Planning a dark skies or aurora trip? Here’s what you actually need.

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares five essentials for planning an unforgettable stargazing or Northern Lights trip — without overpacking or overthinking it.

Inspired by recent conversations with Outside Magazines Dark Skies columnist, Stephanie Vermillion (Episode 172) and location astrologer, KJ Atlas (Episode 170), this episode is all about simplifying your astro-adventure and setting you up for success under the stars.

From light pollution maps to layering like a pro, you’ll learn exactly what to pack, how to find dark sky locations, and which apps help you make the most of the night sky — no telescope or fancy gear required.

You’ll walk away with:

• The top 5 things every dark skies traveler needs
• How to capture frame worthy photos without all the fancy gear
• The best tools to find dark sky locations and forecast the aurora

If you’ve ever dreamed of stargazing in a Dark Sky Park or chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland, this episode is your no-stress prep guide.

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Ever wonder what happens when you actually design your life around your dream?

In this Best Of episode, host Kim Anderson rewinds the conversation with Lucas Chesterton, founder of Indy Escapes, a travel company creating epic group adventures for solo travelers in dreamy destinations like Kenya, Uganda, Turkey, Croatia, the Maldives, and Bali.

Lucas has explored over 120 countries, but his journey isn’t about ticking off a list. It’s about living with purpose, building meaningful community, and chasing the kind of joy that can’t be faked. In this episode, you’ll hear how he turned a soul-searching question"If money were no object, how would you spend your days?" into a life filled with travel, connection, and real impact.

If you’ve ever dreamed of ditching the 9-to-5, building something meaningful, or living with more freedom and heart, Lucas’ story is your permission slip.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How one question can reshape your entire life
• Why travel is the ultimate connector—and what makes a trip truly transformational
• The power of building a lifestyle, not just a business

This one’s for the dreamers, the explorers, and anyone craving more adventure and intention in their everyday life.

Hit play and get inspired to design a life you don’t need a vacation from.

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Lucas & Indy Escapes
• ⚡ ROUND Book: 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz

WANT MORE? Check out these episodes from passionate travelers living life on their terms:

1. How a Travel Writer Built Peru’s Best Travel App While Living Abroad
2. The Mindful Traveler: Redefining Adventures in the Age of Sustainability

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In this week's Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares a personal story sparked by a recent conversation that unlocked a powerful memory. It’s a moment from her travels that's hard to put into words—and even harder to forget. It was brief, unexpected, and unlike anything she’s experienced before... or since.

This episode is all about those rare, strange, and beautiful travel moments that don’t come with a guidebook or a checklist—but leave a mark all the same.

🔹 A solo hike that turned into something completely unexpected
🔹 A moment of stillness that shifted Kim’s perspective
🔹 Why this short experience continues to resonate years later

If you’ve ever had a travel moment that stopped you in your tracks—or made you feel something you couldn’t quite explain—this one’s for you.

🎧 Hit play and see if you’ve ever experienced this too. Because let's be real... IYKYK

WANT MORE? Check out these epsiodes:

1. Astrotourism 101: How to Plan the Ultimate Stargazing, Dark Sky, and Northern Lights Trip w/ Stephanie Vermillion #172
2. Astrocartography Explained: How to Use Your Birth Chart to Choose Where to Travel, Live & Thrive w/ KJ Atlas #170
3. Travel Talk: Your National Park Guide - 3 Parks, 2 Quirky Histories, and 1 Luxury Stay #106
4. The Ultimate Guide to National Park Travel for Busy Professionals w/ Outdoor Influencer, Kendra Tustin #105

Want travel tips and a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast?
SIGN UP for our weekly newsletter here!
It's just the good stuff, I promise. No spam here.

Support the show

More Travel with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout

Please Note: I may earn a small commission when purchasing through these links. It doesn't cost you anything extra but does help support the show.