If you love stargazing and protecting the environment, the Dark Skies Program is your new best friend. Let’s dive in!

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares all about the Dark Skies Program and how it’s helping to protect our night skies from light pollution. Inspired by recent conversations with Stephanie Vermillion (Episode #172) and KJ Atlas (Episode #170), Kim takes a deep dive into how the program works, how places get certified, and why it's a game changer for astrotourism.

Whether you're an avid stargazer or a traveler looking for unique, dark-sky experiences, this episode will guide you through how you can explore these certified destinations while supporting efforts to preserve the night sky. From iconic Dark Sky Parks to local businesses making a difference, you'll discover how everyone can get involved in keeping the stars shining bright.

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

• What the Dark Skies Program is and why it’s so important for stargazing and the environment.
• How areas and businesses can get Dark Sky certified and the benefits of being part of this global movement.
• How dark sky preservation helps with astrotourism, wildlife conservation, and human health.

This episode is for anyone who loves the night sky, is curious about astrotourism, or wants to support sustainable travel and conservation efforts. Tune in to learn how you can make a difference and start planning your next Dark Sky adventure.

WANT MORE? Check out these episodes:

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

Learn more about the Dark Skies Program and check the Dark Sky Finder Map for great stargazing destinations near you.

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What if your next bucket list trip revolved around the stars instead of the sights?

If you’ve ever dreamed of chasing the northern lights or stargazing under the darkest skies in the world, this episode is for you. In this conversation, host Kim Anderson chats with Stephanie Vermillion, a travel journalist and photographer whose work spans National Geographic, Outside Magazine, Vogue, and Travel & Leisure. As Outside’s astrotourism columnist and author of 100 Nights of a Lifetime from National Geographic, she’s the go-to expert on how to plan magical adventures after dark.

You’ll walk away from this episode with practical tips for planning your own stargazing or dark sky getaway - whether you're a first-timer or already obsessed with the cosmos. From chasing the solar maximum to capturing night sky photos with just your phone, you’ll learn how to plan unforgettable trips that revolve around wonder, not Wi-Fi.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the new moon is the best time for stargazing
• How to find the best dark sky locations
• What gear you actually need for night sky photography (spoiler: you probably already have it!)

This episode is your guide to astrotourism without the overwhelm. Whether you're heading to Morocco’s Sahara or Chile’s Atacama Desert—or just want to find a quiet, starry corner closer to home—you’ll get everything you need to start planning the ultimate after-dark adventure.

WANT MORE? Check out these episodes about exploring the night sky:

• Travel Talk: 3 Parks, 2 Quirky Histories, and 1 Luxury Stay - Your National Park Guide #106
• Astrocartography Explained: How to Use Your Birth Chart to Choose Where to Travel, Live & Thrive w/ KJ Atlas #170

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Stephanie: Website, @bystephanievermillion
• Pick Up a Copy of her Nat Geo Book: 100 Nights of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Adventures After Dark

⚡ROUND Book: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

PLACES & ITEMS REFERENCED:

Red-light Headlamp & Flashlight

Dark Skies Program

Light Pollution Map

Under Canvas Glamping

EPISODE DETAILS:

05:02 - New to astrotourism or planning

06:41 - Bring a red light headlamp
07:16 - Consider booking a local guide

08:18 - Plan y

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Ready to stop stressing about what to bring and start packing like a pro? Discover how less really is more.

In this week’s Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares her favorite carry-on-only strategy—the 5-4-3-2-1 capsule packing method—and why it’s been a total game-changer as she preps for a three-week trip to Spain.

Whether you're new to the idea of traveling light or you're a seasoned carry-on-only pro looking to simplify and refresh your packing system, this method gives you a flexible, easy-to-follow foundation. It’s perfect for longer trips, digital nomad life, and even those “what if I need it” overpackers. Plus, it’ll save you stress, time, money, and your back.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Exactly what the 5-4-3-2-1 capsule method is and how to adapt it to your own travel style
• How to effortlessly build a wardrobe that works for every outfit—and every occasion—using just a few key colors.
• Smart strategies for turning a handful of pieces into dozens of outfit combos (yes, really!)

If you're someone who wants to travel with less and still feel like yourself, this one's for you. Grab your coffee—or your packing cubes—and let’s dive in.

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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.