In this episode of Friends Along the Way, Bethany sits down with her friend Sara, a fellow traveler whose adventures span from studying abroad in Spain to exploring hidden corners of Europe. The two share stories of almost crossing paths overseas, reflecting on how travel changes your perspective, builds lifelong friendships, and reminds you just how connected the world really is. Whether you’ve studied abroad, backpacked across Europe, or dream of your next solo trip, this episode dives into the magic of travel serendipity, personal growth, and those moments that make you say, “it’s a small world after all.”

My trip to Canada was more than just sightseeing — it’s where Friends Along the Way was born. From Cafe Olympico to meeting two new friends who felt like old ones, this episode is all about how travel sparks connection and creativity in the most unexpected places.

In this episode, Gabby opens up about her time living in Mexico and how that experience changed her perspective on what truly matters. After returning to the U.S., she found herself missing the slower, simpler pace of life she once had — a life rooted in community and peace instead of the daily grind. We talk about the cultural contrasts between Mexico and the U.S., what small-town living taught her, and her plans to head back to the place that feels most like home.

Meet Megan: high-energy, funny, and fearlessly herself. She once worked at Tommy Bahama in Hawaii just for fun, got proposed to in Italy, and never holds back what she’s really thinking. This episode is full of laughter, honesty, and stories that’ll remind you how good it feels to live boldly.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Odalys, whose passion for languages and cultures shines through in everything she does. We talk about what sparked her love for learning multiple languages, the ways it’s shaped her perspective, and her dream of one day living abroad. Odalys shares how being curious and open to new experiences has led her to grow, explore, and connect with people in meaningful ways. If you’ve ever thought about learning a new language, traveling, or stepping outside your comfort zone, this conversation will leave you inspired to take that next step.

In this episode, I’m joined by my first-ever EF travel buddy, Briteny! We dive into the magic of group travel, her best tips for keeping your skin fresh on the road, and the exciting trips she’s got on the horizon. From our first adventure together to the journeys still to come, this one’s full of laughs, stories, and travel inspo.

✨ In this episode of Friends Along the Way, I share the story of my very first solo trip abroad—an unforgettable adventure with EF Ultimate Break. From the buzz of London, to the romance of Paris, to the charm of Amsterdam, I talk about what it was really like to explore these iconic cities for the first time. You’ll hear about the highs, the differences between the US and these cities, and even some fun facts I picked up along the way. If you’ve ever thought about traveling solo or joining a group trip, this one’s for you. 🌍✈️

In this episode, Bethany sits down with her friend Stephanie, whose travel journey began when she moved to Jordan at just 21 years old. A spicy Italian with a love for culture and connection, Stephanie shares how living abroad opened her eyes to new perspectives and set her on a lifelong path of exploration. From learning to adapt in a new country to carrying those lessons into future adventures, her story is all about courage, curiosity, and embracing the unknown.

In this episode, Reyna opens up about how solo travel became a turning point in her life. From learning to trust herself in unfamiliar places to finding deep connections with strangers who became friends, her story is full of inspiration, laughter, and the reminder that the world feels a little less big when we’re open to it.

In this episode, Melissa reflects on a lifetime of travel, from starting her adventures at a young age to visiting 40 countries. She shares how she turned work trips into personal explorations and kept the promises she made to herself to see the world.

In this episode, Farouk shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Nigeria to building a new life in Montreal. We talk about resilience, identity, and the connections he’s made along the way.

In this first episode of Friends Along the Way, I share my own travel story from family vacations in Wisconsin to solo adventures around the globe, and how those experiences shaped my confidence, independence, and love for meeting people wherever I go. It’s a chance to get to know me and the heart behind this podcast.