"Exploring the World with Evelyn & Natalie Kelly"

Introduction

In this episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes a dynamic mother-daughter duo, Evelyn and Natalie Kelly, who have collectively traveled to 88 countries, 50 U.S. states, and all seven continents. Evelyn, a medical writer and speaker, and Natalie, a CEO in mental health services with a background in government, share their travel adventures and insights from years of globetrotting.

Starting Their Travel Journey

Evelyn reflects on how their travel journey began after losing an election for public office.
Encouraged by her husband, she and Natalie took a leap, embarking on their first trip to Europe, which covered 13 countries in three weeks.
This trip gave them the "travel bug," leading to a lifetime of exploring new places every year (except during COVID).

Traveling Through History

The Kellys share their love for historical travel. Evelyn recounts their recent trip to New England, where they explored the birthplace of U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, appreciating the historical depth and values he embodied.
They emphasize the importance of history in their travels, highlighting how even spontaneous trips, like their New England leaf-peeping tour, lead to meaningful discoveries.

The Joy of Travel—Beyond the Destination

Natalie shares her unique perspective on travel, enjoying not just the destination but the journey itself.
Dr. Lycka and the Kellys discuss how overcoming travel inconveniences, like flight delays or packing challenges, adds to the overall adventure.
Natalie and Evelyn have included tips in their upcoming book to help readers appreciate the entire travel experience.

Memorable Travel Experiences

The conversation is filled with anecdotes, such as experiencing a thunderstorm at the Eiffel Tower and unexpected moments, like a delayed flight leading to an impromptu concert by Portuguese musicians at an airport.
These unplanned moments often become the most memorable parts of a trip.

Exotic Foods and Cultural Adventures

The Kellys share their adventurous spirit when it comes to trying new foods, including Evelyn’s taste test of fried crickets and silk cocoons in Cambodia.
Natalie, however, admits to being less adventurous with food, passing on fried water bugs during the same trip.

Travel Mishaps Turned Adventures

Dr. Lycka shares his own travel story from Vietnam, where a mishap involving his wife’s knee injury led to an impromptu hospital visit.
Natalie highlights the importance of being prepared for travel setbacks, recommending travel insurance as a crucial part of travel planning.

The Importance of Connecting with Locals

The Kellys encourage making friends with locals and guides while traveling. They emphasize that these relationships can lead to deeper and more authentic travel experiences.
Dr. Lycka shares a heartwarming story about giving a small Canadian flag pin to a child in Cambodia, demonstrating how small gestures can create meaningful connections.

Traveling Beyond Expectations

Natalie tells a fascinating story from Dawson City in Canada’s Yukon Territory, where she participated in a local tradition: drinking the Sourtoe Cocktail—a drink that involves touching your lips to a real human toe.
This quirky tradition is just one of many unforgettable experiences they've had while exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Encouraging Armchair Travelers

Not everyone can travel, but Evelyn and Natalie believe that reading about other people's adventures can still provide a sense of excitement and exploration. Their upcoming book is designed to offer these experiences to "armchair travelers."

Closing and Book Information

The Kellys’ book, "Have a Love Affair with Travel: Your Ticket to an Exhilarating Life", will be available on Amazon in November.
Their website, travelersatheart.com, will feature a direct link to the book once it’s live on Amazon.

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