Roam Alone

Theresa Stephens

Roam Alone is a podcast about solo travel — the courage, transformation, and unexpected connections that happen when people explore the world on their own. Each episode features inspiring stories from travelers who discovered confidence, healing, and adventure through traveling alone. From first-time solo trips to long-distance walking journeys across Europe, guests share how solo travel changed their lives. Roam Alone explores everything from solo hiking and travel after major life changes to traveling alone later in life and finding community on the road. Whether you're dreaming about your first solo trip or already love traveling independently, these conversations will inspire your next adventure.

  1. قبل يوم واحد

    Solo Van Life: Kristy's Coddiwompling Journey

    Send us Fan Mail What would you do if you knew you couldn’t get it wrong?  That’s the question that drives Kristy Halvorsen, author of Perfect Unfolding, and today’s guest on Roam Alone.  In this episode, Theresa sits down with Kristy Halvorsen — author of the new book Perfect Unfolding — to talk about the nine years she's spent living on the road in her Airstream, affectionately named Coddi (short for "coddiwompling," the art of traveling purposefully without a fixed destination). Kristy shares what it means to trust that the road — and life itself — will lead her exactly where she's supposed to be, even when the path isn't clear and even when it's hard. Perfect Unfolding is her reflection on a belief she's built her whole life around: that everything is unfolding precisely as it's meant to, whether or not we can see the reason in the moment. This conversation is part travel story, part life philosophy, and part gentle permission slip to let go of the need for certainty. In this episode: What "coddiwompling" actually means — and how it became Kristy's way of lifeLife on the road for nine years: the freedom, the uncertainty, and everything in betweenThe belief behind Perfect Unfolding: that life is happening exactly as it shouldHow Kristy leans into trust during life's hardest seasonsWhat it looks like to travel — and live — without needing to know the destinationConnect with Kristy: Website: Perfect Unfolding Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone

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  2. ٢٢ يونيو

    Long-term Solo Travel: 4 Years, 36 Countries & A Date in Every One

    Send us Fan Mail What does it look like to leave everything behind and travel the world solo — not for two weeks, but for four years straight? In this episode of Roam Alone, host Theresa Stephens sits down with Loni James, a fearless long-term solo traveler who has explored 36 countries since setting off on her journey after the loss of her mother to Alzheimer's disease.   Loni's story is equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring — a testament to the healing power of travel, the unexpected joy of vulnerability, and the freedom that comes from designing a life completely on your own terms. Whether you're dreaming of your first solo trip or wondering if long-term travel is even possible on a budget, this episode is packed with real, actionable wisdom from someone who has truly lived it. In This Episode, You'll Discover: •       What sparked Loni's decision to leave her life behind and travel the world solo after losing her mom •       How she has sustained 4 years and 36 countries of continuous solo travel — and what she's learned along the way •       Her unique practice of "a date in every country" — what it is, why she started it, and the book she's writing about it •       Her best cost-saving strategies for affordable long-term travel (including tips most people never think about) •       How to stay safe, sane, and connected as a solo female traveler for the long haul •       Advice for anyone who wants to take the leap but doesn't know where to start   Key Takeaways  •       Grief can be a catalyst. Loni didn't let loss stop her — she let it redirect her toward the life she truly wanted to live. •       Long-term solo travel is a skill. Like any skill, it gets easier, more intuitive, and more rewarding the longer you practice it. •       Connection is everywhere when you're open to it. Loni's "a date in every country" practice is really about curiosity — asking what each place and each person has to teach you. •       Budget travel is a mindset. You don't have to be rich to travel long-term — you have to be resourceful, flexible, and willing to do things differently than most tourists. •       Solo doesn't mean alone. The solo travel community is real, warm, and waiting for you.   About Loni Loni is a long-term solo traveler, fearless adventurer, and soon-to-be author who has spent the last four years exploring 36 countries across the globe. What began as a journey of healing after losing her mother to early-onset Alzheimer's evolved into a full, vibrant life lived entirely on the road. Known for her unique practice of going on a date in every country she visits, Loni is currently writing a book about these experiences. She believes deeply that solo travel is not just possible for women — it is transformative.   Connect with Loni: https://www.instagram.com/jamesloni   Links Mentioned •       Matador pocket blanket   💛 Loved this episode? Subscribe to Roam Alone wherever you listen to podcasts, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with the solo traveler in your life who needs to hear Loni's story. Every share helps more women discover the courage to roam.   Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone

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  3. ١٢ يونيو

    From Addiction Recovery to a 100-Mile Solo Hike: How Jenni Found Confidence on the Trail

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when the safety net you've relied on your entire life suddenly disappears? In this inspiring episode of Roam Alone, Jenni shares her remarkable journey from addiction recovery, financial hardship, and self-doubt to becoming a confident solo backpacker and hiker. Although she has been sober for more than 20 years, Jenni admits that she spent much of her adult life depending on her mother for support, especially financially. After her mother's death, Jenni inherited money but soon found herself facing bankruptcy and a difficult reality: she had never learned how to fully trust herself. Then she discovered hiking. What began with a single night sleeping in a tent in a friend's backyard slowly evolved into solo camping trips, overnight backpacking adventures, and eventually multi-day wilderness treks. Along the way, Jenni faced fear, made mistakes, learned hard lessons, and developed a level of confidence she never imagined possible. Most recently, she completed a solo 100-mile hike across Georgia over two weeks—a challenge that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago. In this episode, we discuss: • Jenni's journey through addiction and long-term recovery  • Losing her mother and navigating life without a safety net  • Bankruptcy and rebuilding her life  • Why she chose solo hiking instead of group adventures  • Her first overnight camping experiences  • Mistakes she made as a beginner backpacker  • How solo travel and hiking build confidence  • Lessons learned from spending days alone on the trail  • Completing a 100-mile solo trek in Georgia  • The connection between outdoor adventure and personal growth  • Advice for women interested in solo hiking and backpacking This episode is a powerful reminder that confidence isn't something you're born with—it's something you build, one courageous step at a time. Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone

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  4. ١٠ مايو

    Solo Budget Travel: Safety Tips, Destinations & How to Make Travel Your Career

    Send us Fan Mail What if travel wasn’t just a vacation — but your career? In this episode of Roam Alone, host Theresa Stephens talks with Michelle, a professional travel writer who has explored 35+ countries and built a life centered around global adventure. Michelle shares how she transformed her passion for travel into sustainable work, along with practical advice for solo budget travelers looking to see more of the world without overspending. Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or dreaming of long-term travel, this episode delivers real-world strategies, safety insights, and an essential international travel checklist. ✈️ In This Episode, We Discuss: How Michelle turned travel into a full-time career The realities of travel writing and remote work Best destinations for solo budget travelers How to travel internationally on a budget Solo travel safety strategies for women and first-time travelers Common travel mistakes — and how to avoid them Planning your first international solo trip Essential international travel checklist items Confidence-building tips for traveling alone  🌍 Who This Episode Is For First-time solo travelers Budget-conscious travelers Women considering solo travel Aspiring travel writers and digital nomads Anyone dreaming of long-term or slow travel  🎒 Key Takeaway Solo travel doesn’t require unlimited money or fearlessness — just preparation, curiosity, and the willingness to take the first step. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Roam Alone If you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Follow the podcast  ⭐ Share with a friend planning a solo trip  ⭐ Leave a review to help more travelers discover Roam Alone  Michelle's Blog: TravelHerStory Hostel World Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone

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  5. ٢٣ أبريل

    Midlife Reinvention: Moving Alone to Costa Rica

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when the life you built no longer feels like the life you want? In this episode of Roam Alone, Theresa sits down with Jen Rulon, who made a bold decision at age 50: she left her marriage, her career, and the United States to start over alone in Costa Rica. Jen opens up about the fear that came with such a massive transition — and how stepping into the unknown ultimately allowed her to rediscover herself. Today, Jen is thriving. She has built a successful business as a midlife reinvention coach, cultivated a strong community in her new hometown, and found love again — proof that reinvention isn’t reserved for the young or the fearless. This conversation explores what it really means to choose yourself, especially in midlife, and why starting over can become the most empowering chapter yet. In This Episode, We Talk About:  Leaving a marriage and long-term career later in life  Moving abroad alone at 50 Navigating fear, doubt, and identity loss during major transitions  Building community from scratch in a new country  Reinventing your career after midlife  Why reinvention requires courage — not certainty  Finding love and belonging after starting over Key Takeaway You don’t have to feel ready to change your life. Sometimes courage simply means taking the next step while you’re still afraid. About Jen Rulon Jen Rulon is a midlife reinvention coach helping women redesign their lives with purpose, confidence, and authenticity after major life transitions. After relocating solo to Costa Rica at age 55, she now supports others navigating reinvention, identity shifts, and bold new beginnings. Connect with Jen jenrulon.com Follow Roam Alone If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and share the podcast — it helps more people discover stories of courage, independence, and self-trust through solo travel. Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone

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حول

Roam Alone is a podcast about solo travel — the courage, transformation, and unexpected connections that happen when people explore the world on their own. Each episode features inspiring stories from travelers who discovered confidence, healing, and adventure through traveling alone. From first-time solo trips to long-distance walking journeys across Europe, guests share how solo travel changed their lives. Roam Alone explores everything from solo hiking and travel after major life changes to traveling alone later in life and finding community on the road. Whether you're dreaming about your first solo trip or already love traveling independently, these conversations will inspire your next adventure.