Citizens of the World: A Stoic Podcast for Curious Travelers

Upgrade Your Weekend

21 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s talk about upgrading your weekends. I learned about this concept from Laura Vanderkam, the time management expert you heard on the episode on...

Find Your Focus

13 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us still can't travel right now thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. So this should be the perfect time to plan for future travel and adventu...

You're Invited to Join the Postcard Academy Community

04 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you feeling the need for some community right now? Some levity? Some fun? I have created a Facebook Group for us called Live Abroad and Love It (...

The High Income Secret to Funding Your Location Independent Lifestyle

23 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m speaking with Crystal Davis, the Borderless Coach and founder of High Income Digital Nomad. Crystal’s mission is to help people build th...

How to Live Your Best Expat Life in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

17 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s move to Mexico, shall we? Specifically Playa del Carmen. Great restaurants, bars, beach clubs, and easy access to nature and ancient UNESCO s...

Are You Choosing Alive Time or Dead Time?

25 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re living through a global pandemic. It's okay to have down days and to be upset about the way things are. None of us want to be locked up i...

9 Magical Ways to Stretch Time so You Can be More Productive with Laura Vanderkam

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us dream about all the great things we could achieve if only there were more hours in the day.    Well, what if I told you time was more abu...

Athens City Guide: A Weekend in Greece’s Vegan Paradise

05 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When you think of Ancient Greece, what do you think of?   Maybe philosophers wandering around ruins. But they weren’t ruins in 450 BC — nearly 2,...

Do You Know Your True Personality? How to Use Myers Briggs to Go After Your Dreams

28 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Chances are, at some point in your life you’ve traveled with someone for so long you start to drive each other a little crazy, and you don’t reall...

Coronavirus Ruined Your Travel Plans. Here’s What to Do Next

20 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The COVID-19 coronavirus has upended most travel plans, at least in the short term. So what should you do?   On this episode, I’m bringing back Ph...

Productivity for a Peaceful Mind: How to Plan a Life that Matters

16 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How wonderful would it feel if you actually got stuff done? If you could make real progress on your eternally long to-do list?    If you’re feelin...

Where to Travel in 2020

02 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This year, while planning out my goals, I first blocked out time on my calendar for travel, and the happy anticipation of these trips feels great! (p...

How to Create an Online Course to Support Your Location Independent Lifestyle

25 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Postcard Academy listeners ask me how they can live abroad if they don’t have Italian blood, a foreign partner to marry, or a global corporation spo...

How to Design Your Ideal Life with Guest Natalie Sisson (Encore)

07 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The other day someone told me that New Year’s depresses them. Another year gone by. That’s one way to look at it. But, a happier, more satisfying ...

Christmas Around the World

24 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Happy holidays! How are you celebrating?   I’m visiting my family in the States but always love hearing how people are enjoying the holidays in ot...

Sarajevo: Ultimate Travel Guide to Bosnia’s Cosmopolitan Capital

20 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re a long-time listener, you’ve heard me mention Sarajevo before and how it completely transfixed me. I had the same feeling as when I saw ...

Gran Canaria: Exploring the Canary Island’s Best Spot for Digital Nomads and Location-Independent Entrepreneurs

06 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

At this time of year, a lot of Europeans like to fly to Spain's Canary Islands to catch a bit of sun. But they’re not the only ones. Beach-lov...

Nosara: Costa Rica’s Expat Surfer Paradise

29 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

“The monkeys wake me up every morning. There are parrots outside my window,” says Julie Sarver, an expat who moved from Portland to Nosara, Costa ...

Thanksgiving: The True Story Behind The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience (Encore)

22 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Back by popular demand...   Happy Thanksgiving, U.S. listeners! This year about 54 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles during Thanksgivi...

Expat Diary: Getting Over Perfectionism to Make Dreams Happen 

15 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Postcard Academy has gone bi-weekly this season as I prepare to launch The Podcast Launch Academy, the ultimate online podcasting course that has ...

Talk to Strangers (Science Says It Will Make You Happier)

01 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When you’re traveling, do you open yourself up to new experiences, including talking to new people? Do you do the same at home, or does talking to s...

Niagara Falls: Must-Have Experiences that Go Beyond the Boat Ride

19 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Believe it or not, Niagara Falls is wine country. “We’re on the same parallel as Northern California, so it's perfect weather conditions for ...

Folkestone, England: A Seaside Town for Foodies and Art Lovers (Part 2)

11 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When tourists visit England, most miss the beautiful coastal towns south of the London, and almost none of them have heard of Folkestone, the magical ...

Folkestone, England: A Seaside Town for History Lovers (Part 1)

27 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When tourists visit England, they usually stay in London. Maybe they’ll do a daytrip to Stonehenge or, if they’re feeling extra glam, take the Eur...

Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

13 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

My mother and I are sitting at a red light then BAM! A truck hits us from behind. The driver claims he sneezed and lost control of his vehicle 🙄 As...

Summer Break

24 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I hope you are enjoying these final days of summer, if it is summer in your part of the world.    I’m currently visiting my family in the United S...

Southern Italy: Food You Must Try in Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Molise

16 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Author Katie Parla not only knows her Italian food, she knows her Italian history. Her deep culinary knowledge takes cookbook writing to the next leve...

U.S. National Parks: How to Plan Your Trip

09 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Like many expats I know, most of the travel I’ve done has been outside of my home country, the U.S. In fact, my European friends have seen more of t...

Budapest Best: Your Local Guide to the Best Bathhouses, Beverages, and Beautiful Photo Ops

02 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Willie Gevertz is a visual storyteller from the U.S. who fell in love with Budapest while visiting a friend. The city captivated him so much that he m...

You’ll Never Have This Day Again. Make it Matter.

27 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Summer’s in the air…at least in my part of the world, and so I’m sharing a mini-episode on my deep summer thoughts.    Summer has always been ...

How to Get Italian Citizenship Through Ancestry

19 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

“How do I apply for Italian citizenship?” That’s the no. 1 question I get from listeners of the Postcard Academy. On the show, I’ve spoken abo...

Happy World Emoji Day! Emojipedia's Founder Explains What This Is All About

17 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Happy World Emoji Day! Why today of all days? Because the calendar emoji (📅) features the date July 17. Some hotheads get really worked up about em...

Visiting Tirana: Your Local Guide to Albania's Capital City

14 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel Berryman owns Tirana Yoga, one of the most successful yoga studios in Albania. But she didn’t move here to become a business owner; Rachel, w...

Roadtrip! Part 2: How to Spend a Week in Albania, from City to Seaside

07 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

My friend Cristal and I traveled down Croatia’s coastline then made our way to Albania. While getting here wasn’t easy and involved a bus detour i...

Roadtrip! Part 1: Croatia's Dalmatian Coast

30 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A few months ago, I did a podcast episode on the best places history lovers should visit to avoid the crowds. I’m making my way through those citie...

Bonus: Win a Copy of Lost in Florence

30 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Did you listen to the Artisan Florence episode yet? Nardia Plumridge shared some of her favorite boutiques and other hidden gems that she featured in...

Artisan Florence: Insider Guide to the Best Local Shopping Experiences

21 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

During the Renaissance, money flowed into Florence’s growing banking sector and the elite, including the Medici family, showed off their new wealth ...

How the Selfie Generation Can Honor the Greatest Generation

14 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I used to think dying in a fire would be the worst way to go. I now believe selfie-related deaths top that. You’ve probably heard the stories: peopl...

Why Do You Travel? The World Wanderers Interview Me

07 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A few episodes ago, I interviewed the World Wanderers Amanda and Ryan — my favorite podcasting nomad couple  — on the amazing experiences you sho...

Brisbane Travel Guide: How to Enjoy Australia’s Most Relaxed City

31 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve always been a little afraid of Australia because of all its slithery and sharp-toothed creatures, but British expat James Cridland has me wanti...

Santo Domingo: The Perfect Travel Destination for Beaches, Chocolate, and Culture

24 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Lily Girma is a lawyer turned travel writer who’s spent a significant amount of time in some of the most beautiful destinations in the world, includ...

Exploring Mexico City with the World Wanderers

17 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Amanda Kingsmith and Ryan Ferguson are a Canadian couple who travel full time, but they do it slowly, often staying in one place for weeks or months a...

A Perfect Day in Manhattan with Travel Expert Mark Ellwood

26 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

British-born Mark Ellwood is a fellow expat and travel podcaster who I’ve been listening to for a few years, first on Conde Nast Traveler’s Travel...

Zagreb City Guide: The Best of Croatia’s Capital

19 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

“Zagreb is where you’ll feel the life of Croatia,” says Ashley Colburn, an American expat living in Istria. She’ss a TV producer who won an Em...

Croatia’s Coast: Traveling to Zadar, Šibenik, Split, Dubrovnik, and More

12 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Croatia is more than Dubrovnik, which Game of Thrones fans and cruiseships have been flocking to for years. On this episode, Ashley Colburn, an Americ...

8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Italian Experiences You Must Have

05 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Yay! I’m so psyched to share this episode with Kathy McCabe, host of the travel TV series Dream of Italy. This season, Kathy interviewed several peo...

I Launched a New Show! Podcasting Step by Step

01 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! The Postcard Academy is on a little break this week. I’ll be back on Friday with a really fun conversation with Kathy McCabe from the TV show...

Brexit: Where Is All This Headed? (Part 2)

17 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I’m bringing back my Brexit buddy and former colleague, Mark Robson, to explain in easy-to understand terms how Brexit is affecting life today, and ...

Brexit: How Did We Get Here? (Part 1)

15 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On March 29, 2019, the U.K. is scheduled to exit the European Union (Brexit). But no one has any idea what is actually going to happen.    My fellow...

Italy vs. America: 12 Cultural Differences

08 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Happy International Women’s Day! I never even heard of International Women’s Day until I move to Italy in 2010, and La Festa delle Donne is a pret...

How to Become an E-Resident of Estonia

02 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Little Estonia, with less than 1.5 million people, has been running itself like a tech company for about two decades now, giving everyone a digital ID...

Tallinn, Estonia: Old Fashioned Charm in the Most Digital Nation on Earth

22 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wired magazine has called Estonia “the most advanced digital society in the world.” The President of Estonia (a woman — yay!)  just published a...

How to Tell Travel Stories that Actually Interest People: Advice from 5-Time Moth GrandSLAM Champion Matthew Dicks

15 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever returned from a trip and a friend says, “How was it? Tell me everything!” And then you start saying things like, “The food was gre...

10 Pro-Tips to Save Money and Fulfill Your Travel Dreams (Plus bonus tips)

07 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Anna Mazurek recently published the book Good with Money, in which she shares how she “maximizes her savings to travel the world with no debt, all o...

How to be a Travel Writer with Nardia Plumridge

30 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ever dream of being a travel writer? Who hasn’t?! My guest Nardia Plumridge actually made it happen. In addition to writing for global publications,...

Bangkok Travel: Where to Find the Best Rooftop Bars, Buddhist Temples, Street Food, and More

23 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bangkok can feel frenetic and overwhelming to newcomers who imagined Thailand to be all gorgeous temples and beaches. In Bangkok, you’re more likely...

Travel 2019: Where History Lovers Should Go to Avoid the Crowds

15 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Last week’s episode was all about setting goals and designing more freedom into your life. I’m happy to say, that I have actually taken action and...

How to Design Your Ideal Life: Freedom Planning with Natalie Sisson

06 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

New year, new you? Hopefully, yes! But forget New Year’s resolutions that feel like a punishment. How about designing a life in which you have the f...

London Best: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Pubs, Gigs, Restaurants, and More

29 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Best of London episode! I realized recently that even though I’ve been an American expat in London for nearly eight years, I hardly ever talk about ...

The World Is Getting Better

22 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Thank you so much for listening and subscribing to the Postcard Academy this year. If you’re a fan of this podcast and are feeling generous this yea...

Best of Iceland: Traveling Beyond the Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle

15 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

My guest today is Kaelene Spence, who writes the blog Unlocking Kiki, a very useful resource for anyone thinking of moving or traveling to Iceland —...

What’s an Expat? My Travel Story

07 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

What is an expat, anyway? On this episode, we define what an expat is and how to become one. I hand over the mic to  Gemma Thompson, who interviews m...

Lucca, Pisa, and Other Towns in Tuscany You Must Visit

30 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Enough with Florence and Siena already. You should be walking the medieval walls of Lucca; eating aperitivo in Pisa; sipping Chianti at Castello di Br...

Thanksgiving: The True Story Behind The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience

21 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Thanksgiving, U.S. listeners! This year about 54 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles during Thanksgiving, and most of these people ...

Glasgow, Scotland: the Best Pubs, Restaurants, and Places to See in This European City of Culture

10 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Glasgow had a reputation for being a down-on-its-luck former industrial hub for decades. But the Glaswegians worked hard to turn their city into a wor...

Workaway:How to Live Like a Local and Travel the World Through Work Exchanges

03 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

My friends Daniel Bakken and Alinne Fernanda have been traveling the world together for nearly two years. They saved up their money before hitting the...

New Orleans: A Local’s Guide to the Best Restaurants, Bars, & Quirky Fun

27 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

New Orleans celebrates its 300th anniversary this year, and since it’s almost Halloween, I thought this was the perfect time to talk about one of Am...

Solo Travel: A Girl’s Guide to Traveling Alone

20 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you are single or a student, married, retired or a parent, you deserve time to yourself to do whatever you want and explore the world.    On...

Munich Must-Sees Travel Guide (Plus Day Trips)

12 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today is all about Munich, Germany, often ranked among the world’s most livable cities. I’m continuing my conversation with independent tour guide...

Oktoberfest: Your Guide to Enjoying Munich’s Main Event (Even if You Hate Beer and Crowds)

04 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

As a vegetarian who doesn’t like beer, I never thought Oktoberfest would be an event for me. But, independent tour guide Maxine Ryder has convinced ...

How a South Carolina Slave Became the Most Celebrated Chef in Charleston

29 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Charleston, South Carolina, consistently tops the lists of ‘world’s best cities to visit.’ It’s also a city that was built on the sweat and bl...

LGBT Travel: Resources, Trends, and the Hottest Destinations (Special Focus on Lesbian Travel)

22 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

LoAnn Halden, Vice President of Communications at IGLTA, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, joins me to talk about the history of...

Barcelona: Your Ultimate Guide on What to Do and Where to Eat in the Capital of Catalonia

15 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Barcelona has eight UNESCO sites, beaches, mountains, a beautiful historic center, tons of restaurants and boutiques, and art everywhere you look. In ...

How to Survive Long-Haul Flights When You’re Stuck in Economy

08 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Flying messes with our mind, body, and spirit in all sorts of crazy ways. And if you’re stuck in economy for hours, it feels downright painful. On t...

How to Find Cheap Flights & Travel Deals (Summer Replay)

01 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this encore episode, my friend and favorite full-time traveler, Cristal Dyer, shares her secrets to finding the cheapest flights and best travel d...

Growth Mindset: How to Change How You Think to Achieve Your Dreams

24 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Did you ever really want to try something, but then not because you worried you’d look dumb? Most of us think like this! We’re plagued by what psy...

Amsterdam Travel Guide: What to Eat, Drink, See, and Smoke

17 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Amsterdam is more than hookers and weed. In fact, only 10 percent of Dutch people say they smoke marijuana. Want a more authentic Netherlands experien...

Working Abroad: 6 Countries that are Great for Freelancers Who Want to Live the Expat / Nomad Life

10 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Born in Bermuda, Lené Hypolite has lived in Venezuela, Canada, the U.S., Amsterdam, and is soon headed to Singapore and Tokyo. She loves the exciteme...

Tuscan Wines, Cocktails, and Communist Bars

03 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re anything like me, you enjoy wine but are fairly uneducated about it and usually forget everything you learn at wine tastings.    That’...

Is Expensive Olive Oil Worth It? How to Find the Best in Italy

27 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

“That olive oil costs how MUCH? Why would I spend $15 when I can spend $4?” You’ve likely said this to yourself at some point. So what’s the d...

Taste Florence: Where to Find the Best Food in the Heart of Tuscany

18 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Toni Mazzaglia is an American expat who moved to Florence years ago. After seeing too many visitors fall prey to tourist traps, she started the food t...

Skopje, Macedonia: What to See and Where to Eat in the Land of Coffee & Kitsch

03 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Hi, from Macedonia! Today I’m chatting with my Airbnb host, Sofia Grozdanova, who’s become my Macedonian sister. I’m sharing her apartment in Sk...

Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, and Meeting People on the Road

21 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

One of the best parts of solo travel is the people you meet on the road. Lannie Su saw via Instagram that we were both in Slovenia and asked if I want...

How to Stay in Europe for More Than 90 Days Without a Visa: Navigating the Schengen Area

17 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Americans, Canadians, Australians, and citizens from quite a few other countries can legally stay in Europe as long as they want without needing a vis...

Animal Sanctuary Volunteering in Belize and Other Travel Updates Swapped Between Nomadic Friends

03 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

My nomadic friend Cristal Dyer and I called each other to catch up on where we are in the world, and thought we’d let you listen in. You remember Cr...

Queenstown, New Zealand: What to Eat, Do, and Drink in This Stunning Wine Region

25 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking to my friend Ting Zhang, a New Yorker who now lives in Queenstown, New Zealand — birthplace of bungee jumping and fantastic pin...

World War II & Cold War History: What to Know Before You Visit Berlin

19 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

For decades, Germany has been reckoning with and atoning for its dark past. Museums, monuments, and educational programs teach tourists and locals abo...

Berlin Travel Guide: What to Eat and Where to Go in Europe’s ‘Poor but Sexy’ City

06 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Photographer, potter, and globe maker Chloe Dalrymple fits right in with Berlin’s creative scene. A native Brit, Chloe has lived in Berlin for three...

A Quick Hello, Plus Free Audio Tours Until May 31

28 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Hi. I’m trapped in no-wifi land at the moment. Just wanted to say a quick hello and let you know that my favorite audio walking tour app — Detour ...

Volunteering Abroad: Should You Do It? And Other Ways to be a Responsible Traveler

20 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Shannon O’Donnell, an American who’s been traveling the world since 2008, literally wrote The Volunteer Traveler’s Handbook. Over the years, her...

#vanlife Where to Go to the Bathroom and Other Van Life Tips and Essentials

14 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Last year, The New Yorker ran an article titled #vanlife, the Bohemian Social-Media Movement: What began as an attempt at a simpler life quickly becam...

Epic Group Travel Experiences for Those Who Hate Group Travel

05 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wanted to try solo travel, but you’re not quite ready? But the idea of group travel sounds too crowded and rushed? Dan Pierson founded...

Stockholm Travel Guide: What to Eat and Where to Go in Sweden’s Capital City

28 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This year’s World Happiness Report just came out and once again, all the Scandinavian countries are at the top of the list. The one I haven’t bee...

How to House-Sit Your Way Around the World and Other Free Accommodation Travel Tips

20 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Travel expert Jema Patterson from the site 'Half the Clothes' discusses how to house-sit around the world and other free accommodation trav...

Mexican Food Lovers’ Paradise: Oaxaca

12 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Mole, memelas, and mezcal — oh my! If you enjoy Mexican food, you will fall madly in love with Oaxaca, Mexico. In this episode of the Postcard Acade...

Colombia Guide: Traveling to Bogota, Cartagena, and Beyond

09 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a reason Colombia is at the top of so many ‘must-see’ travel lists this year. Forget about Pablo Escobar. This beautiful — and afforda...

Living Abroad: How to Have a Better Life for Half the Price

31 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

There’s one question that American listeners of this show keep asking: How can I live abroad?    It often feels like you’re stuck at home if you...

Romania Guide: Traveling to Bucharest, Transylvania, and Beyond

21 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

How much do you know about Romania? If you’re like most people, the answer is almost nothing. On this episode, Debbie Stowe enlightens us about thi...

New Month, New City: Why Bridesmaid for Hire Jen Glantz and BF Adam Kossoff Call a New Place Home Every 30 Days

12 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Author Jen Glantz — you may know her as the world’s first Bridesmaid for Hire — and her boyfriend Adam Kossoff don’t always know where they’...

New York Guide: Advice for Women in the 1930s Versus Today

04 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In the last episode, we talked about how the Great Depression had positives for many women.     Because of the financial crisis, people were putting...