Thinking about traveling solo but not ready to fly across the country? This episode is for you!

I’m sharing five easy ways to start your solo travel journey without leaving your state—from day trips and mini road trips to staycations and solo dining adventures.

These small, confidence-building experiences are perfect for first-timers who want to explore, relax, and learn to enjoy their own company. Tune in and discover how fun—and freeing—solo travel can be!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why starting solo travel close to home is a smart first step

• 5 easy solo adventures you can try without leaving your state

• How day trips and mini road trips build confidence

• Simple tips for enjoying dining out solo

• Everyday activities that make great “practice runs” for solo travel

  
  

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more tips on solo travel, couple adventures, and U.S. destinations. And if you know someone who’s curious about solo travel, share this episode to give them a confidence boost!

Discover how to turn travel points and miles into unforgettable trips in this episode with travel points expert Carrie Madison.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Carrie's journey of using points to stretch travel budgets,
• The difference between airline miles and hotel points
• How to earn them through credit card rewards and loyalty programs
• Learn practical strategies for redeeming points for flights, hotels, and even car rentals
• Tips for navigating recent changes in airline and hotel policies.

Whether you’re new to travel rewards or looking to maximize your points, this episode will help you travel more and spend less.

In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, I chat with Deonne about her unforgettable solo Mediterranean cruise and how it deepened her love for life at sea. From off-the-beaten-path excursions to her dream of one day living full-time on a cruise ship, Deonne shares how cruising can be both empowering and adventurous, especially when you travel solo.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Deonne chose a Mediterranean cruise and what made it so special
• Booking excursions through the cruise line
• Her favorite “off-the-beaten-path” discoveries at different ports
• Tips for solo cruisers and what made the experience empowering
• How she handles seasickness, luggage, and getting around on board
• What you really need to know about drink packages
• Her dream of retiring and living on a cruise ship full-time
• Encouragement for new cruisers to give it a try—even solo!

In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, I talk with Sarah-Jayne McNaughton, a personal transformation coach and passionate solo traveler, about the joy and freedom that come from taking a trip, especially when no one else can accompany you.

Sarah-Jayne shares her personal experiences exploring Disneyland Tokyo and Disneyland Paris, and how different cultural expectations, language barriers, and park logistics shaped each adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of a solo Disney trip or curious about travel in Japan, this conversation is full of encouragement, practical tips, and inspiration.

We discuss:

• What makes solo travel so empowering and transformative
• Differences between Disneyland Tokyo and Disneyland Paris
• How to navigate cultural and language differences with confidence
• The surprising ease of buying tickets and getting help in Japan
• Why organization and pre-planning help you feel more confident abroad
• Encouragement to take the trip, even if no one else joins you

🎧 Connect with Sarah-Jayne McNaughton:

Instagram: @PowerPeaceProsper

In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, I sit down with writer, memoirist, and oral storyteller Anne Marie Wells to talk about her unforgettable solo adventure in Iceland. From hitchhiking and local chats to camping outdoors, Anne’s journey was filled with discovery and connections, which gave her lots of stories to tell!

We delve into her favorite hidden gems, her solo navigation of Iceland, and the powerful experiences that inspired her upcoming travel memoir, Happy Iceland. If you’ve ever been curious about solo travel in a chilly but magical place, this one’s for you!

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Anne Marie explored Iceland through hitchhiking and local connections
• Why talking to locals leads to richer, more memorable travel experiences
• Her tips for navigating Iceland solo
• The inspiration behind her travel memoir, Happy Iceland
• Our shared experiences of traveling solo in Iceland
• Encouragement to travel with curiosity—even when it’s cold!

Connect with Anne Marie Wells:

Website: annemariewellswriter.com

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @AnneMarieWellsWriter

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

In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, I talk with Liz Scheessele, a former civil engineer turned boutique hotel owner, about her recent solo adventure through the Hawaiian Islands.

Liz shares why traveling alone can be both empowering and peaceful, offering freedom to follow your own rhythm and uncover unexpected joys along the way.

She also talks about her unique career transition into hospitality and what she’s learned about creating memorable travel experiences—both as a guest and a host.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Liz’s recent solo trip to Hawaii and what she loved about each island

• How solo travel builds confidence and deepens self-awareness

• The importance of safety, pre-planning, and travel insurance when going solo

• Liz’s career shift from civil engineer to boutique bed and breakfast owner

• Why hosting travelers has become one of the most rewarding parts of her journey

• Encouragement for women considering solo travel to start small and follow their curiosity

Connect with Liz:
- Instagram: @RBHInnkeeper
- Website: RoanokeBoutiqueHotel.com
- Or book a stay at her charming boutique B&B!

In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, I chat with Tess Cheng, a health and wellness coach and seasoned global traveler who took a solo adventure to the breathtaking Galápagos Islands.

Tess shares how this unforgettable trip helped her grow, connect with new people, and embrace spontaneity—even when traveling alone.

With a love for nature documentaries and a lifetime of travel behind her (having visited all seven continents!), Tess offers tips and heartfelt encouragement for anyone considering a solo journey of their own.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What inspired Tess to visit the Galápagos finally—and why she went solo
• How a mix of cruising and land-based travel gave her the best of both worlds
• Advice on researching destinations and using local guides to enhance your trip
• Tips for solo travelers who feel unsure about going it alone
• A couple of ideas to stay healthy while traveling (yes, even when you’re on the go!)
• Favorite packing essentials and tech to make solo travel smoother
• The power of unexpected friendships and leaning into new experiences
• Tess’s travel roots and future travel dreams

Connect with Tess:

Website: GlowWithTess

Instagram: @glowithtess

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Michelle to discuss her first solo trip to Orlando, Florida, as a traveler needing assistance.

She shares how detailed planning, helpful airport services, and a spirit of adventure made all the difference. Michelle’s story offers valuable encouragement for travelers with disabilities, as well as those who support them.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Michelle planned and took her first solo flight with confidence

• Why research and preparation are key to accessible and enjoyable travel

• The importance of using airport sensory rooms and familiar routines

• Tips for being prepared to reduce anxiety and be ready for the unexpected

• How the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard program can offer support

• Using flight ambassador services and pre-boarding options for extra guidance

• Encouragement to watch online walkthroughs of airport procedures to reduce stress

• Michelle’s future travel dreams—including planning next flight to Hawaii with her husband

• A reminder that everyone deserves to explore the world—at their own pace and comfort level

Connect with Michelle Steiner:

Website: Michelle's Mission

Facebook: Michelle Steiner

What would you do if your travel partner suggested you continue your trip... alone?

In this powerful episode, I talk with Dani Rosenbald James about her unforgettable solo travel experience in Peru. What started as a friend’s adventure took a surprising turn when her (now) husband encouraged her to explore solo for the rest of the trip. Confused and frustrated at first, Dani soon discovered how freeing solo travel can be.

💬 In this episode, we dive into:

Whether you're thinking of visiting Peru, taking your first solo trip, or navigating how travel can strengthen relationships, this episode is full of insight, heart, and inspiration.

🎧 Hit play and hear how going solo led Dani to deeper connection, freedom, and lifelong friendships.

Find Dani at:

Website - https://misfitwanders.com/

Facebook Group - Misfitwanders

Instagram - @Misfit_wanders