Lots of people say they “like to travel”... but most probably can’t claim they're “travel addicts.” Karen Gershowitz has earned that title by visiting more than 95 countries–many of them numerous times!  She’s worked her career around traveling, and is now a travel writer. She has also published two books about her travels. In this episode Karen shares tales from her adventures and gives tips all travelers can use to have authentic experiences--from taking public transportation, to eating at communal tables with locals, to the benefits of "getting lost."

In this episode:

01:50--How and why Karen found a career to support her travel habit

02:48--The genesis and growth of Karen's love of travel

04:47--Tips for finding your way in a new town (take public transportation, sit at communal tables)

08:37--The beauty of allowing yourself to get lost and pivoting when things go "wrong"

12:40--Karen's thoughts on planned itineraries vs. being spur of the moment

15:08--Plan your trip around what you love (food, sports, art, history, etc.)

17:39--Be curious about a place and about people

18:39--Test case: planning a trip for a fictitious traveler

24:39--Tips for traveling in non-English-speaking countries

26:30--Thoughts on traveling solo vs. with friends vs. with groups

27:55--Journaling while traveling

30:30--Places Karen would like to visit, and places she never wants to return 

34:42--Tips for dealing with jet lag

37:20--Becoming a travel writer (books and articles)

Want to know more about Karen?

• Find links to all of her books and articles at her website: https://karengershowitz.com/home/

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