The Travel Brats

Guest: Clarissa Cappelletti
Company: WeRoad
Episode Focus: Solo travel, destinations, travel confidence, safety, age, and finding connection on the road

In This Episode

What happens when someone who has visited 58 countries gives us the real talk on solo travel?

We sit down with Clarissa Cappelletti, Regional Manager for English-speaking travel coordinators at WeRoad, to talk about where solo travelers should go, where they might want to wait, and why you shouldn't let fear — or a destination's reputation — decide your next adventure.

Clarissa shares how she went from growing up in a tiny Swiss village to living in four countries and traveling the world, why she didn't start solo traveling until her late 20s, and how becoming the only single person in her friend group helped push her into traveling on her own.

We Talk About:

Growing up in an 87-person Swiss village

How Clarissa caught the travel bug during a California road trip with her dad

Living in Switzerland, Italy, the United States, and the UK

Why London surprised her the most

Traveling to 58 countries

Why Colombia exceeded her expectations

The Lost City Trek

Why Nepal is one of her favorite destinations

Italy's incredible history

The best destinations for active travelers

Why South Africa is underrated for adventure travel

Switzerland vs. Latin America for travel costs

The destination that challenged Clarissa the most: Japan

Her favorite countries for food

Why she could happily return to Colombia and Nepal

Why "hidden gems" don't stay hidden for long

How social media is changing tourism

Her definition of solo travel: "Discovery"

Why solo travel isn't necessarily lonely

The importance of human connection while traveling

How media can influence perceptions of travel safety

Whether you're ever "too old" for solo travel

The biggest solo-travel mistake people make

Why first-time solo travelers should start small

Why the Maldives isn't just for couples

How language barriers can affect your first solo trip

Why travelers shouldn't automatically write off Latin America

Mongolia, Central Asia, Canada and New Zealand on Clarissa's bucket list

And, of course… the infamous Jordan canyoning wig story!

Clarissa's Travel Picks

Unexpected favorites: Colombia & Nepal

Best for history: Italy

Best for mountain adventures: Nepal & Switzerland

Underrated for active travel: South Africa

Food favorites: Italy, Mexico, Peru, South Africa & Southeast Asia

Places she'd happily revisit: Colombia & Nepal

Top wishlist destinations: Central Asia, Mongolia, Canada, New Zealand & Patagonia

Solo Travel Takeaways

Start small. Your first solo trip doesn't have to be two weeks on another continent.

Don't overthink it. There is no single perfect destination.

Do your safety research. Know the areas, activities, and situations that require extra awareness.

Don't let fear make the decision for you.

Language matters. If you're new to solo travel, going somewhere where you can communicate easily may make your first trip less stressful.

Don't assume a destination isn't for you. Couples' destination? Family destination? Bachelorette destination? Who cares. Go anyway.

And most importantly: JUST TRIP IT.

Favorite Quote From Clarissa

"Solo travel in one word: discovery."

And honestly, we couldn't have said it better.

A Question For Our Travel Brats

Would you take your first solo trip tomorrow if you knew you couldn't talk yourself out of it?

Tell us where you'd go!

Connect With The Travel Brats

The Travel Brats are here to help you travel the world in a fun, smart, and unforgettable way.

Follow along for travel guides, destination inspiration, travel tips, podcast episodes, deals, hot takes, and plenty of no-regrets travel.

🌎 Website: thetravelbrats.com

🎙️ YouTube: The Travel Brats

📱 Social: @TheTravelBrats

In This Episode We Discuss:

Why travel insurance isn't just for expensive vacations

The difference between travel medical insurance and trip cancellation coverage

The biggest misconceptions travelers have about insurance

What your regular health insurance actually covers abroad (hint: probably less than you think)

How to choose the right travel insurance for your trip

Why timing matters when purchasing travel insurance

What to do if you have a medical emergency while traveling

The hidden benefits most travelers don't know they have

The truth about credit card travel insurance

Common travel mistakes even experienced travelers make

Real stories of travelers whose insurance saved their trips—and in some cases, their lives

Why having an advocate matters when filing a claim

Practical travel safety tips every traveler should know before departure

You'll Also Hear...

The unbelievable elevator accident that changed a couple's lives

A gorilla encounter you'll never forget

Bill's surprising dream destination

Catherine's favorite hidden gems around the world

The travel items they never leave home without

Their funniest travel mistakes

Travel trends they're loving right now

Their biggest travel pet peeves

Our Biggest Takeaways

✔ Travel insurance is often far more affordable than people think.

✔ Medical emergencies don't only happen to older travelers—they can happen to anyone.

✔ Buying insurance early unlocks important benefits that may not be available later.

✔ Having someone advocate for you during an emergency can be just as valuable as the insurance policy itself.

✔ The best trips are the ones you're prepared for.

Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by MissionSafe.

When we travel, one of the easiest decisions we make before every trip is making sure we're protected. MissionSafe helps travelers around the world with travel medical insurance, trip cancellation protection, emergency evacuation coverage, and more.

Get a quote, learn more, and get protected here:

https://missionsafe.com/thetravelbrats

Connect with MissionSafe

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gomissionsafe/

Connect with The Travel Brats

🌎 Website: https://thetravelbrats.com

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/thetravelbrats

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▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thetravelbrats

🎙 Listen to The Travel Brats Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Read our blog on MissionSafe HERE on our website.

Before your next adventure, explore our recommended travel protection options through our trusted partner, MissionSafe.

👉 https://missionsafe.com/thetravelbrats

If you'd like to watch the video version of the episode, click the link below:

https://youtu.be/BAr1k5SmOGA?si=KFhwFi5ewgZ_AW9j

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and share it with someone planning their next adventure. It helps us continue bringing you conversations that inspire smarter, more confident travel.

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Ecuador Isn't Just a Destination—It's a Fresh Start.

What if one trip had the power to completely change the direction of your life?

For author Lindsey Goldstein, that's exactly what happened.

Long before she became a published novelist, Lindsey spent a gap year living in Ecuador—a decision that shaped not only her love of travel but ultimately inspired her debut novel, Gap Year. In this episode of The Travel Brats Podcast, Lindsey joins us to share how Ecuador became her second home, why she believes it's one of the world's most underrated destinations, and how travel has the power to transform us at any stage of life.

Whether you're dreaming of hiking through the Andes, snorkeling in the Galápagos Islands, wandering colorful markets, or simply looking for inspiration to take that first leap into the unknown, this conversation is a reminder that adventure doesn't have an age limit.

 

Meet Our Guest

Lindsey Goldstein is an author, traveler, and lifelong advocate for meaningful travel experiences.

After taking a gap year in Ecuador as a teenager, Lindsey returned several times over the years—living in Quito, volunteering in the Galápagos Islands, conducting research, and building lifelong friendships along the way.

Those experiences eventually inspired her novel Gap Year, a story about rediscovery, courage, and finding yourself through travel.

During our conversation, Lindsey shared not only the inspiration behind the book but also practical advice for anyone considering Ecuador as their next destination.

 

In This Episode

Here's what you'll hear during our conversation:

Why Lindsey chose Ecuador for her gap year

How living abroad shaped her confidence and independence

The real inspiration behind her novel Gap Year

Why Ecuador deserves a spot on every travel bucket list

Lindsey's favorite destinations throughout Ecuador

Solo travel tips and lessons learned

Ecuadorian food you shouldn't miss

Safety myths about South America

Why it's never too late to reinvent yourself through travel

 

Why Ecuador Left Such a Lasting Impression

Many travelers overlook Ecuador in favor of larger South American destinations, but Lindsey believes that's exactly what makes it so special.

Despite its relatively small size, Ecuador offers incredible diversity.

Within just a few hours, travelers can experience:

The Andes Mountains

Colonial cities

The Amazon Rainforest

Pacific beaches

Indigenous markets

The Galápagos Islands

Very few countries pack so many unforgettable experiences into one destination.

As Lindsey explains throughout the episode, Ecuador isn't just beautiful—it's incredibly accessible, welcoming, and full of opportunities for meaningful cultural connections.

 

Lindsey's Favorite Places in Ecuador

Throughout the episode, Lindsey shares several destinations that continue to inspire her years after her first visit.

Quito

Ecuador's capital combines colonial architecture, rich history, incredible mountain views, and vibrant local neighborhoods. Lindsey recommends spending time exploring the UNESCO-listed historic center and riding the TelefériQo for panoramic views of the city.

 

Cuenca

Often overlooked by international travelers, Cuenca quickly became one of Lindsey's favorite cities.

Its walkable streets, charming cafés, beautiful churches, and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal destination for travelers looking to slow down and experience everyday Ecuadorian life.

 

The Galápagos Islands

For Lindsey, the Galápagos remain one of the most magical places on Earth.

During the episode, she shares unforgettable stories about:

Snorkeling with sea lions

Watching giant manta rays

Camping on an active volcano

Wildlife encounters found nowhere else in the world

Conducting research on the islands

It's clear why the Galápagos continue to capture travelers' imaginations.

 

The Amazon Rainforest

Lindsey also recounts one of the funniest stories from the interview—her mother's unforgettable reaction after discovering an unexpected frog inside their rainforest cabin.

Moments like these remind us that the best travel memories often come from the experiences we never planned.

 

One of Our Favorite Takeaways

Travel isn't just about seeing new places.

It's about discovering new facets of yourself.

Throughout our conversation, Lindsey returns to this idea again and again.

Living abroad forced her outside her comfort zone.

She learned Spanish.

She navigated unfamiliar cities.

She built friendships across cultures.

She became more independent.

Those experiences ultimately shaped who she is today.

It's a powerful reminder that the greatest souvenirs aren't things—they're the confidence, perspective, and resilience we bring home.

 

Ecuadorian Foods Lindsey Recommends

No trip is complete without trying the local cuisine.

Some of Lindsey's favorites include:

Humitas

Quimbolitos

Fresh choclo with local cheese

Ají (Ecuador's beloved spicy sauce)

Fresh tropical fruit from local markets

She encourages travelers to explore neighborhood markets and family-owned restaurants to experience Ecuador's incredible culinary culture.

 

Is Ecuador Safe?

One of the most common questions travelers ask is whether Ecuador is safe.

Lindsey believes many of the concerns surrounding South America are based on outdated perceptions.

Like any destination, Ecuador requires common-sense precautions.

Stay aware of your surroundings.

Research neighborhoods.

Secure your belongings.

Use reputable transportation.

Trust your instincts.

For Lindsey, those practices allowed her to enjoy years of incredible experiences throughout the country.

 

Why "Gap Year" Isn't Just for Teenagers

Perhaps the biggest lesson from this episode is that reinvention doesn't have an age limit.

Lindsey's novel centers on an adult woman whose life changes unexpectedly before she embarks on a transformative journey through Ecuador.

The message resonates far beyond the pages of the book.

Whether you're:

Changing careers

Recovering from burnout

Becoming an empty nester

Retiring

Looking for a fresh start

Travel has the unique ability to offer perspective, healing, and renewed confidence.

Sometimes changing your surroundings changes everything.

 

Favorite Quote from the Episode

"Travel isn't about escaping your life. It's about returning home with a new perspective."

 

Travel Brats Take

One of the reasons we loved this conversation is because it reminds us why we started The Travel Brats in the first place.

Travel isn't simply about checking countries off a list.

It's about collecting stories.

Meeting people.

Stepping outside your comfort zone.

Learning something new about the world—and about yourself.

Lindsey's journey through Ecuador perfectly captures that spirit.

Her experiences remind us that some destinations stay with us forever, shaping not only the memories we make but the people we become.

If Ecuador wasn't already on your bucket list, we have a feeling it will be now.

 

Listen to the Episode

In this episode, you'll hear:

Lindsey's incredible Ecuador stories

Behind-the-scenes inspiration for Gap Year

Hidden gems throughout Ecuador

Solo travel advice

Ecuador travel tips

Lessons on reinvention and resilience

Listen wherever you enjoy podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

 

Resources Mentioned

Book - Gap Year by Lindsey Goldstein

Places - Quito, Cuenca, Otavalo Market, Galápagos Islands, Amazon Rainforest, Cotopaxi National Park, Mitad del Mundo

 

Continue Exploring Ecuador

If you're planning your own adventure, don't miss these additional Travel Brats resources:

The Ultimate Ecuador Travel Guide

Complete Ecuador Packing List

How to Visit the Galápagos Islands

Best Things to Do in Quito

South America Travel Tips

Solo Travel Guide

 

Join the Travel Brat Tribe

Love discovering destinations beyond the typical tourist trail?

Subscribe to The Travel Brats Podcast for inspiring conversations with travelers, authors, creators, and industry experts who share the stories behind the destinations they love.

And if you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you'd leave us a review, share it with a fellow traveler, and tag @TheTravelBrats on social media so we can follow along on your next adventure.

Planning a vacation should be exciting—not overwhelming. But between choosing a destination, booking flights, creating an itinerary, and figuring out logistics, it's easy to feel stressed before your trip even begins.

At The Travel Brats, we've planned everything from last-minute city getaways to international adventures booked nearly a year in advance. Over time, we've learned that the best trips happen when you focus on smart planning without overplanning every minute.

Here's our step-by-step guide to planning a vacation the right way.

 

1. Start With Your "Why"

Before choosing a destination, ask yourself:

Do I want relaxation or adventure?

Am I traveling for food, culture, nature, or nightlife?

Am I recharging or packing my schedule?

Your answer determines everything from budget to destination to daily activities.

Helpful questions to research:

Is this destination better for couples, friends, or families?

Is it good for digital nomads?

Can I visit without renting a car?

Does it offer more adventure or relaxation?

The clearer your travel goals, the easier every other decision becomes.

 

2. Set Your Dates and Budget

You don't need an exact budget, but you need a realistic one.

Consider:

Number of travel days

Flight costs

Hotel or Airbnb costs

Food and drinks

Transportation

Activities and excursions

Most importantly, leave room for unexpected expenses.

A good vacation budget includes a buffer because travel rarely goes exactly as planned.

Also factor in important deadlines such as:

PTO approval

School breaks

Weddings

Special events

 

3. Choose Your Destination Strategically

Timing can completely change your experience.

Ask yourself:

What's in season during my travel dates?

Will weather affect the trip?

Is it peak tourist season?

How long is the travel time?

Is the destination easy to navigate?

If you only have a few vacation days, shorter flights often win.

We've seen travelers hate destinations during crowded peak seasons and fall in love with the same places during shoulder season.

Research matters.

 

4. Book the Big Stuff First

Follow this order:

✈️ Flights

🏨 Accommodations

🚗 Transportation

🎟️ Activities

Booking major items first reduces stress and gives you more flexibility.

When to Book

Domestic U.S. Travel

1–3 months ahead

International Travel

2–6 months ahead

Peak Seasons

As early as possible

For our New Zealand trip during summer, flights were booked nearly nine months in advance and activities months before departure.

Meanwhile, a spontaneous New York trip booked one week ahead worked perfectly because it wasn't a particularly busy travel period.

The key is understanding seasonality.

The Travel Brats Booking Strategy

Book early with free cancellation whenever possible.

Great tools include:

Booking.com

Hotels.com

Google Hotels

Airbnb

Then keep an eye on prices. If rates drop, cancel and rebook.

Also remember:

Location is often more important than price.

A slightly more expensive hotel in a walkable neighborhood can save hundreds on transportation.

And don't wait forever hoping prices will drop—they often don't.

 

5. Create a Flexible Itinerary

One of the biggest travel mistakes is over-scheduling.

Instead of planning every hour, plan by theme.

Examples:

Food day

Beach day

Old town exploration

Museum day

Nature day

A great trip includes structure and flexibility.

Helpful Planning Searches

Must-see spots in [destination]

Hidden gems in [destination]

Overrated vs underrated attractions

Best neighborhoods to stay in

What should I book in advance?

Plan one or two anchor activities each day and leave room for spontaneity.

Some of the best travel moments happen when you wander.

 

6. Group Activities by Location

Don't zig-zag across a city.

Group activities by neighborhood to save time and energy.

Use Google Maps to:

Save attractions

Organize locations

Build efficient routes

This simple step makes sightseeing significantly easier and reduces unnecessary transportation costs.

 

7. Schedule Rest Like an Activity

Travel burnout is real.

Many travelers try to do too much, especially on shorter trips.

Build in:

Slow mornings

Downtime after travel days

Breaks between activities

Avoid scheduling early tours after late nights whenever possible.

You don't need to see everything to have an amazing trip.

 

8. Handle the Logistics Before You Leave

This is the boring stuff—but it's important.

Passport

Many countries require your passport to remain valid for at least six months after your trip.

Check before booking.

Visas

Visa requirements depend on your passport, not where you live.

Use trusted resources like:

Embassy websites

IATA Travel Centre

Sherpa

VisaHQ

iVisa

You may need:

No visa

eVisa

Visa on arrival

Embassy visa

Always verify requirements before departure.

Vaccines

Depending on your destination, you may need:

Yellow Fever

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Other travel-related vaccines

Some countries require proof through an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP), often called the yellow card.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can protect you from:

Trip cancellations

Medical emergencies

Lost luggage

Travel disruptions

It's especially valuable for international trips and expensive vacations.

Other Essentials

Before leaving:

Download offline maps

Save copies of important documents

Notify your bank

Review your phone plan

Check transportation options

Do it once, then stop worrying about it.

 

Bonus Travel Brat Tips

Take a Food Tour

Food tours combine sightseeing, local culture, and dinner in one experience.

They're one of the easiest ways to get familiar with a destination.

Give Yourself Extra Time

Getting lost happens.

Allow extra time for:

Airports

Train stations

Public transportation

Finding attractions

Learn Local Transportation

Every destination works differently.

For example, some cities rely heavily on trains, while others require taxis or rental cars.

Research transportation before you arrive.

Be Early for Trains

Trust us on this one.

Sometimes trains run late.

Sometimes they're early.

Being early is always the safer choice.

 

The Golden Rule

If there's one thing to remember from this guide, it's this:

Under-plan your days. Over-prepare your logistics.

The best vacations aren't packed from sunrise to sunset.

They're the ones where transportation is organized, reservations are handled, paperwork is complete, and you have the freedom to enjoy the experience.

Plan the essentials, leave room for the unexpected, and you'll create a trip that feels effortless instead of exhausting.

And if you need help planning your next adventure, ask your brats—Soph and Nat are always here to help.

Serving the World: Travel, Impact & Adventure with Kimberly Haley-Coleman

What if your next vacation could change not only your perspective—but someone else’s life, too?

In this episode of The Travel Brats Podcast, we sit down with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, the founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware, to explore what it really means to travel with purpose.

With more than 25 years of experience leading short-term volunteer adventures in over 25 countries, Founder of Globe Aware, Kimberly Haley Coleman, has helped thousands of travelers turn meaningful impact into a core part of their journey. Her work has been featured on major platforms like CNN, The Today Show, and The New York Times—and for good reason.

This conversation goes beyond travel tips. It’s about shifting your mindset from simply seeing the world to truly connecting with it.

How It All Started: The Traveler Behind the Mission

Kimberly’s love for travel didn’t start with a perfectly curated itinerary—it started with curiosity and connection. Inspired early on by a sense of global wonder, she began traveling internationally and quickly realized that the most meaningful experiences weren’t found in tourist attractions—but in human connection.

That realization became the foundation for her nonprofit, Globe Aware.

What began as a vision to connect travelers with communities around the world has grown into a globally recognized nonprofit offering structured, ethical, and sustainable service programs.

And while Kimberly has traveled across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, it’s not just the destinations that stand out—it’s the people, the resilience, and the shared humanity she’s encountered along the way.

Redefining “Volunteer Travel”

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Is volunteer travel just “poverty tourism”?

Kimberly doesn’t shy away from this conversation.

She explains that ethical, impactful travel is about partnership—not saviorism. It’s about working with communities, not for them. The goal isn’t to “fix” anything—it’s to support locally driven initiatives in a meaningful and sustainable way.

What Ethical Travel Looks Like:

Programs led by or in partnership with local communities

Projects that address real, ongoing needs—not short-term optics

Cultural exchange that goes both ways

Green Flags to Look For:

Transparency about where your time and money go

Long-term relationships within the community

A balance between service and cultural immersion

Red Flags:

Programs that center the volunteer over the community

Lack of clear impact or follow-through

“Feel-good” experiences with no sustainable outcome

What a Globe Aware Trip Actually Feels Like

So what does a week of service travel really look like?

Imagine landing in a destination like Peru. You’re welcomed into a community, introduced to your project, and quickly become part of something bigger than yourself.

Over the course of the week, you might:

Help build infrastructure, like schools or housing

Support environmental or conservation efforts

Work alongside locals on community-driven initiatives

And no, you don’t need special skills or to speak the language.

What you do need is an open mind.

Travelers often leave these trips surprised—not just by what they’ve seen, but by what they’ve learned about themselves. There’s growth, perspective, and yes… sometimes even tears.

Because when you step outside your comfort zone, you start to see the world—and your place in it—differently.

Balancing Impact & Adventure

One of the most unique aspects of Globe Aware trips is the balance.

You’re not volunteering 24/7. Typically, about 30 hours of your week are dedicated to service, leaving plenty of time to explore, experience local culture, and enjoy the destination.

It’s not about sacrificing travel—it’s about enhancing it.

The Personal Growth Side of Travel

Kimberly’s journey isn’t just about building a nonprofit—it’s about what travel taught her along the way.

Leaving a high-level corporate career to pursue Globe Aware came with challenges, but also clarity.

Through her work, she’s learned:

Resilience from communities facing adversity

The power of connection across cultures

That leadership looks different around the world

And after more than two decades, what still moves her most?

The people.

Who Is This Type of Travel For?

Short answer: almost everyone.

Globe Aware trips are designed for:

Solo travelers looking for a deeper connection

Families wanting meaningful shared experiences

Students seeking perspective before entering the workforce

Corporate teams building a purpose-driven culture

There are minimal age restrictions, and no prior experience is required.

Practical Tips Before You Go

If you’re considering a service trip, here’s what Kimberly recommends:

Mentally prepare:

Go in with humility, not expectations.

Stay open:

You’re there to learn just as much as you are to help.

Don’t stress about skills:

Your presence and willingness matter more than expertise.

Safety:

Programs are structured and vetted—safety is always a priority.

The Bigger Picture: Can Travel Change the World?

Kimberly believes it can.

When people experience different cultures firsthand, it fosters empathy, understanding, and connection—things the world needs more of.

Her hope for the future of travel?

That more travelers shift from asking

“What can I get from this trip?” to “What can I give—and what can I learn?”

Final Thoughts

This episode is a reminder that travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you show up when you get there.

And sometimes, the most unforgettable trips aren’t the ones where you saw the most—but the ones where you felt the most.

Ready to travel with purpose?

If you’ve been wanting a trip that goes beyond sightseeing—one where you can truly make an impact, learn about a culture, and connect with locals while exploring incredible destinations—this is your sign.

We’ve partnered with Globe Aware to help YOU experience a different kind of travel: one-week service adventures in places like Peru, Costa Rica, Cambodia, and more. You’ll spend part of your trip assisting and connecting with local communities—while also discovering the culture, food, and beauty of each destination.

No special skills needed—just an open mind and a willingness to show up and immerse yourself.

If this sounds like your kind of adventure, we’d love to help you get started. Email us at thetravelbrats@gmail.com with the subject line “GLOBE AWARE TRIP”, and we’ll send you a code for $100 off your first Globe Aware booking.

Let’s travel differently—more meaning, more connection, more impact.

Listen to the Episode

Ready to explore Europe beyond the tourist traps?

This episode is packed with travel tips, cultural insights, and destination inspiration to help you plan a more meaningful trip.

 

Read the full blog post here:

https://thetravelbrats.com/serving-the-world-travel-impact-adventure-with-kimberly-haley-coleman/

 

Watch the full video here:

https://youtu.be/mAIjo83mCCo

 

Visit tenontours.com and include the code TRAVELBRAT300 to your initial trip request or provide it when you first connect with your Travel Designer.