The Solo Female Traveler

✈️ Does travel help with Depression? We're joined by the wonderful Jessica Martinez, a compassionate Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, ready to guide us on how to navigate depression and discover if healing is possible through the power of travel. Depression may cast shadows, but we're here to illuminate the path toward hope and healing. Explore with us as we discuss how breaking free from the daily routine and stressors through travel can be a pivotal step towards finding yourself again. Discover the magic of neurotransmitters and how a change of scenery can stimulate a positive shift in our minds and hearts. Jessica's expert insights will provide you with a comforting perspective on how travel can intertwine with self-care, breaking barriers and nurturing our own well-being. 🌷🌎 We're diving deep into neuroplasticity—how our brains thrive on new experiences and environments. 🧠✨ Join us in exploring how a new culture and environment can become catalysts for positive change. ✨ ✈️ From immigrants navigating new horizons to those seeking to build their social network. Jessica shares invaluable advice on managing fears, connecting with others, and preparing emotionally and mentally for your travel adventures. Tune in and share this episode with those who need a reminder that brighter days await and that travel can be a beacon of light on their path toward well-being.

🌍✈️ Discovering Yourself Through Solo Travel Our guest for this episode is Colleen, who isn't just a travel blogger, she's also a mom and a psychologist with a passion for helping families and individuals explore the world.

Join us as we explore Colleen's journey— From backpacking around the world to becoming a mom inspiring others through her own experiences living abroad. She'll share how solo travel transformed her relationship with herself and the people she met along the way. ✨ Learn about the fascinating concept of intuition and how solo travel pushes us to connect with strangers and create new bonds. We'll also discuss how Colleen's daughters have grown through their own travel journeys and the advice she has for anyone starting their own adventure. Colleen believes that travel is about more than just beautiful places; it's about understanding the similarities that connect us all. Discover how to bring the lessons from solo travel into your everyday life and build positive relationships with yourself and others.

This episode is about breaking barriers and following your wanderlust with Lavdi, Kosovo's first travel blogger!Despite facing visa issues and the challenges of a non-recognized passport, Lavdi's passion for exploration has taken her to an incredible 45 countries across three continents! 🌏🌍🌎Kosovo, the newest European country, has a "weak passport," which means its citizens face travel restrictions and visa requirements in many places. This can make it tough to travel freely, work, study abroad, or even enjoy trade and tourism benefits for the whole country. In this episode, Lavdi shared her personal experiences and her ways of managing finances while traveling. 💰She shared her recent trip to Bhutan, and she's all about making your travel dreams come true! ✨💼If you dream of exploring the world but face some obstacles, Lavdi advises minimizing potential issues. Start by getting familiar with regulations and remember, you can always start small and work your way up to those dream destinations! So get ready to be inspired and discover how to embrace the world with determination and passion, no matter the challenges!

To get in contact with Lavdi:

Our guest Jordan D'Nelle, is a women's sexual health educator, intimacy coach, physician assistant, and creator of Vaginas, Vulvas, and Vibrators Podcast.
She's here to spill all the juicy details. We'll explore the meaning of safe sex, the unique challenges women face while traveling, and the strategies to safeguard both physical and sexual well-being.
Jordan will even enlighten us about skin-to-skin transmitted infections—knowledge is power!
So, if you're itching for an adventure and looking to protect your pleasure experience, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧🌟
We'll share valuable advice for women who want to embrace safe sex while exploring the world.
Remember, it's all about risk minimization and finding your own tolerance level. Oh, and did we mention we'll also discuss amazing organizations and support groups that are invaluable sources of information? 📚🌍
Plus, get ready to discover the fascinating connection between our mental cycles and phases.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking solace, growth, and renewed hope. ✨
🎙️Our guest, Andrea Mason, opens up about her own experience with grief - Andrea is a certified global motivational speaker and coach, bringing her decades of personal development expertise to our conversation.
With her revolutionary "PLAY" program, she guides individuals toward personal freedom through the healing power of forgiveness.
✈️ The Healing Power of Travel:
We explore how travel can be a powerful and cathartic tool for navigating grief.
✈️ Preparing to Travel While Grieving: Learn essential insights and practical advice for embarking on a journey while carrying the weight of grief.
✈️ Traveling while grieving poses unique challenges.
Together, we address these hurdles and provide empowering solutions to navigate them. 💪💜
✈️ Navigating External Judgments: Discover the strength to navigate the opinions and guilt trips of others who question your choice to travel while grieving.
Andrea shares her wisdom on finding solace within and courageously embracing the path that resonates with your heart. 👥

Do you ever find yourself yearning to embark on your dream adventures, only to feel held back by various challenges and doubts, especially when it comes to finding the money to travel? We've all been there, longing to explore new places, create unforgettable memories, and embrace the stories of adventure that await us.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Clare, a travel coach (@cpritch.coaching), who understands that the journey towards travel begins long before stepping on a plane. Clare guides us through self-discovery and financial empowerment.

Together, we delve into the fascinating world of unraveling limiting beliefs and stories we tell ourselves, particularly regarding money. Clare shares with us the impact of a positive money mindset on our finances and our ability to pursue our travel aspirations.

Tune in as we explore the intricate connection between our relationship with finances and travel, discovering how reframing our thoughts about money can align our self-worth with abundance. Clare shares insights and strategies to create a life where travel becomes a cherished investment, empowering us to embrace the transformative journey that starts within.

So, if you've ever felt held back from your travel dreams, this episode is for you!

To get in contact with Clare:

In a world dominated by constant distractions and fleeting attention, it's time to reclaim our presence and immerse ourselves in mindful travel. Our guest for this episode is Chris Wang the Co-founder & CEO of the Shimmer ADHD Coaching Program.

Growing up, Chris was often told she was "too" this or "can't" that, but she refused to let those labels define her. Now, armed with the knowledge of her ADHD diagnosis, she embarked on a mission to create Shimmer ADHD Coaching, bridging the gap in accessible and culturally competent behavioral care. 🎓

We explore practical tips to center ourselves and remain present, even amidst the distractions and unexpected challenges that travel may bring. Discover the philosophies of positive psychology and unlock the true potential of every travel experience, transforming detours into opportunities for growth and self-reflection.

We also discussed the realm of attention as a valuable currency. We shed light on how individuals with ADHD can develop effective strategies to stay focused and present during their journeys.

To get in contact with Chris:

Join us on this episode as we dive into the remarkable journey of... Amy
The visionary founder of Then, She Went.
As she passionately introduces women to the wonders of sober travel, she also shares her expertise as a Certified Naked Mind Coach, shedding light on how transforming our relationship with alcohol can truly change lives. Through the lens of a lifelong explorer, she empowers others to embrace a life free from the confines of alcohol and unlock their true potential.
We explore the challenges of sober living and discover its many benefits. Amy unravels the myth of missing out, showcasing that the real magic lies in the connections, experiences, and personal growth that awaits when we let go of societal expectations. Moreover, Amy enlightens us on planning a trip while embracing a sober lifestyle. From tips on creating meaningful itineraries to seeking sober-friendly destinations, she showcases that traveling without alcohol opens doors to authentic connections and self-discovery.
Whether it's a personal choice or a path of recovery, embracing sobriety opens doors to a life filled with authentic connections, inner peace, and limitless possibilities. It's about finding joy in the present moment, discovering your true self, and celebrating the beauty of a sober existence.

To get in contact with Amy:

IG: @thenshewent

tik tok: @then.she.went

Website: www.thenshewent.com

In this episode, we are joined by Anaïs Skoutariotis, the founder of Serene Minds and an internationally certified NeuroMindfulness Coach specializing in anxiety and stress management. Anaïs is also certified as a Mindful Travel Coach, guiding fellow expats and digital nomads in navigating their journeys. With her extensive international experience and endless curiosity, Anaïs inspires, empowers, and guides others along their inner paths.

During our conversation, Anaïs shared her experience with anxiety while traveling and provided valuable insights on how she overcame it. We delve into identifying the signs of being in survival mode while traveling and explore practical tips for breaking free from it and reducing anxiety. Additionally, Anaïs emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional preparation before embarking on a trip to avoid falling into survival mode.

We also discuss the significance of self-care and mindfulness while on the road, as Anaïs shares techniques to alleviate anxiety and stress. We explore how traveling can positively impact our mental health and overall well-being, uncovering its unexpected benefits.

If you aspire to travel but struggle with anxiety and survival mode, Anaïs offers heartfelt advice to help you navigate those challenges.

To get in contact with Anais

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of solo travel with our guest, Caitlin, Chief of Staff at PsyMed Ventures. Caitlin shares her personal journey as a first-generation Filipina-American and how solo travel has helped her on her path to self-discovery and healing. From venturing into the world alone at a young age to traveling to all 50 states and 41 countries, Caitlin found profound connections and broke free from limiting beliefs. We discuss topics such as domestic violence, the eye-opening nature of solo travel, and the impact of forging meaningful relationships. Join us as Caitlin inspires and empowers women to embrace their inner strength through travel and exploration.

To get in contact with Caitlin:

In this episode, we sit down with Pelumi Nubi, a passionate solo female traveler with a mission to inspire others to explore the world. Pelumi shares her story of migrating from Nigeria to the UK at a young age and how her love for travel started. As a black solo female traveler, Pelumi understands the unique challenges of exploring the world. She is committed to showing others that it is not only easy but also safe and doable. With over 70 countries under her belt, Pelumi shares tips for overcoming obstacles when pursuing your travel dreams. We dive into the importance of having a positive attitude when faced with setbacks and how it can help you stay motivated in achieving your travel goals. This episode is for you if you dream of traveling but feel held back by fear or uncertainty. Pelumi's energy and passion for travel will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on the world.

To get in contact with Pelumi:

In this episode, we are joined by Sahara Rose De Vore, a Wellness Travel Coach and Founder of The Travel Coach Network. Sahara shares her journey from a broke college student to traveling solo to 84 countries and becoming the CEO of her own travel businesses.

We dive into the concept of wellness travel and how it can benefit our overall well-being. Sahara also explains that travel goes beyond just relaxation and sightseeing; it involves intentional experiences that benefit our physical, mental, and spiritual health. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and connection with the local culture while traveling.

To get in contact with Sahara:

Have you watched Alone Season 8? In this TV show, ten participants were dropped into the remote Chilcotin region of British Columbia to brave the elements of wildlife and isolation.

Our guest for this episode is Theresa, also known as @traditional_leather on Instagram, an internationally recognized traditional living skills specialist with a PhD in experimental archaeology and over 30 years of experience in prehistoric skin tanning and clothing construction. Aside from her skills, Theresa's mental strength, resilience, and positive approach in facing adversity make her inspiring.

In this episode, we talk about Theresa's experience during the show and how she conquered every struggle she encountered. We also discuss how she started traveling solo and how she sharpened her various living skills during those times. Theresa shares some basic tips for women who want to try solo traveling, and we explore how we can reconnect to our ancestors.

Bringing together academic knowledge about the past and the deep understanding of materials and processes possessed by craft practitioners is at the heart of what Theresa does. Aside from her amazing uniqueness, she's delighted and content with the life and career she chose to take.

We also talk about the benefits of solitude in building mental strength and resilience. By learning to appreciate your own company, tune out distractions, and rely on yourself for validation and support, you can become more self-aware, confident, and independent.

In this episode, we sit down with Alix Jurado, a clinical psychologist and sexual educator from Mexico, to discuss the impact of machismo on Latino culture and how it can prevent Latinas from traveling. We talk about the traditional gender roles that are often reinforced by this mindset, and Alix shares her tips on how to break free from them and increase your confidence to take more risks and explore the world. If you're looking to overcome cultural barriers and learn how to embrace adventure, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this first episode of season 7, we're joined by Robin, a travel enthusiast, language educator, and Travel Life Coach for intentional solo female travelers. Together, we explore the fascinating topic of how travel impacts the brain and discuss the numerous ways it benefits our cognitive health.

We start by diving into the science behind why travel is so beneficial for our brains, including how it expands our worldview and boosts creativity. We also explore some of the physiological changes that occur in the brain during travel, such as increased neural activity.

Robin shares her insights and experiences as a Travel Life Coach and language educator for intentional solo female travelers, offering tips and strategies for maximizing the cognitive benefits of travel. We also discuss the impact of solo travel and language immersion benefits on the brain.

If you're a travel enthusiast looking to deepen your understanding of the brain-travel connection or a solo female traveler looking for tips to enhance your experience, this episode is for you!

Where not to go?

There are a lot of recommended "safe places" and tips on how to be safe when you are solo traveling. But where not to go?

Traveling solo in your 50s can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
After spending many years focusing on family and career, it can be incredibly liberating to take some time to explore the world in your own way.
On her 50th Birthday, Ruth went to Spain to solo travel.
In this episode, she shared how she worried so much about her past relationship, how co-dependent she was,
and how she realized a lot of things in her journey as a solo female traveler. She also shared how much she has grown into a happier and more confident version of herself. "I trust myself more, I felt inspired and I am much more confident."

Solo travel can also provide an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth.
With fewer distractions, you can take the time to really think about your life, your past experiences, and your goals for the future.

Infidelity or that your marriage is about to end are the biggest things that people think of when you're in a relationship or married, and someone is solo traveling.

Does solo travel while married means that your marriage is on the rocks?

A lot of people have misconceptions about solo travel, one is that you cannot travel solo if you are in a relationship or married.

To discuss this topic I invited Lindsay from @onegirlwandering. During the episode, she shares her personal challenges and reasons why she travels solo despite of her relationship status.

"I want people to be able to see that this is something that is POSSIBLE, and YOU CAN DO IT.

There is a HEALTHY and RESPONSIBLE way of doing it."

• Solo traveling can provide an opportunity for self-reflection and growth.

It provides the chance for each partner to step away from their daily life and reflect on their own goals and aspirations.

• A great way to build self-esteem and confidence, which can ultimately benefit the relationship.

Veerle Beelen is a travel coach from the Netherlands whose goal is to empower others to transform their lives through travel experiences. In this episode we discussed, about what you can learn while traveling solo that can help you love the most important person which is you, and once you are connected with yourself and your values find that significant other in your life.

Our guest for this interview is Sara Braca, she is the author of the memoir, When the Church Burns Down, Cancel the Wedding. In this memoir she takes readers along on her post-divorce adventures around the world, sharing a life lived fully – if untraditionally – and proving that joy can always be found in unexpected places.

"What makes you, YOU?"
After divorce, you may have a lot of questions about your future. You may be wondering if you'll ever get back on track.
You're going through this immediate loss, but there's also the loss of what you envisioned in your future.
Solo travel became her first step to finding happiness, strength, and peace in her new life.
🎙️This episode is about her experience on how to make solo travel after divorce work for YOU--and how to do it without feeling like a failure.

"Travel not to escape" is a mindset that emphasizes the idea of traveling for personal growth and self-discovery, rather than as a means of running away from problems or difficulties. It encourages us as solo female travelers to embrace the challenges and uncertainty of travel and to use the experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. By approaching travel with this mindset, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

To further discuss this topic, I have invited Geleen Antonio, who recently quit her corporate tech career to launch her solo travel empowerment business. Her mission is to help women not just to view solo travel as a form of escape, but to feel confident and empowered while doing it and to use the experience as a stepping stone to the next chapter of their lives. Her company, called 'Journey Card-Pick Your Path', offers a variety of resources including a course, a community, and guided journals.

The excitement of choosing a destination, packing the car, and hitting the open road with your best friend is thrilling! But traveling alone with a pet requires some additional preparation. That is why, I invited Hannah from Just a girl and her dog blog, to share about how we can prepare ourselves and our dogs before and during a trip. 

Did you ever realize that traveling gets a little bit easier when you know a few words in the language of the country where you're going to? People tend to joke that if you can say, “Yes,” “No,” “Where’s the restroom?” and “I’ll have another beer, please,” then you’re set. While that statement can be almost true, there are a whole list of other useful phrases, words, and conversations that can keep you safe, happy, and a little less stressed when you’re on vacation, studying or working abroad.

Our guest for this episode is Dominique Cordero, she is a Spanish Coach and owner of La Mariposa Spanish Lessons, since buying a one way ticket and working as an Au Pair in Spain, she spent a year becoming fluent in Spanish. Since then, she has helped hundreds of her students build confidence in their Spanish by sharing her proven strategies for how to learn Spanish as an adult, and in this episode she shares some of them with us.

If you are what you eat, can we say... You are where you go? To discuss this I invited Caitlyn Lubas. She is a book author that has done a substantial amount of travel in her early twenties.

Statistically speaking Japan is admittedly one of the safest places to attempt as a first-time solo female traveler, and the probability of being harassed by locals is quite low. To further discuss this I invited Miyuki Seguchi from @japan.experts to get an insider's perspective. We talked about stereotypes, culture, budget, and many other topics that are relevant to solo female travelers considering to visit Japan. 

Before you start to plan an international trip it’s helpful to know what you really want from the experience. So often we jump into researching and booking without thinking about our motivations and desired outcomes. When we are clear about what we are looking for we save ourselves tons of time when planning and researching.  To talk about this topic I invited Annie Sisson, she is a Travel Writer, Educator, and Consultant with more than fourteen years of experience planning international trips for herself, loved ones, and clients. She's on a mission to help travelers find the freedom to create the experiences they really want without big bus tours, cruises, or all inclusive resorts.

A solo female travel trends survey revealed that 73% of solo female travelers worry about their safety. Even those who are very experienced solo travelers and have taken more than 10 trips on their own, still worry almost as much. We know Solo travel can be scary, we are taking a risk by wandering the world alone, let alone as a woman. However, solo female travel can be safe and fun. For this episode, our guest is Vanessa Karel she is the CEO of greet.her a platform that is helping women travel safer by connecting female travelers to verified local female hosts around the world. We discussed about planing a trip with safety in mind, DOs and DONT's, listening to your body/intuition, and much more.

Travel can be a relaxing escape, but it can also be stressful and affect your mental health. Travel-related stress can spark mood changes, depression, and anxiety. For this episode, I invited Dr. Charlotte Russell to discuss about tips and steps you can take before, during, and after travel that may help reduce anxiety, and burnout and protect your mental health. 

Dr. Charlotte is a Clinical Psychologist and the founder of the Travel Psychologist project. She created the Travel Psychologist project to provide credible information and advice about travel and well-being, written by qualified professionals. 

We all have felt inspired and creative right after a trip or short vacation, but have you ever wondered why? In this episode we explore some studies and theories that explain this process, as well as some tips to potentially spark your creativity during your next trip.

To get in contact with me:

The wellness industry has taken a leap into the travel world lately, and while it may seem like two totally separate universes, it really isn’t. In today’s post-Covid world, people are far more concerned about physical health and mental well-being than we have been in previous decades… For this episode I invited Dr Nguru to tell us more about this topic. Dr Nguru is the founder of What The Doctor Reccomends a business where she combines her love of medicine and travel, and also where she supports high-powered female professionals like herself, battling imposter syndrome, burnout, stress and anxiety to connect with the essence of what makes them feel alive.

I am sure that you will agree that loneliness sucks. And solo travel loneliness sucks even more... In this episode I share about what it means, what I do when I am feeling this way, and tips to meet people while traveling.

To get in contact with me:

Meredith is a travel blogger from the USA with over 55 passport stamps with 30= earned solo and over the age 35. Her mission is to empower women of all ages, shapes & ethnicities to go and explore.

In this episode Meredith shared with us, some strategic solo travel tips, why representation matters, courage and many more things!

To get in contact with Meredith:

The fear of visiting a new, unfamiliar place and the stress of travel plans can lead to what’s sometimes called travel anxiety. In this episode, learn some of the common symptoms and causes of anxiety about traveling, as well as tips to help you overcome it.

To get in contact with me:

If you're wondering if traveling actually affects your period. This episode is for you.

To get in contact with me:

Cicely is a Black Female solo traveler originally from Nashville and grew up in Arkansas in the US. She is also the creator of The Travel Champion where she helps women to travel the world solo, safely and on a budget. 

Regardless of her income at the time of each trip, she made it happen and had some truly amazing and memorable experiences. Throughout her three decades of travel, She learned tremendous amounts of information, hacks, and tips. In this episode we discussed why traveling as a black solo female traveler is an incredibly enriching experience, providing you with the chance to educate, be educated and expand your cultural horizons. 

Nadine Arab is an Egyptian, who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. 

In the first part of this episode, Nadine shares with us how she ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time blogger and creator to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.

During the second part we discussed about different misconceptions when it comes to travel in this country, and safety advice to keep yourself safe as a solo female traveler in Egypt.

- Places mentioned:

Nadine's first solo trip: Nubian village in Aswan called Gharb Seheil.

Dahab located in Sinai.

To get in contact with Nadine:

Her blog: https://curlsenroute.com/

Being an introvert and being a solo traveler are not mutually exclusive. There are ways and techniques introverts can use to help them get past their tendency to solitude so that solo travel can also be a social experience.

Solo travel may seem to be for those enormously confident extroverts who would naturally bound out into the world, but there are many, many solo travel introverts as well, like my friend Ro Battagliotti who I invited to share with us about her experience and how she has explored the world as an introvert after 10 years on the road.

To get in contact with Ro

Her instagram:

Danika is a Canadian Travel Writer living in Iraq, in this episode she shares with us about her experience living and teaching in this part of the world.

To get in contact with Danika:

We know that learning about other cultures outside our own is one of the most important things we will ever do as people. As we already know Travel, especially Solo Travel and Cultural Exchange Programs are a great way to do that. That's why for this episode, I invited Dianni Hall to tell us about her experiences with different programs with which she was able to live and travel in different parts of Europe and South East Asia.

Besides affordable travel, other benefits to these kinds of cultural exchanges programs include the chance to learn a new language or improve your existing language skills, experiencing a new location in a unique way with local people and getting work experience that you can use for your CV or resume. Below find the different programs mentioned in the episode.

Flavia is the bilingual content creator behind Latina Traveller, and a First Generation Peruvian American born in the United States to two Peruvian immigrant parents and currently residing in Barcelona, Spain.

She moved to Barcelona to finish a master’s program and loved it, so she decided to stay. In this episode we discussed about her journey, challenges and insights about emigrating to Spain

To get in contact with Flavia:

Her website:

I know this podcast is for solo female travelers... Why this episode? Well, this is also a podcast for women and some of my listeners have become moms recently, and that doesn't have to mean that their travels will be on hold for the next 5, 10 or 18 years. As I mentioned in this episode when it comes to travel and any other areas in life kids shouldn't be an obstacle for you to do what you enjoy the most, but actually the reason for you to do MORE of it.

For this episode I invited Ana Ruiz a family travel coach and the creator of Monos Viajeros, a platform to inspire, guide and help families have adventures, even after having kids. Ana shares with us how her family adventures started, benefits and challenges of traveling with your kids, as well as tips on how you can prepare your family and yourself for this travel style.

To get in contact with Ana: 

It’s a common misconception that solo travel is reserved for single people. That is why for this episode, I invited Emily to give us some tips on how to travel solo while in a relationship.

To get in contact with Emily 

Larissa is a digital nomad attorney with an addiction to the outdoors. She shares her thoughts and experiences with solo and group travel, running a small business, working remotely, and travel adventures.

In this episode she shares with us... Why she is giving up being a digital nomad, now that digital nomadism is on the rise I would like for you to listen about it from a different perspective.

To get in contact with Larissa: