Solo Travel Adventures: Faith-Rooted Intentional Travel for Christian Women Over 50
Solo Travel Adventures is a podcast for Christian women over 50 navigating life transitions such as divorce, widowhood, or empty nest. Hosted by solo travel coach Cheryl Esch, it explores how faith-rooted solo travel can help rebuild identity, restore confidence, and deepen trust in Christ. Each episode offers practical travel guidance, faith-centered encouragement, and honest conversations about midlife renewal.
Episodes
Travel During Menopause: How to Eat Well and Enjoy Vacation Without Guilt with Michelle McCoy//199
You land in a new place, the pastries look incredible, and you want to say yes to every local bite. But if you’re in menopause or perimenopause, travel can also mean bloating, headaches, fatigue, brain fog, and that nagging feeling that your body is harder to read than it used to be. We’re not doing food rules or calorie counting here. We’re talking about how to enjoy vacation food and still feel
Grief and Solo Travel: Finding Space to Heal After Loss//198
Grief can feel like you’re fine one minute and flat on the floor the next and that swing can make you wonder if you’re “doing it wrong.” I’m Cheryl Esch, and I’m sharing a personal, honest look at loss through two very different stories: losing my mom to breast cancer and, more recently, losing my dad after years of Alzheimer’s. When someone fades in front of you, grief starts early, arrives in wa
Rest Without Guilt: Why Christian Women Need Restorative Travel//197
Guilt can sneak in the moment we even consider stepping away. If you’ve ever wondered whether resting is selfish, whether spending money on yourself is wrong, or whether you should be doing something “more productive,” you’re not alone and you’re not failing. We name the hidden pressure so many Christian women carry, especially in midlife, when years of caregiving, serving, working, and staying av
When God Changes Your Travel Plans: Embracing a New Season in Midlife//196
Fall has a way of telling the truth. The light changes, the air shifts, and suddenly you can feel that something in you is changing too. Today I’m sharing what’s been on my heart as we move into a new season on the calendar, after a lunar eclipse, and even toward a new year on the Hebrew calendar. If you’ve sensed a spiritual nudge to slow down, listen, and reassess, you’re not alone.We talk about
Sabbatical Travel for Women Over 50: Take Time to Rest, Renew & Reconnect With God//195
I explore sabbatical travel as an intentional way to step away for rest, renewal, and listening for God without the usual noise of home. I share why more than a week matters, what a “radical sabbatical” can look like, and how to plan it with purpose instead of escape. • what sabbatical travel means and why it is growing • Sabbath roots and a biblical rhythm of work and rest • why leaving home redu
Solo Travel for Women 50+: Discover America's Most Charming Small Towns//194
Small towns can feel like a time machine and a deep breath at the same time. I’ve been drawn to quieter places lately, and I want to share what I’m learning as I explore small town travel in the USA as both a solo traveler and a travel coach. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to trade traffic and endless errands for a slower pace, friendlier hellos, and a main street you can actually w
Are You Using Travel to Escape Your Problems? How Faith, Travel, and Reflection Bring Real Healing//193
You can feel it building for weeks: the pressure in your chest, the restlessness, the thought that if you could just get away everything would finally make sense. We’re talking about that temptation to use travel as an escape and the sobering truth that your deeper struggles don’t stay behind when the trip ends.I share a personal story from a June road trip and what I’ve been wrestling with around
How the World Cup Inspires Travel: Finding Purpose and Adventure Through Global Events//192
The World Cup is not just a tournament, it is a moving map. Watching fans show up with songs, costumes, and total pride for their home countries reminded me how quickly a game can turn into real travel inspiration. Even if soccer is not your thing, the feeling is hard to miss: community, curiosity, and that sudden urge to look up a country you had not considered in years.We talk about how big glob
How Travel Changes After 50: We Are No Longer in Our 20's//191
Your 23-year-old self might have measured a trip by how fast you could pack, how far you could drive, and how many friends you could squeeze into a weekend. But as we hit midlife, travel often stops being about proving we are adventurous and starts being about getting honest with what we need. I’m Cheryl Esch, and I’m exploring a question that keeps coming up when I watch younger travelers move th
Divine Guidance on Solo Road Trips//190
What would change if you treated your next solo road trip like a daily conversation with God instead of a race from one stop to the next? I just got back from a 15-day U.S. road trip that surprised me in the best ways, and it started with one intentional prayer: give me a truth, a promise, a word each day while I travel. I didn’t expect how clearly those “daily nuggets” would show up once I made t
The Loneliness Nobody Talks About After Divorce and Empty Nest | Finding Yourself Again Through Solo Travel // 189
Loneliness can sneak in after divorce and an empty nest, not as a dramatic breakdown, but as a quiet feeling you carry while you still do your job, return calls, and tell everyone you’re okay. I’m Cheryl Esch, a travel coach and solo travel advocate, and I’m sharing what I wish more women said out loud: you can be surrounded by people and still feel completely alone. When big life transitions pile
Solo Travel for Healing After Loss | Remembering Who You Are Again // 188
You can do everything “right” and still wake up wondering who you are. When your identity has been stitched to relationships, responsibilities, and everyone else’s expectations, a major life change can leave you feeling emotionally numb, stuck, and exhausted. We get real about that moment and why it’s more common than most of us admit.We talk about how solo travel can become a practical path to se
Budgeting for Solo Travel Without the Shame or Stress [ft. The Budget Besties] // 187
Travel keeps getting blamed on “not enough money,” but that excuse falls apart the moment you can actually see your numbers. We sit down with Vanessa and Shana from Budget Besties, master financial coaches who work with women earning good money and still feeling stuck, stressed, or ashamed about budgeting. They make the B-word feel less like a punishment and more like a plan that gives you real pe
Why Hawaii? // 186
Hawaii isn’t one thing. It can be a surf town, a volcanic summit that feels like the moon, a rainforest with waterfalls, and a quiet stretch of beach that makes you forget what day it is. On my first trip to Hawaii, I head to Maui and use one guiding question to make sense of it all: why would someone choose Hawaii over any other “paradise” on the map? What I learn comes as much from conversations
From Divorce To Kuwait: A Midlife Move That Rebuilt One Woman’s Life // 185
A sleepless night. A divorce after 32 years. A job listing that makes zero sense on paper. Then Kuwait shows up on the screen and Danielle Hebert takes the leap. What starts as a desperate need for space turns into two years of solo living abroad that reshapes her confidence, her faith, and the way she sees the world.We talk through the practical realities of moving to a Muslim-majority country as
Fearless Solo Travel: Faith, Freedom and Flight // 184
Fear can sound responsible, even wise, until you realize it’s quietly making your decisions for you. If you’ve felt that tension between wanting to take a solo trip and hearing the anxious loop of “what if something goes wrong,” I’m speaking straight to that moment. We get honest about the difference between real safety awareness and the internal fear that grows in the unknown, especially for wome
What If Your First Trip Quietly Built You? // 183
Your travel style didn’t start when you booked your first grown-up trip. It started the first time you learned what “new” feels like. We’re digging into the idea of a travel origin story and how childhood experiences can shape your adult relationship with road trips, adventure travel, and even solo travel confidence.I share one of the most defining trips of my life: a four-to-five-week RV road tri
What If Your Next Trip Is God’s Direction? // 182
Your suitcase is packed, your itinerary is tight, and your mind is already racing ahead to everything that could go wrong. We have been there. That’s why we’re talking about the link between Christian travel and prayer while traveling and how bringing God into the process can change not just your trip, but your peace.We explore travel and prayer as two journeys that move you in different direction
Can A Long Walk Reconnect Body Mind And Spirit? // 181
You can feel it when travel stops being about seeing more and starts being about becoming more. I’m Cheryl Esch, and I’m sharing the pull I’ve been sitting with lately: the desire for a deeper, quieter kind of solo travel that resets me from the inside out, not just for a weekend, but in a way that lingers.I talk honestly about the Camino de Santiago and the part people don’t always say out loud.
Group Trips Help Women Travel Braver with Doni Belau of Girl's Guide to the World // 180
You can feel it when life gets too crowded with roles: mom, partner, caretaker, employee, planner. The calendar stays full, but you start to wonder where you went. That’s why this conversation with Doni Belau, founder of Girl's Guide to the World, hits so hard. She shares what happened when she finally took a month to travel on her own and discovered something simple and life-changing: she co
Can Midlife Women Stop Fearing Judgment And Start Traveling Alone? // 179
We name the hidden thing that stops many midlife women from traveling alone: the fear of what other people will think. We reframe judgment, talk through the comments people make about safety and money, and share simple ways to choose ourselves without apology. • fear of judgment as the real barrier to solo travel • identity pressure from decades of caregiving roles • common reactions ranging from
How to Choose Your Next Solo Trip in Midlife: Let Your Travel Dreams Reflect Who You’re Becoming // 178
When life suddenly grows quieter—when the schedule opens up, the house is still, and a new season begins—it can leave you wondering what comes next.In this reflective solo episode, Cheryl invites you to dust off the travel dreams you once tucked away while raising families, caring for others, or simply navigating a busy life. Those destinations you’ve always imagined visiting may hold more meaning
Freedom, Community, And The Rise Of The Solo Woman Traveler with Tracey Nesbitt // 177
Ever wondered how to travel solo without paying more for the privilege—or feeling alone on the road? We welcome Tracey Nesbitt, cofounder and editor at Solo Traveler, for a lively, practical deep dive into the rise of solo travel among women 50+ and the smarter, cheaper ways to make it happen. Tracy shares how a rocky first duo trip nudged her toward independence, then relives the nerve-wracking p
From Divorce To Discovery Through Travel // 176
The hardest part of divorce isn’t the paperwork.It’s waking up to a life that no longer feels familiar.Your name.Your routines.Your identity.And the question that whispers in the quiet:Who am I now?In this episode, we talk honestly about the emotional weight many women carry after divorce — guilt, shame, exhaustion, and the fear of starting over.And we explore a simple starting point:Not a bucket
What’s Really Stopping You From Booking That Solo Trip? (5 Identity Blocks) // 175
You feel the pull to travel alone.But something inside says, “That’s not me.”Not because you can’t.Because it feels unfamiliar.If you’ve ever thought:“It feels selfish to leave.”“I’m the responsible one.”“That kind of travel isn’t me.”“Isn’t solo travel for younger women?”“What will people think?”“Who even am I without my roles?”You are not alone.In this episode, Cheryl unpacks the identity blocks
Start Building Confidence After 50: Reclaim Your Courage One Trip at a Time // 174
What if confidence isn’t something you wait for—but something you build?In this episode, Cheryl explores how solo travel becomes a practical path to steady, grounded confidence for women over 50. From small starter trips to bigger adventures, each experience becomes a layer of self-trust that carries into everyday life.Confidence isn’t a personality trait. It’s a muscle built through action.In Thi
12 Solo Date Ideas to Build Confidence Before Your First Solo Trip // 173
What if confidence for solo travel doesn’t start at the airport—but in your own town?In this episode, Cheryl shares 12 simple solo date ideas designed to build self-trust, independence, and ease in public spaces—so future solo travel feels natural instead of intimidating.These aren’t consolation outings.They’re confidence reps.From cozy café visits to museum afternoons, from farmers markets to nat
Solo Travel or Traveling with Friends? How Women Over 50 Can Choose What’s Right // 172
Should you travel solo—or invite a friend along?If you’ve ever shared a dream trip idea only to have someone invite themselves, this episode will help you decide what truly fits your season, your personality, and your purpose.In this conversation, Cheryl walks through the real tradeoffs between solo travel and traveling with friends—covering freedom, safety, budget, compromise, and the emotional i
Can Purposeful Travel Change You More Than Therapy? Why Solo Trips Spark Real Life Shifts // 171
Have you ever come home from a trip feeling clearer, lighter, or suddenly certain about what needs to change?In this episode, Cheryl explores why purposeful travel often creates powerful life shifts—and why stepping into a new environment can move the needle in ways that simply thinking about change sometimes can’t.Blending personal experience with psychological insight, Cheryl shares how walking
Solo Travel Becomes a Turning Point: Real Stories of Courage, Healing, and Renewal // 170
Have you ever heard another woman’s story and thought, If she can do that, maybe I can too?In this episode, Cheryl revisits four powerful stories from women who discovered that solo travel can become more than a trip—it can become a turning point.From a first international journey to New Zealand… To rebuilding life during divorce in Kuwait… To hiking mountains that quiet anxious thoughts… To findi
Empty Nest After 50: How Solo Travel Helps You Rediscover Your Next Chapter // 169
What happens when the house grows quiet — and you’re left wondering who you are now?The empty nest season can feel freeing… and disorienting. After decades of caregiving, coordinating, and putting others first, many women find themselves asking: What’s next for me?In this episode, Cheryl invites you to see your life as a story still being written — and to explore how solo travel can become a meani
Healing Through Solo Travel: Rebuilding Confidence After Divorce or Loss // 168
What if your next solo trip wasn’t just a vacation — but part of your healing?In this deeply personal episode, Cheryl shares how a two-week solo journey after divorce became the beginning of something far bigger than she expected. What started as space to breathe became clarity, confidence, and a calling to help Christian women over 50 walk through life transitions with intention.If you’re navigat
Plan Your Dream Trip in 2026 (Stop Waiting for the “Right Time”) // 167
Are you still waiting for the perfect time to take that dream trip?For many women, travel goals sit quietly on a bucket list year after year. Not because we don’t want them — but because life feels uncertain, responsibilities feel heavy, and fear whispers, “Maybe later.”In this episode, Cheryl invites you to stop postponing yourself and start planning intentionally for 2026.Because life can change
7 Safe & Underrated Solo Travel Destinations for Women in 2026 // 166
Where should you travel in 2026 — especially as a solo woman over 50?Travel trends are shifting. Crowded European hotspots are cooling down. More women are choosing meaningful, less touristy destinations that offer safety, infrastructure, and cultural depth.In this episode, Cheryl shares:Her 2025 travel recap (road trips, Iceland, national parks, cruising)Why “revenge travel” is fadingThe rise of
5 Hard Truths About Solo Travel for Women Over 50 (And How to Handle Them) // 165
Solo travel is beautiful—but it’s not always glamorous.Behind the dreamy photos and bucket-list destinations, there are realities that don’t make the highlight reel. In this episode, Cheryl shares five honest truths about solo travel so you can prepare wisely, manage expectations, and travel with greater peace.Because confidence doesn’t come from pretending travel is perfect. It comes from knowing
First-Time Cruise Guide for Women: Is Cruising Worth It for Solo Travelers? // 164
Is cruising worth it—especially if you usually prefer independent travel?In this episode, Cheryl shares her first cruise experience sailing out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and visiting five Caribbean islands in seven days. She offers an honest look at what surprised her, what she loved, what felt frustrating, and what she learned as a first-time cruiser.If you’re curious about cruising solo—or consi
Pack a Capsule Wardrobe for an 11-Day Trip (Simple 5-4-3-2-1 Method for Women) // 163
Packing for an 11-day trip doesn’t have to feel chaotic, heavy, or overwhelming.In this episode, Cheryl shares a simple, repeatable packing system that blends capsule wardrobe principles with the practical 5-4-3-2-1 method—so you can travel light without sacrificing comfort or style.If you’ve ever overpacked “just in case,” this framework will help you simplify your suitcase and feel more confiden
Travel Trends for 2026: Purposeful, Slower, and Smarter Trips for Women // 162
Travel in 2026 isn’t about rushing back to crowded hotspots. It’s about choosing experiences with intention, calm, and clarity.In this episode, Cheryl explores the biggest travel trends shaping 2026—and how women over 50 can turn them into realistic, meaningful plans.If you’re craving depth instead of checklists, restoration instead of exhaustion, and confidence instead of chaos, these trends will
Why Do You Travel? How to Define Your Purpose Before You Book // 161
Why do you travel?Before choosing a destination, booking a flight, or building an itinerary, this single question can reshape everything.In this episode, Cheryl reflects on 100,000 downloads and three years of Solo Travel Adventures by exploring how intention transforms travel from a checklist experience into something meaningful.Because when your “why” is clear, every decision becomes easier.In T
Build a Travel Bucket List That Actually Leads to Meaningful Adventures // 160
What if your travel bucket list wasn’t a scoreboard—but a compass?In this episode, Cheryl shares a fresh approach to creating a travel bucket list that reflects your season of life, your energy, and your deeper purpose. Instead of chasing trends or checking boxes, you’ll learn how to build a list that guides intentional, meaningful decisions.Because dreaming is powerful—but clarity turns dreams in
Is It Safe to Travel Right Now? How to Decide During Shutdowns or Global Conflict // 159
Should you still travel when the news feels uncertain?From government shutdowns to global conflicts, headlines can create hesitation—especially for solo women travelers. In this episode, Cheryl walks through how to travel with discernment instead of fear, blending practical airport strategies with thoughtful destination research and calm decision-making.Because confidence doesn’t mean ignoring ris
Travel Changes Your Brain: The Science of Awe, Healing, and Lasting Confidence // 158
What if travel doesn’t just change your scenery—but actually rewires your brain and body?In this episode, Cheryl explores the science behind awe and why moments of wonder—whether on a mountaintop, in a quiet museum, or walking through an ancient city—can create lasting emotional and physical shifts.Because wonder isn’t indulgent. It’s transformative.Blending research with years of solo travel coac
Holiday Travel After Divorce or Empty Nest: Rewriting Traditions as a Solo Woman // 157
The holidays can feel heavy when your life doesn’t look the way it used to.If you’re navigating divorce, widowhood, or an empty nest, the stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can bring grief, loneliness, and the ache of changed traditions. In this episode, Cheryl offers a compassionate, practical path forward—one that allows you to design a holiday season that heals instead of hurts.Because
Active Group Travel for Women: Why Adventure Tours Are Rising for Solo Travelers with Avery Hale-Smith // 156
Could guided group travel be your next brave step?In this episode, Cheryl sits down with Avery Hale-Smith, Chief Experience Officer at Backroads, to explore how active, guided adventures are changing the way women experience travel around the world.From immersive childhood travel in Ecuador to studying abroad in India, Avery shares how meaningful cultural experiences shaped her view of travel—and
How to Choose Your Next Trip: 6 Meaningful Ways to Pick a Destination // 155
Overwhelmed by too many travel possibilities?Choosing your next destination can feel exciting—and paralyzing. In this episode, Cheryl shares six distinct approaches to picking your next getaway, from playful spontaneity to deeply intentional planning.Because the right trip isn’t always the trendiest one. It’s the one that fits your season.In This Episode:Following travel trends—and how to filter s
What Season Are You In? How Life’s Terrain Reveals the Right Type of Trip // 154
What if the ground beneath your feet could tell you what kind of trip you need?In this episode, Cheryl shares a powerful metaphor discovered during a solo road trip to West Texas: the terrain you’re walking—sandy, rocky, paved, or steady—mirrors the season you’re living.And each season calls for a different kind of travel.Because the right trip isn’t about escaping your life. It’s about supporting
You’re Already a Solo Traveler: Why You’re More Ready Than You Think // 153
Think you’ve never been a solo traveler?Think again.If you’ve ever run errands alone, taken yourself to lunch, or planned something independently, you’ve already practiced the core skills of solo travel. The only difference is the destination.In this episode, Cheryl reframes what solo travel really means—and why it’s far more accessible than most women believe.Solo travel doesn’t require backpacki
Solo Road Trips for Women: Safety Tips, Planning, and Confidence to Get Started // 152
What’s really stopping you from taking a solo road trip?For many women, it’s not the desire—it’s the hesitation around safety, logistics, and the unknown. In this episode, Cheryl walks through the essential guide to planning a solo road trip that feels both secure and freeing.Because preparation creates freedom.From nostalgic childhood road trips to the powerful self-reflection that comes from hou
Solo Travel After 50: What I Wish I Knew Before I Started // 151
Are other people’s fears shaping your decisions?If you’ve hesitated to travel solo because of warnings, doubt, or “what if” conversations, this episode is for you. After six years of intentional solo travel beginning in her 50s, Cheryl shares what she wishes she had known before she ever booked that first ticket.Because the biggest obstacle often isn’t the world. It’s the voices that have never do
Reading Retreats in 2025: Why Book Lovers Are Turning Travel Into Quiet Restoration // 150
What if your next trip wasn’t about sightseeing—but about slowing down with a good book?A surprising travel trend is rising in 2025: reading retreats. These quiet, intentional getaways are designed for book lovers who crave uninterrupted time to read, reflect, and recharge in beautiful settings.Imagine mornings with coffee and mountain views. Afternoons lost in a novel. Evenings sharing book recom
Traveling with Adult Children: How to Reconnect After the Empty Nest // 149
The empty nest doesn’t end your relationship with your children—it reshapes it.As summer vacations fade and college drop-offs happen across the country, many parents find themselves wondering how to stay connected to their adult children in meaningful ways. In this episode, Cheryl explores how travel can become powerful neutral ground for reconnection, deeper conversations, and creating new shared
AI and Travel: How to Use Artificial Intelligence Without Losing Authentic Experiences // 148
Artificial intelligence is changing how we plan, book, and experience travel—whether we’re ready for it or not.From AI-powered airline pricing to translation apps and itinerary builders, technology is reshaping nearly every step of the travel journey. But is it helping solo women travel smarter… or quietly making travel more complicated?In this episode, Cheryl explores the real benefits and risks
When Grief Meets Jamaica: The Unexpected Therapy of Dancing through My Tears // 147
What if travel could help you process grief in ways familiar places cannot?In this deeply personal episode, Cheryl shares how a trip to Jamaica—just weeks after losing her mother—became an unexpected turning point in her healing journey. Surrounded by new sights, rhythms, and responsibilities, she discovered that stepping outside familiar environments can gently shift how we carry loss.Because hea
Travel After Trauma: How Solo Travel Coaching Helps Women Rebuild Confidence // 146
You want to travel—but something feels stuck.For many women, the hesitation isn’t logistics. It’s grief, trauma, divorce, or loss that quietly keeps them in survival mode. Even the thought of planning a solo trip can feel overwhelming.In this episode, Cheryl introduces the concept of travel coaching and how it differs from traditional travel planning. This isn’t about booking flights. It’s about u
Budget Travel Mistakes: 5 Ways I Wasted Money (And How to Avoid Them) // 145
Trying to save money on travel—but ending up frustrated, exhausted, or uncomfortable?In this episode, Cheryl shares five real budget travel mistakes that actually cost her more in time, energy, comfort, and peace of mind. Because sometimes the cheapest option isn’t the best value.If you want to travel wisely—not just cheaply—this conversation will help you find the balance.In This Episode:When ult
Solo Hiking After Divorce: How One Woman Reclaimed Her Life on 48 Mountain Peaks with Linda Magoon // 144
What happens when a woman who has felt like a “caged bird” for decades finally steps into freedom?In this powerful conversation, Cheryl speaks with Linda Magoon, who left a controlling marriage in her mid-50s and began rebuilding her life—one mountain summit at a time. Determined to reclaim her voice and identity, Linda set out to hike all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot peaks.What began as a sol
Pre-Trip Checklist for Women: 8 Essential Steps for Stress-Free Travel // 143
Ever left for a trip and suddenly wondered… Did I unplug the curling iron? Did I lock the door?Pre-trip anxiety can steal your excitement before you even reach the airport. In this episode, Cheryl shares eight essential steps to prepare your home before you travel—so you can leave with peace of mind instead of panic.Because confidence starts before departure day.Whether you’re heading out for a we
Healing Through Solo Travel in Australia: One Woman’s Journey from Trauma to Peace with Tess Millhollon // 142
What would drive a woman to sell everything she owns and travel halfway around the world alone?For Tess Millhollon, it was the need to reclaim her sense of self after surviving sexual assault in college. In this powerful episode, she shares how seven months of solo travel in Australia became a turning point in her healing journey.What began as escape became transformation.From taking a spontaneous
Is Solo Travel Safe for Women Over 50? Debunking Common Myths // 141
Is solo travel really unsafe… lonely… or selfish?Many women over 50 hesitate to travel alone because of persistent myths and well-meaning warnings from others. In this episode, Cheryl challenges the most common misconceptions that keep women sidelined from one of the most empowering experiences of their lives.Because the biggest barrier often isn’t the world—it’s the story we’ve been told about it
Traveling During Perimenopause: How to Manage Hot Flashes on the Road //140
Perimenopause doesn’t mean your travel days are over—but it may mean you need a smarter strategy.Hot flashes, night sweats, and unpredictable temperature shifts can make even the most beautiful destinations feel uncomfortable without preparation. In this episode, Cheryl shares practical, real-world strategies to help women navigate travel confidently during hormonal transitions.Because this season
Solo Road Trips for Women: How a Simple Car Trip Can Transform Your Summer // 139
Craving adventure—but not the airports, high prices, or complicated planning?A solo road trip might be the simplest, most freeing way to travel this summer. In this episode, Cheryl shares how hitting the open road—whether for a day, a weekend, or a full week—can build confidence, flexibility, and unexpected joy.Because sometimes freedom is just a full tank of gas away.In This Episode:How to choose
No Summer Travel Plans? 3 Simple Ways to Create Adventure Close to Home // 138
No flights booked. No big vacation countdown. Just an empty summer calendar.If you’re feeling behind because you don’t have travel plans this season, take a breath. A meaningful summer doesn’t require expensive airfare or months of preparation.In this episode, Cheryl shares three practical, flexible ways to create memorable adventures—without leaving your region (or blowing your budget).Because ad
Affording Travel on a Real Budget: Practical Ways Women Fund Their Trips // 137
Ever scroll through travel photos and wonder, How do people afford this?Here’s the truth: most travelers aren’t wealthy, sponsored, or living off social media income. They’re regular people who prioritize travel intentionally and fund it creatively.In this episode, Cheryl breaks down realistic, sustainable ways women afford travel—without going into debt or waiting for retirement.Because travel is
What Type of Traveler Are You? 6 Travel Personalities Every Woman Should Know // 136
What kind of traveler are you—really?Do you stretch every dollar to travel longer? Prefer boutique hotels and comfort? Chase adrenaline? Or lose yourself in museums and history?In this episode, Cheryl explores six distinct travel personalities and helps you identify which style fits your season of life right now.Because when you travel in alignment with who you are, the experience becomes transfor
Starting Over After 50: How Solo RV Travel Helped One Woman Reclaim Her Freedom with Allison Gonzalez // 135
What do you do when life forces you to start over?After losing her job, her beloved dog, and her sense of stability in 2019, Allison Gonzalez made a bold decision: instead of rebuilding the same life, she chose the open road.In this episode, Cheryl sits down with Allison to explore how solo RV travel became her path to resilience, healing, and rediscovering herself after 50.Sometimes starting over
Solo Travel in Iceland: How the Land of Fire and Ice Sparks Healing and Renewal // 134
What happens when you step into a landscape so vast and raw that it shifts your perspective instantly?In this episode, Cheryl shares her solo journey through Iceland—where volcanic plains meet glacier-topped mountains, black sand beaches stretch beside emerald farmland, and geothermal springs bubble through ancient lava fields.Iceland isn’t just visually dramatic. It’s transformational.Traveling i
When God Leads You Somewhere Unexpected: Finding Healing in Kuwait // 133
Have you ever been so overwhelmed—by grief, stress, or a messy middle season—that you just want to get away?Not to run from your life…but to breathe again. To heal. To hear God clearly.In this episode, Cheryl talks with Danielle Hebert, who went through a painful divorce after 32 years—and made an unexpected decision that changed everything: she moved to Kuwait for two years.If you’ve ever wondere
Avoid Tourist Traps: 6 Ways to Visit Iconic Places Without Crowds // 132
How to Avoid Tourist Traps: See Iconic Destinations Without the CrowdsEver look at those “places you must see before you die” lists and feel the pressure to go… but dread the crowds, high prices, and tourist chaos?In this episode, Cheryl shares simple ways to experience iconic destinations without getting pulled into the tourist-trap version of them.What’s Inside This Episode:• What “tourist traps
One Perfect Day in Porto: A Simple Solo Travel Itinerary // 131
Planning a trip to Portugal?If you only have one day in Porto — what should you actually prioritize?In this episode, Cheryl shares her personal solo travel experience in Porto and the simple walking route that made the city unforgettable.From tiled churches to port wine to a sunset you’ll never forget — this is an easy, do-able day you can follow.Inside This Episode:• How to get from Lisbon to Por
Planned Itinerary or Go With the Flow? How to Choose Your Travel Style // 130
Are you a spreadsheet traveler…or a go-with-the-flow adventurer?The way you live your everyday life often shows up in how you travel.In this episode, Cheryl breaks down the real pros and cons of planning every detail versus leaving room for spontaneity — especially for solo travelers.Because there’s no “right” way.There’s only what helps you feel confident.What’s Inside This Episode:• The real pro
Zip It Up: How to Keep Your Money Safe While Traveling Solo // 129
Have you ever gotten so comfortable that you stopped paying attention?Cheryl shares a simple moment — an unzipped purse at lunch — that became a powerful reminder about financial safety while traveling.When you travel solo, protecting your money isn’t optional.It’s part of feeling confident.What’s Inside This Episode:• Why everyday habits can sabotage travel safety• The best types of anti-theft ba
Everything You Need to Know About New Travel Rules Taking Effect in 2025 // 128
Travel regulations are constantly evolving, with several significant changes coming in 2025 that will affect both domestic and international journeys. Understanding these new rules now will help you prepare and avoid unexpected complications during your future adventures.• The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) implementation has been delayed until late 2026• An electroni
How to Pack Light: The Ultimate Guide to Minimalist Packing for Chronic Overpackers // 127
Do you stare at an empty suitcase the night before your trip, or struggle to zip one that's bursting at the seams? The chronic overpacker's dilemma is real, but there's a better way to prepare for your adventures.After years of streamlining my packing process, I've developed six game-changing strategies that transform chaotic last-minute packing into an organized system anyone
A Journey of Courage: One Woman's First Solo Trip to New Zealand with Leigh Barborek // 126
Are you dreaming of taking a solo trip but feeling apprehensive? Join me as we delve into the inspiring journey of Leigh Barborek, who bravely faced her fears to travel solo to New Zealand for the very first time. From grappling with feelings of guilt and safety concerns to thrilling adventures and newfound independence, Leigh shares her heartfelt experiences and lessons learned. In this episode,
Why Solo Travel? Discover the Intrinsic Benefits of Going Alone // 125
Why do people choose to travel solo? This captivating episode provides an in-depth look at the many facets of solo travel and the intrinsic motivations that draw people to explore the world on their own terms. The conversation dives into personal anecdotes, highlighting that the urge to journey alone often stems from the need for self-reflection, recharging, and embracing solitude. With engaging s
Empowering Tips for Allergen-Free Journeys // 124
Traveling with food allergies doesn't have to be a daunting experience. Join me, Cheryl Esch, as I share my personal journey and practical strategies for navigating the world with a host of dietary restrictions. Whether you're allergic to peanuts, soy, gluten, or dairy, learn how to conquer your fears and prepare for safe and enjoyable adventures. I'll guide you through the essentia
Books as Inspiring Blueprints for Solo Travel Adventures // 123
Have you ever wondered how a single book could change your life trajectory? As someone who has been profoundly influenced by literature, I invite you to join me on an exploration of how books serve as a bridge between our dreams and reality. From the soulful journeys in "Eat Pray Love" and "Under the Tuscan Sun" to the rugged paths of "Wild," these stories are more th
How to Prepare For Worry-Free Solo Travel // 122
Facing the daunting headlines of plane crashes, I found myself pondering how to make solo travel less intimidating and more secure. Ever wondered how to travel with peace of mind, knowing you're prepared for any bump along the way? This episode promises to equip you with practical strategies to organize essential documents, utilizes tools like Google Docs to store critical information, and in
Travel Smart: Streamlining the Organization of Your Travel Documents // 121
Ever found yourself buried under a mountain of travel emails and confirmations, unsure of what’s what and where’s where? You're not alone. I'm here to share how I found my way through the chaos of planning a spontaneous trip to Florida. Discover the magic of apps like TripIt and Wanderlog that can effortlessly gather all your travel details into one streamlined itinerary. Imagine never h
The Art of Intentional Travel for Personal Growth // 120
Imagine turning your next travel escape into a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. That's exactly what I, Cheryl Esch, aim to help you achieve in our latest episode. Having used travel as a means to cope with the pressures of my corporate career, I realized it could be so much more than just a temporary escape. We dive into the art of purposeful travel, focusing on how to identify
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