Travel the World Confidently - Solo Travel for Women Over 40

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

Ready to feel inspired by the power of nature and community?

In this episode, I chat with Lauren Hosteller, founder of Moe Mountains—a women’s hiking and backpacking tour group. Lauren shares how her love of the outdoors became a business that empowers women to explore, connect, and build confidence on the trail.

💬 In this episode, we talk about:

• How Moe Mountains began and what inspired Lauren to lead women’s backpacking trips

• The unique benefits of solo travel—especially for women

• Safety tips, preparation strategies, and confidence-building in outdoor adventures

• The impact of creating a supportive, encouraging travel community

• Lauren’s favorite trip of the season (hint: it involved women over 50!)

• Her must-have camping gadgets and gear favorites

• Why outdoor experiences help women push past fear and build lasting friendships

Whether you’re curious about hiking, group travel, or just want to hear from two women who love empowering others through adventure—this episode is for you.

Connect with Lauren:

Website: https://moe-mountains.my.canva.site/

Facebook: Moe Mountains

Instagram: Moe Mountains

In this episode of Travel the World Confidently, I chat with Laura Zurowski about her creative and inspiring project, Missteps: Our Missed Connections with Pittsburgh City Steps.

What began as a simple curiosity about the city's staircases turned into a meaningful journey of exploration, community, and storytelling.

Whether you’re traveling far or taking a walk through your own city, this episode reminds us that confidence grows when we slow down, stay curious, and pay attention to the world around us.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Laura’s step-by-step exploration turned into a book and guided tours
• The beauty of discovering new places in your own city
• Why getting out of your comfort zone builds confidence
• Tips for staying prepared and present while exploring
• The value of documenting your travel and local adventures
• How solo or small-group adventures can be just as powerful as big trips

You can connect with Laura:

Website: Mis.Steps.com

Instagram: @mis.steps.

In this fun and inspiring episode, I chat with Jillian—a solo traveler, concert lover, and life & health coach—about how she confidently planned and enjoyed a trip to see her favorite artist on her own.

We talk about the joy of doing what you want on a trip, making new connections while traveling solo, and why solo doesn’t mean lonely.

Jillian also shares real-life tips on how to eat well while on the go and how to plan ahead so you feel your best.

You can connect with Jillian Scott, a certified, trauma-informed life and health coach, author, speaker, and podcaster on her website Body You Crave:

https://www.bodyyoucrave.com/

In this episode, my guest Gabrielle Crichlow shares her honest and uplifting experiences with solo dining while traveling alone—from navigating unfamiliar restaurants to savoring new flavors with confidence.

We talk about the real stuff:

🍽️ How to feel safe and comfortable when dining solo

🌍 Trying local cuisine vs. sticking to familiar foods

💬 Personal stories from trips that sparked growth and connection

✨ How solo travel (and eating alone!) can boost your confidence and cultural curiosity

Whether you're new to solo travel or already love flying solo, this episode will inspire you to pull up a chair, order something delicious, and fully enjoy the moment—no company required.

You can connect with Gabrielle at:

- AStepAheadTutoringServices.com

Does planning a trip ever feel more overwhelming than exciting?

You're not alone—and it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, we're flipping the script on stressful planning and turning it into something you actually look forward to.

I’ll share simple mindset shifts and creative ideas to help you reconnect with the joy of dreaming up your next getaway—before you even book a thing.

Whether you're a solo traveler, planning a couple's trip, or organizing something for the whole family, this episode will help you start from a place of confidence and clarity.

🎧 Tune in to:

• Discover why trip planning often feels heavy—and how to change that

• Learn 5 ways to make your planning process feel more creative and fun

• Get inspired to start dreaming again (without opening 25 browser tabs)

✨ Ready to feel excited—not stressed—about your next adventure?

🎁 Grab my free Make Travel Planning Fun Again printable to help you organize your ideas, set your intentions, and start planning with confidence:

In this episode, I talk with Moira Mills. She and her son travel together while homeschooling. She writes about and teaches other parents how to "Deschool."

We talk about:

• Homeschooling Style That Fits Travel
• House Sitting Creates Educational Opportunities
• Creating a Flexible Home School Schedule While Traveling
• Using Local Resources for Learning
• Travel Tips While Traveling on the Road

You can connect with Moira at:

• Substack blog: https://substack.com/@moiramills
• Website: https://moiramills.com/

Seasickness on a Cruise? Remedies That Actually Help!

In this episode, I’m talking all about seasickness—what it is, what it feels like, and most importantly, what you can do to prevent it. Whether you’ve felt queasy on a cruise before or you’re nervous about it happening on your first trip, I’m sharing tips that can help you. From natural remedies and over-the-counter options to tricks like cabin location and what to eat (or avoid), I’ve got you covered. Don’t let seasickness steal your vacation joy—tune in and feel more confident before you even set sail! 🚢✨

Read more about seasickness and cruising on my site: Travel the World Confidently