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How can we maintain friendships when we cannot meet in person? True connection in the virtual space is one that can be difficult to navigate.  We've been navigating this space for years as digital nomads and expats as more often than not, we are far from family and friends. We've all become more familiar with Zoom these days, but is that really all there is to it? In this episode, we muse on the topic of virtual friendships, maintaining friendships, the changing nature of friendships, and our personal practices for keeping close friendships even over extended periods of time without seeing each other in person. Support the Show: Patreon: https://patreon.com/alternativetravelersConnect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alternativetravelers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alternativetravelersTwitter: https://twitter.com/alttravelers

In this episode we discuss travel lists, inspired in part by the the New York Times releasing its 52 Places to Visit for the upcoming year. But who creates these kinds of lists and why? What is the impact on the destinations and on the traveler? Is there inherent value in visiting places on these lists? We reflect on all of these questions and share our personal experiences with lists. We  also talk about other kinds of travel lists, such as Instagrammable places lists, bucket lists, places to visit before you die lists, and more! Support the Show: Patreon: https://patreon.com/alternativetravelersConnect with us: AlternativeTravelers.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alternativetravelers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alternativetravelersTwitter: https://twitter.com/alttravelersEmail: hello@alternativetravelers.com Show Notes: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/travel-lists/

Now if you love New Years resolutions and they work for you, who are we to rain on your parade? Keep doing 'em! But as always, we love to take a critical look at common themes and trends to see if they're really all they're cracked up to be. So if you feel the pressure to do New Years resolutions each year but find them frustrating, constrictive, or like you can never achieve them, this episode is for you. We're all about goal setting, just not of the New Years resolutions kind, so we'll also share tips and advice for making goals that work best for you - and how you can go about achieving them in 2021 (and beyond).Show Notes: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/new-years-resolutions/Support the Show: Patreon: https://patreon.com/alternativetravelersConnect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alternativetravelers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alternativetravelersTwitter: https://twitter.com/alttravelers

Oof, it's time to talk about 2020. In our annual review, we'll discuss the pre-pandemic part of the year (shocking to remember), how the travel lockdown affected us as digital nomads, full time house sitters, and travel content creators, what we've been up to since the pandemic has been in full swing (and where), and our biggest lessons and takeaways from this crazy year. We'll also touch a bit about our thoughts and plans for 2021. Get Part 2 of our year in review by joining our Patreon! In Part 2, we'll share our favorites from the year (fav books, films, TV series, podcasts, music, vegan restaurants, and more). Join Our Patreon Community Here: https://patreon.com/alternativetravelers Previous Year in Reviews: 2017 in Review 2018 in Review 2019 in Review 2020 in Review (written version of this episode + show notes) Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alternativetravelers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alternativetravelersTwitter: https://twitter.com/alttravelers

Listeners might be surprised to learn that one of us is what you might call a "reluctant traveler."  But what exactly is a reluctant traveler? And why is this perspective so helpful to consider, even though its underrepresented in the travel industry? In this interview-style episode, we explore our differing perspectives on travel and share what you can learn from the reluctant travelers among us. Support the Show: Patreon: https://patreon.com/alternativetravelersShow Notes: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/reluctant-travelerConnect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alternativetravelers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alternativetravelersTwitter: https://twitter.com/alttravelers

This episode sparked out of a realization we had recently about a throughline that connects everything we do as creators: transformative travel. We dive deep into what transformative travel is and why it's so important, as well as share some of our most transformative travel experiences. We'll also talk about how this realization is going to guide and shape the direction of the podcast going forward. We've been getting at this idea in one way or another through this podcast, our blog, and presence on social media. But we think we've finally hit the nail on the head of what exactly we want to champion in the world of travel, and life in general. It's a great conversation, enjoy! Show Notes and Blog Post: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/transformative-travel/Support the Show: Patreon: https://patreon.com/alternativetravelers Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alternativetravelers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alternativetravelersTwitter: https://twitter.com/alttravelers

In this episode, we discuss everything zero waste travel. What does zero waste even mean and is it possible in today's world? What can we do to reduce waste - whether you're traveling or at home? We'll talk about our approach to zero waste travel and some of our favorite items in our zero waste travel kit.Our Zero Waste Travel Kit: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/zero-waste-travel-kit/Support the Show: Patreon: https://patreon.com/alternativetravelersConnect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alternativetravelers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alternativetravelersTwitter: https://twitter.com/alttravelers

This episode is all about holiday foods - the plant-based, animal-friendly way! We talk about relationships with food, food nostalgia, our favorite dishes, what's on our table, suggestions for if you want to eat all whole foods plant based or go for some mock meats, what to do when people bring up your veganism at the table, "guilt free" indulgent eating, being compassionate with yourself especially this year, and more.Support the Show: Patreon: https://patreon.com/alternativetravelersShow Notes: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/vegan-holiday-foods/Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alternativetravelers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alternativetravelersTwitter: https://twitter.com/alttravelers

What is conscious consumerism and how can we be more mindful consumers? As Black Friday and holiday deals proliferate, we thought it'd be a perfect time to look at how to make more mindful, ethical, and sustainable purchasing choices. We talk about our purchasing mindsets and process as well as why conscious consumerism isn't the be all end all. Support the Show: Patreon: https://patreon.com/alternativetravelersShow Notes: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/conscious-consumerismConnect with us: AlternativeTravelers.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alternativetravelers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alternativetravelersTwitter: https://twitter.com/alttravelers

While we usually talk about house sitting from the perspective of house sitters, in this episode we flip the script and talk to pet owners that might want to use house sitters when they go away. We talk about why using house sitters is a win-win-win for you (the pet owner), the house sitter, and most importantly, the pets themselves! We address all of the common questions and concerns related to trust that we hear from pet owners, including the idea of having a "stranger" in your home. We also share actionable tips for feeling more safe and secure about engaging a house sitter. >>>40% off TrustedHousesitters<<<Support the Show: Patreon: https://patreon.com/alternativetravelersShow Notes: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/free-house-sitters/ [click here for the sign up link to the free crash course on using house sitters]Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alternativetravelers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alternativetravelersTwitter: https://twitter.com/alttravelers

In this episode, we consider holiday travel in light of the global pandemic. Should we be traveling to see family during this time? And if so, how can we go about it as safely as possible?  We go over all of the variables to consider this year and how this decision making process will be different for everyone. We share what we're doing and all the factors and conversations that went into that decision, so that you can make the decision that's right for you and your family. Show Notes: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/safe-holiday-travel/Support the Show: Join our Patreon community: https://patreon.com/alternativetravelersConnect with Us: AlternativeTravelers.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/alternativetravelersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alternativetravelers/

Today's extra special episode is all about Halloween in New York! In our humble opinions, this is the best time to spend in New York - and we're talking both New York City and the surrounding areas. We discuss our many beloved experiences on Halloween in New York, unique things to do in New York at this time of year, and spooky places to visit in the surrounding area. This one's a fun one - hope you enjoy! Support the Show: Patreon.com/alternativetravelersConnect with Us: AlternativeTravelers.com Instagram.com/alternativetravelersFacebook.com/alternativetravelersShow Notes: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/halloween-in-new-york/

In this episode, we talk about the role of social media in our lives, both negatively and positively. Online community is more important than ever, and we've been thinking for a long time how we can better gather our growing community of fellow alternative travelers in one place.   We think we've found a great solution, which we're super excited about! We'll share more on that in our big announcement in this episode. Show Notes: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/social-media-building-community/Patreon: Patreon.com/AlternativeTravelersConnect with us: Website: AlternativeTravelers.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/alternativetravelers/Facebook: www.facebook.com/alternativetravelers

In this episode, we share the most common myths about the digital nomad lifestyle. Are there are any truths to these myths or are they all just straight up false? We look at these digital nomad misconceptions and share what the digital nomad life is actually like! Show Notes: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/digital-nomad-mythsConnect with us: Website: AlternativeTravelers.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/alternativetravelers/FB: https://facebook.com/alternativetravelers

This is another episode in our Alternative Destinations series, where we highlight lesser known places that are worth your visit as an alternative traveler! This episode is all about Greensboro, North Carolina. Did you know that the Civil Rights Sit-In movement of non-violent protest started in Greensboro? Or that you can still visit where it all started at the International Civil Rights Museum, located in the heart of Greensboro? With the renewed resurgence of the Black Lives Matter Movement, it's more important than ever to understand Black history in the U.S. so that we can better understand where the nation is today. One of the best ways to do that is to learn from pivotal moments in Civil Rights history, like the Sit-In Movement.We also discuss other Greensboro claims to fame, as well as fun things to do there (including food, drink, culture, art, and more). Join us for future travel inspiration or just some armchair virtual travel! Show Notes: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/greensboro-civil-rights-sit-in-movement/Connect with Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alternativetravelers/Facebook: https://facebook.com/alternativetravelers

In this episode, we're looking at how the colonial mindset appears in travel habits today. First, we'll look at the historical origins of the colonial mindset and then we'll discuss the various ways that this mindset can show up in travel habits today. Some of the things we discuss in the episode may be a bit affronting. Please remember that we're not here to pass judgement, we're just here to gently bring attention and awareness to the ways that we as travelers may be unconsciously perpetuating colonialism through our travel. Show Notes: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/decolonizing-travel-mindset/Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alternativetravelers/Facebook: https://facebook.com/alternativetravelers

Overtourism has risen to prominence in the travel conversation in recent years. But what exactly is overtourism? What are the causes of overtourism and what are the effects on the local community, environment, and economy? And importantly for the traveler, what can we do to be more mindful and avoid contributing to overtourism? We take a look at overtourism from all angles in this episode. Show notes with links + resources: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/overtourism-causes-effects/

While we love our digital nomad life, it's not a lifestyle for everyone. If you're considering full time travel, there are several crucial factors to consider. Digging deep into these pain points BEFORE you take the leap into full time travel could save you a lot of frustration if you end up realizing these things on the road. And if any of these factors seem like a dealbreaker, then maybe full time travel isn't right for you. And that's completely okay! We want to help empower you to make the right travel decisions for you, and that's what this episode is all about. Show notes with links and resources: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/full-time-travel/

Should I be house sitting in a pandemic? Is house sitting safe right now? Are there even house sits? What are fellow house sitters doing and thinking about? If I want to house sit right now, how do I approach it? These are all questions that we keep getting from fellow house sitters, so although we have touched on this topic in other episodes, we thought we'd do a dedicated episode all about on house sitting in a pandemic. We cover our thoughts, what we're doing, how to talk to pet and home owners, and much more. Show Notes: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/pandemic-housesitting/The House Sitting Handbook: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/house-sitting-handbook/ Click Here for 10% off TrustedHousesittersConnect With Us:InstagramFacebookEmail Us 

With the global pandemic, travel as we know it has been disrupted in countless ways. No one knows when it will be back again. As a result, fellow frequent travelers are suffering existential crises brought on by not being able to travel. We're seeing this on social media and within our own community, so we thought it was high time to look at these travel identity crises, ponder why it's happening, and share what we've done to avoid feeling this way - even though travel is essential to our lifestyle and business. This episode is for everyone who is struggling with not being able to ravel right now. We share a lot of actionable tips to help with overcoming this, so truly hope it helps!  Show Notes: https://www.alternativetravelers.com/travel-identity-crises/Get in Touch: InstagramFacebookEmail Us