Go Solo Live

Kathy Pulkrabek’s first solo trip didn’t start off to be that great — she had no hotel, was lost in a foreign country, and she got food-poisoned — but when it ended, she gained a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Kathy still remembers the bonds and friendships she made on her first solo trip and how it wasn’t as scary as she thought. On the show, Kathy dives into why she loves traveling, some of her favorite websites where you can score excellent travel deals, and the lessons she learned on her very first solo trip.

Key Takeaways:

*What was Kathy’s first solo adventure like?

*Kathy wasn’t really prepared for her first solo trip, to be completely honest.

*In fact, Kathy’s first solo trip was a bit traumatizing and it started with her being food-poisoned for at least two days.

*However, the trip took a turn for the better when Kathy met this tiny old Italian lady.

*What kinds of lessons did Kathy learn on this solo trip?

*After visiting Vietnam and living in Japan, what was the next major trip for Kathy?

*Check out Icelandair. Their prices are outrageously cheap.

*Jennifer and Kathy share some of their favorite travel apps that help them save money.

*What are Kathy’s thoughts on Airbnb?

*What is Kathy’s podcast about and what does she do for a living?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Patreon.com/gosololive

Icelandair.us

Nextvacay.com

Hopper.com

Hoteltonight.com

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich, by Tim Ferriss

Connect with Kathy:

Facebook

Twitter

Personal Twitter

Instagram

Personal Instagram

Website

Leave a Review:

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When Renée Rivard was going through her second divorce, something clicked inside her. She was living in San Diego at the time and she was just working to make a living. She decided it was time for her to move and get a different kind of scenery. As someone who loves nature and has always wanted to learn Spanish, she decided to move right into the rainforests of Panama. On the show, Renée shares her experience of living in a foreign country solo for the first time, caring for her parent, and how those profound experiences sparked a new business career.

Key Takeaways:

*What kind of things has Renée learned about herself from her solo adventures?

*Renée moved to Panama about 4 years ago. It was on her bucket list to speak Spanish fluently!

*What kinds of challenges has Renée faced while traveling solo?

*Renée had to move back home to care for her mother during her last years. How did Renée manage the transition from Panama to back home?

*After Renée’s mother passed, what lead Renée to Australia?

*If you’re grieving and mourning, there’s no better place to be than in nature.

*What places have been the most memorable for Renée from a nature standpoint?

*Traveling gets you out of your comfort zone and that’s where most of your growth will come from.

*It’s an interesting mix to be able to work remotely in nature. Despite being in the middle of the rainforest, you’re still so reliant on technology.

*Why is Renée focused on good nutrition and how did she find this line of work?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Patreon.com/gosololive

Connect with Renée:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Healthyfoodhappygenes.com

Isdiseasehereditary.com

Panama Adventure eBook: I Had A Sloth In My Tree: And Many More of Life's Little Adventures Living in the Panama Rainforest, by Renée Rivard

Leave a Review:

Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.

Velva Lee Heraty is a certified Jungian Depth-Psychotherapist and has an MSW degree from Loyola University of Chicago. Solo travel not only opened Velva Lee’s mind and transformed her, but she was able to find an entirely new career out of it. After a 20-year marriage, Velva Lee used solo travel to help heal her and find herself. Now, she takes solo trips with her favorite furry friend all over the United States.

Key Takeaways:

*Who is Velva Lee?

*Velva Lee has done a bunch of solo trips with her seven-lb. Shih Tzu!

*What kinds of challenges has Velva Lee had when it comes to traveling with her pet?

*How does Velva Lee plan effectively plan out her trips?

*Velva Lee didn’t really start solo traveling until after her marriage ended.

*Outward Bound had a program specifically for people going through midlife changes. Velva Lee had to take it.

*After Velva Lee finished the Outward Bound program, she was ready to switch careers.

*Velva Lee discusses some of the interesting travel partners she’s had throughout the years.

*What has been the biggest challenge for Velva Lee when she travels alone?

*When it comes to safety, Velva Lee never felt threatened in other countries. Most countries are perfectly safe for a solo traveler.

*Velva Lee felt most threatened in Seattle.

*When is Velva Lee’s next solo trip and where will she be going?

*Velva Lee is a Dream Momma. She explains a bit more about what that is and why it is important!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Patreon.com/gosololive

Outwardbound.org

Connect with Velva Lee:

Sixdegreesofsuccess.com

Tadain.org

The Dream Belongs to the Dreamer: A Hands-On, How-To, Step-by-Step Guide To Understanding Your Dreams, by Velva Lee Heraty

Facebook

Ellen Saksen and her sister Kate Nichols were prolific business travelers. They travelled frequently, often solo, and they were very, very lonely. It was difficult finding and connected with amazing people, and doing it in a safe way, while out on the road so much. This is why they sat down and created the app Amelia. It is an app to help connect busy solo women travelers to like-minded people. Meet new people while on the road, see and explore the new country you’re in, and do it all in a safe way! 

Key Takeaways:

*When was Ellen’s first solo journey?

*How did Ellen manage work plus travel? Did she have any challenges with that?

*What were some of the perks of traveling for business?

*It can be very easy to get lonely while traveling. How did Ellen manage it?

*Being lonely while traveling is one of the reasons why Ellen created the Amelia App to help connect with other like-minded people.

*Who are Ellen’s users?

*What is Go Jane Go about?

*The Amelia app is now live but it is still in beta. Go check it out, test it, and email Ellen any questions you might have!

*Is loneliness just a problem or concern with U.S.-based travelers?

*What’s next for Ellen? Does she have any solo trips planned?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Patreon.com/gosololive

Connect with Ellen:

Amelia-app.com

Gojanego.co

Email: [email protected]

Leave a Review:

Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.

Amy embarked on her first solo trip when she was 28 years old. When she came back home nine months later, she was a different person with a new perspective on how she wanted to live her life. Never again did she want to go back to an office. So, she found creative ways to earn money while still retaining the freedom she had while she was traveling. Find out how she did it on this week’s episode!

Key Takeaways:

*Why is Amy in Mexico right now?

*How did Amy first get into solo travel?

*A lot of people accidentally end up in solo travel, but sometimes they cancel their trips completely if a friend or loved one bails out. Why do some people just go and why do others stay?

*When embarking on her first solo journey, what were some of the things Amy loved/learned about that trip?

*After nine months of traveling, how firm were Amy’s plans?

*What went into planning a trip like this?

*When Amy came home after nine months, what were some of her feelings about being back ‘home’?

*Amy actually met someone shortly before she embarked on her trip, but after a month of traveling solo, she cut the cord with him.

*When Amy came back, it was very clear she didn’t want to go back to an office.

*People are getting more and more creative on living their life on their terms, with the freedom that they want.

*What does Amy do at Nomadtopia?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Patreon.com/gosololive

Airtreks.com

Connect with Amy:

Website

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

Rosemary Nickel’s first solo trip was to Cape Town, South Africa. As someone who usually travels with her family, Rosemary was amazed by how badly she needed a solo trip! On the show, Rosemary discusses what it was like to be in Africa for the very first time, and why it’s so important to bring your children on mini trips in your backyard to help show them new places and experiences.

Key Takeaways:

*What was going on in Rosemary’s life when she decided to embark on her first solo trip ever?

*Rosemary learned so much on that trip to Africa, and it has forever changed her way of traveling in the future.

*Rosemary homeschools her children and everyone kept asking her if she ‘missed them.’ Her answer was no! She really needed that time off.

*Shoutout to Rosemary’s amazing husband, Nile.

*What did people think about Rosemary’s solo trip to Africa? What kind of feedback did she receive?

*Rosemary didn’t experience much of a language barrier when she was in Africa.

*What did Rosemary enjoy the most about Cape Town?

*A baboon stole Rosemary’s backpack!

*Rosemary discusses the racism and diversity she saw in Cape Town.

*When Rosemary was younger, she went to an all-black school in Louisiana for 6 months.

*What’s next for Rosemary and where would she travel to next?

*Rosemary does have a husband who works a lot, and she knew that it would be difficult for him to get time off.

*It doesn’t have to be a big trip. A couple of years ago, Rosemary and her daughter stayed in a hostel on Martha Stewart’s Vineyard for $35 a night, and they still talk about it to this day.

*There are so many options out there that you can explore, and they do not have to break the bank in order for you to do it.

*Rosemary admits she was afraid to do a road trip with her kids, or even camp with them. Now that she’s done it, she wants to let you know that there’s nothing to be afraid of.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Patreon.com/gosololive

Capefusiontours.com

Rootsandshoots.org

Connect with Rosemary:

Website

Motivatingothermoms.com

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Helen Suk moved to the UK shortly after she graduated university. What she told her mother was only supposed to be a summer trip, ended up being two years away from home. Helen was hooked with the travel bug ever since. On the show, Helen admits that traveling will not solve your problems. In fact, your problems will follow you. The good thing about travel is that it is a powerful tool that can change your perspective, and can even help heal you when you’re feeling lost.

Key Takeaways:

*Why is Helen such a strong supporter of women’s solo travel?

*Using travel to escape will do you no good. Your problems will follow you no matter where you go.

*For Helen, travel was not the answer, but it was a tool. A very powerful and enlightening tool.

*Helen told her mother she’d be spending just the summer in the UK. The reality was she didn’t come home until two years later.

*As Helen has traveled the world, she has developed a deep respect for the world’s wide life.

*What country or place has become a sanctuary for Helen?

*There’s beauty no matter where you go.

*What has been the hardest part for Helen about traveling solo?

*Fortunately, Helen has never been robbed while traveling.

*Helen tends to get a bit restless when she’s been in one place for a bit too long.

*Helen went to India about a year after her brother had been murdered. Helen was struggling emotionally, and knew she needed to take a pause in her life.

*When Helen went to India, it was so transformational for her. She was finally able to let go. She learned that death is just a natural part of the soul.

*Remember, solo travel is the ultimate form of self-care.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Patreon.com/gosololive

Connect with Helen:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Leave a Review:

Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.

Charlene Burke is 53 years old and has plenty of experience getting in her car and going somewhere for a day or a weekend. In fact, Charlene prefers to drive than take a plane, because you’re able to experience much more while on the ground. On today’s show, Charlene discusses her personal philosophy, some of the travel dangers you should look out for, and the fun stories she’s collected along the way!

Key Takeaways:

*What is Charlene’s personal philosophy?

*When traveling, or even when going through life, be open and flexible.

*Charlene shares an example of how ‘unintentional growth’ happens while on the road.

*Charlene loves to drive, vs. flying. You get to experience much, much more when you drive.

*The great thing about social media is that it opens so many doors to meet your new ‘friends,’ in the country or city that they live in.

*How does Charlene usually plan out her trips?

*How did Charlene tell her partner, now husband, that traveling was a huge part of her life?

*Get a physical map, no, not your phone, a real map!

*Charlene doesn’t know how to be afraid when she’s on the road because she’s always very prepared.

*When Charlene was 14, she traveled to Germany and explored the country.

*FILL THE GAS TANK AND JUST GO, HONEY! Permission granted!

*So, what kinds of things have ‘gone wrong’ during Charlene’s travels?

*Charlene is not trained in self-defence, she doesn’t carry a gun, but she’s 53 and so far so good. She is always aware of her surroundings and this fact is key.

*Remember, if you feel like you’re in danger. Just leave. You don’t need to give anybody an explanation why.

*What do you do when you’re suddenly caught in a tornado?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Patreon.com/gosololive

Connect with Charlene:

Website

812-951-3177

Products

LinkedIn

Kimberly Ramsawak knew that a traditional job, with a cubicle, just wasn’t for her. Counting down the days, so she can take enough vacation to escape, just seemed counterintuitive. Kimberly had a very clear vision for herself, and she knew that life had to have travel integrated into it, which meant her job had to, also. Find out how Kimberly made her solo travel dreams happen, and still continues to make it happen with a husband and a child at home.

Key Takeaways:

*How did Kimberly first get started in solo travel?

*What were some of Kimberly’s highlights from her trip in Spain?

*When Kimberly became an ‘adult,’ she did what most people did, she got a job.

*Kimberly found out while she was in college that you could get a degree in tourism. She had no idea that this was a thing!

*This sparked a whole new world for Kimberly. Finally, she was able to get out of her home town and travel the world for work.

*When Kimberly was working for big organizations such as Macy’s, how did she create work/travel/life balance?

*Kimberly is married and has a child, yet she still makes travel a big part of her lifestyle.

*Jennifer admits that her politeness factor decreases when she’s tired/burnt out from people. 

*Many women are afraid of being alone in a foreign country due to safety, but you have those same issues here in the United States, as well.

*People often forget about common sense. We won’t put ourselves in risky situations at home, so why would we do the same in a foreign country?

*We might feel freer when we travel alone, but just be conscious of your surroundings, and have backup plans in case things go wrong.

*Kimberly shares her thoughts on going traveling, vs. getting a job. Why does it have to be either/or?

*Kimberly shares some parting thoughts about traveling, traveling alone, and working at the same time.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Patreon.com/gosololive

Connect with Kimberly:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Website

Leave a Review:

Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.

Donna Cravotta took her first solo trip when she was 5 years old. This adventure at such a young age sparked a huge desire and passion in Donna to travel the world, and she did! When Donna had her son, her priorities shifted and her solo travels came to a halt. Now that her son is slightly older, Donna can not wait till he’s off to college so she can begin a new stage of her life and travel the world on her own time once again.

Key Takeaways:

*For Donna growing up, travel was what ‘other people’ did.

*Donna’s best friend moved away and she was depressed, so her mother found enough money to send Donna, aged 5 at the time, on a plane (alone!) to go visit her friend.

*Donna traveled all over for work in her adult life, but then she had a child and being a jetsetter just wasn’t possible.

*Donna shares a cute story of her days working and traveling around the world.

*Jennifer discusses how sometimes you just have to accommodate your travel buddy.

*Donna had a lot of stress managing a bad relationship, working long hours, and a newborn child. One day Donna saw a deal to the Dominican Republic and just went! She spent her time reflecting, setting up boundaries, and realizing that she had to raise her child alone.

*Donna explains what a ‘maintenance-free’ lifestyle is and how you can have one.

*Donna is waiting for her son to go off to college. Once he does, you bet she’ll be back to solo traveling again.

*Really be mindful as to what’s taking up your time. You don’t enjoy it? Delegate it or outsource it.

*Remember, the only thing you can control in your life is your reaction.

*Most of Donna’s travel experiences have been reactionary. However, when Donna begins to travel again in the next few years, she’s not going to make her trips reactionary. They’re going to be purposely planned.

*What’s in store for Donna when she becomes an empty nester?

*There’s a whole big world out there. Your adventures don’t always have to be planned to the ‘T.’

*Don’t be afraid to be a tourist in your own backyard. You will get to see things from a new perspective.

*It’s not always about the destination. It’s the experience you have with yourself while you’re in that new destination that counts the most. It is such a profound feeling.

*What is Donna’s business about?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Patreon.com/gosololive

Connect with Donna:

Leave a Review:

Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest review on iTunes with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the Go Solo Live podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great guest.