Category: Life Lessons
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Slow Travel Book Coming Soon
Slow travel is not a trend to us; it is a framework for living that grew from a simple choice to trade a crowded itinerary for a deeper connection. When we first weighed a 12-cities-in-14-days package against a self-planned three-week stay, the math and the mood both favored slowness. Renting an apartment near the Arno…
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The Unexpected Connection Between Travel and Stage Fright
There’s something uniquely terrifying about standing in front of a crowd, all eyes on you, waiting for you to speak. As it turns out, this fear isn’t just common—it’s practically universal. Public speaking consistently ranks higher than death in surveys about people’s greatest fears. As Jerry Seinfeld famously joked, most people at a funeral would…
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Is Affordable Healthcare Worth Leaving Home For?
Medical tourism is a growing trend among Americans seeking respite from the astronomical costs of healthcare in the United States. As someone who has experienced both systems firsthand, I want to share my journey of receiving medical care abroad and how it compares to healthcare in America. This perspective might help those considering similar options…
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Beyond Vision: The Sensory Art of Travel Writing
When we think about travel writing and photography, we often imagine it as an inherently visual experience. After all, isn’t travel about seeing new sights, capturing stunning vistas, and experiencing visual wonders? But what if I told you one of the most inspiring travel writers I’ve recently encountered navigates the world without being able to…
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Learning Italian and Buying a Villa
The second season of “Travels with Jim and Rita” continues with an inspiring conversation with travel writer Linda McCarley, who shares her remarkable journey toward establishing a home in Italy. Linda’s story begins with her earliest travel memories at just three years old, when her Scottish-born parents took her from Canada to visit relatives in…
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The Transformative Power of Women’s Travel
The transformative power of travel has been a recurring theme on our podcast, and our recent conversation with Sonja Thayer of Rom-Soul Escapes provided remarkable insights into how women-focused travel is reshaping the landscape of global tourism. As certified yoga teacher, lifelong traveler, and retreat organizer, Sonja has created a unique niche focusing on women’s…
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Mistakes Were Made
In our last post, we were finishing up in Lagos, Portugal and ready to move on to Sevilla, Spain. We were packed, and just relaxing until it was time to order a Bolt to take us less than a mile to the bus station. What could go wrong? Well, it all started about 11:45am. Our…
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Breaking Through Barriers: How Lori Bruton Found Hope Through Travel and Writing
In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Lori Bruton, a multifaceted individual whose journey as an author, travel writer, speaker, and breakthrough coach offers valuable insights for aspiring travelers and writers alike. Lori’s story is one of transformation and resilience, demonstrating how she overcame personal obstacles to build a life…
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Eugenics Makes a Comeback
Above Photo: 1936 propaganda chart, “The Terrible Legacy of a Female Drunkard (Alcoholic).” United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, courtesy of Roland Klemig In light of the proposed budget from the House, which severely cuts aid to the less fortunate and those in need of medical care in favor of extending tax cuts for the wealthy, coupled…
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The Traveling Duo’s New Game Plan
The world of travel can be both exhilarating and challenging, especially for those who have made it a lifestyle choice like Jim and Rita. In their latest podcast episode, the couple reflects on the unexpected turns their journey has taken and how they’ve adapted to include health considerations and create a sustainable travel pattern. The…