What’s it really like to see the world by sailboat? Alison has spent eight years sailing from the Caribbean to the Azores to French Polynesia, and her very first crossing nearly ended it all.
Alison and her husband Dan set off to chase a childhood dream of sailing around the world. Alison joins me from the islands of French Polynesia to share what it’s like to arrive somewhere by sea, from Moana-style reefs and remote atolls to waterfall hikes in the Marquesas. She also explains why the Azores is her favourite place of all.
IN THIS EPISODE
- The “perfect storm” with 20-foot waves on their first ocean crossing
- Sailing inside the reefs that inspired Moana
- Snorkelling the Tuamotu atolls and waterfall picnics in the Marquesas
- The Azores: whale spotters, $2 wine, island cheeses and a free sardine festival
- A $20 anniversary feast at a farmhouse with no menu
- Tips for trying slow, nomadic travel one chunk at a time
CONNECT WITH ALISON
Books: alisongieschen.com
Blog: sailmates.org
Instagram and Facebook: Sailmates
This episode contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Send us Fan Mail
🎙️ Abrotha Abroad
abrothaabroad.com
Real, honest conversations about what life abroad actually looks like — the culture shocks, the pivots, and the personal reinvention that comes with it. Host Al B, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran now based in Belgium, talks to expats who've built lives beyond their home country. If you're thinking about making the leap, this one's for you. Available wherever you listen to
Help Truly Expat Travel by leaving a review or making a donation
Here is the link - https://buymeacoffee.com/trulyexpat
Visas Made Simple
Skip the embassy lines. iVisa handles it all online—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Find me on:
Website: Truly Expat Travel
Facebook: Truly Expat
Instagram: Truly Expat Travel
TikTok: Truly Expat Travel
Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂
