Go Solo Live

Terri Levine is a married woman who loves to *gasp* travel alone. When some people hear this, they might think she’s trying to run away from her relationship, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Terri has even encouraged her husband to travel solo, and both of them have seen incredible benefits to their relationship, after they’ve come back from these journeys of self-discovery.

Key Takeaways:

*How did Terri start her solo travel journey?

*Terri’s husband immediately saw a difference in Terri when she came back from her solo trip.

*It took Terri’s husband 5‒6 years, before he felt comfortable traveling alone while married.

*When you’re traveling alone, you’re not running away from something, you’re running back to yourself!

*You get a much better connection with who you are, when you are on your own.

*Does Terri have any amazing stories to share about her trips?

*Terri journals a lot. The first day she explored a city alone, she wrote ‘empowerment’ and ‘confidence’ in her journal.

*Terri shares a story of back when she was working in corporate America.

*When Terri was feeling overwhelmed with decisions — a lot of people were relying on her — she knew she had to pack up and go some place quiet, to get her mind straight.

*Set your boundaries, and really, really follow through on that.

*You have to decide in your life what’s best for you.

*It’s okay to take a day off!

*A lot of women are afraid to go off and do this, but why?! Just take baby steps.

*Terri shares some of her final thoughts.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

[email protected]

Connect with Terri:

Website

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Anki is the founder and owner of the blog Anki On The Move, a 3 time award-winning blog and vlog that focuses on bridging the gap between travel, fashion, and adventure! Originally from India, Anki shares some tips for those who want to venture out and explore that side of the world in the best way possible!

Key Takeaways:

*How did Anki get started in her travel journey?

*Anki first started traveling with her brother when she was 29. What was that experience like?

*What are some of the must-sees in India?

*What advice does Anki have for women looking to travel alone in India?

*What kinds of trends in fashion has Anki noticed throughout her travels?

*How has travel helped Anki with her personal growth?

*There’s a lot more in common with someone from a different culture than you might think!

*Did Anki ever have any experiences where she was concerned for her safety?

*What kind of common concerns does Anki address on her travel blog?

*Anki talks about her love for Milwaukee!

*Don’t be afraid to talk to the locals in your new country of choice.

*The world is not as dangerous as you might think.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

[email protected]

Connect with Anki:

Website

Youtube

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.

Anna Lardinois began her career as a teacher who, as she admits, lived a very limited life with fear. However, through solo travel, so many doors have opened for her, that the feelings of ‘not being good enough’ have slowly gone away. Everybody has fears to overcome, and solo travel is an excellent way to rediscover yourself and pivot! Anna now hosts haunted historical walking tours in the city of Milwaukee. All because she took a leap and traveled alone!

Key Takeaways:

*What did Anna do as a teacher, that allowed her to maximize her vacation time and travel more?

*Solo travel made Anna more grateful for the life she has.

*Where was the first place Anna traveled to alone?

*What kind of mistakes did Anna make, during her first trip? She forgot to bring maps!

*Anna is a natural storyteller. What are some of her favorite stories of when she has traveled alone?

*Anna’s love for ghost tours ended up sparking her own business idea.

*Everybody’s afraid of something, which is why you should always try to challenge yourself, and work on overcoming those fears.

*You should be the only one measuring your own successes. No one else should set that bar for you!

*Anna began traveling alone in early the 2000s.

*As women, we are hardwired/conditioned to be pleasers. However, when you travel alone, there’s only one person you have to please — yourself!

*Your solo trips do not have to be massive month-long adventures!

*Every single time Anna travels, she comes back with a greater understanding of who she is.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

[email protected]

Connect with Anna:

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.

Channon Dade has been working for an airline, part-time, for the last 17 years. This gives her the freedom to travel whenever she wants and pursue a career in acting. She is currently located in L.A., but she has been jetsetting around the world, alone, since she was a little girl. Channon discusses on this week’s episode that when you work on yourself, instead of trying to desperately find a life partner, the universe will find surprising ways to reward you for those efforts. Be comfortable in your own skin! It’s the only one you have.

Key Takeaways:

*How did Channon get started with solo travel?

*Channon loves planes and flying! She has been working for the airline industry for the last 17 years.

*More women are looking for lifestyle-based work.

*What does a typical month look like for Channon?

*Why did Channon relocate to L.A.?

*Channon loves Bali, Indonesia. It’s such a relaxing place and the people are amazing.

*If someone’s never been to Bali, what’s Bali really like?

*When we’re single, some of us are so desperate to be with someone to fill that gap. But frankly, you’re the only one who can fill that gap.

*Yes, some women might not be ready to travel to Bali, but Jennifer is offering weekend challenges for them to venture out of their comfort zone.

*Traveling is different for everybody!

*There’s always something that goes wrong when you travel. Channon shares some of those stories.

*Has Channon ever had any bad luggage experience?

*Airlines only give you a four-hour window to claim if anything went missing.

*For somebody’s heart and soul, why do they need to travel, and do it alone?

*When it comes to travel deals, Icelandair has been rocking it!

*Stay till the end and download some of Channon’s freebies on her website.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com

Connect with Channon:

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.

Traci Bogan was living in Hawaii when she had her ‘aha’ moment. Although some may think she had her life made, by living in such a tropical place, Traci personally felt she had exhausted her options and was just stuck. She was working for a company she wasn’t passionate about, and she honestly felt that if she died tomorrow, she would have missed out on life. She was missing out on life!

So, she brought her best friend with her to backpack around the world, but her best friend quickly grew tired and left her, alone. It was a blessing in disguise, because a new beginning happened for Traci, at the age of 31, where she was finally able to look herself in the mirror and feel OK.

Key Takeaways:

*What was Traci doing before she discovered solo travel?

*Traci was 31 when she had her ‘aha’ moment.

*When Traci went backpacking around the world, she was able, for the first time, to see the woman in the mirror.

*How did Traci’s family react, when they found out she was going to travel alone?

*Traci began her trip with her best friend, because she didn’t believe in herself.

*It’s important to travel solo, because, if not, you’re constantly seeking the approval of others.

*You don’t have to go around the world to have an experience. Sometimes it’s just a matter of exploring your own backyard.

*Life starts when you’re comfortable in your own skin.

*Have you ever felt that your comfort zone is wrapped so tight around you that you’ve wrapped yourself up in your own straight jacket?

*We are either growing as people, or decaying as people.

*So many people are afraid of making mistakes. Go out there and screw up!

*What kind of mistakes did Traci make while she was traveling alone?

*Stay till the end as Traci is giving something away to the Go Solo Live listeners!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

Jennifer@TransformviaTravel.com

The Mastery of Love: A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationship, by Don Ruiz

Connect with Traci:

Website

Text: Dare to 96000

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.

Victoria Cunha was born to travelers and has traveled all throughout her life. She was certainty born to it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t adopt the same habits she has. Victoria is now 55 years old, and still travels around the world alone! She talks about the adventures she’s had, why anybody can do this no matter what age, and so much more, on this week’s episode!

Key Takeaways:

*How did Victoria get into solo traveling?

*What countries did Victoria go to, when she was part of the AFS Intercultural Programs USA?

*What kind of traveling did Victoria do with her family when she was a young child?

*Victoria visited Paris in 1999. Although it was her second time there, she kept an open mind during her trip.

*What kind of lessons has Victoria learned through her solo travels?

*Victoria is 55 years old. How do people in her age range react to her traveling alone?

*It is up to us to make the most of the time we have on this earth.

*Does Victoria have a bucket list? Yes and no.

*How does Victoria explain her passion for travel to others who simply ‘don’t get it’?

*How does Victoria balance between being prepared and being spontaneous, in a new country?

*You have to be open to new experiences -- if not, you’re just going to struggle through your trip.

*Thankfully, Victoria has never been seriously injured on a trip. However, she has been sick a few times.

*Doing sufficient research before you touch down on new territory will definitely give you peace of mind.

*Victoria shares some words of wisdom before she goes! Solo women, go visit something close by to you! Dip your toe in, you won’t regret it!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

[email protected]

AFS Intercultural Programs USA

Connect with Victoria:

Victoria on Facebook

Timeout Guide to Chicago

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.

Ivana Ventic grew up hitting every goal she set for herself and became a lawyer. But once she passed the bar and got a high-paying job, she realized that the lifestyle she chose for herself didn’t quite fit with her heart. As she could only get 10 days of vacation time, Ivana decided to quit her job in Chicago and travel for an undisclosed amount of time. Although her friends were highly supportive of her decision, her mother was skeptical and nervous for Ivana’s future. How did Ivana handle her mother’s fears, quit a successful career, and face the reality that she may never return to Chicago again? Find out on this week’s episode.

Key Takeaways:

*Jennifer and Ivana met at an expo — How did Ivana find out about the expo?

*What does Ivana do for a living? She is an attorney, but Ivana quit her full-time job to travel.

*What was Ivana’s big ‘aha’ moment, when she felt she had to leave her job and travel the world?

*From the outside, it looked like Ivana made a split decision to quit her job, but it had always been in the back of her mind.

*Ivana felt like she was at a ‘now or never’ turning point in her life and decided she had to travel NOW!

*When Ivana started traveling alone, she found other women who were traveling with their children. She didn’t even think that was an option before.

*How did Ivana’s family and friends react when they heard she quit her job?

*How did Ivana reassure her concerned mother?

*Ivana is not scared to go to a country where she doesn’t know the language. This is one of the powerful attributes she gained from growing up as a refugee.

*English can sometimes be a very difficult language to understand, so when Ivana is in a foreign country she tries to speak slower and uses simpler sentences.

*Where did Ivana travel to after she left her job in Chicago?

*FYI, Italy does not have the same infrastructure as other European countries. WIFI was very poor there, which made things a little difficult for Ivana.

*Remember to trust your gut while traveling. As a lawyer, Ivana is not naive to the dangers that are out there.

*Do not feel bad for lying to someone, especially if it’s the easiest way to get rid of someone.

*What advice does Ivana have for women who might be scared to travel alone?

*Jennifer and Ivana highly recommend getting travel insurance.

*How did Ivana manage her budget while traveling?

*Portugal is really cheap! Italy was cheaper compared to Germany and France.

*Also, Poland and India are incredibly cheap as well.

*When Ivana was in India for 6 weeks, she spent roughly $200.

*Ivana highly recommends visiting India and to not let the bad news discourage you from visiting. Your safety is a concern everywhere, even when you’re in your home country.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

[email protected] 

Connect with Ivana:

Ivana on LinkedIn

Email Ivana: [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 you listening to this week's show and tune in next week for another great guest.

Having visited more than 20 countries and over 300 cities worldwide, Paige Engle is a world traveler, as well as the author of, The Ultimate Guide to Safe Travel for Women, and has invaluable advice to share in this area. Paige's favorite country by far is France and she often leads personalized tours of the area throughout the year.

Key Takeaways:

*Why does Paige love France?

*Where was Paige in her life when she first started her solo travels?

*Paige has been solo traveling since her 20's. She's in her mid 40's now.

*Not young anymore? So what?

*Group travel has changed as well.

*Paige talks about how to safely travel alone.

*Paige would rather spend a little bit more money on a better area to make sure she's safe.

*Safety is really important, don't ever throw it by the waist side.

*Jennifer says, she can't run as fast or as good as she could when she was 20. If an attacker comes, she might not be able to run away.

*Paige has to be extra careful because at the end of the day, she is a mom, a wife, and a caregiver. People depend on her to come back from her trips.

*What kind of challenges does Paige face, having a business that’s located in France?

*It's important not to let the fear get in the way of you having fun.

*How does Paige help other women feel safe?

*Having a plan before you touch down onto a new location, really helps to eliminate some of the fear.

*Paige feels at home when in the Jardin du Luxembourg.

*How has Paige's world view changed?

*Travel opens up so many emotions and helps you discover who you are.

*Don't worry if you don't speak the language, it all works out in the end.

*Paige does tours outside of Paris as well.

*Paige's second favorite country is Thailand.

*How does Paige manage being the group tour leader as well as a mom and the family herder?

*Back when Paige was single, people would ask all the time, “Why travel alone?”, “Where's your husband?”

*Don't worry about being mean.

*What does Paige currently have going on?

*Feel free to connect with Paige.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

[email protected]

Connect with Paige:

Website

Paige on Instagram

The Ultimate Guide to Safe Travel for Women by Paige Engle

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 you listening to this week's show and tune in next week for another great guest.

Walker Thornton is a sex educator, writer, and speaker with a Masters in Educational Psychology, and she speaks extensively on midlife sexuality. This episode dives full in on what it's like being over 60 with no life partner in sight. At the end of the day, it's about the stories we tell ourselves and that can sometimes get in the way of who we truly are as people. Coming from a small town, Walker was often shamed into thinking her way of being was wrong and that her self-worth was only defined by a man. Solo travel has given Walker a new story to tell herself and a new-found acceptance of who she is.

Key Takeaways:

*Where was Walker in her life when she decided to travel alone?

*Walker took her first trip for her 60th birthday.

*There's such a stigma for women who want to travel alone.

*Why did Walker choose to visit Santa Fe, New Mexico on her 60th birthday?

*There is a sense of vulnerability when you travel alone. It's still there no matter how old you get.

*Why did Walker travel to New York City?

*Walker fell in love with the city!

*As a small town girl, what made Walker have a mindset shift to travel and get out there more?

*Walker was told she was 'too much' and that she was going to have a hard time finding a man if she didn't change. Lo and behold, she ended up getting a divorce and felt like she proved everyone right.

*Walker feels less judged when traveling alone than in her own community.

*Walker still has her mother's voice in the back of her head, pitying her for being alone.

*We need to create and rediscover our own story and traveling helps us with that.

*The stories we tell ourselves can sometimes get in the way of who we really are.

*What kind of lessons has Walker learned through her travels?

*I get to live too! I get to live a great life, too!

*Selfish = Self-care. It is time for you to be selfish for what you want.

*There's a double standard towards adventurous men vs. adventurous women

*What advice would Walker give other women considering solo travel?

*Where is Walker traveling to next?

*Walker has been writing and working in the field of sexuality for the last 5 years.

*You have to embrace who you are.

*Instead of resisting it, accept who you are.

Mentioned in This Episode:

www.transformviatravel.com

Transform via Travel on Facebook

[email protected]

Connect with Walker:

Website

Facebook

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 you listening to this week's show and tune in next week for another great guest.

Danielle Birdeau took her first solo trip in 2011 to the Grand Canyon, and has been hooked ever since. Danielle admits that she has struggled with her physical condition for quite some time, despite having being athletic in school. She talks about the level of freedom she has while traveling alone, and why taking care of your needs without worrying about others’ needs and feelings is so relaxing. Now, Danielle feels comfortable with being alone and doing things by herself, even when she's not traveling to an exciting new destination!

Key Takeaways:

*Danielle started traveling alone in her 30’s.

*In 2011, Danielle took her first backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon.

*When Danielle went to work after this trip, her co-worker noticed she was a completely different person.

*So many people wonder why you would ever want to travel alone.

*How did Danielle go from visiting the Grand Canyon to eventually hiking it 7 years later?

*Danielle was an athlete in highschool and college, but she woke up one day and noticed how physically unhealthy and unhappy she was.

*What did Danielle do to train for this hike?

*Danielle lost about 50lb before going to the gym because she was too intimidated.

*Where else has Danielle traveled to?

*Danielle has come to appreciate the randomness in her journeys.

*You're not alone when you travel, you start out alone, but you meet people along the way!

*It's great to travel alone. You don't have to worry about what other people are thinking and feeling. The world is your oyster.

*Jennifer is redefining the word selfish.

*Danielle's entire goal this year is on her self-care and personal well being.

*A 3-day weekend doesn't count as vacation.

*What kind of challenges did Danielle face on her last trip?

*Let's break the taboo and talk about our periods.

*Danielle's last trip was so challenging that it almost made her want to quit hiking all together.

*Danielle does a lot of things solo, not just travel! She gets out there and does it because she wants to.

*You don't have to jump full feet in and start traveling alone. You can just start by trying different types of food for the first time.

*If you're afraid of something, then that's all the more reason why you should be doing it.

*However, with that being said, be aware of your surroundings and do take the necessary precautions.

Mentioned in This Episode:

www.transformviatravel.com/

Transform via Travel on Facebook

[email protected]

Connect with Danielle:

Website

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 you listening to this week's show and tune in next week for another great guest.