Two years ago I traveled to Athens, Greece to attend the international TBEX conference, the annual global educational summit for travel bloggers. At the time, I had yet to develop this blog and website, but my reason for attending this great convocation was to gain valuable information and direction from the experts on how to make my venture excellent.
I participated in a two day travel writing workshop with acclaimed writer David Farley, listened to lectures given by experts from Expedia, Yahoo Travel, took part in breakout sessions on various important blogging trends, learned about the business aspect of being a blogger and, in the evening, socialized with the attendees around majestic Athens, one of the most fascinating places in the world. While I felt a bit overwhelmed, the conference fired me up!
One of the breakout sessions I attended was on the topic of travel podcasts and their growing influence on people who love to travel. Few bloggers participated in this offering which I found a bit odd. I have always wanted to be a trendsetter so anything that was new and cool, I wanted to know more about it.
After listening to the presenters, I knew why the audience was so sparse. Podcasts are not easy to do well, they entail a lot of preparation, you have to work with a skilled producer and you need to be a "natural talker" who has something interesting to talk about. I must confess, I left the session with some knowledge gained but never thought I would be doing a podcast . . .
Well, fate stepped in six months ago when a friend, the dynamic women's leadership development advocate Dima Gwahi, shared she was going to launch a podcast focusing on women and leadership. She encouraged me to talk to Catherine O'Brien, a new resident to our city who was a podcast producer. In Dima's own words she said, “Astrid you should create a podcast. Your topic is great and you are a natural communicator. It will be great."
Because from the beginning she has been one of my mentors, I followed Dima's suggestion, faced the unknown and hooked up with Catherine. For the last six months I have been learning all of the "ins and outs" of podcasting plus taping an episode every ten days. Though this has been a huge learning curve, Catherine and I have been having a blast developing our show, Solo Travel Talk with Astrid.
Which leads me to announce I will be launching the show on January 30th, and it will air every Thursday thereafter! I will be covering all types of topics dealing with solo travel including:
Safety and the solo traveler
Solo Dining Tips
Cultural Do's and Don'ts
Solo Friendly hotels
Unique shopping venues around the world
Popular Solo Destinations
and much more!
Likewise, from time to time I will be bringing travel experts on the show to share some of the latest trends and "things to do" around the world when traveling solo.
So if you are interested in valuable travel tips, interesting stories and experiences dealing with affordable solo travel, follow me now on my new podcast, Solo Travel Talk with Astrid. You are sure to be entertained!
You can tune-in by clicking on the Podcast section, or on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, Spotify, YouTube or with your favorite podcast app!
Please subscribe to the podcast and give us a rating on iTunes to help other solo travelers find us, to help us grow and continue to produce new content!
I don’t like crowds just as much as the next traveler! On the new episode of my solo travel podcast, Solo Travel Talk, in the Hassle-Free Travel Series, I share tips for avoiding the hassle of crowds, lines, and more crowds wherever you go!
When people say, “Travel has become a hassle” do they really mean flying is a hassle? Listen to my new podcast episode to hear more.
I have a whole new podcast series for you, all about reducing hassle for the traveler. Feel the joy of travel again with my practical tips and strategies for traveling hassle-free. My first episode is all about the hassle-free mindset. Be a happier traveler!
Enjoy a bonus episode of Solo Travel Talk, all about The AstridTravel Club! Astrid shares her inspiration, as well as the amazing slate of trips planned for 2020. Trip facilitator and fabulous force behind the ATC Madeline Freret is also on the show talking about Marrakesh and her perspective on what The AstridTravel Club is all about.
From gorgeous traditional gardens to excellent dining and shopping, the Hotel New Otani Tokyo is an oasis in the city, and a fabulous example of affordable luxury. On the final episode in my Japan Series of Solo Travel Talk (my solo travel podcast) I virtually take you to this gem of a hotel to experience the Hotel New Otani. Take a listen for the experience!
From cultural touchstones to shrines and temples, talismans, even manners and customs all seem to carry a piece of the spiritual life of Japan. This episode of my solo travel podcast, Solo Travel Talk is all about the spiritual side of Japan.
On my show, Solo Travel Talk, I explore the gardens of Japan. One part natural beauty, one part philosophy— Japanese gardens are something to behold! Listen and experience nature on my new episode, the Japan Series.
Japanese culture has many rules of social etiquette that might not be obvious to a traveler. Who would have thought that improper use of chopsticks could be so offensive? Learn about this and other cultural tips in this episode of my Solo Travel Talk podcast!
For everything that is great about Japan, solo travel in this wonderful country has some challenges, too. Here are my tips for tackling solo travel in Japan as well as some problems that can arise in Japan and how to overcome them.
We love food tours, yes we do— and on the new episode of my solo travel podcast, Solo Travel Talk I discuss the food scene of Japan. I found the Japanese to be so passionate about food! This passion translated into wonderful eating, especially for the solo traveler. Take a listen to the show to learn more!
This episode of my Solo Travel Talk podcast is all about the brand new AstridTravel Club. In this episode, I’m sharing the inspiration for the club, who this club is for, and some of the exciting trips we have planned thus far! Listen to find out whether or not the AstridTravel Club is right for you!
When I visited Japan this Cherry Blossom Season, I fell in love. Japan is such a beautiful country with such a beautiful culture. But with so much to see and do, how can you decide where to begin? I’m sharing my top 10 must-dos in Japan in this episode of my solo travel podcast, Solo Travel Talk - The Japan Series.
The podcast returns! Solo Travel Talk is back with a series focused on solo travel in Japan. In this new episode, I’m discussing the many compelling reasons why you should visit Japan, and why now is a good time to do so!
Travel trends that impact solo travelers are always of interest to me, and the trends that are shaping up in 2019 are no different. On the new episode of my solo travel podcast, Solo Travel Talk, I share some of the most significant trends that are emerging, and what savvy solo travelers need to know. Plus, at the end of the show I make an announcement about the future of the podcast.
Do you use stopovers? You might want to after the new episode of my solo travel podcast, Solo Travel Talk! What a stopover is, how to use them, where to find them— all those questions and more answered on the new episode of Solo Travel Talk.
Gorgeous interiors, an amazing rooftop terrace, refinement and style—Hotel Raphael is a great place to stay when traveling alone in Paris and is a gem in the 16th Arrondissement. My new solo travel podcast, Solo Travel Talk, takes you right into the heart of this affordable luxury, boutique hotel.
In celebration of the 100th episode of my Solo Travel Talk podcast, I will inspire and encourage you to consider all the changes happening in the travel industry. I discuss how solo travel is evolving, current travel trends, and this question: “Solo travel … is it fad or fabulous?” Listen to the episode and decide for yourself.
Podcasts are a great way to listen and learn about a variety of topics, including travel. Solo Travel Talk is a valuable resource for any person looking for valuable insights, tips and tales about solo travel.
Part travelogue, part tip sheet, this episode takes us back to Paris! Don’t overlook the 16th Arrondissement when traveling alone in Paris! It is full of museums, outstanding restaurants, trendy boutiques, fabulous vintage shops and perhaps the best rooftop terrace in the entire city! Listen and discover this gem of a district in the City of Lights.
Tipping while traveling can cause some concern, but on the new episode of my solo travel podcast, Solo Travel Talk, I break down some of the issues surrounding giving tips and share some strategies for gaining confidence around this common occurrence.
Pre-trip planning is my bag, and setting an itinerary can make all the difference for your solo travel. I share my itinerary tips—especially discussing when to plan what— on the new episode of my solo travel podcast. I even have some tips for procrastinators. Take a listen to the new episode of the podcast.
I tackle some of the most common preconceived ideas about traveling solo, using a unique and fun format. On the new episode of my solo travel podcast I give you my take on some common (and maybe even controversial) beliefs. Take a listen and then give me your perspective!
Deciding where to stay is one of the most important trip planning decision for the solo traveler. On this episode of my solo travel podcast, I share my tips on where to stay, the best time to book, where to book, and other ways to make sure you get the best deal!
Paris has numerous cultural particularities, but my new solo travel podcast shares some important cultural Do’s and Don’ts that I have learned over the years when I’m traveling alone for a trip to the City of Lights. Listen to Solo Travel Talk and hear my tips for navigating Paris without any faux pas!
Flight Booking tips can save the solo traveler money when purchasing airline tickets. On the new episode of my solo travel podcast, I share insights and tips about booking your flights, some of the resources I use, websites, plus when to book your travel. Listen to learn more!
In this podcast, I share what makes Paris such a great destination for solo travelers, and how you can fall in love with Paris all on your own. I also address topics such as mindset while traveling, and a certain dilemma many frequent travelers face: should I revisit a city I’ve already been to or go somewhere new?
What characteristics make a city well-suited for someone traveling alone? In this episode of my solo travel podcast, I discuss important things to look for when choosing a solo travel destination as well as my choices for the top 20 most solo friendly cities in the world.
On the new episode of my solo travel podcast, Solo Travel Talk. I profile four trips that I plan to take in 2019. Find out the why, how, and when I have selected these wonderful destinations for people traveling alone and get inspired to plan your next solo dream trip!
Trying to decide where to go on your next solo adventure can be a challenge. On the new episode of my solo travel podcast, Solo Travel Talk, I take you into my process for assessing mood and picking goals for solo my travels. Listen, Learn and be inspired!
Author: Astrid Clements
Astrid Solo Travel Advisor CEO and founder, Astrid, has spent over 40 years traveling around the world. She is passionate about embracing the world’s diverse cultures and sharing with others the global need and personal benefit of cultural literacy. Her focus is on affordable luxury travel that is both substantive and fun! To read more about her and each one of our Solo Travel Advisors, head over to the About page!
Don’t let unmet expectations or letdowns steal your solo travel joy! I address the mindset and planning you need to employ to have happy expectations on the new episode of my solo travel podcast, Solo Travel Talk. Take a listen!