ChatGPT can be super helpful when it comes to vacation planning, but there’s one major area where it just doesn’t measure up—and if you’re not careful, it could throw your trip off track. In this episode, I’m breaking down what you need to watch out for and how to use ChatGPT wisely, so you can plan with clarity and confidence instead of running into roadblocks later. → SAVE YOUR SPOT ON MY CALENDAR TO GET 1-ON-1 VACATION PLANNING SUPPORT! ← Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 136: Using AI to Plan Your Vacation Episode 159: 5 Tips to Decrease the Time It Takes to Plan Your Vacation Episode 204: The Only Flight Booking Tip You Need
Sometimes the vacations we dream about feel way out of reach — too expensive, too complicated, or just not realistic with life right now. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to wait until you’ve nailed down dates to start planning. There are actually quite a few things you can be doing early on, before you even know when you can make this trip happen. On this episode, I’m sharing what those are and why it’s worth sketching out those big trip ideas early, even if they’re still a few years away. → Learn about the VACATION BLUEPRINT DESIGN service ← Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 107: How to JUMPSTART Your Vacation Planning Episode 158: A Fall Challenge For You Episode 165: An Annual Review of Your Travel Bucket List
→ PLAN YOUR TRIP ONE CHUNK AT A TIME ← If the idea of planning your next vacation feels like way too much—and your brain just wants to avoid it altogether—my first recommendation is always to hire me. That’s the fastest way to take the stress off your plate and still end up with an amazing trip. But if that’s not in the budget right now, the next best thing I can give you is my free vacation planning challenge. And in this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how it works, so you can see how it takes that big, messy “plan a whole trip” task and breaks it into simple, bite-sized steps. This way, you’ll keep making progress every week—without the overwhelm. Because I don’t want you waiting so long to start that the best flights and hotels are gone. I don’t want you rushing through the details and ending up with a “meh” trip. And I definitely don’t want you deciding, yet again, that you’re just too busy for a vacation this year. This challenge is built for busy, working women—it’s flexible, it’s doable, and honestly, it’s kind of fun. And by the end, you’ll have rock-solid vacation plans you can actually feel excited about. So if you’re ready to finally get that trip out of your head and onto the calendar, this is where you start → SIGN UP FOR THE FREE VACATION PLANNING CHALLENGE → SAVE YOUR SPOT ON MY CALENDAR TO GET 1-ON-1 VACATION PLANNING SUPPORT! ← Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: 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 107: How to JUMPSTART Your Vacation Planning
The moment you let yourself imagine that perfect getaway, the “what ifs” start barging in. What if something urgent comes up at work? What if the kids get sick? What if it’s bad timing for the family? What if something goes wrong while I’m away? Suddenly, all that excitement you felt gets replaced with doubt—and before you know it, you’ve talked yourself out of going anywhere. In this episode, we’re digging into those loud, persistent “what ifs” that can stop a vacation before it even starts—and how to turn down their volume. Because sure, those thoughts might always pop up, but they don’t have to be the ones calling the shots or stealing your travel dreams. → SAVE YOUR SPOT ON MY CALENDAR TO GET 1-ON-1 VACATION PLANNING SUPPORT! ← Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 141: Encouragement + Advice | Destinations That Make You a Tad Uncomfortable Episode 145: How I Accidentally Cured My Airport Anxiety Episode 171: How To Start Taking Vacations Again
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s actually like to take a solo retreat, here’s your chance to follow along with me in real time, from cozy and relaxing moments in my cozy AirBnB, to reflective moments that unfolded between bursts of inspiration and productivity. This episode is part travel diary, part behind-the-scenes peek at how I intentionally designed my days to strike a balance between deep rest, productive work, and simply enjoying my surroundings. Think of it as an unfiltered look at what it feels like to step away from everyday life — just you, your thoughts, and the space to breathe. Start planning your solo retreat! → FREE DOWNLOAD: SOLO RETREAT PLANNING GUIDE Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 139: The ONE Question to Ask Yourself Today Episode 218: How to Have a Successful Solo Staycation Retreat Episode 219: My Top 10 Solo Retreat Tips
Sightseeing is one of those ingrained travel behaviors that almost happens by default. It’s something we do because it’s expected, not always because it genuinely excites us. I’ve explored this topic before, and each time I bring it up, it sparks such interesting conversations. I’m revisiting some of those earlier ideas alongside fresh reflections that have been on my mind lately. Whether you’re someone who thrives on checking off iconic sights or you sometimes wonder if there’s more to travel than just ticking boxes, this episode offers some new ways to think about what sightseeing really means. If you’ve ever questioned how much sightseeing truly adds to your experience—or felt stuck in the usual “must-see” mindset—this conversation is for you. Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 73: Travel Style Series 2.0: You Don't HAVE To Do That When You Go There Episode 75: Travel Style Series 2.0: Let’s Talk About Sightseeing Episode 111: How To Stop Treating Your Vacations Like a To-Do List
Even as someone who loves traveling and who’s made a career out of it, there are still parts of the experience I could happily skip. And today, I’m pulling back the curtain on those not-so-shiny sides of vacation for an honestly fresh venting session. Travel is often overglamorized, and the less-than-perfect moments rarely get airtime. So if you’ve ever felt like you should be loving every single moment, or you’re just ready for a more honest conversation about what travel is really like, this episode is for you. Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 141: Encouragement + Advice | Destinations That Make You a Tad Uncomfortable Episode 145: How I Accidentally Cured My Airport Anxiety Episode 250: Your Pre-Vacation Prep Routine (That Goes Beyond Packing)
As I’m on the cusp of our 6th annual trip to Montana—I’m ready to dish all the things about taking a Montana vacation, because this place has quietly become one of my favorite places in the entire world. If Montana is on your radar, I’m sharing the most useful things I’ve learned from both personal trips and client itineraries. This braindump will help you understand what you’re really walking into—so you can plan a trip that actually fits what you’re looking for. This episode is your practical starting point to help you kick off planning your own trip with confidence. → Get on Angela’s calendar for support with planning next year’s Montana vacation → Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 99: Is a National Parks Vacation Right for Your Family? Episode 174: Memorable Montana Moments w/ Angie Hodge Episode 253: When Nature Stops Being a Hobby and Starts Being a Lifeline
Some people return to the same destination year after year—and maybe you do, too. Whether it’s a beloved beach town, a favorite country you’ve explored more than once, or a place that simply feels like home, revisiting a destination can mean a lot of things. In this episode, we’re exploring what it really means when you keep going back to the same place. I’m sharing personal stories, reflections from other travelers, and what I’ve learned about the beauty—and the risk—of returning to places you love. → Need help figuring out where to go on your next vacation? Check out my DESTINATION MATCHING service! → Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 149: A Heart-to-Heart With Your Vacation Expectations Episode 156: Behind-the-Scenes of my BEST Vacation Yet Episode 248: Scotland, Your Way // My Scotland Trip Audio Diary
Nobody plans a vacation expecting it to be disappointing—but sometimes, it just is. Maybe the destination didn’t wow you. Maybe the vibe was off. Or maybe it just didn’t feel as fun or relaxing as you’d hoped. Of course, plenty of things can go wrong on a trip—bad weather, travel delays, that one hotel that looked way better in photos. But in this episode, we’re getting into the real reason a vacation might feel like a letdown—like truly miss-the-mark, waste-of-time, major letdown kind of suck. And the kicker? It’s something you actually can do something about ahead of time. So before you start planning your next trip, let’s talk about the one thing that has the power to make or break the whole experience. → Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 116: How to Adopt an Adventure Attitude Episode 149: A Heart-to-Heart With Your Vacation Expectations Episode 175: Decoding Your Vacation Entertainment Expectations
If life’s been feeling loud, fast, or just a little off—you’re not alone. Maybe it’s the constant hum of traffic, the never-ending Teams messages, or the way your phone seems permanently attached to your hand. Your brain’s jumping from one thing to the next, and even when you do get a break, you don’t actually feel rested. Something feels like it’s missing… but you can’t quite name it. If any of that rings true for you, I’m inviting you to come back to NATURE—not as a hobby or a once-a-year escape, but as a daily rhythm and a steady source of peace. On this episode, we’re talking about how getting outside can shift from being a “nice to have” to something you genuinely crave (and need). Because you might not even realize how much you need it—until you do. → Want my support in designing a nature-focused vacation? Get on my calendar here or email me with any questions (angela@wildhairtravels.com). → Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 99: Is a National Parks Vacation Right For Your Family? Episode 154: 4 Signs It’s Time for a Nature Fix Episode 223: How to Be Happy at Home When You’re Craving a Getaway
You know that feeling when you’re looking through vacation photos and suddenly you’re hit with just how stunning a place really was—even more than you felt in the moment? You were there, you knew it was beautiful… but the awe didn’t quite land until later. In this episode, we’re talking about why that happens—why your photos can sometimes feel more magical than the experience itself. But more importantly, we’re diving into how to shift that, so you can actually feel the magic while you’re living it. Because no photo, no matter how gorgeous, beats the real thing when you’re fully present for it. Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 143: How to Bring Back the WONDER of Travel Episode 154: 4 Signs It’s Time for a Nature Fix Episode 206: Three Ways to Fall in Love With a Destination
If you’ve been craving more joy or just want to feel more connected to the life you’re living, this episode is a great place to start. Today I’m sharing a down-to-earth, practical way to check in with yourself and see if your daily life reflects what actually matters most to you. Because feeling good in your life starts with noticing how you’re spending your time, energy, and resources—and this quick gut check will be so enlightening for you. Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 109: "Live Your Life On Purpose" - What Does That Mean and How Do You Do It? Episode 110: Don’t Ignore This BIGGER Purpose of a Vacation Episode 172: How To Live a Happier Life
If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to get everything done before a trip—then returning home to a chaotic house, an overflowing inbox, and zero groceries—you’re not alone. That last stretch before vacation can feel like a sprint, and coming home doesn’t always feel like the reset it should. In this episode, I’m sharing a practical, stress-reducing pre-vacation prep routine that covers everything besides the packing. From organizing care for kids, pets, and aging parents to tidying up the house, handling life admin, and prepping for time away from work—this is the kind of list that helps you leave home with confidence and return to a lot less chaos. THANK YOU for being here for 250 episodes + leaving a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 65: Planning Your Work Around Your Vacations Episode 83: How I REALLY Felt About Going on Vacation Without My InfantEpisode 199: How to Ditch Work Stress Before and After a Vacation Episode 213: The Path to Your Next Vacation: Career Edition Episode 214: The Path to Your Next Vacation: Caretaker Edition
Let’s be honest—overnight flights aren’t exactly the highlight of international travel. And if you’re not one of those magical people who can sleep sitting upright (hi, not me!), the struggle to get rest and arrive feeling even slightly refreshed is real. In this episode, I’m sharing the carry-on essentials I swear by for surviving long-haul flights to Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. From sleep strategies to avoiding that icky airplane funk, I’ll walk you through the five-part packing formula I’ve been fine-tuning over the years—designed to give you the best shot at landing rested and ready to start your trip. —>ORGANIZE your vacation plans before departure with a centralized HUB (only $99!)<— Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 96: Real Talk About Packing (From an “Overpacker”) Episode 194: My #1 Must-Have Travel Companion Episode 246: Scotland, Your Way // What to Pack for a Trip to Scotland
Want to know what a real trip to Scotland actually looks and feels like? In this final episode of the SCOTLAND, YOUR WAY series, I’m sharing my personal day-by-day recap of my most recent trip—complete with voice recordings I captured while I was there. You’ll hear where we went, what stood out, and my favorite parts of the trip. This episode gives you an honest, unfiltered peek at how the trip unfolded—from the cozy, quiet moments to the big, breathtaking ones. If you’ve been dreaming about your own Scotland adventure, this episode might just help you picture what’s possible—and give you a few ideas to steal for your own itinerary. → Get SUPPORT designing your SCOTLAND TRIP ← Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 49: Some of My Favorite Travel Memories Episode 103: A Recap of My Imperfect Vacation Episode 156: Behind-the-Scenes of My Best Vacation Yet
I know I’ve shared a lot of information with you in this SCOTLAND, YOUR WAY series—but if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, this episode is for you. Because I’m stepping in as your personal Scotland matchmaker to help you cut through the noise and focus on one of the hardest parts of planning: narrowing down where specifically to go in Scotland. We’ve covered the different regions in past episodes—and honestly, they’re all incredible. Many can suit a variety of travel styles, which makes narrowing it down even trickier. So today, I’m giving you the shortcut answer. I’m sharing my expert take on which regions are the best match for your travel style, so you can move forward with your planning and actually start building your dream trip. → Get SUPPORT designing your SCOTLAND TRIP ← Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 237: Scotland, Your Way // A Guide to Every Region 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
Packing for Scotland can feel like a bit of a juggling act—you want to be ready for anything, look good in your travel photos, and avoid bringing your entire closet. And when the weather forecast flips between sunshine and storm clouds by the hour, it’s easy to overthink every outfit. In this episode of the SCOTLAND, YOUR WAY series, I’m breaking down exactly what to pack for a trip to Scotland—whether you’re going in spring, summer, fall, or winter. I’m sharing my personal packing strategy, including the core items I never travel without and a simple capsule wardrobe approach that keeps things comfortable, practical, and photo-ready. If you’re dreaming of Scotland but want to stay warm, dry, and stylish without overpacking, this episode will help you feel confident and prepared—no matter what the weather throws your way. → Get SUPPORT designing your SCOTLAND TRIP ← Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 96: Real Talk About Packing (From an Overpacker) Episode 236: Scotland, Your Way // Activities for Every Travel Style Episode 241: Scotland, Your Way // Events, Festivals & Highland Fun
Not everyone dreams of driving on the “wrong” side of the road while navigating hairpin turns and tiny village streets—and if that’s you, you’re not alone. The good news? You can experience the beauty, charm, and adventure of Scotland without ever getting behind the wheel. In this episode of the Scotland, Your Way series, I’m breaking down exactly what it’s like to travel through Scotland car-free. We’ll cover how to make the most of the country’s trains, long-distance buses, and ferries, and where those routes can actually take you. I’m also walking you through some key questions to consider before you commit to a no-car itinerary—because while it’s absolutely possible, it’s not the right fit for everyone. If you’re dreaming of a Scottish getaway without the pressure of driving, this episode will help you figure out how to make it work—on your terms. → Get SUPPORT designing your SCOTLAND TRIP ← Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 76: Travel Style Series 2.0: Is Your Travel Style Keeping You in Your Comfort Zone? Episode 237: Scotland, Your Way // A Guide to Every Region Episode 238: Scotland, Your Way // A Guide to the Scottish Isles Episode 243: Scotland, Your Way // Driving in Scotland (Part 1) Episode 244: Scotland, Your Way // Driving in Scotland (Part 2)
Once you’ve wrapped your mind around driving on the left and accepted the occasional one-lane-road-with-oncoming-traffic scenario, it’s time to dig into the details. In Part 2, we’re covering the practical stuff: how to rent a car, what kind of vehicle to choose, how to navigate, where to park, and how long it really takes to get from point A to point B. Whether you're eager to take on a full Scottish road trip or still weighing whether driving is the right fit for your travel style, this episode is here to help you decide. I’ll walk you through the logistics so you can plan smarter and travel with confidence. By the end, you’ll know whether you’re ready to embrace the freedom and adventure of driving in Scotland—or if you'd rather sit back and let someone else take the wheel. → Get SUPPORT designing your SCOTLAND TRIP ← Connect w/ Angela on Instagram LISTEN BACK: Episode 25: Learn Your Travel Style (Part 3: Confidence) Episode 76: Travel Style Series 2.0: Is Your Travel Style Keeping You in Your Comfort Zone? Episode 237: Scotland, Your Way // A Guide to Every Region