Citizens of the World: A Stoic Podcast for Curious Travelers

Whether you are single or a student, married, retired or a parent, you deserve time to yourself to do whatever you want and explore the world.    On this week’s episode, fellow podcaster and traveler Gemma Thompson and I discuss why solo travel is such a transformational experience and why everyone should do it at least once. We’ll talk about how to conquer your nerves and book that solo trip; what to do when you feel lonely and how to avoid it,; destinations that are perfect for first time solo travelers; where you should probably NOT go on your first solo trip; and more.    For a round up of everything we talk about, visit postcardacademy.co    I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare.    Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.   This podcast is brought to you by Audible. Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard   This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insuranceDo you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

Today is all about Munich, Germany, often ranked among the world’s most livable cities. I’m continuing my conversation with independent tour guide Maxine Ryder, who you heard on our Oktoberfest episode. She is a British Australian who’s made Munich her home.   You may know that Munich was the birthplace of the Nazi movement and that 80-90% of Munich was bombed in World War II. Maxine and I talk about the beer hall where Hitler honed his oratory skills; about the sad King who came before him and built castles to escape reality; and more.    But it’s not all doom and gloom. Munich is packed with great museums and restaurants and is an easy train ride to fantastic destinations for hikers and castle lovers, and we cover that, too. Visit postcardacademy.co for spellings and links to what we talk about.   But back to Germany’s dark history: if you’re visiting Munich you should visit the Dachau Concentration Camp to pay respect to the victims, survivors, and liberators of the camp. It’s not hard to get to from Munich, and Maxine takes tours there.    I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare.    Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.   This podcast is brought to you by Audible. Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard   This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance  Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

As a vegetarian who doesn’t like beer, I never thought Oktoberfest would be an event for me. But, independent tour guide Maxine Ryder has convinced me otherwise! To start, did you know that at Munich’s massive event you’ll also find a Prosecco tent??    On the Postcard Academy podcast, Maxine, an British/Australian expat and Munich resident, and I talk about the history of Oktoberfest, the type of food and drink you’ll find there, strategies to have an amazing time, and more. Visit postcardacademy.co for a roundup with links.   I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare.    Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.   This podcast is brought to you by Audible. Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard   This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insuranceDo you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

Charleston, South Carolina, consistently tops the lists of ‘world’s best cities to visit.’ It’s also a city that was built on the sweat and blood of slaves, and learning about this history should be part of your travels to this region.    Before slavery was abolished in 1865, Charleston was the slavery capital of the United States. Four million slaves lived in America – 10% of them in South Carolina — and about 40% of the slaves brought to the U.S. came through Charleston Harbor.    This episode is dedicated to the incredible story of Nat Fuller, a Charleston slave who somehow managed to start his own catering and restaurant business, and then went on to become the most celebrated chef in the city. But that’s not all. When Charleston was in confused ruins after the Civil War, Nat hosted a Reconciliation Feast, which brought together black and white diners for the city’s first integrated meal in its history.    I talk to with David Shields, a University of South Carolina professor and author of The Culinarians: Lives and Careers from the First Age of American Fine Dining. I also interview chef Kevin Mitchell, who helped organize and participated in the 150th anniversary celebration of Nat Fuller’s Reconciliation Feast.     I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare.    Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.   Visit postcardacademy.co for more travel stories, guides, and inspiration.   This podcast is brought to you by Audible. Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard   This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insuranceDo you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

LoAnn Halden, Vice President of Communications at IGLTA, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, joins me to talk about the history of LGBT travel, current trends, the best resources for planning a trip, for checking the safety of a destination, the hottest places to visit right now, and more. (See photos and links at postcardacademy.co)   Later in the show, I chat with travel bloggers and Instagram influencers Roxanne Weijer and Maartje Hensen about what it’s like traveling the world full time as a lesbian couple.    By listener request, I’m putting a special emphasis on lesbian travel because that community hasn’t had nearly as much attention or travel resources dedicated to it compared to what gay travelers have access to.     I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare.    Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.   This podcast is brought to you by Audible. Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard   This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance  Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

Barcelona has eight UNESCO sites, beaches, mountains, a beautiful historic center, tons of restaurants and boutiques, and art everywhere you look. In this episode, Polish expat Paulina Grzeszczyk, of Devour tours, shares her insider tips on the best this city has to offer. We’ll discuss where to find the best tapas, spectacular sunsets, shopping, museums, and more. Visit postcardacademy.co for photos and links.   I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare.    Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.   This podcast is brought to you by Audible. Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard   This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance  Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

Flying messes with our mind, body, and spirit in all sorts of crazy ways. And if you’re stuck in economy for hours, it feels downright painful. On this episode, my friend, Kelly, and I talk through some of our top tips that made our recent 25-hour journey to Bali more comfortable. We'll also share what we've been up to in Bali so far (it involves good food, lots of massage, and working through our phobias). Visit postcardacademy.co for more on what we discuss.    I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare.    Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.   This podcast is brought to you by Audible. Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard   This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance  Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

On this encore episode, my friend and favorite full-time traveler, Cristal Dyer, shares her secrets to finding the cheapest flights and best travel deals. You’ll learn how to find and take advantage of error fares (and what this means); the best sites to find cheap airfare; where to book accommodation to rack up free nights; ideas to find local activities wherever you visit, and more.    Cristal also shares some fantastic advice on what to look out for if you want to save money on traveling while giving back through global volunteering. Links to everything we discuss can be found on postcardacademy.co      I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare.    Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.   This podcast is brought to you by Audible. Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard   This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance  Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

Did you ever really want to try something, but then not because you worried you’d look dumb? Most of us think like this! We’re plagued by what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a ‘fixed mindset.’ The great news is, we can change how we think, and, with a ‘growth mindset,’ get over our fears and finally start pursuing what we want in life. On this episode, I’m sharing Carol Dweck’s 2014 Ted Talk:  The Power of Believing that You Can Improve.    Carol’s book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, has transformed lives — including my own. Visit postcardacademy.co for the video of Carol Dweck’s Ted Talk and to test which mindset you have.    Also on this episode, I mention a travel packing check list I created for you.   I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare.    Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.   This podcast is brought to you by Audible. Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard   This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance  Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or just talking with friends.Download it at sarahmikutel.com/blanknomore and start feeling more confident in your conversations today.

Audrey Sykes, an American expat and author of the Amsterdam Moon Travel Guide, shares her unique insights into the city. She debunks misconceptions about Amsterdam, emphasizing it's more than just drugs and sex. Discover the rich culinary scene and must-visit spots, from cozy brown cafes to vibrant microbreweries. Audrey also discusses the fascinating history of tulip mania, the evolution of Amsterdam's coffee shops, and how to experience the city's culture, art, and gorgeous canals, even by electric boat!