Solo female travel doesn't have to feel risky—but it does require smarter planning than most travelers realize. Women in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond are discovering incredible freedom through independent travel, yet safety concerns often hold them back from taking that first trip. This episode reveals the difference between paralyzing fear and practical preparation, sharing the exact strategies that let you explore unfamiliar places with genuine confidence rather than constant anxiety.

You'll discover:

• The pre-trip research most travelers skip that actually prevents dangerous situations before they happen

• Why your accommodation choice determines your entire trip's security—and it's not about luxury

• The communication routine that keeps loved ones informed without making you feel tethered to constant check-ins

• How cultural awareness becomes your invisible safety superpower in any destination

• The counterintuitive truth about situational awareness that contradicts everything you've heard

• A specific transportation strategy that dramatically reduces risk in unfamiliar cities

• The daily routines and small behavioral shifts that keep you blending in rather than standing out

• Why confidence and caution actually work together, not against each other

This isn't about bubble-wrapping yourself or avoiding entire regions of the world. It's about informed decision-making that transforms safety from an overwhelming worry into a manageable part of your travel planning toolkit. You'll walk away with a personalized safety checklist framework you can use for any destination—the same preparation tool that separates solo travelers who feel secure from those who stay paralyzed by what-ifs.

Whether you're planning your first solo adventure or expanding your travel horizons, this episode gives you the actionable strategies and realistic perspective that actually work in real-world travel situations.

• Our Website: Find all our resources, articles, and more at ⁠⁠traveldocumented.com⁠⁠
• Travel with Trusted Housesitters: Use our sign-up link: ⁠⁠https://traveldocumented.com/trustedhousesitters/⁠⁠
• Explore Our Journey on YouTube: See our adventures and behind-the-scenes moments on the Travel Documented YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Travel.Documented/⁠⁠
• Listen & Subscribe: Make sure to subscribe to the Travel Documented Podcast on your favorite platform!
• All Our Links in One Place: Discover everything at our Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/traveldocumented⁠⁠
• Support Our Work: If you enjoy what we do, you can support us on Kofi: ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/traveldocumented⁠⁠
• Get Notified! Sign up for updates on our upcoming book! Head to ⁠⁠https://traveldocumented.com/book-pre-launch-pet-sitting-unleashed-house-and-pet-sitting/⁠⁠

🎧 Audio Note: Some episodes were adapted from YouTube and may reference visuals best experienced on screen.

📺 Watch the journey: youtube.com/@travel.documented

📬 Connect or collaborate: traveldocumented.com/contact-us

📘 Want free stays while traveling? Grab the international house & pet sitting guide: ko-fi.com/traveldocumented

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if everything you thought you knew about solo travel was wrong? In this episode of Travel Documented, host Samantha shares the three transformative stages of her nearly two-year solo journey through Mexico - and they're not what you'd expect.

Forget the typical survival stories. This is about discovering you're smarter, more adaptable, and more confident than you ever imagined. From navigating currency exchanges in local markets to building genuine cultural fluency, Samantha reveals how solo travel becomes a masterclass in recognizing your own capabilities.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why you're already more capable than you realize
• How cultural adjustment becomes fascinating rather than frustrating with the right mindset
• The moment confidence shifts from external validation to internal knowing
• Why getting a casita changed everything about exploring Mexico
• How Spanish fluency develops naturally through daily cultural immersion
• The real difference between tourist independence and true adaptability
• Why comparison to home becomes irrelevant when you embrace local systems

Perfect for aspiring solo travelers, digital nomads, and anyone curious about the real psychology of extended international travel.

Visit our ⁠Website⁠: Traveldocumented.com

Connect with Travel Documented

• Our Website: Find all our resources, articles, and more at ⁠⁠traveldocumented.com⁠⁠
• Travel with Trusted Housesitters: Use our sign-up link: ⁠⁠https://traveldocumented.com/trustedhousesitters/⁠⁠
• Explore Our Journey on YouTube: See our adventures and behind-the-scenes moments on the Travel Documented YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Travel.Documented/⁠⁠
• Listen & Subscribe: Make sure to subscribe to the Travel Documented Podcast on your favorite platform!
• All Our Links in One Place: Discover everything at our Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/traveldocumented⁠⁠
• Support Our Work: If you enjoy what we do, you can support us on Kofi: ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/traveldocumented⁠⁠
• Get Notified! Sign up for updates on our upcoming book! Head to ⁠⁠https://traveldocumented.com/book-pre-launch-pet-sitting-unleashed-house-and-pet-sitting/⁠⁠

We are available on all major podcast platforms. If you are enjoying our podcast, drop us a positive review on whichever platform you are listening on.

🎧 Audio Note: Some episodes were adapted from YouTube and may reference visuals best experienced on screen.

📺 Watch the journey: youtube.com/@travel.documented

📬 Connect or collaborate: traveldocumented.com/contact-us

📘 Want free stays while traveling? Grab the international house & pet sitting guide: ko-fi.com/traveldocumented

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover how two major travel trends are combining to revolutionize budget travel in 2025. In this episode, we explore the explosive growth of solo travel and the booming pet sitting industry, and reveal how savvy travelers are using both to unlock authentic, affordable adventures around the world.

We'll dive into why more people than ever are choosing to travel alone, what destinations are trending for solo explorers, and how house sitting can eliminate your biggest travel expense while connecting you with locals and adorable pets. From practical tips for getting started to real talk about the challenges, this episode gives you everything you need to know about this game-changing approach to travel.

Whether you're dreaming of slow travel through Europe, looking to stretch your travel budget, or simply love the idea of exploring new cities with a furry companion by your side, this episode will show you how to make it happen.

What You'll Learn:

• Why solo travel is having a major moment in 2025
• How pet sitting works and why it's perfect for independent travelers
• The best platforms and strategies for finding house sits
• Trending destinations for solo travelers
• How to build a winning house sitter profile
• Real challenges and how to overcome them
• Practical steps to get started today

Perfect for digital nomads, budget travelers, pet lovers, and anyone ready to explore the world on their own terms.

Visit our ⁠Website⁠: Traveldocumented.com

Connect with Travel Documented

• Our Website: Find all our resources, articles, and more at ⁠⁠traveldocumented.com⁠⁠
• Travel with Trusted Housesitters: Use our sign-up link: ⁠⁠https://traveldocumented.com/trustedhousesitters/⁠⁠
• Explore Our Journey on YouTube: See our adventures and behind-the-scenes moments on the Travel Documented YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Travel.Documented/⁠⁠
• Listen & Subscribe: Make sure to subscribe to the Travel Documented Podcast on your favorite platform!
• All Our Links in One Place: Discover everything at our Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/traveldocumented⁠⁠
• Support Our Work: If you enjoy what we do, you can support us on Kofi: ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/traveldocumented⁠⁠
• Get Notified! Sign up for updates on our upcoming book! Head to ⁠⁠https://traveldocumented.com/book-pre-launch-pet-sitting-unleashed-house-and-pet-sitting/⁠⁠

We are available on all major podcast platforms. If you are enjoying our podcast, drop us a positive review on whichever platform you are listening on.

🎧 Audio Note: Some episodes were adapted from YouTube and may reference visuals best experienced on screen.

📺 Watch the journey: youtube.com/@travel.documented

📬 Connect or collaborate: traveldocumented.com/contact-us

📘 Want free stays while traveling? Grab the international house & pet sitting guide: ko-fi.com/traveldocumented

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you tired of just dreaming about living abroad? Do you crave a deeper connection to new cultures and a life filled with authentic experiences? This episode of Travel Documented is for you.

Join Samantha, an experienced international pet sitter and solo female traveler, as she shares invaluable insights from her own journey of making the leap abroad. After over two decades in Dallas, Texas, Samantha traded the familiar for nearly two years of immersive travel through Mexico, from Mexico City to Cancun, embracing local life every step of the way.

This episode isn't a rigid "how-to guide." Instead, it's a candid conversation designed to spark your excitement and provide real, actionable clarity. Samantha talks about what it truly means to pursue a life abroad, especially as a single woman. She pulls back the curtain on the motivations that drive such a significant change, helping you "nail your why." You'll hear about the essential groundwork and how international pet sitting became her unique pathway to deep cultural immersion.

In this episode, we're talking about:

• Discovering Your "Why": Understanding the core motivations for living abroad and embracing life transformation.
• Concrete Steps for Preparation: Practical insights into planning your move, simplifying your life, and navigating new environments.
• The Solo Female Traveler Perspective: Addressing specific considerations for women traveling alone and making the leap.
• International Pet Sitting: Samantha's authentic experiences and how it opens doors to cultural immersion and a nomadic lifestyle.

Get ready to explore the exciting realities, common hurdles, and fundamental preparations for living abroad. Discover how to transform your dream into a tangible reality, all through the lens of genuine shared experiences and insightful conversation.

Connect with Travel Documented

• Our Website: Find all our resources, articles, and more at ⁠traveldocumented.com⁠
• Travel with Trusted Housesitters: Use our sign-up link: ⁠https://traveldocumented.com/trustedhousesitters/⁠
• Explore Our Journey on YouTube: See our adventures and behind-the-scenes moments on the Travel Documented YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Travel.Documented/⁠
• Listen & Subscribe: Make sure to subscribe to the Travel Documented Podcast on your favorite platform!
• All Our Links in One Place: Discover everything at our Linktree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/traveldocumented⁠
• Support Our Work: If you enjoy what we do, you can support us on Kofi: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/traveldocumented⁠
• Get Notified! Sign up for updates on our upcoming book, anticipated late Fall 2025! Head to ⁠https://traveldocumented.com/book-pre-launch-pet-sitting-unleashed-house-and-pet-sitting/⁠

We are available on all major podcast platforms. If you are enjoying our podcast, drop us a positive review on whichever platform you are listening on.

🎧 Audio Note: Some episodes were adapted from YouTube and may reference visuals best experienced on screen.

📺 Watch the journey: youtube.com/@travel.documented

📬 Connect or collaborate: traveldocumented.com/contact-us

📘 Want free stays while traveling? Grab the international house & pet sitting guide: ko-fi.com/traveldocumented

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Solo Travel Meets Pet Sitting - The Ultimate 2025 Travel Hack

How Independent Explorers Are Revolutionizing Budget Travel Through Pet Care

Discover how two major travel trends are combining to revolutionize budget travel in 2025. In this episode, we explore the explosive growth of solo travel and the booming pet sitting industry, and reveal how savvy travelers are using both to unlock authentic, affordable adventures around the world.

We'll dive into why more people than ever are choosing to travel alone, what destinations are trending for solo explorers, and how house sitting can eliminate your biggest travel expense while connecting you with locals and adorable pets. From practical tips for getting started to real talk about the challenges, this episode gives you everything you need to know about this game-changing approach to travel.

Whether you're dreaming of slow travel through Europe, looking to stretch your travel budget, or simply love the idea of exploring new cities with a furry companion by your side, this episode will show you how to make it happen.

What You'll Learn:

• Why solo travel is having a major moment in 2025
• How pet sitting works and why it's perfect for independent travelers
• The best platforms and strategies for finding house sits
• Trending destinations for solo travelers
• How to build a winning house sitter profile
• Real challenges and how to overcome them
• Practical steps to get started today

Perfect for digital nomads, budget travelers, pet lovers, and anyone ready to explore the world on their own terms.

Visit our Website: Traveldocumented.com

Connect with Travel Documented

• Our Website: Find all our resources, articles, and more at ⁠traveldocumented.com⁠

• Travel with Trusted Housesitters: Use our sign-up link: ⁠https://traveldocumented.com/trustedhousesitters/⁠

• Explore Our Journey on YouTube: See our adventures and behind-the-scenes moments on the Travel Documented YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Travel.Documented/⁠

• Listen & Subscribe: Make sure to subscribe to the Travel Documented Podcast on your favorite platform!

• All Our Links in One Place: Discover everything at our Linktree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/traveldocumented⁠

• Support Our Work: If you enjoy what we do, you can support us on Kofi: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/traveldocumented⁠

• Get Notified! Sign up for updates on our upcoming book, anticipated late Fall 2025! Head to ⁠https://traveldocumented.com/book-pre-launch-pet-sitting-unleashed-house-and-pet-sitting/⁠

We are available on all major podcast platforms. If you are enjoying our podcast, drop us a positive review on whichever platform you are listening on.

Are you tired of just dreaming about living abroad? Do you crave a deeper connection to new cultures and a life filled with authentic experiences? This episode of Travel Documented is for you.

Join Samantha, an experienced international pet sitter and solo female traveler, as she shares invaluable insights from her own journey of making the leap abroad. After over two decades in Dallas, Texas, Samantha traded the familiar for nearly two years of immersive travel through Mexico, from Mexico City to Cancun, embracing local life every step of the way.

This episode isn't a rigid "how-to guide." Instead, it's a candid conversation designed to spark your excitement and provide real, actionable clarity. Samantha talks about what it truly means to pursue a life abroad, especially as a single woman. She pulls back the curtain on the motivations that drive such a significant change, helping you "nail your why." You'll hear about the essential groundwork and how international pet sitting became her unique pathway to deep cultural immersion.

In this episode, we're talking about:

• Discovering Your "Why": Understanding the core motivations for living abroad and embracing life transformation.

• Concrete Steps for Preparation: Practical insights into planning your move, simplifying your life, and navigating new environments.

• The Solo Female Traveler Perspective: Addressing specific considerations for women traveling alone and making the leap.

• International Pet Sitting: Samantha's authentic experiences and how it opens doors to cultural immersion and a nomadic lifestyle.

Get ready to explore the exciting realities, common hurdles, and fundamental preparations for living abroad. Discover how to transform your dream into a tangible reality, all through the lens of genuine shared experiences and insightful conversation.

Connect with Travel Documented

• Our Website: Find all our resources, articles, and more at traveldocumented.com

• Travel with Trusted Housesitters: Use our sign-up link: https://traveldocumented.com/trustedhousesitters/

• Explore Our Journey on YouTube: See our adventures and behind-the-scenes moments on the Travel Documented YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Travel.Documented/

• Listen & Subscribe: Make sure to subscribe to the Travel Documented Podcast on your favorite platform!

• All Our Links in One Place: Discover everything at our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/traveldocumented

• Support Our Work: If you enjoy what we do, you can support us on Kofi: https://ko-fi.com/traveldocumented

• Get Notified! Sign up for updates on our upcoming book, anticipated late Fall 2025! Head to https://traveldocumented.com/book-pre-launch-pet-sitting-unleashed-house-and-pet-sitting/

We are available on all major podcast platforms. If you are enjoying our podcast, drop us a positive review on whichever platform you are listening on.

In this episode of the Travel Documented Podcast, I take you with me on a real-time backpacking travel day as I leave the bohemian beach town of Sayulita and head south to the bustling coastal city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This isn’t just a story about getting from Point A to Point B—it’s a raw, immersive glimpse into what it’s really like to travel solo through Mexico, navigating public transportation, Ubers, steep streets, appointments, and the ever-present pull to explore—even after dental work!

🌿 Sayulita, nestled in the lush hills north of Puerto Vallarta, has long been one of my favorite beach towns in Mexico. Known for its chill surf vibes, creative expat scene, and cobblestone streets, it’s the perfect place to unplug and recharge. But when real life calls—like, say, a dentist appointment—it's time to make moves. This episode begins with me strapping on my backpack and hiking through the town’s winding roads to reach the Sayulita bus station.

From there, I catch an Uber that takes me through scenic mountain roads and the small city of Bucerías, offering beautiful views and a slice of everyday life along the way. As we pass Vidanta—a well-known timeshare hotspot—I share some insight on what to expect if you're ever lured into a high-pressure sales pitch in Mexico.

As we arrive in Puerto Vallarta, the vibe instantly shifts. The roads get busier, the traffic thicker, and the energy more intense. If Sayulita is where you go to relax, Puerto Vallarta is where you re-enter the pulse of city life. My driver drops me off at a hostel in a new neighborhood I haven’t stayed in before—one I specifically chose to explore and feature in a future episode.

But before I can settle in, I have to make it to my dental appointment in Old Town (Zona Romántica). Between backpacking, bus rides, and a tight schedule, it’s a race against the clock. Spoiler: I make it! And if you’re curious about dental tourism in Mexico or are considering care abroad, I even share my experience and the name of the clinic I used:—highly recommended if you're in the Puerto Vallarta area.

With my face slightly numb from a filling (don’t worry, I kept the camera steady), I still couldn’t resist walking through the city. I weave through PV’s bustling neighborhoods, pass vibrant restaurants and colorful shops, and soak in the warmth of the weather and the joy of street life. For solo travelers like me, there’s something magical about simply wandering with no specific destination—especially in a place like Puerto Vallarta.

This episode is full of motion, from backpack straps to dentist chairs, and packed with insight into the rhythms of digital nomad life in Mexico. If you’ve ever wondered what a real, unfiltered day of solo travel looks like—including all the beautiful, hectic, mundane, and unexpected moments—this is the episode for you.

🧳 Highlights in this episode:

• Saying goodbye to Sayulita after an extended stay
• Ubering through the mountains of Nayarit and Jalisco
• First-hand advice on navigating Mexico’s roadways and small towns
• My experience with dental care in Puerto Vallarta
• Exploring Old Town PV by foot—while still numbed up
• Why wandering new neighborhoods is one of my favorite parts of travel
• Encouragement for solo female travelers, digital nomads, and expats

📍Whether you're interested in long-term travel, Mexico travel tips, digital nomad life, or just love good storytelling from the road, this episode brings it all together—with honesty, humor, and a little dental work thrown in for good measure.

🎧 Audio Note: Some episodes were adapted from YouTube and may reference visuals best experienced on screen.

📺 Watch the journey: youtube.com/@travel.documented

📬 Connect or collaborate: traveldocumented.com/contact-us

📘 Want free stays while traveling? Grab the international house & pet sitting guide: ko-fi.com/traveldocumented

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🌎 Thinking about moving to Mexico or curious about the real process behind obtaining residency? In this episode of Travel Documented, I take you behind the scenes of my journey — from my first exploratory trip to Mazatlán, to navigating the consulate process in Del Rio, Texas, to finally completing my residency requirements in the heart of Mexico.

✨ Here's what you'll discover in today’s episode:

• Why taking an exploratory trip first can save you time (and headaches) later

• How joining Facebook expat groups helped me prepare and stay informed

• What it’s really like dealing with different Mexican consulates — and why I chose a smaller town over a big city

• Step-by-step how I prepared my documents, booked my appointments, and handled the interview

• What happens after you’re approved — and why it’s only the beginning!

• How working with a trusted bilingual attorney’s office in Ajijic made the final residency process stress-free

• Tips for completing your visa process once inside Mexico

I’ll also share some personal highlights, like the unforgettable moment when strangers in the consulate lobby cheered for me, and why getting my residency card (the "tarjeta de residente") was one of the proudest moments of my life. 🌟

If you're dreaming of building a new life in Mexico, this episode will give you an honest, step-by-step look at what it's really like — the excitement, the challenges, and everything in between.

📌 Helpful Resources Mentioned:

• Mazatlán Exploratory Trip Video ➡️

  My Website ➡️ TravelDocumented.com — where I blog about travel, house sitting, and life as a solo adventurer!

👣 About Travel Documented:
Travel Documented is your passport to real-world adventures, solo travel inspiration, and the pursuit of life beyond borders. I’m Samantha, a seasoned traveler and international house sitter, sharing firsthand experiences and insights to help you create your own life of freedom and exploration. 🌍

📬 Stay Connected:
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!
💬 Drop a comment or question — I'd love to hear from you!
✈️ Visit my website and blog at TravelDocumented.com for more stories, guides, and tips about traveling, house sitting, and living abroad.

💬 Have questions about getting residency in Mexico? Want to hear more about life as an expat? Let’s start the conversation! Viva México!

Visit us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Travel.Documented

In this episode of the Travel Documented Podcast, Samantha returns to Sayulita, Mexico to uncover the heart and soul of this vibrant surf town—beyond the tourist path. From stumbling upon quiet co-working spaces and serene yoga studios to getting nearly run over in the middle of spontaneous street tacos and vendor shopping, this trip captures Sayulita in its chaotic, colorful glory.

You’ll hear about her second hostel stay at Sisters Hostel, complete with a rooftop swing, nearby street vendors, and the thrill of discovering yet another paradise corner of the Pacific coast. Whether it's beetle cars, barefoot strolls through artisan alleys, or beach massages you'll never forget, Sayulita keeps surprising with its bohemian magic and electric energy.

Perfect for digital nomads, solo travelers, or anyone dreaming of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, this episode dives into the pulse of Sayulita’s backstreets, vegan cafés, art scenes, and hidden gems you won’t find on the average travel blog.

Watch the Full Version on Youtube Here - https://youtu.be/eHZs8EtI9V4 Drop us a comment, like and subscribe for more!

🎧 Audio Note: Some episodes were adapted from YouTube and may reference visuals best experienced on screen.

📺 Watch the journey: youtube.com/@travel.documented

📬 Connect or collaborate: traveldocumented.com/contact-us

📘 Want free stays while traveling? Grab the international house & pet sitting guide: ko-fi.com/traveldocumented

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Travel Documented Podcast, we’re headed back to the wildly popular, wonderfully weird, and irresistibly relaxing beach town of Sayulita, Mexico—and this time, it’s personal.

Samantha shares her second, longer stay in this Pacific coastal gem just north of Puerto Vallarta and opens up about why Sayulita stole a piece of her heart. From soft sand and sunny skies to beachside breakfasts and unexpected RV parks, she takes you through the town’s colorful, chaotic streets, introduces you to its relaxed-yet-lively energy, and offers travel insights from the solo female traveler lens.

Sayulita is more than a surf town. It’s a creative hub for digital nomads, wellness seekers, and snowbirds alike. Whether you’re drawn to its yoga classes, street tacos, co-working spaces, tattoo studios, or the occasional wild golf cart ride down cobblestone streets, Sayulita invites you to slow down, explore freely, and rediscover yourself.

You’ll hear:

• 🏖️ Samantha’s thoughts on the evolving vibe of Sayulita
• 🏕️ Details about a hidden RV park with no online presence (truly off-the-radar)
• 🌅 Her travel tips for navigating the town, from buses to golf carts
• 🧘‍♀️ Why Sayulita is perfect for solo travelers looking for something real, relaxing, and creatively recharging

Samantha also reflects on the deeper pull of this town—why it feels like a place where buried dreams start to bubble back to the surface. Whether you want to surf, heal, connect, or simply watch the sunset with beet-and-carrot juice in hand, this episode paints a vivid picture of what Sayulita is really like—beyond the tourist brochures.

🎙️ Ready to see why Samantha calls Sayulita one of her favorite places in Mexico? Tune in now and let the journey begin.

🎧 Audio Note: Some episodes were adapted from YouTube and may reference visuals best experienced on screen.

📺 Watch the journey: youtube.com/@travel.documented

📬 Connect or collaborate: traveldocumented.com/contact-us

📘 Want free stays while traveling? Grab the international house & pet sitting guide: ko-fi.com/traveldocumented

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.