One of the things I get asked the most is how to travel even when you don't have that much money to spend on travel.

There are SO many ways you can get creative to travel more affordably.

And one of those ways is by trading your current skills for free accommodation and meals.

YES - this is a real thing!

In this episode of the Transform with Travel podcast, I sit down with Erica Hartnick, founder of Yoga Trade, to discuss her inspiring journey and offer invaluable insights into the world of work-trade opportunities.

Whether you're a yoga teacher, photographer, chef, permaculture fanatic, marketing guru and more, there is a work-trade job waiting for you in epic places around the world like - Morocco, Indonesia, Thailand, Ecuador, Costa Rica and so much more!

Erica Hartnick is described as a connection catalyst and mindful adventurer, who grew up in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California but now splits her time between Lake Tahoe and Costa Rica. With a life devoted to exploration, Erica facilitates nature-inspired yoga and mindful experiences. She co-founded Yoga Trade in 2012, driven by her devotion to regenerative living and connecting the global wellness community.

We dive into Erica's journey, asking what about the practice of yoga led her to pursue a full-time career in the industry. Erica shares her path from being a mountain athlete to deeply immersing herself in yoga due to injuries. She explains that Yoga Trade was born out of a genuine desire to give back and a passion project without a formal business plan. This authentic sense of wanting to serve the world laid the foundation for Yoga Trade.

The conversation transitions to the seasonal lifestyle that Erica has embraced. After college, Erica initially pursued a business career but quickly shifted to seasonal mountain jobs to fuel her passion for skiing and snowboarding. Over time, she developed a pattern of working in winter and summer jobs, and traveling for short periods during spring and fall. Erica reflects on how this lifestyle led to burnout and the realization that she longed for a stable community and purposeful life.

We also discuss the profound impact of nature on one's well-being and the importance of mindful travel. Erica shares her belief that being in nature helps clear the mind, open the heart, and connect with the source of life. She speaks about the concept of leaving no trace and treading lightly on the earth. Erica emphasizes the need for awareness, non-judgment, and personal responsibility when traveling.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:12 Meet Erica Hartnick of Yoga Trade
• 02:53 Erica's Yoga Journey and the Birth of Yoga Trade
• 04:24 Seasonal Work and Personal Growth
• 10:30 Advice for Aspiring Seasonal Workers
• 15:22 The Story Behind Yoga Trade
• 28:21 Favorite Work Trade Experiences
• 31:51 The Importance of Nature and Mindful Travel
• 38:11 Closing Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions

Resources in this episode:

• Episode 38: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4i3nOURhsh2EhnGnCWXvCq?si=qegyb60pTOObI3dqyjFIgw

Connect with me

• Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel
• Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday
• Transform With Travel Website: https://www.transformwithtravel.co

Connect with Erica

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogatrade
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tahoeoutdooryoga/
• https://www.yogatrade.com
• https://www.ericahartnick.com

Thanks To Our Sponsors:

• Anatomie: Head to Anatomie’s Website for more information. Use Code RISING20 for 20% off your first annual subscription. Follow Anatomie on Instagram at @anatomiestyle  / Website: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/anatomie
• Byte & Coffee: Check out Byte & Coffee for delicious Aussie coffee located in Lighthouse Point, Florida. Mention TRANSFORM WITH TRAVEL at checkout for 10% off your order. Follow Byte on Instagram at @bytencoffee / Website: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/byteandcoffee

If you're searching for a creative way to travel, feel connected to a local community and save money, Give this episode a listen and share with a friend!

Happy Exploring,

Kelly