Go Solo Live: Recent Episodes
Jennifer I Buchholz
Go Solo LIVE! is a podcast for and about midlife solo women travelers. Host Jennifer Buchholz of Transform via Travel, talks to women about their solo travel experiences. It's more than just "how to" or "where've you been". It's about their personal stories of where they were in life before solo travel, what inspired them to go, what they found on their travels, and possibly even how they found more of themselves. The stories are meant to inspire, enlighten and encourage women who are at any stage of going solo!
There has been a huge awareness on the power of a positive mindset in the past few years. And rightfully so! When you have a positive mindset, you are able to see so much possibilities for yourself that you might have not seen before. You are capable of doing so much more because of the belief, trust, and confidence you have as a result of positive mindset.
Today’s guest, Holly Worton, shares her experiences in shifting her mindset, and how it made a huge difference in her personal life, business, and travel. Holly shares how she lost her love for solo nature walks to getting back at it and even doing a 100-mile solo walk. She has grown leaps and bounds by using the power of her mind. Holly has built a business around mindset shifts and leads a group of women who want to go on nature walks.
This episode marks the end of the Go Solo Live Podcast. For the past 2 years we have been bringing stories of solo female travelers, their transformation and self-discovery. We hope you enjoyed the laughter and connection. Continue to get in touch with us at Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com. And remember, even though your solo, you’re not alone.
Key Takeaways:
- Holly shares the difference of doing nature walks in California and the UK. And how she rekindled her love for doing nature walks.
- The logistics involved in doing long distance walks, taking from her experience doing a 100-mile solo walk.
- We discuss the importance of mindset, and how it has changed her life, business, and travel.
- How she and her husband give each other space and enjoy having time to travel solo
- No matter how good your life is, there is always stuff to work on.
- There are a lot of techniques to improve your mindset, but you have to do the work.
- Approach life and travel with childlike curiosity.
- Improving your mindset opens up a lot of possibilities
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Wild
Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield-Thomas
More About Holly:
Visit Holly’s website at www.hollyworton.com and www.shewalksinnature.com.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hollyworton/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/readytobloom
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollywortonpage
Here are also some of her published books: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14679749.Holly_Worton
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Holly-Worton/e/B015EIJLHA/
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Many women adhere very well to the roles that society has set out for them - mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend. Buried behind all these is a woman with her own dreams, her own passion, her own definition of who she is. A lot do not escape this cycle, but today’s guest shares her inspiring story of leaving everything behind to find who she really is.
Ronda Taylor was married for 23 years, is a mother, grandmother, and was the primary caregiver to her mother who has Alzheimer’s. She had dreams of travel but has always let obstacles get in the way. At 53, she decided she was not going to live one more year unhappy and not fulfilling her own dreams. 39 days later, she was on a one-way plane to Costa Rica.
She is now living in “The City of Eternal Spring” Medellín, Colombia, the city that captured her heart. She has recently checked off the #1 item in her bucket list, is leading a community of women travellers, writing a book, building her online business, creating a legacy, and living her dream every day.
Key Takeaways:
- Ronda talks about the beautiful city of Medellín, Colombia which she now calls home
- The importance of having a second language
- She shared the impact of her client’s book about taking a year off to travel and volunteer had on her
- The fateful night when a friend asked her over dinner “What if you just bought a one way ticket and just figured things out as you got there?”
- Being equal parts excited and equal parts terrified, she sold everything she owned, left her marriage, and got on the plane to live her dreams
- Ronda shares her experience in Nicaragua, Granada, South & Central America and how her intuition played a huge role in her new nomadic lifestyle
- How technology helps her stay connected with family and friends
- People will not always agree with your decision to travel and want to put a label on it, but you just have to choose your own happiness
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Women Exploring New Zealand 2019
Get Ready, Get Set, Go Solo Online Program
More About Ronda:
ronda@heartworkpublishing.com
www.heartworkpublishing.com
Facebook: HeartWork Publishing
LinkedIn: HeartWork Publishing
Instagram: @heartworkpublishing
Facebook: HeartWork Travels
Instagram: @heartworktravels
TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT-HQoOc0SQ
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Living in the urban part of the country can be frenetic. And sometimes we just need some peace and quiet. It takes courage to shift lifestyles from being the busy blue collar to becoming a free digital nomad.
Robyn Fountain made this brave switch as her work life and personal life are both constantly draining her. Having been in a toxic relationship, she was becoming more miserable and emotionally dysfunctional. She finally got the courage to say goodbye, go on the road and embrace the digital nomad lifestyle.
Currently in Romania, she could not be more satisfied with the decision she made. She shares the challenges she faced and lessons she took with her on this journey She knows she is her best self now because she is free.
Key Takeaways:
- Robyn reveals the circumstances that led her to embark on the journey to the digital nomad lifestyle.
- She shares the financial, housing and social aspects of being a digital nomad.
- She also gives things to consider when becoming a digital nomad and tips for when you become one.
- She adds how she connects with the different people she meets along the way.
- She shares her future trip plans and what is next for her.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Women Exploring New Zealand 2019
Get Ready, Get Set, Go Solo Online Program
HelpX
World Packers
Mind My House
More About Robyn:
Visit Robyn’s website at www.robynjfountain.com and follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KaleidoscopeStrategies.
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
I always admire women in middle age who go out there and start seeing more of the world. It takes courage to remove the roadblocks and just do it. Today’s guest shares us her incredible journeys as a solo traveler, her views and philosophies on traveling and how she is living her life one trip at a time.
Leigh Mcadams started traveling right out of university. Her first trip marks the beginning of a lifetime of travel. As her curiosity to see the world got bigger, her thirst to travel got bigger and bigger and she’s never satisfied. She has traveled to 54 countries and has experienced diverse cultures. When she is out there seeing places, she knows that she has found complete freedom in the world.
She found her passion in blogging about her escapades, her niche being outdoors, nature and adventure. She has been writing for nine years now with over 1400 posts. She teaches women to learn how to set aside their fears and worries and try seeing the good the world with their own eyes. And as for her, she’ll never tire experiencing what the world has to offer.
Key Takeaways:
- Leigh and I talk about the importance of travel insurance and what questions you need to ask yourself to prepare for medical costs
- We also talk about why Americans have a different mindset about vacation time than other nationalities
- She shares how solo traveling has changed her perspective of the world and the experiences she had when traveling.
- She compares how solo traveling has changed due to technology and the pros and cons of traveling in the modern age.
- She recalls how she started her blog nine years ago and how she improved her skills to show how dedicated she is to her work.
- She gives us anecdotes of the amazing adventures she had and the incredible people she met along the way,
- Leigh also gives tips to middle aged women who have fear in traveling on how to channel their inner wanderlust.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Women Exploring New Zealand 2019
Get Ready, Get Set, Go Solo Online Program
More About Leigh:
Visit Leigh’s blog at hikebiketravel.com and follow her on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest.
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
When people travel, sometimes they let their worries get to them too much that they forget to enjoy their trips. They neglect to free their minds, trust their guts and just revel in the beauty of wandering. Today’s guest shares her experience in choosing her intuition and opening herself to the amazing chances traveling has presented to her.
Esther Jacobs have always trusted what her inner voice says. She let intuition guide her in all of her trips, and it has led her to travel to over a hundred countries. In today’s episode, she shares how her instinct has opened her to new adventures.
Traveling to the Caribbean, she found herself buying a ticket to Haiti. Having no prior plans, she followed her gut to wander the island, with no idea where to go and where to stay. Ensuing her decision was a series of astonishing situations and thrilling circumstances that would not have been possible if she didn’t open herself to taking risks.
Esther has been living an unprecedented life, always having her intuition next to her. However, she always makes sure to travel with an open mind as she believes that if you don’t open yourself to possibilities, the opportunities will not present themselves.
Key Takeaways:
- Esther shares why she loves solo traveling and what possibilities it has opened for her.
- She also shares why she trusts her guts when she travels and how it has always led her to interesting adventures.
- She recalls her incredible trip to Haiti, where she found herself in unlikely situations and spontaneous experiences.
- Esther takes note of traveling with an open mind, and how taking time to reflect after a trip is a valuable thing to spare time on.
- She compares how she used to travel when she was younger and how easy traveling is nowadays.
- She recommends for people reluctant to try solo traveling to try new things within their environment so that they can get out of their comfort zone one step at a time.
- She also advises to surround people with the same erratic energy so that worries about solo travel will fade.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Women Exploring New Zealand 2019
Get Ready, Get Set, Go Solo Online Program
More About Esther:
www.estherjacobs.info
Follow Esther’s daily adventures on Facebook: facebook.com/noexcuseslady
For beautiful images from all around the world: instagram.com/estherjacobsnl
Inspiration in only 140 characters: twitter.com/estherjacobs
Get inspiration in your mailbox. Subscribe at: bit.ly/esther-inspiration
Subscribe to Esther's YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/noexcuseslady
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Have you ever felt restless enough that you just want to disconnect for a while? Our guest for today’s episode has been in the same situation. Too much that she finally found her freedom in solo traveling. I welcome in our show Lisa M, AKA the Hot Flash Packer.
Intrigued by the name? A flashpacker means a backpacker who has that extra “flash”, who has more budget and can stay in better places when traveling.
Lisa has been feeling restless with her job. When she read about people quitting their jobs to travel, she sold her car, sold her house, bought a backpack and set her course. She has now traveled to 87 countries on all 7 continents.
Some of her trips are planned, most of her trips were not. She recalls how life-changing it was to be in a country without a plan, not speaking the language, not having reservations on accommodations and not having an itinerary. Still, she had a cathartic experience with the best strangers she met.
All of her trips have stories that she has taken with her. She has been bit by the travel bug, going with opportunities as they presented themselves. Truly, she has the grace to live for the moment.
Key Takeaways:
- Lisa reveals what pushed her in her decision of quitting her job and doing solo traveling.
- Lisa lists the planning she did before her trips, the routines she does when on the road and the great ways to enjoy backpacking.
- She shares how her most life-changing travels were the ones left unplanned.
- She gives anecdotes of her exhilarating trips around the world, the amazing cultures she experienced and the incredible people she met.
- She admits that while she likes meeting new people, she has a standard for the people she wants to travel with and she has a questionnaire made ready to find the perfect travel buddy.
- She shares what is next on her list of travel destinations by cross-country travel.
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Hot Flash Packer Website
The Hot Flash Packer Travel Compatibility
The Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree Project
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Today we have another Mother’s Day themed episode with Kathy Buechel. Kathy shares her goal of developing the spirit of travel in her two sons, just as her grandparents passed it on to her.
Her grandparents used to travel all across the United States and overseas, always bringing home pictures from their trips. Kathy recalls seeing these photographs and thinking about what it feels like to see these sights in real life. Being ardent about traveling herself, she made sure that she will pass this passion to her sons.
She remembers thinking of what she could share to her two boys that has a special place in her heart. She wanted to bond with them and show one of her passions, for them to realize that the world is full of things to see. Because what else could be a better bonding moment than to make memories in beautiful places with the people you love?
Key Takeaways:
- Kathy was mainly influenced by her grandparents to travel when she was young.
- She shares about instilling the spirit of travel to her two sons and how to motivate children to see more of the world.
- Kathy shares how she encourages her children to pick their adventures, without sacrificing important aspects of the boys’ life.
- She recaps the places that they have visited, her boys picking their destinations and planning their itineraries.
- Her sons have learned chunks of lessons when it comes to smart traveling, some problems that they came across on trips and the beautiful memories they shared together.
- She gives funny anecdotes from her travels and how these stories have made their bond as a family stronger.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Personal Touch Travels
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Welcome to this very special mother’s day episode with my travel mentor and grandmother, Sandy Duffy.
Whenever people ask me who I look up to on solo travel, I always say it’s my grandmother, but I never really got the chance to tell them why. My grandmother is a trailblazer, a woman who has wanderlust in her spirit.
My grandmother has always wanted to see more of the world, a desire she and my grandfather does not share. She then started doing things my grandfather was not interested in doing. Both of them took time to do their own thing, and never needed to ask permission. But they were both very supportive of each other.
Her first trip was a girl’s trip with her friends to Australia and New Zealand in 2001. Her travels made her experience marvelous people, phenomenal cuisine and amazing sights. Coming across new cultures has fueled her yearning for more travel.
Her trip to the Grand Canyon was such an inspiration and makes her want to travel even more. Sharing the trip with her 75-year old friend, who told her that it’s either she sees the Grand Canyon now or never, they both proved that there is no age limit in traveling. The spirit of travel is present in all generations.
She motivates those around her to travel. I respect her deeply as she is passing on the spirit of travel to the next generation.
Key Takeaways:
- Sandy started traveling solo without her significant other.
- Her trip to Australia and New Zealand has inspired her to see more of the world.
- There are challenges to be faced in having trips with friends.
- Sandy shares tips on how to travel extendedly with friends.
- She shares her Grand Canyon trip and the unbelievable challenge she had.
- Sandy shares how she prepares for a travel without her age being a challenge.
- Sandy shares some regrets in her trips and advices for people who want to travel.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Penny Chappell has been traveling her entire life. She grew up in a family that constantly changed states. They were always eager to move and explore. There were always unplanned road trips, which are some of her fondest childhood memories.
The spirit of travel never left her even after having children. This this spirit of adventure she got from her parents, she also passed on to her daughters. She didn’t have the finances and opportunity for her big travel back then, but that didn’t stop her from exploring and traveling with her kids.
After her kids have moved out at age 57, she had the opportunity to pull the trigger and start traveling solo. In her new job, she was nonchalantly told that she can work anywhere, and she jumped on the opportunity to work from anywhere. Moving to France for three months while working a full-time job, she shares her absolutely memorable experience seeing breathtaking places, meeting amazing people, and feeding her hunger for travel.
France has been a completely unforgettable trip for Penny. Though she was missing her family in California, she had a strong resistance to leave France. Who knew that you can call more than one place home?
Penny finds peace in traveling solo. It is her way of recharging, self care, and finding clarity. She encourages everyone to experience the joy of solo travel. Who knows, you might get hooked too.
Key Takeaways:
- Solo traveling is a great learning experience that everyone should try.
- There are so many points to remember when you’re solo traveling.
- Penny traveled to France for three months without knowing anyone and without speaking French.
- Solo traveling is not the same as solitary traveling...there will always be people who will help you.
- Solo traveling gives you the opportunity to experience the place’s culture and meet new people.
- Penny felt completely at home in France and had a hard time leaving.
- When one trip is ending, you mentally plan your next.
- Solo traveling is also a time for self-reflection.
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Reluctant Traveler's Group
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Penny:
Learn more about Penny’s travel adventures at Our Suitcase Adventures. You can also follow her on Facebook My Suitcase Adventures and Instagram Our Suitcase Adventures.
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Tam Warner Minton is a solo traveler, adventurer, and scuba diver and she is super passionate about saving our oceans! Tam went on her first solo trip in 2012 and has been addicted ever since. As she says on the show, you’re never truly alone when you’re out solo traveling. There is always something to do and you’re always meeting wonderful people while on you’re on your trips. So many of Tam’s friends are still scared to travel solo, but there is really no reason to be.
Key Takeaways:
*Where was Tam in her life when she decided to solo travel?
*Tam’s children were scared for her.
*How did Tam’s husband take the news that she was going to go to Mozambique?
*Unfortunately, Tam knows so many women who don’t want to travel alone.
*Tam joined a group to help her see Mozambique and she was the oldest person there.
*What were some of Tam’s biggest takeaways when she came home from that trip?
*When you travel solo, you’re never actually alone.
*Where are some of Tam’s favorite places to go diving?
*Tam discusses what her expedition to Antarctica was like.
*What’s next for Tam?
*You don’t have to go across the pond to ‘travel.’ Small trips in your backyard count as well!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Sheswanderful.com/witsummit
Connect with Tam:
Website
Tam’s Book
Susi Kaeufer is a digital nomad, mindset coach, and visibility strategist for female entrepreneurs and nomads. Growing up in Germany, Susi never liked the idea of a desk job. However, everyone else around her did not know or understand what it was like to have a different kind of lifestyle, and they actively discouraged her from traveling solo indefinitely. They’d often say, “You need a job!” Well, through meeting other location-independent professionals, Susi was inspired to start her own business and live her life on her own terms!
Key Takeaways:
*Where did Susi grow up?
*It was tough for Susi. She wanted to travel and not be in an office, but everyone around her told her that she “needed a job.”
*How did Susi get started on her solo journey?
*Susi shares how she researched for her solo travel trip and prepared her family for the inevitable.
*Susi temporarily worked in Australia and … it was awesome!
*How did Susi begin to plan her location independent business?
*How did Susi build her network while she was in a foreign country?
*What’s it like being a life coach?
*Susi helps her clients find what business style is natural to them and helps them shine on social media in an authentic way.
*We can live in a world of ‘ands’… not ‘ors.’
*You will always know what’s best for you in your life. No one else can give you ‘advice’ on how to live your life.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Susi:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Brianne Miers is a Boston-based travel blogger who believes in sustainable travel (support local). She has been to more than 50 countries and loves traveling off the beaten path to discover and experience completely different cultures. Brianne also recently got back from a trip to Copenhagen and Iceland! On this week’s show, Brianne shares some of her worldly experiences, tips on how to practice sustainable travel, and some of her top favorite destinations to go to.
Key Takeaways:
*Brianne discusses what the Women In Travel Summit is all about and who should go to the event.
*Brianne just came back from a recent trip from Iceland and Copenhagen.
*When did Brianne get bit by the travel bug?
*Brianne’s first solo trip was when she traveled to Atlanta. You can start small and in your own backyard!
*Brianne is a big supporter of sustainable travel.
*What are some of the best ways people can practice sustainable travel?
*What are some of Brianne’s favorite food times?
*Brianne shares some of her favorite destinations.
*Social media has made the world smaller for Brianne.
*Brianne still has a lot of countries on her bucket list to go see. She has not yet been to the continent of Africa.
*Brianne has been blogging and traveling for the last three years. Don’t be afraid to shake things up.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Sheswanderful.com/witsummit
Connect with Brianne:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Lisa Lubin quit her job to travel the world back in 2006 for what was supposed to be only a year. Well, after over a decade later, Lisa is still going strong and travels at least once a month for work as a travel and food journalist. When Lisa first tried solo travel, she actually hated it. On the show, she reveals what made solo travel enjoyable for her and she shares her tips and tricks on what saved her the most money as she explored Latin America and Australia.
Key Takeaways:
*Lisa is currently in Chicago! What recommendations does she have for those who are visiting?
*What is Lisa’s blog, LL World Tour, about?
*Why did Lisa not love solo travel in the beginning?
*When Lisa quit her job, what was her strategy to find alternative work while she traveled?
*The slower you travel through one destination to the other, the cheaper it’s going to be.
*What would Lisa do differently, knowing what she knows now?
*When Lisa embarked on her travel journey, where did she go to first?
*Lisa shares some of her biggest lessons learned so far.
*Now that Lisa is a more experienced traveler, how has travel changed for her?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Bikethedrive.org
Connect with Lisa:
Website
YouTube
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, also known as JetSetSarah, is a Miami-based Caribbean travel expert, an award-winning travel journalist, and a self-described “Carivangelist,” where she passionately shares the beautiful and amazing things the Caribbean has to offer. On the show, Sarah shares her shopping tips, what kinds of items you can find in the Caribbean, and what solo travel personally means to her.
Key Takeaways:
*How did Sarah become a jet-setter?
*Sarah loves to go shopping while she’s traveling! She is a big advocate for shopping local and supporting local producers.
*Sarah shares her shopping tips and things she personally likes to look for.
*What are some of the best ways you bargain for your items?
*What currency should you buy your items in?
*How much should you budget for?
*Should you buy your items with a credit card?
*Sarah recommends a couple of awesome Caribbean travel destinations for the solo woman.
*Sarah also recommends some of her favorite all-inclusive resorts where you go to get pampered!
*Sarah shares what solo travel means to her.
*In life, you need to get used to being comfortable with discomfort.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Clubmed.us/l/zen-oasis
Connect with Sarah:
Website
Iconundies.com
Islands.com
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Terra Lyles is a travel agent and delivers her customers a stress-free travel experience. Terra was a nurse before she got into a terrible accident. As a single mom of three, she had no idea that traveling solo was possible for her, but by taking a chance, she has been able to support her family through travel. On the show, Terra discusses some of the ins and outs of being a travel agent, the benefits of working with a travel agent (even when you’re going solo), and so much more!
Key Takeaways:
*How did Terra get started as a travel agent?
*Terra was in a horrible car accident that prevented her from being able to work as a nurse. On top of this, she was a single mom of three children.
*Prior to becoming a travel agent, Terra did not know that international travel was possible for her.
*Should you use a travel agent to help you plan your solo trip?
*What are some of the benefits of working with a travel agent?
*Because of working in travel, Terra is able to go to amazing destinations at a discount. Where does Terra like to go the most?
*How does Terra run her business? Where does she find her clients?
*Terra discusses some of the challenges of being a travel agent.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Earthwatch.org
Connect with Terra:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Shara Johnson first started solo traveling as an adult when she was doing animal conservation trips to various countries in Africa. Some people might have some misconceptions about the continent and its safety, but Shara dispels those myths on today's episode! Also, on today's episode, Shara shares what solo travel has been able to do to someone who has always been shy her entire life.
Key Takeaways:
*When did Shara first start solo traveling?
*Shara has gone on two Wildlife Fund conservation trips.
*What was it like traveling to parts of Africa to do these conservation trips?
*Why has Shara fallen in love with Africa?
*Shara can finally get her brain to relax and stop going miles per minute when she’s on a safari watch.
*Lately, Shara has been studying the witchcraft culture in Africa and has even made a documentary about it.
*How did Shara first become aware of the witchcraft presence in Africa?
*Some people might have this perception that women who travel solo have very bold personalities. Well, for Shara, that’s completely not true.
*Solo travel has helped Shara overcome her extreme shyness.
*What can people do to take the leap into solo travel?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Earthwatch.org
Connect with Shara:
Website
Google+
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Megan Hamilton started solo traveling when she was in her mid-40s. She homeschools her two children and her husband is always traveling internationally for work. Prior to solo travel, she was constantly waiting for this phase of her life to be over so that she could finally do what she’s always wanted to do… until it hit her. Why wait! She can raise a family and travel, all she needs to do is make slight adjustments to her lifestyle to make this dream come true.
Key Takeaways:
*Where was Megan in her life when she first began to solo travel?
*Megan was waiting for her girls to grow up before she could really go fulfill her dreams.
*When Megan and her husband traveled together, it was always a compromise.
*How did Megan take her first baby step into solo travel?
*When Megan was on her own, she felt empowered. She was finally able to relax without trying to adjust or compromise for the family.
*What did Megan’s family and friends say when they heard she was going to be traveling alone?
*Megan’s solo travel has opened up so many possibilities in the family. Both of Megan’s daughters will be traveling internationally!
*Someone accused Megan of having affair because a married mother of two ‘just doesn’t travel solo.’
*After Quebec, what was Megan’s next solo adventure?
*What kind of things does Megan like to do while she’s traveling?
*Megan shares her travel tips or rules that she follows before each trip.
*Megan talks about her two daughters and some of their travel aspirations for the future.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Megan:
Website
Carol Guttery decided to structure her life a little bit differently when she turned 50. Her husband had just retired and she wanted to spend less time commuting to work and more time enjoying life with him. Traveling was something Carol always loved to do and she just didn’t get to do enough of it. So, she quit her job and worked on her ‘next step in life’ while being fully committed to traveling around the world. Find out more about Carol and her journey on this week’s show.
Key Takeaways:
*What was going on in Carol’s life when she turned 50?
*When Carol quit her job, she was finally able to see several conservation projects she was a part of in person/onsite.
*When you go to a new country, spend time doing things you’re passionate about! Don’t like art? Don't go to museums. It’s okay!
*There is a distinction between traveling solo and traveling alone.
*What did Carol like the most about Singapore?
*When is Carol’s next solo trip?
*Icelandair is doing some really cool things right now with the way they’re structuring their flights.
*On Carol’s website, she has organized it in such a way when you can explore ‘alternative activities’ of different places in the world.
*Own your own travel life!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Go Solo!: A Savvy Woman’s Guide to Transformation & Self-Discovery, by Jennifer Buchholz and Amy Oaks
Connect with Carol:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Paige Totaro is a travel blogger and travel group planner with two twin girls. When her children were 12 years old, she knew it was time for the entire family to take a year off and go traveling. How did she manage to do this without losing her mind? Find out on this week’s episode of Go Solo Live!
Key Takeaways:
*Who is Paige and where is she currently located?
*How did Paige get started solo traveling?
*It took Paige a year of planning before she and her family could take a year off to travel.
*Paige was very happy she did a family trip because everybody bonded together as a family.
*What was Paige’s travel experience before she traveled with her family?
*Paige took a writer’s workshop where she got to hike, think, and write with a group of ladies!
*It’s not always practical to travel with the family.
*What was it like to travel solo in Cuba?
*How does Paige’s husband feel about her traveling solo?
*What’s next for Paige?
*What tips does Paige have for the moms who want to travel with the whole family?
*Paige shares where she finds her cheap flights.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Go Solo! by Jennifer Buchholz
Kiwi.com/us
Skyscanner.net
Hipmunk.com
Cheapoair.com
Secretflying.com
Connect with Paige:
Website
Unquotetravel.com
YouTube
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Mary Cecchini is currently based in Portland, Oregon and hosts both international and domestic trips for groups of women of all ages. Mary was burned out in her corporate career and when her mother got sick, she had a real wake up call. She knew that no one was really going to care if she nailed that presentation today if she woke up dead tomorrow. There had to be more to life than this, and there was. When she started traveling solo, it led her down a path of self-discovery and even a new business venture! Her biggest ‘ah-ha’ moment while traveling solo is that there are so many non-traditional jobs out there and different ways to experience and live life. There is no such thing as the ‘wrong way’ of doing things.
Key Takeaways:
*Through Mary’s business, she hosts small groups of women on trips located all over the world.
*What inspired Mary to get started in this work?
*What were some of Mary’s biggest discoveries and ‘ah-ha’ moments when she traveled solo?
*What would happen if tomorrow was your last day?
*During Mary’s travels, she met a lot of people who had non-traditional jobs and this inspired her to find other options for more fulfilling work.
*We each have our own journeys to go on. Not everyone discovers this lifestyle on the same timeline.
*You have to want this business or the new airline ticket more than you want that new pair of sunglasses or those daily coffees.
*There are different ways to live your life!
*What is Mary’s definition of solo travel?
*What has Mary noticed about the women who go on these group trips with her?
*How does Mary structure her trips?
*Do women end up branching out on their own after going on one of Mary’s trips?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Go Solo! by Jennifer Buchholz
Connect with Mary:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Becky Gillespie was 22 when she moved to Tokyo for a year. After that experience, she was hooked. Now, she’s a permanent resident of Japan and completely in love with the city. On the show, Becky discusses the cultural differences (and the language barrier!) between Japanese and American culture, her trip to New Zealand, and her thoughts about Colombia.
Key Takeaways:
*Why did Becky go from living in Ohio to living in Tokyo for a year? How did her family take it?
*Becky did this trip in 2004 and travel has drastically changed since then with the advancement of technology.
*How has social media helped Becky travel?
*What was Becky’s first living abroad experience like?
*Becky has been to 53 countries and Japan is the safest one she’s been to.
*Did Becky struggle with the language?
*Becky loves, loves the food. It’s also so incredibly clean there for the number of people that live there.
*What kind of challenges did Becky face while she was there?
*Becky accidentally flashed her doctor due to the language barrier.
*In Japan, people are afraid of tattoos and you’re not allowed to go into the hot springs if you have them.
*Becky now has permanent residency in Japan. How does Becky’s family feel about her going away for long stints?
*Becky is now in New Zealand. How does she like it so far?
*What’s Becky’s lifestyle like right now? How does she structure work?
*What’s going on in Colombia?
*How does Becky find her travel partners?
*What advice does Becky have for someone who wants to travel, solo or with a partner?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Girlslovetravel.org
Connect with Becky:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Leyla Alyanak has been zigzagging all over the world for the last two decades (actually, it’s been a little bit more than that). As a journalist, she’s traveled into war zones and even got lost in the Amazon rainforest. These days, her solo trips are much calmer and deliver such an enriching cultural experience that she doesn’t plan to ‘cool down’ anytime soon. At nearly 65 years old, Leyla has been to 86 countries, thus far, and currently resides in France. Find out more about Leyla and her travels on this week’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
*Leyla is currently living in France; where are some of her favorite places to go?
*Why did Leyla decide to live in Europe?
*What are some of the pros and cons of traveling all over the world?
*How does Leyla manage her time and the logistics of this nomadic lifestyle?
*Moving within Europe is so easy, but getting a visa into Europe can be very difficult.
*Has Leyla ever been in a situation where she thought she wasn’t safe while traveling solo?
*Leyla has had to travel to war zones as a journalist. There’s nothing romantic about getting shot at or killed!
*Countries coming out of conflict are a different story. They are mostly safe for women to travel to.
*Use the same common sense in a foreign city the way you would when you walk out your front door.
*With that being said, do some research on the differences in culture. A woman walking alone in the afternoon can send the wrong message to certain cultures.
*Leyla was left alone/abandoned in the Amazon rainforest by her guide. She thought she was never going to make it out.
*What kind of tried-and-true lessons has Leyla learned over the years?
*Right now in the world today, there is such an ‘us vs. them’ mentality taking place. When you start traveling, this perspective changes.
*Where is Leyla’s favorite place to go to?
*The first thing Leyla does when she gets to a new city is to hop on a bus!
*Jennifer always plans with the idea that she’ll be back ‘next time’; that way she doesn’t overplan and stress out!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Leyla:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
BB Peters is one of the founders of Boom Goddess Radio and an Account Executive at Natural Awakenings Magazine. As a daughter of immigrant parents, BB was accustomed to being very independent and traveling solo in her own backyard at a young age. As BB got older, she would often take solo work trips, but even then she would still find herself traveling solo in her own city. On the show, BB encourages you to take baby steps within your own state if you don’t feel comfortable jet-setting 5,000 miles into the unknown.
Key Takeaways:
*How did BB get started in solo travel?
*When BB was 11, she had to help her immigrant parents with the language barrier when they first arrived in the United States.
There are a lot of women out there solo traveling for work, but because it’s work, they don’t really count it as real* solo travel.
*You don’t have to be this huge world traveler to reap the benefits of solo travel.
*BB shares a story about a quick solo trip she took right in her backyard.
*Jennifer loves to take people on ‘challenge’ weekends where they get to practice using public transportation for the first time.
*Don’t take your own backyard for granted. There’s a ton of things you can do solo within your own city!
*Has BB ever been fearful of her safety while traveling solo?
*What advice does BB have for women who are on the fence about traveling solo?
*Instead of getting stressed when something goes wrong, just accept and embrace it. You’ll be much more open to change that way.
*You don’t have to jump into solo travel with both feet. You can take baby steps!
*How does BB’s family react to her solo adventures?
*BB recently took a trip to Costa Rica! What was that trip like?
*How can a woman stay safe while traveling?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with BB:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Jennifer Huber won a free trip to Vietnam and got to experience a new culture like never before. She went across the world solo and even got hit by a motorbike (nothing bad happened), but it’s crazy moments like that where you just have to laugh. On this week’s episode, Jennifer discusses her Vietnam experience, how she won a free plane ticket to anywhere in the world, and some of her favorite go-to places that help her save money while traveling solo!
Key Takeaways:
*Why did Jennifer decide to solo travel?
*Whenever Jennifer took a business trip, especially international, she’d always take a couple of days off just to explore the city.
*When you’re traveling solo, you’re definitely forced to get out of your own bubble compared to if you were with a friend or partner.
*What kinds of things does Jennifer do when she’s in a foreign country?
*Jennifer won a free airline ticket and got to travel to Vietnam.
*The motorbikes in Vietnam do not stop for anyone — anyone!
*A motorist (going in the wrong direction) actually ran over Jennifer’s foot and he didn’t even stop. Moments like these you just have to laugh.
*Jennifer shares her experience of what food is like in Vietnam.
*The guides in Vietnam mostly learned how to speak English by watching YouTube videos.
*Does Jennifer have any budget tips for travelers?
*What’s next for Jennifer?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Pomelotravel.com
Connect with Jennifer:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Carol Perehudoff, also known as Wandering Carol, is a luxury travel blogger. With slightly over 15 years of experience as a travel writer, Carol has had her fair share of fascinating stories and adventures. Through hard work and sticking with it, she has made a career out of her two favorite things — traveling and writing! On today’s show, Carol discusses how she became a travel writer and also offers advice how you can start building a career for yourself… today!
Key Takeaways:
*How did Carol get her start traveling?
*Are you scared to travel? Take baby steps. It’s a muscle that gets stronger every time you exercise it.
*Carol once had to say to her husband, “You know I am a travel writer, did it not once occur to you that I will travel?” His reply was, “No!”
*Carol and her husband have been together for over 9 years, so he is more than used to having Carol jet set off alone to exotic locations by this point.
*Keep in mind, when Carol’s husband stays home, he isn’t losing out or missing out. In fact, he’s gaining. Everyone needs their alone time.
*Where has Carol traveled to that has really made a big impact on her?
*Where was Carol in her life when she decided to travel solo?
*How did Carol make her career as a solo traveler and also get speaking gigs from it?
*Carol is amazed by how technology advances so quickly. When she started, she had to get her worked passed by editors. Now, anyone can start a blog and start writing and traveling, on their own terms.
*Why does Carol love the South of France so darn much?
*Carol shares her story about meeting this shady/creepy guy in a foreign country and why you need to be alert as a solo woman. Trust your gut instincts!
*Despite getting one or two bad vibes from people, Carol has met so many amazing and wonderful people throughout her travels that the bad apples definitely do not ruin the bunch.
*When you’re traveling solo, you are dependant on the kindness of strangers.
*What’s next for Carol?
*Carol is the spa expert. Where in the world should you go to for the ultimate spa experience?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Carol:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Phylecia Jones is a budgetologist, speaker, and world traveler. Phylecia is all about living the life you want as long as you plan accordingly for it. What’s the point of putting extra financial stress on yourself and paying everything off (with interest) from a trip you took two years ago? On today’s show, Phylecia offers simple tips that you can do today to start building a travel budget, stop doing that credit card dance, and to get a better control over your finances for more meaningful travel.
Key Takeaways:
*Who is Phylecia and what does she do?
*When Phylecia and her husband got married, they had to sit down for about a week to get both their finances straight.
*You want to get all the boring financial stuff out of the way first before you budget for travel.
*Believe it or not, Phylecia doesn’t use spreadsheets when she does budgeting!
*One of the ways Jennifer saves money is by having roommates.
*When Phylecia and her husband got married, they discussed what they wanted out of their marriage for the next 30+ years. Travel was a top priority for both of them and with that means they were certain things they have to give up on (no brand new cars for example).
*Phylecia has created a ‘travel’ account that gets funded every month. If there’s no money in the account, then they go camping.
*When Phylecia was younger, she would often do a credit card dance with her money to fund these elaborate trips. No more!
*How do Phylecia and her husband plan a trip and decide what to do once they’ve hit new soil?
*There are tons of websites out there that teach you how to ‘backpack’ it and get your money to stretch. Phylecia is here to tell you to rethink not how you spend, but how you can use your money to really fulfill you.
*Open a brand new bank account and start putting $10 or $15 here and there into it. Those small numbers add up over time and bam! You’ll have a travel account before you know it.
*Don’t live your life in regret. Just go ahead and do it. It’s never too late.
*Phylecia puts her vacation account right up there with her 401k and IRA.
*Be sure to get your debt in check. Phylecia and her husband did not travel for three years because they were working on removing their burdens first and foremost.
*It is time to start asking for what we want.
*Interested in setting up a budget? Phylecia can help you!
*What’s next for Phylecia?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Phylecia:
Website
Budgetschool.co
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Talek Nantes has a lot of experience traveling the world and makes five to six international trips every year. Her mother traveled from Cuba to New York while she was still pregnant with Talek and owned a travel agency; this exposed Talek to the world and she does not remember a time where she wasn’t learning about different people and their cultures. On this week’s show, Talek has some age-old advice for the newbie traveler as to what to do when you've stepped foot in a foreign country and things to be aware of so you don’t get ripped off!
Key Takeaways:
*What inspired Talek to travel solo?
*What was Talek’s big ‘ah-ha’ moment when it came to solo travel?
*So many women think solo travel is something only ‘college-aged’ women do. Not true!
*The more time passes, the less likely you are to travel alone.
*If you’re afraid of danger, start slowly, travel to countries that speak English or travel within the United States.
*It’s easier to travel these days with the use of technology!
*When Talek travels to a new country for the first time, what are some of the things she does to get familiar with the surrounding areas?
*Talek has been to over 100 countries and does about five or six international trips a year.
*What was Talek’s trip to New Zealand like?
*Where has Talek traveled to, throughout her life?
*What advice does Talek have for those who might not feel very comfortable traveling to China?
*What kinds of resources does Talek like to use while researching for a new trip?
*Do your research, but don’t over-plan! It takes some of the excitement out of it.
*Always asks how much something costs before buying it. It may sound dumb, but very rarely do we do this consistently. Talek spent $80 on a manicure because she didn’t do this.
*Don’t be afraid to be a bit assertive and impolite. Sad to say, but people try to take financial advantage of women because they don’t think they’d protest.
*What’s next for Talek?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Possumpete.com.au/
Skyscanner.net
Momondo.com
Rome2rio.com
Connect with Talek:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Leah Walker is a Texan woman with a heart for France. Leah first experienced solo travel when she went to Costa Rica as a college student. Fast forward to now, Leah is living in France and works as a brand ambassador and social media expert. Leah knows there’s a lot of blogs out there telling you how to quit your job and travel the world. They make it sound easy, but it’s not! It takes time to build a career and it takes time to save the money you need to see the world. You just have to make it a priority.
Key Takeaways:
*What inspired Leah to leave Texas and travel solo?
*The first place Leah ever went to solo was Costa Rica in 1997. She and her friends got chased by a guy wielding a machete. It was very rural back then.
*Later in life, Leah really loved to travel and didn’t want to wait for her then-husband’s schedule to see the world. She was bitten by the bug and ready to go.
*Unfortunately, Leah mother was diagnosed with cancer at 60 and she ended up passing away at 65. This had a profound effect on her. Life really is short.
*Leah used travel to heal from her mother’s passing and to escape the pain.
*Leah ended up winning a month-long trip to Europe from a writing competition and she could choose which cities she wanted to go to.
*Leah’s ex-husband really encouraged her to take her writing seriously and to follow her dreams. She could not have done it without his support.
*There’s a lot of blogs out there on how to quit your job and travel the world, but it’s not easy.
*Why did Leah decide to live in Paris?
*How has travel evolved for Leah over the years?
*What does Leah’s lifestyle look like in France?
*How can someone start and get a career as a brand ambassador?
*Oprah once said, “If it’s on your ass, it’s not an asset.” This phrase made Leah re-think her shopping habits.
*Some people keep ‘wishing’ to travel. Stop wishing! Start saving!
*Leah understands that there are people out there who really can’t afford to pay rent and are struggling. Get your basics covered first before travel. This message is for the people who have a disposable income and still ‘wish’ they could travel … while buying those $$$ designer bags.
*On social media, people may make it look rosy, but the reality is it took Leah some time to set herself up in France. For example, it took her a year and a half to get a French bank account.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Leah:
Website
Clara Chorley had always wanted to travel to Africa, but due to fear mongering and stories of it being dangerous, it kept pushing her back. However, her deep desire to visit slowly crept up on her, until one day, and after 14 years of procrastination, she couldn’t ignore it anymore and decided to take the leap. Since then, Clara has traveled the world and there’s one thing that she’s consistently noticed throughout every situation: People are inherently good. Don’t let stories of woe and dread hold you back from solo travel and being transformed!
Key Takeaways:
*What got Clara started on this path of solo travel?
*The United States is so huge and Clara has noticed that a lot of Americans don’t leave the country.
*In Europe, it’s just easier to go to a neighboring country and be immersed in a completely different culture.
*Clara has seen that there’s a lot of fear-mongering when it comes to traveling to ‘dangerous’ places.
*How does Clara know when a place is going to be okay?
*It’s very important that you go and get current and recent information about a country. Some places used to be dangerous, but have recovered from their turmoil.
*Why did Clara visit Africa? It took her 14 years to take the plunge to go.
After reading the book We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families*, Clara was READY. She didn’t want to wait anymore. She Had To Go!
*Through Clara’s work, she speaks with so many people who are in the late 50s who have ‘put it off’ and are miserable for doing so.
*You don’t need to make the full jump, you just need to be a little awakened so you can see what you’re missing and push yourself closer and closer to your dreams.
*Where has Clara traveled to that has really made an impact on her life?
*When you’re dealing with risk, you do need to test yourself so you know what your boundaries are.
*We’re designed to feel alive, that’s why we crave it! It’s our birthright.
*Remember, people are inherently good.
*What kind of work does Clara do and how does she help others?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families, by Philip Gourevitch
Connect with Clara:
Website
Clara in LinkedIn
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Katrina McGhee took a 20-month career break. Although this might seem scary and like career suicide, when Katrina came back she was rejuvenated and transformed. With a new vision and focus, she then took the next challenge to pay off her student loan debt. Katrina is now in her late 30s and is completely debt-free! Prior to her break, Katrina felt lost and miserable. She was unhappy with her corporate job and was afraid that this was ‘it’ for her. Is this really all life had to offer? Katrina decided no, it wasn’t and put steps in place to change her life around. Find out how she did it in this week’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
*Katrina was recently featured on Forbes!
*Katrina took a 20-month career break. After coming back, Katrina decided to pay off her student loans. She is currently debt-free!
*Katrina quit her job in 2013 and solo traveled when she was 31.
*The interesting thing was, Katrina didn’t think travel was possible but she stacked the odds in her favor so that she would travel, by joining an MBA program that had study abroad options.
*When Katrina was in her corporate job, she felt so stuck and really sad. She decided to get a life coach to help her out of the rut.
*When Katrina was working on her MBA, she quit her high-paying job to study full-time. She was a bit older than the average student (she was 29).
*When Katrina returned back to corporate, she felt even more stuck. She thought her MBA would be the answer; she found out that it wasn’t. She just didn’t know what to do next. She was 31 and thought, ‘Is this really it for me?’
*When you’re ready for a change, be intentional with it. Set up the plans; once you do, you’ll be at peace.
*Katrina gave her job an 8-month notice that she was quitting to travel around the world, and they were supportive of it!
*How did Katrina plan financially for her travel?
*Once Katrina had the budget, where did she first start on her travel journey?
*After traveling the world, Katrina went back home and spent 4-5 months just recovering. She needed time to adjust back into American life.
*What’s next for Katrina? She’s quitting her current job in February and her lease ends in March.
*What does Katrina currently do for a living? She has created a location-independent career while she was saving money/working.
*Katrina has a free gift available on her website to help you travel and find your way.
*Part of making a real change is by surrounding yourself with possibilities and hearing people’s stories of how they made travel possible for themselves. It’s possible to do this!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Eat Pray Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
Connect with Katrina:
Website
Kmcgheecoaching.com/travel
Leave a Review:
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Before Chantell Glenville quit her job to travel the world, she was working a very, very stressful job. It was so stressful that at the young age of 27 years old, she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Every Tuesday, like clockwork, she would end up crying in her office. Enough was enough. Chantell set in motion a plan to free herself of this lifestyle. She saved up her money, quit her job to go travel the world for what was only going to be for a year and a half. Well, two-and-a-half years later, Chantell is still traveling the world and she is loving every second of it. She set off on her solo journey to rediscover herself, to find out what her wants and desires are but ended up discovering so much more. Learn more about Chantell and her story, on this week’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
*Who is Chantell and what was she doing professionally when she decided to travel solo?
*How did Chantell prepare for her trip and come up with an itinerary? Well, two-and-a-half years later, she’s still traveling!
*How much traveling did Chantell do prior to embarking on this journey?
*Whenever Chantell lands someplace new, she likes to walk the city to get a better idea of where she is.
*Chantell doesn’t do a lot of research on the location she’s about to go to these days. She embraces the unknown a lot better now that she’s been traveling for a while.
*Things can go wrong while you’re traveling, but you know what, as long as you’re alive, healthy, and unharmed, none of those troubles really matter in the long run.
*Get travel insurance! If your bag gets stolen, it gives you an excuse to buy new clothes.
*Why does Chantell love to travel? What are some of the positives of traveling the world?
*How did Chantell learn Indonesian?
*Chantell tries to learn a little bit of the language wherever she goes, especially because she’s a vegetarian and it can sometimes be difficult to find options.
*Chantell has been solo traveling a year longer than she had initially planned for. How did that happen?
*What does Chantell do for work right now?
*It’s very important to have more than one income stream.
*How does Chantell stay connected with her family back home?
*What is Chantell’s book about?
*Make the decision right now to travel and then commit to it. It’s not as scary as you might think it is! It’s liberating and amazing! Make a firm decision, you won’t regret it.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Chantell:
Website
Travel For Your Life
Travel for Your Life book
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Mary Beth McCabe’s first solo trip was when she was 15 years old. Since then, Mary Beth has been to every continent (except Antarctica) by herself. She has even written a book, The World’s First Guide to Independent Travel, to help fellow travelers get a better sense of how to travel the world solo. Mary Beth highly encourages travelers out there to even revisit locations you haven’t been to in a while to see how your perspective has changed over the years. She also says that if you ever get lost, don’t panic! It’s all part of the journey and to just enjoy this new adventure you’ve stumbled upon.
Key Takeaways:
*What did people think when they found out Mary Beth wanted to travel solo?
*Mary Beth’s first solo trip was when she was 15.
*What are Mary Beth’s top three travel destinations?
*Make sure you pay attention to when tickets go on sale. Mary Beth booked a $29 flight each way to Oakland.
*Mary Beth has had a very positive Airbnb experience so far.
*Mary Beth went back to China for the first time in 38 years. What was that experience like?
*It’s amazing how social media has opened up so many new doors where you can now experience a new country through the help of a friend of a friend.
*If you get lost, don’t stress about it! Enjoy the new adventure.
*How can someone take baby steps to traveling solo?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Hopper.com
Chuck Yeager on Twitter
Connect with Melissa:
Website
Drmarytravelbest.com
Mary Beth on Twitter
Dr. Mary TravelBest Twitter
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Melissa Binkley is the Founder of Intuitive Intelligence Academy, a transformation school for anyone seeking to heal trauma and grow themselves. Melissa went on her first solo trip in 2015 and ever since then she has experienced huge transformations within herself. However, those icky and uncomfortable emotions still pop up inside her every now and again, but instead of ignoring them, she sits with them, journals them, and then moves on. By doing this, she has become a much freer (and happier!) person.
Key Takeaways:
*What was going on in Melissa’s life when she decided to embark on her 2015 solo travel?
*When Melissa embarked on her solo journey, did she think her partner would come with her?
*Melissa went to India for four months and it was a deeply transformative experience. She was 100% solo!
*On that trip, Melissa was able to find ‘home’ again. What does she mean by that?
*What were some of the highlights of being on this Indian trip?
*Melissa went on a backpacking trip to Europe with her daughter, but little did she know her entire bank account was cleaned out by a business partner.
*You can have the life you want AND run the kind of business you want at the same time.
*What kind of emotional transformation did Melissa experience on these solo trips?
*The hidden gem of solo travel is really being with yourself, in silence. Don’t bury your uncomfortable emotions.
*Melissa loves to journal. It really helps her get out all of that ‘ick’ inside her.
*What scared Melissa the most about traveling solo?
*As an intuitive person, how did Melissa use her strength while traveling solo?
*What is Melissa currently up to? How does she help her clients?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Melissa:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Sunni Boehme was 30-years-old when she survived a life-threatening car accident. It was so intense that she had an out-of-body experience. When she finally came to, she realized she’s never taken a real vacation before — never sat on a city bus or a train — and by that point, she had only been on a plane once in her life. This immediately had to change. She went to Europe solo with no plans other than a monthly budget of $1,000. The experience completely transformed her and how she saw life after that. She came back to the U.S. with no money left and started a completely new career path.
Key Takeaways:
*Where was Sunni in her life when she decided it was time to go solo?
*Sunni had an out-of-body experience from a car accident that nearly killed her.
*Even though Sunni was 30 years old, she had never been on a city bus and a train in her life. By that point, she had only been on a plane once — it was for work — and she had only taken one vacation in her adult life (where she didn’t even leave the state).
*How did Sunni discover her spirituality?
*We all have multiple versions of the same story. We can react negatively to it or we can be proactive with our stories.
*Trust your intuition! Do not ignore your instincts.
*Sunni and her husband had a long discussion after the car accident. Sunni said to him that she had to go to Europe. He had his own life journey to go through and Europe wasn’t in that picture. So, they went and got a divorce for $350, sold the house, and left it at that!
*After selling the house, Sunni had $30,000 and she got her banker to wire her $1,000 a month to London while she traveled throughout Europe.
*Sunni shares some of the fun adventurers a recently divorced woman can get into while traveling solo!
*When Sunni only had $500 to her name, she bought a plane ticket back to the U.S. and started her life over.
Sunni talks about her book, Mirror, Mirror* and where you can find her!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
The Power of Your Subconscious Mind: Unlock the Secrets Within, by Joseph Murphy
Connect with Sunni:
Website
Sunni’s Books
You can hear Sunni speak at The Spiritual Living of Greater Milwaukee Center on Sunday mornings at 10:45 am. RSGM.net
Call Sunni: 414-217-4052
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Alicia Rasley is an award-winning author as well as a writing coach and teacher. She loves to travel solo when she is doing research for her books because it means she can explore a new city on her own time. She can soak the experiences in and then later write about it in her books. On the show, Alicia shares why she treasures solo travel so much and also shares some of her tips and tricks to make travel a safer and cheaper experience.
Key Takeaways:
*What was travel like for Alicia when she was growing up? Did she do it a lot?
Alicia comes from a big family, so whenever she got some time alone, it was really a blessing. Which came first? Alicia writing stories/books about England or her travels to England?
*When you’re looking for inspiration, you really need to do that alone.
*A lot of romance readers are unable to travel, so by reading Alicia’s books, they’re able to get a full foreign experience.
*What kind of challenges has Alicia faced while traveling solo?
*Alicia loves to drive in England, but it far more mental energy from her to make sure she’s not driving on the wrong side of the road.
*Alicia is a big planner, even down to which restaurants are available in the area. This allows Alicia to not worry as much.
*When Alicia is in a new country researching for one of her books, what kinds of surprises does she encounter?
*What kinds of books is Alicia writing right now?
*How has Alicia made travel safer and cheaper? She shares her tips!
*Alicia almost never stays in hotels. She rents out a cottage for 300 pounds a week!
*What’s next for Alicia? Well, she’s going to be sponsoring writing retreats soon. Interested? Feel free to sign up!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Nationaltrust.org.uk
Connect with Alicia:
Website
Aliciarasleybooks.com
Newsletter
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Rachel Archelaus did not come from a household that openly welcomed wanderlust, but she has always wanted to see the world. In fact, she chose a location-independent career so that she can always pick up and go if she wants to. Despite being afraid of heights as well as hills, Rachel bought a camper van so that she could travel solo throughout the U.S. while promoting her book, Intuitive Art. On the show, Rachel discusses what that experience was like and how that experience has transformed her.
Key Takeaways:
*Where is Rachel right now and what brought her there?
*How did Rachel’s parents support her wanderlust when she was growing up?
*New York City was a very grimy place in the 60s and the 70s and it wasn’t a great place to grow up, which is why Rachel’s parents had their reservations about her traveling.
*What was it like taking a solo trip to Europe?
*There are no rules as to how you should behave, that’s what Rachel learned the most on her trip to Europe. We don’t have to be so uptight and rigid with ‘our way of being.’
*Aside from Europe, what’s been the most recent adventure Rachel has been on?
*Rachel bought a van and is now doing a book tour in it! What’s Rachel’s book about?
*What were some of Rachel’s safety concerns while driving the van? How did she prepare?
*How did Rachel plan her route?
*Before traveling in her van, Rachel had never taken a road trip for more than 12 hours.
*Not everything went right on Rachel’s trip, either, but she loved the experience of being alone.
*What went wrong while Rachel was traveling in the camper van?
*Rachel found her ideal lifestyle. By living in her van, she is able to camp out anywhere she wants and she can also visit friends and family without being a burden to them!
*Rachel is now selling her house and shifting her life so that she can travel wherever she wants, making the whole ‘living in her van’ a much more permanent decision.
*What’s Rachel’s next travel destination going to be?
*What does Rachel do for work and how does she help her clients?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Overnightrvparking.com
Connect with Rachel:
Website
Intuitiveart.com
Youtube
Google+
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Linda Beach did something bold when she found herself unhappy with her life — she decided to sell her business and move to Belize, a country she had never even been to before. This story is the perfect example of ‘if you can dream it, you can have it,’ because Linda put her three-year plan out into the universe and began putting bits and pieces in place so she could achieve it. Today, she’s built a location-independent business and she gets to live the dream of being close to beautiful ocean waters, sandy beaches, and unforgettable scuba dive trips. Find out on this week’s show how she was able to put all of this in place and live in a new country… solo!
Key Takeaways:
*Linda’s solo journey really just snuck up on her.
*What did Linda’s life look like before she took her first solo journey plunge?
*Three years from now, what would you like your life to look like?
*Linda is living proof that the law of attraction works.
*You can have a big fat dream and still sit on your sofa without doing anything. That’s not how the law of attraction works. You have to do the work.
*Linda really loves to dive, so she knew she had to live near a place that allowed for her to have that kind of lifestyle.
*Linda made the decision to move to Belize before she even visited the country.
*One thing Linda knows for a fact. When you’re working on your dream, you don’t want to share it with all the dream naysayers. You don’t want anybody to talk you out of this.
*Linda sold her business and that was it! She was now set to move to Belize. So, she took a discovery trip over there to see whether or not she’d like it first.
*What kind of challenges did Linda have when she was trying to move to a new country?
*What some people forget is that life in the Caribbean is nothing like life in the U.S. So many people see the resorts and think ‘this is the Caribbean lifestyle’ — it’s not!
*Linda discusses some of her favorite solo travels.
*Linda lived in Belize for months and no one came to visit her, not even her kids!
*Linda recently polished up her next big dream vision and is now working towards it.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Linda:
Website
Freebie to building your dream life
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Janet Hanpeter is a globe-trotting Baby Boomer and has over 80 countries logged on her passport. Janet was bitten by the travel bug at a very young age by her wanderlust mother, who was also a private pilot in college. When Janet turned 50, she realized that she had to take her traveling up a notch, so she traveled to China on a solo trip and it was a life-changing experience! Find out why on this week’s episode.
Key Takeaways:
*When did Janet get bit by the travel bug?
*Janet’s mom has always had a wanderlust spirit, and she also got her private pilot’s license while in college (this was back in the 40’s).
*How many barriers did Janet’s mom have to overcome with traveling?
*Do Janet’s siblings have the same passion for traveling as she does?
*What was Janet’s solo trip to China like? It was life-changing!
*Janet hadn’t traveled much in Asia and she found herself completely alone with visa issues!
*Sometimes the stories are better and the memories are stronger when you have that ‘holy cow’ moment.
*However, it’s amazing how little angels appear out of nowhere and kind people come to your rescue.
*Did Janet have issues with the language while in China?
*We are very blessed to be English speakers. It has become the universal language of our world.
*The locals were very fascinated by the fact that Janet was not married and did not have kids.
*Although you can see the famous landmarks through the world, what makes travel special for Janet are the people she meets along the way.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Janet:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Jeni Dehn was married to her husband for two years when she decided it was time to take a solo trip. At 44 years old, Jeni left to go to Spain — a place where she knew nobody she personally knew would be there — to take some self-care. She came back more refreshed, happy, and ready to wear colorful clothes again! Jeni believes solo travel is very similar to spiritual work. You come back transformed, changed, and awakened.
Key Takeaways:
*Why did Jeni decide to go on her first solo trip?
*After receiving support from her family, Jeni decide to go to Spain!
*Jeni flew halfway across the world because she didn’t want to be in a place where she could have run into somebody she knew. She wanted to reflect and care for herself.
*While Jeni was at the retreat and alone, what kinds of things did she discover and take away about herself?
*Jeni was crazy enough to rent a car in a foreign country and she drove a stick shift, something she hadn’t done in 10 years!
*When Jeni’s friends found out she was going to Spain alone, there were two questions, “Your husband’s not going?” and “He let you?”
*When Jeni came home, what changed within Jeni? Jeni started wearing more colors!
*Jeni believes solo travel is very similar to spiritual work.
*What other trips has Jeni been on where she has experienced personal growth and transformation?
*Jeni felt so safe in Egypt when she was there with a friend.
*Language is not a barrier. So much can be said through the body alone.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Traca:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Traca Savadogo has traveled with her family ever since she was a young girl but had never left the United States. When Traca moved from her hometown in Illinois to Seattle, that’s when new doors opened for her and she was exposed to a new set of cultures and experiences. She never thought traveling to Europe was a possibility for her, but one day, through the encouragement of a boyfriend, she did her first ever big solo trip and left for Europe. The experience was amazing! Shortly after that, she went with a friend to Thailand for a month. On the show, Traca discusses the differences between traveling solo, vs. traveling a friend and why both can have their benefits depending on where you are in life.
Key Takeaways:
*How did Traca first get started with solo travel?
*Traca’s boyfriend at the time encouraged her to travel abroad for the very first time, solo.
*Even though Traca traveled all the time via car when she was younger with her family, traveling beyond the U.S. just seemed so ‘out there.’
*Speaking a different language is so normal in Europe. Traca could go for days and not even meet another person who speaks a different language in the Midwest.
*When Traca’s boyfriend ordered Pad Thai for the first time in front of her, she kind of freaked out.
*When Traca went to Europe for the first time, how did she prepare for it?
*When Traca came back from Europe, she went back to school to finish her degree.
*During her school break, she and a friend were able to go to Thailand for a month! Traca was able to find extremely cheap tickets at the time.
*Traca shares a quick traveler tip to make it easier when you have to split the bill.
*What was the transition like from doing a very big trip solo to doing another big trip with a friend?
*Friends can really help push you out of your comfort zone.
*When Traca decided to travel with her boyfriend at the time, that’s when it sucked the life out of her. They were both on different travel levels.
*What’s next for Traca?
*Traca is part of a traveler group and they think it’s bizarre that she uses social media to meet people in other countries, but Traca believes that meeting interesting people doing interesting things is what makes traveling so great!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Traca:
Website
Kathy Pulkrabek’s first solo trip didn’t start off to be that great — she had no hotel, was lost in a foreign country, and she got food-poisoned — but when it ended, she gained a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Kathy still remembers the bonds and friendships she made on her first solo trip and how it wasn’t as scary as she thought. On the show, Kathy dives into why she loves traveling, some of her favorite websites where you can score excellent travel deals, and the lessons she learned on her very first solo trip.
Key Takeaways:
*What was Kathy’s first solo adventure like?
*Kathy wasn’t really prepared for her first solo trip, to be completely honest.
*In fact, Kathy’s first solo trip was a bit traumatizing and it started with her being food-poisoned for at least two days.
*However, the trip took a turn for the better when Kathy met this tiny old Italian lady.
*What kinds of lessons did Kathy learn on this solo trip?
*After visiting Vietnam and living in Japan, what was the next major trip for Kathy?
*Check out Icelandair. Their prices are outrageously cheap.
*Jennifer and Kathy share some of their favorite travel apps that help them save money.
*What are Kathy’s thoughts on Airbnb?
*What is Kathy’s podcast about and what does she do for a living?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Icelandair.us
Nextvacay.com
Hopper.com
Hoteltonight.com
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich, by Tim Ferriss
Connect with Kathy:
Personal Twitter
Personal Instagram
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
When Renée Rivard was going through her second divorce, something clicked inside her. She was living in San Diego at the time and she was just working to make a living. She decided it was time for her to move and get a different kind of scenery. As someone who loves nature and has always wanted to learn Spanish, she decided to move right into the rainforests of Panama. On the show, Renée shares her experience of living in a foreign country solo for the first time, caring for her parent, and how those profound experiences sparked a new business career.
Key Takeaways:
*What kind of things has Renée learned about herself from her solo adventures?
*Renée moved to Panama about 4 years ago. It was on her bucket list to speak Spanish fluently!
*What kinds of challenges has Renée faced while traveling solo?
*Renée had to move back home to care for her mother during her last years. How did Renée manage the transition from Panama to back home?
*After Renée’s mother passed, what lead Renée to Australia?
*If you’re grieving and mourning, there’s no better place to be than in nature.
*What places have been the most memorable for Renée from a nature standpoint?
*Traveling gets you out of your comfort zone and that’s where most of your growth will come from.
*It’s an interesting mix to be able to work remotely in nature. Despite being in the middle of the rainforest, you’re still so reliant on technology.
*Why is Renée focused on good nutrition and how did she find this line of work?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Renée:
Healthyfoodhappygenes.com
Isdiseasehereditary.com
Panama Adventure eBook: I Had A Sloth In My Tree: And Many More of Life's Little Adventures Living in the Panama Rainforest, by Renée Rivard
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Velva Lee Heraty is a certified Jungian Depth-Psychotherapist and has an MSW degree from Loyola University of Chicago. Solo travel not only opened Velva Lee’s mind and transformed her, but she was able to find an entirely new career out of it. After a 20-year marriage, Velva Lee used solo travel to help heal her and find herself. Now, she takes solo trips with her favorite furry friend all over the United States.
Key Takeaways:
*Who is Velva Lee?
*Velva Lee has done a bunch of solo trips with her seven-lb. Shih Tzu!
*What kinds of challenges has Velva Lee had when it comes to traveling with her pet?
*How does Velva Lee plan effectively plan out her trips?
*Velva Lee didn’t really start solo traveling until after her marriage ended.
*Outward Bound had a program specifically for people going through midlife changes. Velva Lee had to take it.
*After Velva Lee finished the Outward Bound program, she was ready to switch careers.
*Velva Lee discusses some of the interesting travel partners she’s had throughout the years.
*What has been the biggest challenge for Velva Lee when she travels alone?
*When it comes to safety, Velva Lee never felt threatened in other countries. Most countries are perfectly safe for a solo traveler.
*Velva Lee felt most threatened in Seattle.
*When is Velva Lee’s next solo trip and where will she be going?
*Velva Lee is a Dream Momma. She explains a bit more about what that is and why it is important!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Outwardbound.org
Connect with Velva Lee:
Sixdegreesofsuccess.com
Tadain.org
The Dream Belongs to the Dreamer: A Hands-On, How-To, Step-by-Step Guide To Understanding Your Dreams, by Velva Lee Heraty
Ellen Saksen and her sister Kate Nichols were prolific business travelers. They travelled frequently, often solo, and they were very, very lonely. It was difficult finding and connected with amazing people, and doing it in a safe way, while out on the road so much. This is why they sat down and created the app Amelia. It is an app to help connect busy solo women travelers to like-minded people. Meet new people while on the road, see and explore the new country you’re in, and do it all in a safe way!
Key Takeaways:
*When was Ellen’s first solo journey?
*How did Ellen manage work plus travel? Did she have any challenges with that?
*What were some of the perks of traveling for business?
*It can be very easy to get lonely while traveling. How did Ellen manage it?
*Being lonely while traveling is one of the reasons why Ellen created the Amelia App to help connect with other like-minded people.
*Who are Ellen’s users?
*What is Go Jane Go about?
*The Amelia app is now live but it is still in beta. Go check it out, test it, and email Ellen any questions you might have!
*Is loneliness just a problem or concern with U.S.-based travelers?
*What’s next for Ellen? Does she have any solo trips planned?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Ellen:
Amelia-app.com
Gojanego.co
Email: ESaksen@GoJaneGo.co
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Amy embarked on her first solo trip when she was 28 years old. When she came back home nine months later, she was a different person with a new perspective on how she wanted to live her life. Never again did she want to go back to an office. So, she found creative ways to earn money while still retaining the freedom she had while she was traveling. Find out how she did it on this week’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
*Why is Amy in Mexico right now?
*How did Amy first get into solo travel?
*A lot of people accidentally end up in solo travel, but sometimes they cancel their trips completely if a friend or loved one bails out. Why do some people just go and why do others stay?
*When embarking on her first solo journey, what were some of the things Amy loved/learned about that trip?
*After nine months of traveling, how firm were Amy’s plans?
*What went into planning a trip like this?
*When Amy came home after nine months, what were some of her feelings about being back ‘home’?
*Amy actually met someone shortly before she embarked on her trip, but after a month of traveling solo, she cut the cord with him.
*When Amy came back, it was very clear she didn’t want to go back to an office.
*People are getting more and more creative on living their life on their terms, with the freedom that they want.
*What does Amy do at Nomadtopia?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Airtreks.com
Connect with Amy:
Website
Rosemary Nickel’s first solo trip was to Cape Town, South Africa. As someone who usually travels with her family, Rosemary was amazed by how badly she needed a solo trip! On the show, Rosemary discusses what it was like to be in Africa for the very first time, and why it’s so important to bring your children on mini trips in your backyard to help show them new places and experiences.
Key Takeaways:
*What was going on in Rosemary’s life when she decided to embark on her first solo trip ever?
*Rosemary learned so much on that trip to Africa, and it has forever changed her way of traveling in the future.
*Rosemary homeschools her children and everyone kept asking her if she ‘missed them.’ Her answer was no! She really needed that time off.
*Shoutout to Rosemary’s amazing husband, Nile.
*What did people think about Rosemary’s solo trip to Africa? What kind of feedback did she receive?
*Rosemary didn’t experience much of a language barrier when she was in Africa.
*What did Rosemary enjoy the most about Cape Town?
*A baboon stole Rosemary’s backpack!
*Rosemary discusses the racism and diversity she saw in Cape Town.
*When Rosemary was younger, she went to an all-black school in Louisiana for 6 months.
*What’s next for Rosemary and where would she travel to next?
*Rosemary does have a husband who works a lot, and she knew that it would be difficult for him to get time off.
*It doesn’t have to be a big trip. A couple of years ago, Rosemary and her daughter stayed in a hostel on Martha Stewart’s Vineyard for $35 a night, and they still talk about it to this day.
*There are so many options out there that you can explore, and they do not have to break the bank in order for you to do it.
*Rosemary admits she was afraid to do a road trip with her kids, or even camp with them. Now that she’s done it, she wants to let you know that there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Capefusiontours.com
Rootsandshoots.org
Connect with Rosemary:
Website
Motivatingothermoms.com
Helen Suk moved to the UK shortly after she graduated university. What she told her mother was only supposed to be a summer trip, ended up being two years away from home. Helen was hooked with the travel bug ever since. On the show, Helen admits that traveling will not solve your problems. In fact, your problems will follow you. The good thing about travel is that it is a powerful tool that can change your perspective, and can even help heal you when you’re feeling lost.
Key Takeaways:
*Why is Helen such a strong supporter of women’s solo travel?
*Using travel to escape will do you no good. Your problems will follow you no matter where you go.
*For Helen, travel was not the answer, but it was a tool. A very powerful and enlightening tool.
*Helen told her mother she’d be spending just the summer in the UK. The reality was she didn’t come home until two years later.
*As Helen has traveled the world, she has developed a deep respect for the world’s wide life.
*What country or place has become a sanctuary for Helen?
*There’s beauty no matter where you go.
*What has been the hardest part for Helen about traveling solo?
*Fortunately, Helen has never been robbed while traveling.
*Helen tends to get a bit restless when she’s been in one place for a bit too long.
*Helen went to India about a year after her brother had been murdered. Helen was struggling emotionally, and knew she needed to take a pause in her life.
*When Helen went to India, it was so transformational for her. She was finally able to let go. She learned that death is just a natural part of the soul.
*Remember, solo travel is the ultimate form of self-care.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Helen:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Charlene Burke is 53 years old and has plenty of experience getting in her car and going somewhere for a day or a weekend. In fact, Charlene prefers to drive than take a plane, because you’re able to experience much more while on the ground. On today’s show, Charlene discusses her personal philosophy, some of the travel dangers you should look out for, and the fun stories she’s collected along the way!
Key Takeaways:
*What is Charlene’s personal philosophy?
*When traveling, or even when going through life, be open and flexible.
*Charlene shares an example of how ‘unintentional growth’ happens while on the road.
*Charlene loves to drive, vs. flying. You get to experience much, much more when you drive.
*The great thing about social media is that it opens so many doors to meet your new ‘friends,’ in the country or city that they live in.
*How does Charlene usually plan out her trips?
*How did Charlene tell her partner, now husband, that traveling was a huge part of her life?
*Get a physical map, no, not your phone, a real map!
*Charlene doesn’t know how to be afraid when she’s on the road because she’s always very prepared.
*When Charlene was 14, she traveled to Germany and explored the country.
*FILL THE GAS TANK AND JUST GO, HONEY! Permission granted!
*So, what kinds of things have ‘gone wrong’ during Charlene’s travels?
*Charlene is not trained in self-defence, she doesn’t carry a gun, but she’s 53 and so far so good. She is always aware of her surroundings and this fact is key.
*Remember, if you feel like you’re in danger. Just leave. You don’t need to give anybody an explanation why.
*What do you do when you’re suddenly caught in a tornado?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Charlene:
Website
812-951-3177
Products
Kimberly Ramsawak knew that a traditional job, with a cubicle, just wasn’t for her. Counting down the days, so she can take enough vacation to escape, just seemed counterintuitive. Kimberly had a very clear vision for herself, and she knew that life had to have travel integrated into it, which meant her job had to, also. Find out how Kimberly made her solo travel dreams happen, and still continues to make it happen with a husband and a child at home.
Key Takeaways:
*How did Kimberly first get started in solo travel?
*What were some of Kimberly’s highlights from her trip in Spain?
*When Kimberly became an ‘adult,’ she did what most people did, she got a job.
*Kimberly found out while she was in college that you could get a degree in tourism. She had no idea that this was a thing!
*This sparked a whole new world for Kimberly. Finally, she was able to get out of her home town and travel the world for work.
*When Kimberly was working for big organizations such as Macy’s, how did she create work/travel/life balance?
*Kimberly is married and has a child, yet she still makes travel a big part of her lifestyle.
*Jennifer admits that her politeness factor decreases when she’s tired/burnt out from people.
*Many women are afraid of being alone in a foreign country due to safety, but you have those same issues here in the United States, as well.
*People often forget about common sense. We won’t put ourselves in risky situations at home, so why would we do the same in a foreign country?
*We might feel freer when we travel alone, but just be conscious of your surroundings, and have backup plans in case things go wrong.
*Kimberly shares her thoughts on going traveling, vs. getting a job. Why does it have to be either/or?
*Kimberly shares some parting thoughts about traveling, traveling alone, and working at the same time.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Kimberly:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Donna Cravotta took her first solo trip when she was 5 years old. This adventure at such a young age sparked a huge desire and passion in Donna to travel the world, and she did! When Donna had her son, her priorities shifted and her solo travels came to a halt. Now that her son is slightly older, Donna can not wait till he’s off to college so she can begin a new stage of her life and travel the world on her own time once again.
Key Takeaways:
*For Donna growing up, travel was what ‘other people’ did.
*Donna’s best friend moved away and she was depressed, so her mother found enough money to send Donna, aged 5 at the time, on a plane (alone!) to go visit her friend.
*Donna traveled all over for work in her adult life, but then she had a child and being a jetsetter just wasn’t possible.
*Donna shares a cute story of her days working and traveling around the world.
*Jennifer discusses how sometimes you just have to accommodate your travel buddy.
*Donna had a lot of stress managing a bad relationship, working long hours, and a newborn child. One day Donna saw a deal to the Dominican Republic and just went! She spent her time reflecting, setting up boundaries, and realizing that she had to raise her child alone.
*Donna explains what a ‘maintenance-free’ lifestyle is and how you can have one.
*Donna is waiting for her son to go off to college. Once he does, you bet she’ll be back to solo traveling again.
*Really be mindful as to what’s taking up your time. You don’t enjoy it? Delegate it or outsource it.
*Remember, the only thing you can control in your life is your reaction.
*Most of Donna’s travel experiences have been reactionary. However, when Donna begins to travel again in the next few years, she’s not going to make her trips reactionary. They’re going to be purposely planned.
*What’s in store for Donna when she becomes an empty nester?
*There’s a whole big world out there. Your adventures don’t always have to be planned to the ‘T.’
*Don’t be afraid to be a tourist in your own backyard. You will get to see things from a new perspective.
*It’s not always about the destination. It’s the experience you have with yourself while you’re in that new destination that counts the most. It is such a profound feeling.
*What is Donna’s business about?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Donna:
Website: https://socialpivotpr.com/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/donnacravotta Twitter: @DonnaCravotta Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SocialPivotPR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnacravotta/ Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Amy Hogan took her first solo trip when she was 34 years old, to Taiwan. It was a completely new experience for her, and she was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and kind the locals were. The entire experience pushed new life into Amy, and it transformed her. Traveling made her realize that taking vacation once a year to experience the world was just not for her. So, she quit her job and started her own business as a breakthrough coach. Now, Amy is living the life she wants to live on her terms!
Key Takeaways:
*Where was Amy in her life when she embarked on her most significant solo journey?
*Amy was taking a bus in Taiwan and she got lost!
*What kind of wacky things did Amy do while she was there visiting her sister?
*What was Amy’s experience like when interacting with the locals?
*Amy caught the adventure bug after her visit to Taiwan.
*What empowered Amy to start her own business?
*Amy had 4 weeks of vacation from her job, but she knew she wanted to travel much more than that.
*When Amy traveled overseas, how did that change her world view?
*Amy had all the things that she thought would make her happy, but for some reason she just wasn’t.
*People who travel come back so much more lighter, happier, and better.
*What does Amy’s husband do while she’s off taking solo trips?
*What do Amy’s friends think about all of this?
*Amy talks a little bit about what she does and how she helps her lovely clients!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Connect with Amy:
Website
YouTube
Private Facebook Group
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
We’re going to be doing something a little bit different on this episode as a way to celebrate the the Go Solo Live podcast anniversary! My dear friend, Sarah Reed, will be interviewing me on my show. You’ll find out why I started Transform Via Travel, the podcast, some of the lessons learned thus far, and so much more! Are you ready? Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways:
*Jennifer is celebrating her 1-year podcast anniversary!
*Why did Jennifer start Transform Via Travel?
*Jennifer knew she didn’t want to be a travel agent. She knew her passion would die quickly if she got into that aspect of the industry.
Why did Jennifer start the Go Solo Live* podcast?
*A woman? Traveling by herself? Oh, she must be a loser.
*What has Jennifer learned from the podcast so far?
*Solo travel helps people get out of all the noise they’re buried in.
*It’s amazing that so many people have been compromising so long, that they don’t even know what their favorite pizza is.
*It’s so hard to turn the to-do list off, and people are getting burned out because of it.
*What is Patreon?
*What’s next for Transform Via Travel?
What can listeners expect with the Go Solo Live* podcast?
*What are some of people’s biggest fears when it comes to traveling solo?
*Spend your time understanding your why. It’ll prevent you from having so much pain.
*Transform Via Travel is creating its own business model. There isn’t a business quite like this out there that Jennifer can follow and adapt to her business. She’s completely trailblazing this business.
*What has been the most surprising thing that Jennifer’s learned about Transform Via Travel?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Patreon.com/gosololive
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Cindy Lane Ross has been traveling the world since she was 13 years old, and is looking forward to retirement at the ripe age of 38! Cindy and her husband are teaching fitness classes throughout the world and blogging about their adventures through their travel business, Stash Your Bag. Find out more about Cindy’s personal solo travels and how she always looks forward to some downtime, in this week’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
*What’s Cindy’s favorite part of New Orleans?
*Who is Cindy? She first got the travel bug when she was 13 years old!
*Has Cindy noticed a difference between how she traveled as a kid vs. how she travels, a nearly adult?
*When Cindy embarked to Central America, not once did she feel not safe.
*Where can people go to get more informed on the countries they want to visit, especially if they have a safety concern?
*Register yourself on the tourism board of every country you’re going into.
*Cindy offers a quick Paris tip. Don’t throw away your train ticket! The police check!
*Cindy says it might be best to get comfortable traveling within the United States first before venturing outside, especially if you’ve never, never traveled before!
*When Cindy is on a solo trip, she really uses that time for reflection and relaxation.
*Cindy did not want to become a certified diver. She was scared, but her husband pushed her to do it.
*What’s Cindy’s favorite solo travel journey?
*The world is a much more connected place. It’s so easy to reach out to others and get an ‘on the boots’ perspective of a country you’re about to visit.
*Cindy is loving her new meditation app. It’s called Headspace!
*Never stop traveling, and always keep an open mind!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Travelpostmonthly.com
Headspace.com
Tools of Titans, by Timothy Ferriss
Connect with Cindy:
Stashyourbag.com
Email Cindy: Cindy@StashYourBag.com
Socializeyourbizness.com
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Some pretty traumatic things happened to Angie Conquer in 2016. She had hip replacement surgery, her father died, there were some health scares with her grandson, and even her daughters were going through some serious life events. So, when the law firm she had worked for over 16 years gave her an early retirement package, she couldn’t resist seizing the opportunity. Angie is married, but she still travels solo by herself as she writes in her travel blog about all the fun and interesting places she’s been!
Key Takeaways:
*Why did Angie decide to go on a road trip to the Florida Keys?
*A lot of traumatic things had happened to Angie that made her decide it was time to quit her job.
*Angie admits that she’s really, really afraid of flying.
*Angie has 5 children and is starting to become more and more of an empty nester.
*What does Angie’s husband do and how does he fit into the whole ‘traveling solo’ picture?
*Angie’s husband has been extremely supportive with Angie’s solo trips.
*Where did Angie travel to when she left her job?
*Angie enjoys cruises because there’s something there that the whole family can enjoy.
*As women, we go through so many phases in life. Everything from being a caretaker to experiencing drastic physical changes as well. Angie discusses how she was able to pull through when life was throwing her some tense challenges.
*Nobody has a perfect life. We all go through challenges.
*Angie discusses some of the travel adventures/nightmares she’s experienced.
*People are more good than they are evil. There will always be help available even when you’re not necessarily asking for it.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Angie:
Bamaontheroad.com
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Debbie Ross was a single mom, and going crazy. She wanted to get away, and being in the travel industry, she searched for a women’s group tour that she could temporarily escape with. However, when she was searching in 2004, she could not find anyone hosting these types of trips in Canada. So, what did she do? She created her own company. 14 years later, Women’s Travel Network is still alive and well, and has brought women together who have formed lifelong friendships through their travels.
Key Takeaways:
*How does Debbie define solo travel, and how did she get involved in this line of work?
*The first trip Debbie hosted 14 years ago was in Tuscany, Italy.
*What were some of the lessons Debbie learned by hosting something like this?
*Debbie reminds everyone taking a journey with her that they’re part of a group, so it’s very important not to stray, unless you tell someone first. Not only is it a safety issue, but the entire group will be worried about a missing person.
*What kinds of women typically join Debbie’s group tours?
*What kinds of personal challenges are the solo travellers going through, when they book a tour with Debbie?
*There are times where people come with friends on some of Debbie’s tours. How does that affect the group dynamic?
*Having a friend close by on a trip can be very limiting, and can sometimes be stressful, as we get concerned whether they’re having a good time.
*What has been one of the more popular group trips Debbie has hosted?
*What piece of advice does Debbie have for those who are still on the fence about solo travel?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Debbie:
WomensTravelNetwork.ca
Call Debbie: Toll Free 1-888-419-0118 or Local 905-771-8338
Email Debbie: Debbie@WomensTravelNetwork.ca
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Beth Whitman is just an awesome human doing awesome things! She’s a traveler, blogger, podcaster, and 95% vegan. Beth has made a name for herself as the women’s travel expert, having done several solo trips by herself, despite protests from her friends and family. On one adventure, Beth took a solo trip on a motorbike sponsored by BMW, and traveled from Seattle to Panama. On the show, Beth describes what her experience was like, and some of the weird, and kooky, fears she had while undertaking such a transformative trip!
Key Takeaways:
*How did Beth get started with solo travel?
*We have hostels all over the U.S., but we rarely ever talk about them!
*Technology has only made solo travel easier. Beth was doing this ‘blind,’ over 20 years ago!
*How does Beth balance the technology aspect while she’s traveling? She has a blog and a podcast, so does she ever disconnect?
*Beth rode a motorbike from Seattle to Panama — 7,000 miles over 9 weeks!
*Beth discusses some of her biggest takeaways while riding solo on a motorbike.
*How did Beth’s friends and family react to the news that she’s gonna be traveling solo?
*What kind of fears did Beth have while she was doing this solo bike trip?
*Beth doesn’t see herself as a ‘woman.’ She sees herself as a person doing adventurous things.
*Why do some women lack the confidence to travel solo?
*If we keep telling ourselves we can’t, then we can’t.
*Put your money in a travel fund. Travelling really can be very inexpensive.
*Where’s Beth’s favorite place to go?
*Beth is now hosting adventures. What kinds of people go on some of her adventures?
*What’s one piece of advice Beth would give to those who want to travel solo?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Beth:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Sherry Ott is a digital nomad and travel blogger. Sherry believes it’s absolutely necessary to break out of your routine and go traveling. It not only resets you, but it helps you discover some of your hidden talents that you didn’t know you had. One of Sherry's favorite experiences is the Camino de Santiago because as you’re walking through Spain, you have a lot of time to think and reflect on your life. It is a transformative experience, and the best part is any woman can safely do it solo.
Key Takeaways:
*Where was Sherry in her life when she decided to take her first solo trip?
*After ten years of traveling to different places, Sherry was starting to get bored with traveling so frequently.
*How would somebody even begin to start their own travel blog? Sherry offers some words of advice.
*You have to get comfortable promoting yourself. You have to pitch yourself and ask for money.
*What’s it like to experience the Camino de Santiago and travel on foot to Spain?
*Camino de Santiago is known as a journey for healing and transformation. When Sherry walked it, it was the best form of therapy she could ever have.
*Detoxing trips are an increasing trend. More and more travel agencies are offering these packages.
*When you get out of your day-to-day routine, you are able to realize some of your hidden strengths and grow into a better person.
*What is the Niece Travel Project about?
*Why did Sherry make the leap, quit her job, and take her travel blog more seriously?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Sherry:
Website
The Niece Travel Project
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Kimberly James grew up believing that ‘black people don’t travel’. At 24, she went to Europe with a friend, and instantly got bit by the travel bug. When she turned 25, she moved to Mexico, by herself, and hasn’t stopped traveling since. Kimberly is in her mid-40s now, and still hears the words, “Black people don’t travel,” from fellow African Americans. Well, after traveling to over 60 countries, Kimberly is living proof that’s not the case. If you want to travel, don’t let your race, or gender, hold you back.
Key Takeaways:
*Kimberly first started traveling solo at the age of 25.
*Kimberly went on a trip with a friend to Europe when she was 24, but she initially didn’t want to go. She thought, “Black people don’t travel.”
*On that trip, she went to 6 countries in 3 weeks, and fell in love with traveling.
*When she came back, she had her mind set on living in another country. She didn’t even know anyone who had lived, or even traveled, outside of the U.S., at that time.
*So, what’s the deal with the whole ‘black people don’t travel’ myth?
*When Kimberly was traveling in the 90s, she rarely saw another African American traveling.
*Kimberly is now in her mid-40s and she still hears, “Black people don’t travel.”
*People think Kimberly is fearless, but she’s not. She has fear. The difference is that she goes even when she’s afraid.
*Kimberly is a strong advocate of taking self-defence classes.
*Being robbed happens in the U.S., too. We’re not immune to these things, even in our home country.
*Kimberly went to China and Japan when she was 13 years old, and she hated the trip!
*Where does Kimberly find her inspiration?
*What advice does Kimberly have for those who want to do solo travel?
*Kimberly talks about her Antarctica trips. She’s been there 3 times so far, and is currently planning another trip over there soon!
*P.S., Kimberly hates cold weather. There’s just something special in Antarctica, you can’t find anywhere else.
*Why did Kimberly decide to write a book?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Quarkexpeditions.com
Connect with Kimberly:
Website
Finding My Brave Space, by Kimberly James
Booksandwanderlust.com
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Carol Cain is a full-time travel blogger, but lives in New York City. She travels the world solo and writes about her adventures; often times they’ve been sponsored by companies. Oh, and by the way, she also has kids and a husband. Carol is proof you can get out there and travel, by yourself, even when you have a busy family to take care of. When Carol first traveled solo, at the young age of 17, she felt empowered. Carol has a serious travel bug, and doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
Key Takeaways:
*When was Carol’s very first solo journey?
*Carol travelled to Italy at the age of 17, and it was very empowering to be on her own and make mistakes.
*Growing up in a very strict Latino household, Carol was always afraid she wasn’t living up to the expectations of others.
*Carol also had to overcome a cultural barrier. Latinas don’t typically travel solo.
*Carol has a husband and kids, and still travels solo. So many times strangers were worried about who was taking care of her kids while she was in a foreign country.
*What does Carol do for work?
*How does someone become a travel blogger?
*Does Carol travel in groups when she goes on a sponsored trip?
*Carol fell in love with Ireland and Scotland, and she’s going to be bringing her family this fall to see these countries!
*What tips does Carol have for those who want to become a travel blogger?
*Tell the truth, always. It can be easy to get sucked in and give an ungenuine review.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Carol:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week's show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Debra Asberry is the owner of Women Traveling Together, a company built on her own personal frustration when she could not find a travel partner to do a once-in-a-lifetime trip with her. Women Traveling Together cultivates an environment where solo women can experience new things without a travel buddy, in a safe and secure way. The company was started in 1997, and has created an experience where even the most inexperienced traveller can have a fun time without feeling pressured to keep up with the pros.
Key Takeaways:
*What is Women Traveling Together about, and how did it get started?
*Debra and Women Traveling Together will be hosting around 70 tours throughout 2017.
*The company started because no one wanted to travel with Debra on a rafting trip 20 years ago.
*Debra knew she couldn’t have been the only one who felt this way. She wanted to share her experiences with someone.
*The mainstream tour operators, at the time, did not want anything to do with solo travellers.
*You can talk to the other women in the group before your trip to get a better feel for what they are and aren’t comfortable with while traveling. This makes the group activity great for both experienced and inexperienced travelers.
*How does Debra work with introverts and the lone wolves?
*Some people have strict definitions of what solo travel is. Both Jennifer and Debra do a bit of debunking!
*You can be as alone as you want to be on any of these trips! It’s just up to you how you want to spend that time.
*Jennifer loves what Debra is doing because women who are going through a midlife transition are able to rediscover themselves and redefine their stories in a safe way.
*What are some of the qualities Debra looks for in a tour leader?
*Debra has 12 employees on staff and 29 tour leaders that are on the front line and who ensure that the tour runs smoothly.
*What’s next for Debra and her company?
*A company like Debra’s makes it so easy for you to get up and go, and live life on your own terms.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Debra:
Website
Call Debra: 1-800-795-7135
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Gloria Coppola began her first solo trip to Saint Lucia after going through a divorce. The experience was humbling and enlightening. It made her realize that the time to really do things isn’t tomorrow, or when the kids grow up, it’s now! Her next solo trip came directly after the unexpected death of her second husband. She was sad, depressed, and lost, but she felt compelled to go to Egypt. That trip ultimately transformed her and helped her heal from the sudden loss and propelled her into a completely new mission in life.
Key Takeaways:
*Where was Gloria in her life when she decided to embark on her first solo trip?
*After going through a divorce, Gloria needed some self-care!
*How did Gloria’s family take the news that she was traveling solo?
*Gloria had to climb 94 steps up to the spa, but instead of taking it negatively she decided to shift her perception.
*Gloria felt so happy that she decided to take the trip.
*What kind of challenges did Gloria face?
*The time to live is now. Don’t wait till the kids grow, or till you retire, to do the things you truly care about.
*What other solo trips has Gloria been on since then?
*One month before Gloria and her second husband were to go and explore to Egypt, her husband died.
*When Gloria was in Egypt, something inside her got unlocked. When she came back, she sold everything and lived in Hawaii for 7 years.
*Our purpose is very, very important.
*What do Gloria’s children think of their mom jet-setting across the world?
*Gloria consciously chose to step out of a very materialistic paradigm that so many of her friends have fallen victim to.
*Some people aren't able to leave their job, but that doesn’t mean they are unable to change things.
*Gloria talks about Peru, and how all the signs were leading her there.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
@GoSoloLive on Twitter
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Gloria:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week's show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Laura Kay is an introvert by nature. However, Laura found herself becoming a much better person for her family, every mini solo trip she took. Finally, she decided to take the plunge and travel way, way out of her comfort zone. But you know what? The rewards paid off, because she was able to see more of the United States on her own terms. Now, she can’t wait to embark on her next solo trip, which will be traveling from L.A. to San Diego!
Key Takeaways:
*What kind of ‘baby step’ solo trips has Laura taken?
*When Laura came back, she felt like she was a better person for her family.
*What advice does Laura have for those who feel guilty for traveling alone?
*Where was Laura in her life when she decided to take the leap and really travel alone?
*The night before the trip, Laura was thinking of bailing out on it.
*Being alone and single, you sometimes get some very attractive attention from that. Laura shares some of her stories!
*You can always share information about yourself, just be aware, be safe, and do it in a place where you feel comfortable.
*What kind of challenges did Laura face while on her solo trip?
*It can be a big scary world out there — what would Laura do to calm herself?
*Laura’s next solo trip is in San Diego and L.A.!
*What’s next for Laura other than the solo trip?
*What was Laura’s biggest lesson from going on her solo trip?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Laura:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week's show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Susan Marean’s first solo trip came from a tragic accident at the age of 25 years old. Susan took a plane ride by herself so that she could grieve a very sudden family loss. Now, fast forward 20 years later, Susan is a single mom of three boys, and decided it was time to take some time off and go on a transformative backpacking solo trip for two days. She came prepared, studied the maps, trusted her compass, and even got lost in the wilderness, but she can’t wait to go back and experience it all over again! Solo travel has helped her get a fresh reset to her life!
Key Takeaways:
*Where was Susan in her life, when she decided to go on a solo vacation?
*Susan wanted to be alone to help her grieve and process a very traumatic accident that happened to the family. She was still in shock!
*How did Susan’s family help support each other during this tough time?
*What advice does Susan have for those who currently haven’t taken their time to fully grieve?
*Though, despite the tragedy, there is a happy ending to it all.
*After the death of Susan’s parents, it really shook Susan’s perspective on life up. She realized she had lost her identity.
*Susan was doing everything for everyone else, except herself. She was the perfect mom and wife.
*Susan went back to school and divorced her husband while she was in freshman year.
*Today, Susan has her Master’s degree, but she’s also a single mom with student loans.
*This was the first time Susan had ever been alone since she was 25-years old. So, she decided to take a two-day solo backpacking trip.
*At first, Susan was very worried about her safety from another person, not an animal.
*Susan ended up getting (slightly) lost in the middle of nowhere, and she began doubting herself.
*It’s so healthy to be able to get away and unplug yourself from the world.
*It’s important to travel with intention, but it’s just as important to travel with no expectations.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Susan:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week's show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Lisa England embarked on her first solo trip at the age of 19, to Nepal. When Lisa visited the country, Nepal was going through a civil war at the time! Lisa just knew in heart that she had to go see this country and she had to go see it now! In fact, Lisa wanted to dive headfirst into the culture so fast, she ended up going to the hospital several times for food poisoning. Today, Lisa is in a committed relationship, and still finds ways to explore new cities solo. Discovering a new city is one of the best ways to help empower yourself, and it gives you a great refresh from the same old routine.
Key Takeaways:
*What was going on in Lisa’s life when she decided to take her first solo trip?
*What were some of Lisa’s highlights from her trip to Nepal?
*How did Lisa navigate being sick in a foreign hospital at the age of 19?
*Hospitals like Nepal do not have the same luxuries the way U.S. hospitals do, like nicely painted walls, and sugar in the medicine.
*Lisa got sick so many times because she wanted to dive right into the culture. Her friends did the same thing, and it took them about 18 months to finally get used to the food.
*How has solo travel continued to be apart of Lisa’s life, now that she’s gotten older?
*If you find yourself on a solo work trip, take advantage of it!
*Don’t be afraid to ask the locals what you should check out.
*What have been some of Lisa’s most recent trips this year?
*What are some of the top things Lisa must check out, when she’s in a new city?
*Lisa is in a relationship, how does solo travel work around that?
*More women believe that if they didn’t travel solo, they’d be a hot mess at home.
*Schedule a time for self-care! You will thank yourself for it, before you get back to your ‘usual’ routine.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Lisa:
Website
Email Lisa: Lisa@HeroShift.com
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week's show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Jen April has been traveling solo for the last two decades! Her most memorable and fun trip was when she embarked on a solo journey to Europe (back when the internet wasn’t a thing). Jen still continues to travel by herself, because it empowers her to reconnect and rediscover her true self. Discover more about Jen and her solo journeys, on this week’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
What is Jen’s favorite solo travel experience?
Why did Jen travel to Europe solo?
*Travel existed before the internet. How on earth did Jen survive?
*What did Jen’s family and friends think about her traveling solo?
*As a young child from a small town, Jen just wanted to get away from all of that!
*Through our daily routines and expectations, we can often lose our sense of self.
*What has been the hardest part about solo travel for Jen?
*How has Jen’s growth transformed over the years?
*It’s so easy now to get in touch with people from a different country, because of the internet.
*What has been the hardest part of being a solo traveler?
*What advice does Jen have for women who want to solo travel, but are afraid to?
*Jen just did a solo trip to Ecuador. What’s Ecuador like?
*What’s next for Jen?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Jen:
Website
Jen on LinkedIn
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week's show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Leticia, also known as Tish, Ward has been a solo traveler since 1998, but her mother always knew she had wanderlust, ever since she was a young girl. Tish is about to turn 40 this year, and to celebrate, she’s going to embark on a four month cross-country solo trip to visit several of the United States national parks, and she’ll also be visiting Belgium for two weeks, during that time. Find out how this fantastic woman empowers herself by traveling solo!
Key Takeaways:
*At the time of this recording, Tish is about to turn 40.
*Why does Tish want to take a four-month cross-country solo trip?
*Four months seems like a lot of time for a solo vacation.
*Tish has been traveling since 1998 on her own. Technology back then was definitely not the same, and your likeliness to get lost was tripled!
*Tish loves being able to pick and choose what she wants to do while traveling solo.
*How did Tish get started traveling solo?
*The world is such a small place!
*Solo traveling is perfect for introverts who want some alone time, and some socialization.
*What were some of Tish’s fears when she started?
*Unfortunately, Tish is afraid of traveling to India alone.
*How did Tish’s family react to Tish wanting to solo travel?
*Do not fear the unknown.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with LaTrisha:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week's show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Melissa Berg took her first solo trip, at the age of 39, to a yoga retreat in Mexico. Melissa’s husband and children were shocked she was even going, but when she came back after reconnecting with herself, she was a transformed woman. Melisa’s solo vacation brought a whole new wellness to her and it inspired her to facilitate retreats for women, just like herself, to help find themselves!
Key Takeaways:
*What was going on in Melissa’s life when she decided to travel alone?
*Melissa didn’t even want to tell anybody at work that she was going to Mexico for vacation.
*Melissa was very nervous about going.
*When Melissa landed in Mexico, she was shocked! The airport there was nothing like the airport in the U.S.
*Once Melissa got to her resort, how did she shift gears? Did she still have anxiety?
*When Melissa found herself alone without her group, she went out and explored!
*Wherever you are in your life, you can always travel alone. Melissa is married with kids!
*How did Melissa’s family react when she came home? Did she feel empowered?
*When Melissa came back, she definitely felt like a transformed woman.
*When you’re researching a new place, don't just assume. Ask questions and set your intentions for the trip you’re about to go on. What do you want to gain from the solo travel experience?
*How did it feel for Melissa that she wasn’t connected to her phone for most of the trip?
*Melissa has renewed excitement for what’s going to cross her path in the future.
*Melissa is now facilitating some fantastic retreats for women to help them find themselves.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Melissa:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week's show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
After ending a three-year relationship filled with vacation compromises, Rebecca Thompson decided, no more! She went on her first real solo trip to Aruba, to start 2017 off with a bang. It was a fantastic experience. Although she first thought she’d spend a majority of her time in solitude, that couldn’t be further from the truth. She was able to spend time with other solo travelers on the island, and experience Aruba to its fullest! As she looks towards the year, and where she wants to go to next, you can definitely tell she suffers from wanderlust!
Key Takeaways:
*Where was Rebecca in her life when she decided to take a solo trip?
*Rebecca recently got out of a three-year relationship, and was reminded of what her life looked like pre-relationship.
*Rebecca’s Christmas gift to herself was a solo vacation to Aruba.
*What was holding Rebecca back from saying, ‘yes,’ to herself?
*We’re running out of time!
*Why Aruba?
*When Rebecca thought about a solo vacation, she thought she’d experience some solitude. It was the exact opposite of that!
*Our dreams are right there, and ready for us, if we’re willing to grab them.
*What’s on Rebecca’s wishlist of places to go?
*How connected was Rebecca to her home while she was away? Was she on Facebook messaging friends?
*There’s always this fear of missing out when you’re on social media.
*Rebecca will be living in 12 countries for 12 months. You can check out her journey on her website!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Rebecca:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week's show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Tatiana Bredikin always believed she’d go to the Grand Canyon, but as she got older and older, she started to think that the Grand Canyon just wasn’t for her. Well, as an avid and passionate rafter, an opportunity struck, where she was able to go with only a week’s notice. The rapids at the Grand Canyon were huge and scary. The first time Tatiana saw them, she cried from fear. But she’s so glad she went through the fear, because it transformed her in the best possible way. Here’s her story!
Key Takeaways:
*Why was Tatiana drawn to the Grand Canyon?
*The Grand Canyon has been a 7-year wait list for Tatiana.
*As Tatiana got older, she thought more and more, the trip wasn’t going to happen for her.
*Although people often take a year to prepare for a trip like this, Tatiana was presented with the opportunity with only a week’s notice, and seized upon it.
*There are a variety of ways to experience the Grand Canyon.
*Tatiana felt so empowered when she started doing her own rafting trips, without the men.
*What was the group dynamic like, when she went to the Grand Canyon? Tatiana was definitely an outsider at first!
*Where was Tatiana in her life, when she decided to make the leap and trek through the Grand Canyon?
*Even though Tatiana was in a group, she really was a solo traveler because she didn’t know anyone in the group!
*Was the Grand Canyon Tatiana’s first solo travel trip?
*When Tatiana first saw the Grand Canyon rapids, she was incredibly scared. They were so big that she cried from fear.
*When you take baby steps while traveling solo, it starts to empower you.
*What was Tatiana’s first accomplishment throughout all of this?
*During an intense rapid, Tatiana flipped her boat!
*Every trip is going to be different. Sometimes you have to reach inside, and find the support you need.
*Even if you go back to the same place, you never get the same trip. The experience is always different.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Email: Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Tatiana:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week's show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Cindy Ladder was 56 when she decided to take her first solo trip to New York. A 30-year marriage had ended and even though she has two grown boys, Cindy was lonely and wasn’t sure how she was going to move on. Going to New York for the very first time inspired a new meaning to Cindy’s life. She got to see new sights, try new things, and live life to its fullest.
Key Takeaways:
*Where was Cindy at in her life when she decided to do a solo trip?
*Who is Cindy?
*Why didn’t Cindy want anybody to travel with her?
*Why did Cindy want to travel to New York or Washington, DC?
*What did Cindy’s children say when they found out she was traveling alone? They were shocked!
*Cindy discusses the bus trip she took to NYC and the considerations she went to towards picking the bus.
*When Cindy eventually got on that bus, she was worried.
*Cindy discusses what her first trip traveling alone was like.
*Pro tip: The weather in NYC was amazing in October.
*Cindy discusses the benefits of traveling with a tour group.
*Cindy was excited. She got to ride the NYC subway. The experience was something else!
*Despite New York’s reputation for being rude, Cindy says everyone was very friendly and helpful.
*What kind of ways does Cindy stay connected with the people she met in NYC?
*Cindy was able to find a really good balance between alone time and group time.
*Who was Cindy one year ago? How has she changed?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Lamers Tours
Connect with Cindy:
CindyLatter@Live.com
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week's show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Terri Levine is a married woman who loves to gasp travel alone. When some people hear this, they might think she’s trying to run away from her relationship, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Terri has even encouraged her husband to travel solo, and both of them have seen incredible benefits to their relationship, after they’ve come back from these journeys of self-discovery.
Key Takeaways:
*How did Terri start her solo travel journey?
*Terri’s husband immediately saw a difference in Terri when she came back from her solo trip.
*It took Terri’s husband 5‒6 years, before he felt comfortable traveling alone while married.
*When you’re traveling alone, you’re not running away from something, you’re running back to yourself!
*You get a much better connection with who you are, when you are on your own.
*Does Terri have any amazing stories to share about her trips?
*Terri journals a lot. The first day she explored a city alone, she wrote ‘empowerment’ and ‘confidence’ in her journal.
*Terri shares a story of back when she was working in corporate America.
*When Terri was feeling overwhelmed with decisions — a lot of people were relying on her — she knew she had to pack up and go some place quiet, to get her mind straight.
*Set your boundaries, and really, really follow through on that.
*You have to decide in your life what’s best for you.
*It’s okay to take a day off!
*A lot of women are afraid to go off and do this, but why?! Just take baby steps.
*Terri shares some of her final thoughts.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Terri:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week's show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Anki is the founder and owner of the blog Anki On The Move, a 3 time award-winning blog and vlog that focuses on bridging the gap between travel, fashion, and adventure! Originally from India, Anki shares some tips for those who want to venture out and explore that side of the world in the best way possible!
Key Takeaways:
*How did Anki get started in her travel journey?
*Anki first started traveling with her brother when she was 29. What was that experience like?
*What are some of the must-sees in India?
*What advice does Anki have for women looking to travel alone in India?
*What kinds of trends in fashion has Anki noticed throughout her travels?
*How has travel helped Anki with her personal growth?
*There’s a lot more in common with someone from a different culture than you might think!
*Did Anki ever have any experiences where she was concerned for her safety?
*What kind of common concerns does Anki address on her travel blog?
*Anki talks about her love for Milwaukee!
*Don’t be afraid to talk to the locals in your new country of choice.
*The world is not as dangerous as you might think.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Anki:
Website
Youtube
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week's show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Anna Lardinois began her career as a teacher who, as she admits, lived a very limited life with fear. However, through solo travel, so many doors have opened for her, that the feelings of ‘not being good enough’ have slowly gone away. Everybody has fears to overcome, and solo travel is an excellent way to rediscover yourself and pivot! Anna now hosts haunted historical walking tours in the city of Milwaukee. All because she took a leap and traveled alone!
Key Takeaways:
*What did Anna do as a teacher, that allowed her to maximize her vacation time and travel more?
*Solo travel made Anna more grateful for the life she has.
*Where was the first place Anna traveled to alone?
*What kind of mistakes did Anna make, during her first trip? She forgot to bring maps!
*Anna is a natural storyteller. What are some of her favorite stories of when she has traveled alone?
*Anna’s love for ghost tours ended up sparking her own business idea.
*Everybody’s afraid of something, which is why you should always try to challenge yourself, and work on overcoming those fears.
*You should be the only one measuring your own successes. No one else should set that bar for you!
*Anna began traveling alone in early the 2000s.
*As women, we are hardwired/conditioned to be pleasers. However, when you travel alone, there’s only one person you have to please — yourself!
*Your solo trips do not have to be massive month-long adventures!
*Every single time Anna travels, she comes back with a greater understanding of who she is.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Anna:
Website
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week's show. And tune in next week for another great guest.
Channon Dade has been working for an airline, part-time, for the last 17 years. This gives her the freedom to travel whenever she wants and pursue a career in acting. She is currently located in L.A., but she has been jetsetting around the world, alone, since she was a little girl. Channon discusses on this week’s episode that when you work on yourself, instead of trying to desperately find a life partner, the universe will find surprising ways to reward you for those efforts. Be comfortable in your own skin! It’s the only one you have.
Key Takeaways:
*How did Channon get started with solo travel?
*Channon loves planes and flying! She has been working for the airline industry for the last 17 years.
*More women are looking for lifestyle-based work.
*What does a typical month look like for Channon?
*Why did Channon relocate to L.A.?
*Channon loves Bali, Indonesia. It’s such a relaxing place and the people are amazing.
*If someone’s never been to Bali, what’s Bali really like?
*When we’re single, some of us are so desperate to be with someone to fill that gap. But frankly, you’re the only one who can fill that gap.
*Yes, some women might not be ready to travel to Bali, but Jennifer is offering weekend challenges for them to venture out of their comfort zone.
*Traveling is different for everybody!
*There’s always something that goes wrong when you travel. Channon shares some of those stories.
*Has Channon ever had any bad luggage experience?
*Airlines only give you a four-hour window to claim if anything went missing.
*For somebody’s heart and soul, why do they need to travel, and do it alone?
*When it comes to travel deals, Icelandair has been rocking it!
*Stay till the end and download some of Channon’s freebies on her website.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Channon:
Website
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Traci Bogan was living in Hawaii when she had her ‘aha’ moment. Although some may think she had her life made, by living in such a tropical place, Traci personally felt she had exhausted her options and was just stuck. She was working for a company she wasn’t passionate about, and she honestly felt that if she died tomorrow, she would have missed out on life. She was missing out on life!
So, she brought her best friend with her to backpack around the world, but her best friend quickly grew tired and left her, alone. It was a blessing in disguise, because a new beginning happened for Traci, at the age of 31, where she was finally able to look herself in the mirror and feel OK.
Key Takeaways:
*What was Traci doing before she discovered solo travel?
*Traci was 31 when she had her ‘aha’ moment.
*When Traci went backpacking around the world, she was able, for the first time, to see the woman in the mirror.
*How did Traci’s family react, when they found out she was going to travel alone?
*Traci began her trip with her best friend, because she didn’t believe in herself.
*It’s important to travel solo, because, if not, you’re constantly seeking the approval of others.
*You don’t have to go around the world to have an experience. Sometimes it’s just a matter of exploring your own backyard.
*Life starts when you’re comfortable in your own skin.
*Have you ever felt that your comfort zone is wrapped so tight around you that you’ve wrapped yourself up in your own straight jacket?
*We are either growing as people, or decaying as people.
*So many people are afraid of making mistakes. Go out there and screw up!
*What kind of mistakes did Traci make while she was traveling alone?
Stay till the end as Traci is giving something away to the Go Solo Live* listeners!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
The Mastery of Love: A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationship, by Don Ruiz
Connect with Traci:
Website
Text: Dare to 96000
Leave a Review:
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Victoria Cunha was born to travelers and has traveled all throughout her life. She was certainty born to it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t adopt the same habits she has. Victoria is now 55 years old, and still travels around the world alone! She talks about the adventures she’s had, why anybody can do this no matter what age, and so much more, on this week’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
*How did Victoria get into solo traveling?
*What countries did Victoria go to, when she was part of the AFS Intercultural Programs USA?
*What kind of traveling did Victoria do with her family when she was a young child?
*Victoria visited Paris in 1999. Although it was her second time there, she kept an open mind during her trip.
*What kind of lessons has Victoria learned through her solo travels?
*Victoria is 55 years old. How do people in her age range react to her traveling alone?
*It is up to us to make the most of the time we have on this earth.
*Does Victoria have a bucket list? Yes and no.
*How does Victoria explain her passion for travel to others who simply ‘don’t get it’?
*How does Victoria balance between being prepared and being spontaneous, in a new country?
*You have to be open to new experiences -- if not, you’re just going to struggle through your trip.
*Thankfully, Victoria has never been seriously injured on a trip. However, she has been sick a few times.
*Doing sufficient research before you touch down on new territory will definitely give you peace of mind.
*Victoria shares some words of wisdom before she goes! Solo women, go visit something close by to you! Dip your toe in, you won’t regret it!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
AFS Intercultural Programs USA
Connect with Victoria:
Victoria on Facebook
Timeout Guide to Chicago
Leave a Review:
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Ivana Ventic grew up hitting every goal she set for herself and became a lawyer. But once she passed the bar and got a high-paying job, she realized that the lifestyle she chose for herself didn’t quite fit with her heart. As she could only get 10 days of vacation time, Ivana decided to quit her job in Chicago and travel for an undisclosed amount of time. Although her friends were highly supportive of her decision, her mother was skeptical and nervous for Ivana’s future. How did Ivana handle her mother’s fears, quit a successful career, and face the reality that she may never return to Chicago again? Find out on this week’s episode.
Key Takeaways:
*Jennifer and Ivana met at an expo — How did Ivana find out about the expo?
*What does Ivana do for a living? She is an attorney, but Ivana quit her full-time job to travel.
*What was Ivana’s big ‘aha’ moment, when she felt she had to leave her job and travel the world?
*From the outside, it looked like Ivana made a split decision to quit her job, but it had always been in the back of her mind.
*Ivana felt like she was at a ‘now or never’ turning point in her life and decided she had to travel NOW!
*When Ivana started traveling alone, she found other women who were traveling with their children. She didn’t even think that was an option before.
*How did Ivana’s family and friends react when they heard she quit her job?
*How did Ivana reassure her concerned mother?
*Ivana is not scared to go to a country where she doesn’t know the language. This is one of the powerful attributes she gained from growing up as a refugee.
*English can sometimes be a very difficult language to understand, so when Ivana is in a foreign country she tries to speak slower and uses simpler sentences.
*Where did Ivana travel to after she left her job in Chicago?
*FYI, Italy does not have the same infrastructure as other European countries. WIFI was very poor there, which made things a little difficult for Ivana.
*Remember to trust your gut while traveling. As a lawyer, Ivana is not naive to the dangers that are out there.
*Do not feel bad for lying to someone, especially if it’s the easiest way to get rid of someone.
*What advice does Ivana have for women who might be scared to travel alone?
*Jennifer and Ivana highly recommend getting travel insurance.
*How did Ivana manage her budget while traveling?
*Portugal is really cheap! Italy was cheaper compared to Germany and France.
*Also, Poland and India are incredibly cheap as well.
*When Ivana was in India for 6 weeks, she spent roughly $200.
*Ivana highly recommends visiting India and to not let the bad news discourage you from visiting. Your safety is a concern everywhere, even when you’re in your home country.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Ivana:
Ivana on LinkedIn
Email Ivana: IVentic@Gmail.com
Leave a Review:
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Having visited more than 20 countries and over 300 cities worldwide, Paige Engle is a world traveler, as well as the author of, The Ultimate Guide to Safe Travel for Women, and has invaluable advice to share in this area. Paige's favorite country by far is France and she often leads personalized tours of the area throughout the year.
Key Takeaways:
*Why does Paige love France?
*Where was Paige in her life when she first started her solo travels?
*Paige has been solo traveling since her 20's. She's in her mid 40's now.
*Not young anymore? So what?
*Group travel has changed as well.
*Paige talks about how to safely travel alone.
*Paige would rather spend a little bit more money on a better area to make sure she's safe.
*Safety is really important, don't ever throw it by the waist side.
*Jennifer says, she can't run as fast or as good as she could when she was 20. If an attacker comes, she might not be able to run away.
*Paige has to be extra careful because at the end of the day, she is a mom, a wife, and a caregiver. People depend on her to come back from her trips.
*What kind of challenges does Paige face, having a business that’s located in France?
*It's important not to let the fear get in the way of you having fun.
*How does Paige help other women feel safe?
*Having a plan before you touch down onto a new location, really helps to eliminate some of the fear.
*Paige feels at home when in the Jardin du Luxembourg.
*How has Paige's world view changed?
*Travel opens up so many emotions and helps you discover who you are.
*Don't worry if you don't speak the language, it all works out in the end.
*Paige does tours outside of Paris as well.
*Paige's second favorite country is Thailand.
*How does Paige manage being the group tour leader as well as a mom and the family herder?
*Back when Paige was single, people would ask all the time, “Why travel alone?”, “Where's your husband?”
*Don't worry about being mean.
*What does Paige currently have going on?
*Feel free to connect with Paige.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Paige:
Website
Paige on Instagram
The Ultimate Guide to Safe Travel for Women by Paige Engle
Leave a Review:
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Walker Thornton is a sex educator, writer, and speaker with a Masters in Educational Psychology, and she speaks extensively on midlife sexuality. This episode dives full in on what it's like being over 60 with no life partner in sight. At the end of the day, it's about the stories we tell ourselves and that can sometimes get in the way of who we truly are as people. Coming from a small town, Walker was often shamed into thinking her way of being was wrong and that her self-worth was only defined by a man. Solo travel has given Walker a new story to tell herself and a new-found acceptance of who she is.
Key Takeaways:
*Where was Walker in her life when she decided to travel alone?
*Walker took her first trip for her 60th birthday.
*There's such a stigma for women who want to travel alone.
*Why did Walker choose to visit Santa Fe, New Mexico on her 60th birthday?
*There is a sense of vulnerability when you travel alone. It's still there no matter how old you get.
*Why did Walker travel to New York City?
*Walker fell in love with the city!
*As a small town girl, what made Walker have a mindset shift to travel and get out there more?
*Walker was told she was 'too much' and that she was going to have a hard time finding a man if she didn't change. Lo and behold, she ended up getting a divorce and felt like she proved everyone right.
*Walker feels less judged when traveling alone than in her own community.
*Walker still has her mother's voice in the back of her head, pitying her for being alone.
*We need to create and rediscover our own story and traveling helps us with that.
*The stories we tell ourselves can sometimes get in the way of who we really are.
*What kind of lessons has Walker learned through her travels?
*I get to live too! I get to live a great life, too!
*Selfish = Self-care. It is time for you to be selfish for what you want.
*There's a double standard towards adventurous men vs. adventurous women
*What advice would Walker give other women considering solo travel?
*Where is Walker traveling to next?
*Walker has been writing and working in the field of sexuality for the last 5 years.
*You have to embrace who you are.
*Instead of resisting it, accept who you are.
Mentioned in This Episode:
www.transformviatravel.com
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Walker:
Website
Leave a Review:
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Danielle Birdeau took her first solo trip in 2011 to the Grand Canyon, and has been hooked ever since. Danielle admits that she has struggled with her physical condition for quite some time, despite having being athletic in school. She talks about the level of freedom she has while traveling alone, and why taking care of your needs without worrying about others’ needs and feelings is so relaxing. Now, Danielle feels comfortable with being alone and doing things by herself, even when she's not traveling to an exciting new destination!
Key Takeaways:
*Danielle started traveling alone in her 30’s.
*In 2011, Danielle took her first backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon.
*When Danielle went to work after this trip, her co-worker noticed she was a completely different person.
*So many people wonder why you would ever want to travel alone.
*How did Danielle go from visiting the Grand Canyon to eventually hiking it 7 years later?
*Danielle was an athlete in highschool and college, but she woke up one day and noticed how physically unhealthy and unhappy she was.
*What did Danielle do to train for this hike?
*Danielle lost about 50lb before going to the gym because she was too intimidated.
*Where else has Danielle traveled to?
*Danielle has come to appreciate the randomness in her journeys.
*You're not alone when you travel, you start out alone, but you meet people along the way!
*It's great to travel alone. You don't have to worry about what other people are thinking and feeling. The world is your oyster.
*Jennifer is redefining the word selfish.
*Danielle's entire goal this year is on her self-care and personal well being.
*A 3-day weekend doesn't count as vacation.
*What kind of challenges did Danielle face on her last trip?
*Let's break the taboo and talk about our periods.
*Danielle's last trip was so challenging that it almost made her want to quit hiking all together.
*Danielle does a lot of things solo, not just travel! She gets out there and does it because she wants to.
*You don't have to jump full feet in and start traveling alone. You can just start by trying different types of food for the first time.
*If you're afraid of something, then that's all the more reason why you should be doing it.
*However, with that being said, be aware of your surroundings and do take the necessary precautions.
Mentioned in This Episode:
www.transformviatravel.com/
Transform via Travel on Facebook
Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Danielle:
Website
Leave a Review:
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Tayloria Grant traveled to Italy for the first time when she was 16-years-old. After going through a divorce and leaving her corporate career, Tayloria went back, by herself, in 2014. She has been back to Italy every year since then and at the age of 40, she decided to learn Italian. Although she didn't know it at the time, her solo travel opened a new door for her and this experience led to her starting her own travel business, One Full Life.
Key Insights:
*Tayloria spent 20 years in corporate America.
*By the time 2014 came around, Tayloria had went through a divorce and was in the middle of switching careers.
*Tayloria loves family and girlfriend trips, but she really, really looks forward to traveling by herself.
*Why did Tayloria travel to Italy?
*There's a misconception that solo travel is lonely and that's completely not true!
*Tayloria is a planner, but she's learned that when you travel, you have to be more in the moment.
*Solo travel doesn't mean you'll be alone the entire time. You'll meet (and become friends with!) so many different types of people.
*Tayloria paints a picture of what Italy is like.
*Tayloria decided to learn the Italian language at the age of 40.
*In Tayloria's entire life, she has never hung up clothes on a clothes line. She came to that realization when she had to dry her clothes in Italy.
*This experience made Tayloria question what was really important in life. Owning a dryer is nice, but it's not important.
*People outside of the U.S, in general, live a lot simpler. After Tayloria's trip to Italy, she thought deeply about a lot of the possessions she had and started to purge them.
*Tayloria talks about the September retreat she's hosting.
*If you'd like more information about the upcoming retreat, feel free to message Tayloria!
Mentioned in This Episode:
www.transformviatravel.com/
Transform via Travel Facebook
Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Connect with Tayloria:
Website
Leave a Review:
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Tina Erdmann is a photographer and introvert at heart. Traveling alone first started for Tina when she moved to Colorado at a young age and began venturing out into the local area, meeting new people. This slowly opened a door for her, so she began traveling further and further away from her home state and began to explore more of the United States on her own. Eventually, she made her first international solo trip in 2008 when she was in her mid-30s.
Tina says her photography has become an excellent ice breaker for foreigners and traveling alone has really helped her come out of her introverted shell. She is no longer afraid of walking up to strangers and talking with them. Traveling alone gives you time for self-discovery and to answer some much needed questions about yourself. People might see you as selfish for deciding to take space for yourself, but honestly, selfishness isn't a bad thing! You end up becoming a much more giving person when you practice self-care.
Key Insights:
*Where was Tina in her life when she decided to travel alone?
*When Tina started traveling by herself, she ended up meeting a ton of new people.
*Tina was at a major transition in her life emotionally when she started to travel alone.
*After working up to it, Tina took her first international solo trip in 2008 when she was in her mid-30s.
*Tina will go up to people now and just strike up a conversation with absolute strangers.
*When you travel alone, you're also much more approachable to other people.
*Tina's camera is a great ice breaker for many people.
*When you're in a group, you tend not to meet as many locals as you'd like.
*What are some of Tina's adventures? She goes solo to East Africa a lot.
*Tina loves traveling by herself because she can decide where she wants to go next on her own terms.
*It's expensive to climb Kilimanjaro solo. Tina went solo, but she joined a group to do that particular activity.
*The people you find on your solo trip enhance your experience tenfold.
*What did Tina's husband think of her traveling alone? He had two years to process her trip before she actually did it.
*Tina says her husband has been well aware of her solo travel trips since the beginning of their marriage.
*Tina prefers traveling alone, but she does see the benefits of leveraging group activities in foreign countries.
*How does an introvert travel with extroverts?
*What kind of lessons has Tina learned while traveling alone? First and foremost, trust yourself.
*When you travel by yourself, you end up rediscovering and seeing things from a new set of eyes.
*It's okay to be selfish and to give yourself that space to be alone.
*Selfish isn't a negative or a bad word!
*Where was Tina's business when she decided to travel alone?
*Tina's business, Suitcase Shots, allows for her to bring people together.
*Tina's business partner will pick you up from the Tanzania airport, take you on a safari and a 6 hour hike up Kilimanjaro (not on the same day).
*Stay tuned, Tina's next adventure plans to take groups of people to Paris.
Mentioned in This Episode:
www.transformviatravel.com/
Transform via Travel Facebook
Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
www.africatravelresource.com/
Quiet by Susan Cain
Connect with Tina:
Photography Website
Suitcase Shots Website
Leave a Review:
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Hello everyone! Jennifer Buchholz here. I'm so glad to introduce you to the first episode of Go Solo Live, where we introduce inspiring women who are out there living their life to the fullest. My goal for this podcast is to showcase how the world isn't really that scary of a place, especially if you know how to take the appropriate measures.
Joining me on this episode is Kelly McDermott, someone who decided to get out there and travel when she was 36-years-old. After coming out of a divorce, Kelly found herself needing more out of life. People all over the world have some pretty old-fashioned ideas about women and traveling alone and Kelly addressed some of those on our call. Despite experiencing a bit of prejudice, Kelly still wouldn't change the experience for the world.
Key Insights:
*Why are you traveling alone? What an old-fashioned question!
*Who is Kelly?
*Where was Kelly before she decided to travel by herself?
*Kelly wasn't running away. She made a concise choice to travel and recover from a bad divorce.
*Kelly was 36 when she started this journey.
*What did Kelly's family think of her going off to explore the world? They were very supportive!
*However, a lot of people feared for Kelly's safety.
*How did Kelly ensure her own safety? What kind of things did she do beforehand?
*Fear of the unknown is drastically scarier than the reality.
*Do your research! Technology makes it so easy to get the info you need.
*Kelly discusses her decision to travel in a group for specific areas vs. traveling solo.
*Traveling in a group takes a lot of pressure off your shoulders. Sometimes you need a break from planning and researching your trips!
*What kind of reactions did Kelly get when she was traveling alone?
*While planned things are great, it’s the unexpected things that really stand out.
*What are some of the key highlights that Kelly learned when she was traveling?
*Why should people, who are currently of midlife age, travel more?
*Solo travel is the ultimate form of self-care.
Mentioned in This Episode:
www.transformviatravel.com/
Transform via Travel Facebook
Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com
Connect with Kelly:
Blog: A Path Less Taken
Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes to get notified when a new episode has been released. I appreciate you listening to this week's show and tune in next week for another great guest.