Today’s episode is a breathtaking story of courage, healing, and the radical choice to seek joy after unimaginable loss.

I’m so honored to share the journey of Abigail Carter, a writer, artist, and one of the most soulfully brave humans I’ve ever met. After losing her husband in the 9/11 attacks, Abby spent years learning how to live with grief. But when the buzz and blur of life became too much, a quiet whisper inside nudged her toward something new.

So she listened. Fast forward...

She packed up her life and moved to a charming little château in the sun-drenched countryside of southwest France. Yes, France! Picture golden fields of sunflowers, deep breaths, and slow mornings with coffee and birdsong. It’s here that Abby began again.

But this is not just a story about moving to France. It’s about moving forward. About what happens when we follow the gentle pull toward something more, like more peace, more purpose, more joy.

Now Abby has turned her home into a retreat space for women over 50, creating a haven where others can come to rediscover their creativity, reconnect with themselves, and begin their own next chapters.

This conversation is full of heart and wonder. We talk about slowing down, building meaningful community, and what it really means to start over on your own terms. If you’ve ever felt the urge to change your life, to seek beauty after heartbreak, or to step into something wildly new, Abby’s story will light a spark in you.

Come listen. It’s a reminder that no matter where you are, it’s never too late to begin again.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Welcome back to a brand-new episode of Speaking of Travel! We’re making a BIG deal out of this one for good reason.

Drumroll, please... The first season of Traveling the Spectrum, the powerful series we highlighted right here on Speaking of Travel, is streaming on Peacock and has just been nominated for an Emmy Award! That’s right! This groundbreaking series is receiving the recognition it deserves for changing lives and redefining travel.

This episode is a celebration and a deep dive into why Traveling the Spectrum is so special, so necessary, and so long overdue. For too long, families with loved ones on the autism spectrum felt that travel was out of reach. But now? The world is opening up and this series is leading the way.

We’re joined by Tommy Caamano and Peter Prokop, visionary producers and co-directors at The Workshop, the creative force behind Traveling the Spectrum. These passionate storytellers are breaking barriers and giving families the tools, hope, and inspiration to confidently explore the world together.

From the inclusive and sensory-friendly beaches of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to touching moments with real families discovering freedom and joy through travel, this episode is filled with heart, authenticity, and empowerment.

Traveling the Spectrum is not just a show. It’s a movement. It proves what we’ve always believed here on Speaking of Travel: Travel is for everyone. 🧡

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or dreaming of your first family getaway, this episode will move you, inform you, and maybe even change the way you see the world.

Listen now and be part of something bigger. Only on Speaking of Travel.

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

In this deeply nourishing episode, we welcome Angela Lightsey, the vibrant soul behind Tybee Wellness Retreats, where transformation and tranquility beautifully intertwine.

Angela has created more than just a getaway. She’s built a sanctuary where women come to heal, grow, and reconnect with their truest selves amid the natural beauty of Tybee Island and beyond.

Together, we dive into what really happens during a wellness retreat and Angela shares how these sacred spaces foster genuine sisterhood, spark inner clarity, and offer a safe, empowering path for solo female travelers and Angela reminds us how each dimension matters and how retreats help rebalance what daily life often pulls out of alignment.

Angela’s work is a joyful invitation to slow down, tune in, and remember who you are. This episode will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to ask: What do I need right now?

Tune in! Only on Speaking of Travel!

Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.