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

Collecting Dating Disasters Like Passport Stamps with Tamara Robertson

Today's episode is one I’ve been so excited to record. It’s all about dating while traveling, and joining me is one of my closest friends and fellow globetrotter, Tamara Robertson. We’ve known each other for over 20 years, since our wild camp counselor days in California.

Tamara and I have shared countless travel stories-many hilarious, many horrifying, especially when it comes to dating. We’ve both been through the chaos of trying to find love on the road. Spoiler alert: it’s not easy. But, ironically, we both found serious relationships around the same time recently, and we finally get to reflect on all the frogs we kissed (metaphorically… mostly).

Tamara opens up about her mom’s influence on her love for travel (yes, she has the best flight attendant story involving the Mile High Club), how losing her parents pushed her to take a solo year-long trip around the world, and the memorable-and awkward-ways she spread her mom’s ashes across 24 countries.

We also dive into:

• What it’s really like to date when you’re constantly moving
• Our most cringey dating fails from around the world
• How grief, growth, and gut instincts led Tamara to a trip that changed everything
• Why finding love as a traveler is a whole different ball game

This episode is funny, heartfelt, and real—and I couldn’t think of a better person to share it with than Tamara.

So grab your headphones, settle in, and let’s talk about what it means to find love (or not) on the road.

Links & Resources

• 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

Hey everyone! I’m so excited for this episode of the Type Two Travel Podcast because I finally got to sit down and record a convo with my dear friend, retreat photographer, and fellow water-loving wanderer, Allie Jorde!

Allie and I first met when she shot my Arizona retreat a few years ago, and since then she’s joined me in Greece, danced with me in Oaxaca, and basically become my favorite person to laugh across continents with. Whether we’re floating in the Aegean or eating ceviche on a patio doing absolutely nothing—every trip with her is pure gold.

In this episode, we talk all things travel photography, from the gear she actually uses (spoiler: it’s not about having the fanciest stuff) to how she balances being present vs. capturing the moment. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your travel photos feel less basic and more story-driven, this one’s for you.

Here’s what we got into:

• How Allie went from Arizona weddings to photographing retreats around the world
• Her most surprising travel destination
• The real key to telling a story through your photos, not just snapping pretty pictures
• What to pack (and what to leave behind) if you’re traveling with camera gear
• Why your iPhone is more powerful than you think, especially when you’re just starting out

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by photography or unsure where to start, Allie’s advice is such a breath of fresh air. You don’t need a fancy camera. You just need to notice things and be intentional. That, and maybe be willing to look a little ridiculous in the middle of the road trying to get the perfect shot.

Cheers to that. (And yes, I was drinking rosé from our Greece trip during this episode. Obviously.)

xo,

Laura

Learn more about Allie Jorde Creative: https://www.alliejordecreative.com

Follow Allie’s work + travel adventures on Instagram: @alliejorde

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

Hey friends!

I’m so thrilled to welcome Angela Gentile to the show. She’s a speaker, storyteller, educator, podcast host of Empowered Millennials, and founder of the Single Childfree Community. Angela’s all about helping single and childfree people feel empowered, not shamed, for choosing to live life on their own terms.

I first discovered Angela when I was searching for childfree podcasts (shoutout to the algorithm for doing its thing). I knew immediately we had to connect. She said yes to my cold email, we vibed instantly on her show, and now—we’re about to meet IRL on my Cuba trip this winter. Even better? We’re also co-hosting a group trip to Morocco for other badass single, child-free women.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Brazil surprised me (and why you should go)
• What it’s like to be chased by a hippo
• Angela’s journey to choosing a childfree life and never looking back
• The story behind her viral TikTok and accidental global community
• The freedom of solo travel—and the emotional labor of doing life on one income
• Why being single and child-free doesn’t mean lonely or less-than—it can actually mean limitless

Angela brings so much fire and honesty to this conversation. Whether you’re child-free by choice, curious about it, or just want to hear two women talk about living life unapologetically-you’re gonna love this one.

More on Angela:

Angela Gentile is a speaker, educator, podcast host, and community builder known for her bold voice and unwavering commitment to helping single and childfree people feel seen, supported, and empowered. As the host of Empowered Millennials and founder of the Single Childfree Community, Angela creates transformative spaces for those living life outside traditional norms.

With humor, heart, and no-nonsense honesty, Angela challenges societal “shoulds” and champions authenticity—especially for women carving their own path. Whether she’s speaking on stage, going viral on TikTok, or organizing global meetups, she’s on a mission to make sure no one feels like they have to explain their life choices ever again.

Angela lives in Boston, loves a strong aisle seat, and will absolutely talk your ear off about her husky, travel mishaps, and the freedom that comes with choosing yourself.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

[Cuba: Dec–Jan] – Angela’s coming too!

[Morocco: Spring] – Hosted by me + Angela for single childfree women

Links & Resources (Angela)

• Learn more about Angela: theangelagentile.com
• Follow Angela on IG: @theangelagentile

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:

This episode has been a long time coming, and I’m so glad you’re here for it. I’ve been wanting to dig into the topic of responsible travel for a while now, but honestly—it’s a tough one. There are so many layers: overtourism, greenwashing, consumerism, and global politics. Even as a professional traveler, I often feel overwhelmed trying to figure out how to do it “right.”

That’s why I’m so excited to share this conversation with Yulia Denisyuk. She’s not only an award-winning travel journalist and photographer, but she’s also someone I deeply admire. We met last fall in Okinawa, Japan during a press trip, and I was immediately drawn to her values and perspective. When I saw her speak again at a recent conference in New York, she brought the entire room to tears. She’s a powerful storyteller with a rare mix of vulnerability and strength.

In this episode, Yulia and I talk candidly about:

• What “responsible travel” actually means today
• How she went from serving in the U.S. military to becoming a globally recognized journalist
• The complexity of living in the U.S. as an immigrant—and how that affects how we see the world
• The often unseen impacts of mass tourism and why we need to think twice before booking that cruise or all-inclusive
• What it really means to travel humbly and with intention
• Who really benefits from tourism—and who often doesn’t

We also talk about what it’s like to work in media now (spoiler: it's not what it used to be), and why storytelling continues to be at the heart of what Yulia does—from journalism to photography to podcasting.

This isn’t a lighthearted episode, but it is a real and necessary one. If you’ve ever felt conflicted about your impact as a traveler, or unsure how to align your travel choices with your values, this conversation is for you.

Thanks for being here. I’m so glad we’re having these kinds of conversations on the podcast.

— Laura

More About Yulia Denisyuk

Yulia is an award-winning travel photographer, journalist, filmmaker, and podcast host. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, The New York Times, Time, Condé Nast Traveler, BBC Travel, and more. She’s the founder of Going Places, an independent journalism initiative, and teaches through her platform Travel Media Lab. She’s also based in Chicago with her pup, Leo.

Links & Resources (Yulia)

• Learn more about Yulia's work: yulia-denisyuk.com
• Explore her independent journalism initiative: goingplaces.com
• Explore her storytelling platform: travelmedialab.co
• Follow Yulia on IG: @goingplacesmedia

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:

Hey friends! I’m so excited to welcome you to the very first episode of my new podcast, Type 2 Travel. If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to build a business around travel, why I’ve chosen to live a child-free life filled with global adventure, or what the heck "type two fun" even means... this one’s for you.

In this episode, I’m joined by my marketing manager (and podcast co-pilot!) Lauren, who flips the script and interviews me about how all of this started—my business, my travel style, my favorite mosquito-infested memories, and what it’s like to plan group trips for adventurous strangers.

We talk about:

• The very real difference between solo travel and group travel (and why I love both... kinda)
• Why I’m obsessed with culturally immersive travel and saying no to tourist traps
• How a random trip to Colombia with a total stranger turned into a full-time business
• The not-so-glamorous truth behind running group trips
• Why I picked the name Type 2 Travel—and what it has to do with suffering, joy, and stories worth telling

Plus, we chat about how this show will work moving forward, including:

• Updates from wherever I’ve just landed
• Candid convos with fellow travelers + friends
• Honest behind-the-scenes stories about what it’s really like to build a travel biz from scratch

Whether you’re travel-curious, a group trip alum, or just someone who’s tired of waiting on flaky friends to finally commit to that dream trip—this pod is for you.

Thanks for being here from day one.

• 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