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

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

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

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

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

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

ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGeuJrCxh8/MQt6ZyA7OxViKpArG8mgmQ/view?utm_content=DAGeuJrCxh8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hb8f1458180

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200


Leave a review:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solo-travel-adventures-safe-travel-for-women-preparing-for-a-trip-overcoming-fear-travel-tips/id1650161410

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

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200


Leave a review:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solo-travel-adventures-safe-travel-for-women-preparing-for-a-trip-overcoming-fear-travel-tips/id1650161410

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.

BOOK A CALL:

https://calendly.com/solotraveladventures/book-a-call

GOING: Cheap Flight Deals

https://goingwith.me/6gsk6x5d

Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire® card. I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for the card.
https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19s/D5GQOMAZF4

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200


Leave a review:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solo-travel-adventures-safe-travel-for-women-preparing-for-a-trip-overcoming-fear-travel-tips/id1650161410

What kind of traveler are you at heart? Do you pinch pennies to extend your journey, or do you splurge on luxury experiences? Are you drawn to cultural immersion, or do you crave heart-pounding adventure?

We all have natural tendencies that shape our travel experiences, yet many of us try to force ourselves into travel styles that don't authentically reflect who we are. In this eye-opening exploration of travel personalities, we break down six distinct traveler types - from the budget-conscious backpacker to the comfort-seeking luxury traveler, the thrill-seeking adventurer to the history-loving cultural enthusiast, the unhurried slow traveler to the freedom-chasing road tripper.

Each travel style comes with recommended destinations and valuable resources to help you embrace your authentic travel self. The budget traveler might thrive in Thailand or Vietnam, utilizing apps like Going to score affordable flights. Luxury travelers might set their sights on Dubai or an upscale African safari. Adventure seekers could plan expeditions to Iceland's glaciers or Patagonia's rugged terrain, while cultural enthusiasts might immerse themselves in Italy's art scene or Scotland's rich history.

Your travel style isn't a fixed identity - it can evolve with life's seasons or adjust when traveling with companions. What matters most is recognizing and honoring your true preferences rather than forcing yourself to travel like someone else. When you align your journeys with your authentic self, travel becomes not just enjoyable but transformative.

Follow @solotraveladventures50 on Instagram to see how I incorporate budget-friendly local adventures into everyday life. Have questions about finding your travel style? Message me there or book a personal consultation to discover the traveler you're meant to be.

BOOK A CALL:

https://calendly.com/solotraveladventures/book-a-call

GOING: Cheap Flight Deals

https://goingwith.me/6gsk6x5d

LUXURY TRAVEL MAGAZINE https://www.luxurytravelmagazine.com

GREETHER: https://greether.com Book local walking tours with a woman guide.

NOMAD LIFESTYLE: https://eatwalklearn.com

ROADTRIPS IN US: https://www.wonderbingtravel.com

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200


Leave a review:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solo-travel-adventures-safe-travel-for-women-preparing-for-a-trip-overcoming-fear-travel-tips/id1650161410

When life forces you to start over completely, what would you do? For Allison Gonzalez, a series of devastating blows in 2019—losing her job, the death of her beloved dog, and the onset of a global pandemic—became the unexpected catalyst for a transformative journey of self-discovery through solo RV travel.

Rather than continuing to push for conventional stability after selling her California home, Allison made a bold decision: "I'm just going to skip the house and travel." What began as a reaction to circumstances evolved into a four-year nomadic adventure through national parks, desert landscapes, and mountain terrain across America.

Throughout our conversation, Allison shares the profound lessons learned from living on the road—physical challenges that built resilience, safety concerns that demanded vigilance, and most significantly, the spiritual healing she discovered in nature. "I don't know how to explain it," she reflects about her time among the saguaro cacti and mountain vistas, "it fills your soul." This soul-filling connection became the tonic she needed while rebuilding her life after 50.

For women contemplating their own solo adventures in midlife, Allison offers wisdom from her journey: "Get out of your comfort zone even if it's just a little bit." She emphasizes that small steps build confidence for bigger adventures, while learning from mistakes makes you stronger. Perhaps most surprisingly from an independent traveler, she encourages others to "learn to trust...lean on them" when needed, finding that community support enhances rather than diminishes personal strength.

Whether you're facing your own life reset or simply dreaming of more adventure, this episode offers both practical insights and spiritual reflection on how starting over through travel can lead to discovering your most authentic self. Ready to find out what you're truly capable of? Listen now and be inspired to take that first step.

Follow Allison Gonzalez and her adventures:

https://allierambles.com

https://www.youtube.com@imallierambles

@allierambles

BOOK A COFFE CHAT WITH ME:

https://calendly.com/solotraveladventures/book-a-call

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

Send me a message or share your solo travel story with me.
https://www.speakpipe.com/SoloTravelAdventures

Leave a review:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solo-travel-adventures-safe-travel-for-women-preparing-for-a-trip-overcoming-fear-travel-tips/id1650161410

The endless horizon stretches between volcanic plains and glacier-topped mountains as we journey through Iceland, a land where fire and ice create one of earth's most breathtaking natural canvases. What makes this Nordic island nation so remarkable isn't just its visual drama but how its landscapes become a powerful catalyst for personal healing and renewal.

My solo adventure through Iceland revealed a country of startling contrasts - snow-capped peaks beside dramatic coastlines, black sand beaches against emerald farmland, geothermal springs bubbling near ancient lava fields. This environmental diversity creates an almost otherworldly experience, like visiting multiple countries without ever crossing a border. Each vista offers a different perspective, making Iceland an ideal destination for those seeking nature's transformative power.

Traveling in April provided remarkable solitude, with empty roads and tourist-free vistas creating space for deeper reflection. While summer offers milder temperatures and lush landscapes, there's something magical about experiencing Iceland's raw beauty in relative isolation. My most unexpected gift came at midnight when the Northern Lights appeared outside my farmhouse window - a phenomenon locals assured me was extraordinarily rare for April. These serendipitous moments exemplify how travel delivers its most precious gifts when least expected.

Iceland presents practical advantages for solo travelers: it ranks among the world's safest countries, offers stunning natural attractions from the Blue Lagoon to countless waterfalls, and provides varied accommodation options from hotels to guesthouses. While expenses run high, the payoff in natural wonder and personal growth proves immeasurable.

My journey reinforced how intentional travel becomes a powerful vehicle for transformation. By setting clear objectives before departure - seeking restoration, reconnection with nature, and digital detachment - I created space for meaningful insights about incorporating elements of this experience into daily life back home. This process forms the foundation of healing through travel, a practice I now help others discover through my coaching program launching May 27th.

Have you considered how a thoughtfully planned journey might address your own needs for renewal? Whether you're recovering from burnout, seeking clarity following life changes, or simply craving deeper connection with yourself and the natural world, Iceland's diverse landscapes offer the perfect backdrop for transformation. Join me in discovering how intentional travel can become your most powerful tool for personal growth.

BOOK A CALL: JOIN THE WAITLIST

https://calendly.com/solotraveladventures/book-a-call

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

Send me a message or share your solo travel story with me.
https://www.speakpipe.com/SoloTravelAdventures

Leave a review:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solo-travel-adventures-safe-travel-for-women-preparing-for-a-trip-overcoming-fear-travel-tips/id1650161410

Danielle Hiebert's life took an unexpected turn when, in the midst of a painful divorce after 32 years of marriage and exhausted from the pandemic's toll on educators, she found herself scrolling through job listings in the middle of the night. A curriculum coordinator position in Kuwait caught her eye, and within weeks, she was preparing to move halfway across the world.

What began as an escape from heartache transformed into a profound journey of healing and self-discovery. Kuwait—a country she knew only from Desert Storm references—became the backdrop for Danielle's personal renaissance. "That's how you know God has a wonderful sense of humor," she reflects, "because he sent me to a Muslim country to spiritually heal."

For two years, Danielle immersed herself in Middle Eastern culture, forming deep connections with people from diverse backgrounds. From her Lebanese neighbors who brought her meals to her Filipino colleague singing hymns in the school bathroom, these relationships expanded her worldview while providing the community she needed to heal. Professional validation came too, as she found herself surrounded by educators eager to learn from her—a stark contrast to the burnout she'd experienced in American schools.

The distance gave Danielle something precious: perspective. In her "apartment up in the sky," she found time for prayer, journaling, and processing grief. Weekend trips to Dubai, Jordan, and Oman fulfilled her adventurous spirit while teaching her to approach life with an open heart. Her advice for women considering similar journeys resonates with simple wisdom: "Go with an open heart and mind, because you never know how it's going to play out for you."

Want to explore how travel might support your own healing journey? I'm launching a new travel coaching program designed specifically for those working through grief, trauma, or feeling stuck. Book a free call to join the waiting list for this transformative experience launching in late May.

https://calendly.com/solotraveladventures/book-a-call

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

Send me a message or share your solo travel story with me.
https://www.speakpipe.com/SoloTravelAdventures

Leave a review:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solo-travel-adventures-safe-travel-for-women-preparing-for-a-trip-overcoming-fear-travel-tips/id1650161410

What do the Statue of Liberty, Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, and the Eiffel Tower have in common? They've all become part of the global tourist trap circuit—places that promise unforgettable experiences but often deliver crowds, inflated prices, and a distinctly inauthentic atmosphere.

I've traveled to numerous destinations on those viral "must-see before you die" lists, and while these iconic landmarks certainly have their merits, the experience of visiting them doesn't always match our expectations. The good news? There are practical strategies to transform even the most clichéd tourist destinations into meaningful, authentic adventures.

Timing makes all the difference. Visiting Italy in November rather than July means fewer crowds, lower prices, and more available accommodations. Yes, you'll need an extra layer or two, but you'll gain a more intimate experience with the destination. Similarly, seeking out alternative experiences—like Iceland's lesser-known Glacier Lagoon instead of the crowded Blue Lagoon—provides comparable beauty without the overwhelming tourist presence.

For truly immersive experiences, consider staying with locals outside tourist districts. When visiting Machu Picchu, some travelers spend days living with families in rural areas outside Cusco, gaining invaluable cultural insights before seeing the famous ruins. Even in major cities like Paris, exploring lesser-known arrondissements beyond the central tourist areas reveals authentic slices of local life most visitors never experience.

The value of travel isn't about checking items off standardized bucket lists but creating meaningful connections with the places we visit. Whether you're an introvert seeking quiet experiences or simply tired of fighting crowds for the perfect photo, these strategies will help you discover the authentic heart of your destination. What's on your travel list? And more importantly—how will you experience it differently?

Join our Facebook community "Solo Travel for Women Over 50" to share your own strategies for authentic travel experiences and connect with fellow adventure seekers who understand the balance between seeing iconic landmarks and discovering hidden gems.

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

Send me a message or share your solo travel story with me.
https://www.speakpipe.com/SoloTravelAdventures

Leave a review:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solo-travel-adventures-safe-travel-for-women-preparing-for-a-trip-overcoming-fear-travel-tips/id1650161410