Welcome back women travelers, solo travelers, travel hobbyists and travel influencers to the final episode of Season 2 of "85 Percent," where we wrap up this season by sharing the captivating trails blazed by women in the travel industry. From Gabby Beckford's transformative hike in Iceland to Stephanie Jones' unexpected spiritual journey to a warmer-than-anticipated Antarctica, we'll unveil how travel sparks growth in the most unexpected ways.

Hear Catarina Rivera's empowering solo adventure in Montreal, Alexa West's perspective on navigating travel fears with safety in mind, and Nikki Vargas' poignant revelation at Iguazu Falls.

We’re also celebrating the impact of the Bessie Awards and women's influence in travel decisions. Join us as we explore these personal narratives, challenge perceptions of travel, and honor the voices shaping the industry.

So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s embark on this journey together down memory lane to recap season 2!

Honorable Mentions

Wander Woman - Travel Book

Wanderful Community

B & H Photo Digital

85 Percent: A Wanderful Podcast

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful and author of Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, and in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow. She's also the godmother to the Azamara Onward cruise ship, a cafe owner and a mom of three.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85 Percent"? I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85 Percent Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.

Welcome back women travelers, solo travelers, travel hobbyists and travel influencers! This episode is sponsored by Intrepid Travel. Find your Only Intrepid moment!

In this episode, I speak with Zina Bencheikh! Zina is a trailblazing executive from Intrepid Travel. Together, we delve into the transformative power of travel in empowering women and fostering cultural understanding. From Intrepid's innovative Women's Expeditions and the launch of Wanderful's Woman-Owned Map spotlighting women-owned businesses, to Zina's pioneering initiatives in Morocco and her evolving perspective on Saudi Arabia, this episode is packed with stories of inspiration and change.

With women making 85% of travel decisions, the potential for societal impact is immense. So, sit back and explore how travel can be a catalyst for challenging biases, supporting local communities, and amplifying women's voices across the globe. Join us in discussing how each travel decision can contribute to a more equitable world. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and follow us for more inspiring stories of changemakers in the travel industry.

Here are three key takeaways for you:

1. Empowering Women in Travel: With women making 85% of travel decisions, reinvesting in women-owned businesses can drive substantial social and economic impact. Initiatives like Intrepid's Women's Expeditions and Wanderful's Woman-Owned Map are pivotal steps in this direction.

2. Breaking Stereotypes: Travel allows us to challenge biases and explore cultures beyond perceptions. Zina's experiences in Saudi Arabia highlighted the changing dynamics for women, inspiring a fresh perspective on tourism in the region.

3. Community and Growth: Travel nurtures empathy and connection while empowering local communities. Zina's leadership in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region underscores the role of travel in fostering opportunities and uplifting communities.

Honorable Mentions

Wander Woman - Travel Book

Wanderful Community

B & H Photo Digital

85 Percent: A Wanderful Podcast

Follow Intrepid Travel in these spaces:

Website: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intrepidtravel/

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful and author of Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, and in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow. She's also the godmother to the Azamara Onward cruise ship, a cafe owner and a mom of three.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85 Percent"? I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85 Percent Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.

Welcome back women travelers, solo travelers, travel hobbyist and travel influencers!! Get your popcorn ready for another exciting episode of the "85 Percent Podcast." I'm your host, Beth Santos, and today we dive into the transformative power of travel with our inspiring guest, Vanessa Fondeur.

Join us as we explore Vanessa's remarkable journey from her Dominican roots to trailblazing travel inclusivity for the Latine community through her initiatives, "Latino World Travelers" and the "Latino Travel Fest."

We’ll also be hearing from Lisa Verbeck, founder of Verbeck Consulting, as she shares her insights on impactful tourism.

Plus, we're inviting you, our listeners, to share your profound travel tales that altered your worldview. So hit subscribe, and let's embark on this journey of discovery and empowerment together!

Honorable Mentions

Wander Woman - Travel Book

Wanderful Community

B & H Photo Digital

Lisa Verbeck

Follow Vanessa in these spaces:

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessafondeuradams/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinaworldtraveler/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinoworldtravelers/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinotravelfest/

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful and author of Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, and in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow. She's also the godmother to the Azamara Onward cruise ship, a cafe owner and a mom of three.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85 Percent"? I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85 Percent Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.

Hey everyone, it's Beth Santos here and we are continuing to celebrate Women in Travel! In our latest episode of 85 Percent, we dive deep into an inspiring conversation with Alexa West, a best selling travel author who transformed her heartbreak into a thriving career. Through solo traveling, Alexa shares how she found purpose and stability through solo travel, even without a traditional support system. From teaching abroad to publishing The Solo Girl's Travel Guide, to publishing The One Way Ticket Plan in 2023, Alexa’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and creativity in carving your own path and she is one to watch if you are thinking about joining the travel industry and creating a travel career.

Don’t miss it! Catch the full episode on your favorite podcast platform.

Honorable Mentions

Wander Woman - Travel Book

Wanderful Community

B & H Photo Digital

Kids Are a Trip

Groups Are a Trip

Follow Alexa in these spaces:

Website: https://alexa-west.com/

Alexa's new podcast: https://www.truecrimetravelers.com/quick-links

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful and author of Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, and in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow. She's also the godmother to the Azamara Onward cruise ship, a cafe owner and a mom of three.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85 Percent"? I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85 Percent Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.

Welcome to another episode of 85 Percent. Today, we dive into the transformative journey of Catarina Rivera, a remarkable advocate for disability inclusion and accessibility and the creator behind the popular Instagram channel @BlindishLatina. A deaf-blind traveler, Catarina takes us on a solo trip to Montreal where a moment to herself creates a lifelong confidence in herself as she travels the world.

Join us as Catarina talks about her journey of acceptance, the significance of accessible travel, and her mission to make the world more inclusive for those with disabilities.

Honorable Mentions

Wander Woman - Travel Book

Wanderful Community

B & H Photo Digital

Margie Jordan

Follow Catarina in these spaces:

Website: https://www.catarinarivera.com/media-kit

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindishlatina/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catarinarivera/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/catarinarivera

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blindishlatina

Website: https://www.catarinarivera.com/

Speaker Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obt6CRq5VHw

TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/wbXxhuraJsE

Download free accessibility eBook: https://www.catarinarivera.com/freeebook

Join my newsletter: https://catarinarivera.ck.page/newsletter

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful and author of Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, and in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow. She's also the godmother to the Azamara Onward cruise ship, a cafe owner and a mom of three.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85 Percent"? I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85 Percent Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.

This episode is a treat for your ears! I had the opportunity to speak with Stephanie Jones, the visionary Founder & CEO of the Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance, Inc. (CHEA), a pioneering organization dedicated to transforming the travel and tourism landscape through innovative, sustainable initiatives empowering BIPOC businesses, professionals and students.

Stephanie shared her journey from growing up with limited travel opportunities to becoming a published author and luxury travel enthusiast. We dove into the importance of planning and budgeting for travel, the transformative power of exploring new cultures, and why self-care through travel is essential. Whether you're cutting back on daily expenses or using influencer hacks, Stephanie proves that everyone can achieve their travel dreams. Don't miss out on this inspiring episode!

Honorable Mentions

Wander Woman - Travel Book

Wanderful Community

B & H Photo Digital

Amena Bakali

Follow Stephanie in these spaces:

Website: https://stephaniemjonesspeaks.com/

Website: https://disruptforchange.com/

Website: https://futureofblacktourism.com/

Podcast: https://thenecessarydisruptor.com/the-host

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfishluxurytraveler/

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful and author of Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, and in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow. She's also the godmother to the Azamara Onward cruise ship, a cafe owner and a mom of three.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85 Percent"? I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85 Percent Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.

I'm thrilled to share with you the latest episode of 85 Percent, where we dive deep into the world of travel, empowerment, and incredible personal growth stories. In this episode, I chatted with the amazing Gabby Beckford, the award-winning travel entrepreneur behind Packs Light. 🌍✨Her audience is women who aspire to a life of adventure lived on their terms, and Gabby delivers in many ways from her inspiring content, to her Saas start-up that amplifies funded travel opportunities SeekPTO, and the $30,000 in travel grants she's directly offered to her audience. Because of her accolades she's been featured in national publications like The New York Times, CNNTravel, Travel+Leisure, and more.

But Gabby wasn't always the travel pro we think her to be. In this episode, we're sharing one of Gabby's earliest moments of travel — when she showed up on a 7-day backpacking trip to Iceland with, well, no backpack! Her story reminds us that the most profound growth often comes from stepping far outside our comfort zones and, when necessary, asking for help.

Honorable Mentions

Wander Woman - Travel Book

Wanderful Community

B & H Photo Digital

Nnennaya Fakoya-Smith

Follow Gabby in these spaces:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/packslight/

Website: https://www.packslight.com/

Seek PTO: https://www.packslight.com/opportunities-dashboard/

💼🚺♀️ 👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

This podcast is hosted by Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful and author of Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo. Beth has been recognized in Business Insider as one of 17 changemakers transforming the hospitality industry, and in Conde Nast Traveller as one of 12 inspiring people to follow. She's also the godmother to the Azamara Onward cruise ship, a cafe owner and a mom of three.

💼🚺♀️👩🏾👵🏼👩🏽‍🦱✈️🚢🧳

If you would love to connect with Beth, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of "85 Percent"? I invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with your travel buddy!

The 85 Percent Podcast intro, outro and transition music is named Nothing Just Happens by lemonmusicstudio and was found on Pixabay. Additional music and sound effects for this episode came from Soundstripe and/or Epidemic Sounds or is cited in the show notes. Crackers In Soup is the writer, audio editor and producer for this episode.