Seizing Your Opportunity to Travel, Saving Money as a Solo Traveler, Lessons from a Career Break, and How to Figure Out What You Want (In 60 Seconds) with Leslie McKellar

Aug 22, 2024

In this engaging conversation, professional photographer Leslie McKellar shares her inspiring journey into full-time travel after a life-changing event involving toxic mold. She discusses her budgeting strategies, how to choose the right destinations, and the unexpected challenges she faced abroad. Leslie emphasizes the personal growth that comes with travel and offers a fun 60-second challenge to spark new adventures. Listeners will resonate with her insights on embracing the chaos of life, adaptability, and the joy of self-discovery through exploration.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Embracing Travel for Growth

02:05 • 21min

Enhancing Travel Through Language and Personal Reflections

22:36 • 3min

Embracing Triumph and the Importance of Self-Celebration

25:07 • 2min

Adapting to Adventure: A European Journey

26:46 • 12min

Travel Journeys: Connections and Growth

38:55 • 13min

Embracing Life's Chaos: Lessons from a Sabbatical

52:23 • 3min

Embracing Solo Travel and Personal Growth

55:41 • 13min

If a new opportunity comes your way, are you ready to take it? When professional photographer Leslie McKellar was forced to move out of her apartment in 2020 because of toxic mold, she took it as an opportunity to reevaluate her trajectory. After realizing her calling to travel full-time, she set out a plan to make it happen and left for Europe in January 2022.

This interview is extra special because not only was it recorded in person but I also met Leslie 8 months into her travels so she has some fantastic insights to share from her experience.

You will not want to miss what she has to say about how she budgeted for the trip, advice on how to pick the right destinations, valuable lessons from curveballs along the way, why traveling can help you reset, and a 60-second challenge to help you find new adventures.

What are your takeaways from the 60-second challenge? I'd love to hear about them and hope you will share by sending me an audio message.

*This month, we're sharing previous episodes highlighting travel turnarounds! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, providing valuable insight whenever you listen.

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Tune In To Learn:

Why toxic mold was the unexpected launching point for Leslie’s travel dreams
The strategy Leslie used to budget and plan accommodations
How Leslie has navigated visa renewals during her year abroad
The unexpected challenges that have come up during her time abroad
Why she considers climate and weather when seeking destinations
What her experience has been being a solo female traveler
The biggest differences between slow travel and a quick trip
How this journey impacted Leslie’s perspective on her career
Why Leslie decided to leave her photography equipment at home
Her takeaways from nearly a year of traveling and why it's a bigger risk not to seize the opportunity
And so much more

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