In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, I talk with Celesté Lawson, a relocation strategist and co-founder of Melanin Tours, about the bold decision that led her to leave cold Maryland winters behind and start a new life in Costa Rica. What started as a spontaneous flight deal became a life-changing move!

Celeste shares how she went from dreaming of a getaway to actually making it happen—selling her condo, booking a flight, and landing in Costa Rica just days before the world changed in March 2020. We also dive into how solo travelers can prepare for international travel, from enrolling in the STEP program to learning about local culture and language.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Celeste chose Costa Rica over other destinations

• How she turned a spontaneous idea into a confident decision

• The importance of following through—not just planning the trip

• What it was like to move solo right before a global shutdown

• Enrolling in the STEP program for added peace of mind abroad

• Learning about the culture and language before your trip

• Encouragement for women considering bold solo travel or relocation

Whether you're dreaming of traveling solo or making a big life change, Celeste's story reminds us that sometimes the biggest rewards come from taking the leap.

Connect with Celesté Lawson:

Website: Melanin Tours

Instagram: @MelaninTours