Welcome to Type 2 Travel: The Story Behind the Journey

In the inaugural episode of Type 2 Travel, host Laura Erickson shares how she transformed from a resort-vacationing married woman to the founder of a unique group travel business built around "Type 2 Fun"—those experiences that might be miserable in the moment but become your favorite memories later.

Fresh off getting "absolutely demolished by mosquitoes" in Brazil's Pantanal wetlands, Laura reveals how her post-divorce desire to visit "sketchy" places led to an accidental discovery: other people desperately wanted these authentic, challenging travel experiences too, they just needed someone else to plan them.

This episode dives into the philosophy behind transformational travel, why Laura scouts every destination first, and her belief that "if you can afford to travel, you can afford to give back."

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Book The Damn Trip — My Thoughts on Travel Right Now

Are you constantly postponing your travel dreams, waiting for the "perfect moment" when your finances align, the world feels stable, or when Mercury isn't in retrograde? Here's the truth: that perfect moment doesn't exist. Every election cycle, global event, or economic fluctuation gives us new reasons to delay our adventures—but life continues moving forward regardless.

Remember how quickly those lockdown "few weeks" in 2020 turned into two years of staring out windows while passports gathered dust? The harsh reality is that you'll blink and suddenly be years older, with the same dreams but potentially less freedom to pursue them. Your dream destinations will still exist, but will you have the same energy, health, or opportunity to experience them fully?

Stop letting uncertainty paralyze you. That Moroccan camel ride through the Sahara, that authentic cooking class in an Indian home, that breathtaking sunset from a Cuban mountaintop—these experiences are waiting for someone brave enough to say "yes" now. Your future travel-obsessed self will thank you for not waiting until "someday."

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Group Trips: They’re Not Just for the Ladies

Travel has a way of surprising us, challenging our assumptions, and opening up new possibilities. In this candid discussion, two travelers - Vince and Rich - share how group travel transformed their perspectives, from making mojitos in Cuba to exploring Colombian coffee culture. Their experiences reveal how the right balance of structure and freedom can create meaningful connections and authentic cultural immersion.

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Meet Stav: Your Greek Islands Sailing Guide

Journey through the Greek islands with Stav, a passionate local guide who transformed his love for the sea and people into unforgettable sailing adventures. From secluded beaches to authentic tavernas, Stav reveals how exploring Greece by sailboat offers a unique perspective away from the tourist crowds, while sharing personal stories that bring the Mediterranean experience to life.

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How to Prepare for Holi Festival: A Complete Guide

There's nothing quite like your first Holi celebration. As ancient traditions burst to life in a dazzling spectacle of colors, you'll find yourself swept up in a joyous frenzy that transforms strangers into friends and paints the world in rainbow hues. But like any great adventure, proper preparation makes all the difference between a magical celebration and a potentially uncomfortable day. From protecting your skin to packing the right gear, here's your complete guide to celebrating Holi like a pro.

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Everyone Is Going to India and Here’s Why

When I first landed in Delhi, the sensory overload was overwhelming – from vibrant colors to aromatic spices filling the air. Like many first-time visitors to India, I felt anxious about what lay ahead. But from chaotic rickshaw rides through Delhi's streets to celebrating Holi with locals in Nandgaon, each experience revealed India's true magic. Beyond iconic sites like the Taj Mahal, it was the off-the-beaten-path moments that left the deepest impression: cooking authentic dishes with newfound friends, learning traditional crafts from local artisans, and surrendering to the joyful chaos of Holi celebrations. While India can be overwhelming, its beauty, spirituality, and transformative power make it an unforgettable destination. Join our March 2025 group trip for a carefully curated journey that balances must-see highlights with authentic local experiences, all while maintaining the perfect blend of cultural immersion and comfortable travel.

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Kenya Stole My Heart: A Journey Beyond the Typical Safari

Ever wondered what Kenya feels like beyond the typical safari circuit? Join me as I share how a FAM trip turned into a soul-stirring journey of unexpected connections - from cycling through dramatic landscapes and dancing with Maasai warriors to supporting women-led enterprises and finding family among strangers. This is Kenya as you've never seen it, where authentic experiences and responsible tourism create magic that Instagram can't capture.

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Group Travel And Business Laura Ericson Group Travel And Business Laura Ericson

Why I Scout Destinations Before Taking Groups

In a candid reflection on last-minute travel to India, Laura Ericson reveals why she meticulously scouts destinations before leading group trips. Through her own pre-trip anxieties about safety, cultural norms, and logistics, she demonstrates how this preparation process enables her to create seamless, well-planned experiences for her travelers, eliminating the uncertainties she currently faces during her scouting mission.

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