Ep. 38 Prioritize Adventure

Book a 1:1 Call with Mary: https://calendly.com/marybartnikowski
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In this inspiring episode of Nomads 50+, hosts Chris Kalaboukis and Mary Bartnikowski dive deep into what it really means to make travel a priority—no matter your age, resources, or fears.

Mary reflects on her early travel years, long before smartphones and travel apps made everything easy. Back then, she made it happen through hustle and heart—working extra photography jobs, cutting expenses, and saving every dollar to fund trips to places like Nepal and South America. Her message is clear: if travel is truly important to you, you’ll find a way.

She also opens up about the fears and insecurities that come with solo travel—walking into a busy restaurant alone, navigating public transport in foreign countries, and learning to trust herself in unfamiliar environments. Along the way, she shares stories of cultural challenges, like being turned away from a rooftop restaurant in Mexico, and how staying open-minded, flexible, and kind can turn even awkward experiences into moments of growth.

Mary and Chris explore how spontaneity and serendipity—the kind that existed before the constant connection of the internet—can still be found today if we allow space for it. They also talk about life transitions—breakups, accidents, and unexpected changes—that can serve as powerful turning points toward reinvention and renewal.

Their closing message is simple but profound: decide that travel matters to you, make a plan, and take that first step. The rest unfolds from there.

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