Amber Haggerty: From Colorado to Living Abroad in Ireland and France

“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life.“ – Thomas Jefferson

Guest Introduction: 

Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and founder of Pangea World Travel Agency.

If you’re a midlife professional, an empty nester, or a woman with a heart for adventure, you’re right where you belong. This isn’t just another travel podcast—it’s an invitation to look at how travel shapes our lives, inspiring us to grow, to see the world in new ways, and to rediscover ourselves in the process.

Together with incredible guests, we’ll dive into heartfelt stories of adventure, resilience, and transformation, exploring not only hidden travel gems but those unforgettable, life-changing moments. So, grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let’s set off on this journey—together.

Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest, Amber Haggerty.

Amber Haggerty is the blogger and traveler behind AmberEverywhere.com, where she writes about living abroad and traveling in the US and Europe. Originally from Colorado, she moved to Ireland in 2020 and has been living in Paris, France, since 2023. In this episode, she’ll share her journey of moving abroad, the challenges she faced in adapting to new cultures, and how her adventures, including hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland, have shaped her perspective.

Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: 

Welcome to the podcast Amber.

• ·       There are so many nice things about being in Paris. One of the best parts is how central it is—it’s really easy to travel. With three airports, you can catch flights around Europe or even farther without much hassle. That’s definitely a big advantage. On the other hand, the language difference has been a challenge. 
• ·       One thing I love about travel is how it fosters connection. It reminds me that people all over the world, in their own unique ways, are striving to make the world a better place. As a traveler, you occasionally get to witness and experience these efforts, which is both humbling and inspiring. 
• ·       Just as a side note:  World Kindness Day was celebrated globally on November 13, 2024, and Amber and I recorded this episode two days later, on November 15, 2024. 
• ·       My number one piece of advice would be to start building a community. In most places with a sizable expat population, you can usually find groups like "Americans in [City]" or "Women in [City]." For example, groups like "Americans in Paris" or "Women in Paris" are great starting points. Depending on the size of the location, you might even find smaller, more niche groups. Connecting with these communities can make a huge difference. 
• ·       On a different day, my answer might change, but right now, I’m thinking about my trip to Colombia in 2018. 
• ·       The opportunity to travel together is wonderful because you spend the first few days catching up. After that, you create new experiences, giving you even more to talk about. Travel with your friends. It's really fun. 
• ·       My 18-year-old self was unstoppable. She was fierce and carved her own path, tooth and nail. I'm so grateful for her courage. I would just say, thank you for brazenly ignoring anyone who told you that you couldn’t do something—that was truly fierce. 

You can find Amber Haggerty at: Instagram  

Thank you for joining me on Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan—your host, travel advisor, and transformational coach. It’s been an absolute joy to share this adventure with you today. If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe, share with your friends, and leave a review—it helps us reach more travelers just like you. Until next time, remember, life’s a journey—keep exploring!