate educationWhether you’re dreaming of becoming a digital nomad, curious about life at sea, or navigating your own evolving relationship with work, home, and identity, this conversation will inspire you to trust the path you’re on—even when it doesn’t look conventional.Follow Miriam: @miriamdonovanListen to her podcast: Eternally Evolving✨ New episodes of The Global Girlfriend Podcast drop weekly—follow, rate, and share if this episode resonates with you.

Grab your coziest scarf and a mug of mulled wine — this festive episode of The Global Girlfriend is all about Christmas travel, winter adventures, and cozy holiday memories. Brianna and Morgan are celebrating the season by sharing our favorite winter trips, iconic European Christmas markets, unforgettable ski destinations, and the small traditions that make traveling during the holidays so special.From mushroom-shaped cabins in snowy Montenegro to magical Christmas markets in Vienna, Bruges, and Brussels, we’re talking about why winter might actually be the best time to travel. We also dive into skiing in Eastern Europe, winter fashion essentials, cozy cabins vs. city lights, and the joy of gathering with friends and family when the world slows down.In this episode, we chat about:❄️ The best European Christmas markets to visit⛷️ Skiing in Eastern Europe (and why it’s underrated & affordable)🎄 Winter travel traditions for expats and global nomads🧣 Winter fashion, thrifted snowsuits & cozy essentials🏔️ Dream winter destinations — from Japan to Antarctica❤️ Why winter travel is all about connection, warmth, and togethernessWhether you’re living abroad, traveling home for the holidays, or dreaming up your next winter adventure, this episode is your invitation to embrace the magic of the season, wherever you are in the world.✨ Happy Holidays from The Global GirlfriendFind us on Instagram & TikTok: @theglobalgirlfriendVisit: theglobalgirlfriend.com

Ready to update your 2025 travel bucket list? In this fun duo episode, Brianna and Morgan dive into Time Out’s “25 Best Things to Do in the World in 2025” and play a travel-lover’s version of Smash or Pass. From Arctic micro-cruises and vintage steam trains in Vietnam to wild new museums, creative cities, and party spots you may (or may not) want to visit, we’re breaking down which global experiences are actually worth the hype.As two women who live abroad and travel extensively, we’re sharing our honest reactions, our dream destinations, and a few hilarious hard passes. If you’re planning your next trip or just love hearing about unique travel experiences, this episode is full of inspiration, laughter, and wanderlust.In this episode:✨ The 2025 world events and destinations worth flying for✨ Why Greenland is suddenly on our radar✨ Bali’s new “creative city” and why it feels straight out of Black Mirror✨ Vintage steam trains, Arctic micro-cruises, and other aesthetic travel dreams✨ Places we’d skip — even for the plotThis is the perfect episode for travelers, expats, digital nomads, or anyone looking to explore new corners of the world in 2025.Share your Smash or Pass list with us!Find us on Instagram & TikTok: @theglobalgirlfriendExplore more at theglobalgirlfriend.com

In this episode of The Global Girlfriend Podcast, we sit down with a very special guest, Morgan’s fiancé, Danny Clynes, an avid outdoorsman, hiker, backpacker, and passionate fly fisherman. If you love outdoor travel, adventure tourism, or exploring nature while living and traveling abroad, this episode is for you.Danny shares how his love of the outdoors began in the Ozarks and evolved into a global passion that has taken him fly fishing in New Zealand, Spain’s Pyrenees, Costa Rica, Montana, and beyond. We explore how planning travel around nature-based activities can create deeper, more meaningful travel experiences.In this episode, you’ll learn: What makes fly fishing unique & why it’s a global outdoor hobbyHow to plan an outdoor adventure trip (permits, gear, safety & research) How fishing connects travelers to local communities and culturesStories from international fly fishing trips around the worldHow nature, hobbies, and shared adventure strengthen relationships Bucket-list outdoor destinations for couples who love to travelWhether you’re dreaming of hiking in the mountains, fly fishing in crystal-clear rivers, or planning your next international trip, this episode is packed with inspiration for travelers who love the outdoors.Follow Danny on Instagram: @roads.to.ridgesFollow The Global Girlfriend: @theglobalgirlfriend on Instagram & TikTokVisit us at theglobalgirlfriend.comIf you love travel storytelling, outdoor adventure, and tips for exploring the world with your partner, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

What happens when your life changes in a single moment, and you refuse to stop exploring the world anyway?In this powerful episode, we sit down with Evan Folan, the first-ever man to join The Global Girlfriend, to share his unbelievable story of surviving a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a freak semi-truck accident on a California freeway. Evan opens up about the day that changed his life, the years of recovery that followed, and what it means to travel, hike, love, and stay hopeful while living with chronic pain, memory loss, and hidden disabilities.From packing with checklists and traveling with ice packs to seeking joy in food, mountains, and meaningful human connection, Evan reminds us that life is a gift, and no day is guaranteed.He also introduces Toro & Tides, the brand he created to support and educate the brain-injury community, where 10% of profits help people access treatment when insurance fails. You’ll hear:Evan’s near-death experience and recoveryHow he continues traveling with a TBIWhat allies can do to support hidden disabilitiesWhy living in the moment matters now more than everHow Toro & Tides is building community & awareness🌊 Follow & Support Toro & Tides: @toroandtides | toroandtides.com Listen to Evan’s podcast Brain to Brain for more stories from the TBI community.

In this soulful and deeply relatable episode of The Global Girlfriend, we sit down with one of Morgan’s closest friends, and OG travel buddy, Dani Smith to talk about carving out a life that feels meaningful, intentional, and true to who you are.Dani takes us through her decade-long journey of living across the U.S., exploring new cultures, switching careers, and learning to trust her curiosity. From backpacking through Europe to guiding hikers in Maine, from copywriting to rural healthcare, and finally to becoming a therapist, Dani opens up about the beauty and chaos of being a “career chameleon.”Together, we dive into:- What it means to find purpose outside of a traditional 9–5- How fear and curiosity shape the choices we make- Why our 20s and 30s are filled with more “chapters” than checklists- The pressure to define ourselves by our work, and how to let that go- How to rethink success through values, adventure, and inner alignmentIf you’ve ever felt behind, unsure, or overwhelmed trying to “figure out your life,” this conversation is a warm exhale. Dani’s wisdom, grounded optimism, and therapist-level reflections will leave you feeling inspired, reassured, and ready to embrace your next chapter, whatever it looks like.And if you want to connect with Dani, you can find her at Cactus Tree Counseling.Follow us on Instagram & TikTok at @theglobalgirlfriend, and visit theglobalgirlfriend.com for more.

What does it take to see the world when the world isn’t always built for you? In this inspiring episode we sit down with disability advocate, writer, and photographer Michelle Steiner to talk about navigating travel through the lens of a learning disability.Michelle shares her story of resilience: from being told she couldn’t go to college to proving everyone wrong, building a life she loves, and finding freedom through travel. She opens up about her first solo trip, how she prepares for accessible adventures, and the small acts of kindness that make travel more inclusive for everyone.You’ll also learn about the Flight Ambassador Program, the Hidden Sunflower Lanyard, and other travel resources designed to support travelers with invisible disabilities. This conversation is a reminder that the world can open up in beautiful ways when we meet it with curiosity, patience, and compassion.Follow Michelle at https://www.michellesmission.com/Connect with us on socials @theglobalgirlfriend

What’s it really like to start over in a new country, again, in your 30s? In this episode we sit down with Lauren Riley, who has lived across three continents and recently relocated to the UK for work. Together, we dive into the side of relocating that doesn’t make it to Instagram: the quiet moments, the unexpected challenges, and the emotional rollercoaster of rebuilding your life abroad as an adult.Lauren opens up about how expat life feels different now than it did in her 20s, what she’s learned from moving countries multiple times, and why, despite the struggles, she still believes it’s so worth it. Whether you’re considering your first move abroad or you’ve been living out of a suitcase for years, this episode is packed with relatable insights and heartfelt advice for navigating the beautiful chaos of life overseas.

In this powerful and heart-opening episode we sit down with Moira Khan: grief coach, educator, and founder of Griefspan Education. Moira shares how her international journey took a devastating turn when she experienced the tragic loss of her family while living abroad.Instead of shutting down, she transformed her pain into purpose, creating a compassionate global community for others navigating grief far from home.In this episode, we explore:Moira’s life abroad and the story behind her international rootsHow profound loss inspired her to create Griefspan Education and support others in griefReal, honest tips for coping with grief while living in a foreign countryWhat to do when you’re facing anticipatory grief or deciding whether to move homeHow to begin again. Rebuilding identity, purpose, and joy in a new countryThis conversation is tender, raw, and full of hope. A must-listen for anyone who’s ever lost someone while living far from “home,” or loves someone who has.Check out Moira's grief coaching community and services here: https://www.griefspan.com/about @greifspaneducation

Can you have a full-time career, a marriage, a mortgage, and still see the world? In this episode, Morgan and Brianna sit down with Morgan’s childhood friend, Nikki, a nurse anesthetist who’s proving that “normal” doesn’t have to mean ordinary.On paper, Nikki’s life checks every conventional box: a successful career in healthcare, a stable marriage, and roots planted at home. But behind the scenes? In the last year alone she has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, wandered through Bali and Australia, and is gearing up to hike Patagonia, all while holding down a demanding job in medicine.Together, we explore:How Nikki designed a life that blends responsibility with freedomThe mindset shifts and planning that make travel possibleWhat it’s like to balance marriage, shift work, and a passport full of stampsPractical tips for anyone who feels “stuck” in routine but craves adventureThis episode is for the dreamers with day jobs, the ones who want to keep their roots and grow their wings.To follow Nikki's incredible adventures, follow her on instagram: @nikki.shadwick Connect with The Global Girlfriend here: Insta: @theglobalgirlfriend @makinitwithmomo @brianna.wanders www.theglobalgirlfriend.com

This week on The Global Girlfriend, we sit down with Sofia, a Portuguese event producer whose leap of faith took her from the sunshine of Lisbon to the hustle of London. We talk about what it really means to start over in a new city: the loneliness, the late nights, and the unexpected joys that come with carving out a life abroad. From volunteering at a festival in Albania to building a thriving freelance career in one of the world’s busiest cities, Sofia shares how courage, community, and a little chaos shaped her journey.Whether you’ve ever dreamed of moving to a new country or just love stories of women chasing bold adventures, this episode will remind you that home isn’t always where you start, it’s where you grow.www.theglobalgirlfriend.comwww.sofiamariz.com