Juliana Dever: Travel, Curiosity and the Courage to Go Somewhere Unexpected
Travel can take us somewhere new geographically — but the real adventure may be discovering a different way of seeing the world.
Juliana Dever grew up in a small Missouri town where international travel wasn’t exactly part of the family plan. But an early job with an airline gave her a taste of the wider world, and there was no turning back.
By the time of this conversation, Juliana had travelled to more than 60 countries, lived abroad, become an award-winning travel writer and created small-group cultural immersion tours designed to take travellers beyond the usual tourist stops.
We talk about why travel can spark creativity, how meeting local people changes our assumptions, travelling safely as a woman, budgeting for experiences rather than things, knowing when to abandon plans that aren’t working — and why older women may be some of the most adventurous travellers of all.
And then there’s a handsome Slovenian potter, a pottery wheel and a spontaneous rendition of Unchained Melody.
Some stories simply deserve another outing.
At its heart, this conversation isn’t about collecting destinations. It’s about curiosity, human connection and being willing to step outside the familiar long enough to discover something new — perhaps even about yourself.
Agnes - in conversation with Juliana Dever
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About the guest: Juliana Dever
According to science, Juliana Dever has some sort of “exploration” gene. Embracing this compulsion, she spends a lot of time hurtling around the planet in metal tubes experiencing other cultures and writing humorous essays about it.
She landed at Trans World Airlines when she was young. She’d never even been on an airplane before. Something magical happened. Remember the moment when Dorothy opened her front door into Oz and everything was in Technicolor? The world seemed like something she could actually explore.
She wants everyone to feel like this. To travel to places unknown to you. To see a world filled with beauty, wonder, and adventure. To meet and learn about other cultures on a deeper level. To hear joyous greetings at your arrival and maybe get giant lollipops.
When she got her wings she started seeing all the things – amazing things! Like Madrid and black sand beaches and Chicago. She was unstoppable.
That’s what happens with travel, it expands your mind, and connects you to the whole of humanity.
- Visit Juliana Dever’s website
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Trying to remember Unchained Melody?
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