Show Notes: Why Solo Travel is the Ultimate Self-Discovery Journey

Episode Summary

In this insightful episode of Nostalgic Travel Talks, host Alexander Johnson sits down with his mother and experienced traveler, Cheryl Johnson, to explore the transformative power of solo travel. From practical tips to personal stories, they unpack why traveling alone can be one of life's most empowering experiences and how anyone can begin their solo travel journey.

Time Stamps

• 00:00 - Introduction and welcome
• 01:30 - Cheryl shares how her solo travel journey began
• 03:45 - The importance of independence and self-discovery through solo travel
• 05:20 - Top tips for first-time solo travelers
• 08:15 - "Dating yourself" as a gateway to solo travel
• 10:30 - Navigating cultural differences when traveling alone
• 12:00 - Life lessons learned from solo travel experiences
• 14:20 - Using meetup groups to connect with locals (Barcelona story)
• 17:40 - Dream solo travel destinations
• 21:15 - Safety tips and real stories from the road
• 26:30 - Final thoughts on the empowering nature of solo travel
• 27:45 - Rapid-fire travel questions

Key Takeaways

• Start small: Begin your solo journey with simple activities like dining alone or seeing a movie by yourself
• Freedom to choose: Solo travel lets you set your own agenda without compromising
• Research is crucial: Learn about your destination, cultural norms, and safety considerations
• Connect with locals: Use apps like Meetup to find gatherings and meet people from around the world
• Trust your instincts: When it comes to safety, always follow your gut feeling
• Embrace the awkward: Being comfortable with yourself is part of the growth process

Memorable Quotes

• "You get to set the agenda. You are on your own timetable." - Cheryl Johnson
• "You have to be happy with yourself first before you can make other people happy." - Cheryl Johnson
• "It's basically dating yourself." - Alexander Johnson on starting solo travel
• "Embrace the awkward." - Cheryl Johnson
• "The missing ingredient is interacting with locals." - Cheryl Johnson on meaningful travel
• "One word to describe solo traveling: Empowering." - Cheryl Johnson

Resources Mentioned
Meetup app for connecting with locals while traveling

• Barcelona language exchange meetups
• Portable phone chargers as essential travel gadgets

Future Destinations Discussed

• Cuba
• St. Croix
• Puerto Rico
• Dominican Republic
• Sri Lanka
• Mauritius
• Monaco

Next Episode

Join us next week for an exploration of the Negro Motorist Green Book and its vital impact on helping Black travelers navigate America safely.

Follow Cheryl Johnson on social media -
youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgicTravelCo
linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryljohnsonnostalgictravel/
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website: https://nostalgictravelco.com/

Nostalgic Travel is a full-service travel agency specializing in ocean cruises, educational group trips, and multigenerational travel experiences. Whether you're planning a relaxing escape, an immersive cultural tour, or a meaningful family adventure, we handle the details so you can focus on what really matters—making lifelong memories. 🌍✨
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Show Notes

Episode Overview:
In this inspiring episode of Nostalgic Travel Talks, hosts Alexander and Cheryl Johnson explore the transformative power of international youth exchange programs and the critical need to make these life-changing experiences accessible to all students, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Featured Guest

Cheryl Johnson - Former Spanish teacher, travel advisor, and founder of Youth Exchange Collective, a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing financial and social barriers to international youth exchange programs.

Key Topics Discussed

The Genesis of Youth Exchange Collective
Cheryl shares her journey from being a Spanish teacher who organized exchange programs with Spain to founding a nonprofit after witnessing talented students unable to participate due to financial constraints. Her retirement opened the door to finally address this inequality she observed throughout her teaching career.

The Reality of Cultural Immersion
The conversation delves into powerful examples of how textbook learning pales in comparison to real-world cultural experiences. From understanding Spain's siesta culture to navigating different restaurant customs, Cheryl illustrates how immersive experiences create lasting educational impact that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom setting.

Program Structure and Impact
Learn about the comprehensive approach to youth exchange programs, including:

• Host family matching and coordination
• School experience integration
• Guided exploration and field trips
• Skill-building through real-world challenges like scavenger hunts
• Long-term relationship building that extends across generations

Building Global Citizens
The episode explores how international exchange programs develop essential life skills including cultural competency, language acquisition, problem-solving abilities, and global perspective that students carry throughout their lives.

Memorable Quotes

"I think every student should have the privilege of getting to go on one of these trips if they truly want to, because they are life-changing, in my opinion." - Cheryl Johnson

"When you actually get a chance to go out in the world and see things... I remember this girl saying, 'I know you talked about this in class, but I didn't think it was real.'"

"The only way [to solve world problems]... a lot of it comes from people just not understanding each other. People don't know, they're afraid of people that they don't know."

Mission and Values

Youth Exchange Collective operates on core principles of compassion, equity, empathy, and curiosity, working to ensure that motivated students from all backgrounds can access transformational international experiences.

How to Get Involved

• Visit the Youth Exchange Collective website (launching soon)
• Follow on Facebook and social media platforms
  • https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579158873899
  • instagram.com/youthexchangecollective
  • Contact Cheryl Johnson directly for volunteer opportunities
• Help spread awareness about accessible youth exchange programs

Quick Fire Round Highlights

Coffee vs. Tea: Coffee wins
Beach vs. City: Beach for relaxation
Early Bird vs. Night Owl: Surprising night owl revelation
Learning Preference: Conversation over books every time

Next Episode Preview

Join us next week as we dive into the exciting world of solo travel, sharing insights, challenges, and tips for making the most of independent adventures.

Connect With Us

Follow Nostalgic Travel and Nostalgic Travel Talks for more inspiring stories about cultural exchange, travel education, and breaking down barriers to global experiences.
Website: https://nostalgictravelco.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554602701451
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nostalgictravelco
linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryljohnsonnostalgictravel/

This episode highlights the critical importance of making international education accessible to all young people, regardless of their socioeconomic background, and demonstrates how cultural exchange programs create lasting positive change in both individuals and communities worldwide.

Show Notes:

In this episode, we take you on a journey to St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands and a true Caribbean hidden gem. From its rich history as a former sugar plantation powerhouse to stunning natural attractions and vibrant local culture, St. Croix offers a unique blend of experiences for every traveler.

What you'll discover in this episode:

• Insider tips on exploring St. Croix’s two main towns, Christiansted and Frederiksted, including highlights of local dining and vibrant waterfront scenes
• The island’s rich history showcased through sites like the Whim Plantation Museum and colonial-era forts
• Stunning natural attractions such as Buck Island Reef National Monument, famous for snorkeling and marine life
• Outdoor activities including hiking scenic trails and exploring peaceful beaches
• Insights into St. Croix’s unique cultural experiences, from local festivals to artisan crafts and distillery tours
• Practical travel advice for getting to and around the island, blending adventure with relaxation

Whether you’re planning your first visit or dreaming of a Caribbean escape, this episode gives you insider tips and travel hacks to make the most of your time on St. Croix.

Resources & Links:

• Whim Plantation Museum (historic sugar plantation)
• Buck Island Reef National Monument (marine life and hiking)
• Sion Farm Distillery (Mutiny Island Vodka tastings)
• Christiansted and Frederiksted town guides
• Local beaches: Cane Bay, Sandy Point, Dorsch Beach

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring island life and travel tips! Share this episode with fellow wanderers who crave turquoise waters and authentic experiences.

Podcast Episode Show Notes: From Hesitant High School Traveler to Passionate Travel Advisor

In this inspiring episode, I share my personal journey of how a reluctant high school senior’s summer trip to Europe unexpectedly sparked a lifelong passion for travel. What began as hesitation transformed into wanderlust, leading me through college, teaching, international cultural exchanges, and finally to a fulfilling career as a travel advisor.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How a surprise invitation from a high school teacher to travel across six European countries—the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Monaco—became a defining moment in my life.
• The unforgettable experience of witnessing the royal wedding dress rehearsal in England and its impact on my travel enthusiasm.
• How my love for Spanish language motivated me to pursue it as a college major and the immersive study trip to Mexico, which deepened my cultural understanding despite initial challenges.
• My career path as a substitute teacher evolving into a full-time teacher and how that led to creating an enriching student exchange program with Spanish colleagues — offering authentic cultural immersion beyond typical tours.
• The lasting friendships and lifelong connections formed through this exchange program, and the bittersweet decision to end it upon retirement.
• My pivot to becoming a travel advisor to empower educators and travelers to craft meaningful, authentic trips without reinventing the wheel.
• Reflections on embracing unexpected career twists and the importance of flexibility when discovering your true path.

Why Listen?
Whether you’re uncertain about your own journey or passionate about travel and cultural exchange, this episode offers honest insights on following your passions, learning through travel, and creating impactful experiences that transform lives.

Connect & Engage:
Subscribe now to hear more about my travel adventures and forthcoming interviews with inspiring guests—starting with an American living in St. Croix and sharing her unique island experiences next episode.

Episode Keywords & Topics:
travel journey, high school travel, study abroad experience, Spanish immersion, cultural exchange program, student travel, teaching and travel, becoming a travel advisor, wanderlust stories, meaningful travel, travel career path, authentic travel experiences

Recommended For:
Travel enthusiasts, educators planning student trips, aspiring travel advisors, language learners, lifelong learners, anyone navigating career transitions

Subscribe & Follow:
Don’t miss out on new episodes! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation on meaningful travel and life journeys.

Episode Title: The Science of Travel: How Multi-Generational Trips Rewire Your Brain and Create Lasting Family Memories

Episode Description:
Join host Cheryl of Nostalgic Travel Talks as she sits down with her sister-in-law Karen and neuroscientist sister-in-law Stephanie to explore the fascinating connection between travel and the brain. In this heartfelt and enlightening episode, they dive into how traveling, especially during childhood and across multiple generations, shapes neural pathways, enhances cognitive function, and creates powerful family memories that last a lifetime. From personal travel stories to the neuroscience behind memory and bonding, discover why multi-generational travel is more than just fun—it’s a brain-boosting, memory-making family tradition.

Show Notes:

• 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to guests Karen (avid traveler) and Stephanie (neuroscientist)
• 02:30 - How travel affects the developing brain: creating neural pathways and openness to new experiences, especially in childhood
• 10:50 - Karen shares childhood travel memories including unaccompanied minor flights and how early travel fostered lifelong travel habits
• 15:00 - Neuroscientist insight: travel’s role in boosting creativity, cognitive reserve, and healing brain plasticity across all ages
• 22:30 - Cheryl reflects on decades of business and family travel across the U.S. and how diverse travel modes shape thinking
• 28:00 - Multi-generational travel stories and why these trips offer unique bonding and learning opportunities across ages
• 34:20 - How memories from travel are stored throughout the brain; role of music and sensory triggers in recalling family trips
• 44:00 - Discussion of travel as a tool to slow cognitive decline and promote social connectedness for healthy aging
• 50:00 - Personal reflections on meaningful travel moments, resilience, and embracing the unexpected during trips
• 57:00 - Rapid-fire travel favorites: window seat vs aisle, travel snacks, beach vs mountain, songs that take you back, and favorite destinations
• 1:05:00 - Final thoughts on why travel enriches the brain, the heart, and family connections across generations

Key Themes:

• Neuroscience of travel and brain development
• Cognitive and emotional benefits of travel at any age
• The unique power of multi-generational family trips
• Creating and recalling lifelong travel memories
• Resilience and creativity fostered through travel experiences

Featured Guests:

• Stephanie Johnson, neuroscientist specializing in brain plasticity and cognitive health
• Karen Thomas, seasoned traveler with rich multi-generational family travel experiences

Why Listen?
Discover the science behind why travel enriches not only the mind but also strengthens family bonds across generations. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or travel enthusiast, gain insights and inspiring stories to help you plan your next brain-boosting family adventure.

Call to Action:
Subscribe to Nostalgic Travel Talks for more family-centered travel stories and brain-health insights. Share this episode with your loved ones and start planning your next multi-generational trip today!

In this inspiring episode of Nostalgic Travel Talks, I sit down with Dr. Veronica Flake, a Philadelphia native and global health advocate who studied medicine in one of the most unexpected places—Cuba.

We explore how six transformative years at the Latin American School of Medicine in Havana shaped her into the compassionate, community-minded physician she is today. From overcoming language barriers to learning medicine with minimal resources, Dr. Flake shares how Cuba’s human-centered approach to healthcare redefined what it means to be a doctor.

🌍 In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Dr. Flake chose to study medicine in Cuba
• What it’s really like to live and train in Havana
• How the Cuban medical system fosters global empathy and clinical excellence
• Cultural shocks, resilience, and adjusting to life off the grid
• The lifelong impact of immersive, international education
• Lessons she still uses in her practice today—from bedside manner to public health

Whether you're interested in global education, medicine, or just love a story of personal growth through travel, this episode will leave you both informed and inspired.

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) – Havana, Cuba
• Documentary Recommendation: ¡Salud! – A film that sparked Dr. Flake’s journey
• Previous Episode: Interview with Dr. Gigi Simmons

💬 Connect With Us:

• Website: nostalgictravelco.com
• Instagram: @nostalgictravelco
• Facebook Group: Nostalgic Travel Tips

✨ Meta Description (SEO-Optimized):

Discover how Dr. Veronica Flake’s experience studying medicine in Cuba transformed her into a more empathetic, resourceful doctor. An inspiring story of global health, cultural immersion, and medical education beyond borders.

💬 Episode Description:

In this special mother-daughter edition of Nostalgic Travel Talks, Cheryl and Brittany transport you to the lush gardens and sun-kissed streets of Cuernavaca, Mexico—La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera.

From Aztec origins and Hernán Cortés’ imposing palace to French emperors and vibrant local traditions, Cuernavaca offers a colorful tapestry of history and culture. We reminisce about sipping Mexican hot chocolate, wandering botanical gardens, peacocks at lunch, and even that unforgettable climb up the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacán. (Yes, even four-year-old Brittany made it to the top!)

Whether you're a history buff, foodie, Spanish learner, or simply dreaming of your next warm-weather escape, this episode is your invitation to discover why Cuernavaca should be on your travel list.

✈️ Ready to explore? Hit play and let’s go!
In This Episode:

• Why Cuernavaca is known as “The City of Eternal Spring”
• A brief but rich history from the Aztecs to Hernán Cortés and the French Empire
• Must-visit historical sites: Palacio de Cortés, Maximilian & Carlota’s summer retreat, and Teotihuacán
• Favorite local experiences: tamales in the morning, gardens with peacocks, movie theaters with bees (!), and heartwarming host family memories
• Spanish immersion programs at Cuauhnahuac Language School
• Nearby cultural gems: Mexico City, Taxco, Xochimilco, Acapulco
• Travel tips: when to go, where to stay, and how to get there from Mexico City
• Fun rapid-fire travel questions at the end!

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about the legend of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes https://www.inside-mexico.com/the-legend-of-popocatepetl-iztaccihuatl/#google_vignette
• Nostalgic Travel – https://nostalgictravelco.com

🎧 Listen, Subscribe & Share:

If this episode stirred your wanderlust, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! It helps others discover the joy of traveling through stories.

📸 Been to Cuernavaca? Tag us in your photos or DM your memories—we’d love to feature them!

What’s it like to study medicine in Cuba? In this episode of Nostalgic Travel Talks, host Cheryl Johnson sits down with Dr. Gigi Simmons, a U.S. physician who studied medicine at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) in Cuba. They explore the cultural, educational, and emotional journey that shaped her medical career. From free education and universal healthcare to bunk bed dorms and Cuban pizzas, Dr. Simmons gives us a real, raw, and inspiring look into global learning. Tune in to discover how travel can expand not just your worldview—but your heart.

Show Notes:

Guest: Dr. Gigi Simmons, M.D. – Primary Care & Addiction Medicine Specialist

Topics Covered:

• The unconventional path from nail tech dreams to doctor goals
• How the movie John Q sparked a passion for medicine
• The application process for studying in Cuba (no MCAT required!)
• Living and learning at ELAM: dorm life, public health, and clinical rotations
• Navigating a new culture, a new language, and even public showers
• The impact of Cuba’s universal healthcare system on Dr. Simmons' philosophy
• Stories from her mother’s visit to Cuba and parental perspective
• Cultural galas, salsa dancing, and soul food abroad
• Training in underserved communities and the power of prevention
• How Cuban medical education compares to U.S. systems

Rapid Fire Round Highlights:

• Cuban pizza = study fuel
• Most shocking cultural moment? Toilet paper in the trash!
• Favorite medical memory: late-night ER shifts and real patient connection

Episode Quote: “In Cuba, medicine isn’t just a job—it’s a community commitment. That shaped me as a doctor, and as a person.”

Want to explore travel that transforms? Visit nostalgictravelco.com for immersive journeys that go beyond the brochure.

Listen to More Episodes: https://nostalgictravelco.com/podcasts

FAQs:

Q: Is a Cuban medical degree valid in the U.S.?
Yes! Graduates from ELAM must pass U.S. licensing exams like any international medical graduate, but the degree is valid.

Q: Is the education really free?
Yes—for qualifying international students. Cuba provides tuition, housing, and meals, in exchange for a commitment to serve underserved communities.

Q: Is Spanish fluency required?
Not initially. Students take immersive language courses in Spanish before starting medical coursework.

Q: How long is the program?
6 to 7 years, including Spanish language training and full clinical rotations.

Q: Can Americans still study in Cuba today?
Yes, through programs like IFCO/Pastors for Peace, though regulations and travel requirements may change.

#NostalgicTravelTalks #StudyAbroadMedicine #CubaMedicalSchool #GlobalHealthcare #EducationalTravel #Wanderlearn