Casey Hanisko is one of those women in the travel industry who I genuinely look up to - the kind of leader who makes you think, "I want to be like her when I grow up."

We're diving into something that's keeping a lot of us up at night - how do you keep exploring the world when it feels like everything is falling apart? Casey has spent over 25 years building and leading teams in the adventure travel industry, and she's got the perspective we all need right now.

I really wanted to pick Casey's brain about this: How do we navigate our fears about traveling when the news cycle feels relentless and the world seems more uncertain than ever? We're talking about the difference between smart risk management and letting fear hijack your passport, plus some seriously questionable decision-making that led to the best travel stories ever.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

Cuba: Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 3, 2026

India: Feb 25 - March 7, 2026

Kenya: March 25 - April 4, 2026

Morocco: April 10 - April 19, 2026

Links & Resources (Casey)

• Learn more about Casey: caseyhanisko.com
• LinkedIn: @caseyhanisko
• Leading Naturally newsletter
• RISE Travel Institute
• Adventure Travel Conservation Fund

Links & Resources (Laura)

• Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
• Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
• Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
• Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
• Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
• Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

Today I'm sitting down with someone who's been my partner in questionable decision-making for many years - my former sister-in-law and current travel buddy, Kari Chance. We're diving into our most ridiculous travel mishaps, the kinds of stories that literally had us crying from laughter while recording.

Kari is living proof that I won my divorce by keeping my sister-in-law. By day she's a dental hygienist, but she's also a Laura Ericson Group Trips Turkey and Mexico City survivor. When Kari is involved, ordinary travel moments somehow transform into the kind of stories you'll be telling for years.

Fair warning: if you've ever wondered how two supposedly responsible adults can turn a simple trip into a comedy of errors, this is the episode for you. From Turkish bath confusion to airport bathroom disasters, we're sharing it all.

Kari Chance (aka "Auntie Kari" or "Uncle Kari" when she's wielding her mini chainsaw) is a dental hygienist from Wisconsin and Laura's former sister-in-law turned travel partner in crime. Known for her love of naps, cats, and creating armpit fart sounds at inappropriate moments, Kari proves that the best travel companions are the ones who aren't afraid to laugh at themselves - even when things go hilariously wrong.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

Cuba: Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 3, 2026

Mexico City: Oct 26 - Nov 3, 2025

Links & Resources (Kari)

• Instagram: @adventureswithauntiekari
• Facebook: @kari.lyn.56

Links & Resources (Laura)

• Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
• Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
• Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
• Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
• Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
• Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

Thanks for being here! As always, rate, review, share with a friend, and tag us if you’re listening.

Today I’m joined by Andrea Andree—leadership and embodiment coach, mom of two, and a traveler from my Cuba trip earlier this year. We dive into what it really looks like to prioritize solo travel as a parent, how to navigate fear (yours and other people’s), and how making space for your own joy actually makes you a better parent.

In this episode we talk about:

• Why Andrea said yes to a solo trip to Cuba—and left the mom guilt at home
• The myth of “once you’re a parent, adventure stops”
• How to handle loved ones projecting fear onto your travel plans
• Why it’s crucial to model boldness and curiosity for your kids
• How Andrea coaches parents to reconnect with their identities beyond parenting

There’s a pervasive story in our culture that once you become a parent, especially a mom, you’re no longer supposed to want big adventures—or if you do, you should feel guilty about them. Andrea is here to challenge that narrative. This conversation is for any parent who's ever felt pulled to explore more, reconnect with themselves, and model courage and joy for their kids.

And if you’re not a parent? It’s still a powerful reminder that you don’t need anyone’s permission to live a big, bold life.

Links & Resources

• Learn more about Andrea: https://andreaandree.com/
• Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
• Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
• Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
• Get on the waitlist for Camp Lola Whiskey 2026
• Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
• Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
• Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel