What if the life you’re craving is waiting on the other side of a plane ticket?

In this episode of the Bring Your Big Energy podcast, I sit down with Laura Ericson — cultural bridge-builder, entrepreneur, and founder of Laura Ericson Group Trips — to talk about reinvention, courage, solo travel, and the kind of personal growth that only happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

After a divorce became an unexpected catalyst for rediscovery, Laura made a bold move. In 2021, she walked away from a 14-year career in higher education and launched her own group travel company. Since then, she has guided over 300 solo travelers through transformative journeys across 10 countries in just over four years.

But Laura doesn’t design typical vacations.

She ventures beyond tourist hotspots, shining a light on misunderstood destinations like Cuba, Kenya, and Colombia. As a podcast host, writer, content creator, and impact-focused travel curator, she creates immersive cultural experiences that don’t just cross borders — they break down barriers.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How travel can be a powerful catalyst for reinvention

• Why leaving your comfort zone is essential for growth

• The concept of “Type 2 Fun” — embracing challenge for long-term transformation

• Solo travel and the unexpected confidence it builds

• Trusting intuition over anxiety

• Overcoming fear to pursue entrepreneurship and adventure

• Why it’s never too late to start over

Laura reminds us that courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s moving anyway. That travel can be deeply healing. And that sometimes the most meaningful growth comes from saying yes before you feel fully ready.

If you’ve been feeling restless… called to adventure… or quietly wondering if there’s more available to you — this episode is your sign.

Because life is short.

You can always find another job.

And it’s never too late to start over.

Connect with Laura:

Website: www.lauraericson.com

Type 2 Travel Podcast: https://type2travelpodcast.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolawhiskey/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelauraericson

Travel Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lolalovestravel

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