Freedom calls from the open road, and summer's the perfect time to answer. This practical guide to solo road trips unlocks the joy of spontaneous travel when expensive flights or elaborate planning isn't an option.

Feeling the wanderlust but haven't made summer plans? A solo road trip might be your perfect adventure. Whether you have just a day, a weekend, or a full week to spare, hitting the highway offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility. The beauty lies in simplicity - choose a destination within your preferred driving distance, clear your schedule, and go. Your destination might be centered around a festival, a hiking trail, an antique shop, or simply a city you've always wanted to explore.

Don't let accommodation worries stop you. Beyond traditional hotels, today's solo traveler has numerous options: Airbnbs for homey comfort, camping for nature lovers, or newer female-focused networks like the Host a Sister Facebook groups or the Her House app (which offers background-checked hosts for $25 annually). Safety remains paramount, especially for solo female travelers, so prepare your vehicle thoroughly before departure. Pack essentials like a first aid kit, portable jump starter, tire pump, plenty of water, and a food cooler to save money and provide flexibility in remote areas.

The true magic happens when you embrace the journey itself. Allow time for unexpected discoveries, take breaks when needed, and download entertainment and maps before departing. There's a special kind of meditation that happens on solo drives - time for reflection, prayer, catching up on podcasts, or simply singing at the top of your lungs with no one listening. Ready to feel that freedom? Stop making excuses and start planning your solo road adventure today. I'd love to hear where the road takes you!

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The summer countdown has begun. School's out, temperatures are rising, and social media feeds are bursting with vacation photos and travel plans—but what if you don't have anything planned? Whether due to procrastination, budget constraints, or simply preferring to avoid peak travel season, a summer without definitive plans doesn't have to leave you feeling left out or bored.

Today's episode offers a refreshingly practical approach to creating memorable summer experiences without the need for expensive flights or extensive planning. Drawing from personal experience and creative travel solutions, there are three accessible options that can transform your seemingly ordinary summer into something worth talking about.

First, consider the classic road trip—a flexible adventure that can be tailored to any timeframe or budget. Cheryl provides a strategic approach to mapping potential destinations within driving distance, encouraging listeners to seek out places they've always wanted to visit but never prioritized. Next, she reimagines the staycation not as a compromise but as an opportunity to experience your own region with fresh eyes through local festivals, events, and activities you've never tried before. From rodeos to trapeze classes, she demonstrates how the extraordinary often exists right in our own backyard. Finally, she celebrates the power of spontaneity—keeping an open mind to last-minute deals, fill-in opportunities, and unexpected adventures that often become our most cherished memories.

Whether you're working with limited vacation time, a tight budget, or simply missed the window for summer planning, this episode provides actionable strategies to ensure your summer is filled with new experiences and stories worth sharing. Plus, don't miss details about an upcoming virtual travel summit featuring Cheryl among 35+ speakers covering global travel topics. Ready to transform your empty summer calendar into something extraordinary? Your adventure starts here.

Join the Virtual Travel Summit-Infinityland June 7 & 8, June 14 & 15

Sign up: https://toinfinityland.com/travel-summit

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Ever caught yourself staring at travel influencers' perfect Instagram feeds, wondering how on earth they afford their seemingly endless adventures? You're not alone. The truth is, most travelers aren't sponsored, wealthy, or living off massive social media revenue – they're regular people, like you and me, who've mastered the art of funding their wanderlust through creativity and planning.

As a solo traveler with a full-time job outside of podcasting, I've developed practical strategies that allow me to explore the world without breaking the bank. From creating dedicated travel savings accounts to strategically using tax returns for bigger adventures like my Camino walk and Iceland exploration, financial intentionality forms the foundation of sustainable travel. The points and rewards system offers another powerful avenue – my Southwest credit card points have funded countless domestic flights, though I learned the hard way about monitoring expiration dates after losing valuable Amtrak points.

Alternative accommodation approaches dramatically reduce travel costs. House sitting provides free lodging while letting you experience destinations like a local. Work exchanges through platforms like Workaway require just a few hours daily, leaving plenty of time for exploration. Teaching English abroad or freelancing using existing skills (like my Pilates instruction) creates income streams while traveling. Even simple lifestyle adjustments make a difference – cutting streaming subscriptions, reducing restaurant meals, brewing coffee at home, or developing side hustles like my dog-sitting business that funnels directly into travel funds. Remember: travel isn't about one extravagant trip but creating a sustainable lifestyle that lets you explore more while spending less.

Ready to transform your travel dreams into reality without influencer sponsorships or extraordinary wealth? Connect with me to learn about my upcoming coaching program for women seeking solo travel experiences focused on healing and transformation, launching May 27th. Book a call through the show notes link to get on the waitlist and discover how travel can become a regular, enriching part of your life.

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Instagram @solotraveladventures50

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