In this week's Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares the surprising items she never travels without - some might just change how you pack forever. Inspired by the lightning round question she asks every guest on Design Her Travel, Kim flips the mic and gives you a peek into her personal packing list as she preps for her next big adventure to Spain.

You'll learn why these unexpected essentials are always in her suitcase and how they’ve saved her trips more times than she can count.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The #1 thing Kim recommends for all international travelers (it will probably surprise you!)
• Her “sleep trifecta” for surviving noisy hotels and jet lag
• The natural remedies she always packs just in case

Whether you're planning your first trip abroad or you're a seasoned traveler, this quick episode is packed with simple, game-changing tips you won't want to miss.

Are any of these on your list? Let Kim know! Send her a DM on IG @designhertravel

WANT MORE? Check out this episode on packing like a pro with carry on only:

• TRAVEL TALK: How to Pack Light for Carry-On Only w/ the 5-4-3-2-1 Method #171

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Think jet lag is just part of the travel game? Not anymore.

In this episode, host Kim Anderson dives into the science of circadian rhythms, inflammation, and travel fatigue with human performance expert Andrew Herr—founder of FlyKitt, a revolutionary jet lag solution trusted by Olympians, pro sports teams, special ops, and now… you!

Andrew shares how jet lag is not inevitable—and why it’s actually a choice if you know the physiology behind it. From the power of light exposure and blue light blocking glasses to targeted supplement timing and anti-inflammatory tricks, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to take control of your energy, sleep, and mental clarity on your next trip.

Whether you're flying for business, adventure, or a dream vacation—you don’t have to waste a single day recovering.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What actually causes jet lag (hint: it’s not just your sleep schedule)
• Why inflammation disrupts your circadian rhythm—and how to stop it
• How this solution uses personalized algorithms and science-backed tools to help 93% of travelers avoid jet lag. Yes, 93% of travelers! Wild, right?!?

This episode is perfect for frequent flyers, international adventurers, digital nomads, or anyone who wants to hit the ground running—jet lag–free.

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Andrew on Instagram | Learn More About

⚡ ROUND RESOURCES:

• Book: The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes
• Travel Tip: Try the goat enchiladas at La Paz Restaurant Calabasas, CA

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Not all superheroes wear capes… some pack camping gear, design itineraries, and keep it together in a rainstorm.

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares a heartfelt tribute to the travel moms who make adventure possible, inspired by a special childhood camping trip with her mom and aunt.

Following this week's conversation with Nicole Smith, the founder and CEO of Flytographer (Episode #174), where we talked about their beautiful campaign to get moms in front of the camera, Kim continues the celebration of Mother's Day with a story that captures the spirit of every mom who makes travel dreams a reality.

You'll hear how even a soggy, rain-soaked night under a canvas tent turned into one of Kim's most treasured travel memories — all thanks to the incredible women who packed the snacks, set up camp, and pivoted with grace when plans didn’t go perfectly.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• Why travel moms are the true creators of lifelong memories
• How messy moments often turn into the best stories
• The incredible impact moms have in shaping a child's love of travel

This episode is for anyone who’s ever been inspired by a mom’s magic — whether you are one, have one, or love one.

Tune in and celebrate the amazing travel moms who show us all how to adventure with heart and courage. 💛

WANT MORE? Check out these stories of amazing mom's showing their kids the world

1. Roadmap to Happiness: Overlanding & Unschooling Around the World while Living a Global Mission w/ Brittney Highland of Hourless Life #41
2. Green School Bali: A Family’s Story of Education & Adventure w/ Author Sandra Radice #111
3. Growing Up Without Borders: One Family’s Worldschooling Adventure Visiting Every Country in the World w/ Chantal Patton #99
4. Family Travel Made Easy: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelling with Kids of All Ages w/ Lisa Andrews of This Travel Tribe #27
5. Travel Talk: Family Travel - Raising the Next Generation of Global Citizens #92

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If you’ve ever looked back at your vacation photos and wondered where you were in them… this one's for you.

In honor of Mother’s Day this week, we’re celebrating all the Moms out there as host Kim Anderson shares a heart-filled conversation with Nicole Smith, the founder and CEO of Flytographer—a global vacation photography company that’s transformed how families document their travels. With professional photographers in over 380 cities around the world, Flytographer helps people get frame-worthy photos with Mom in the picture, not just behind the camera.

Nicole shares how a spontaneous photo shoot on a cobblestone street in Paris sparked a business idea that wouldn’t let go. What started as a side hustle while juggling a full-time corporate marketing job and single motherhood has become an 8-figure business and a movement that reminds moms everywhere: you deserve to be seen in your memories too.

You’ll walk away from this episode inspired by Nicole’s journey, and with a fresh reminder that you don’t need a perfect plan to build something meaningful—you just need to start.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to build a global travel brand from scratch—even without tech skills
• Why getting in the photo matters (for you and your kids)
• The behind-the-scenes story of Flytographer’s growth to 35,000+ 5-star reviews

This episode is for the moms doing it all, the dreamers holding back, and anyone who wants to travel more meaningfully and live life on their own terms.

So hit play and get inspired to stop waiting, start building, and maybe even book that trip—with you in the picture this time.

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Nicole & Flytographer: Website, Get Mom Back in the Photo Campaign & Instagram

⚡ROUND RESOURCES:

• The Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Victoria, BC Canada
• A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
• Mouth Tape Sleep Aid

EPISODE DETAILS:

05:15 - Home might be the best place

17:10 - You don’t need it all figured out

14:40 - When making a big decision

16:15 - When the right idea grabs hold of you

18:25 - Why not you?

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If you love stargazing and protecting the environment, the Dark Skies Program is your new best friend. Let’s dive in!

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares all about the Dark Skies Program and how it’s helping to protect our night skies from light pollution. Inspired by recent conversations with Stephanie Vermillion (Episode #172) and KJ Atlas (Episode #170), Kim takes a deep dive into how the program works, how places get certified, and why it's a game changer for astrotourism.

Whether you're an avid stargazer or a traveler looking for unique, dark-sky experiences, this episode will guide you through how you can explore these certified destinations while supporting efforts to preserve the night sky. From iconic Dark Sky Parks to local businesses making a difference, you'll discover how everyone can get involved in keeping the stars shining bright.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• What the Dark Skies Program is and why it’s so important for stargazing and the environment.
• How areas and businesses can get Dark Sky certified and the benefits of being part of this global movement.
• How dark sky preservation helps with astrotourism, wildlife conservation, and human health.

This episode is for anyone who loves the night sky, is curious about astrotourism, or wants to support sustainable travel and conservation efforts. Tune in to learn how you can make a difference and start planning your next Dark Sky adventure.

WANT MORE? Check out these episodes:

• Astrotourism 101: How to Plan the Ultimate Stargazing, Dark Sky, and Northern Lights Trip w/ Stephanie Vermillion #172
• Astrocartography Explained: How to Use Your Birth Chart to Choose Where to Travel, Live & Thrive w/ KJ Atlas #170
• Travel Talk: Your National Park Guide - 3 Parks, 2 Quirky Histories, and 1 Luxury Stay #106
• The Ultimate Guide to National Park Travel for Busy Professionals w/ Outdoor Influencer, Kendra Tustin #105

Learn more about the Dark Skies Program and check the Dark Sky Finder Map for great stargazing destinations near you.

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What if your next bucket list trip revolved around the stars instead of the sights?

If you’ve ever dreamed of chasing the northern lights or stargazing under the darkest skies in the world, this episode is for you. In this conversation, host Kim Anderson chats with Stephanie Vermillion, a travel journalist and photographer whose work spans National Geographic, Outside Magazine, Vogue, and Travel & Leisure. As Outside’s astrotourism columnist and author of 100 Nights of a Lifetime from National Geographic, she’s the go-to expert on how to plan magical adventures after dark.

You’ll walk away from this episode with practical tips for planning your own stargazing or dark sky getaway - whether you're a first-timer or already obsessed with the cosmos. From chasing the solar maximum to capturing night sky photos with just your phone, you’ll learn how to plan unforgettable trips that revolve around wonder, not Wi-Fi.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the new moon is the best time for stargazing
• How to find the best dark sky locations
• What gear you actually need for night sky photography (spoiler: you probably already have it!)

This episode is your guide to astrotourism without the overwhelm. Whether you're heading to Morocco’s Sahara or Chile’s Atacama Desert—or just want to find a quiet, starry corner closer to home—you’ll get everything you need to start planning the ultimate after-dark adventure.

WANT MORE? Check out these episodes about exploring the night sky:

• Travel Talk: 3 Parks, 2 Quirky Histories, and 1 Luxury Stay - Your National Park Guide #106
• Astrocartography Explained: How to Use Your Birth Chart to Choose Where to Travel, Live & Thrive w/ KJ Atlas #170

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Stephanie: Website, @bystephanievermillion
• Pick Up a Copy of her Nat Geo Book: 100 Nights of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Adventures After Dark

⚡ROUND Book: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

PLACES & ITEMS REFERENCED:

Red-light Headlamp & Flashlight

Dark Skies Program

Light Pollution Map

Under Canvas Glamping

EPISODE DETAILS:

05:02 - New to astrotourism or planning

06:41 - Bring a red light headlamp
07:16 - Consider booking a local guide

08:18 - Plan y

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Ready to stop stressing about what to bring and start packing like a pro? Discover how less really is more.

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares her favorite carry-on-only strategy—the 5-4-3-2-1 capsule packing method—and why it’s been a total game-changer as she preps for a three-week trip to Spain.

Whether you're new to the idea of traveling light or you're a seasoned carry-on-only pro looking to simplify and refresh your packing system, this method gives you a flexible, easy-to-follow foundation. It’s perfect for longer trips, digital nomad life, and even those “what if I need it” overpackers. Plus, it’ll save you stress, time, money, and your back.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Exactly what the 5-4-3-2-1 capsule method is and how to adapt it to your own travel style
• How to effortlessly build a wardrobe that works for every outfit—and every occasion—using just a few key colors.
• Smart strategies for turning a handful of pieces into dozens of outfit combos (yes, really!)

If you're someone who wants to travel with less and still feel like yourself, this one's for you. Grab your coffee—or your packing cubes—and let’s dive in.

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Please Note: I may earn a small commission when purchasing through these links. It doesn't cost you anything extra but does help support the show.

What if you could use astrology to find your ideal city for love, work, or your next big adventure?

This week on the podcast, you’ll explore a whole new layer of astrology that could totally change how you plan your travels or your next move. Host Kim Anderson chats with locational astrologer KJ Atlas about astrocartography, a fascinating system that overlays your birth chart onto the globe to help you figure out the best places to live, grow, and thrive.

Whether you're thinking about writing a book in Bali, launching a business in London, or just want to know why Costa Rica keeps calling your name, this episode helps you see how your cosmic blueprint can guide you to the places that support your purpose.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What astrocartography and locational astrology actually are and how to start exploring your map.
• How your planetary lines can reveal your best places for love, career, spiritual growth, or major life changes
• How to use astrology to choose destinations that align with the version of you you're becoming.

If you're ready to stop guessing and start traveling with intention, this one's for you. Hit play and get inspired to align your next adventure with the stars.

RESOURCES:

Connect w/ KJ: Website, Instagram: @kj.atlas

⚡ ROUND BOOK: Astrology For the Soul by Jan Spiller

EPISODE DETAILS:

5:10 - Astro cartography can help you understand the energies

6:07 - All different people

18:20 - Before going into a professional astrology reading

30:53 - Looking at your Astrocartography map for the very 1st time.

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Please Note: I may earn a small commission when purchasing through these links. It doesn't cost you anything extra but does help support the show.