This is Bitches Abroad, a podcast that was started by two friends that suck at staying in touch with each other when they don’t live in the same city. This podcast will center around living abroad, traveling (international and domestic), and everything that goes along with that. They understand their perspective is only one and that they have immense privilege for the experiences they have gained in life. It should also be noted that everything they say should be taken with a grain of salt because really that makes the tequila tastier. Remember to hope for the worst, and expect the worst.
Salt Spring Island
On this week’s episode Der and Liv cover the beauty of Salt Spring Island and provide their Valentine’s day origin story. They break down some of the best spots to visit and why they love them so much, mainly it involves cider and cheese. Der insists that everyone have a romantic weekend away with your best friend. Liv highly recommends visiting Salt Spring Wild Cidery and thinks that everyone should take a trip to Salt Spring in the off season as well as enjoying it in the summer.
8/15/2022 • 31 minutes, 16 seconds
Essentials for Music Festivals
This week Liv and Der contemplate the best ways to enjoy a music festival, whether it is determining a group theme or making sure you have enough water to avoid passing out. Both agree that they would never want to be in charge of running a music festival, and it would inevitably end in total chaos. Der gives her insights on how to be a responsible festival go-er reminding you that you are your own number one but you are also your own responsibility. Liv strongly suggests mid day naps and gives tips for your optimal camping set up.
7/6/2022 • 27 minutes, 52 seconds
How to Pack for Weddings Abroad
This week Liv and Der make their return on the hot topic issue of packing for weddings abroad. Both Liv and Der have weddings coming up and discuss the best ways to organize an appropriate wardrobe and how to pack it without any complications, such as losing your luggage or wrinkling all your clothes. Liv blows Der’s mind with her trick for keeping linen smooth while traveling and Der insists that if you need to order clothes or get things tailored make sure you get it done as early as possible. Remember to have fun trying on the clothes if you have to get something new, and remember to check the dress code!
6/28/2022 • 32 minutes, 34 seconds
Hitting the Slopes
This week Liv and Der break down how to get the most from your ski trip, on and off the slopes! The two go over the mountains they have been on and some fun stories involving ski fails, mainly Der yard-sailing down the mountain. Der makes sure to inform everyone to yet again wear sunscreen as well as some nice fleece to protect from wind chill. Liv implores everyone to choose their socks wisely as painful feet can ruin a ski trip. Liv also makes a good point on how to save a little on the expenses while hitting the slopes.
6/7/2022 • 29 minutes, 48 seconds
Finding Friendships Abroad
On this week’s episode Liv and Der cover the art of choosing and keeping friends while abroad, or really wherever you seem to find yourself. In this episode they explain that to find and cultivate a new friendship you want to be open, enjoy some of the same hobbies and have similarly weird brains. Liv implores everyone not to forget about stranger danger, reminding everyone that just because it is a friendship date doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tell people if you are going somewhere remote. Der emphasizes that at the end of the day you are your own number one and must pick your friends and everyone in your life according to what’s going to work best for you and only you.
5/24/2022 • 28 minutes, 38 seconds
The Rollercoaster ride of Amusement Parks
On this week’s episode Liv and Der break down the first part of outdoor entertainment… Amusement Parks! Liv and Der take you through some of the best things about amusement parks and how to enjoy the experience to its fullest, yes it does involve sunscreen. Liv wisely suggests going to an amusement park over a museum next time you have the opportunity and Der explains how she has sadly developed an aversion for rides that spin in circles. However, next time they are together at an amusement park they will determine who is better at the teacups.
5/17/2022 • 41 minutes, 40 seconds
Oops, you did it again… Moving Abroad
On this week’s episode Liv and Der break down some of their personal decisions for moving abroad. Liv shares her recent insights on some of the pros and cons of moving to an unfamiliar location and Der remembers a time when she thought she had all her ducks in a row only to face some bureaucratic hurdles. Liv recommends visiting the place you are moving to if you get the chance and the moral of this episode is that you should always plan as much as you can but also remember things will inevitably go wrong. Hope for the worst, expect the worst!
5/10/2022 • 54 minutes, 24 seconds
Keeping it Weird in Portland Oregon
On this week’s episode Liv and Der reminisce about, the cooler than it has the right to be, Portland. Since both Der and Liv have gone recently in their lives, it is a rare and special moment where they actually remember specific names of locations without too much digging. The two provide a long list of places to eat, drink and enjoy general tomfoolery. Der cannot express her love enough for Pips & Bounce and Liv reminds everyone not to be intimidated even when surrounded by such cool people. However, that all being said, one of the biggest takeaways is to visit Powell’s Bookstore.
5/3/2022 • 56 minutes, 55 seconds
Beaches Abroad
On this week’s episode Liv and Der chat about what they love about the beach, and what makes for a good beach whether you are in your hometown or on some Grecian Island. Liv explains kite surfing to Der and describes how she had to undergo some odd trust exercise to learn how to let go of the kite, which seems counterintuitive to Der. Der and Liv both describe their most harrowing journeys to get to a beach, and the takeaway is make sure you have good walking shoes, sunscreen and some extra water. They also give a full list of some of the best games to bring to the beach, both ones you can purchase and ones that just require friends. Liv also shares the most wild, great fact that most white sandy beaches are provided by Parrot fish poop, so protect your environment team, to keep those beaches clean and great to visit.
4/26/2022 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 26 seconds
Vancouver Island: Tofino Edition
On this week’s episode Der and Liv revel in the beauty of Tofino and break down some of the best places to visit while you are there. They debate the merits of camping in Tofino and come to somewhat of an impasse with good points on either side, mainly Der is a fence sitter on the subject and can’t make up her mind. Liv describes some of the best places to eat while you’re there and reminds everyone that though it is a bit more expensive it’s definitely still worth it. Der stresses the importance of bringing a puke bag if they are driving as it is an unforgiving winding road that has claimed many stomach contents.
4/18/2022 • 57 minutes, 22 seconds
Practiced Polished Packing to Perfection
On this week’s episode Liv and Der bowl the lid off of packing like a pro. It might seem like an obvious concept but there are a couple of things they have learned over their travels that they will never go without. Namely they think you should always bring one nice outfit, and always aim to pack lighter than you think unless you have a car. Der discloses her secret hatred for over the shoulder bags and Liv blows Der’s mind with the promotion of biodegradable baby wipes.
4/11/2022 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 45 seconds
Comparing All Inclusives to Resorts
On this week’s episode Der and Liv jump into the differences and their personal opinions on Wristbands vs No Wristbands, better known as all-inclusives vs resorts. Liv covers the basics of all-inclusives and tells Der about adult only all-inclusives, giving Der the opportunity to coin her new signature phrase for adult only all-inclusives. Der gives her two cents about resorts, and explains why they are not always smooth sailing. Liv and Der come to the wild conclusion that there are certain people that thrive in all-inclusives and it’s just not them. They also delve into Liv's fun Tuesday night where she altered herself permanently.
4/4/2022 • 50 minutes, 41 seconds
Volunteering Abroad
On this week’s episode Liv and Der outline their volunteer experiences abroad. They start off with talking about the elephants in the room with volunteering and promise to get more into the controversial topic of voluntourism in a future episode. They give insight into how to find volunteer connections when you are abroad and to remember that you are there to help, as long as it isn’t putting you in danger suck it up and do the dishes. Liv explains the importance of listening to whoever is leading you in your volunteer position as they will have the knowledge and hopefully cultural savvy to make an impact in the right way. Der expresses if you are only volunteering to get your hours up for a CV and don’t really care, volunteer for positions where they just need hands on the ground and not a position where they need you to care.
3/28/2022 • 58 minutes, 3 seconds
Breaking Down Solo Travel with Bairavi
On this week’s episode Liv and Der cover the ins and outs of solo travel with one of the most wonderful, independent, beautiful women: Bairavi aka B! B tells about her wildly easy and lovely experience couch surfing, and how sometimes you have to let go of your pride and have that ham sandwich three times a day. Liv recounts having to deal with a dude bro and Der sits back and asks the tough hitting questions. Welcome to the pod B and thanks for sharing!
3/22/2022 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 28 seconds
Everything Your Server (Abroad) Wants to Yell at You
On this week’s episode Liv and Der finally spill all the tea on what your servers wish they could tell you. They try to break down the importance of tipping and explain that the serving experience is more than just your server. Yes, they do know some serving experiences are bad, often though it is unintentional, unless you suck, then it’s intentional. In an effort to not get too far off the rails they try to focus on serving and service when you are abroad. Der makes a generalization that might get her in hot water and Liv lets you in on who gives the best tips.
3/15/2022 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 5 seconds
How to Navigate Airports like a Pro
On this week’s episode Liv and Der explain how to conquer the airport as your most fabulous self. Really they explain how to navigate the airport in the most efficient way and they give tips to make sure you won’t miss your flights. One major tip is function and comfort over style, and always make sure to sit by your gate when you’re tired. Der can’t make up her mind whether to line up early or wait to get on the plane and Liv pleads that everyone be patient and kind while dealing with airport employees.
3/7/2022 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 1 second
Thing to Ignore While Visiting People Abroad
On this week’s episode Der and Liv do a 180 and talk about all the wonderful things they do as guests while visiting people abroad. They talk about their worst moments as guests, and how they have ‘changed’ since then. They also discuss learning your host’s love language to make sure they feel appreciated. Der takes the time to ruin Liv’s sense of security when it comes to sleeping and Liv promotes the benefits of tuning out the world aka your partner with earplugs.
3/1/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 16 seconds
Having Visitors While Living Abroad
On this week’s episode Liv and Der delve into their deep well of knowledge they have gained from people visiting them while they live abroad. Der had a grand total of two people visit and Liv has had one. Don’t let that fool you though because they have formed some choice opinions about it. This episode will be followed by another where they contradict all their opinions when they discuss what they are like when they visit people who are abroad.
2/22/2022 • 51 minutes, 50 seconds
Handling Conflicts with your Travel Partners
On this week’s episode Liv and Der tread into the delicate topic of conflicts with your traveling partner, and yes that is sometimes just having fights with yourself. Der’s advice: stick to your guns and obviously never compromise. Liv’s advice: try to be chill, and for the love of all that is good, do not backseat drive. Really they cover some of the dynamics they have dealt with themself when in conflicting situations, and remind you to take a step back and remember you’re traveling. Der and Liv also get into a fun side rant about how Der handles ‘debates’.
2/14/2022 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 52 seconds
Not Speaking the Language
On this week’s episode Liv and Der outline their experiences of traveling and living in places where they did not speak the primary language. They have learned from their experiences that reciting some phrases will either delight people by your effort or give them a great laugh at your terrible pronunciation. Top advice: most people appreciate a little effort and will be willing to meet you halfway. Also if you don’t know where to start, start with dog commands.
2/8/2022 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 13 seconds
Liv and Der do Calgary
On this week’s episode Liv and Der relive that one time they travelled together to the classiest place in Canada, the Calgary Stampede. With both their memories they are able to fill in the gaps and retell the adventures they had in Cowboy land. Der describes yet another fainting incident and Liv recounts her Cowboy moment and implores everyone that goes to the Calgary Stampede to find their own personal Cowboy moment.
1/31/2022 • 58 minutes, 41 seconds
Basic Bitch Europe: Italy Edition
On this week’s episode Liv and Der continue the multiple part episode arc on Basic Bitch Travel: Western Europe Edition! They ‘remember’ their travels to Italy, declaring their undying love for the country and the fountains to be found there. Liv recounts how fainting won’t get you any sympathy and triggers some of Der’s long lost memories. Der explains how anyone can feel like they are in a movie if you just find a quiet, picturesque Italian garden.
1/18/2022 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 58 seconds
Keeping In Touch
On this week’s episode Der and Liv delve into the nitty gritty of staying in touch with people when you are in different places. Their tech savvy nature really shines through as they talk about different technology and platforms and how they help people stay in touch. Surprisingly Der’s and Liv’s favourite way to stay in touch are relatively similar, with some small caveats. Liv also relives the fear she used to have using Skype.
1/10/2022 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 55 seconds
Navigation
On this week’s episode Liv and Der cover their prowess in navigating different places. Do they have any credentials to do this, absolutely not, they are also the last people you should let navigate you anywhere. Regardless of that the ladies cover some ridiculous navigation blunders and leave some helpful pointers they learned from first hand experiences of getting lost.
1/3/2022 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 51 seconds
London Baby! With Molly Lydon
On this week’s episode Liv and Der continue the multiple part episode arc on Basic Bitch Travel: Western Europe Edition! They continue their journey to London Baby! As they only want to give top quality information they call in their first guest! This lady gives great advice on how to get more items on a plane without having to pay more, how to negotiate with a landlord and how to find the best pastry shops. Welcome to the pod Molly, and thanks for sharing! Disclaimer: Basic Bitch Travel: Western Europe Edition episode arc will not be released as back to back episodes but rather sprinkled in amongst their other riveting episodes. The first part of this series was on Paris (Episode 4).
12/27/2021 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 5 seconds
Dietary Issues While Travelling
On this week’s Episode Der and Liv cover dietary trials and tribulations while travelling. Both ladies are extremely candid with their experiences and give solid information on how to navigate dietary restrictions in foreign places. The advice they offer is insightful and helpful and might leave you wondering why they (mainly Der) don’t employ these methods themselves. Their main takeaway is “ask the locals for help and a little poop never hurt anybody!”
12/20/2021 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 3 seconds
Basic Bitch Travel: Western Europe Edition
On this week’s episode Liv and Der start the multiple part episode arc on Basic Bitch Travel: Western Europe Edition! They will kick off the tour with some controversial views on Paris. Der lets you know how she really feels about the decor of million dollar yachts, knowing full well she could never afford one. Liv breaks down one of the lesser appreciated tourist attractions, and gives maybe one of the most controversial opinions on the Eiffel Tower. Disclaimer: Basic Bitch Travel: Western Europe Edition episode arc will not be released as back to back episodes but rather sprinkled in amongst their other riveting episodes.
12/13/2021 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 42 seconds
Meeting New People
On this week’s episode Liv and Der give the inside secrets on meeting new people, and remind you when in doubt, make out and peace out. Liv makes poetry of her favourite hype song (it’s surprising) and Der makes her pitch to normalize platonic travel relationships. They also introduce a new section called ‘Condone and Condemn,’ which really speaks for itself
12/6/2021 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 42 seconds
Settling In
On this week's episode Liv and Der cover Liv's harrowing journey to Turks and Caicos and her first impressions on her new tropical island life. They also give pointers on driving abroad, talk about their love of roundabouts and keeping your cool when everyone else's vibes are off.
11/29/2021 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 38 seconds
Our Official Intro
Meet Liv: A sassy lady that keeps you hydrated so she can drink you under the table later. She will make you believe she can read a map and that she’ll obey the rules when you aren’t looking. You can recognize her out in the wild traveling by listening for her cackling laugh, identifying a tequila drink in hand and spotting the distinct practical sunnies.Meet Der: A bubbly dork that will threaten you with sunscreen and a good time. She will confidentially get you lost in any city and make you think it was your idea. You can recognize her out in the wild traveling by listening for her remarking on building structures, identifying chocolate in hand and spotting the distinct practical hat.
11/21/2021 • 13 minutes, 23 seconds
Getting Ready to Go
In our first official episode we dive into what it's like to pack up your life to move countries and also give some insight into travelling during the pandemic.