Traveling on Purpose

In our season finale, I’m excited to introduce to you our remarkable guest, Becca Siegel, one-half of the dynamic duo behind Half Half Travel.  An Asian Trip to Remember She is a passionate traveler who began her adventures when she studied abroad in Hong Kong at the age of 20. This experience ignited her love for travel and she went on to explore various countries in Asia. Coming back to New York, she met Dan, who also shared her passion for travel and the rest they say is history. Becca is a storyteller who loves sharing her travel experiences and providing tips to fellow travelers. Join me as we learn more about Becca as she embarks on new adventures around the world +2. Episode Guide 03:23 Early beginnings of Half Half 08:58 Did you travel a lot at a very young age? 09:48 What did you study in college? 10:38 Falling in love with Thailand 11:19 Any unexpected jewels you found during your trips to Asia? 13:25 What is it that you love about Myanmar? 14:58 How did you afford to travel to so many places? 16:11 When did you start learning about travel hacking? 17:33 100,000 miles sign-up bonus  mistake 19:52 Were you hooked on travel hacking after you got your first free trip? 20:33 Booking a flight 22:36 How did you know what credit card to get? 23:58 Were you worried about what would happen to your credit? 25:08 What type of cards do you currently have? 26:58 Getting the sign-up bonus twice from the United Mileage Plus card 28:40 Are you in the Reddit Community called Churning? 29:06 Where do you get your information from these days? 30:49 Taking your first trip with your baby 32:01 Are there some places you would recommend for Digital Nomads? 36:29 Viva Mexico! 37:12 Tell me more about your website 41:51 How about Instagram? 42:23 Which among you is in charge of Marketing? 44:44 What are the common misconceptions about travel hacking? 46:38 What do you want to learn right now in relation to travel hacking? 49:42 What are your go-to resources right now? 51:28 Is there anything you need help with right now? Gone are the days when work acted as a hindrance to pursuing our dreams of travel and adventure. Becca and Dan is a living reminder of the boundless opportunities that await those with a passion for exploration. Remember, the world is full of surprises and possibilities, and Becca's story proves that anyone can turn their dreams of exploration into reality. So, keep traveling, keep thinking about your purpose, and don’t be afraid to pursue it. Until next time, happy travels! Want to learn more about us? Check us out here: https://www.vacayhq.com/

In today’s episode, I’m so excited to introduce to you Jen Ruiz, a 5-time Amazon bestselling author, a 3-time TEDx speaker, a solo traveler and did I forget to mention that she is a lawyer, all wrapped into one.  She is the force behind Jen on a Jet Plane, a travel blog that chronicles her many adventures all over the world. Join me as we get to know more about Jen, how she transitioned from the legal world to the world of adventure and exploration. When Law School Called Her Name Growing up, her family’s influence on her education and her competitive spirit led her down the path to law school. She also talks about the pivotal moment during college that changed her academic trajectory and set her on the course to where she is today. Episode Guide 01:22 How did you get into Law? 05:27 Tell me about your family, your parents, and if you have any siblings growing up 09:10 Is traveling a big part of your life growing up? 10:44 Tell me about your Europe trip 11:51 Did your extracurricular work in College allow you to go on trips? 12:56 At what point did you decide you’re going to Law School? 16:09 Did you remember when you encountered failure for the first time? 20:51 What was your experience like during Law School? 25:15 Do you have techniques you can share to control your temper? 30:13 What was it like practicing Law in the real world? 37:37 How do you deal when things don’t turn out as you plan? 39:57 Did affect your views on long-term planning at all? 41:35 How do you track your goals? 45:53 When did you decide to write a memoir? 48:53 What type of trips did you take every month? 50:50 Do you need to speak their native language in order to teach English? 51:42 Tell us more about your job teaching kids to speak English 53:15 How did you get a book deal? 54:12 Tell us more about the books you’ve written  58:28 How did you land a book deal? 1:01:01 What is your writing process? 1:04:25 Is there anything that somebody can help you with? Jen’s journey is sure to inspire you to take the big leap and embark on your own adventures. Remember, travel isn't just about exploring new places; it's about discovering new aspects of ourselves. So, whether it's through travel or another passion, we encourage you to answer your own calling and embark on a purposeful journey. Keep traveling, keep thinking about your purpose, and don’t be afraid to pursue it. Until next time, happy travels! Want to learn more about us? Check us out here: https://www.vacayhq.com/

“The world would be a better place if people could do what they love.” In part 2 of my talk with Lisette Austin, the force behind Jet Set Lisette, The Globetrotter Lounge, and Traveling My Roots, I get up close and personal with Lisette as she takes us on her journey of a different kind - a journey through time and heritage. Join me and Lisette as we take you on an emotional and awe-inspiring journey to Sicily, the land of her biological roots. Behind the backdrop of scenic places and captivating landscapes lie tales of discovery and a place of profound self-revelation. Episode Guide 00:00 What is it about travel that you love? 03:26 What activities do you do during trips? 05:34 Tell me about your trip to Sicily 18:22 Would you recommend people to try “DNA Travel”? 20:50 Did you discover anything about your biological parents during your travel? 25:10 What is your end goal from all of your travels? 30:19 Beginner’s approach to travel hacking 34:12 Did you always plan to travel after college? 36:42 What brought you a sense of security? 47:07 Is there anything you need help with? Lisette encourages us all to embrace life without excuses, to seize the present moment, and to prioritize our dreams and passions. As what she usually says in her podcast, life is short, and the time to travel more is now. Lisette's message reflects a deep understanding that waiting for retirement or tomorrow is not a guarantee. She urges us to break free from limitations, pursue our desires, and discover the incredible possibilities that lie beyond our comfort zones. And with that, keep traveling, keep thinking about your purpose, and don’t be afraid to pursue it. Until next time, happy travels! Want to learn more about us? Check us out here: https://www.vacayhq.com/

Welcome to another exciting episode of Traveling on Purpose. Today’s guest is Lisette Austin.  Jetset Lisette At a very young age, Lisette, an only child, was blessed with parents who shared her passion for exploration. From the picturesque landscapes of Europe to sunny getaways in Mexico and adventures across the United States, her childhood was a tapestry of unforgettable travel experiences. A wanderlust-driven heart was nurtured from an early age. As Lisette ventured into adulthood, she found herself longing for more adventures but lacking the resources she once had. Stay tuned as we talk more about Lisette's travel hacking adventures, her secrets to accumulating miles without accumulating debt, and the incredible experiences she's unlocked along the way. Episode Guide 00:06 How did you get into travel hacking?  05:54 Did you incur a lot of debt using credit cards just to get the points? 07:06 1,000,000 miles 08:42 Do you use any tools for budgeting? 10:00 Did you get a lot of negative comments when you first started? 12:32 How did you feel about this whole workshop idea? 13:59 Which came first, charging for a workshop or doing a podcast? 14:10 How did the idea of a podcast come about? 20:07 Where would you find the people to feature in your show? 21:57 The Globe Trotter Lounge 22:15 Did having a podcast help boost your online course? 23:38 Do you remember one of your earlier trips? 27:18 How much traveling have you done with your son? 28:27 Like mother like son 29:13 What advice would you give to someone with no credit history? 31:41 What is your bank of choice when getting a credit card? Hungry for more? Stay tuned for next week’s episode for Part 2 of my conversation with Lisette. Remember to keep traveling, keep thinking about your purpose, and don’t be afraid to pursue it. Until next time, happy travels! Want to learn more about us? Check us out here: https://www.vacayhq.com/

In Part 2 of our conversation with Sasha and Rachel, we focus on travel hacking and learn how this dynamic duo does it. Learn tips and tricks from the real pros. Believe me, you don’t want to miss this.     Episode Guide 00:37 When did you start travel hacking? 05:16 Travel hacking - What are your major wins since starting travel hacking 09:13 Why don’t more people do travel hacking? 11:06 Was it hard to convince Rachel to get into travel hacking? 11:22 Dealing with skeptics and non-believers 20:06 Points for flights, hotels, and other perks 23:30 Will having so many credit cards ruin your credit score? 24:48 How many credit cards do you own right now? 27:31 Quick tip: If you have an open line of credit 27:54 If you want to win in this game, you have to put in the time and effort 29:07 Always have a plan 33:53 Message to your students in China that you never had the chance to say goodbye 35:30 Anything you need help with? Travel hacking can be intimidating especially if you do it on your own. But we are grateful to Sasha and Rachel for giving us valuable insights and amazing tips and tricks so that like them, you can also go on adventures you never thought you could do yourself. Just trust yourself, improvise, and have a little fun. At the very least, you’ll come away with a good story. To know more about our guests, visit their website at www.gratefulgnomads.com. Keep traveling, keep thinking about your purpose, and don’t be afraid to pursue it! Until next time, happy travels!

In today’s episode, I sat down with Rachel and Sasha, the dynamic duo behind Grateful Gnomads. Join us as we dive into their incredible journey from chance encounters at music festivals to building a fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle as digital nomads. Let’s learn about their story and experience and how teaching English paved the way for creating unique opportunities to discover and pursue their passions. Episode Guide 04:37 The Birth of Grateful Gnomads 07:14 Creating a sustainable lifestyle 11:36 From blogging to business 15:03 Full-time travel and how to make it work 16:06 Overcoming hesitations 17:12 Working and traveling is a balancing act 20:31 Stepping out of your comfort zone 22:34 What have you learned from trying new things and failing? 27:48 How did you monetize your blog? 36.50 The setback: Life after China 41:05 What’s the best thing that happened after China shut down online teaching? 43:35 Exploring global possibilities and succeeding as an English Preneur Who knew a trip to China to teach kids how to speak English could be a life-altering decision?  Rachel and Sasha's story teaches us to embrace opportunities, even in uncertain times, and to approach challenges with adaptability and a positive outlook. Pursuing endeavors that may seem scary can lead to unexpected and fulfilling journeys. We hope today’s episode inspires you to explore the world and embrace the possibilities that life brings if you only seize the chance. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our conversation with Sasha and Rachel. You may visit their website at www.gratefulgnomads.com to learn more about our guests. Keep traveling, keep thinking about your purpose, and don’t be afraid to pursue it! Until next time, happy travels! Want to learn more about us? Check out our site here: https://www.vacayhq.com/

In today’s episode, we talk to Cinneah El-Amin of Flynanced as she shares her journey into travel hacking and personal finance.  An early start Cinneah got hit by the travel bug very early on. Her family used to go on annual trips locally and abroad. As she grew older, she had the opportunity to travel on her own while studying abroad. Never wanting to give up her love for traveling, she gradually developed an interest in travel hacking to make her adventures more affordable and accessible.  Episode Guide 04:01 When did you realize you had the travel bug? 04:53 Did you have a lot of positive reinforcement from family, friends, and community? 06:41 Do you usually organize the trips you take with your friends? 07:17 Have you ever thought of becoming a travel agent? 08:38 How did you end up studying abroad? 10:43 Your takeaways from studying in Brazil, CapeTown, and Vietnam 20:58 Is it a conscious decision to solo travel? 21:59 How do you find ex-pat communities you meet in your travels? 23:11 Do you think about someday living abroad and becoming an ex-pat? 24:29 How do you afford all the traveling you do? 28:09 Expedia vs. Booking.com 31:41 Focus Groups and side hustles 33:13 What was the turning point in your life financially? 35:35 What is your corporate job? 37:12 Did you get a lot of setbacks when people learned you were using credit cards as part of travel hacking? 38:59 How did you grow your audience? 43:00 Losing your corporate job 46:05 What are some of the things you’re trying to build while on sabbatical? 47:58 Of all the things you do, what’s your favorite part? 49:29 Is there anything in your life that you need help with right now? In this inspiring episode, Cinneah underscores the importance of pursuing travel goals responsibly, steering clear of the financial pitfalls of uncontrolled spending. Having a solid travel plan can lead to fulfilling adventures, while reckless payment plans may lead to financial burdens. Keep traveling, keep thinking about your purpose, and don’t be afraid to pursue it. Until next time, happy travels! Website: https://www.flynanced.com/ Email: [email protected] Want to learn more about us? Check out our site here: https://www.vacayhq.com/

In our previous episode, we got to know Lee Huffman, the host of the "We Travel There" podcast. We explored his passion for numbers and travel hacking. But today, we're diving into a new chapter: discovering how writing became part of his journey. We'll also learn how he adapted and succeeded during the pandemic, along with practical tips for using credit cards to plan your next adventure. Episode Guide 00:49 How did you get into writing? 02:52 What is your first writing job all about? 08:10 Any tips for someone who is looking to get into writing? 15:45 Believing in yourself despite the challenges 16:30 What is your rate? 17:08 Tell us more about your website: Bald Thoughts 17:29 Travel more, spend less, live better 19:58 Busting credit card myths 25:02 What is an acceptable debt-to-income ratio? 26:55 What is an Elite credit score? 32:04 How to rebuild your score post-bankruptcy 35:50 Favorite credit card? 37:16 Common mistakes newbies make? 38:06 What’s a good pace for newbies in getting credit cards? 38:42 How do you keep track of all your credit cards, miles, and points? 40:51 Anything you need help with? Keep traveling, keep thinking about your purpose, and don’t be afraid to pursue it. Until next time, happy travels! Website: www.BaldThoughts.com, www.wetravelthere.com Podcast: We Travel There Want to learn more about us? Check out our site here: https://www.vacayhq.com/

In today's episode, we talk to Lee Huffman, a travel blogger and the host of the “We Travel There” podcast. Lee worked as a Divisional CFO for a regional bank. He loves numbers and being in the corporate world seems to be a good fit. His journey into travel hacking began when he started dating his now-wife and how a seemingly expensive trip to Paris prompted him to delve deeper into travel hacking and the world of miles and points.  Episode Guide 01:26 Seeking for life outside of the corporate world 04:57 When did you realize you love to travel? 08:21 Family road trips at a very young age 10:27 Importance of creating experiences with your kids 12:35 What made you get into numbers?  16:05 Everything was going well until the .com crash happened 20:44 Quitting the job you liked and convincing your wife that everything will be all right. 24:45 How did you accumulate so many points? 26:29 All about Manufactured Spending 29:44 Who taught you about travel hacking?  31:02 Earn-and-burn 33:07 Challenges and drawbacks early on 36:30 What is a Companion Pass/Certificate? 42:13 What is my why? What am I doing what I’m doing? Lee emphasized that waiting for the perfect time to travel with your kids is a pitfall - start creating memories now. His decision to put his family above all else inspires him to prioritize the bonds we share with our loved ones. Lee's journey isn't just about travel hacking; it's about building connections, nurturing relationships, and finding joy in shared experiences. In the end, Lee teaches us that family comes first, that memories are worth pursuing, and that we have the tools to make incredible experiences a reality. Stay tuned for Part 2 of my conversation with Lee Huffman but remember to keep traveling, keep thinking about your purpose, and don’t be afraid to pursue it. Until next time, happy travels!

Today, we're diving deep into the world of travel hacking with Julia Menez, a former actuary turned travel influencer and educator. Julia's journey takes us through her unconventional path, where she transitioned from crunching numbers to unraveling the secrets of accumulating points and miles for luxurious travel experiences. Episode Guide 01:26 How did you start travel hacking? 05:59 What is an actuary? 13:08 Everything turned out not quite as she planned. 13:48 How did traveling fit into your life? 17:04 The transition from actuary to Instagram and online marketing 19:35 Opening your own travel agency and the challenges of opening one 22:04 How did people react when you say you can travel for free? 23:23 When did you realize that you can actually make a career out of helping people? 25:08 What’s your thought process about raising your price? 27:51 What type of clients do you work with? 29:17 Are you still challenged with what you’re doing? 30:56 How do you balance your ambition? 34:48 Any advice to someone who’s starting travel hacking? 35:46 Busting some travel hacking myths 36:40 Best credit card for starters? 38:21 Where do you go to learn more? 39:17 Have you ever thought of starting a startup? 42:00 Anything you need help with? Julia's journey is a testament to the incredible power of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. From a math whiz in an actuarial career to a trailblazing travel expert, Julia's story embodies the idea that life's most remarkable transformations often occur when we dare to challenge the norm and embrace our passions. Keep traveling, keep thinking about your purpose, and don’t be afraid to pursue it! Until next time, happy travels! Email: [email protected] Instagram:geobreezetravel Youtube: geobreezetravel Want to learn more about us? Check out our site here: https://www.vacayhq.com/