Featuring Julie Delucca-Collins
In episode 30, I talk to Julie DeLucca-Collins about her travels around the world for business and leisure, as well as her work as a life coach helping people reach the goals they thought were impossible.
[03:12] Julie’s travel journey.
Julie took her first airplane trip when she was just 3 months old. Since then, she has travelled to over 25 countries.
Originally from El Salvador, she would travel to various cities in the US to visit family throughout her childhood.
As a senior executive of her company, she was able to travel regularly around the US on business trips.
[08:52] Turning a business trip into a vacation.
Some days are better to travel than others. Most business travellers tend to leave on a Monday morning. Consider leaving on either a Saturday evening or Sunday morning – this could turn out to be less expensive.
When returning, instead of travelling on a Thursday, extend the trip by a day or two – and perhaps even consider returning from a different airport. This gives you the opportunity to see a different city on the same trip.
Asking around can also get you great recommendations of restaurants or places to visit while on your trip.
[12:22] Julie provides tips on how to boost your confidence as a solo business traveler.
[18:08] Solo leisure travel tips from Julie.
[22:10] Great vacation experiences.
Every vacation is a different experience. You could stay in some amazing places, and you could stay in some not-so-amazing places. Each has a unique experience, and both could turn into a memorable, enjoyable vacation.
With the right frame of mind, any vacation can be a great vacation.
[24:34] Learning about yourself through travel.
In difficult travel situations, Julie says we need to allow ourselves to feel negative emotions without judgement. We then need to realize that there are things that we can do to either improve the situation or learn to adapt and accept the situation for what it is.
[30:56] Turning a negative into a positive.
“We cannot control the circumstances around us, but what we can control is how we react to the circumstances.”
Communicate with travel professionals. They know what they’re doing, and they can most likely help you solve problems in ways that you wouldn’t have thought of.
[38:25] Hotel must-haves.
If you are brand-loyal, you get to know the hotels well, and you learn what to expect from certain hotel chains. This is great if you don’t want to feel like you’re in a strange place when staying somewhere. Julie’s chosen brands for US travel are Marriott and Hilton.
People have preferences, and it’s okay to not expect any less than what you want when traveling.
[47:11] Points make a difference.
If you do choose to use a credit card, use one that gets you points.
If you’ve accumulated points, you may get hotel upgrades, free and/or upgraded flights, and many other benefits.
[53:04] Navigating different cultures.
When travelling to countries with different cultural norms, it’s important to connect with locals to act as interpreters, guides, and to help you avoid a faux pas that could get you into potentially dangerous situations.
Despite the negative image of some countries, Julie emphasises the importance of looking past the few negative aspects to experience the positives.
“Despite our differences, we are the same. But also, be okay with knowing that somebody may do things a little differently than you.”
[63:25] Go confidently. Live intentionally.
Julie works as a life coach to help people identify and achieve their dreams by overcoming their fears and becoming more confident.
Things are possible, and it’s important to have that reminder when we’ve lost sight of our dreams and aspirations due to any number of circumstances.
When you’ve established your goal, break it down into manageable steps, and take action on one at a time until you reach that goal.
“Go confidently I the direction of your dreams.” – Henry David Thoreau
[68:03] Experience is the best gift.
Time goes by whether we do something or not. The things we regret are the life experiences that we missed, the goals we didn’t achieve, and the decisions we didn’t make.
Every experience, whether good or bad, will make an impact on your life.
Julie’s word for the year: Gratitude.
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Check out the links to some of the things mentioned in this episode:
- The Erica James Travel Show Podcast Community
- Follow Julie DeLucca-Collins on Instagram
- Listen to Julie’s Podcast
- Visit Julie’s website for more information
- Purchase Julie’s Book, Confident You by clicking here
- Book time with Julie DeLucca-Collins
- Check out my travel tips, tricks and reviews on YouTube
- Erica James Travel Agency Facebook Page
- Follow EJtheTravelDiva on Instagram
- Follow EJtheTravelDiva on Twitter
- If you would like to support the podcast you can do so here
- Check out my pins on Pinterest
- Link up with me on Linkedin
Another epic episode my friend. You’re on your way to being a regular guest on shows like “Talk of the Town”, “The Kenny Smoove Morning Show”, The Steve Harvey Morning Show” and the “Rickey Smiley Morning show” discussing travel tips. Can i be your agent? Men who have issues understanding women, just listen to a female episode on a podcast. keep em coming! I learn so much after each episode. This was a real good one.