Travel the World Confidently - Solo Travel for Women Over 40

Have you ever wanted to visit Estes Park, Colorado, and stay at the Stanley Hotel or take one of its ghost tours?

As a Colorado native, I was excited to finally spend a night at this historic hotel in Estes Park. In this episode, I share memories of staying there with my husband almost twenty years ago, then returning on my own last year for a different ghost tour.

From watching The Shining on a loop in our room to exploring tucked-away basement spaces, both visits gave me something to remember. I also share a little researched history and some of the ghost stories associated with the hotel.

🎙️ In this episode, I share:

• What I enjoyed about staying in the historic main building

• How my two ghost tours differed

• Stephen King’s stay at the Stanley and the inspiration for The Shining

• A little history about it's founders

• The Concert Hall legends and the spaces we explored

• Why a guided tour can be a fun activity to try on your own

Whether you love ghost stories, historic hotels, or exploring Colorado, join me for a visit to the spooky side of Estes Park.

Estes Park in the Fall: Blog Post

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📩 Grab your FREE Solo Resource for Women 40+ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📅 Ready to plan your trip with support? Book a free planning call → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🌍 Follow along for more solo travel tips, destination inspiration, and real talk about traveling confidently:

Instagram & Facebook & Pinterest: @traveltheworldconfidently | TikTok: @angelaagranoff

📖 Read the blog → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✈️

What happens when you stop trying to plan every detail of your trip and leave a little room for the unexpected?

In this episode, Angela talks with Kristy Halvorsen, author of Perfect Unfolding, about embracing uncertainty, balancing travel planning with spontaneity, and learning to trust yourself when things don't go according to plan.

Kristy has been traveling full-time in an Airstream since 2017 and shares her philosophy of “coddiwompling”, moving through life without always knowing exactly where you're going. She explains that confidence comes from experience, not from having every detail figured out ahead of time.

Kristy also shares the memorable story of getting stuck in the sand while traveling in Maine and how accepting help from strangers changed her perspective on independence. Sometimes being a confident traveler isn't about handling everything yourself; it's about trusting that you can figure things out, ask for help, and adapt when plans change.

If overthinking or trying to plan the perfect trip has been keeping you from traveling, this conversation is a reminder that you don't need to know exactly how everything will unfold before you begin.

🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:

• How to balance travel planning with spontaneity
• What “coddiwompling” means and how Kristy applies it to travel and life
• Why confidence comes from experience, not over-planning
• Learning to become more comfortable with uncertainty
• What to do when travel plans don't go as expected
• Trusting your instincts while traveling
• Why asking for help doesn't make you less independent
• How unexpected experiences can become memorable parts of a trip
• Taking the first step even when you don't have everything figured out
• Permitting yourself to pursue the life and travel experiences you want

💬 Connect with Kristy Halvorsen:

• Website: ⁠⁠https://kristyhalvorsen.com/
• Instagram: @kristy.halvorsen

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🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe so you never miss a new one!

📩 Grab your FREE Solo Resource for Women 40+ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📅 Ready to plan your trip with support? Book a free planning call → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🌍 Follow along for more solo travel tips, destination inspiration, and real talk about traveling confidently:

Instagram & Facebook & Pinterest: @traveltheworldconfidently | TikTok: @angelaagranoff

📖 Read the blog → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✈️

Have you ever checked into a hotel and immediately felt like your vacation had officially begun?

A good hotel can be more than just a place to sleep. In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, I’m talking about what I enjoy about staying in hotels, from familiar chains to boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts. I also share a few memorable stays, including a charming B&B in Savannah and a Wichita hotel with a hidden room.

🎙️ In this episode, I talk about:

• Choosing accommodations that match your preferences
• Hotel amenities and personal touches that make a stay special
• Asking for a quiet room or anything else you need
• Communicating with hotel staff when you need help
• Feeling comfortable in a hotel when traveling solo
• Enjoying your accommodations as part of the vacation

You don’t need to book the most luxurious room to have a memorable stay. Choose a place that helps you feel comfortable, and allow yourself to enjoy the hotel as part of your travel experience.

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🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe so you never miss a new one!

📩 Grab your FREE Solo Resource for Women 40+ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📅 Ready to plan your trip with support? Book a free planning call → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🌍 Follow along for more solo travel tips, destination inspiration, and real talk about traveling confidently:

Instagram & Facebook & Pinterest: @traveltheworldconfidently | TikTok: @angelaagranoff

📖 Read the blog → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✈️

Do you want to travel solo someday, but aren't quite ready to take that first trip completely on your own?

Group travel can be a great way to start building the skills and confidence you need while still having the comfort of traveling with others.

In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, I'm joined again by Alyssa to talk about the benefits of group travel and why it doesn't have to be an either/or choice between traveling with a group and traveling solo.

We talk about how group trips can take some of the pressure off planning, give you the opportunity to meet new people, and help you become more comfortable navigating unfamiliar destinations. We also discuss what it's like to join a trip when you don't know anyone else, how to find the right group for you, and how these experiences can help prepare you for more independent travel.

Alyssa also shares her experience leading group trips and what she's learned from watching women travel together.

🎙️ In this episode, we talk about:

• Why group travel can be a good stepping stone toward solo travel
• What it's like to join a group when you don't know anyone
• How traveling with a group can build confidence and independence
• The benefits of having someone else handle some of the planning
• Meeting and connecting with other travelers
• How to decide if a particular group trip is right for you
• What Alyssa has learned from leading her own group trips
• Taking what you learn from group travel into a future solo adventure

You don't have to go from waiting for someone to travel with you to booking a completely independent solo trip overnight. Group travel may be one way to start seeing the places you've been dreaming about while building your confidence along the way.

💬 Connect with Alyssa Nogaski:

• Website: ⁠www.sologirlwanders.com⁠
• Facebook and Instagram: @SoloGirlWanders

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🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe so you never miss a new one!

📩 Grab your FREE Solo Resource for Women 40+ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📅 Ready to plan your trip with support? Book a free planning call → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🌍 Follow along for more solo travel tips, destination inspiration, and real talk about traveling confidently:

Instagram & Facebook & Pinterest: @traveltheworldconfidently | TikTok: @angelaagranoff

📖 Read the blog → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✈️

Do you have places you want to visit but keep waiting for someone to go with you? Maybe your spouse isn't interested, your friends can't get away, or everyone's schedules never seem to line up.

You don't have to give up on the places you want to see just because you don't have a travel companion. And you don't have to start with a huge solo trip either.

🎙️ In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why we often wait for someone else before making travel plans
• How to decide if you're waiting for someone, or simply putting off the trip
• Why traveling solo doesn't mean you have to be alone
• Simple ways to start small and build your confidence
• How solo travel gives you more freedom over where, when, and how you travel
• Ways to include tours, activities, and other travelers in a solo trip
• One small step you can take toward a trip you've been putting off

If you've been saying, “I'd love to go, but I don't have anyone to travel with,” this episode will help you look at what's possible when you stop waiting and start taking small steps toward traveling on your own.

Ready to start planning your own solo adventure? Download my free Solo Starter Travel Kit for practical tips and resources to help you travel with more confidence.

Related Posts to help planning:

40 Fun Solo Date Night Ideas

Is Solo Travel Lonely? Here’s What It’s Really Like

22 Tips & Tricks For Your First Time Traveling Alone

How to Meet People While Traveling Solo

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🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe so you never miss a new one!

📩 Grab your FREE Solo Resource for Women 40+ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📅 Ready to plan your trip with support? Book a free planning call → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🌍 Follow along for more solo travel tips, destination inspiration, and real talk about traveling confidently:Instagram & Facebook & Pinterest: @traveltheworldconfidently | TikTok: @angelaagranoff

📖 Read the blog → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✈️

What if buying a one-way ticket wasn't about having no plan, but about learning to trust yourself?

In this episode, I'm joined again by Robin Finney to talk about how one-way tickets changed the way she approaches travel and life. Robin shares why letting go of rigid plans has given her more freedom, confidence, and unforgettable experiences around the world.

We also discuss the balance between planning ahead and staying flexible, how unexpected travel challenges can become some of your best memories, and why confidence isn't something you have before you leave; it's something you build along the way.

If uncertainty has ever held you back from traveling, this conversation will encourage you to take the next step, even if you don't have every detail figured out.

🎙️In this episode, we talk about:

• Why Robin started buying one-way tickets
• The difference between being prepared and overplanning
• How unexpected travel experiences can become your favorite memories
• Practical tips for staying flexible while traveling
• How travel builds confidence and resilience
• Simple ways to become more comfortable with uncertainty
• Why taking small solo adventures can prepare you for bigger ones

Whether you're planning your first solo trip or simply trying to trust yourself more, I think you'll find encouragement in Robin's thoughtful approach to travel and to life.

Connect with Robin:

WEBSITE: ⁠⁠Wandering Aunt

INSTAGRAM: @wanderingaunt

Subscribe for weekly solo travel tips, destination inspiration, and confidence-building strategies for women who want to travel on their own.

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🎁 FREE Solo Travel Starter Kit for Women 40+ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📖 Read More Solo Travel Tips: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🌍 Follow Travel the World Confidently

Instagram: @traveltheworldconfidently

Facebook: @traveltheworldconfidently

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Have you ever worried that you'll be the only woman eating alone at a restaurant or exploring a destination by yourself as a solo traveler?

During a visit to Denver's historic Buckhorn Exchange, I noticed something that completely changed my perspective.

In just a short time, I watched four women confidently arrive on their own to enjoy the restaurant. It reminded me that solo women travelers are everywhere. We just don't always notice them.

In this episode, I'm sharing why that simple observation felt like an important reminder, how our perspective changes once we start looking, and why you may be far less alone than you think. If you've been waiting for the confidence to take your first solo trip, this episode is a reminder that you're joining a community of women who are already out there exploring the world.

🎙️ In this episode, I share:

• The unexpected lesson I learned at Denver's Buckhorn Exchange
• Why we often think we're the only woman traveling alone
• How changing your perspective can build confidence
• A simple challenge to help you see solo travelers in a whole new way

Whether you're planning your first solo adventure or have already fallen in love with traveling on your own, I hope this episode encourages you.

Subscribe for weekly solo travel tips, destination inspiration, and confidence-building strategies for women who want to travel on their own.

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🎁 FREE Solo Travel Starter Kit for Women 40+ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📖 Read More Solo Travel Tips: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

🌍 Follow Travel the World Confidently

Instagram: @traveltheworldconfidently

Facebook: @traveltheworldconfidently

Pinterest: @traveltheworldconfidently

TikTok: @angelaagranoff

Have you ever wondered what it's like to travel across the United States by train?

In this episode, I'm joined by freelance travel and food writer Malia Yoshioka, who is on a mission to visit every Amtrak-served state. She shares what she's learned after spending countless hours exploring the country by rail and why train travel offers a completely different experience than flying or driving.

We talk about how the Amtrak USA Rail Pass works, what it's really like spending multiple days on a train, and why rail travel can be a surprisingly relaxing way to explore the country.

Whether you're considering your very first train trip or simply looking for a slower, more scenic way to travel, Malia shares practical tips to help you feel more confident before you book.

🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:

• Why train travel can be less stressful than flying
• How the Amtrak USA Rail Pass works
• What it's like on overnight train routes
• Comfortable seating, baggage, and dining onboard
• How to sleep on long-distance trains
• The best scenic routes for first-time train travelers
• Why train stations are often easier to navigate than airports
• The unexpected friendships you can make along the way

If you've been looking for a new way to experience the USA, this episode might inspire your next adventure.

More Amtrak insights from Malia:

• https://shoyusugar.com/amtrak-train-travel/
• https://shoyusugar.com/amtrak-faqs/
• https://shoyusugar.com/amtrak-packing-list/

💬 Connect with Malia Here:

• Website: www.ShoyuSugar.com
• Instagram: @MaliaYoshioka
• Facebook Group: Savor The Journey

Subscribe for weekly solo travel tips, destination inspiration, and confidence-building strategies for women who want to travel on their own.

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🎁 FREE Solo Travel Starter Kit for Women 40+ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

📖 Read More Solo Travel Tips: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠

🌍 Follow Travel the World Confidently

Instagram: @traveltheworldconfidently

Facebook: @traveltheworldconfidently

Pinterest: @traveltheworldconfidently

TikTok: @angelaagranoff

One of the biggest questions women ask before taking a solo trip is, "Should I talk to strangers while traveling alone?"

The answer isn't simply yes or no.

In this episode, I share how I approach meeting people while traveling solo, the boundaries I set, and why trusting your instincts is one of the best travel skills you can develop.

🎙️In this episode, we'll cover:

• Why you don't have to meet people to enjoy solo travel
• Easy ways to naturally meet locals and other travelers
• How to stay safe while still enjoying conversations
• The personal boundaries I use when traveling alone
• Why quality conversations matter more than quantity

Whether you're an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between, solo travel gives you the freedom to decide how social you want to be. My hope is that this episode helps you feel more confident creating a trip that feels right for you.

If this episode encourages you, I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves to travel.

Happy travels, and remember—you don't have to travel perfectly to travel confidently.

Subscribe for weekly solo travel tips, destination inspiration, and confidence-building strategies for women who want to travel on their own.

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🎁 FREE Solo Travel Starter Kit for Women 40+ ⁠⁠⁠https://traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠⁠

📖 Read More Solo Travel Tips: ⁠⁠⁠https://traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠

🌍 Follow Travel the World Confidently

Instagram: @traveltheworldconfidently

Facebook: @traveltheworldconfidently

Pinterest: @traveltheworldconfidently

TikTok: @angelaagranoff

Have you ever noticed that you feel perfectly fine during your vacation… only to come home with a sore throat or cold a few days later?

You're not alone. After another recent trip left me feeling under the weather, I started paying closer attention to the habits that may help me stay healthier while traveling. In this episode, I'm sharing what I've learned, what I already do, what I forgot on this trip, and the simple changes I plan to make before my next adventure.

We'll talk about why travel can put extra stress on our immune system, practical ways to reduce your chances of getting sick, and realistic strategies that don't require giving up the joy of travel.

🎙️In this episode, we'll cover:

• Why so many travelers get sick at the end of a trip or after they return home

• The role sleep, hydration, nutrition, and stress play in your immune health

• Healthy habits to practice before, during, and after your trip

• What to pack in your travel health kit

• Whether products like zinc, vitamin C, hand sanitizer, saline nasal spray, and masks are worth considering

• The small changes I'm making after noticing a pattern in my own travels

While none of us can avoid every virus we encounter, we can take simple steps to give our bodies the best chance to stay healthy. I hope that these ideas help you spend less time recovering at home and more time enjoying the adventures you've worked so hard to take.

If this episode encourages you, I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves to travel.

Happy travels, and remember—you don't have to travel perfectly to travel confidently.

Subscribe for weekly solo travel tips, destination inspiration, and confidence-building strategies for women who want to travel on their own.

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🎁 FREE Solo Travel Starter Kit for Women 40+ ⁠⁠https://traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠

📖 Read More Solo Travel Tips: ⁠⁠https://traveltheworldconfidently.com⁠⁠

🌍 Follow Travel the World Confidently

Instagram: @traveltheworldconfidently

Facebook: @traveltheworldconfidently

Pinterest: @traveltheworldconfidently

TikTok: @angelaagranoff