World Travel After 60: Breaking Barriers and Finding Adventure with Kerry Damiano

Have you ever dreamed of exploring the world but found yourself held back by fears of traveling alone? Meet Kerry Damiano, Ms World Traveler, who has visited more than 130 countries and launched her travel business in her sixties, proving it's never too late to embark on new adventures.

In this energizing conversation, Kerry reveals how solo travel builds transferable confidence that extends into every aspect of life. "Once you do it by yourself, you realize I can do this, I can conquer," she explains, drawing fascinating parallels between the courage needed for international exploration and entrepreneurship. For those hesitant to take the leap, Kerry offers practical "baby steps" - starting with weekend getaways close to home or joining organized group travel where logistics are handled while still maintaining independence.

What makes Kerry's perspective so valuable is her authenticity. She openly shares her travel mishaps, like arriving in Ibiza during off-season when everything was closed, and transforms these experiences into learning opportunities for her audience. This mirrors the entrepreneurial journey where "failures" become stepping stones to greater wisdom. She also emphasizes the critical importance of rest, even amid exciting adventures, reminding us that both travel and business-building take physical and mental tolls that require intentional recovery.

Perhaps most inspiring is Kerry's rejection of age-based limitations. With her mantra "60 is the new 30," she's working harder than ever on her YouTube channel and loving every minute. Whether you're contemplating your first solo trip, building a business, or simply wondering if it's too late to pursue a passion, Kerry's story will inspire you to take that first brave step beyond your comfort zone. Check out her unique travel content on YouTube at Ms World Traveler, where she focuses on fashion, style, and design rather than typical tourist information.

Chapters

• 0:00 Meeting Keri Damiano, Ms World Traveler
• 3:30 Overcoming Solo Travel Fears
• 5:44 Travel Tips and Baby Steps
• 10:30 Learning From Travel Mistakes
• 12:25 The Importance of Rest
• 16:58 Never Too Late To Start Something

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:01

Hello there and welcome back to the next episode of Overcome Yourself, the podcast. As you know, my name is Nicole and I'm very excited to be here today with Keri, and Keri is a fabulous oh my gosh. She's got an amazing story. She's a world traveler, she's reinvented herself. I'm going to let her take it away, so I do not butcher her story. So go ahead, Keri, and please introduce yourself. Tell us a little bit about who you are and who you help Welcome.

Speaker 2: 0:30

Nicole, thank you so much for having me on your show. As you said, my name is Carrie Damiano. I am Ms World Traveler, something that I really have started late in life. I started it in my sixties, but I didn't start travel in the sixties, I started back. You know, my first overseas trip was as a college graduation present. So I've been doing this for a long time and that's how I got to 130 plus countries, because it's been doing it for yeah, many, many years, and a lot of it by myself. So I love to talk to women about their journey and overcoming any fears that they might have about traveling by themselves, because I've been there, I've done it, I know how freeing it is and I enjoy inspiring others.

Speaker 1: 1:18

I love that.

Speaker 2: 1:20

So tell us about your journey and how you've arrived at what you do now, because I know you're also involved in pageants, yeah, so I'd love to hear a little bit about that well, I started in pageantry in 1981, so I've been doing it a long time, and probably more so the last 20 years I've been reading, really involved, and it's one of those things that once you try it you get addicted to the sisterhood and it's hard to give it up. So I stayed involved and I just love working with young women and helping them really find themselves and sort of become who they were always meant to be. That gives me great joy. So that's part of my journey, but my journey to get to Ms World Traveler.

Speaker 2: 2:07

There is a bit of a pageant element to that. You can see I'm wearing a banner here. It's an ode to my years decades really in the pageant industry. But it's not a pageant. It really is just a show where we try and inspire women to travel and then to shop local. So we feature women artists, designers, entrepreneurs and really try to promote them, promote their business, and that way they promote us, we promote them, and isn't that what we're all? Isn't that what the sisterhood is right?

Speaker 1: 2:41

Yes, that is amazing and I love it. So what is it that your sash says? It says miss world traveler love it. Oh my gosh, that is fantastic. It's a marketing tool. Yes, oh no, but I love it. It makes so much sense. Just like, I've got my overcome yourself shirt right and you definitely stand out, especially, I can imagine, at in-person events, you walking around with your sash and everybody's like who is that and why is? She wearing that. I want to know who she is.

Speaker 2: 3:10

Always end up getting a couple of followers. You know people that see us on the street. We're out filming and talking to people and people's like you know who are you and what is this, and then it's just an opportunity to tell them the word of mouth that is you know it. Just an opportunity to tell them word of mouth that is you know it's. It's still a good way to spread your message.

Speaker 1: 3:28

I love that. What a what a great lesson in branding like in real life, like like this is. You know, like that's how it works, right, all right, so can you? You mentioned that you traveled solo. You mentioned overcoming fears, so can we dive a little bit into that and talk a little bit about what that is and what that means?

Speaker 2: 3:51

Right. Well, you know, nicole, what I hear women say to me is when I say I travel by myself, they say aren't you afraid? Or you know, so how can I afford that to do it by myself? Or won't you be lonely? You know they have these fears and I always say if you can identify what your fear is, if it's okay, I think I'll be lonely. So let's talk about ways to find people, to find groups, you know, to do things that will help you not feel like you're alone but still give you that independence, because really, once you do it by yourself, then you realize I can do this, I can conquer, and it gives you confidence not only in that, but really it translates to other areas of your life absolutely like like building a business right, like building a podcast it's the same fears, isn't it?

Speaker 2: 4:49

I mean, those things run around in our heads. You know what if I don't know what I'm doing you? Know what if I can't do it? What if I run out of money? You know, I mean all of these things, these questions that stop us in our tracks. It just happens that I talk about travel as sort of a vehicle to get over those fears. But it's as you said, it's within business, it's leaving your job to start your own business, all of those kinds of things. That it's the same fears.

Speaker 1: 5:16

I love that, and traveling is is a way to conquer some of those fears, just exactly like you said, and be like oh, okay, so I can do things that are a little bit scary, and it wasn't so scary on the other side, um, yes, that makes so much sense. So what tips do you have for us if we decide that we want to travel, um, or even alone? If we want to travel alone, what are some of the best tips that you have for for us and overcoming those fears?

Speaker 2: 5:44

sure I would say. The first thing is to take a baby step, like go on a weekend trip, maybe even not that far from home, just to see do I, you know, can I entertain myself? Do I like my own company? Well enough, you know, do I find enough to do? How do I like that, the process of it? And then, once you do that, that, okay, that was great, I can do it. Now, well, a little further, go a little longer, you know so. So start the baby step. Another baby step is to go somewhere and join a group. So, okay, you've gone by yourself, but you have that sense of I'm not there by myself, and and most groups have sort of built in flexibility of time, meaning you can be with them as much or as little as you want. And then you have the ability to gauge okay, I'm feeling good, I'm going to go off and do this excursion by myself, but then when I come back, I've also got the group.

Speaker 1: 6:40

Can you give us an example of traveling in a group by yourself, of traveling in a group by yourself?

Speaker 2: 6:47

Well, there are many different kinds of group travel. There's adventure, like, for example, there's horse riding trips where, okay, you go by yourself, you have your own room or your own tent or whatever, but you're with a group and somebody has set up all of the details. So if you're not a person who likes to do all of the planning yourself, those are very good, that somebody has done all of the planning for you. And that's baby step two, because it's overwhelming when you think of all the planning that goes into that kind of a trip Like, for example, I just went to a few months ago.

Speaker 2: 7:26

I went on vacation even though I was working, but it was vacation to Cambodia, laos, um, vietnam, five countries. The amount of work to line all of that up the guides, the transfers, the hotels, you know, the tours, all of those things. I mean it was like full-time work. So it's a bit daunting and so maybe as a baby step, you try a group, that it's all laid out. You're on here this day you're going to do that, and on this day you're going to do that, and I'm, you know, with some free time built in so you can do some of your own thing. But it takes sort of all of that extra stress of doing all the planning thing.

Speaker 1: 8:06

But it takes sort of all of that extra stress of doing all the planning. I love that and I love how that mirrors too, for us as business owners, not going it alone. We're on our own, we're building our own business, but surrounding ourselves with other people who are also looking for the same kinds of adventures, and we can learn from each other, yes, and we can share stories and we can learn to appreciate ourselves just a little bit more, because we get to learn new things that we don't get to learn when we're stuck in our routines, right that's right, and you're already starting with something in common.

Speaker 2: 8:44

so, who knows? You make lifelong friends from doing this, because you both know that you're interested in this common thing. And then, well, let's do it again, let's go on, you know, take another trip and go someplace else and we'll meet there.

Speaker 1: 8:58

I love that. I love that so much, and it makes me think of, like retreats. I want to host retreats and that's kind of what you're talking about where I will plan everything out for you, so all you got to do is show up and have fun.

Speaker 2: 9:11

I love that. And then I think it's just so much less scary for people to say I'm going by myself, but I'm not going to be by myself.

Speaker 1: 9:21

I love that, and same with having like a mastermind in your business Right and joining a group of like minded people who they're building their businesses and exactly what we talked about, you know, with going on vacation. You get to go on this adventure together. You get to learn from each other, support each other. I love that so much. Now talk to me about the opportunity that comes in failure, because I'm sure that in all of these things that you've done, it hasn't all been sunshine and roses. Like you mentioned, it can get complicated.

Speaker 2: 9:55

There's no such thing right.

Speaker 1: 9:57

Right.

Speaker 2: 9:59

As a whole life lived with, no, you know, mistakes made along the way. So here's an example, because I just got back less than a week ago from a month in Barcelona and it was work. I was there as a Miss World traveler collecting content. One of the places I went was Ibiza. I'd always wanted to go to Ibiza. It's this beautiful resort island in the Mediterranean and okay, it's March timeframe in the Mediterranean and okay, it's March timeframe. I get there. Everything's closed.

Speaker 2: 10:33

Okay, I'm thinking, you know, I thought it was a resort town that there would be things going on all year, but it wasn't the season, things kind of closed down for the winter and then they get going more like after Easter. So that was a mistake. Even though I do a ton of research before I go. It was. It wasn't obvious that there weren't going to be things open while I was there. So I write about that in my show and I say learn from my mistake and and and watch that, that particular things. But that's just an example of it wasn't really a failure per se, but it was a learning opportunity that I made the mistakes so that you don't have to.

Speaker 1: 11:11

I love that and I love how you use that for content. So, even though it wasn't what you thought it was going to be, you not only got to learn that lesson, you got to share that lesson with others and so that they can make sure that they they go at the right time to participate in the things that they want to. I remember hearing about that. We should always be doing.

Speaker 2: 11:33

I mean we. As we go through these things, we learn, we pass it on. Sometimes it's to the generation behind us, Sometimes it's to our colleagues, but every lesson is learned is an opportunity to help somebody else yes, yes, yes, yes.

Speaker 1: 11:51

I remember I was going to say hearing those stories, you know, as a little kid about how in Spain and there's a lot of places in Europe where things kind of there's like a siesta in the middle of the day, there's just a relaxing time, but then there's also a whole month, yes, before Easter, where everything's just kind of everybody's resting and I think that's so important. Tell me, what part does rest play? Speaking of rest as a world traveler, can you talk to me about a little bit, about rest and the importance of it, even when you're traveling to fun places?

Speaker 2: 12:26

Yes, I'm glad you brought this up, nicole, because, as I said, I just got back less than a week ago and of course you have some jet lag afterwards and on Saturday, so just a couple of days ago, I hit the wall. I couldn't even move, I couldn't think straight and I realized I hadn't had a day off since Christmas. And so what you're talking about rest, it just sort of shit me like a board in the face that I had not rested enough, and so sometimes you're forced into it.

Speaker 2: 12:58

Sometimes you get sick, you know, and then you, you're forced rest. But really we have to be more cognizant of that too. Work is fun. It is for me because I do what I love and so I energize, and I love to work and to do this. But there's also time when you have to go. Okay, let's just sit still for a moment, it's okay. You don't have to be doing something every single second. It's okay to rest.

Speaker 1: 13:25

And you are doing something when you're resting. That's right, Exactly Right. Your body needs time to do all the things it needs to do, so it technically, it does definitely count. I'm guilty of that too right, Of just like going a minute, and if you're not, then you know that inner voice is like oh, you haven't gotten anything done. And it's like I've been, you know, I've been typing for 10 hours. What do you mean? I haven't gotten anything done. I wrote a whole book, yes, so I think that is so important the importance of rest even while you're having fun. Right, Because traveling is fun, but it is also exhausting, just like entrepreneurship.

Speaker 2: 14:06

That's right. They're both physically demanding, aren't they? And I think sometimes we forget that. Right Again, if you're doing something that you love and that energizes you, you don't realize the toll that it takes physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, really, you know in all ways. So, yes, rest, but also recognize that you don't have to be getting something done every single second. It's okay, it will be there tomorrow.

Speaker 1: 14:36

I love that so much and I want to ask you about your, your business as a YouTuber. You get to travel, you get to do this stuff. What tips do you have for aspiring women who are like, oh my gosh, you can do that. You can make money traveling and making video and recording content. What does that mean?

Speaker 2: 14:57

Well, I haven't done it to make money, so I'm not really the person to give advice from that. But there are a number of people who that is how they make their living, and I think it's very exciting that there is a technology available that allows us, especially as women, to be independent, to be financially independent, to do what we love and make our own way. You know, doing what you love. So I think it's an exciting time that there's just so much more opportunity to do what you love.

Speaker 1: 15:32

I love that and that's even more important, that you're doing it literally because you love it and it's not because anyone's sponsoring something, and so your reviews are going to be very authentic and you're, you're just, you're just there for the truth.

Speaker 2: 15:45

Exactly. Well, part of what we do is really trying to promote other businesses, and the idea is, I promote them, they promote me. We all do this free for each other, so nobody has to pay for it, but it's helping each other and then everybody grows.

Speaker 1: 16:02

So that's, I think, kind of just a nice bonus, a side thing that we can do for each other, and the technology is there to do that and it's so true because that's what's happening right now with you and me, where we connected and we're going to promote each other to each other's audiences and be like look how awesome carrie is, look how awesome nicole is thank you, thank you, um, and and you're so right that I mean, when I was growing up, you couldn't do this like you and I wouldn't have been sitting here looking at each other.

Speaker 2: 16:38

Exactly Having a conversation. This is newer technology isn't it?

Speaker 1: 16:43

Yes, it is. Yeah, I wrote that in my book. Like when I was growing up, I remember the computers coming into our houses. I remember my grandfather like buying a computer and he had to get a desk because he had to have somewhere to put the computer. And you know, it's like the big monitors. But I remember when there was no computers and now the computer is like in our pocket or right in front of me. So it is amazing, um, and it's just fantastic. So talk to me about your YouTube channel, because I know that, um, you told me that is where, that's where, that's where your show is like, that's where you want people to find you.

Speaker 2: 17:20

So tell us a little bit about that and that journey yes, well, uh, we do a segment every week, we release and, um, sometimes they're like in a series we just finished. Uh, actually we have one more, but my vacation series that's coming. Uh, we're going to finish that up. We had a most memorable series before that. We'll have a Barcelona series. So we kind of do you know, kind of film and then release over time, which is sort of what you do with podcasts too, right, but yeah, it's anywhere from five to 15 minutes, so it's very digestible. You know, it doesn't take a lot of time for people to listen to it.

Speaker 2: 18:04

And one of the things that I really focus on is because there's so many people who are interested in and they have questions about, travel is I try and do something a little bit different, meaning we don't talk about where to eat, where to stay, activities, things like that, where to stay, activities, things like that. We focus a little bit more on fashion, style, design, antiques, you know, just sort of feminine interest. It doesn't have to be feminine, but just a little bit different way of seeing the travel side of things. And part of that is because there's so many out there, right, and if you've ever looked, what are some travel logs I could look at. There are thousands. Where do you begin? So I wanted to one be different and to be something I'm interested in and I figure if I'm interested in it, other women are going to be interested in it too.

Speaker 1: 18:59

Yeah, you can't be the only one right. It's like specifically impossible. Yes, yes, I love that very much. And what? What is the channel? Can you let us know where we can find it?

Speaker 2: 19:09

Sure, Sure it's. It's on YouTube at Ms MS world traveler, ms World traveler. And you can find us on Instagram as well, and that's Keri Ms World Traveler. And that's K-E-R-R-Y Ms World Traveler. Keri, ms World Traveler.

Speaker 1: 19:26

Oh, I love that so much. Thanks for sharing. So, as we're wrapping up here, oh, thank you. As we're wrapping up, I would love to know what is that big tip that you have, like, what's the tip that gives your clients that big aha moment?

Speaker 2: 19:42

Well, have, like, what's the tip that gives your clients that big aha moment? Well, I don't know if it's an aha moment, but I always like to say that it's never too late to start something new. I didn't start this business till in my sixties, even though I've had my own business for over 20 years. But this particular part of the business and I'm working harder than I've worked in my whole life and I absolutely love it. So it's not too late to do something that you love, to do, something that you're passionate about. It sort of re-energizes, you gives you your youth back, if there's such a thing, right. But it's just, it's never too late to start something new.

Speaker 1: 20:17

I love that. And you said one of the things I remember from from you know the questionnaire was you said 60 is the new 30, right, tell me about that. We like to think so right, yes, so tell me a little bit about that. What does that mean and what do we have to look forward to?

Speaker 2: 20:35

That means that don't put limitations on yourself because of your age, you know. Do what you want to do, be, be who you are, be who you're still becoming, because we're still growing, we're still changing, we're still striving, we're still uh, you know wanting to do more. We all have bucket lists and you know, just go out and do it Um and again. I just will revert to it's never too late to try something new, so don't let the number, you know, be something that holds you back.

Speaker 1: 21:04

I love that you're alive. Make the most of it.

Speaker 2: 21:09

It's all means you're breathing right. There's something to be done.

Speaker 1: 21:12

Yes, absolutely. This has been fantastic, Carrie. Thank you so much. Do you have any final words before we sign off here?

Speaker 2: 21:21

Oh, just thank you, nicole. It was such a pleasure getting to know you a little bit and having a nice conversation with you, so I really appreciate that and I'm grateful.

Speaker 1: 21:32

Oh, I'm grateful for you too. Thank you so much. This has been wonderful and we will catch you guys next time on the next episode of Overcoming Yourself, the podcast. Bye.