Travel transforms us in ways we rarely anticipate. When we step outside our comfort zones, something remarkable happens – not just philosophically, but neurologically. The brain forms new pathways, rewiring itself in real-time as we navigate unfamiliar territory.

My journey with travel's healing power began unexpectedly in 1996 when I traveled to Jamaica just eight weeks after losing my mother to breast cancer. We had been extraordinarily close – best friends, creative confidants – and her two-year battle had consumed my life. Though the timing seemed questionable, this trip provided precisely what my grieving process needed most: space.

Back home, I was surrounded by familiar places and people that held countless memories of my mother. These comforts, while necessary, made it nearly impossible to process my grief fully or envision life without her. Jamaica's unfamiliar environment – driving on the opposite side of the road, witnessing different living conditions, experiencing vibrant local culture – forced my brain into new patterns. During an evening service at the dance conference where I was teaching, everything broke open. Kneeling on a hard linoleum floor thousands of miles from home, I finally released the anger and disappointment I'd been harboring. I emptied myself completely and felt a divine reassurance that joy would return to my life.

The science explains why: new experiences activate the brain's reward system, boosting dopamine – the motivation chemical depleted during depression. The Jamaican sunshine certainly helped! Additionally, navigating new challenges activated my prefrontal cortex, helping me consider future possibilities I'd previously been unable to envision. When I returned home, though grief didn't disappear, something had fundamentally shifted. I had a renewed sense of purpose and clarity about moving forward while carrying my mother's memory.

This experience shaped my understanding of travel's healing potential – something I now help others discover through intentional travel coaching. Whether you're navigating grief, transition, or seeking transformation, travel offers unique tools for healing unavailable in familiar environments. Ready to discover how travel can transform your life during challenging seasons? Visit my website and book a free consultation to begin your journey.

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Solo travel has become a transformative movement, particularly among women who now comprise 70% of all solo travelers worldwide. Yet despite these impressive statistics, many women remain on the sidelines, watching others embark on adventures they only dream about. What's holding them back? For many, it's the invisible weight of past trauma, grief, or loss that makes the unknown elements of solo travel feel insurmountable.

This episode introduces the concept of travel coaching—a specialized approach distinct from traditional travel planning services. Unlike travel agents who book your trips, travel coaches focus on the deeper "why" behind your journey, crafting intentional experiences designed for personal growth and healing. When we've experienced trauma, our brains often remain stuck in survival mode, making even the thought of planning travel overwhelming. Travel coaching works specifically with these challenges, helping guide women from a place of hesitation to empowered exploration.

The magic happens when we step beyond our comfort zones. Something transformative occurs when we leave familiar surroundings—our brains begin to rewire as we engage with new environments, pulling us out of internal thought patterns and creating space for new perspectives. For trauma survivors, this shift can be profoundly healing, though timing matters. A travel coach helps identify the right moment in your healing journey and designs experiences that challenge appropriately without triggering. Whether you're processing grief, recovering from divorce, or healing from past trauma, intentional solo travel might be the breakthrough experience you've been seeking. Ready to move from watching others' adventures to creating your own? Visit cherylbeckesch.com to learn more or book a free discovery call to discuss how travel coaching can transform your journey.

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Every budget traveler has faced that moment of frustration—the cheap hotel that feels unsafe, the bargain flight with endless layovers, or the too-good-to-be-true deal that actually wasn't worth the hassle. As someone who lives by the philosophy that spending less on one trip means affording more adventures overall, I've made plenty of costly mistakes in my quest to travel economically.

In this candid episode, I pull back the curtain on five significant budget travel blunders that actually ended up costing me more money, time, comfort, and peace of mind. From enduring a 24-hour return journey from Portugal with multiple exhausting layovers, to discovering my "bargain" Belize Airbnb had no air conditioning in 80+ degree weather, these experiences taught me valuable lessons about when saving money becomes counterproductive.

You'll learn practical strategies to avoid these pitfalls, including how to use Google Street View to assess a neighborhood's safety before booking, why checking your credit card's travel benefits could save you from paying twice for rental car insurance, and how to evaluate whether that super-cheap flight with three layovers is really worth the savings. I also share my new approach to flexibility in bookings, specifically why I now only book accommodations with reasonable cancellation policies.

Whether you're planning your next budget adventure or simply want to travel more mindfully, these hard-earned insights will help you find that sweet spot between saving money and preserving your travel experience. Because sometimes the cheapest option isn't actually the best value. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts if you've found these tips helpful—I'd love to hear how they've shaped your own travel planning!

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What happens when a woman who's lived like a "caged bird" for 25 years suddenly finds herself free? For Linda Magoon, freedom meant climbing mountains—specifically, all 48 of New Hampshire's 4,000-foot peaks.

After decades in a controlling marriage where asking permission was the norm and independence was punished with silent treatments and anger, Linda reached what she calls her "tipping point" in her mid-50s. With the help of a crisis counselor, she realized she was experiencing domestic violence, even without physical abuse. Six months later, she was divorced and facing the terrifying prospect of creating a life entirely her own.

That's when Linda rediscovered hiking. What started as a simple eight-mile solo trek became transformative medicine for her soul. Each summit conquered represented another step toward reclaiming her voice and identity. "The accomplishment of hiking a summit was in itself healing," she shares. Combined with a life-coaching program that introduced her to vision boards, affirmations, and the radical idea that it's okay to want things for yourself, Linda's mountain odyssey became the framework for her rebirth.

The journey wasn't without challenges. Linda had to learn crucial distinctions between fear ("that small voice telling you you're not good enough") and instinct ("when your head, heart, and gut align"). She navigated solo hiking safety, extreme weather, and even the public shame when her ex-husband was later arrested for serious crimes. Through it all, the mountains offered perspective and healing.

Today, Linda has transformed her experience into her book "Live Free and Hike: Finding Grace on 48 Summits" and recently embraced retirement with solo RV adventures. Her story reminds us that healing doesn't always come through traditional therapy—sometimes it arrives one step, one summit, one moment of freedom at a time.

Want to hear more inspiring stories of transformation through travel? Subscribe to our podcast and share your own journey of finding freedom through exploration.

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The moment of departure for a long-awaited trip should be filled with excitement, not anxiety about what you might have forgotten at home. So many travelers have experienced that sudden panic on the way to the airport – "Did I leave the curling iron plugged in?" or "Did I forget to lock the door?" This episode tackles those pre-travel worries head-on with a practical, comprehensive checklist to ensure your home remains safe while you're exploring the world.

From arranging house-sitters and managing mail collection to properly preparing your living space, we cover the eight essential tasks that should become part of your pre-travel routine. Learn why unplugging small appliances matters, how to handle subscription deliveries, and the importance of proper thermostat settings based on the season. These simple preparations not only protect your home but provide the mental freedom to fully enjoy your adventures without nagging worries about what you left behind.

As summer travel season reaches its peak, this timely guidance offers peace of mind for both weekend getaways and extended journeys. The episode also includes personal insights from my upcoming road trip to Austin, Texas, highlighting how these practices apply to trips of any distance or duration. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first solo adventure, this systematic approach to home preparation transforms what can be a stressful process into a confidence-building ritual.

Ready to embark on worry-free travels this season? Grab a pen and paper, create your personalized pre-trip checklist, and join our growing community of solo women travelers over 50 who are embracing new adventures with confidence and excitement. Share your own travel plans and connect with like-minded adventurers in our Facebook group as we celebrate the joys of discovery and exploration together!

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What drives a woman to sell everything she owns, travel halfway around the world, and jump on yachts with complete strangers? For Tess Millhollon, author and founder of Her House, it was the desperate need to reclaim her sense of self after surviving sexual assault in college.

Tess shares her remarkable journey of healing through solo travel in Australia, where she discovered that recreating her comfortable bartending life from Texas wasn't enough. The pivotal moment came when she spotted a hostel job board posting: "yacht crew wanted, no experience necessary." This spontaneous decision led to her learning to sail and "yacht hopping" up the Australian coastline—what she humorously calls "extreme hitchhiking"—creating the adventure of a lifetime.

Throughout her seven-month journey, Tess encountered what she calls "persons of peace"—strangers who became divine connections offering safety and community when she needed it most. One particularly meaningful encounter with a woman at an airport who later connected her with hosts became the inspiration for Her House, her current venture connecting solo women travelers for safe accommodations worldwide.

The conversation delves into the emotional challenges of long-term solo travel, including homesickness and the importance of bringing small comfort items like fuzzy socks or a familiar pillowcase. Tess beautifully articulates how solo travel teaches you to trust your intuition—knowing when to push forward and when a journey should end. "No one had done what I'd done, no one had felt what I felt...like I had me," she explains, highlighting how self-reliance during travel transfers powerfully to everyday life.

For women considering solo adventures, Tess recommends establishing connections in your destination before arriving—exactly what Her House facilitates through its community of background-checked members spanning all generations. Whether you're in your twenties like Tess was or a retiree seeking new experiences, this growing network offers both safety and authentic cultural immersion.

Ready to find your own healing journey? Download the Her House app, visit herhouseco.com to explore membership options, or read Tess's full story in her book "Sherbet Skies"—a testament that no matter how far you travel, you're never truly alone.

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Have you ever looked at a solo traveler with a mix of curiosity, concern, or even pity? Those reactions reveal the powerful misconceptions surrounding solo travel, especially for women over 50. As a freedom traveler and coach who's ventured solo across continents, I'm pulling back the curtain on these limiting beliefs that might be keeping you from one of life's most empowering experiences.

Safety concerns top most people's list when discussing solo travel. While being informed is crucial—researching current conditions and avoiding regions experiencing unrest—countless destinations welcome solo women travelers with open arms. Resources like Safe Expat offer daily safety updates, and thorough preparation eliminates most risks. The world offers abundant safe havens for the solo adventurer.

Beyond safety myths lies the assumption that solo travelers are lonely souls without companions. This perspective misses the mark entirely. Many women, myself included, actively choose solo travel for its unparalleled freedom. There's a special kind of empowerment that comes from navigating foreign streets on your own terms, making spontaneous decisions, and discovering your own resilience. Paradoxically, solo travelers often find themselves more socially engaged than those in groups, striking up conversations and forming connections that might never happen otherwise.

I still experience fears during my travels—like my recent worry about breaking down in remote parts of Iceland without cell service. But courage isn't the absence of fear; it's moving forward despite it. With each journey, that courage muscle strengthens, building confidence that extends well beyond travel into everyday life. Solo travel becomes not just a vacation choice but a transformative practice in self-reliance and presence.

Ready to dispel these myths through your own experience? Whether you're considering your first solo adventure or seeking to expand your horizons, I'm here to help. Connect with me for personalized guidance on creating your perfect solo journey. Don't wait for the "right" companion or the "perfect" time—your adventure is calling now. What destination will be your first solo story?

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Ever found yourself standing in a crowded European plaza, sweat dripping down your back, wondering why you bothered to travel at all? For women navigating perimenopause and menopause, travel presents unique challenges that rarely make it into guidebooks or travel blogs.

Hot flashes, night sweats, and unpredictable temperature regulation can transform dream destinations into uncomfortable ordeals without proper planning. Drawing from personal experience and health coaching background, I share eight practical strategies to help you travel comfortably during this hormonal transition. From packing essentials like extra moisture-wicking clothing and portable fans to understanding your personal triggers and making smart accommodation choices, these tips can preserve your travel enjoyment without letting hormonal changes dictate your experiences.

The conversation covers practical solutions you might not have considered: neck fans that provide constant cooling, the importance of confirming air conditioning in European accommodations, and how to respect cultural dress codes while managing symptoms. I also share personal insights about managing triggers—how sugar, alcohol, and stress specifically affect hot flash frequency and intensity, and why sometimes a slight adjustment in consumption can dramatically improve comfort while traveling.

Don't let this natural life transition keep you from exploring the world. Your adventures await, and with these practical approaches, you can focus on creating memories rather than managing discomfort. Ready to reclaim your travel confidence? Listen now, and then join me at the upcoming Freedom Fest virtual travel summit where I'll be speaking about solo travel for women.

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Freedom calls from the open road, and summer's the perfect time to answer. This practical guide to solo road trips unlocks the joy of spontaneous travel when expensive flights or elaborate planning isn't an option.

Feeling the wanderlust but haven't made summer plans? A solo road trip might be your perfect adventure. Whether you have just a day, a weekend, or a full week to spare, hitting the highway offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility. The beauty lies in simplicity - choose a destination within your preferred driving distance, clear your schedule, and go. Your destination might be centered around a festival, a hiking trail, an antique shop, or simply a city you've always wanted to explore.

Don't let accommodation worries stop you. Beyond traditional hotels, today's solo traveler has numerous options: Airbnbs for homey comfort, camping for nature lovers, or newer female-focused networks like the Host a Sister Facebook groups or the Her House app (which offers background-checked hosts for $25 annually). Safety remains paramount, especially for solo female travelers, so prepare your vehicle thoroughly before departure. Pack essentials like a first aid kit, portable jump starter, tire pump, plenty of water, and a food cooler to save money and provide flexibility in remote areas.

The true magic happens when you embrace the journey itself. Allow time for unexpected discoveries, take breaks when needed, and download entertainment and maps before departing. There's a special kind of meditation that happens on solo drives - time for reflection, prayer, catching up on podcasts, or simply singing at the top of your lungs with no one listening. Ready to feel that freedom? Stop making excuses and start planning your solo road adventure today. I'd love to hear where the road takes you!

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The summer countdown has begun. School's out, temperatures are rising, and social media feeds are bursting with vacation photos and travel plans—but what if you don't have anything planned? Whether due to procrastination, budget constraints, or simply preferring to avoid peak travel season, a summer without definitive plans doesn't have to leave you feeling left out or bored.

Today's episode offers a refreshingly practical approach to creating memorable summer experiences without the need for expensive flights or extensive planning. Drawing from personal experience and creative travel solutions, there are three accessible options that can transform your seemingly ordinary summer into something worth talking about.

First, consider the classic road trip—a flexible adventure that can be tailored to any timeframe or budget. Cheryl provides a strategic approach to mapping potential destinations within driving distance, encouraging listeners to seek out places they've always wanted to visit but never prioritized. Next, she reimagines the staycation not as a compromise but as an opportunity to experience your own region with fresh eyes through local festivals, events, and activities you've never tried before. From rodeos to trapeze classes, she demonstrates how the extraordinary often exists right in our own backyard. Finally, she celebrates the power of spontaneity—keeping an open mind to last-minute deals, fill-in opportunities, and unexpected adventures that often become our most cherished memories.

Whether you're working with limited vacation time, a tight budget, or simply missed the window for summer planning, this episode provides actionable strategies to ensure your summer is filled with new experiences and stories worth sharing. Plus, don't miss details about an upcoming virtual travel summit featuring Cheryl among 35+ speakers covering global travel topics. Ready to transform your empty summer calendar into something extraordinary? Your adventure starts here.

Join the Virtual Travel Summit-Infinityland June 7 & 8, June 14 & 15

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