Ep. 239: Babe, Just Go
EQ: What have you learned in your 40 (cough cough) years on God’s green earth about traveling?
In this episode, Annie, Hope (and Doug) give their own hot takes about travel including the small weird moments, once-in-a-lifetime performances and happy accidents that make travel worth it. Annie shares how a sudden reminder of how fleeting life can be turned her into a “yes-and” traveler, planning trips regularly and making space for unexpected friendships. The IWLs also talk about the joy of collaborative travel, planning around the things we love, and how having a little more money can turn travel from a bucket list into a meander list. We swap favorite domestic and international trips and get real about the realities of traveling in 2026, including safety and being visibly queer in places that may not always feel welcoming. Plus, we wrap things up with our favorite travel hacks from Channel 253 listeners, from the perfect carry-on to packing lists, extra underwear, skincare shortcuts, and why you should absolutely go see the overpriced tourist attraction if you want to.
Listener Advice:
Sara: stay in one place & do it deeply rather than trying to get multiple places in a country or continent in one week (esp if it’s less than 2 weeks).
Dave: Bring at least two pairs of comfortable shoes and rotate them any day you're walking.
Bring a pocket size dice or card game to play while hanging out with strangers at the bar, pool, etc
Have a safety app on your phone, because you're not going to know all the local warnings and registrations required.
Tip day one not just when you're leaving.
Another jet lag avoidance - shower as soon as you can.
Courtney: TSA precheck w/ touchless ID, Global Entry (PS this is reimbursable w/ Amex Platinum, Chase Preferred/Reserve, & Capital One Venture X); Liquid IV & Vitamin C; Amex also typically covers rental insurance
Christina: Hydration facemasks (like the kind you wear at night), ziploc of clorox wipes, wet tissues for all the regions; Colgate 2 in 1 picks & brushes
Abby: Portugal luggage scale & snacks
Anonymous: panty liners
Chandra: Bamboo compression socks
Peter: Always carry a pair of flip flops
Kia: wear my bonnet on a plane to people’s coughs & sneezes don’t’ get in my hair; wipes & gloves to wipe seats, tables, etc.; AMEX lounges save money on food
Do Your Fudging Homework:
Hope: Check out our other episodes on the topic of travel Ep. 236: Beyond the Vacation Checklist w/ Travel Amen Ra and Ep 232: Don’t Let Fear Stop You From Taking That Trip w/ Flora advisor Lauren Broeseker
Annie: Don’t shy away from local travel. Be a tourist in your city.