Soul Wanderer

In this episode, I share about a birthday trip with friends that began the shift of how I travel.-A 30th birthday trip to Mexico and Cuba and why we decided on these two places-What went into organizing this trip-How it differed from a previous trip I did with these same friends-Why I moved to Mexico after one visitWhat I refer to in this episode:Third Placeshttps://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/third-place-community-spaces/My travel bloghttps://www.sequoiaarmstrong.com/blogTrinidad Postshttps://www.sequoiaarmstrong.com/blog/trinidadpt1https://www.sequoiaarmstrong.com/blog/trinidadpt2Cienfuegos Posthttps://www.sequoiaarmstrong.com/blog/cienfuegosHavana Posthttps://www.sequoiaarmstrong.com/blog/havanaWork with Sequoia:JapanMexicoLearn more about Sequoia https://pueblayorkinc.com/aboutWebsite https://www.pueblayorkinc.com/Find out more about the women's dinner series https://www.pueblayorkinc.com/womens-dinner-seriesSay hello on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pueblayorkinc/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I share why I recommend choosing quality over quality when traveling.-How to choose quality over quantity-What questions to ask yourself-Environmental benefits-How this has guided me in other areas of my life-Cultural contrast around friendship-Heritage travelEpisodes and resources referencedEpisode 1 What Does Conscious Travel Mean?Episode 6 The Trip That Changed The Way I TravelThe size of US homes grew by more than 300% in 50 yearsPodcast I mentionYulia Denisyuk's podcastGoing Places Season Finale: What Europe Gets About Rest (and the US Doesn't)‎ Work with SequoiaMexico Japan Have an idea or question?DM me on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I share how I became a lifelong traveler, my upbringing, education, visiting grandparents, and what I wanted to become as a child.-How Human Design has helped me-My first flight-The closeness I had to my Japanese grandparents, particularly my grandfather-Growing up bilingualEpisodes referenced:Episode 7 Choose Quality Over QuantityEpisode 2 How Women Impact The Travel IndustryResources:Find your Human Design chartErin Claire Jones InstagramFind out your Love Language Sustainable Aviation Fuel https://www.iata.org/en/programs/sustainability/sustainable-aviation-fuels/Work with SequoiaMexico Japan Have an idea or question?DM me on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I lay out ways to avoid contributing to overtourism in an area/city/country that is experiencing overtourism. As conscious travelers, we want to be mindful of overtourism and how we can help avoid it, instead of contributing to it. I go into:-When to visit-The importance of working with local experts or guides-Get off the beaten path and out into nature -How to know where to stay What I mentioned:Liz On Leave ExperiencesBlog post about why this year's fall foliage in Japan will be delayed Work with SequoiaMexico Japan Have an idea or question?DM me on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I answer an important question: when do you start planning a trip to Japan? I share my work process with past and future clients and more of what it's like to work with me.I share these aspects of planning your trip to Japan:• What to keep in mind when planning• The ideal time frame for planning a trip• How many nights for a trip• Holidays and peak seasons to consider• Flight first vs places first?• Cherry blossom seasonEpisodes I reference:Episode 4 Female Solo Travel in JapanEpisode 5 Recommendations for First-Time Travelers To JapanResources:This blog post is about why fall foliage this year is delayedHave you wanted to be #teamcarryon and pack lighter? Grab this guide!If you're planning a trip to Japan, you might consider getting a JR Rail passRead about meWork togetherMexico Japan Did you like something in this episode?DM on Instagram to tell me 😊 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I discuss a concern that solo travelers have about spending during solo trips and how you can be mindful of where and how you spend.The topics I cover are:•Using time to your advantage•Aligning spending to your values•An effective way to create change in your finances and the world•Have a dedicated account for travel•Using debit and credit cards•Travel hacking•Accommodation suggestions that can help you saveEpisode referenced:Episode 3 Why You Should Travel SoloResources:The Dirty Dozen Banks Find a sustainable bank near you BankGreenPoints and Miles Doc InstagramWhat is Travel Hacking?My referral link for Atmos Financial Get $10, Give $10Have you wanted to be #teamcarryon and pack lighter? Grab this guide!If you're planning a trip to Japan, you might consider getting a JR Rail passWork with SequoiaMexico Japan Did you like something in this episode?DM on Instagram to tell me 😊 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I wanted to share suggestions for how you can plan a future mother-daughter trip based on numerous trips with my mom. I cover these topics:• What to book first and why •The value and importance of space and time to yourself • What to keep in mind for a better and more meaningful travel experience for you bothWant to pack light for your mother-daughter trip? Grab this guide!If you're planning a trip to Japan, you may consider getting a JR Rail passWork with SequoiaMexico Japan Did you like something in this episode?DM on Instagram to tell me 😊 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I share some tips and takeaways from my recent visit to Japan :• IC cards will help make transportation easier in Japan. What are they and how do they work?• Experiencing over-tourism in Kyoto and what a local friend hopes for• Visitors to Japan are diverse both in where they're visiting from and age range• What getting off the beaten path means for youEpisode referenced:5. Recommendations for First-Time Travelers to JapanPack lighter for your travel by grabbing this guide!If you're planning a trip to Japan, you may consider getting a JR Rail passWork with SequoiaMexico Japan Did you like something in this episode?DM on Instagram to tell me 😊 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I share recent life updates including travel, what's to come for my business in 2025, and ways you can mindfully plan for your travels in 2025.Including:• Looking into your Astrocartography chart to figure out why you're drawn to a place or what place is best for you• Human Design type and authority to help inform you while you think about where to nextResources:What is Astrocartography?Look up your Astrocartography birth chartAstro Twins at AstrostyleHuman Design Find your design typeEpisode referenced:5. Recommendations for First-Time Travelers to Japan10. When to Start Planning a Trip to JapanPack lighter for your travel by grabbing this complimentary guideIf you're planning a trip to Japan, you may consider getting a JR Rail pass for train travelsWork with SequoiaMexico Japan Do you have an idea for the podcast or something to share?DM on Instagram to tell me 😊 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I welcome my first guest, Youmie Jean Francois. Youmie Jean Francois is a transformational speaker, a brand strategist, a money trauma expert, a private pilot, an author, and the proud Founder/CEO of Flex-N-Fly, The Flex Bags, and The Flex-N-Fly Foundation.Throughout her career, she's dedicated herself to enhancing the well-being of travelers and helping small business owners scale. She speaks 4 languages fluently and splits her time between New York and Colombia.Flex-N-Fly, her award-winning travel and wellness company, has become a beacon of innovation. They bring wellness studios to airports. Providing stretching, yoga, and relaxation classes to airports, aiming to ease the stress that often accompanies modern travel. They've been featured in Forbes, Travel & Leisure, TripAdvisor, BlackEnterprise, Macy's, Belk, Flying Solo, and More. Youmie's best-selling poetry book, The Sacrifice: When Transition Looks Like Chaos, is available now.Timestamps:01:14 Youmie's intro02:58 Recent trip to Mexico04:49 Why and how Flex-n-Fly began07:41 What was needed to start a travel business10:21 Scaling and starting multiple businesses11:19 Starting the Flex-n-Fly foundation17:44 Who Youmie's non-profit serves20:26 The Flex-n-Fly Foundation's goal for 202522:48 Representation of women as pilots and travelers24:27 Why Youmie's non-profit exists26:46 An important business lesson28:07 Business finances33:36 Having a team and growing Flex-n-Fly39:12 Detachment in life and business43:40 Living in alignment48:25 Worthiness50:48 Setting boundaries and being tested51:56 Youmie's most transformative travel experience54:54 Traveling as a Haitian woman56:48 A beautiful message about being yourself58:35 Friendship breakups01:02:30 Communicating needs01:03:50 Wrapping up and where to find and connect with Youmie_____Resources:The Law of Detachment ____• Learn more about Youmie here• Join the Flex-n-Fly Travel Challenge•Donate to the Flex-n-Fly Foundation •Youmie on LinkedIn•Tune into Youmie's LinkedIn Live in Your Power Series •Subscribe to Flex-n-Fly •Find Youmie on Threads___Grab this guide to packing lighterWork with SequoiaMexico Japan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I share how you can think about future travel this year with intention, including:• The value of creating a vision board and what's on mine for 2025• Special occasion trips with a type of trip I enjoy• The impact you have• Reiterating points of conscious travel• Planning a trip around festivities such as Lunar New YearEpisodes referenced:15. Purpose, Entrepreneurship, and Travel Wellness with Youmie Jean Francois9. How to Avoid Adding to OvertourismPack lighter for your travel by grabbing this complimentary guideIf you're planning a trip to Japan, you may consider getting a JR Rail pass for train travelsMy personal blogWork with SequoiaMexico Japan Do you have an idea for the podcast or something to share?DM on Instagram to tell me 😊 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I have an insightful conversation with Alison Armstrong about women's safety as it relates to travel, and how understanding men can impact this.Alison Armstrong’s exploration of human behavior began in 1991, with her decision to study men: “To find out how I was bringing out the worst in them. And hopefully, how to bring out the best.” Her success in understanding men naturally led to studying women’s behavior and making vital connections between the two.As her work evolved over decades, Alison now illuminates human characteristics that precede and express themselves regardless of gender, age, and upbringing. She distinguishes normal human instincts that compel both men and women to behave in ways that contradict and undermine our own purposes, goals, values, needs, and relationships.Besides fulfilling the need to understand “Why” people behave as they do, Alison offers practical,partnership-based alternatives. Through her seminars, books, online programs, and media contributions, she has been giving millions of people access to more fulfilling lives, loving relationships, stronger families andproductive organizations.Alison is a sought-after speaker and thought leader amongst people who desire to live empowered lives. Her philosophy and approach are referenced and taught by other authors, speakers, business consultants, and therapists.Timestamps:5:10 What if men are responding to women?6:56 Connection related to safety and travel8:35 Emasculating men14:13 What happens when it stops16:20 Teaching women and writing The Queen's Code23:15 Distinguishing safety between men and women27:27 Safety through connectivity vs. productivity31:31 Ways to act while traveling33:44 Men don't realize their strength36:10 Survival and hormones38:32 Our part in safety40:02 Receptivity, holding boundaries, and flight-fight-freeze responses44:56 Testerone vs. Estrogen and how it affects the brain48:50 Spectrum of diffused awareness and single-focused52:00 Reframing machismo54:35 Beware of chemistryResources:Free Sample of Understanding WomenThrive Your Life -- FREEhttps://www.alisonarmstrong.com/products/thrive-life.html Add product to cart, choose "FOR ME" at checkout, and enter promo code Sequoia2025. Expires April 30th.Chemistry and Connection on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/alisonarmstrongvideos (Scroll down for all 6)Connect with Alison:WebsiteYouTubeFacebookInstagram___Contact SequoiaConnect with/ Sequoia on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this brief episode, I share my top tips for planning a trip to Japan during high season. Spring is incredibly popular, but this will apply to any holidays seasons and the fall. HotelsTrainsWhere to go__Episodes you might also enjoy:Episode 4 Female Solo Travel in JapanEpisode 5 Recommendations for First-Time Travelers To Japan__Want to pack lighter? Grab this complimentary guideIf you're planning a trip to Japan, you may consider getting a JR Rail pass for train travelsWork with Sequoia https://www.pueblayorkinc.com/contactSay hello on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pueblayorkinc/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I get more personal and share my experiences with romance while traveling. The episode topic is inspired by and is a reaction to episode 17 with Alison Armstrong.Takeaways from the episode with Alison, as well as expanding on doing Alison's work myself, and machismoBeing outside of your comfort zoneFactors that women have to be aware of for safetySelf-development and awarenessPast romances during my travelsRomances that turned to friendshipsGet curious about people's culture, history, and language“Yeah, so just be aware of chemistry everywhere, but especially when you're traveling, because there's the enticement of the difference." Alison ArmstrongEpisode referenced:Episode 17: Women's Safety, Travel, and Understanding Men with Alison ArmstrongResources:Alison Armstrong Chemistry and Connection on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/alisonarmstrongvideos (Scroll down for all 6)The mental health benefits of travelhttps://www.abundancetherapycenter.com/blog/the-mental-health-benefits-of-travelingWork with Sequoia https://www.pueblayorkinc.com/contactSay hello on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pueblayorkinc/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I guested on Keila Aldea's podcast, She Can Heal, earlier this year, where I talked about my story and how the travel business came. Keila and I get more in-depth about solo travel for women.My background and how I started a travel businessWhat conscious travel isSolo travel for women and where to start if it's new for youEmpowering women of color to travel -including solo travelJoin the waitlist for an online travel community for mindful women of color that launches late May. For WOC who want to learn, connect, and transform their travel in the next year.https://www.pueblayorkinc.com/join-communityWant to pack lighter? Grab this complimentary guideWork with SequoiaMexico Japan Follow my travels https://www.instagram.com/pueblayorkinc/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.