No Borders, No Filter
Ever wondered what it’s like to throw away the rulebook and create your own life story?
Join No Borders, No Filter podcast with host, Debra, the Experient Explorer. A solo nomadic Gen Xer redefining what it means to live authentically and adventurously; combining her roots in New York with diversity from around the globe. As a skilled traveler, storytelling photographer, educator, and critical thinker, Debra explores and deep dives into culture, identity, friendship, political influences, religion with bits of bizarre routine encounters. Through her artistic eye and sarcastic humor, Debra will guide you through the awkward journey of self-discovery, mental health and challenges of breaking free from norms.
No Borders, No Filter will inspire you to rethink what it means to truly live and connect.
No Borders, No Filter
Let Go of Comforts, Get Real in Travel Culture
In this episode, part two of Embracing Discomforts, Debra, the Experient Explorer and host of No Borders No Filter, dives deeper into the benefits of disengaging from technology, hands on experiences while traveling solo and the creative process of her journey.
Debra shares her personal experiences of immersing in local cultures, from the challenges of squat toilets in South Korea —“You really have to maneuver yourself in a way where you don’t pee on yourself… it’s disgusting… but it’s part of the immersion process”—to the joys of slow, rickety train journeys through Thailand and Myanmar. She emphasizes the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone, saying, “You’re not going to go travel to another country just so that you can have the comforts and conveniences of home.”
The episode also explores how solo travel fosters freedom and personal growth, and why being open to unexpected encounters leads to unforgettable memories. Debra highlights the mental health benefits of active meditation through practices like street photography and journaling, not taking selfies. “Photography allows your brain to be involved in something that you enjoy doing while it helps you not think about any of your worries… it puts you right in the moment.”
To wrap up, Debra provides essential solo travel tips, from staying prepared at airport security to embracing nature for a serotonin boost.
Takeaway Quote:
“Immersing in another culture is getting your hands dirty, getting involved in their way of life, and making the concerted effort to engage.”
Key Takeaways
0:00:00 Introduction
0:04:27 Travel Challenges
0:07:57 Cultural Differences and Bathroom Experiences
0:10:07 Transportation and Cultural Immersion
0:11:35 Local Experiences
0:14:59 Nature and Cultural Experiences
0:20:22 Solo Travel Benefits
0:22:45 Mental Health and Travel
0:25:00 Practical Travel Tips
0:25:00 Conclusion
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebraExperientExplorer/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/experientexplorer/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@experientexplorer/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExperientExplorer
Visit Debra’s multimedia website at www.dmeryl.net
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