What drives a woman to sell everything she owns, travel halfway around the world, and jump on yachts with complete strangers? For Tess Millhollon, author and founder of Her House, it was the desperate need to reclaim her sense of self after surviving sexual assault in college. Tess shares her remarkable journey of healing through solo travel in Australia, where she discovered that recreating her comfortable bartending life from Texas wasn't enough. The pivotal moment came when she spotted a host...
Jun 24, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 142
Have you ever looked at a solo traveler with a mix of curiosity, concern, or even pity? Those reactions reveal the powerful misconceptions surrounding solo travel, especially for women over 50. As a freedom traveler and coach who's ventured solo across continents, I'm pulling back the curtain on these limiting beliefs that might be keeping you from one of life's most empowering experiences. Safety concerns top most people's list when discussing solo travel. While being informed is crucial—resear...
Jun 17, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 141
Ever found yourself standing in a crowded European plaza, sweat dripping down your back, wondering why you bothered to travel at all? For women navigating perimenopause and menopause, travel presents unique challenges that rarely make it into guidebooks or travel blogs. Hot flashes, night sweats, and unpredictable temperature regulation can transform dream destinations into uncomfortable ordeals without proper planning. Drawing from personal experience and health coaching background, I share eig...
Jun 10, 2025•14 min•Season 3Ep. 140
Freedom calls from the open road, and summer's the perfect time to answer. This practical guide to solo road trips unlocks the joy of spontaneous travel when expensive flights or elaborate planning isn't an option. Feeling the wanderlust but haven't made summer plans? A solo road trip might be your perfect adventure. Whether you have just a day, a weekend, or a full week to spare, hitting the highway offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility. The beauty lies in simplicity - choose a destinatio...
Jun 03, 2025•17 min•Season 3Ep. 139
The summer countdown has begun. School's out, temperatures are rising, and social media feeds are bursting with vacation photos and travel plans—but what if you don't have anything planned? Whether due to procrastination, budget constraints, or simply preferring to avoid peak travel season, a summer without definitive plans doesn't have to leave you feeling left out or bored. Today's episode offers a refreshingly practical approach to creating memorable summer experiences without the need for ex...
May 27, 2025•12 min•Season 3Ep. 138
Ever caught yourself staring at travel influencers' perfect Instagram feeds, wondering how on earth they afford their seemingly endless adventures? You're not alone. The truth is, most travelers aren't sponsored, wealthy, or living off massive social media revenue – they're regular people, like you and me, who've mastered the art of funding their wanderlust through creativity and planning. As a solo traveler with a full-time job outside of podcasting, I've developed practical strategies that all...
May 20, 2025•20 min•Season 3Ep. 137
What kind of traveler are you at heart? Do you pinch pennies to extend your journey, or do you splurge on luxury experiences? Are you drawn to cultural immersion, or do you crave heart-pounding adventure? We all have natural tendencies that shape our travel experiences, yet many of us try to force ourselves into travel styles that don't authentically reflect who we are. In this eye-opening exploration of travel personalities, we break down six distinct traveler types - from the budget-conscious ...
May 13, 2025•17 min•Season 3Ep. 136
When life forces you to start over completely, what would you do? For Allison Gonzalez, a series of devastating blows in 2019—losing her job, the death of her beloved dog, and the onset of a global pandemic—became the unexpected catalyst for a transformative journey of self-discovery through solo RV travel. Rather than continuing to push for conventional stability after selling her California home, Allison made a bold decision: "I'm just going to skip the house and travel." What began as a react...
May 06, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 135
The endless horizon stretches between volcanic plains and glacier-topped mountains as we journey through Iceland, a land where fire and ice create one of earth's most breathtaking natural canvases. What makes this Nordic island nation so remarkable isn't just its visual drama but how its landscapes become a powerful catalyst for personal healing and renewal. My solo adventure through Iceland revealed a country of startling contrasts - snow-capped peaks beside dramatic coastlines, black sand beac...
Apr 29, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 134
Danielle Hiebert's life took an unexpected turn when, in the midst of a painful divorce after 32 years of marriage and exhausted from the pandemic's toll on educators, she found herself scrolling through job listings in the middle of the night. A curriculum coordinator position in Kuwait caught her eye, and within weeks, she was preparing to move halfway across the world. What began as an escape from heartache transformed into a profound journey of healing and self-discovery. Kuwait—a country sh...
Apr 22, 2025•39 min•Season 3Ep. 133
What do the Statue of Liberty, Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, and the Eiffel Tower have in common? They've all become part of the global tourist trap circuit—places that promise unforgettable experiences but often deliver crowds, inflated prices, and a distinctly inauthentic atmosphere. I've traveled to numerous destinations on those viral "must-see before you die" lists, and while these iconic landmarks certainly have their merits, the experience of visiting them doesn't always match our ex...
Apr 15, 2025•12 min•Season 3Ep. 132
The vibrant energy of Porto, Portugal comes to life through Cheryl's detailed account of her day and a half in this charming riverside city. While many travelers automatically gravitate toward Lisbon, Cheryl makes a compelling case for Porto's superior atmosphere, describing it as less touristy yet rich with authentic Portuguese culture. From the moment she steps off the train from Lisbon, Cheryl's adventure unfolds with visits to the famous Livraria Lello bookstore (which she recommends booking...
Apr 08, 2025•16 min•Season 3Ep. 131
Discovering your travel personality might be the key to your most enjoyable adventures yet. Do you meticulously plan every detail with color-coded spreadsheets, or do you prefer throwing caution to the wind and seeing where the journey takes you? The truth is, neither approach is inherently better—they simply reflect different personality types and comfort levels. Planned travel offers undeniable advantages: guaranteed access to popular attractions (like my recently secured Blue Lagoon reservati...
Apr 01, 2025•17 min•Season 3Ep. 130
A surprising moment of carelessness in a familiar setting sparked an important realization: the security mindset we adopt while traveling often vanishes when we're in comfortable surroundings. After discovering my purse sitting wide open in a busy restaurant aisle, I began reflecting on the critical strategies we need for protecting our finances during solo adventures. Security begins with the right equipment. Finding an anti-theft bag that works with your travel style provides the foundation fo...
Mar 25, 2025•9 min•Season 3Ep. 129
Travel regulations are constantly evolving, with several significant changes coming in 2025 that will affect both domestic and international journeys. Understanding these new rules now will help you prepare and avoid unexpected complications during your future adventures. • The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) implementation has been delayed until late 2026 • An electronic entry/exit system (EES) will still begin in October 2025 for European travel • UK travel now req...
Mar 18, 2025•15 min•Season 3Ep. 128
Do you stare at an empty suitcase the night before your trip, or struggle to zip one that's bursting at the seams? The chronic overpacker's dilemma is real, but there's a better way to prepare for your adventures. After years of streamlining my packing process, I've developed six game-changing strategies that transform chaotic last-minute packing into an organized system anyone can master. Starting your packing process early with a comprehensive checklist prevents both overpacking and forgetting...
Mar 11, 2025•13 min•Season 3Ep. 127
Are you dreaming of taking a solo trip but feeling apprehensive? Join me as we delve into the inspiring journey of Leigh Barborek, who bravely faced her fears to travel solo to New Zealand for the very first time. From grappling with feelings of guilt and safety concerns to thrilling adventures and newfound independence, Leigh shares her heartfelt experiences and lessons learned. In this episode, we explore the emotional journey leading up to solo travel, including decision-making, planning, and...
Mar 04, 2025•46 min•Season 3Ep. 126
Why do people choose to travel solo? This captivating episode provides an in-depth look at the many facets of solo travel and the intrinsic motivations that draw people to explore the world on their own terms. The conversation dives into personal anecdotes, highlighting that the urge to journey alone often stems from the need for self-reflection, recharging, and embracing solitude. With engaging storytelling, you’ll learn how each solo adventure can lead to moments of self-discovery and empower ...
Feb 25, 2025•12 min•Season 3Ep. 125
Traveling with food allergies doesn't have to be a daunting experience. Join me, Cheryl Esch, as I share my personal journey and practical strategies for navigating the world with a host of dietary restrictions. Whether you're allergic to peanuts, soy, gluten, or dairy, learn how to conquer your fears and prepare for safe and enjoyable adventures. I'll guide you through the essential steps, from packing your own food to researching restaurants in advance, ensuring that your next trip is free fro...
Feb 18, 2025•18 min•Season 3Ep. 124
Have you ever wondered how a single book could change your life trajectory? As someone who has been profoundly influenced by literature, I invite you to join me on an exploration of how books serve as a bridge between our dreams and reality. From the soulful journeys in "Eat Pray Love" and "Under the Tuscan Sun" to the rugged paths of "Wild," these stories are more than mere narratives; they're blueprints for embarking on real-life adventures. Through this episode, I share my personal experience...
Feb 11, 2025•14 min•Season 3Ep. 123
Facing the daunting headlines of plane crashes, I found myself pondering how to make solo travel less intimidating and more secure. Ever wondered how to travel with peace of mind, knowing you're prepared for any bump along the way? This episode promises to equip you with practical strategies to organize essential documents, utilizes tools like Google Docs to store critical information, and introduces a comprehensive resource called "I'm Dead, Now What?" By setting these preparations in motion, l...
Feb 04, 2025•14 min•Season 3Ep. 122
Ever found yourself buried under a mountain of travel emails and confirmations, unsure of what’s what and where’s where? You're not alone. I'm here to share how I found my way through the chaos of planning a spontaneous trip to Florida. Discover the magic of apps like TripIt and Wanderlog that can effortlessly gather all your travel details into one streamlined itinerary. Imagine never having to scroll through countless emails again—these digital tools not only save time but reduce stress, ensur...
Jan 28, 2025•13 min•Season 3Ep. 121
Imagine turning your next travel escape into a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. That's exactly what I, Cheryl Esch, aim to help you achieve in our latest episode. Having used travel as a means to cope with the pressures of my corporate career, I realized it could be so much more than just a temporary escape. We dive into the art of purposeful travel, focusing on how to identify your unique physical, mental, and spiritual needs to choose destinations that truly nurture and revitaliz...
Jan 21, 2025•11 min•Season 3Ep. 120
Ever felt let down by a travel destination that didn't match the vibrant photos you saw online? You're not alone. I share my personal experience at Rainbow Mountain in Peru, where reality didn't quite live up to my expectations. Let's explore how setting realistic expectations and maintaining a sense of curiosity can transform these moments into opportunities for unexpected joy. With practical tips on flexibility and research, I'll guide you on how to navigate the logistical challenges of travel...
Jan 14, 2025•15 min•Season 3Ep. 119
Ever wondered how to align your travel dreams with your life's current season or find the perfect destination for a soul-soothing solo journey? We promise that by the end of this episode, you'll not only have a clearer vision of your 2025 travel goals but also practical strategies to make them a reality. Celebrating the start of season three with our vibrant community, I reflect on my 2024 adventures across breathtaking landscapes and life-changing paths like the Camino Portuguese. Join me as I ...
Jan 07, 2025•21 min•Season 3Ep. 118
As we bid farewell to 2024, I’m excited to share an inspiring journey through the voices of 13 incredible women who graced the podcast this year. From the universal language of food with Annie Sim of The Table Less Traveled to the enlightening perspective on ethical animal interactions with Nora Livingston from Animal Experience International, each guest has left a profound impact. Annie's stories reminded me of my great grandmother’s Slovakian heritage and the unifying power of sharing a meal, ...
Dec 31, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 117
Stephanie Zito takes us on an extraordinary adventure from a childhood with little travel to conquering the globe with 153 countries under her belt. Sparked by her grandparents' tales and a teacher's mesmerizing slideshows, Stephanie's journey truly launched when a friend encouraged her to study abroad in London. Her story is a testament to how travel can transform us, offering lessons in embracing the world's endless possibilities and turning exploration into a force for good. Step into the wor...
Dec 17, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 116
Unlock the secrets to a memorable solo travel experience with our exclusive guide to the safest and most captivating destinations of 2025. Discover how cities like Brisbane, Australia, offer a vibrant culture and nightlife alongside unmatched safety, making it a prime choice for solo and female travelers. With insights from travel aficionado Julie Fenn, we unveil the rejuvenating waterfalls and hiking trails of Nikko, Japan, as the perfect retreat for those seeking tranquility. Koh Samui, Thaila...
Dec 10, 2024•20 min•Season 2Ep. 115
Ever wondered how your next travel adventure could be influenced by the stars, or even your favorite TV show? Join us for a captivating exploration of travel trends shaping 2025. We promise you'll uncover insights into how eco-tourism is not just a buzzword but a meaningful movement transforming the travel landscape. Imagine planning a getaway with the help of AI or experiencing the cosmos in newly designated dark sky parks—these are just some of the revelations awaiting you. Discover how silent...
Dec 03, 2024•10 min•Season 2Ep. 114
What if exploring the world could also deepen your sense of community? Join us as we welcome Kimberly Long, a cherished listener and fellow Texan whose recent adventures have taken her through the breathtaking landscapes of Oregon and Washington on an invigorating six-day bike tour. With an e-bike to keep pace and a group of 18 enthusiastic cyclists, Kimberly paints a vivid picture of the joys and camaraderie found when exploring the Columbia River Gorge and the Willamette Valley. Her tales of w...
Nov 26, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 113
