Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel Tips

Cheryl Esch-Solo Travel Advocate/Certified Travel Coach/Freedom Traveler
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Equipping Women over 50 to Safely Travel in Confidence Is fear holding you back from traveling because you don’t have anyone to go with? Are you concerned about being a woman traveling alone? Not sure how to prepare for a solo trip? Do family and friends think you are crazy for even considering solo travel in this day and age? In this podcast, you will become equipped to travel safely by yourself. You’ll learn things like tactical travel tips and how to prepare for a trip, and how to overcome the fear so you can discover the transformation that travel can bring. My mission is to see more women over 50, empty-nesters, discover how travel can empower them. If you want to enjoy your next travel adventure solo, then start your journey here. Hi Sister Travelers, I’m Cheryl, solo travel advocate and coach. I spent nearly 20 years putting my family/children first and felt guilty about even considering solo travel at the time. After my divorce and transitioning to an empty nest, I began to rediscover my passion for travel, built confidence in myself, and started to explore again. I have experienced life-changing adventures through travel and I want the same for you. If you are ready to find freedom through travel and build your confidence while safely navigating new places, then this podcast is for you! Pack your bags, grab your plane tickets and check one more time for that passport. It’s time to explore the world.

  1. 16H AGO

    Reclaim Your Courage, One Ticket At A Time // 174

    We explore how solo travel becomes a practical path to deep, steady confidence for women over 50. We share starter trips, smart safety habits, mindset shifts, and real stories that turn fear into skill and self-trust. • confidence as a muscle built by action • small trips that compound into bigger goals • practical planning without overplanning • situational awareness and rideshare safety • navigation tips, power banks, map pins • reframing solo dining and public presence • celebrating wins and fixing missteps • handling homesickness and fatigue • midlife travel as identity reclamation • bringing hard-earned confidence back home Travel bravely, travel wisely, and travel confidently. Get out there and have those adventures. Support the show https://www.cherylbeckesch.com hello@cherylbeckesch.com Instagram @solotraveladventures50

    17 min

  2. FEB 10

    12 Solo Date Ideas For Self-Confidence And Future Travel // 173

    Love can wait—confidence can’t. We’re taking Valentine’s and turning it into a catalyst for self-trust with twelve solo date ideas that make everyday life richer and future solo travel feel natural. Cheryl shares simple, doable outings that help you practice listening to yourself, choosing your own pace, and finding joy without waiting for company. We start small with cozy cafes and bookstore dates that teach presence and comfort in public spaces. Then we stretch into museums and galleries where you can follow your curiosity without compromise. Thrifting and farmers markets add playful exploration and sensory delight, while inner child activities—like skating, doodling, or a leisurely bike ride—bring back lightness adults often forget. Nature gets a highlight with new parks and trails that build planning skills and resilience, and we balance it with restorative self-care through a spa day that tells your body it matters, no excuse needed. You’ll also hear how classes and workshops become low-pressure ways to meet people while learning a skill, why a cooking class can become a confidence anchor you repeat at home, and how being a tourist in your own town trains the exact logistics you’ll use abroad. Botanical gardens invite deep attention and seasonal timing, and a vision board night turns fuzzy goals into a daily, visual nudge toward action. By the end, you’ll see solo dates not as a consolation prize, but as training reps for independence, joy, and the courage to book that trip. If this resonated, tap follow, share with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review telling us which solo date you’ll try first. Your story might spark someone else’s leap. Support the show https://www.cherylbeckesch.com hello@cherylbeckesch.com Instagram @solotraveladventures50

    14 min

  3. FEB 3

    Should You Travel Solo or With Friends? How to Decide What’s Right for You //172

    Ever told friends about a dream getaway and watched them invite themselves along? We’ve been there. Today we walk through the real tradeoffs between solo travel and trips with friends, and we get honest about freedom, safety, budget, and the hard truth about compromise. Cheryl shares why traveling alone can unlock spontaneity, deeper cultural immersion, and personal growth, while also acknowledging the joy of shared memories and the relief of splitting costs on rooms, rides, and groceries. We break down the key compatibility questions to ask before you book with someone: travel style (budget vs. luxury), pace (early riser or night owl), food preferences and allergies, and how each of you handles stress and change. You’ll hear practical ways to protect the friendship and the itinerary, like agreeing on must-do lists for each person, setting a realistic budget, planning intentional alone time, and using clear meet-up points so everyone gets space without derailing the day. If you’re drawn to culture and connection, we talk about how comfort zones can quietly shrink your experience—and how going solo or simply splitting up for a few hours opens doors to local conversation and serendipity. Most importantly, we anchor every choice to purpose. If you need decompression and reflection, solo may serve you best; if you’re celebrating or easing into travel, a friend or group can be perfect. We also cover graceful ways to say no when someone invites themselves, how to align expectations, and how to avoid resentment by being upfront about intentions. By the end, you’ll have a simple framework to choose your mode, design a trip that fits your season, and return with more than photos—return with clarity. If this helped you plan smarter, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to tell us your travel style. Support the show https://www.cherylbeckesch.com hello@cherylbeckesch.com Instagram @solotraveladventures50

    15 min

  4. JAN 27

    How Purposeful Travel Can Change You More Than Talk Therapy // 171

    Have you ever returned from a trip feeling different—clearer, lighter, or more certain about what needs to change? In this episode of Solo Travel Adventures, Cheryl explores why travel so often creates powerful life shifts and how it can move the needle in ways that years of “thinking about change” sometimes can’t. Blending personal experience with psychological insight, Cheryl reflects on how walking the Camino reshaped her priorities and helped her return home with healthier boundaries and a slower, more intentional pace. We look at why purposeful travel disrupts autopilot thinking, loosens identity pressures, and creates space for clarity, healing, and renewal—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. What You’ll Hear Why people often experience major life clarity after travelHow travel breaks the illusion that your current life is the only optionThe brain science behind novelty, movement, and presenceHow travel removes social roles and helps you hear your true desiresWhy insight gained on the road integrates faster at homeHow therapy and travel work together—not against each otherWays to use intentional travel to support reflection and life change Key Takeaways Travel works through lived experience, not just reflectionNew environments pull your brain out of autopilot and old patternsStepping outside familiar roles creates space for discernmentPurposeful travel can clarify what’s no longer working in your lifeOne intentional trip can spark meaningful, sustainable change Resources & Links Learn more about Cheryl and her 1:1 coaching: https://www.cherylbeckesch.com Email: hello@cherylbeckesch.com Instagram: @solotraveladventures50 Coaching Invitation If you’re feeling stuck, restless, or quietly longing for change, this is something I support women with in 1:1 coaching. Together, we explore how intentional travel can create space for clarity, healing, and renewed direction—without pressure or urgency, just thoughtful discernment. Support the show https://www.cherylbeckesch.com hello@cherylbeckesch.com Instagram @solotraveladventures50

    14 min

  5. JAN 20

    How Travel Becomes a Turning Point: Four Women’s Stories of Courage and Healing // 170

    Have you ever heard someone’s story and thought, If she could do that, maybe I could too? In this episode of Solo Travel Adventures, Cheryl revisits four unforgettable guest stories that reveal how travel can become a powerful turning point—especially in seasons of transition, loss, or renewal. From a first solo international trip to New Zealand, to a life-altering move to Kuwait during divorce, to mountain summits that quiet anxious thoughts, to healing on the water halfway around the world—these women share how stepping into the unfamiliar helped them rediscover courage, clarity, and self-trust. Their journeys remind us that transformation doesn’t always come from having all the answers, but from taking one faithful step forward. What You’ll Hear Why inspirational travel stories stay with us long after the trip endsLee’s courageous first solo international trip to New ZealandDanielle’s leap across the ocean for healing during divorceLinda’s rediscovery of strength through solo hiking and physical challengeTess’s journey of healing, faith, and decision-making through solo travelHow solo travel can support emotional, mental, and spiritual renewalWhy ordinary women’s stories matter more than extraordinary itineraries Key Takeaways Travel can create space for healing, clarity, and rebuilding confidenceOne intentional trip can shift how you see yourself and your futureCourage often begins with a single, imperfect stepSolo travel can quiet fear and strengthen self-trustYour story—big or small—has the power to encourage another woman Referenced Episodes Episode 126 – Lee’s first solo international trip to New ZealandEpisode 133 – Danielle’s journey to Kuwait during divorce and healingEpisode 144 – Linda’s story of strength through hiking and renewalEpisode 143 – Tess’s healing journey through solo travel in Australia Resources & Links Learn more about Cheryl and her 1:1 coaching: https://www.cherylbeckesch.com Email: hello@cherylbeckesch.com Instagram: @solotraveladventures50 Interested in sharing your story on the podcast? Schedule a short discovery call: https://calendly.com/solotraveladventures/book-a-call Coaching Invitation If you’re longing for courage, healing, or clarity in a new season, this is something I support women with in 1:1 coaching. Together, we explore how intentional travel—and thoughtful reflection—can become a companion as you rebuild, renew, and listen for what’s next. Support the show https://www.cherylbeckesch.com hello@cherylbeckesch.com Instagram @solotraveladventures50

    18 min

  6. JAN 13

    From Empty Nest to New Adventures: How Solo Travel and Reflection Shape Your Next Chapter // 169

    Have you ever imagined your life as a storybook? A novel filled with plot twists, love, loss, resilience—and maybe a few breathtaking adventures? If you're stepping into an empty nest, navigating menopause, or wondering what this next season holds, this episode is for you. Cheryl invites you to reflect on your life as a story still being written—and to consider how solo travel can become a meaningful part of your next chapter. Through guided reflection questions and gentle journaling prompts, you'll begin rediscovering who you were before motherhood, responsibilities, and hard seasons reshaped your days. And you’ll explore how travel can support courage, clarity, and renewal—not as an escape, but as space to remember yourself. What You’ll Hear Why the empty nest season can feel both freeing and disorientingA powerful reflection exercise to reconnect with your eight-year-old selfHow to identify “lost” hobbies and rediscover creative joyA simple 20-activity list to spark fun and possibilityWays to thoughtfully weave solo travel into your new life storyKey Takeaways Your story isn’t over—it may just be turning the page.Reclaiming who you were can help clarify who you’re becoming.Creativity and play often point toward meaningful travel experiences.Intentional reflection leads to more transformative trips.You don’t have to figure out this transition alone.Resources & Links 1:1 Travel Coaching with Cheryl  https://cherylbeck.com Email Cheryl to inquire about a single coaching session:  hello@cherylbeckesh.com Coaching Invitation If you're in a transitional season and unsure what your next chapter holds, this is something I support women with in 1:1 coaching. Together, we can gently discern what kind of solo trip aligns with who you are now—and who you're becoming. Learn more at:  https://cherylbeck.com You don’t have to rewrite your story alone. Support the show https://www.cherylbeckesch.com hello@cherylbeckesch.com Instagram @solotraveladventures50

    22 min

  7. JAN 6

    Healing Through Travel: How Solo Trips Help Women Reclaim Confidence After Divorce and Loss // 168

    What if your next solo trip wasn’t just a vacation… but part of your healing? In this deeply personal episode, Cheryl shares how a two-week solo journey after divorce became the catalyst for her mission to help Christian women 50+ move through grief, trauma, and life transitions with intention. She opens up about the trips that restored her confidence, the Camino walk that didn’t unfold as planned, and the powerful lesson that healing is a process—not a magic fix. If you’re walking through divorce, loss, or a hard season and wondering whether travel could help, this episode gently explores how solo travel can become a meaningful tool for restoration, clarity, and renewed identity. What You’ll Hear How Cheryl’s two-week solo trip after divorce changed everythingWhy travel can support healing—but isn’t a quick fixWhat she learned walking the Camino after traumaThe difference between loneliness and solitude on solo tripsWhy 2026 is being called the year of the “why-cation”How intentional travel can create space to grieve and rediscover yourselfKey Takeaways Travel is not a magic pill—but it can be a powerful healing resource.Solo travel creates space to process grief in ways daily life often doesn’t allow.Healing requires patience; transformation doesn’t happen on a rigid timeline.Confidence often returns when you reconnect with who you truly are.Purpose-driven travel can shift your perspective and renew hope.Resources & Links Healing Through Travel Coaching Program https://cherylbeck.com Listen to Episode 147 (Jamaica story referenced in this episode) Schedule a Discovery Call https://cherylbeck.com Coaching Invitation If you’re navigating divorce, grief, or another difficult season and you feel drawn to travel—but unsure how to begin—this is something I support women with in 1:1 coaching. Healing Through Travel is designed specifically for Christian women 50+ who want their next trip to be intentional, restorative, and aligned with who they are becoming. You can learn more or schedule a discovery call here: https://cherylbeck.com You don’t have to walk this journey alone. BOOK a Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/solotraveladventures/book-a-call Support the show https://www.cherylbeckesch.com hello@cherylbeckesch.com Instagram @solotraveladventures50

    14 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    Stop Putting Off Your Dream Trip: How to Set and Reach Your 2026 Travel Goals // 167

    Are you still waiting for the “right time” to take that dream trip? In this episode, Cheryl shares a heartfelt encouragement to stop postponing the travel dreams that have been sitting quietly on your bucket list for years. After reflecting on family health scares and the reality that life can change in an instant, she invites you to approach 2026 with intention, courage, and a plan. From setting meaningful travel goals to using practical tools that help you save and plan wisely, this episode blends motivation with strategy—so you can stop sitting on the sidelines and start moving toward the trip that’s been calling your name. What You’ll Hear Why waiting for “someday” can quietly steal your travel dreamsHow health scares and life transitions shift perspectiveThe Japanese concept of Masogi—and how it applies to bold travel goalsCheryl’s personal travel goal framework (countries, national parks, states)Practical tools to monitor flights and save intentionallyWhy urgency can be a gift—not pressureKey Takeaways Life is unpredictable—your dreams deserve timely action.Big travel goals start with small, consistent steps.Saving slowly and planning early reduces stress and debt.Vision boards, written goals, and mock itineraries build momentum.You don’t have to wait for someone else to make your dream trip happen.Resources & Links 1:1 Travel Coaching with Cheryl https://cherylbeck.com Flight tools mentioned: Google Flights Skyscanner Booking.com Going (flight deal alerts) Coaching Invitation If you’ve been sitting on a bucket list trip for years and feel overwhelmed by where to begin, this is something I help women walk through in 1:1 coaching. Together, we clarify your goals, create a realistic plan, and build the confidence to make it happen—without rushing or going into debt. Learn more here: https://cherylbeck.com Your dream trip doesn’t need to stay a dream. @solotraveladventures50 Support the show https://www.cherylbeckesch.com hello@cherylbeckesch.com Instagram @solotraveladventures50

    11 min
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4.6
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39 Ratings

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Equipping Women over 50 to Safely Travel in Confidence Is fear holding you back from traveling because you don’t have anyone to go with? Are you concerned about being a woman traveling alone? Not sure how to prepare for a solo trip? Do family and friends think you are crazy for even considering solo travel in this day and age? In this podcast, you will become equipped to travel safely by yourself. You’ll learn things like tactical travel tips and how to prepare for a trip, and how to overcome the fear so you can discover the transformation that travel can bring. My mission is to see more women over 50, empty-nesters, discover how travel can empower them. If you want to enjoy your next travel adventure solo, then start your journey here. Hi Sister Travelers, I’m Cheryl, solo travel advocate and coach. I spent nearly 20 years putting my family/children first and felt guilty about even considering solo travel at the time. After my divorce and transitioning to an empty nest, I began to rediscover my passion for travel, built confidence in myself, and started to explore again. I have experienced life-changing adventures through travel and I want the same for you. If you are ready to find freedom through travel and build your confidence while safely navigating new places, then this podcast is for you! Pack your bags, grab your plane tickets and check one more time for that passport. It’s time to explore the world.

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