Transform With Travel

Are you ready to transform your travel experiences and maybe even your career through the world of travel? In this episode of the Transform with Travel podcast, I sit down with Henley Vazquez, the CEO and co-founder of Fora. This conversation illuminated the evolving landscape of the travel industry, the rise of travel advisors, and the growing interest in wellness travel.  We got into the changes in the travel industry, particularly post-pandemic. The demand for travel advisors has surged as travelers seek guidance through the more complex travel landscape. The conversation highlighted the growing need for flexibility and the ability for last-minute planning, as people are still wary of committing to travel plans far in advance. Fora aims to revolutionize the travel advising industry by offering a modern platform that supports advisors with training, efficient booking tools, and community connection. This approach not only helps seasoned advisors but also makes it easier for newcomers to enter the field and succeed. Henley shared some exciting travel trends, including a move towards exploring less touristy areas in popular destinations like Italy and the rise of far-flung destinations such as Bhutan. She also noted the continued popularity of domestic travel within the United States, with destinations like the American West offering unique experiences. Henley also emphasized the importance of customer service, attention to detail, and leveraging personal networks over social media. By providing exceptional service, advisors can build a loyal client base through word-of-mouth referrals. We talk about: * 00:00 Intro * 04:56 The Evolution of the Travel Industry * 09:17 Introducing Fora: A Modern Travel Agency * 16:25 The Power of Community in Travel Advising * 20:12 Becoming a Standout Travel Advisor * 22:41 The Power of Word of Mouth in Travel * 24:02 The Rise of Wellness Travel * 28:05 Emerging Travel Trends and Destinations * 33:17 The Value of Local and Simple Travel * 42:16 Final Thoughts and Becoming a Travel Advisor Connect with Henley  * https://www.foratravel.com/ [https://www.foratravel.com/]  * https://www.instagram.com/hellofora/ [https://www.instagram.com/hellofora/]  * https://www.instagram.com/henleyv/ [https://www.instagram.com/henleyv/]  Connect with me * Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel [http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel]    * Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday [http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday]  * Transform With Travel Website: https://www.transformwithtravel.co [https://www.transformwithtravel.co]  Thanks To Our Sponsor: * The Mindful Traveler: How To Navigate Travel Stress with a Smile: Use Code LAUNCH10 for 10% off. Download the E-Book Today Here - https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/mindfultravelerebook [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/mindfultravelerebook]   * Byte & Coffee: Check out Byte & Coffee [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/byteandcoffee] for delicious Aussie coffee located in Lighthouse Point, Florida. Mention TRANSFORM WITH TRAVEL at checkout for 10% off your order. Follow Byte on Instagram at @bytencoffee [https://instagram.com/bytencoffee] Website: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/byteandcoffee [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/byteandcoffee]

Have you ever wondered how you can combine your passion for yoga, wellness, and travel into a sustainable lifestyle?  In this episode of the Transform with Travel podcast, I sit down with Erica Hartnick, founder of Yoga Trade, to discuss her inspiring journey and offer invaluable insights into the world of mindful traveling, seasonal work, and the vibrant global wellness community. Erica Hartnick is described as a connection catalyst and mindful adventurer, who grew up in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California but now splits her time between Lake Tahoe and Costa Rica. With a life devoted to exploration, Erica facilitates nature-inspired yoga and mindful experiences. She co-founded Yoga Trade in 2012, driven by her devotion to regenerative living and connecting the global wellness community. We dive into Erica's journey, asking what about the practice of yoga led her to pursue a full-time career in the industry. Erica shares her path from being a mountain athlete to deeply immersing herself in yoga due to injuries. She explains that Yoga Trade was born out of a genuine desire to give back and a passion project without a formal business plan. This authentic sense of wanting to serve the world laid the foundation for Yoga Trade. The conversation transitions to the seasonal lifestyle that Erica has embraced. After college, Erica initially pursued a business career but quickly shifted to seasonal mountain jobs to fuel her passion for skiing and snowboarding. Over time, she developed a pattern of working in winter and summer jobs, and traveling for short periods during spring and fall. Erica reflects on how this lifestyle led to burnout and the realization that she longed for a stable community and purposeful life. We also discuss the profound impact of nature on one's well-being and the importance of mindful travel. Erica shares her belief that being in nature helps clear the mind, open the heart, and connect with the source of life. She speaks about the concept of leaving no trace and treading lightly on the earth. Erica emphasizes the need for awareness, non-judgment, and personal responsibility when traveling. We talk about: * 00:00 Intro * 01:12 Meet Erica Hartnick of Yoga Trade * 02:53 Erica's Yoga Journey and the Birth of Yoga Trade * 04:24 Seasonal Work and Personal Growth * 10:30 Advice for Aspiring Seasonal Workers * 15:22 The Story Behind Yoga Trade * 28:21 Favorite Work Trade Experiences * 31:51 The Importance of Nature and Mindful Travel * 38:11 Closing Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions Resources in this episode: * Episode 38: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4i3nOURhsh2EhnGnCWXvCq?si=qegyb60pTOObI3dqyjFIgw [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4i3nOURhsh2EhnGnCWXvCq?si=qegyb60pTOObI3dqyjFIgw]  Connect with Erica  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogatrade [https://www.instagram.com/yogatrade] / https://www.instagram.com/tahoeoutdooryoga/ [https://www.instagram.com/tahoeoutdooryoga/]  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YogaTrade [https://www.facebook.com/YogaTrade]  * https://www.yogatrade.com [https://www.yogatrade.com]  * https://www.ericahartnick.com [https://www.ericahartnick.com]  Connect with me * Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel [http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel]    * Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday [http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday]  * Transform With Travel Website: https://www.transformwithtravel.co [https://www.transformwithtravel.co]  Thanks To Our Sponsor: * Anatomie: Head to Anatomie’s Website [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/anatomie] for more information. Use Code RISING20 for 20% off your first annual subscription. Follow Anatomie on Instagram at @anatomiestyle  [https://instagram.com/anatomiestyle] * Website: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/anatomie [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/anatomie] * * Byte & Coffee: Check out Byte & Coffee [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/byteandcoffee] for delicious Aussie coffee located in Lighthouse Point, Florida. Mention TRANSFORM WITH TRAVEL at checkout for 10% off your order. Follow Byte on Instagram at @bytencoffee [https://instagram.com/bytencoffee] * Website: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/byteandcoffee [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/byteandcoffee]

We’re celebrating our FIRST Pod-iversary today! I can’t believe it’s been one full year since we published our first episode of the Transform With Travel Podcast. This episode describes my journey of starting the podcast, learning the ins and outs of what it takes to run a podcast, and all of the twists and turns I made along the way. I also announced some BIG news - I’ve officially launched the brand Transform With Travel, which has become so much more than just the podcast.  Transform With Travel is your one-stop shop for all travel needs. We offer Custom Travel Advising & Planning for individuals and groups, Educational Content & Resources and of course, our Transform With Travel Podcast, with bi-weekly episodes of inspiration, adventure & fun.  Check out our brand new website - https://www.transformwithtravel.co [https://www.transformwithtravel.co] for all the latest updates and resources. Like our new E-Book The Mindful Traveler!  From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for continuing to support the podcast and now the official brand. I couldn’t do this without each and every one of you.  Cheers to Year 2! We talk about: * 00:00 Intro * 00:56 The Birth of the Podcast * 02:06 Challenges and Growth * 03:31 Transition to Bi-Weekly Episodes * 04:33 New Collaborations and Opportunities * 07:09 Expanding the Brand * 07:53 The Mindful Traveler Ebook * 12:41 Connecting with the Community * 14:19 Stay in Touch Resources in this episode: * The Mindful Traveler Ebook: https://www.transformwithtravel.co/online_store/the-mindful-traveler-how-to-navigate-travel-stress-with-a-smile-2c66834c-da62-44b8-a116-5a469317d1fe [https://www.transformwithtravel.co/online_store/the-mindful-traveler-how-to-navigate-travel-stress-with-a-smile-2c66834c-da62-44b8-a116-5a469317d1fe]  Connect with me * Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel [http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel]    * Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday [http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday]  NEW Transform With Travel Website: https://www.transformwithtravel.co/ [https://www.transformwithtravel.co/]

Have you ever dreamed of transforming your ordinary travel experiences into extraordinary adventures? If you answered yes, then you're just one step away from discovering how to travel like a rockstar. In this episode of the Transform with Travel podcast, I sit down with Lisa Gneo, a luxury travel concierge at Rockstar Luxury Travel, to discuss what it truly means to journey with style, comfort, and unforgettable experiences. Here are the highlights from their enlightening conversation. Lisa's mission at Rockstar Luxury Travel is to redefine the travel experience. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, she has curated a network of expert travel advisors dedicated to planning the perfect journeys for their clients. Lisa shared that her ultimate goal is to transform tourists into travelers by providing personalized, high-touch services. According to Lisa, a competent travel advisor should be someone who has "walked the walk," with firsthand experience of the destinations they recommend. This ensures that clients receive authentic advice and exceptional service. She collaborates with trusted local travel advisors in Europe to provide accurate, up-to-date information and hidden gems off the typical tourist path. Lisa shares her take on the hottest travel destinations for 2024, and shares her parting advice, which is simple yet profound: "Get out and travel. Don't wait. Time is so precious and we don't know what our future holds." She encourages everyone to seize the opportunity to explore new places and create lasting memories, regardless of the budget or destination. As you plan your next adventure, whether near or far, consider the insights shared by Lisa Gino. Traveling like a rockstar isn't just about luxury; it's about experiencing every moment fully and creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and keep on exploring! We talk about: * 00:00 Intro * 01:27 Meet Lisa Gneo: Luxury Travel Concierge * 02:44 Lisa's Journey in the Hospitality Industry * 05:02 The Importance of Unique Hotel Experiences * 17:19 The Role of a Travel Advisor * 23:13 Advice for Aspiring Travel Advisors * 24:10 Local Knowledge Matters * 26:35 Exploring Like a Local * 27:59 Transforming Tourists into Travelers * 32:09 Hot Destinations for 2024 * 34:09 The Importance of Traveling Now Connect with Lisa  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisagneo [https://www.instagram.com/lisagneo/?hl=en] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagneo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagneo/]  * https://www.rockstarluxetravel.com/ [https://www.rockstarluxetravel.com/]  Connect with me * Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel [http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel]    * Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday [http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday]  * Travel with RNR: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/travelwithrnr [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/travelwithrnr]  Thanks To Our Sponsor: * Anatomie: Head to Anatomie’s Website [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/anatomie] for more information. Use Code RISING20 for 20% off your first annual subscription. Follow Anatomie on Instagram at @anatomiestyle  [https://instagram.com/anatomiestyle] * Website: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/anatomie [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/anatomie] * * Byte & Coffee: Check out Byte & Coffee [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/byteandcoffee] for delicious Aussie coffee located in Lighthouse Point, Florida. Mention TRANSFORM WITH TRAVEL at checkout for 10% off your order. Follow Byte on Instagram at @bytencoffee [https://instagram.com/bytencoffee] * Website: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/byteandcoffee [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/byteandcoffee]

Have you ever wondered what it takes to leave a stable, high-stress job to pursue a passion that lights up your soul? Not only that, what about taking that passion and using it to build a career with your passion of travel?  Justin Liebman transitioned from a high-stress finance job to a fulfilling career as a yoga teacher. Justin, like many others, found solace and passion in yoga, which ignited most when he began studying yogic philosophy. After years of dedicated practice, he took the leap in 2018 to leave his corporate finance job to pursue teaching yoga full-time. His journey wasn't without its challenges. Justin shared that the transition period was fraught with financial uncertainty, teaching only a handful of classes every week. However, his passion kept him going, and within six months, he was able to build a sustainable teaching schedule. Justin traded financial security for happiness, a decision he never regretted. One of the most transformative aspects of Justin’s journey has been the practice of meditation. Meditation helped him cultivate patience and navigate life's chaotic moments with a clearer mind.  With numerous retreats now available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In our conversation, Justin shared invaluable tips: 1. Find the Right Teacher: Ensure that the teacher’s style and approach resonate with you. 2. Check the Schedule: Look for retreats that align with what you want from the experience, whether it's an immersion in yoga or time for excursions. 3. Understand Your Goals: Determine whether you want a serene retreat with less activity or a complete immersion into yoga practices. Justin’s story is a testament to the transformative power of yoga and travel. He encourages everyone to take the leap and embrace the uncertainties that come with following your passion. Remember, the journey may be long, but the rewards are worth it. We talk about: * 00:00 Intro * 01:46 Justin's Journey from Finance to Yoga * 03:59 Building a Yoga Teaching Career * 08:19 The Importance of Patience and Meditation * 11:14 Choosing the Right Retreat * 16:00 Hosting and Attending Retreats * 20:17 Maintaining Health and Wellness While Traveling * 23:56 Yoga Techniques for Stressful Travel Days * 29:46 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion Connect with Justin  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinlyogi/ [https://www.instagram.com/justinlyogi/]  Connect with me * Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel [http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel]    * Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday [http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday]  * Travel with RNR: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/travelwithrnr [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/travelwithrnr]  * Join us in Peru or Greece in 2025! Thanks To Our Sponsor: * Anatomie: Head to Anatomie’s Website [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/anatomie] for more information. Use Code RISING20 for 20% off your first annual subscription. Follow Anatomie on Instagram at @anatomiestyle  [https://instagram.com/anatomiestyle] * Website: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/anatomie [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/anatomie]  * Eyia Retreats: Head to Eyia Retreats Website [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/eyiaretreats] for more information on upcoming retreats & courses. * Website: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/eyiaretreats [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/eyiaretreats] * How. To Move To Greece Course: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/move-to-greece [https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/move-to-greece]