Travel the World Confidently - Solo Travel for Women Over 40

Why are so many women over 40 traveling solo? Angela explores life transitions, healing, identity shifts, and the moment many women realize it’s finally time to take the trip.In this episode, Angela explores the deeper reasons women begin solo travel later in life. From life transitions like divorce, empty nests, or losing a spouse, to healing, rediscovering identity, and realizing that time truly matters, many women reach a point where waiting no longer feels right.Solo travel often begins not from impulse, but from reflection and personal growth. Angela discusses the emotional and practical reasons women decide to travel alone—and why it can be one of the most empowering decisions of midlife.If you've been thinking about taking a trip on your own but feel uncertain or hesitant, this episode will help you understand why this moment might be the right time to start.Angela also shares how she supports women seeking guidance and confidence as they plan their solo travel journeys.In this episode we discuss:Why solo travel becomes more common for women over 40Life transitions that lead women to travel aloneHow travel can support healing and emotional recoveryRediscovering identity after major life changesThe practical reality of waiting for others to travelWhy milestone moments change how we see timeHow solo travel can become a powerful act of self-trustWanting to see what support may look like planning that first or next solo trip? Connect Here

Is solo travel only for extroverts? What if you’re quiet, anxious, or unsure you’re “ready” to go alone?In this episode, I’m joined by Kerri Leigh, who went from being an anxious waitress to completely transforming her life through solo travel. Now living her dream life in Mexico, Kerri shares how introverts can not only handle solo travel but actually thrive in it.We talk about the myth that solo travel is only for outgoing, fearless people and why introverts often have a hidden advantage. Kerri shares practical ways to manage travel anxiety, meet people without forcing awkward social situations, and set healthy boundaries while traveling alone.If fear, overthinking, or self-doubt has been holding you back from booking your first solo trip, this conversation will help you rethink what’s possible—and remind you that you don’t have to feel 100% ready to begin.🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:Why solo travel isn’t just for extrovertsHow introverts can thrive by setting their own pacePractical tips for managing travel anxietyHow to meet people naturally while traveling soloThe importance of setting healthy boundaries on your tripWhy you don’t need to feel “ready” before you take the first stepKerri’s personal journey from anxiety to living abroad in MexicoHow solo travel builds real confidence over timeConnect with Kerri:Instagram: @⁠kerriomwithlove

I spoke with a flight attendant and Mom Julieta Duvall, who shared practical travel-planning tips to help you travel more comfortably and confidently. From smart packing strategies and navigating airport logistics to managing your energy while traveling, this conversation focuses on creating personalized travel experiences that actually fit your life.🎙️ In This Episode, we discuss:How to communicate clearly when traveling with othersWhy understanding your needs and interests is the foundation of stress-free travelPacking and travel tips from a flight attendant of 20 yearsHow to care for ourselves while travelingWhether you’re planning a solo trip or traveling with family, this episode offers realistic travel advice you can use right away.Connect with Julieta Duvall:- Website: www.theunschoolinglifestyle.com

What if you stopped planning trips based on what everyone else says you “have to see”… and started planning around how you actually want to feel?Instead of building trips around crowded checklists, we share how to reverse engineer your dream trip by focusing on personal preferences, meaningful experiences, and alignment.This conversation will shift how you think about travel planning! 🎙️ In This Episode:What it means to “reverse engineer” your travel plansWhy starting with how you want to feel changes everythingHow Nithya chooses destinations for worldschooling with her childrenAirbnb vs. hotels — how to decide based on trip length and goalsBalancing planned activities with open space for spontaneityWhy local walking tours are one of the best ways to connect with a placeHow to start with easier destinations, and when to push beyond your comfort zoneTurning travel into growth instead of just a vacationTravel doesn’t have to be overwhelming or overly structured. When you plan intentionally, it becomes more meaningful, more aligned, and often more transformative.If you’ve been craving travel that feels purposeful, not just busy, this episode will help you rethink how you plan your next adventure.Connect with Nithya Karia:- Website: www.nithyakaria.com- Instagram and Facebook: @nithyakaria

Planning a trip can feel overwhelming, especially when life is already busy. In this episode, I’m sharing a calmer, more intentional way to plan without burning yourself out.In this episode we talk about:• Why trip planning often feels exhausting• How choosing the right time to plan makes a difference• How breaking planning into small, manageable steps can make the entire process feel easier.If you’ve been putting off planning because it feels like too much, this episode will help you slow down, protect your energy, and move forward with confidence.Find more ideas and travel planning support at traveltheworldconfidently.com

What if slowing down could make travel feel easier, and more affordable?In this episode, we visit with Suzy May, a financial educator and nurse who has spent the past three years slow traveling with her family between Spain and Colorado. Suzy shares how extended stays can reduce costs, build confidence, and create deeper, more meaningful travel experiences.We talk about practical ways to afford slow travel, including home exchanges, house sitting, and travel credit cards, along with why intentional planning matters more than trying to see everything in one trip. Suzy also explains how small “test trips” and travel communities can help travelers feel more supported and confident over time.This episode is for anyone curious about slow travel and looking for a calmer, more confident way to explore, solo, as a couple, or with family.You can connect with Suzy:- Wander Worldschool: A Slow and Long Term Family Travel Podcast- Money coaching at suzymaywander.com- Instagram, Facebook, Substack and Youtube at @suzymay.wander

January is the perfect time to slow down, dream big, and start planning meaningful travel experiences.In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, we talk about why the beginning of the year is ideal for travel planning, how confidence grows through intention and preparation, and simple ways to turn travel dreams into realistic plans. You’ll also learn how to create a travel vision board that helps you stay focused, inspired, and excited about future trips, without pressure or overwhelm.

In this episode, Certified Health & Wellness Coach Tess Cheng joins me to talk about staying healthy while traveling, without making it complicated.💬 In this episode, you’ll learn:Easy ways to keep up healthy habits while on the roadHow to enjoy local food without feeling like you’ve “fallen off track”Simple movement ideas for hotels, airports, or busy travel daysWhat to do when you feel sluggish or out of routineHow to find balance between health and fun while travelingTess shares simple, realistic ways to feel your best on the go, from making smart food choices and staying active to boosting energy and creating balance when routines shift. Whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, you’ll love her down-to-earth approach to wellness that anyone can follow.Click here for Tess's Travel Guide.

Thinking about traveling solo but not ready to fly across the country? This episode is for you!I’m sharing five easy ways to start your solo travel journey without leaving your state—from day trips and mini road trips to staycations and solo dining adventures.These small, confidence-building experiences are perfect for first-timers who want to explore, relax, and learn to enjoy their own company. Tune in and discover how fun—and freeing—solo travel can be!In this episode, you’ll learn:Why starting solo travel close to home is a smart first step5 easy solo adventures you can try without leaving your stateHow day trips and mini road trips build confidenceSimple tips for enjoying dining out soloEveryday activities that make great “practice runs” for solo travel👉 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more tips on solo travel, couple adventures, and U.S. destinations. And if you know someone who’s curious about solo travel, share this episode to give them a confidence boost!

Discover how to turn travel points and miles into unforgettable trips in this episode with travel points expert Carrie Madison. In this episode, we discuss:Carrie's journey of using points to stretch travel budgets,The difference between airline miles and hotel pointsHow to earn them through credit card rewards and loyalty programsLearn practical strategies for redeeming points for flights, hotels, and even car rentals Tips for navigating recent changes in airline and hotel policies. Whether you’re new to travel rewards or looking to maximize your points, this episode will help you travel more and spend less.

In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, I chat with Deonne about her unforgettable solo Mediterranean cruise and how it deepened her love for life at sea. From off-the-beaten-path excursions to her dream of one day living full-time on a cruise ship, Deonne shares how cruising can be both empowering and adventurous, especially when you travel solo.In this episode, we discuss:Why Deonne chose a Mediterranean cruise and what made it so specialBooking excursions through the cruise lineHer favorite “off-the-beaten-path” discoveries at different portsTips for solo cruisers and what made the experience empoweringHow she handles seasickness, luggage, and getting around on boardWhat you really need to know about drink packagesHer dream of retiring and living on a cruise ship full-timeEncouragement for new cruisers to give it a try—even solo!

In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, I talk with Sarah-Jayne McNaughton, a personal transformation coach and passionate solo traveler, about the joy and freedom that come from taking a trip, especially when no one else can accompany you.Sarah-Jayne shares her personal experiences exploring Disneyland Tokyo and Disneyland Paris, and how different cultural expectations, language barriers, and park logistics shaped each adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of a solo Disney trip or curious about travel in Japan, this conversation is full of encouragement, practical tips, and inspiration.We discuss:What makes solo travel so empowering and transformativeDifferences between Disneyland Tokyo and Disneyland ParisHow to navigate cultural and language differences with confidenceThe surprising ease of buying tickets and getting help in JapanWhy organization and pre-planning help you feel more confident abroadEncouragement to take the trip, even if no one else joins you🎧 Connect with Sarah-Jayne McNaughton:Instagram: @PowerPeaceProsper

In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, I sit down with writer, memoirist, and oral storyteller Anne Marie Wells to talk about her unforgettable solo adventure in Iceland. From hitchhiking and local chats to camping outdoors, Anne’s journey was filled with discovery and connections, which gave her lots of stories to tell!We delve into her favorite hidden gems, her solo navigation of Iceland, and the powerful experiences that inspired her upcoming travel memoir, Happy Iceland. If you’ve ever been curious about solo travel in a chilly but magical place, this one’s for you!In this episode, we discuss:How Anne Marie explored Iceland through hitchhiking and local connectionsWhy talking to locals leads to richer, more memorable travel experiencesHer tips for navigating Iceland soloThe inspiration behind her travel memoir, Happy IcelandOur shared experiences of traveling solo in IcelandEncouragement to travel with curiosity—even when it’s cold!Connect with Anne Marie Wells:Website: annemariewellswriter.com Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @AnneMarieWellsWriter

In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, I talk with Celesté Lawson, a relocation strategist and co-founder of Melanin Tours, about the bold decision that led her to leave cold Maryland winters behind and start a new life in Costa Rica. What started as a spontaneous flight deal became a life-changing move!Celeste shares how she went from dreaming of a getaway to actually making it happen—selling her condo, booking a flight, and landing in Costa Rica just days before the world changed in March 2020. We also dive into how solo travelers can prepare for international travel, from enrolling in the STEP program to learning about local culture and language.In this episode, we discuss:Why Celeste chose Costa Rica over other destinationsHow she turned a spontaneous idea into a confident decisionThe importance of following through—not just planning the tripWhat it was like to move solo right before a global shutdownEnrolling in the STEP program for added peace of mind abroadLearning about the culture and language before your tripEncouragement for women considering bold solo travel or relocationWhether you're dreaming of traveling solo or making a big life change, Celeste's story reminds us that sometimes the biggest rewards come from taking the leap.Connect with Celesté Lawson: Website: Melanin ToursInstagram: @MelaninTours

In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, I talk with Liz Scheessele, a former civil engineer turned boutique hotel owner, about her recent solo adventure through the Hawaiian Islands. Liz shares why traveling alone can be both empowering and peaceful, offering freedom to follow your own rhythm and uncover unexpected joys along the way. She also talks about her unique career transition into hospitality and what she’s learned about creating memorable travel experiences—both as a guest and a host.In this episode, we discuss:Liz’s recent solo trip to Hawaii and what she loved about each islandHow solo travel builds confidence and deepens self-awarenessThe importance of safety, pre-planning, and travel insurance when going soloLiz’s career shift from civil engineer to boutique bed and breakfast ownerWhy hosting travelers has become one of the most rewarding parts of her journeyEncouragement for women considering solo travel to start small and follow their curiosityConnect with Liz:- Instagram: @RBHInnkeeper- Website: RoanokeBoutiqueHotel.com- Or book a stay at her charming boutique B&B!

In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, I chat with Tess Cheng, a health and wellness coach and seasoned global traveler who took a solo adventure to the breathtaking Galápagos Islands. Tess shares how this unforgettable trip helped her grow, connect with new people, and embrace spontaneity—even when traveling alone. With a love for nature documentaries and a lifetime of travel behind her (having visited all seven continents!), Tess offers tips and heartfelt encouragement for anyone considering a solo journey of their own.In this episode, we discuss:What inspired Tess to visit the Galápagos finally—and why she went soloHow a mix of cruising and land-based travel gave her the best of both worldsAdvice on researching destinations and using local guides to enhance your tripTips for solo travelers who feel unsure about going it aloneA couple of ideas to stay healthy while traveling (yes, even when you’re on the go!)Favorite packing essentials and tech to make solo travel smootherThe power of unexpected friendships and leaning into new experiencesTess’s travel roots and future travel dreamsConnect with Tess:Website: GlowWithTessInstagram: @glowithtess

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Michelle to discuss her first solo trip to Orlando, Florida, as a traveler needing assistance.She shares how detailed planning, helpful airport services, and a spirit of adventure made all the difference. Michelle’s story offers valuable encouragement for travelers with disabilities, as well as those who support them.In this episode, we discuss:How Michelle planned and took her first solo flight with confidenceWhy research and preparation are key to accessible and enjoyable travelThe importance of using airport sensory rooms and familiar routinesTips for being prepared to reduce anxiety and be ready for the unexpectedHow the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard program can offer supportUsing flight ambassador services and pre-boarding options for extra guidanceEncouragement to watch online walkthroughs of airport procedures to reduce stressMichelle’s future travel dreams—including planning next flight to Hawaii with her husbandA reminder that everyone deserves to explore the world—at their own pace and comfort levelConnect with Michelle Steiner:Website: Michelle's MissionFacebook: Michelle Steiner

What would you do if your travel partner suggested you continue your trip... alone?In this powerful episode, I talk with Dani Rosenbald James about her unforgettable solo travel experience in Peru. What started as a friend’s adventure took a surprising turn when her (now) husband encouraged her to explore solo for the rest of the trip. Confused and frustrated at first, Dani soon discovered how freeing solo travel can be.💬 In this episode, we dive into:- How Dani's solo travel in Peru began unexpectedly- Her emotional shift from frustration to empowerment- The friendships she formed while traveling alone- How the trip deepened her relationship instead of hurting it- Why solo travel is especially meaningful for women- Advice for women considering their first solo adventureWhether you're thinking of visiting Peru, taking your first solo trip, or navigating how travel can strengthen relationships, this episode is full of insight, heart, and inspiration.🎧 Hit play and hear how going solo led Dani to deeper connection, freedom, and lifelong friendships.Find Dani at:Website - https://misfitwanders.com/Facebook Group - MisfitwandersInstagram - @Misfit_wanders

Ready to feel inspired by the power of nature and community?In this episode, I chat with Lauren Hosteller, founder of Moe Mountains—a women’s hiking and backpacking tour group. Lauren shares how her love of the outdoors became a business that empowers women to explore, connect, and build confidence on the trail.💬 In this episode, we talk about:How Moe Mountains began and what inspired Lauren to lead women’s backpacking tripsThe unique benefits of solo travel—especially for womenSafety tips, preparation strategies, and confidence-building in outdoor adventuresThe impact of creating a supportive, encouraging travel communityLauren’s favorite trip of the season (hint: it involved women over 50!)Her must-have camping gadgets and gear favoritesWhy outdoor experiences help women push past fear and build lasting friendshipsWhether you’re curious about hiking, group travel, or just want to hear from two women who love empowering others through adventure—this episode is for you.Connect with Lauren:Website: https://moe-mountains.my.canva.site/Facebook: Moe MountainsInstagram: Moe Mountains

In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, I chat with Laura Zurowski about her creative and inspiring project, Missteps: Our Missed Connections with Pittsburgh City Steps. What began as a simple curiosity about the city's staircases turned into a meaningful journey of exploration, community, and storytelling. Whether you’re traveling far or taking a walk through your own city, this episode reminds us that confidence grows when we slow down, stay curious, and pay attention to the world around us.In this episode, we talk about:How Laura’s step-by-step exploration turned into a book and guided toursThe beauty of discovering new places in your own cityWhy getting out of your comfort zone builds confidenceTips for staying prepared and present while exploringThe value of documenting your travel and local adventuresHow solo or small-group adventures can be just as powerful as big tripsYou can connect with Laura:Website: Mis.Steps.com Instagram: @mis.steps.