Citizens of the World: A Stoic Podcast for Curious Travelers

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!

Born in Bermuda, Lené Hypolite has lived in Venezuela, Canada, the U.S., Amsterdam, and is soon headed to Singapore and Tokyo. She loves the excitement of expat life, and also how its benefiting her career. On this episode, we talk about six countries where it’s a little bit easier visa-wise to live abroad, and how to find work there.Visit sarahmikutel.com for photos and a list of the countries. 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.

If you’re anything like me, you enjoy wine but are fairly uneducated about it and usually forget everything you learn at wine tastings.    That’s OK. Today I’m talking with my friend Toni from Taste Florence and we are giving you a great wine list that has everything you need, whether you like red, white, or dessert wines. We explain what Super Tuscans are, I learn what barrique is. And we also share where to drink high-end cocktails at hipster places, as well as cheap gin and tonics at communist bars. Visit postcardacademy.co for the full wine list.   I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. If you so desire, you can sign up for my newsletter here. And 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/postcardDo 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.

“That olive oil costs how MUCH? Why would I spend $15 when I can spend $4?” You’ve likely said this to yourself at some point. So what’s the difference between expensive olive oil versus the cheap stuff? Does it really matter? Toni Mazzaglia, founder of the food tour company Taste Florence came on the Postcard Academy podcast to explain how to find the best olive oil, when you should use it, and when you definitely should not. (visit postcardacademy.co for your check list on how to identify quality olive oil)   Like this podcast? Please vote for Postcard Academy for a Podcast Award Voting is open for the Annual Podcast Awards. The Postcard Academy is nominated in the Society and People’s Choice categories. It would mean the world to me if you’d go to podcastawards.com and vote for Postcard Academy. Thank you so much for taking a moment to do this! And thank you 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/postcardDo 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.