All the S**t I've Learned Abroad

Remember when travelling meant printing directions, wildly gesturing instead of actually communicating, and just hoping your suitcase would show up eventually? We sure do! In this episode, Steph and Andrea rewind 10 to 15 years and reflect on long-haul journeys, early solo travel adventures, and navigating cities, airports and languages with far less help than we have now. We talk about the travel tools that have changed the way we move around the world, and how different our trips would have been if they had existed back then. There are throwback stories, a bit of “wow, that was stressful”, a few moments of mild existential dread, and plenty of realisations that certain things would have saved us a lot of hassle. We also get into the trade-offs between convenience and control, and whether all this modern travel magic is amazing, or just a little bit creepy. If you have ever lost something important, panicked in a foreign city, travelled solo, or caught yourself thinking how much easier travel feels now, this episode is for you. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s our annual New Year’s resolution episode, recorded in real time as Steph rings in 2026 in Melbourne (fireworks included) while Andrea is still very much stuck in 2025. We rewind to last year’s resolutions and ask the hard questions: did we actually do what we said we would? Were the big travel goals met, quietly abandoned, or derailed in truly on-brand fashion? From unexpected detours and solo travel moments to life getting in the way (again), we reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what we’re carrying into 2026. With moving-house chaos, shifting priorities, and a much more realistic approach to travel this year, we talk about staying closer to home, travelling smarter, and setting goals that actually make sense for where we’re at now. Grab a mimosa and join us as we laugh at our past selves, recalibrate our travel dreams, and officially welcome a brand new year. Happy 2026 everyone! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travel opens doors to amazing places, and usually, some pretty amazing people. But let's be real, not every encounter is heartwarming. Sometimes, you do meet people who are rude, shady, or just flat out awful. So in todays episode Steph and Andrea share some of those rare but unforgettable run-ins with the worst kinds of people that they've met abroad. They're not the kinds of stories you hope for, but they are the kind you never forget. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever landed in a new place with no plans, just your backpack and a sense of adventure, only to stumble into something incredible? A surprise street festival, a local holiday, or maybe a once a year cultural celebration that you never saw coming? Tune in as we dive into magical moments experienced abroad where no itinerary turned out to be the best plan of all! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever felt personally victimised by a hotel charging more because you dared to travel alone? Or been awkwardly denied a two-seat table like you're some kind of pariah? SAME. In this fiery episode, Andrea and Steph wave the flag for solo adventurers everywhere. From the sky-high single supplement to being rejected by restaurant hosts for daring to dine without a plus-one, the girls share their recent solo travel wins and woes from New Zealand to South America. Expect rants, relatable stories, and a rallying cry for change. Whether you’ve travelled solo or just dreamt of escaping the group chat, this one’s for anyone who's ever felt the sting of being a party of one. Justice for solo travellers? We’re starting the movement. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for a catch up after some amazing travel adventures! With Andrea just getting back from Brazil and Peru, checking off not one but two wonders of the world, and Steph who's been road tripping through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, they swap stories, share some travel tips as always and relive some of the epic, unforgettable moments they got to experience on these trips. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's talk all the shit we didn't see abroad! Steph and Andrea have been to some pretty amazing places around the world and in these amazing places there are plenty of famous landmarks and attractions that we didn't see while there. Now does that matter? Not at all. Because the real magic of travel isn't about the sites that you should see or the things that you should do, but in the moments that you create along the way and the memories that you make. Tune in now to hear about the beauty of traveling without a checklist and all the shit we didn't do abroad! 00:02:23 - The Blending of Travel Time 00:03:04 - Travel Choices and Societal Expectations 00:03:52 - Minimal Sightseeing in Portugal 00:10:39 - Skipping Kruger National Park 00:13:05 - Immersing in Local Culture in South Africa 00:14:46 - Statue of Liberty Experience 00:17:31 - Skipping the Eiffel Tower 00:18:44 - Vancouver Tower Visit 00:21:18 - Venetian Gondola Ride in Las Vegas 00:24:09 - Venice and Budget Travel in Barcelona 00:27:06 - Sagrada Familia and Gaudi Stops 00:30:00 - Missing the Venus de Milo at the Louvre 00:33:53 - Reflecting on Travel During a Hurricane Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life is too short to wait for the perfect time, so it's time to encourage you to just book. that. trip. Money will come and go but time is finite, it's something you can't get back. So Andrea and Steph want you to pack your bags, take that leap, and let adventure be your guide. You will never regret traveling, but you will regret not going. So it's time to dive into why you should just book the trip! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time to dive into the world of travel apps. Let's face it, the app world is blowing up. If you're not using apps in your trip planning, you're already falling behind. That said, which ones are actually worth downloading? Steph and Ange talk about their favourite travel apps that make their trip planning so much easier from packing your suitcase to booking your activities and everything in between. The right app will save you time, stress and maybe even a little bit of money! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of All the S**t I've Learned Abroad it's a full on planning session! With our New Years travel resolutions fresh on our. minds, we really want to make sure we get them all ticked off the list this year! So in this episode, Steph walks us through her New Zealand trip planning all in real-time. So from flights, car rental, and hostel accommodation (yes, we said hostel!) we're searching for the best deals and we're booking them as we find them. Tune in now to learn some hot tips and tricks you can use in your own next travel planning session! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy 2025! What better way to kick off the new year than with All the S**t I've Learned Abroad's annual travel resolution episode. Join Steph Paige and Andrea Gillis as they revisit their 2024 travel resolutions to see which were actually achieved, and then let's look ahead to their 2025 travel goals and resolutions to get your inspired for your own travel journey! What will be on the list this year? Tune in to find out! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we're talking all things no-plan travel today. Have you ever planned an unplanned trip? Bit of an oxymoron there! For the spontaneous and 'non planner' people out there, mystery trips are growing in popularity, so what are you mystery trip options? Want to learn more about the sites we talk about in this episode? Check out: Get Lost - The Ultimate AdventureMystery Holiday 00:00:00 - Introduction to No-Plan Travel 00:01:55 - OptimiSing Destination Weddings 00:03:09 - Upcoming Trips: Berlin and Texas 00:05:06 - Plus One at Weddings: Normalising Best Friends 00:07:06 - No-Planning Trips: Concept and Experiences 00:09:05 - Personal Experiences with Unplanned Travel 00:12:06 - Future Unplanned Travel Plans 00:14:16 - Practicalities of Booking Last-Minute Flights 00:17:34 - Spontaneous Road Trip in Ontario 00:20:12 - Challenges and Excitement of No-Plan Travel 00:20:56 - Black Tomato: The Ultimate No-Plan Experience 00:24:01 - Affordable Mystery Holidays with Woucher Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Group travel at it's core is often the perfect blend of solo travelers at heart who want to experience a new place whilst still having the camaraderie of traveling with others with a built-in support system, making it easier to navigate new places, handle unexpected situations, and enjoy diverse perspectives and ideas. Joined by Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures, Bruce shares the company's inspiring founding story and it's commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism. Learn about the transformative impact of group travel and how G Adventures is making a difference in the industry. [00:01:32] Entrepreneurial journey of G Adventures. [00:06:36] Evolution of travel industry. [00:08:39] Responsible travel and community tourism. [00:12:35] Ethical animal encounters in travel. [00:21:41] Group travel options. [00:23:16] Roommate matchmaking process. [00:28:28] Community bonding through travel. [00:30:34] G Adventures' Chief Experience Officers. [00:36:32] Group travel experiences. [00:39:20] Age diversity in travel. [00:43:51] Evolving travel styles. [00:45:22] Support and Reviews Importance. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's all about priorities! Ask yourself, are you making travel a priority in your life? If the answer is no, then why not? While we have many priorities in life, we often forget to add travel as one of them. For many reasons, like mental and physical health, creating long lasting memories, and becoming more cultured, Steph and Andrea discuss why travel should always be included as a priority in your life and how we prioritise travel in our lives. So let's dive in! [00:03:31] Packing struggles and workout plans. [00:06:55] Prioritising travel in our lives. [00:14:28] Reminders of human kindness. [00:16:57] Relationships and travel bonds. [00:20:43] Benefits of hiking and travel. [00:26:09] Prioritising travel over work. [00:27:57] The importance of travel. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time to dive into the world of artificial intelligence, also known as AI! While still in its infancy, is becoming more popular for travellers looking to simplify their travel planning. From finding hidden gems to crafting personalised itineraries, we test out different AI prompts to help us plan for our next upcoming trips. Does it live up to the hype? Tune in to find out! 00:00:00 - Introduction to AI in Travel 00:00:40 - Andrea's Upcoming Trip to Cyprus 00:01:58 - Steph's Canceled Iran Trip 00:04:36 - Personal Connections and Travel Opportunities 00:07:48 - AI as a Travel Planning Tool 00:08:14 - ChatGPT for Creative Writing and Work 00:09:35 - First Experiences with ChatGPT 00:10:32 - Using AI for Road Trip Planning 00:11:58 - Refining AI Prompts for Better Results 00:13:39 - AI for Finding Dining Options 00:15:06 - Discovering Hidden Gems with AI 00:16:09 - AI for Solo Travelers 00:17:27 - Testing AI for Solo Dining Recommendations 00:18:55 - AI vs. Traditional Search and Blogs 00:20:09 - AI for Finding Remote Work-Friendly Cafes 00:21:16 - The Literal Nature of AI Prompts 00:22:16 - Exploring AI Travel Apps 00:23:23 - AI for Trip Budgeting 00:24:06 - AI for Destination Inspiration 00:25:30 - ChatGPT's Advantages and Limitations 00:26:03 - Crafting a Custom Trip with AI 00:27:16 - Finding a Beach Vacation in Europe 00:28:39 - Planning a Luxurious Trip to Cyprus 00:31:02 - Budget Breakdown for Cyprus Trip 00:32:37 - Refining AI Prompts for Non-Drivers 00:33:07 - Personalising Road Trip Itineraries Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2024 solo travel is becoming more popular than ever, but it can still be very daunting for those who have yet to take their first solo trip. So we give you our hot tips on great things you can do while solo traveling and while your might be alone, you'll never feel lonely! 00:02:01 - Booking Flights and Work Trips 00:02:21 - Airbnb Hosting Experiences 00:12:30 - Benefits of Walking Tours 00:15:20 - Food Tours and Meeting People 00:17:42 - Dining Alone and Alternatives 00:20:11 - Market Days and Eating Out 00:22:04 - Attending Local Performances 00:23:18 - Cooking Classes for Solo Travelers 00:24:50 - Using Dating Apps While Traveling 00:28:44 - Bringing a Kindle or Book 00:29:37 - Bookstore Browsing and Cafe Hopping 00:38:19 - Final Thoughts on Solo Travel Activities Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a spicy one! Steph and Andrea get into a very intense debate... to recline or not to recline your airplane seat?! When we're flying, while we do have the option to push our seats back, is it always acceptable to do so? How long does a flight need to be before it's acceptable to recline your seat? And is it even your problem if the person behind you is too tall? Ultimately we need to ask the airlines who owns those two inches of space between the two seats? So buckle in and get ready for a heated episode! 00:00:00 - Debate on Airplane Seat Reclining 00:04:32 - The Middle Seat Dilemma 00:05:05 - To Recline or Not: The Great Debate 00:07:02 - Personal Reclining Etiquette 00:08:20 - Meal Service and Reclining Seats 00:09:00 - Considering Tall Passengers 00:10:01 - Reclining on Short Flights After Long Hauls 00:11:29 - The Domino Effect of Reclining 00:12:08 - Buying Seats with Extra Legroom 00:13:28 - Children Reclining Seats 00:14:16 - Courtesy of Asking Before Reclining 00:15:51 - Who Owns the Two Inches of Space? 00:18:28 - Dealing with Aggressive Passengers 00:19:19 - Judging the Situation Before Reclining 00:20:32 - Crossing Legs and Reclining Seats 00:21:39 - Airline's Responsibility for Seat Space 00:23:30 - Passive-Aggressive Responses to Reclining 00:24:14 - Ownership of Space and Airline Policies 00:27:15 - Dealing with Unusual Situations on Planes 00:28:45 - The Debate Continues: Courtesy vs. Rights 00:30:38 - Lack of Courtesy in Post-COVID Travel 00:31:13 - Conclusion and Opinions on Reclining Seats Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does social media impact your travel experiences? Is social media ruining travel experiences or making them better? Are we too obsessed with getting the right content instead of taking in the experience? Are we focusing too much on FOMO and what we see online? And are we traveling to some of these places we see online for the right reasons? Let's dive in! 00:00:00 - Social Media's Impact on Travel 00:05:42 - Discovering Local Spots via Social Media 00:07:47 - The Pros of Sharing Travel on Social Media 00:09:03 - Reflecting on Posting Travel Content in Real Time 00:11:47 - The Influence of Social Media on Travel Destinations 00:13:14 - Expectation vs. Reality in Travel Posts 00:15:46 - The Phenomenon of Over-Tourism 00:17:03 - Personal Reflections on Social Media Use While Traveling 00:19:03 - The Benefits of Social Media for Travelers 00:21:17 - Concluding Thoughts on Social Media and Travel Responsibility Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Valentine's Day may have passed but it did get us thinking about love languages! Love languages are all about how you give and receive love, for and from others. But how do these relate into your travel style? Quality time, acts of service, words of affirmation, gift giving and physical touch. We chat through these five love languages and how you can integrate these into travel to get the most out of your trip, whether with a partner, friends or even traveling solo. 00:00:00 - Love Languages and Travel 00:02:47 - Unplanned Big Trips and Booking Beliefs 00:03:20 - The Quest for a Wellness Retreat 00:05:13 - Spa Getaways vs. Genuine Retreats 00:06:32 - Valentine's Day and Galentine's Celebrations 00:07:06 - Love Languages and Their Travel Connection 00:08:07 - Defining and Understanding Love Languages 00:09:17 - Quality Time: Travel Edition 00:10:55 - Acts of Service on the Road 00:11:45 - Gift Giving While Traveling 00:12:37 - Physical Touch and Travel Intimacy 00:13:51 - Words of Affirmation for the Solo Traveler Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time to talk Dubai! Steph recently dipped her toes into Middle Eastern culture by visiting Dubai and the Middle East for the first time. As Andrea has been a few times, we talk through out own experiences, what talk about what we loved about to Dubai, what we didn't love and ultimately... would we move there? 00:00:00 - Introduction to Dubai Experiences 00:00:59 - Content Creation Retreat in Byron Bay 00:02:40 - Wedding Plans in Bucharest and Castle Tours 00:05:31 - Upcoming Trip to Athens 00:06:30 - Discussing Dubai's Attractions and Lifestyle 00:08:05 - Emirates Flight Experience 00:10:14 - Tips for Using Taxis in Dubai 00:11:06 - Exploring Dubai with a Local 00:12:06 - Saving Money on Activities in Dubai 00:13:10 - Utilising Apps for Deals in Dubai 00:14:05 - Dining at the Burj Khalifa 00:15:08 - Day Passes for Hotel Pools in Dubai 00:16:01 - The Cost of Living and Saving Money in Dubai 00:17:27 - Cultural Expectations and Dress Code in Dubai 00:18:08 - Finding Deals for Desert Adventures 00:19:24 - Dining at Salt Bae's Restaurant 00:20:45 - The Luxury Experience in Dubai 00:21:20 - Visiting Nusret and the Golden Menu 00:22:54 - The Practicality of Traditional Middle Eastern Dress 00:23:48 - The Diversity of Dubai's Population 00:25:18 - The Business Hub of Dubai 00:26:46 - Comparing Dubai to Other Middle Eastern Cultures 00:28:07 - The Reality of Dubai's Opulence 00:30:55 - The Appeal of Dubai for Short Visits 00:31:42 - The Man-Made Nature of Dubai 00:32:23 - The Fountain Show at the Burj Khalifa 00:33:05 - Considering Moving to Dubai 00:34:17 - The Need for Nature and Outdoor Activities 00:35:09 - The Fake Aspect of Dubai 00:36:41 - The Burj Khalifa and Dubai's Skyline 00:38:29 - Reflecting on the First Visit to the Middle East 00:39:47 - Planning Future Trips to the Middle East 00:41:26 - The Desire for a Private Jet 00:42:09 - The Burj Khalifa's Impressive Height 00:43:09 - The Dubai Fountain Show's Frequency 00:45:18 - Exploring More of the Middle East 00:46:12 - The Contrast Between Dubai and Nearby Countries Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/allthestivelearnedabroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.