Go Solo Live

Amy Hogan took her first solo trip when she was 34 years old, to Taiwan. It was a completely new experience for her, and she was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and kind the locals were. The entire experience pushed new life into Amy, and it transformed her. Traveling made her realize that taking vacation once a year to experience the world was just not for her. So, she quit her job and started her own business as a breakthrough coach. Now, Amy is living the life she wants to live on her terms!

Key Takeaways:

*Where was Amy in her life when she embarked on her most significant solo journey?

*Amy was taking a bus in Taiwan and she got lost!

*What kind of wacky things did Amy do while she was there visiting her sister?

*What was Amy’s experience like when interacting with the locals?

*Amy caught the adventure bug after her visit to Taiwan.

*What empowered Amy to start her own business?

*Amy had 4 weeks of vacation from her job, but she knew she wanted to travel much more than that.

*When Amy traveled overseas, how did that change her world view?

*Amy had all the things that she thought would make her happy, but for some reason she just wasn’t.

*People who travel come back so much more lighter, happier, and better.

*What does Amy’s husband do while she’s off taking solo trips?

*What do Amy’s friends think about all of this?

*Amy talks a little bit about what she does and how she helps her lovely clients!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Patreon.com/gosololive

Connect with Amy:

Website

YouTube

LinkedIn

Private Facebook Group

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.

We’re going to be doing something a little bit different on this episode as a way to celebrate the the Go Solo Live podcast anniversary! My dear friend, Sarah Reed, will be interviewing me on my show. You’ll find out why I started Transform Via Travel, the podcast, some of the lessons learned thus far, and so much more! Are you ready? Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways:

*Jennifer is celebrating her 1-year podcast anniversary!

*Why did Jennifer start Transform Via Travel?

*Jennifer knew she didn’t want to be a travel agent. She knew her passion would die quickly if she got into that aspect of the industry.

*Why did Jennifer start the Go Solo Live podcast?

*A woman? Traveling by herself? Oh, she must be a loser.

*What has Jennifer learned from the podcast so far?

*Solo travel helps people get out of all the noise they’re buried in.

*It’s amazing that so many people have been compromising so long, that they don’t even know what their favorite pizza is.

*It’s so hard to turn the to-do list off, and people are getting burned out because of it.

*What is Patreon?

*What’s next for Transform Via Travel?

*What can listeners expect with the Go Solo Live podcast?

*What are some of people’s biggest fears when it comes to traveling solo?

*Spend your time understanding your why. It’ll prevent you from having so much pain.

*Transform Via Travel is creating its own business model. There isn’t a business quite like this out there that Jennifer can follow and adapt to her business. She’s completely trailblazing this business.

*What has been the most surprising thing that Jennifer’s learned about Transform Via Travel?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Patreon.com/gosololive

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.

Cindy Lane Ross has been traveling the world since she was 13 years old, and is looking forward to retirement at the ripe age of 38! Cindy and her husband are teaching fitness classes throughout the world and blogging about their adventures through their travel business, Stash Your Bag. Find out more about Cindy’s personal solo travels and how she always looks forward to some downtime, in this week’s episode!

Key Takeaways:

*What’s Cindy’s favorite part of New Orleans?

*Who is Cindy? She first got the travel bug when she was 13 years old!

*Has Cindy noticed a difference between how she traveled as a kid vs. how she travels, a nearly adult?

*When Cindy embarked to Central America, not once did she feel not safe.

*Where can people go to get more informed on the countries they want to visit, especially if they have a safety concern?

*Register yourself on the tourism board of every country you’re going into.

*Cindy offers a quick Paris tip. Don’t throw away your train ticket! The police check!

*Cindy says it might be best to get comfortable traveling within the United States first before venturing outside, especially if you’ve never, never traveled before!

*When Cindy is on a solo trip, she really uses that time for reflection and relaxation.

*Cindy did not want to become a certified diver. She was scared, but her husband pushed her to do it.

*What’s Cindy’s favorite solo travel journey?

*The world is a much more connected place. It’s so easy to reach out to others and get an ‘on the boots’ perspective of a country you’re about to visit.

*Cindy is loving her new meditation app. It’s called Headspace!

*Never stop traveling, and always keep an open mind!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Travelpostmonthly.com

Headspace.com

Tools of Titans, by Timothy Ferriss

Connect with Cindy:

Stashyourbag.com

Email Cindy: [email protected]

Socializeyourbizness.com

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.

Some pretty traumatic things happened to Angie Conquer in 2016. She had hip replacement surgery, her father died, there were some health scares with her grandson, and even her daughters were going through some serious life events. So, when the law firm she had worked for over 16 years gave her an early retirement package, she couldn’t resist seizing the opportunity. Angie is married, but she still travels solo by herself as she writes in her travel blog about all the fun and interesting places she’s been!

Key Takeaways:

*Why did Angie decide to go on a road trip to the Florida Keys?

*A lot of traumatic things had happened to Angie that made her decide it was time to quit her job.

*Angie admits that she’s really, really afraid of flying.

*Angie has 5 children and is starting to become more and more of an empty nester.

*What does Angie’s husband do and how does he fit into the whole ‘traveling solo’ picture?

*Angie’s husband has been extremely supportive with Angie’s solo trips.

*Where did Angie travel to when she left her job?

*Angie enjoys cruises because there’s something there that the whole family can enjoy.

*As women, we go through so many phases in life. Everything from being a caretaker to experiencing drastic physical changes as well. Angie discusses how she was able to pull through when life was throwing her some tense challenges.

*Nobody has a perfect life. We all go through challenges.

*Angie discusses some of the travel adventures/nightmares she’s experienced.

*People are more good than they are evil. There will always be help available even when you’re not necessarily asking for it.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Angie:

Bamaontheroad.com

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.

Debbie Ross was a single mom, and going crazy. She wanted to get away, and being in the travel industry, she searched for a women’s group tour that she could temporarily escape with. However, when she was searching in 2004, she could not find anyone hosting these types of trips in Canada. So, what did she do? She created her own company. 14 years later, Women’s Travel Network is still alive and well, and has brought women together who have formed lifelong friendships through their travels.

Key Takeaways:

*How does Debbie define solo travel, and how did she get involved in this line of work?

*The first trip Debbie hosted 14 years ago was in Tuscany, Italy.

*What were some of the lessons Debbie learned by hosting something like this?

*Debbie reminds everyone taking a journey with her that they’re part of a group, so it’s very important not to stray, unless you tell someone first. Not only is it a safety issue, but the entire group will be worried about a missing person.

*What kinds of women typically join Debbie’s group tours?

*What kinds of personal challenges are the solo travellers going through, when they book a tour with Debbie?

*There are times where people come with friends on some of Debbie’s tours. How does that affect the group dynamic?

*Having a friend close by on a trip can be very limiting, and can sometimes be stressful, as we get concerned whether they’re having a good time.

*What has been one of the more popular group trips Debbie has hosted?

*What piece of advice does Debbie have for those who are still on the fence about solo travel?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Debbie:

WomensTravelNetwork.ca

Call Debbie: Toll Free 1-888-419-0118 or Local 905-771-8338

Email Debbie: [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.

Beth Whitman is just an awesome human doing awesome things! She’s a traveler, blogger, podcaster, and 95% vegan. Beth has made a name for herself as the women’s travel expert, having done several solo trips by herself, despite protests from her friends and family. On one adventure, Beth took a solo trip on a motorbike sponsored by BMW, and traveled from Seattle to Panama. On the show, Beth describes what her experience was like, and some of the weird, and kooky, fears she had while undertaking such a transformative trip!

Key Takeaways:

*How did Beth get started with solo travel?

*We have hostels all over the U.S., but we rarely ever talk about them!

*Technology has only made solo travel easier. Beth was doing this ‘blind,’ over 20 years ago!

*How does Beth balance the technology aspect while she’s traveling? She has a blog and a podcast, so does she ever disconnect?

*Beth rode a motorbike from Seattle to Panama — 7,000 miles over 9 weeks!

*Beth discusses some of her biggest takeaways while riding solo on a motorbike.

*How did Beth’s friends and family react to the news that she’s gonna be traveling solo?

*What kind of fears did Beth have while she was doing this solo bike trip?

*Beth doesn’t see herself as a ‘woman.’ She sees herself as a person doing adventurous things.

*Why do some women lack the confidence to travel solo?

*If we keep telling ourselves we can’t, then we can’t.

*Put your money in a travel fund. Travelling really can be very inexpensive.

*Where’s Beth’s favorite place to go?

*Beth is now hosting adventures. What kinds of people go on some of her adventures?

*What’s one piece of advice Beth would give to those who want to travel solo?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Beth:

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.

Sherry Ott is a digital nomad and travel blogger. Sherry believes it’s absolutely necessary to break out of your routine and go traveling. It not only resets you, but it helps you discover some of your hidden talents that you didn’t know you had. One of Sherry's favorite experiences is the Camino de Santiago because as you’re walking through Spain, you have a lot of time to think and reflect on your life. It is a transformative experience, and the best part is any woman can safely do it solo.

Key Takeaways:

*Where was Sherry in her life when she decided to take her first solo trip?

*After ten years of traveling to different places, Sherry was starting to get bored with traveling so frequently.

*How would somebody even begin to start their own travel blog? Sherry offers some words of advice.

*You have to get comfortable promoting yourself. You have to pitch yourself and ask for money.

*What’s it like to experience the Camino de Santiago and travel on foot to Spain?

*Camino de Santiago is known as a journey for healing and transformation. When Sherry walked it, it was the best form of therapy she could ever have.

*Detoxing trips are an increasing trend. More and more travel agencies are offering these packages.

*When you get out of your day-to-day routine, you are able to realize some of your hidden strengths and grow into a better person.

*What is the Niece Travel Project about?

*Why did Sherry make the leap, quit her job, and take her travel blog more seriously?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Sherry:

Website The Niece Travel Project

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.

Kimberly James grew up believing that ‘black people don’t travel’. At 24, she went to Europe with a friend, and instantly got bit by the travel bug. When she turned 25, she moved to Mexico, by herself, and hasn’t stopped traveling since. Kimberly is in her mid-40s now, and still hears the words, “Black people don’t travel,” from fellow African Americans. Well, after traveling to over 60 countries, Kimberly is living proof that’s not the case. If you want to travel, don’t let your race, or gender, hold you back.

Key Takeaways:

*Kimberly first started traveling solo at the age of 25.

*Kimberly went on a trip with a friend to Europe when she was 24, but she initially didn’t want to go. She thought, “Black people don’t travel.”

*On that trip, she went to 6 countries in 3 weeks, and fell in love with traveling.

*When she came back, she had her mind set on living in another country. She didn’t even know anyone who had lived, or even traveled, outside of the U.S., at that time.

*So, what’s the deal with the whole ‘black people don’t travel’ myth?

*When Kimberly was traveling in the 90s, she rarely saw another African American traveling.

*Kimberly is now in her mid-40s and she still hears, “Black people don’t travel.”

*People think Kimberly is fearless, but she’s not. She has fear. The difference is that she goes even when she’s afraid.

*Kimberly is a strong advocate of taking self-defence classes.

*Being robbed happens in the U.S., too. We’re not immune to these things, even in our home country.

*Kimberly went to China and Japan when she was 13 years old, and she hated the trip!

*Where does Kimberly find her inspiration?

*What advice does Kimberly have for those who want to do solo travel?

*Kimberly talks about her Antarctica trips. She’s been there 3 times so far, and is currently planning another trip over there soon!

*P.S., Kimberly hates cold weather. There’s just something special in Antarctica, you can’t find anywhere else.

*Why did Kimberly decide to write a book?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Quarkexpeditions.com

Connect with Kimberly:

Website Finding My Brave Space, by Kimberly James Booksandwanderlust.com

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.

Carol Cain is a full-time travel blogger, but lives in New York City. She travels the world solo and writes about her adventures; often times they’ve been sponsored by companies. Oh, and by the way, she also has kids and a husband. Carol is proof you can get out there and travel, by yourself, even when you have a busy family to take care of. When Carol first traveled solo, at the young age of 17, she felt empowered. Carol has a serious travel bug, and doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.

Key Takeaways:

*When was Carol’s very first solo journey?

*Carol travelled to Italy at the age of 17, and it was very empowering to be on her own and make mistakes.

*Growing up in a very strict Latino household, Carol was always afraid she wasn’t living up to the expectations of others.

*Carol also had to overcome a cultural barrier. Latinas don’t typically travel solo.

*Carol has a husband and kids, and still travels solo. So many times strangers were worried about who was taking care of her kids while she was in a foreign country.

*What does Carol do for work?

*How does someone become a travel blogger?

*Does Carol travel in groups when she goes on a sponsored trip?

*Carol fell in love with Ireland and Scotland, and she’s going to be bringing her family this fall to see these countries!

*What tips does Carol have for those who want to become a travel blogger?

*Tell the truth, always. It can be easy to get sucked in and give an ungenuine review.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Carol:

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.

Debra Asberry is the owner of Women Traveling Together, a company built on her own personal frustration when she could not find a travel partner to do a once-in-a-lifetime trip with her. Women Traveling Together cultivates an environment where solo women can experience new things without a travel buddy, in a safe and secure way. The company was started in 1997, and has created an experience where even the most inexperienced traveller can have a fun time without feeling pressured to keep up with the pros.

Key Takeaways:

*What is Women Traveling Together about, and how did it get started?

*Debra and Women Traveling Together will be hosting around 70 tours throughout 2017.

*The company started because no one wanted to travel with Debra on a rafting trip 20 years ago.

*Debra knew she couldn’t have been the only one who felt this way. She wanted to share her experiences with someone.

*The mainstream tour operators, at the time, did not want anything to do with solo travellers.

*You can talk to the other women in the group before your trip to get a better feel for what they are and aren’t comfortable with while traveling. This makes the group activity great for both experienced and inexperienced travelers.

*How does Debra work with introverts and the lone wolves?

*Some people have strict definitions of what solo travel is. Both Jennifer and Debra do a bit of debunking!

*You can be as alone as you want to be on any of these trips! It’s just up to you how you want to spend that time.

*Jennifer loves what Debra is doing because women who are going through a midlife transition are able to rediscover themselves and redefine their stories in a safe way.

*What are some of the qualities Debra looks for in a tour leader?

*Debra has 12 employees on staff and 29 tour leaders that are on the front line and who ensure that the tour runs smoothly.

*What’s next for Debra and her company?

*A company like Debra’s makes it so easy for you to get up and go, and live life on your own terms.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

@GoSoloLive on Twitter

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Debra:

Website Call Debra: 1-800-795-7135

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.