As a child, Autumn Carolynn gazed skyward, dreaming of the day she'd soar above the clouds. Now, with the passport stamps of 30 countries adorning her well-traveled pages, she sits down with me, Christi Cassidy, to recount her evolution from a flight attendant to a travel design manager and travel photographer. Our conversation sweeps across the globe, from the academic pathways of Canterbury to the high skies and the intricate world of travel planning. Autumn's stories are a mosaic of laughter, mishaps and invaluable insights that remind us of travel's transformative power on our lives.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to confidently navigate the globe alone? Autumn opens the curtain on the challenges and triumphs of solo travel, her journey into the world of flight attendants—where every half-point in training could change your fate—and the artistry behind capturing moments that tell a story. She shares personal anecdotes and practical tips, and together we celebrate the special kind of magic one finds in new destinations and long-lasting memories made with friends, strangers and loved ones alike.

Wrapping up our adventure, we tackle the intricacies of trip planning, from choosing accommodations to embracing the spontaneity of travel. Autumn encourages us to push past travel anxiety, to seize the day and book that flight, immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of cultures awaiting discovery. Her book, Traveling in Wonder, beckons with tales from her voyages and serves as a guide for the anxious traveler seeking to conquer fears. So, tune in, get inspired, and perhaps you'll find yourself planning your own journey into the wonderful world of travel.

-------- HIGHLIGHTS ---------

0:03:10 - Childhood Dream of Becoming Flight Attendant 

0:06:18 - Followed Gut Feeling, Became Flight Attendant 

0:12:05 - Benefits of Solo vs Group Travel 

0:18:53 - Rediscovering Photography During Lockdown 

0:43:55 - Finding Flight Deals Using Kayak 

0:47:27 - Advancements in Travel Technology 

0:51:17 - Flexible Travel Plans and Destinations 

0:53:42 - Overcoming Anxiety Through New Experiences 

Resources recommended by Autumn Carolynn:

Kayak

Hostelworld.com

Viator

Reddit - travel subreddit

Couchsurfing.com

Rick Steves travel guides

Places mentioned in this episode:

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Canterbury, England

Newcastle, England

Australia

Costa Rica

San Francisco

Iceland

Chicago, Illinois

Elmhurst, Illinois

Illinois State University

Norway

Japan

Budapest, Hungary

Seoul, South Korea

Contact information:

Website: https://autumncarolynn.com

Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @autumncarolynnphotography

TikTok: @autumncarolynnphotograph (no y)

CREDITS

Host and creator: Christi Cassidy

Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com

Artwork by Phyllis Busell

Music by Eve’s Blue. 

Show notes written with assistance from https://podium.page. 

LINKS:

More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com

Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/

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