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

Cheryl Esch-Solo Travel Advocate/Travel Coach/Freedom Traveler
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Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel Tips

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!  Email: adventuresredheadrambler@gmail.com

  1. 5D AGO

    Five Ways I've Wasted Money While Traveling on a Budget (And How You Can Avoid Them)

    Every budget traveler has faced that moment of frustration—the cheap hotel that feels unsafe, the bargain flight with endless layovers, or the too-good-to-be-true deal that actually wasn't worth the hassle. As someone who lives by the philosophy that spending less on one trip means affording more adventures overall, I've made plenty of costly mistakes in my quest to travel economically. In this candid episode, I pull back the curtain on five significant budget travel blunders that actually ended up costing me more money, time, comfort, and peace of mind. From enduring a 24-hour return journey from Portugal with multiple exhausting layovers, to discovering my "bargain" Belize Airbnb had no air conditioning in 80+ degree weather, these experiences taught me valuable lessons about when saving money becomes counterproductive. You'll learn practical strategies to avoid these pitfalls, including how to use Google Street View to assess a neighborhood's safety before booking, why checking your credit card's travel benefits could save you from paying twice for rental car insurance, and how to evaluate whether that super-cheap flight with three layovers is really worth the savings. I also share my new approach to flexibility in bookings, specifically why I now only book accommodations with reasonable cancellation policies. Whether you're planning your next budget adventure or simply want to travel more mindfully, these hard-earned insights will help you find that sweet spot between saving money and preserving your travel experience. Because sometimes the cheapest option isn't actually the best value. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts if you've found these tips helpful—I'd love to hear how they've shaped your own travel planning! JOIN GOING for Cheap Flight deals: Use link below https://goingwith.me/6gsk6x5d Support the show Instagram @solotraveladventures50 Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50 https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

    22 min

  2. JUL 8

    From Caged Bird to Mountain Peaks: A Post-Divorce Healing Journey with Linda Magoon

    What happens when a woman who's lived like a "caged bird" for 25 years suddenly finds herself free? For Linda Magoon, freedom meant climbing mountains—specifically, all 48 of New Hampshire's 4,000-foot peaks. After decades in a controlling marriage where asking permission was the norm and independence was punished with silent treatments and anger, Linda reached what she calls her "tipping point" in her mid-50s. With the help of a crisis counselor, she realized she was experiencing domestic violence, even without physical abuse. Six months later, she was divorced and facing the terrifying prospect of creating a life entirely her own. That's when Linda rediscovered hiking. What started as a simple eight-mile solo trek became transformative medicine for her soul. Each summit conquered represented another step toward reclaiming her voice and identity. "The accomplishment of hiking a summit was in itself healing," she shares. Combined with a life-coaching program that introduced her to vision boards, affirmations, and the radical idea that it's okay to want things for yourself, Linda's mountain odyssey became the framework for her rebirth. The journey wasn't without challenges. Linda had to learn crucial distinctions between fear ("that small voice telling you you're not good enough") and instinct ("when your head, heart, and gut align"). She navigated solo hiking safety, extreme weather, and even the public shame when her ex-husband was later arrested for serious crimes. Through it all, the mountains offered perspective and healing. Today, Linda has transformed her experience into her book "Live Free and Hike: Finding Grace on 48 Summits" and recently embraced retirement with solo RV adventures. Her story reminds us that healing doesn't always come through traditional therapy—sometimes it arrives one step, one summit, one moment of freedom at a time. Want to hear more inspiring stories of transformation through travel? Subscribe to our podcast and share your own journey of finding freedom through exploration. Connect or follow Linda Magoon: https://lindamagoon.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090537038032 Support the show Instagram @solotraveladventures50 Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50 https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

    54 min

  3. JUL 1

    Pre-Trip Peace of Mind: 8 Essentials To Do Before Your Travels

    The moment of departure for a long-awaited trip should be filled with excitement, not anxiety about what you might have forgotten at home. So many travelers have experienced that sudden panic on the way to the airport – "Did I leave the curling iron plugged in?" or "Did I forget to lock the door?" This episode tackles those pre-travel worries head-on with a practical, comprehensive checklist to ensure your home remains safe while you're exploring the world. From arranging house-sitters and managing mail collection to properly preparing your living space, we cover the eight essential tasks that should become part of your pre-travel routine. Learn why unplugging small appliances matters, how to handle subscription deliveries, and the importance of proper thermostat settings based on the season. These simple preparations not only protect your home but provide the mental freedom to fully enjoy your adventures without nagging worries about what you left behind. As summer travel season reaches its peak, this timely guidance offers peace of mind for both weekend getaways and extended journeys. The episode also includes personal insights from my upcoming road trip to Austin, Texas, highlighting how these practices apply to trips of any distance or duration. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first solo adventure, this systematic approach to home preparation transforms what can be a stressful process into a confidence-building ritual. Ready to embark on worry-free travels this season? Grab a pen and paper, create your personalized pre-trip checklist, and join our growing community of solo women travelers over 50 who are embracing new adventures with confidence and excitement. Share your own travel plans and connect with like-minded adventurers in our Facebook group as we celebrate the joys of discovery and exploration together! Support the show Instagram @solotraveladventures50 Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50 https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

    10 min

  4. JUN 24

    From Trauma to Peace: One Woman's Epic Australian Odyssey with Tess Millhollon

    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 hostel job board posting: "yacht crew wanted, no experience necessary." This spontaneous decision led to her learning to sail and "yacht hopping" up the Australian coastline—what she humorously calls "extreme hitchhiking"—creating the adventure of a lifetime. Throughout her seven-month journey, Tess encountered what she calls "persons of peace"—strangers who became divine connections offering safety and community when she needed it most. One particularly meaningful encounter with a woman at an airport who later connected her with hosts became the inspiration for Her House, her current venture connecting solo women travelers for safe accommodations worldwide. The conversation delves into the emotional challenges of long-term solo travel, including homesickness and the importance of bringing small comfort items like fuzzy socks or a familiar pillowcase. Tess beautifully articulates how solo travel teaches you to trust your intuition—knowing when to push forward and when a journey should end. "No one had done what I'd done, no one had felt what I felt...like I had me," she explains, highlighting how self-reliance during travel transfers powerfully to everyday life. For women considering solo adventures, Tess recommends establishing connections in your destination before arriving—exactly what Her House facilitates through its community of background-checked members spanning all generations. Whether you're in your twenties like Tess was or a retiree seeking new experiences, this growing network offers both safety and authentic cultural immersion. Ready to find your own healing journey? Download the Her House app, visit herhouseco.com to explore membership options, or read Tess's full story in her book "Sherbet Skies"—a testament that no matter how far you travel, you're never truly alone. JOIN THE HER HOUSE Community. www.herhouse.co Support the show Instagram @solotraveladventures50 Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50 https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

    36 min

  5. JUN 17

    Debunking Solo Travel Misconceptions for Women

    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—researching current conditions and avoiding regions experiencing unrest—countless destinations welcome solo women travelers with open arms. Resources like Safe Expat offer daily safety updates, and thorough preparation eliminates most risks. The world offers abundant safe havens for the solo adventurer. Beyond safety myths lies the assumption that solo travelers are lonely souls without companions. This perspective misses the mark entirely. Many women, myself included, actively choose solo travel for its unparalleled freedom. There's a special kind of empowerment that comes from navigating foreign streets on your own terms, making spontaneous decisions, and discovering your own resilience. Paradoxically, solo travelers often find themselves more socially engaged than those in groups, striking up conversations and forming connections that might never happen otherwise. I still experience fears during my travels—like my recent worry about breaking down in remote parts of Iceland without cell service. But courage isn't the absence of fear; it's moving forward despite it. With each journey, that courage muscle strengthens, building confidence that extends well beyond travel into everyday life. Solo travel becomes not just a vacation choice but a transformative practice in self-reliance and presence. Ready to dispel these myths through your own experience? Whether you're considering your first solo adventure or seeking to expand your horizons, I'm here to help. Connect with me for personalized guidance on creating your perfect solo journey. Don't wait for the "right" companion or the "perfect" time—your adventure is calling now. What destination will be your first solo story? BOOK A CALL: Get direction for your solo trip https://calendly.com/solotraveladventures/book-a-call Support the show Instagram @solotraveladventures50 Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50 https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

    10 min

  6. JUN 10

    Surviving Perimenopause: A Traveler's Guide to Managing Hot Flashes on the Road

    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 eight practical strategies to help you travel comfortably during this hormonal transition. From packing essentials like extra moisture-wicking clothing and portable fans to understanding your personal triggers and making smart accommodation choices, these tips can preserve your travel enjoyment without letting hormonal changes dictate your experiences. The conversation covers practical solutions you might not have considered: neck fans that provide constant cooling, the importance of confirming air conditioning in European accommodations, and how to respect cultural dress codes while managing symptoms. I also share personal insights about managing triggers—how sugar, alcohol, and stress specifically affect hot flash frequency and intensity, and why sometimes a slight adjustment in consumption can dramatically improve comfort while traveling. Don't let this natural life transition keep you from exploring the world. Your adventures await, and with these practical approaches, you can focus on creating memories rather than managing discomfort. Ready to reclaim your travel confidence? Listen now, and then join me at the upcoming Freedom Fest virtual travel summit where I'll be speaking about solo travel for women. Join the Virtual Travel Summit-Infinityland June 7 & 8, June 14 & 15 Sign up: https://toinfinityland.com/travel-summit Support the show Instagram @solotraveladventures50 Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50 https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

    14 min

  7. JUN 3

    Road Trips Reimagined: Why Solo Car Travel Might Change Your Summer

    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 destination within your preferred driving distance, clear your schedule, and go. Your destination might be centered around a festival, a hiking trail, an antique shop, or simply a city you've always wanted to explore. Don't let accommodation worries stop you. Beyond traditional hotels, today's solo traveler has numerous options: Airbnbs for homey comfort, camping for nature lovers, or newer female-focused networks like the Host a Sister Facebook groups or the Her House app (which offers background-checked hosts for $25 annually). Safety remains paramount, especially for solo female travelers, so prepare your vehicle thoroughly before departure. Pack essentials like a first aid kit, portable jump starter, tire pump, plenty of water, and a food cooler to save money and provide flexibility in remote areas. The true magic happens when you embrace the journey itself. Allow time for unexpected discoveries, take breaks when needed, and download entertainment and maps before departing. There's a special kind of meditation that happens on solo drives - time for reflection, prayer, catching up on podcasts, or simply singing at the top of your lungs with no one listening. Ready to feel that freedom? Stop making excuses and start planning your solo road adventure today. I'd love to hear where the road takes you! Join the Virtual Travel Summit-Infinityland June 7 & 8, June 14 & 15 Sign up: https://toinfinityland.com/travel-summit ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGeuJrCxh8/MQt6ZyA7OxViKpArG8mgmQ/view?utm_content=DAGeuJrCxh8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hb8f1458180 Support the show Instagram @solotraveladventures50 Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50 https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

    17 min

  8. MAY 27

    No Summer Travel Plans? Create a Memorable Summer With Adventures Close to Home

    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 expensive flights or extensive planning. Drawing from personal experience and creative travel solutions, there are three accessible options that can transform your seemingly ordinary summer into something worth talking about. First, consider the classic road trip—a flexible adventure that can be tailored to any timeframe or budget. Cheryl provides a strategic approach to mapping potential destinations within driving distance, encouraging listeners to seek out places they've always wanted to visit but never prioritized. Next, she reimagines the staycation not as a compromise but as an opportunity to experience your own region with fresh eyes through local festivals, events, and activities you've never tried before. From rodeos to trapeze classes, she demonstrates how the extraordinary often exists right in our own backyard. Finally, she celebrates the power of spontaneity—keeping an open mind to last-minute deals, fill-in opportunities, and unexpected adventures that often become our most cherished memories. Whether you're working with limited vacation time, a tight budget, or simply missed the window for summer planning, this episode provides actionable strategies to ensure your summer is filled with new experiences and stories worth sharing. Plus, don't miss details about an upcoming virtual travel summit featuring Cheryl among 35+ speakers covering global travel topics. Ready to transform your empty summer calendar into something extraordinary? Your adventure starts here. Join the Virtual Travel Summit-Infinityland June 7 & 8, June 14 & 15 Sign up: https://toinfinityland.com/travel-summit Support the show Instagram @solotraveladventures50 Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50 https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

    12 min
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4.7
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

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!  Email: adventuresredheadrambler@gmail.com

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