Worldly Women of Travel: Interview with Richelle Seavy

GIVEjoy’s latest interview features Richelle Seavy. I’m fortunate to have Richelle as a colleague and friend. We most recently connected for an impromptu coffee in Australia after discovering we both happened to be there at the same time, traveling over the holidays and New Year’s.  What a wonderful small world we live in!  When Richelle is not expanding her horizons around the globe, she helps clients maximize their business potential as President of RS Marketing Services.  It is my pleasure to share my recent interview with Richelle.

Per May 2025 Interview

What / who first inspired you to travel?

There has not been a time in my life when I didn’t see myself traveling. There are a lot of people who enjoy going to the same place year after year. That’s not me. Travel often sparks a kind of curiosity chain reaction. When you visit one place—say, a new city, country, or even a unique landscape—you get a glimpse of a different culture, lifestyle, or natural beauty that you hadn’t experienced before. That experience of difference and discovery awakens a desire to explore more. I think, if this place is so eye-opening, what else is out there? Maybe a local talks about a neighboring town I hadn’t considered, or I see a photo in a café of somewhere stunning and unfamiliar. Each trip opens the door to countless other destinations, turning travel into an ongoing journey rather than a single experience.

“Travel often sparks a kind of curiosity chain reaction.”

What was your most meaningful trip? Where was it, and why was it meaningful?

One of the stops along the Mediterranean was Barcelona, Spain. My dad was in the Army when he was young and talked about Barcelona as being one of his favorite places he traveled while in the service. I don’t know if being there was meaningful because I felt more connected to my dad or because Barcelona is such a beautiful city.

While there are many quaint little villages along the Mediterranean that I absolutely adored and would highly recommend, there was just something almost familiar about Barcelona that made me feel comfortable there. The city is bustling and alive with culture and music. When I visited Barcelona and toured Gaudí’s La Sagrada Família, I realized just how deeply a single place could captivate and surprise me. I have seen many churches across Europe, but none left an impression quite like this one. The intricately carved towering spires, the colorful light shining through the stained-glass windows, and the bold design made it feel more like a work of art than a church. What made it even more impressive was learning that it had been under construction for over 140 years. At the time of my visit, they said it might finally be finished in less than 10 years. Maybe I’ll go back someday to see it completed.

Every trip adds something new to how I see things, and this one definitely planted the desire to keep exploring.

How have your experiences traveling impacted your perspectives/actions?

Travel doesn’t just change your perspective on the world; it changes the way you see yourself.

There’s a common belief that certain countries don’t like Americans, but in my experience, that simply hasn’t been true. If anything, I’ve found that people everywhere tend to respond well to kindness, respect, and a positive attitude. If you approach others with defensiveness or assumptions, that energy often reflects right back at you. Sometimes, the problem isn’t where you are, it’s what you bring with you.

I remember being in a small shop in Cologne, Germany, when one of the women working there asked me something in German. I smiled, shook my head, and said, “Nein, German,” trying to explain I didn’t speak the language. She laughed and replied in perfect English, “Oh, you speak English! I have a cousin who lives in Wilmington, North Carolina.” I couldn’t believe it, here I was halfway across the world, talking to someone whose family lives just a few hours from me. It reminded me how connected we all really are, and how travel can turn the world into a much smaller, friendlier place.

“Travel doesn’t just change your perspective on the world; it changes the way you see yourself.”

Traveling is incredibly empowering. There’s something about stepping into a new culture, language, and environment that builds confidence in ways you can’t quite predict. Every trip challenges you to adapt, to problem-solve, and to navigate the unfamiliar. It pushes you outside your comfort zone, and over time, those experiences leave you with a sense of accomplishment and independence.  Whether it was figuring out how to communicate when there was a language barrier or learning to embrace the rhythm of a new place, each experience builds resilience and trust in my ability to handle whatever comes my way.

Plus, travel broadens your perspective. It teaches you to appreciate the diversity of cultures, the richness of history, and the shared humanity that connects us all. No matter where you go, you’ll always bring home something new, whether it’s a new skill, a fresh outlook, or a deeper sense of connection to the world.  In many ways, travel feels like an investment in your personal growth.

What is next on your travel adventure list and why?

The last few years, we have been rotating between domestic and international travel, since there are still many beautiful places to see here in the United States as well.

The next planned trip will be a river cruise down the Danube. I did a Rhine River cruise a couple of years ago and had a wonderful time. After enjoying the Rhine, the Danube feels like the natural next step in continuing to explore Europe by water. River cruising allows you to relax while still taking in new sights each day. I loved drifting past medieval castles, charming villages, and rolling vineyards, then stepping off the boat to explore towns full of history and culture. It offered a perfect balance between adventure and comfort.

The Danube will be a new stretch of Europe for me, and I’m excited to see how it compares. I’m especially looking forward to visiting cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava; places rich in music, architecture, and deep-rooted traditions. I’m hoping the Danube cruise will bring that same sense of wonder, with its own unique flavor.

What advice would you give to others considering an international trip?

I think my best advice is to not overthink it. It took a while to finally commit to my first overseas trip because I was worried about things like language barriers, where to stay, how to get around, and making sure I had everything packed that I could possibly need. The truth is, it’s easy to get caught up in the details, but you’ll quickly realize that other countries have stores too, who knew, right? (A bit of humor always helps.)

For example, while we were in Germany, my reading glasses broke unexpectedly. I walked into a local drugstore, holding the broken glasses, and the person behind the counter simply pointed to the display of glasses and said, “2.” It turned out that “2” was exactly the magnification I needed, and without a single word exchanged, I bought a new pair. The whole experience was a reminder that things often work out far more smoothly than you expect. Communication doesn’t always require words.

Also, while many Americans may not speak multiple languages, it’s surprising how many people in non-English-speaking countries understand English, especially in major tourist areas. And if you do find yourself in a situation where you need help, apps like Duolingo are handy for a quick translation (though we only used it once to purchase train tickets from a kiosk). More often than not, locals are more than happy to assist you if you’re ever in need, whether it’s directions, recommendations, or just a helping hand.

My advice? Let go of the little anxieties. The world is surprisingly accommodating, and you’ll find that people are generally welcoming and eager to help. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you go; you’ll adapt as you go along, and that’s part of the beauty of travel.

“In many ways, travel feels like an investment in your personal growth.”

Thank you for sharing your travel perspectives and journey, Richelle!  Let’s take Richelle’s sage advice and make an investment in our personal growth via travel!

For more information, check out these links:

Barcelona, Spain

Basilica de la Sagrada Familia

Bratislava, Slovakia

Budapest, Hungary

Duolingo

Danube River

Rhine River

Vienna, Austria