A.B. from Balanced Travel - A good visitor and a good host make the perfect travel experience

In this insightful and high-level episode of Most Memorable Journeys, Elisabeth speaks with Natalia Kardash, one of Cyprus’ most influential connectors in business, media, and international relations.For over 26 years, Natalia has called Cyprus home, building an extraordinary personal business network of more than 6,000 people, enabling her to bridge international executives with Cypriot opportunities. Her career is a masterclass in publishing, communications, PR, and strategic networking, always focused on turning ideas into successful ventures.Natalia is the Founder of the SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS Leaders’ Club, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of VESTNIK KIPRA Expert Platform and SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS Magazine, a Member of the Corporate Advisory Board at the University of Cyprus, an Honorary Fellow of CIM Cyprus Business School, and the visionary force behind flagship events such as BEST LEGAL Conference, BEST INVEST Congress, and the Health & Beauty Forum.In this conversation, we explore:How Natalia connects global business leaders with CyprusThe power of trusted networks and relationship capitalWorking with expat communities and fostering cross-sector collaborationHer special regional focus on Armenia, Kazakhstan, and UzbekistanWhy genuine connection is the foundation of sustainable business growthRemarkably, Natalia has been personally connected to every President of the Republic of Cyprus, underscoring her deep-rooted influence and credibility.This episode is about leadership, vision, and the rare ability to connect the right people at the right time, creating value far beyond borders.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.#MostMemorableJourneys #NataliaKardash #BusinessNetworking #CyprusBusiness #Leadership #InternationalBusiness #WomenInBusiness #PR #Publishing #ConnectingPeople #ElisabethVilligerToufexis

In this inspiring and adventure-filled episode, Elisabeth sits down with Kay Honig, a man whose life has been shaped by curiosity, courage, and an unshakeable passion for travel.Kay began his professional journey in Holland, working in a flower import–export company. It was during this time that he discovered the beauty and magic of Central America, a discovery that changed his life forever. After falling in love with both the region and a Mexican woman, Kay moved to Mexico and started working as a tour guide, where he and Elisabeth share many laughs and memories about the unpredictable, colourful world of guiding tourists.But Kay didn’t stop there. After moving to Germany and leaving his corporate job, he felt called back to Mexico to create something better something built on trust, quality, and genuine care. That vision became Kay Tours Mexico, a private luxury tour company in Cancun that he built from the ground up. What started as a one-man operation has grown into one of the leading tour companies in the Riviera Maya, powered by exceptional service, smart automation, and a team culture centred on integrity and excellence.In this episode, Kay shares:✨ How a corporate career in Germany pushed him toward entrepreneurship abroad✨ His journey from tour guide to founder of a successful luxury travel brand✨ The gaps he saw in local tourism and how Kay Tours Mexico raised the standard✨ Practical insights on building trust-driven service businesses✨ Red flags travellers should look for when booking tours✨ How to avoid common scams and ensure safe, memorable travel experiences✨ The importance of bilingual, knowledgeable guides and personalized attention✨ Stories from the early days, including shared tour-guiding adventures with ElisabethKay’s story is a powerful reminder that passion, courage, and a commitment to excellence can turn a simple idea into a thriving international business. For travellers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers alike, this conversation is filled with wisdom, humour, and unforgettable journeys.Learn more about Kay here:🌐 Website: http://www.kay.tours🎧 Tune in and let yourself be transported to Mexico’s turquoise waters and wild adventures — only on Most Memorable Journeys.#MostMemorableJourneys #KayHonig #KayToursMexico #TravelStories #Entrepreneurship #RivieraMaya #LuxuryTravel #TourGuideLife #InspiringJourneys #ElisabethVilligerToufexis #AdventureAwaits #TravelWisdom

In this uplifting and adventure-packed episode, Elisabeth sits down with Joy Owens, a woman whose life has been shaped by faith, curiosity, and a deep love for exploring the world.Joy shares her extraordinary childhood as a missionary kid, moving from the U.S. to Zambia at age 13, where she grew up surrounded by community, culture, and the wide-open beauty of Africa. Her passion for people and education took her across continents, working as a teacher in Germany, Portugal, and Honduras, before an unexpected twist of fate and a love story brought her to Taiwan, where she met her husband.From there, Joy’s path led to Alaska, where teaching proved far more challenging than expected. Feeling burnt out and ready for a new purpose, she and her husband prayed for guidance… and found it in the form of a bold leap: buying Butler Travel and stepping fully into a new season of growth, service, and discovery.In this inspiring conversation, Joy shares:✨ Growing up in Zambia as a missionary kid✨ Teaching around the world and how each country shaped her✨ Meeting her husband in Taiwan and starting their shared journey✨ The unexpected challenges of teaching in Alaska✨ How prayer and faith led them to purchase Butler Travel✨ Her adventures across 60+ countries✨ A family cycling trip through Austria and Hungary✨ The hilarious story of planning a road trip through all of Central & South America… but only making it to Panama!Joy’s story is a reminder that life unfolds beautifully when we follow our curiosity, trust our calling, and stay open to new beginnings.🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.#MostMemorableJourneys #JoyOwens #FaithJourney #MissionaryKid #TravelStories #ButlerTravel #AdventureLife #GlobalTeacher #NewBeginnings #ElisabethVilligerToufexis

In this powerful and profoundly human episode, Elisabeth welcomes Rand Timmerman, Marine Corps veteran, attorney, author, and living testament to resilience. Rand shares his extraordinary life journey, beginning with his decision to enlist in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, following a family tradition of service. He speaks openly about his years as a Mustang Lieutenant, his work in military legal roles, and the difficult transition home.Rand courageously reflects on overcoming PTSD and alcoholism, and how sobriety transformed the course of his life, allowing him to build a successful decades-long career as a self-employed attorney.One of the most inspiring chapters of Rand’s story is his unforgettable adventure hiking more than 1,800 miles of the Appalachian Trail at age 72, side-by-side with his brother. Rand paints a vivid picture of the funny, humbling, and deeply meaningful moments along the trail, a journey that became both physical challenge and spiritual renewal.In this episode, Elisabeth and Rand explore:✨ Why he chose to enlist & the legacy of service in his family✨ Life as a combat Marine in Vietnam and the emotional aftermath✨ Healing from trauma through recovery, purpose, and discipline✨ The life lessons found on the Appalachian Trail✨ Sibling bonds, trail humor & encounters with fellow adventurers✨ The inspiration behind his book A Spiritual PassageRand’s courage, honesty, and spirit remind us that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, face your shadows, and set out on a new journey — even one stretching across mountains.📘 Rand’s book, A Spiritual Passage, is available on Amazon.🔗 Learn more about his work at randtimmerman.com.🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.#MostMemorableJourneys #RandTimmerman #VietnamVeteran #AppalachianTrail #Inspiration #Resilience #HealingJourney #AspirationalStories #ElisabethVilligerToufexis

In this deeply moving and thought-provoking episode, Elisabeth speaks with Despo Pavlou, author of the powerful debut novel "My Kind of Normal."Born in South Africa to Greek Cypriot parents who immigrated there in the 1960s, Despo grew up between two worlds, steeped in tradition yet surrounded by the vibrant diversity of South African life. Her cross-cultural upbringing and her lifelong journey between Cyprus and South Africa gave her a unique perspective on identity, belonging, and the courage to be yourself.For more than 30 years, Despo ran her own businesses, but it was during a challenging period in her life that she turned to writing, a creative outlet that became both healing and liberating. My Kind of Normal tells the story of Irene, a woman born into a conservative Greek-Cypriot family, who struggles to reconcile her true identity with societal expectations. It’s a story of love, denial, courage, and ultimately, self-acceptance.In this candid conversation, Elisabeth and Despo discuss:✨ The immigrant experience and what it means to grow up between cultures✨ How writing became a form of therapy and self-discovery✨ The challenges of breaking free from traditional roles and expectations✨ The taboo of homosexuality in conservative communities and why Cyprus still needs a major upgrade in terms of acceptance, empathy, and education✨ How personal courage can inspire others to live their truth without shameDespo’s story is one of resilience and authenticity, a reminder that “normal” is different for everyone, and that love, in all its forms, deserves understanding and respect.As Despo beautifully puts it:“We need to stop hiding behind fear and tradition. We are all human and love should never be a taboo.”This episode is a heartfelt exploration of courage, compassion, and what it truly means to live authentically.🎧 Tune in to this unforgettable conversation available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.#MostMemorableJourneys #DespoPavlou #MyKindOfNormal #Authenticity #Courage #LGBTQStories #Cyprus #SouthAfrica #GreekCypriotDiaspora #BreakingTaboos #ElisabethVilligerToufexis #LoveIsLove #Inclusion #Storytelling #Inspiration

In this fascinating episode, Elisabeth speaks with Jo Katsaras, a world-renowned Costume Designer whose visionary work has graced some of Hollywood’s beloved films and series.Born in Cyprus, Jo moved to South Africa at the age of five — a cultural fusion that would later define her unique artistic style. Growing up in vibrant 1970s Johannesburg, Jo’s creative journey began early. She spent her childhood summers in Cyprus, cutting fabric scraps from her aunt’s sewing projects to make dresses for her dolls. By the time she was a teenager, she was already cutting patterns around her friends, driven by an instinctive flair for design.After studying at the National School of Arts in Johannesburg, Jo briefly considered architecture but decided instead to explore the world, a decision that ultimately shaped her creative destiny. At her father’s insistence, she pursued a qualification in fashion, completing a three-year diploma in just one year thanks to her extraordinary talent.Jo’s career began in the fashion industry as a Senior Designer, but her passion for storytelling through clothing soon drew her to the world of film. Her debut as a Costume Designer came with the South African box office hit There’s a Zulu on My Stoep (Yankee Zulu internationally), and from there, her rise was nothing short of meteoric.She went on to design for acclaimed international productions including:🎬 Mary & Martha (with Hilary Swank)🎬 Half of a Yellow Sun (with Chiwetel Ejiofor & Thandie Newton)🎬 Country of My Skull (with Samuel L. Jackson & Juliette Binoche)🎬 Racing Stripes🎬 Mr. Bones🎬 Tarzan and the Lost City🎬 The Young Black Stallion for Disney IMAXBut it was her collaboration with Oscar®-winning director Anthony Minghella on the HBO/BBC pilot of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency that brought her Emmy® recognition and international acclaim. Jo’s costumes for the show — vivid, expressive, and rich in cultural symbolism — earned her an Emmy® nomination for Outstanding Costumes at the 61st Emmy Awards and an invitation to exhibit her work at the FIDM Museum in Los Angeles.Since then, Jo has continued to bring her creative genius to global productions, including HBO’s The Leftovers and AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead.Her accolades include a Costume Designers Guild of America nomination, and in 2010 she was named Madame Figaro “Woman of the Year” in her native Cyprus.Jo’s story is one of passion, persistence, and imagination — a tale of how creativity, courage, and cross-cultural experience can shape a remarkable life.As Jo says,“To work on films is to enter a world of fantasy. I love the idea that one can distil an entire character into their costume — and the results are preserved forever on celluloid.”Tune in to hear how this Cypriot-born creative powerhouse turned fabric, colour, and vision into cinematic magic.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.#MostMemorableJourneys #JoKatsaras #CostumeDesign #Hollywood #FilmIndustry #Cyprus #SouthAfrica #Creativity #Inspiration #EmmyNominee #WomenInFilm #DesignYourLife #StorytellingThroughStyle #ElisabethVilligerToufexis

In this episode of Most Memorable Journeys, Elisabeth sits down with Andrew Herr, founder of FlyKitt, a cutting-edge wellness brand helping travellers, athletes, and business professionals beat jet lag, fight travel fatigue, and stay at peak performance, wherever they go.Andrew’s story is one of brilliance and boldness. With a background in human performance science, health physics, and national security, he once led elite programmes for Navy SEALs and fighter pilots. But his mission didn’t stop there, he wanted to bring the same performance-boosting insights to everyday travellers. That vision became FlyKitt, now used by thousands to stay healthy and energised on the road and in the skies.But this episode isn’t all science and supplements. Andrew also shares incredible tales from his personal travels. including a Trans-Siberian Railway adventure, and life-changing journeys through Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. His unique view of travel merges resilience, curiosity, and innovation, reminding us how movement can both heal and inspire.Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a curious wanderer, or just someone who wants to feel better while travelling, this conversation will spark ideas and offer practical wisdom to elevate your own journey.🧳 What We Talk About:How Andrew helped elite military units optimise health and focusWhy most travellers suffer unnecessarily and how FlyKitt changes thatThe science of jet lag, inflammation, and circadian disruptionWhy you don’t have to choose between travel and wellbeingAndrew’s most memorable adventures, from dusty train cabins in Russia to global treks of transformationWhat The Trans-Siberian Railway taught him about slowing downWhy he believes health is the ultimate passport🧠 About Andrew Herr:Andrew Herr is the founder & CEO of FlyKitt, a travel performance company helping travellers stay sharp, healthy, and energised—backed by military-level science. He previously advised the U.S. Department of Defense on human performance, and is now redefining how we think about wellness on the move.🔗 Website: flykitt.com📸 Instagram: @flykitt📍 Based: Washington, D.C. & Global

In this soul-stirring episode of Most Memorable Journeys, I talk to author and storyteller Barbara Caver, whose path from South Carolina to Cuba took her far beyond geography and deep into the heart of identity, belonging, and self-discovery.Barbara, a seasoned television and film professional turned memoirist, opens up about what it means to explore a homeland she had never seen but always carried within. Her book A Little Piece of Cuba chronicles a powerful personal pilgrimage, full of laughter, longing, color, and clarity, where she uncovers her Cuban roots and reclaims a part of herself that had long been tucked away.Together, Elisabeth and Barbara dive into:The emotional layers of traveling "home" for the first timeHow Cuba reshaped Barbara’s understanding of family, culture, and womanhoodThe process of writing a memoir that blends adventure, humor, and heritageWhy travel can be the most transformative form of healingAnd the joy of finding pieces of ourselves in the most unexpected placesThis conversation will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they’re straddling two worlds or longing for a deeper connection to where they come from.📝 About Barbara Caver:Barbara Caver is the author of A Little Piece of Cuba: A Journey to Become Cubana-Americana. A former film and TV production executive, Barbara turned to writing to explore identity and belonging through storytelling. She writes the Substack Tiny Escapes with Barb and continues to travel, write, and inspire.📖 Learn more about Barbara: barbaracaverauthor.com📚 Order the book: A Little Piece of Cuba (She Writes Press, 2024)📬 Read her stories: Tiny Escapes on Substack💬 Memorable Quote:"I thought I was going to Cuba to find my mother’s story but I ended up finding my own." – Barbara Caver🎧 Listen now – and prepare to be transported.#MostMemorableJourneys #TravelMemoir #Cuba #Identity #WomenWhoWrite #PodcastInterview #ElisabethVilligerToufexis #BarbaraCaver #SoulfulJourneys

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I am joined by Chad Scott, a therapist-turned-explorer and the author of Beyond the Darkness, a memoir that blends the rawness of grief, the depth of human emotion, and the transformative power of travel.After a life-altering liver transplant and navigating profound loss and illness, Chad did something unexpected, he set off on a global journey, visiting sites often linked to dark tourism, from former war zones to disaster-stricken regions. But instead of sinking into despair, Chad found meaning, connection, and healing in the world’s most somber places.Together, Elisabeth and Chad explore:•⁠ ⁠How pain and purpose can coexist•⁠ ⁠Why we need to talk about dark tourism, not just for curiosity, but for catharsis•⁠ ⁠How storytelling, travel, and human resilience intersect•⁠ ⁠What it means to be fully alive, even after walking through death’s shadowThis episode is for anyone who has faced adversity and is looking for light at the end of the tunnel or perhaps, within the tunnel itself.🌍 From therapist to explorer, Chad’s message is clear: "Healing is found not in avoiding the darkness, but in walking through it and sharing the story."📝 Mentioned in this episode:•⁠ ⁠Chad’s book: Beyond the Darkness•⁠ ⁠His journey through illness, transplant, and spiritual awakening•⁠ ⁠The surprising emotional lessons learned at sites of tragedy and historical trauma📚 Learn more about Chad Scott and his work at: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Darkness-Transformative-Journeys-Through/dp/1917523009🎧 Tune in, feel inspired, and remember sometimes the most meaningful journeys are the ones we never planned.#MostMemorableJourneys #ChadScott #BeyondTheDarkness #HealingThroughTravel #DarkTourism #GriefAndGrowth #Resilience #TransformationalTravel #LifeAfterLoss

In this deeply empowering episode of Most Memorable Journeys, I’m joined by Mikaela Messiou, entrepreneur, author, female empowerment coach, and founder of the Awaken the Goddess Within coaching program. Mikaela is on a mission to help women transform their wellness, finances, and home life through consciousness, practical strategies, and inner alignment.We dive into her inspiring story, from her academic excellence in the UK and Strasbourg, to co-founding Damaris Health & Wellness Center in Cyprus, to writing her bestselling series “The Goddess In You,” which includes The Goddess In You: A Bible of Financial Freedom and The Goddess Workbook: Nurture the Goddess In You. Mikaela's journey is marked by grace, resilience, creativity, and purpose.In This Episode, We Explore:“Awaken the Goddess Within” Coaching ProgramA transformative 3-month coaching experience helping ambitious women achieve holistic wellness, financial freedom, and domestic bliss, with limited spots for a personalized journey. Book Series: “The Goddess In You”Discover how her books serve as daily companions and actionable guides, focusing on inner power, finance, and life-balance. Entrepreneurial & Academic BackgroundMikaela graduated First Class Honours in Business and French at the University of Reading, continued studies at the École de Commerce de Strasbourg, and earned a Master’s in Human Resource Management from Oxford.Damaris Health & Wellness CenterAs Co‑Founder & CEO, she brings holistic health—mind, body, spirit—under one roof in Cyprus, dedicated to excellence, self-care, and radiant well-being. Her Philosophy: Domestic Bliss ReimaginedLearn how she defines a peaceful, joyful home life—not as a static ideal, but as a dynamic, empowered state of being cultivated through balance, intention, and wellness.Author, Mother, VisionaryMikaela lives in Cyprus with her husband Andreas and their twin children. She balances life as an author, coach, mother, and innovator—continuously dreaming up new ways to support women in thriving. About Mikaela Messiou:Entrepreneur & Visionary LeaderServing for over 16 years in leadership roles, she brings passion, precision, and heart to her ventures in wellness and empowerment. Author & Female Empowerment CoachAuthor of the Goddess In You book series and workbook, Mikaela created Awaken the Goddess Within to personally guide women toward transformation. Creator of Holistic Wellness ApproachesHer work spans health, finance, coaching, and community, anchored in the belief that women can live with both purpose and peace.Educator & Wellness AdvocateTrained in business, wellness, and emotional intelligence, she’s committed to helping women step into their full roles as changemakers in health, home, and business.Episode Highlights:The origin story of the Awaken the Goddess Within coaching programBehind the scenes of The Goddess In You book seriesHer wellness-centered entrepreneurial approach at DamarisWhy financial freedom is a pillar of true empowermentPersonal reflections on “domestic bliss” and everyday joyWhere to Connect & Learn...