We recently connected with Ariel Travis and have shared our conversation below.
Ariel , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Two years ago, I stumbled into what I now know is my purpose. From ages 22 to 29, I lived abroad as an expat, and explored the world visiting 29 countries along the way. During that time, I lived many lives: serving in public health as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mozambique, helping college students pursue their dreams abroad through a Fulbright grant in Brazil, and teaching English to eager young minds at a boarding school in China.
Those years shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Traveling in my formative years taught me resilience, empathy, and self-trust. I became more open-minded, more connected to the world, and grounded in my intuition. These skills that were strengthened every time I independently navigated a new country.
When I returned to the U.S., women often asked me the same recurring questions: How do you afford to travel? Aren’t you scared? How do you stay safe? How do you manage in a country where you don’t speak the language? After countless conversations.That’s when Wander Lounge Podcast was born.
At first, Wander Lounge was a space to answer common questions women had about travel. But over time, it’s become so much more. It’s a platform to empower women to explore the world confidently. And on a larger scale, a movement to inspire more humans to become more empathetic, curious, and foster global connection. The most meaningful messages I receive are from women who tell me that Wander Lounge gave them the courage to book their first solo trip. Each time that happens it reaffirms, his is exactly where I’m meant to be.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My full-time job is working at a children’s hospital as a medical speech-language pathologist, where I serve patients across the NICU, ICU, acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation units. During the seven years I lived abroad, I met countless children who were non-verbal and had no reliable way to communicate; often due to limited resources or a lack of access to trained clinicians. That experience stayed with me. So in 2020, when life turned upside down for all of us, I made the decision to return to graduate school and become a speech-language pathologist.
Over time, I hope to weave together my worlds of Wander Lounge and my philanthropic work as a speech-language pathologist. My dream is to one day train and collaborate on speech therapy projects abroad, helping bring communication access to communities that need it most. And as Wander Lounge continues to grow, starting with our first women’s group trip to Greece next year! I’d love to build in a give-back component, donating a portion of proceeds from each trip to a local charity or NGO making a difference in that region.
Registration is open for our trip to Greece, which will be held in September 2026
You can listen to Wander Lounge, anywhere you get your podcasts
You can learn more about the podcast, upcoming group trip, and travel tips by signing up for our newsletter through our website: www.wanderloungepodcast.com
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three traits that have shaped my journey most are curiosity, communication, and adaptability. Many of my favorite travel memories like being invited into a local’s home for lunch, or attending a village wedding with someone I’d just met, came from leading with those qualities. My natural curiosity helps me learn about new cultures through an open, unbiased lens. Traveling through places where I didn’t speak the language taught me the power of nonverbal communication, how a smile, gesture, or shared laugh can bridge gaps words can’t. And staying adaptable has allowed me to embrace the unexpected; some of the best “travel magic” happens when plans shift and you say yes to a new moment or opportunity.
For anyone early in their travel journey, start by cultivating curiosity. Ask questions, read about places that challenge your perspective, and approach every culture with humility and curiosity. Strengthen your communication skills by really listening, not just to respond, but to understand. Notice how people express warmth, gratitude, or respect beyond language. And most importantly, practice adaptability in small ways. Try something new, let go of rigid plans, and see where flexibility takes you. The more you lean into these qualities, the more you’ll open yourself to meaningful experiences, both in travel and in life.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
My biggest area of growth this past year has been fully embracing life on my own terms. When I turned 30, I felt an unspoken pressure to follow a more traditional path; to settle down in ways that looked “right” on paper but didn’t align with who I truly am. It took time and reflection to recognize that living authentically doesn’t always look conventional, and that’s okay. Over the past year, I’ve become more confident in making choices that reflect my values, not societal expectations. This year I am allowing myself to design a life that feels free, meaningful, and true to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wanderloungepodcast.com
- Instagram: @wander_lounge
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wander_loungepod
Image Credits
Maya Carolina
Jose Carlos Photography
Gracia Cruells
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
