Young Travelers Podcast with Gabby Beckford

How Kiera Perryman Turned a Gap Year into a Global Adventure

Kiera Perryman traded the traditional post-grad path for a year of exploration and growth. In this episode, Gabby dives into Kiera’s transformative gap year, from studying design in Switzerland to experiencing local festivals in Nepal. Kiera shares her creative approach to financing travel through scholarships, work exchanges, and savings, as well as her reflections on breaking societal expectations and embracing freedom. Whether you’re dreaming of a gap year or curious about balancing adventure with responsibility, this episode will leave you inspired to live life for the plot. Check out my Delusional Confidence Workbook [https://gabbypackslightcom.gumroad.com/l/DCWorkbook] if you need an even bigger push into building your confidence to do anything, including taking a travel gap year! --- The Young Travelers Podcast is Hosted by Gabby Beckford and Produced by Gabby Beckford and Taylor Inglut.  Sound Design and Editing by Ryan Hammond Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski Executive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky Find more of Gabby and her solo adventures, travel tips, and delusionally confident lifestyle… On the Web - packslight.com [http://packslight.com] On Instagram - @packlight [https://www.instagram.com/packslight] On TikTok - @packslight [https://tiktok.com/@packslight] Plus, you can watch video versions of this podcast on Gabby’s YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7fXoOtqjpPY4B378Y5YoBdtxU7sq8HGI&si=-Bu4OCAPcFqdxfCu]. To connect with other young travelers who opt out of the status quo and live life for the plot, join Gabby’s Young Travelers Network Facebook Group [https://facebook.com/youngtravelersnetwork] (the original inspo behind this podcast!): https://facebook.com/youngtravelersnetwork. Want to learn more about what Paid Travel Opportunities (PTO) are and the different types of PTO that exist? Head to SeekPTO.com [http://seekpto.com] for all things related to traveling for school, for work, and for fun… for FREE! And, are you looking for more of the absolute best in travel podcasts? Visit cercatravel.com [http://cercatravel.com] to discover all our Cerca Originals, or head on over to youtube.com/@CercaTravel [http://youtube.com/@CercaTravel] for more podcasts and shorts to stoke your wanderlust and give you the local perspective on some of the greatest places on earth. --- Gabby Beckford is the award-winning travel influencer and Opportunity Expert at @packslight [http://instagram.com/packslight]. Starting her pursuits at just 17, she is a solo female traveler who's visited 50+ countries and is on a mission to make the incredible accessible to the younger generation. She’s also grown her community to more than 600K+ across platforms–including 10K+ young travelers in her Young Travelers Network [https://facebook.com/youngtravelersnetwork]! Beckford’s work has been featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America, CNNTravel, National Geographic. --- At Cerca [http://www.cercatravel.com/], our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com [http://www.cercatravel.com] for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one! Download the Cerca App for free now [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cerca-travel-guides-podcasts/id1600950071]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

How to *Actually* Plan a Solo Trip: Flights, Stays, and Activities

Planning your first solo trip can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!  In this episode, I walk you through the essential logistics of booking a trip, breaking it down into flights, accommodations, activities, and transportation. Learn how to use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hostelworld, weigh the pros and cons of hotels versus hostels or Airbnbs, and discover ways to plan a balanced itinerary that leaves room for spontaneity. I also share my go-to hacks, like leveraging frequent flyer programs, maximizing travel credit cards, and using group trip itineraries for inspiration. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking to make the most of your PTO, these practical tips will help you book your dream trip with ease. And if planning still feels overwhelming, don’t worry.  Grab my exact travel itineraries [https://www.thatch.co/@packslight] for destinations like London, Japan, or Costa Rica or consider a trip with a group travel company [https://www.packslight.com/grouptravel]. Save yourself the mental load and start exploring! --- The Young Travelers Podcast is Hosted by Gabby Beckford and Produced by Gabby Beckford and Taylor Inglut.  Sound Design and Editing by Ryan Hammond Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski Executive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky Find more of Gabby and her solo adventures, travel tips, and delusionally confident lifestyle… On the Web - packslight.com [http://packslight.com] On Instagram - @packlight [https://www.instagram.com/packslight] On TikTok - @packslight [https://tiktok.com/@packslight] Plus, you can watch video versions of this podcast on Gabby’s YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7fXoOtqjpPY4B378Y5YoBdtxU7sq8HGI&si=-Bu4OCAPcFqdxfCu]. To connect with other young travelers who opt out of the status quo and live life for the plot, join Gabby’s Young Travelers Network Facebook Group [https://facebook.com/youngtravelersnetwork] (the original inspo behind this podcast!): https://facebook.com/youngtravelersnetwork. Want to learn more about what Paid Travel Opportunities (PTO) are and the different types of PTO that exist? Head to SeekPTO.com [http://seekpto.com] for all things related to traveling for school, for work, and for fun… for FREE! And, are you looking for more of the absolute best in travel podcasts? Visit cercatravel.com [http://cercatravel.com] to discover all our Cerca Originals, or head on over to youtube.com/@CercaTravel [http://youtube.com/@CercaTravel] for more podcasts and shorts to stoke your wanderlust and give you the local perspective on some of the greatest places on earth. --- Gabby Beckford is the award-winning travel influencer and Opportunity Expert at @packslight [http://instagram.com/packslight]. Starting her pursuits at just 17, she is a solo female traveler who's visited 50+ countries and is on a mission to make the incredible accessible to the younger generation. She’s also grown her community to more than 600K+ across platforms–including 10K+ young travelers in her Young Travelers Network [https://facebook.com/youngtravelersnetwork]! Beckford’s work has been featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America, CNNTravel, National Geographic. --- At Cerca [http://www.cercatravel.com/], our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com [http://www.cercatravel.com] for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one! Download the Cerca App for free now [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cerca-travel-guides-podcasts/id1600950071]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

The PTO Princess: Mmachukwu Osisioma on How to Win Fully-Funded Trips

In this episode, meet Mmachukwu Osisioma, a college student with roots in Nigeria and the United States, whose passion for travel has driven her to win two incredible Paid Travel Opportunities (PTOs). She shares how she discovered PTOs during high school through SeekPTO [http://seekpto.com], the research skills she’s honed to find the perfect opportunities, and the persistence that kept her applying—even after rejections. Mmachukwu also reflects on her transformative experiences abroad, from navigating a winter study program in South Korea to immersing herself in Brazilian culture during Carnival. She emphasizes the importance of staying authentic in applications and how these opportunities have shaped her worldview, connections, and confidence. If you’re curious about how to take your first step toward a fully-funded travel experience, Mmachukwu’s story will inspire you to get started.  Ready to start your own journey? Join SeekPTO.com [http://seekpto.com] today to find curated Paid Travel Opportunities like Mmachukwu’s along with the community support and application resources that will help you actually win them. --- The Young Travelers Podcast is Hosted by Gabby Beckford and Produced by Gabby Beckford and Taylor Inglut.  Sound Design and Editing by Ryan Hammond Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski Executive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky Find more of Gabby and her solo adventures, travel tips, and delusionally confident lifestyle… On the Web - packslight.com [http://packslight.com] On Instagram - @packlight [https://www.instagram.com/packslight] On TikTok - @packslight [https://tiktok.com/@packslight] Plus, you can watch video versions of this podcast on Gabby’s YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7fXoOtqjpPY4B378Y5YoBdtxU7sq8HGI&si=-Bu4OCAPcFqdxfCu]. To connect with other young travelers who opt out of the status quo and live life for the plot, join Gabby’s Young Travelers Network Facebook Group [https://facebook.com/youngtravelersnetwork] (the original inspo behind this podcast!): https://facebook.com/youngtravelersnetwork. Want to learn more about what Paid Travel Opportunities (PTO) are and the different types of PTO that exist? Head to SeekPTO.com [http://seekpto.com] for all things related to traveling for school, for work, and for fun… for FREE! And, are you looking for more of the absolute best in travel podcasts? Visit cercatravel.com [http://cercatravel.com] to discover all our Cerca Originals, or head on over to youtube.com/@CercaTravel [http://youtube.com/@CercaTravel] for more podcasts and shorts to stoke your wanderlust and give you the local perspective on some of the greatest places on earth. --- Gabby Beckford is the award-winning travel influencer and Opportunity Expert at @packslight [http://instagram.com/packslight]. Starting her pursuits at just 17, she is a solo female traveler who's visited 50+ countries and is on a mission to make the incredible accessible to the younger generation. She’s also grown her community to more than 600K+ across platforms–including 10K+ young travelers in her Young Travelers Network [https://facebook.com/youngtravelersnetwork]! Beckford has been featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America, CNNTravel, National Geographic, and more for her work. --- At Cerca [http://www.cercatravel.com/], our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com [http://www.cercatravel.com] for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one! Download the Cerca App for free now [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cerca-travel-guides-podcasts/id1600950071]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Solo Travel Safety Tips to Feel Prepared Anywhere

Worried about staying safe while traveling solo? I’m here to help!  In this episode, I shares my ultimate guide to solo travel safety, including practical tips like blending in, staying connected, and preparing the full itinerary in advance. My advice, built on 10+ years of solo travel experience, will help you feel prepared for any situation—whether it’s handling awkward questions about traveling alone, navigating unfamiliar cities, or trusting your instincts when things feel off. Solo travel is about empowerment, not fear, and this episode will leave you feeling ready to explore the world with confidence. Check out the Packs Light blog today for my full list of 50 Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers [https://www.packslight.com/ultimate-safety-guide-for-solo-female-traveler/] and other solo travel tips, tricks, and inspo. --- The Young Travelers Podcast is Hosted by Gabby Beckford and Produced by Gabby Beckford and Taylor Inglut.  Sound Design and Editing by Ryan Hammond Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski Executive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky Find more of Gabby and her solo adventures, travel tips, and delusionally confident lifestyle… On the Web - packslight.com [http://packslight.com] On Instagram - @packlight [https://www.instagram.com/packslight] On TikTok - @packslight [https://tiktok.com/@packslight] Plus, you can watch video versions of this podcast on Gabby’s YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7fXoOtqjpPY4B378Y5YoBdtxU7sq8HGI&si=-Bu4OCAPcFqdxfCu]. To connect with other young travelers who opt out of the status quo and live life for the plot, join Gabby’s Young Travelers Network Facebook Group [https://facebook.com/youngtravelersnetwork] (the original inspo behind this podcast!): https://facebook.com/youngtravelersnetwork. Want to learn more about what Paid Travel Opportunities (PTO) are and the different types of PTO that exist? Head to SeekPTO.com [http://seekpto.com] for all things related to traveling for school, for work, and for fun… for FREE! And, are you looking for more of the absolute best in travel podcasts? Visit cercatravel.com [http://cercatravel.com] to discover all our Cerca Originals, or head on over to youtube.com/@CercaTravel [http://youtube.com/@CercaTravel] for more podcasts and shorts to stoke your wanderlust and give you the local perspective on some of the greatest places on earth. --- Gabby Beckford is the award-winning travel influencer and Opportunity Expert at @packslight [http://instagram.com/packslight]. Starting her pursuits at just 17, she is a solo female traveler who's visited 50+ countries and is on a mission to make the incredible accessible to the younger generation. She’s also grown her community to more than 600K+ across platforms–including 10K+ young travelers in her Young Travelers Network [https://facebook.com/youngtravelersnetwork]! Beckford has been featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America, CNNTravel, National Geographic, and more for her work. --- At Cerca [http://www.cercatravel.com/], our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com [http://www.cercatravel.com] for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one! Download the Cerca App for free now [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cerca-travel-guides-podcasts/id1600950071]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

What Leslie Dixon Learned From Studying Abroad in South Africa with Cheetahs

Leslie Dixon didn’t just study wildlife—she lived it. In South Africa, she worked with rhinos, cheetahs, and even chaotic hornbills (known for slashing tires!). But alongside the breathtaking encounters came ethical dilemmas and cultural revelations. In this episode, Leslie talks about the beauty and complexity of conservation work, the lessons she learned about privilege and perspective, and how these experiences shaped her future. Her story is a raw, eye-opening look at the lessons study abroad can teach you beyond the classroom, that will stick with you for a lifetime. Want to know about more about what Leslie’s been up to since returning from South Africa? Check out… Leslie’s personal Instagram [https://instagram.com/lesliedixon_27] Leslie’s Photography Instagram [https://instagram.com/ldixon_photography**] --- The Young Travelers Podcast is Hosted by Gabby Beckford and Produced by Gabby Beckford and Taylor Inglut.  Sound Design and Editing by Ryan Hammond Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski Executive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky Find more of Gabby and her solo adventures, travel tips, and delusionally confident lifestyle… On the Web - packslight.com [http://packslight.com] On Instagram - @packlight [https://www.instagram.com/packslight] On TikTok - @packslight [https://tiktok.com/@packslight] Plus, you can watch video versions of this podcast on Gabby’s YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7fXoOtqjpPY4B378Y5YoBdtxU7sq8HGI&si=-Bu4OCAPcFqdxfCu]. To connect with other young travelers who opt out of the status quo and live life for the plot, join Gabby’s Young Travelers Network Facebook Group [https://facebook.com/youngtravelersnetwork] (the original inspo behind this podcast!): https://facebook.com/youngtravelersnetwork. Want to learn more about what Paid Travel Opportunities (PTO) are and the different types of PTO that exist? Head to SeekPTO.com [http://seekpto.com] for all things related to traveling for school, for work, and for fun… for FREE! And, are you looking for more of the absolute best in travel podcasts? Visit cercatravel.com [http://cercatravel.com] to discover all our Cerca Originals, or head on over to youtube.com/@CercaTravel [http://youtube.com/@CercaTravel] for more podcasts and shorts to stoke your wanderlust and give you the local perspective on some of the greatest places on earth. --- Gabby Beckford is the award-winning travel influencer and Opportunity Expert at @packslight [http://instagram.com/packslight]. Starting her pursuits at just 17, she is a solo female traveler who's visited 50+ countries and is on a mission to make the incredible accessible to the younger generation. She’s also grown her community to more than 600K+ across platforms–including 10K+ young travelers in her Young Travelers Network [https://facebook.com/youngtravelersnetwork]! Beckford has been featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America, CNNTravel, National Geographic, and more for her work. --- At Cerca [http://www.cercatravel.com/], our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com [http://www.cercatravel.com] for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one! Download the Cerca App for free now [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cerca-travel-guides-podcasts/id1600950071]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].