Today’s guest is Nikki Vargas, an undeniable force in the worlds of travel, storytelling, and women’s empowerment. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Nikki is a two-time published author and the voice behind the bestselling memoir Call You When I Land, a deeply personal exploration of identity, belonging, and becoming. Her work has been widely recognized by Glamour, Real Simple, and Good Morning America.

Nikki is also the author of Wanderess, an evergreen women’s travel guide praised by Forbes and Refinery29 for its thoughtful approach to exploration and self-discovery. Beyond the page, she serves as Senior Digital Editor at Fodor’s Travel and is the founder of Unearth Women, a groundbreaking magazine dedicated to amplifying women’s stories from around the globe. In this episode, we dive into Nikki’s journey as a writer, editor, and entrepreneur, the power of travel as a tool for self-expression, and what it means to take up space as a woman, both creatively and professionally. Nikki brings a global perspective, deep intention, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling that uplifts and connects.

This conversation is an invitation to reflect on where travel has taken you, and where it might lead you next.

Connect with Nikki:

Follow her journey at @niknakvargas , or on her website. Get a your copy of Call You When I Land and Wanderess.

Connect with Ariel:

Follow her on @wander_lounge. Sign up for the newsletter to learn travel tips and to get details about our upcoming group trip to Greece here.

Today on Wander Lounge, we’re joined by Lydia Copeland. By day, Lydia is a data analyst, but by passion, she’s a travel blogger and educator on a mission to make travel more accessible, inclusive, and less intimidating for everyone. Her journey from small-town roots to exploring the world is a reminder that travel isn’t reserved for the privileged—it’s something we can all learn to do, step by step.

Lydia is also the author of “An Introduction to Traveling: The First Step of Many Around the World,” a comprehensive travel skills handbook featuring 183 practical tips to help you plan, budget, pack, and navigate your way with confidence. Whether you’re preparing for your very first trip or seeking to refine your travel style, Lydia’s insights are a masterclass in turning wanderlust into action.

✨ In this episode, we explore:

How Lydia learned to travel without a “blueprint”

The key mindset shifts that make travel feel possible for anyone

Practical, beginner-friendly tips from her book

Why representation and accessibility matter in the travel space

How you can start taking your first steps around the world

Tune in and get inspired to plan your next adventure—no matter where you’re starting from.

Connect with Lydia:

Follow her journey @lydslifeskills, and grab a copy of her book, An Introduction to Traveling: The First Step of Many Around the World https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CK45BH92?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_478SAY775GYNN7XFF19E&bestFormat=true

Connect with Wander Lounge:

Follow @wander_lounge, and sign up for our newsletter at https://www.wanderloungepodcast.com/ for more travel stories, solo travel tips, and community for women who love to explore.

Today’s guest is Kayla Kelly, a fighter, dream-chaser, and true global citizen. From studying abroad in Spain and Italy to now living and training full-time in Mexico as a Muay Thai fighter, Kayla has designed a life fueled by exploration, resilience, and bold self-belief.

In this episode, Kayla opens up about how falling in love with Muay Thai during the pandemic transformed her path. She shares what it’s like to train as a woman in a male-dominated sport, how solo travel shaped her worldview, and what it means to bet on yourself even when the odds feel stacked. With five fights under her belt and a spot in the Amazing Muay Thai Festival in Italy on the horizon, Kayla’s story reminds us of the power of discipline, intuition, and carving your own lane.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How travel and sport intertwine to shape identity
• Kayla’s transition from study abroad to full-time athlete
• The emotional and mental strength behind stepping into the ring
• How to stay grounded while living boldly abroad
• Advice for anyone chasing an unconventional dream

Connect with us:

Kayla Kelly: @kaykelly13

Ariel Travis: @wander_lounge and wanderloungepodcast.com

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