Imagine going through over 100 countries, mastering six languages, and condensing a lifetime of wisdom into 165 podcast episodes. These are just a few highlights from the extraordinary journey of a woman who embodies the famous saying, “When you love your life, it loves you back.” As a podcaster, Master Life Coach, hypnotherapist, published author, and motivational speaker, this avid traveler has turned a passion for exploration into a multifaceted career dedicated to inspiring and empowering others.
In an era where the insights of our elders are often overlooked, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the invaluable wisdom that comes with age and experience. From the bustling streets of foreign capitals to the quiet corners of self-discovery, she has developed a worldview as expansive as it is inspiring. Her journey is not just one of personal achievement, but a call to action for younger generations to seek out and learn from those who have lived rich, full lives.
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis, the Swiss travel queen whose adventures have taken her across continents and whose influence has lasted through generations. Join us as we delve into the life of a woman who proves that the most memorable journeys are those that transform us from within.
1. Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to become such a multi-faceted professional?
I was born to a teenage mother who wanted to give me up for adoption, but my grandfather was a good man, and he took me home, unfortunately, he died when I was ten. I was bullied at school because I had no parents, and I was often left out. We were poor and there was never any money for me to join a summer camp or a ski camp when I was 13 and when my friends went to camps, I went to work.
I cleaned hotel rooms and cleared tables at a ski lodge I understood the importance of financial freedom from a very young age. With the money I earned, I took language lessons because I wanted to leave. At the age of 19, I was fluent in 4 languages and took up my first job as a tour guide in Greece and from then on took every opportunity that presented itself to me. I also learned that everything we ever do or learn in life comes in handy at some point and that we must never think that we are too good for something. Even the simplest job may open a door or connect us with a person who can inspire us.
2. You’ve mentioned that you’re fluent in six languages. How has this linguistic ability enriched your travels and interactions with people around the world?
When you speak the local language, people respect you more because they realise that you have made an effort. Wherever I go, I always learn how to say hello and thank you. Speaking many languages also opened the door to a completely new world when I started translating for the police and traveling around the world to work as a conference interpreter. Knowing a language also helps us understand the culture and the mentality of a people. I believe it is important to talk to people from all walks of life because everyone has a story to tell and we can learn something from everyone.
3. Your podcast “Most Memorable Journeys” has an impressive 165 episodes. What motivated you to start this project, and what has been the most surprising aspect of hosting it?
During the pandemic, when we couldn’t travel, I felt like I was missing a limb. I thought of writing a book but then I attended a podcasting workshop and decided that this is it. I love to talk and have so many stories to tell. What started as a little fun has turned into a big project and I have had many famous people as episode guests.
4. As someone who has traveled to over 100 countries, what advice would you give to aspiring people who want to travel?
Just do it, go with the flow, respect the local customs, and talk to people. Be cautious but not paranoid. There are good and bad people everywhere and if you behave in a respectful manner, nobody is going to bother you. Always respect the law when you are in a foreign country, and if you are in trouble, don’t be arrogant or disrespectful. I learned that when I was a translator. As soon as someone who was arrested apologized and showed remorse, things became much easier. The world is full of beautiful places, and we are not meant to be just in one.
5. You’ve emphasized the importance of including older individuals in conversations and utilizing their wisdom. Can you share an example of how your life experiences have provided unique insights into your work or personal life?
We need to encourage intergenerational interaction. We can all learn from each other, but we have to listen. Unfortunately, most people like to hear themselves talk and are too self-centered and not interested. Utilizing the wisdom of older people can be incredibly beneficial for individuals and communities. I often share my experience and wisdom in workshops with young people; it has to be done in an appealing fun way, not a lecture.
6. As a Master Life Coach and hypnotherapist, how do you incorporate your travel experiences into your coaching and therapy practices?
Hypnotherapy is storytelling. My role model Milton Erickson’s secret was his ‘teaching tales’, not old fairytales but anecdotes about his own family life or the cases of previous patients that carried with them special meaning for a person’s problem. I do the same things with travel stories, and I use them as metaphors. My travel experiences have made me tolerant and open-minded, I listen without judgment and use examples from people that I have met all over the world.
7. You’re a published author as well. Can you tell us about your books and how they reflect your life philosophy?
I published one book called “The Soul Kit – First Aid for the Soul”, all my other books are E-books. Recently I was invited to write a chapter in a beautiful coffee table book called “Third Act Encore”
My aim in everything I do is to leave a little dent in the universe; make the world just a tiny bit better, and even if I only manage to make one person smile every day, my mission is accomplished. The world needs more kindness and small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, creating a more compassionate and connected world.
