Young Travelers Podcast with Gabby Beckford

Young Travelers Podcast with Gabby Beckford

Are you ready to tap into your travel dreams and live life for the plot? Welcome to the Young Travelers Podcast, where we inspire and empower you to break free from the ordinary and embrace the adventure that your 20s are meant for. Hosted by Gabby Beckford—solo female traveler, Opportunity Expert, and award-winning adventure & lifestyle influencer of Packs Light and SeekPTO—this podcast is your go-to guide for transformational travel stories, expert advice, and the motivation to explore while you're young. Each week, we bring you real stories from 20-something adventurers who dared to say, “Why not me?”. From solo female travelers and digital nomads to gap year students and first-time explorers, these guests share their incredible highs, the not-so-incredible lows, and all the lessons and stories in between to show you the realities of people just like you who are making incredible experiences happen in their lives. But it’s not just the stories—Gabby will also share her best tips and travel hacks from years of solo adventures, including what it’s like to navigate the world as a young, Black woman. Whether you’re a newbie explorer or a seasoned nomad, you’ll walk away with real talk, practical tips, confidence, and the motivation to get out there and experience something new. If you're ready to go from dreaming about travel "one day" to making it "day one," this podcast is for you. So, pack your bags, tap in, and get ready to discover how close your wildest dreams really are. Why not YOU? ---- Find more of Gabby and her solo adventures, travel tips, and delusionally confident lifestyle… On the Web - https://packslight.com On TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@packslight On Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/packslight Want to learn more about what Paid Travel Opportunities (PTO) are and the different types of PTO that exist? Head to SeekPTO.com for all things related to traveling for school, for work, and for fun… for FREE! To connect with other young travelers who opt out of the status quo and live life for the plot, join Gabby’s Young Travelers Network Facebook Group (the original inspo behind this podcast!): https://facebook.com/youngtravelersnetwork. And, visit CercaTravel.com for immersive audio guides to some of the most fabulous places in the world and other resources to help you plan the trip of a lifetime - one that's just right for you. Plus, more news on where Cerca is going and to sign up for special access to new features. ---- Gabby Beckford is the award-winning travel influencer and Opportunity Expert at @packslight and SeekPTO Starting her pursuits at just 17, she is a solo female traveler who's visited 50+ countries and is on a mission to make the incredible accessible to the younger generation. She’s also grown her community to more than 600K+ across platforms–including 10K+ young travelers in her Young Travelers Network! Beckford has been featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America, CNNTravel, National Geographic, and more for her work.

Episodes

May 27, 2025 31 mins

Kiera Perryman traded the traditional post-grad path for a year of exploration and growth. In this episode, Gabby dives into Kiera’s transformative gap year, from studying design in Switzerland to experiencing local festivals in Nepal.


Kiera shares her creative approach to financing travel through scholarships, work exchanges, and savings, as well as her reflections on breaking societal expectations and embracing freedo...

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Planning your first solo trip can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! 


In this episode, I walk you through the essential logistics of booking a trip, breaking it down into flights, accommodations, activities, and transportation. Learn how to use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hostelworld, weigh the pros and cons of hotels versus hostels or Airbnbs, and discover ways to plan a balanced itinerar...

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In this episode, meet Mmachukwu Osisioma, a college student with roots in Nigeria and the United States, whose passion for travel has driven her to win two incredible Paid Travel Opportunities (PTOs). She shares how she discovered PTOs during high school through SeekPTO, the research skills she’s honed to find the perfect opportunities, and the persistence that kept her applying—even after rejections.


Mmachukwu also ref...

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Worried about staying safe while traveling solo? I’m here to help! 


In this episode, I shares my ultimate guide to solo travel safety, including practical tips like blending in, staying connected, and preparing the full itinerary in advance.


My advice, built on 10+ years of solo travel experience, will help you feel prepared for any situation—whether it’s handling awkward questions about traveling alone, navigat...

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Leslie Dixon didn’t just study wildlife—she lived it. In South Africa, she worked with rhinos, cheetahs, and even chaotic hornbills (known for slashing tires!). But alongside the breathtaking encounters came ethical dilemmas and cultural revelations.


In this episode, Leslie talks about the beauty and complexity of conservation work, the lessons she learned about privilege and perspective, and how these experiences shape...

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Not all destinations are created equal when it comes to solo travel. In this episode, I reveal my top 5 safest countries for solo travelers… some of which might surprise you.


Packed with personal stories and verifiable stats, I share why these destinations are perfect for first-time adventurers and how they can help you feel confident stepping out of your comfort zone. Whether you’re looking for cultural immersion, stun...

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Natasha Ibrahim knew something had to change. Stuck in a soul-sucking corporate job, she took a leap of faith and never looked back. In this episode, Natasha shares the highs and lows of her journey, from navigating identity crises as a third-culture kid to finding her place in a community of dreamers in Tulum.


We discuss what it means to recognize burnout, take risks, and design a life that truly aligns with your value...

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If you met me in the past few years you might be shocked to hear that I wasn’t always confident. In fact, I used to spiral over something as simple as purchasing underwear in department stores. But through solo travel, I learned how to face my fears—I practiced quieting my doubts and showing up as the boldest version of myself! And now it’s second nature.


This episode is all about building confidence, starting with smal...

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Fulbright scholar Kylah Williams spent a year in Mexico City, blending work, study, and cultural immersion. She shares her experience balancing full-time digital marketing for a tequila company, MBA courses, and solo travel. Kylah opens up about the application process, from finding the right grant to navigating interviews and landing a spot in this prestigious program.


Beyond academics, she reflects on her personal gro...

At 17, I took my first solo trip to Iceland: completely unprepared but filled with an unwavering instinct to challenge myself and change. From ridiculous missteps like forgetting a sleeping bag to life-changing moments crossing icy rivers, the adventure tested my resilience and revealed the power of stepping into discomfort. In this inaugural episode of the Young Travelers Podcast, I share the reality of being the youngest...

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Are you ready to tap into your travel dreams and live life for the plot?  Then welcome to the Young Travelers Podcast, dropping March 25th, 2025.


Hosted by Gabby Beckford—solo female traveler, Opportunity Expert, and award-winning adventure & lifestyle influencer of Packs Light and SeekPTO—this podcast is your go-to guide for transformational travel stories, expert advice, and the moti...

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