Think hitchhiking across 25 countries as a woman is dangerous? Think again.

Meet Ana Lucas, also known as The Sustainable Backpacker, a solo female traveler currently hitchhiking from Portugal to Australia.

That’s 25 countries, 14,000 kilometers, and an epic journey that defies the media narrative about the dangers of traveling alone as a woman.

In this episode, host Kim Anderson learns how Ana's her open-hearted approach to slow, sustainable travel has not only brought her across continents, but into contact with the kindness of strangers, the depth of her own courage, and a version of the world that’s very different from the one we often see on the news.

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a big leap, challenging the status quo, or just seeing what happens when you trust humanity and follow your gut, Ana’s story will light a fire in you.

From her mindset and practical tips for hitchhiking to the quiet moments of clarity she’s had on the road, this conversation is filled with wisdom, vulnerability, and inspiration.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• What it’s really like to hitchhike solo as a woman across 25 countries
• The safety tools Ana swears by and how to tune into your intuition
• The key to meaningful long-term travel.

This episode is for anyone who’s craving a deeper kind of journey, questioning the fear-based narratives we’re often sold, or secretly dreaming about that one wild adventure they can’t stop thinking about.

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Anna on Instagram & YouTube
• ⚡️ ROUND BOOK: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

EPISODE DETAILS:

05:44 - A journey isn’t just about getting somewhere

11:23 - If you’re interested in long-term travel

13:56 - One of the most important ways to stay safe

28:31 - Bravery is as simple as

29:35 - If there’s an idea in your head and heart

WANT MORE Stories from Solo Female Travelers?

Try these episodes:

• How to Handle Foreign Privilege and Unwanted Attention Abroad - Solo Female Travel Tips #122
• Traveling Syria: A Solo Female Traveler’s Unfiltered Journey #146
• Wander Woman: Empowering Women to Travel Solo - The Ins & Outs of Solo Female Travel #10

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Tired of the crowds? Let’s talk about how to travel to hidden cities that’ll make you feel like a local.

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares why exploring hidden cities—also known as secondary cities—might just be the travel upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Inspired by her conversation with Jake and Michelle Schomp (Episode #188), Kim digs into why skipping the big-name destinations can lead to more meaningful, affordable, and sustainable adventures.

You’ll hear why these lesser-known spots often offer richer local experiences, fewer crowds, and a chance to connect more deeply with the people and places you visit. Plus, Kim shares practical tips on how to actually find these under-the-radar destinations (hint: it’s easier than you think).

If you’ve been craving something different, maybe something more grounded and real, this episode will show you how getting off the mainstream travel trail can be the most rewarding decision you make.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The perks of basing yourself in a secondary city
• How traveling off the beaten path supports more sustainable tourism
• Practical ways to find hidden gems and plan your next not-so-typical adventure

Perfect for curious explorers, slow travelers, and anyone tired of overcrowded “must-see” spots.

Like this & WANT MORE episodes about getting off-the-beaten-path? Check out these:

1. The Ultimate Guide to Off the Beaten Path Travel #37

2. How a Corporate VP Became a Full-time Travel Influencer (Best of Series) #180

3. Rediscovering Home: One Woman's Solo Adventure through Italy on a Scooter #63

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

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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.

Thinking about taking your kids on the road and giving them a global education? You’ll want to hear this.

In this week’s episode, host Kim Anderson chats with Jake and Michelle Schomp, a nomadic family of five who’ve traveled the world for 10 years. Their three kids have experienced public school in Mexico, homeschooling, and worldschooling.

Today, the focus is on Boundless Life—a structured worldschooling program offering community, continuity, and education across seven international locations.

Get an inside look at how Boundless Life works, what it costs, and how it supports families living abroad without sacrificing academics. The Schomps share exactly what to expect—curriculum, community, and why it could be the perfect education solution for traveling families.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Boundless Life blends worldschooling, routine, and learning
• What families can expect from curriculum and daily life abroad
• Who this lifestyle is for and how to know if it’s a fit

This episode is for you if you’ve ever wondered: “How do I educate my kids while we travel?” or “Is there a way to worldschool without chaos?”

RECOURCES:

• Connect with Jake & Michelle: Boundless Life YouTube Playlist & Instagram
• Get €600 off Boundless Life with code MichelleSchomp or MICSCH73
• Listen to Jake & Michelle's first Design Her Travel interview Episode #14

⚡️ ROUND:

• Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money & Life by Bill Perkins
• 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
• Kids Pop Up Tent

EPISODE DETAILS:

07:34 - The whole premise of world schooling

26:48 - One of the perks

22:32 - Where boundless differs

29:08 - This style of education helps kids

WANT MORE? Check out these episodes on family travel and education:

1. Green School Bali: A Family’s Story of Education & Adventure #111
2. Family Travel Adventures: Making the World Your Classroom w/ Jenny Lynn #91
3. Worldschooling, Unschooling & International Schools Education in the Digital Age #112
4. Growing Up Without Borders One Family’s Adventure Visiting Every Country in the World #99
5. Roadmap to Happiness: Overlanding & Unschooli

Want travel tips and a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast?
SIGN UP for our weekly newsletter here!
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More Travel with Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring!

Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel

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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.