Karen and I are back with part 2 of our conversation from last episode where we discussed Karen’s experience growing up in Nigeria, living abroad Ukraine, Germany and now Portugal, and we are continuing our discussion about hot travel takes today.

on this episode, we chat about:

- the dark side of travel — racism and colonialism*

- cultural exoticism/fetishization

- voluntourism and how it’s problematic

*disclaimer: Karen and I are NOT experts on this topic, and our intention isn’t to “school” anyone, blame, or shame — but rather start a dialogue about travel topics that aren’t really talked about.

*this is PART 1 of a 2-part conversation with Karen :)

featured questions:

1. What is implicit racism and how have you experienced it?

2. How does racism start, and how does it manifest in the travel industry?

3. Why are things such as cultural appropriation and exoticism/fetishization such big problems and how can you avoid them yourself?

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connect with Karen here!

✨ Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kirukayaking?igsh=MXU3Z3R1eDh5ejFweA==

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connect with me here :)

Instagram:

✨ @lydiaschultzz

https://www.instagram.com/lydiaschultzz/

✨ @gottacaseofwanderust

https://www.instagram.com/gottacaseofwanderlust?igsh=MTJjZ2p6bWZpdXBrYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

✨Travel Blog:

gottacaseofwanderlust.com

✨Travel Guides:

https://www.thatch.co/@gottacaseofwanderlust

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please welcome our FIRST SEASON 5 GUEST: Karen Amadi !!

Karen was born and raised in Nigeria, and has lived abroad in different European cities since 2020 to pursue higher education.

Karen is now in Porto studying as a medical student where she has found a second home.

*this is PART 1 of a 2 part conversation with Karen :)

on this episode, we chat about:

- the multifaceted vibrancy of Nigeria’s culture

- Karen’s unfiltered experience of living abroad in different cities in Europe

- the best advice about moving abroad and finding community that EVERYONE needs to hear

- and much more!!

stay tuned for PART 2… 👀

featured questions:

1. ​ What was it like to grow up in Nigeria?
2. ​ How was the transition from Nigeria to Ukraine and then Portugal like for you? What challenges did you experience living abroad?
3. ​ How did you find community in Porto? What advice do you have for integrating abroad?

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connect with Karen here!

✨ Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kirukayaking?igsh=MXU3Z3R1eDh5ejFweA==

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connect with me here :)

Instagram:

✨ @lydiaschultzz

https://www.instagram.com/lydiaschultzz/

✨ @gottacaseofwanderust

https://www.instagram.com/gottacaseofwanderlust?igsh=MTJjZ2p6bWZpdXBrYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

✨Travel Blog:

gottacaseofwanderlust.com

✨Travel Guides:

https://www.thatch.co/@gottacaseofwanderlust

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listen to how my travel opinions have changed since I first began solo traveling :)

*this is PART TWO of two episodes

read the full article version here:

https://gottacaseofwanderlust.com/2025/05/02/how-my-mindsets-about-travel-have-shifted-since-the-beginning/

welcome back and let’s kick off SEASON FIVE !!

I re-listened to my older podcast episodes and realized I don’t hold entirely the same opinions as I used to… so I’m calling out my past self and sharing what I think about travel now.

let me know your thoughts and I’m so excited to share this new podcast season with you !

mentioned:

* TripBFF

* NomadHer

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connect with me here :)

Instagram:

✨ @lydiaschultzz

https://www.instagram.com/lydiaschultzz/

✨ @gottacaseofwanderust

https://www.instagram.com/gottacaseofwanderlust?igsh=MTJjZ2p6bWZpdXBrYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

✨Travel Blog:

gottacaseofwanderlust.com

✨Travel Guides:

https://www.thatch.co/@gottacaseofwanderlust