Shows
Young Travelers Podcast with Gabby BeckfordHow Kiera Perryman Turned a Gap Year into a Global AdventureKiera Perryman traded the traditional post-grad path for a year of exploration and growth. In this episode, Gabby dives into Kiera’s transformative gap year, from studying design in Switzerland to experiencing local festivals in Nepal.Kiera shares her creative approach to financing travel through scholarships, work exchanges, and savings, as well as her reflections on breaking societal expectations and embracing freedom. Whether you’re dreaming of a gap year or curious about balancing adventure with responsibility, this episode will leave you inspired to live life for the plot.Chec...2025-05-2731 minYoung Travelers Podcast with Gabby BeckfordHow to *Actually* Plan a Solo Trip: Flights, Stays, and ActivitiesPlanning your first solo trip can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, I walk you through the essential logistics of booking a trip, breaking it down into flights, accommodations, activities, and transportation. Learn how to use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hostelworld, weigh the pros and cons of hotels versus hostels or Airbnbs, and discover ways to plan a balanced itinerary that leaves room for spontaneity.I also share my go-to hacks, like leveraging frequent flyer programs, maximizing travel credit cards, and usi...2025-05-2014 minYoung Travelers Podcast with Gabby BeckfordThe PTO Princess: Mmachukwu Osisioma on How to Win Fully-Funded TripsIn this episode, meet Mmachukwu Osisioma, a college student with roots in Nigeria and the United States, whose passion for travel has driven her to win two incredible Paid Travel Opportunities (PTOs). She shares how she discovered PTOs during high school through SeekPTO, the research skills she’s honed to find the perfect opportunities, and the persistence that kept her applying—even after rejections.Mmachukwu also reflects on her transformative experiences abroad, from navigating a winter study program in South Korea to immersing herself in Brazilian culture during Carnival. She emphasizes the importance of stay...2025-05-1328 minYoung Travelers Podcast with Gabby BeckfordSolo Travel Safety Tips to Feel Prepared AnywhereWorried about staying safe while traveling solo? I’m here to help! In this episode, I shares my ultimate guide to solo travel safety, including practical tips like blending in, staying connected, and preparing the full itinerary in advance.My advice, built on 10+ years of solo travel experience, will help you feel prepared for any situation—whether it’s handling awkward questions about traveling alone, navigating unfamiliar cities, or trusting your instincts when things feel off. Solo travel is about empowerment, not fear, and this episode will leave you feeling...2025-05-0616 minYoung Travelers Podcast with Gabby BeckfordWhat Leslie Dixon Learned From Studying Abroad in South Africa with CheetahsLeslie Dixon didn’t just study wildlife—she lived it. In South Africa, she worked with rhinos, cheetahs, and even chaotic hornbills (known for slashing tires!). But alongside the breathtaking encounters came ethical dilemmas and cultural revelations.In this episode, Leslie talks about the beauty and complexity of conservation work, the lessons she learned about privilege and perspective, and how these experiences shaped her future. Her story is a raw, eye-opening look at the lessons study abroad can teach you beyond the classroom, that will stick with you for a lifetime.2025-04-2929 minYoung Travelers Podcast with Gabby BeckfordThe 5 Safest Countries for Beginner Solo TravelersNot all destinations are created equal when it comes to solo travel. In this episode, I reveal my top 5 safest countries for solo travelers… some of which might surprise you.Packed with personal stories and verifiable stats, I share why these destinations are perfect for first-time adventurers and how they can help you feel confident stepping out of your comfort zone. Whether you’re looking for cultural immersion, stunning landscapes, or just a safe place to start, this episode will help you find your next solo adventure.If this epis...2025-04-2214 minYoung Travelers Podcast with Gabby BeckfordHow Natasha Ibrahim Left Burnout Behind to Design a Life of FreedomNatasha Ibrahim knew something had to change. Stuck in a soul-sucking corporate job, she took a leap of faith and never looked back. In this episode, Natasha shares the highs and lows of her journey, from navigating identity crises as a third-culture kid to finding her place in a community of dreamers in Tulum.We discuss what it means to recognize burnout, take risks, and design a life that truly aligns with your values. Whether you’re dreaming of escape or looking for real stories of reinvention, hearing Natasha’s honest reflections will inspire you...2025-04-1529 minYoung Travelers Podcast with Gabby BeckfordListen to This if You’re Young and Absolutely Terrified Solo TravelIf you met me in the past few years you might be shocked to hear that I wasn’t always confident. In fact, I used to spiral over something as simple as purchasing underwear in department stores. But through solo travel, I learned how to face my fears—I practiced quieting my doubts and showing up as the boldest version of myself! And now it’s second nature.This episode is all about building confidence, starting with small wins and embracing the mindset of “delusional confidence.” From practical tips to personal stories, I’ll walk you thr...2025-04-0812 minYoung Travelers Podcast with Gabby BeckfordBehind the Fulbright: Kylah Williams on Getting Paid to Live, Work, and Learn in Mexico CityFulbright scholar Kylah Williams spent a year in Mexico City, blending work, study, and cultural immersion. She shares her experience balancing full-time digital marketing for a tequila company, MBA courses, and solo travel. Kylah opens up about the application process, from finding the right grant to navigating interviews and landing a spot in this prestigious program.Beyond academics, she reflects on her personal growth, the importance of cross-cultural understanding, and the unique challenges and rewards of working abroad. If you’re curious about the Fulbright Grant or Paid Travel Opportunities in general, life in Me...2025-04-0130 minYoung Travelers Podcast with Gabby BeckfordI Went Solo at 17 (Here’s Everything That Went Wrong)At 17, I took my first solo trip to Iceland: completely unprepared but filled with an unwavering instinct to challenge myself and change. From ridiculous missteps like forgetting a sleeping bag to life-changing moments crossing icy rivers, the adventure tested my resilience and revealed the power of stepping into discomfort. In this inaugural episode of the Young Travelers Podcast, I share the reality of being the youngest, least experienced, only person of color on my trek. I talk about facing culture shock, and pushing past physical and mental limits.This episode explores why solo travel i...2025-03-2511 minYoung Travelers Podcast with Gabby BeckfordIntroducing the Young Travelers Podcast with Gabby BeckfordAre you ready to tap into your travel dreams and live life for the plot? Then welcome to the Young Travelers Podcast, dropping March 25th, 2025. Hosted by Gabby Beckford—solo female traveler, Opportunity Expert, and award-winning adventure & lifestyle influencer of Packs Light and SeekPTO—this podcast is your go-to guide for transformational travel stories, expert advice, and the motivation to explore while you're young. An exclusive, tell-all guide to travel in your 20s!Each week, we bring you real stories from 20-something adventurers who dared to say, “Why not me?”. From s...2024-10-0202 min