Me and the Magic

Amanda Bauner: Solo Travel Expert, Podcaster, and Blogger

Me and the Magic provides solo travel and vacation planning tips, dining and resort reviews, and much more. Join Amanda Bauner on her travels around the United States and different parts of the world, including Disney destinations and Disney cruises.

  1. 11H AGO

    Top Reasons Women Choose Solo Travel

    In Episode 179 of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner dives into the reasons why women choose to travel solo. She shares personal experiences, explores survey data, and highlights the growing trend of learning-based and small group travel among women. Amanda discusses the empowerment, self-discovery, and freedom solo travel offers, debunks common misconceptions, and describes how solo journeys can strengthen relationships and promote self-care.  Episode Resources Travel + Leisure, "Why More Women Are Traveling Solo, Together" by Lori Rackl. Published on May 8, 2025. Travel Bug Tonic, "Why solo travel? Untangling the reasons why women travel alone."  Upcoming Events Learn more about our 2026 Seine River cruise, round-trip from Paris, here.  Learn more about our 2027 Norwegian Luna cruise to Bermuda from NYC here.   Join the Me and the Magic Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Amanda Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic.com.   Subscribe to the Me and the Magic weekly newsletter for exclusive content, including solo travel tips! Me and the Magic has voicemail! Leave a voicemail or text to 1-347-74MAGIC (1-347-746-2442). Share your thoughts about this episode, a future episode topic idea, or just say hi! Podcast Subscribe to this podcast so you will be the first to hear new episodes!  If you are enjoying the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. The reviews help other people find this podcast.  Online Shop Buy some fun travel and pop culture shirts and more, at our online shop!

    21 min
  2. FEB 23

    Finding Inspiration in Women's History While Traveling Solo and with Small Groups

    In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner welcomes Sarah Magnoni, founder of Cobblestones and Castles, for a deep dive into solo women's travel with a historical feminist twist. They discuss Sarah's unique small-group trips for women exploring Ireland, Scotland, England, and France, where history, literature, and women's empowerment intersect. The conversation touches on meaningful solo travel experiences, cultivating community, and the importance of embracing both adventure and intuition.  Connect with Our Guest Connect with Sarah Magnoni at Cobblestones & Castles. Join Sarah's Facebook group, The Cobblestone Collective: Historical Feminism Travel Group. Upcoming Events Learn more about our 2026 Seine River cruise, round-trip from Paris, here.  Learn more about our 2027 Norwegian Luna cruise to Bermuda from NYC here.   Join the Me and the Magic Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Amanda Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic.com.   Subscribe to the Me and the Magic weekly newsletter for exclusive content, including solo travel tips! Me and the Magic has voicemail! Leave a voicemail or text to 1-347-74MAGIC (1-347-746-2442). Share your thoughts about this episode, a future episode topic idea, or just say hi! Podcast Subscribe to this podcast so you will be the first to hear new episodes!  If you are enjoying the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. The reviews help other people find this podcast.  Online Shop Buy some fun travel and pop culture shirts and more, at our online shop!

    1 hr
  3. FEB 2

    Simple Ways to Find Joy in Daily Life and Your Travels

    In this heartfelt episode, host Amanda Bauner candidly shares her personal struggles amid political turmoil in the U.S. She discusses the impact of current events on her travel plans and explores why finding joy is especially important during challenging times. Amanda offers practical tips for cultivating joy in daily life and travel, emphasizing the value of community, resilience, and meaningful connections.  Resources from This Episode February 2025 Psychology Today article: "The Importance of Joy in the Darkest of Times" authored by F. Diane Barth, LCSW. HelpGuide.org's article: "Finding Joy During Difficult Times" authored by Stephanie Mihalas, PhD, and ABPP. Me and the Magic Episode 124: Microadventures for the Solo Traveler. Me and the Magic Episode 159: Why Your Travel Plans and Goals May Change. Join the Me and the Magic Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, cruises, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Amanda Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic.com.   Subscribe to the Me and the Magic weekly newsletter for exclusive content, including solo travel tips! Me and the Magic has voicemail! Leave a voicemail or text to 1-347-74MAGIC (1-347-746-2442). Share your thoughts about this episode, a future episode topic idea, or just say hi! Podcast Subscribe to this podcast so you will be the first to hear new episodes!  If you are enjoying the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. The reviews help other people find this podcast.  Online Shop Buy some fun travel and pop culture shirts and more, at our online shop!

    33 min
  4. 12/10/2025

    Highlights from Our Group Weekend at Dollywood

    Host Amanda Bauner reunites with guests to recap their festive weekend at Dollywood during the Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration. They share stories about travel to Eastern Tennessee, their different accommodations, favorite Dollywood rides, top-notch holiday shows, shopping finds, local activities, and, of course, the famous cinnamon bread. The group also reflects on building friendships through travel in this heartwarming celebration of connection, adventure, and holiday magic. Join us for our Seine River Cruise in September 2026! Join Amanda Bauner and the Me and the Magic community on a 7-night Seine River cruise with AMA Waterways, round-trip from Paris, France, September 10-17, 2026! Find the itinerary, ship and stateroom details here.  Join the Me and the Magic Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Amanda Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic.com.   Subscribe to the Me and the Magic weekly newsletter for exclusive content, including solo travel tips! Me and the Magic has voicemail! Leave a voicemail or text to 1-347-74MAGIC (1-347-746-2442). Share your thoughts about this episode, a future episode topic idea, or just say hi! Podcast Subscribe to this podcast so you will be the first to hear new episodes!  If you are enjoying the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. The reviews help other people find this podcast.  Online Shop Buy some fun travel and pop culture shirts and more, at our online shop!

    1h 11m
  5. 11/26/2025

    Top Ten Walt Disney World Attractions That Keep Us Coming Back

    In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner welcomes Disney expert Tim Foster to share and discuss their top 10 Walt Disney World attractions. Together, they explore what keeps them returning to favorites like Tower of Terror, Haunted Mansion, Spaceship Earth, and more, including personal stories, repeatability, and the magic behind the details. Their conversation blends nostalgia, Disney history, and insider tips, while celebrating the joy and wonder of solo and group travel.  Connect with Our Guest Connect with Tim Foster at Celebrations Press. Follow these links to purchase Tim Foster's books: "It's a small world": The Definitive Edition Spaceship Earth: The Definitive Edition Join us for our Seine River Cruise in September 2026! Join Amanda Bauner and the Me and the Magic community on a 7-night Seine River cruise with AMA Waterways, round-trip from Paris, France, September 10-17, 2026! Find the itinerary, ship and stateroom details here.  Join the Me and the Magic Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Amanda Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic.com.   Subscribe to the Me and the Magic weekly newsletter for exclusive content, including solo travel tips! Me and the Magic has voicemail! Leave a voicemail or text to 1-347-74MAGIC (1-347-746-2442). Share your thoughts about this episode, a future episode topic idea, or just say hi! Podcast Subscribe to this podcast so you will be the first to hear new episodes!  If you are enjoying the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. The reviews help other people find this podcast.  Online Shop Buy some fun travel and pop culture shirts and more, at our online shop!

    1h 34m
4.9
out of 5
61 Ratings

About

Me and the Magic provides solo travel and vacation planning tips, dining and resort reviews, and much more. Join Amanda Bauner on her travels around the United States and different parts of the world, including Disney destinations and Disney cruises.

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