In this groundbreaking episode of Untethered and Wanderwise, hosts Heide Brandes and Nicky Omohundro reveal why women over 45 are becoming the driving force behind the adventure tourism revolution, sharing shocking statistics like how 81% of solo female travelers are over 45 and women over 65 increased their solo travel from 4% to 18% in just three years. 

Listeners will discover the psychology behind why hitting your forties and fifties triggers a powerful shift in adventure appetite, hear real stories of midlife women conquering white water rafting, wild caving, skydiving, and ice climbing, and learn practical safety advice for starting their own adventure journey regardless of current fitness level or experience. 

 This episode explores why the $1.6 trillion adventure tourism industry is being transformed by women who refuse to let age define their limits, offering inspiration and actionable guidance for anyone ready to trade their comfort zone for life-changing adventures and redefine what's possible after 45. 

 #UntetheredAndWanderwise #AdventureTravelPodcast #SoloFemaleTravel #WomenOver45 #MidlifeAdventures #AdventureTourism #SoloTravelTips #WomenEmpowerment #AdventureTravel #TravelPodcast #SoloTravelPodcast #WomenTravelers #AdventurousFemales #MidlifeTravel #TravelAfter40 #WomenOverFifty #ExtremeTravel #AdventureSafety #SoloAdventures #TravelInspiration #WomenWhoWander #AdventurePlanning #MidlifeEmpowerment #TravelStatistics #AdventureStories #WomenInAdventure #TravelCommunity #SoloJourney #AdventureGoals #TravelMotivation 

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What happens when you celebrate your 50th birthday by eating guinea pig and conquering one of the world's seven wonders?

Join hosts Heide and Nicky on Untethered and Wander Wise as they share their incredible Machu Picchu journey – proving your most epic adventures happen AFTER 45, not before.

Why This Episode Will Change How You Think About Travel:

🏔️ The emotional moment that brought tears at 8,000 feet above sea level
🚂 Insider secrets for booking tickets, choosing circuits, and avoiding tourist traps
🦙 Honest talk about altitude sickness, bathroom strategies, and unexpected side effects
🍽️ The guinea pig story you won't believe (complete with head-on presentation!)
✈️ Real costs and practical tips for the $1,500 adventure of a lifetime

Perfect For:

• Women over 45 who think adventure days are behind them
• Anyone planning a Machu Picchu trip (booking mistakes could cost you!)
• Solo female travelers seeking inspiration and practical advice
• Bucket list dreamers ready to turn "someday" into "this year"

What You'll Learn:

• Why you MUST book Machu Picchu tickets months in advance
• The secret ticket that gets you away from crowds
• How to handle altitude sickness like a pro
• The circuit system that could make or break your visit
• Why the train route is perfect for non-trekkers
• Essential packing tips and cultural insights

This isn't just a travel story – it's proof that age is just a number and your most transformative adventures are still ahead of you.

Listen now and discover why standing where ancient spirits still live might change your relationship with what's possible.

Machu Picchu travel guide, female travel over 45, Peru adventure, altitude sickness tips, Sacred Valley, women's travel podcast, midlife adventures, bucket list travel

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Nicky and Heide give their review of the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica adults-only luxury resort in Los Cabos. From fine dining and top-notch spa experiences to day trips to one of Mexico's "Magical towns," the resort far exceeded any expectations. Perfect for a girls' getaway or a romantic escape, see what you can expect from this premium resort.

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Ready to trade crowded tourist traps for authentic cultural connections? In this episode, we sit down with Diana Ditto, VP of Product Marketing and Growth Strategies at Collette Tours—North America's longest-running tour operator with 107 years of experience—to discover why small group travel is revolutionizing how women over 45 explore the world.

Diana reveals the hottest destinations for 2025 and 2026, from the dramatic desert safaris of Namibia to the authentic Greek islands of Crete and Naxos, and the emerging cultural gems of the Balkans. But this isn't just about where to go—it's about how to travel meaningfully.

What You'll Discover:

• Why 18 is the magic number for small group tours and how it creates lifelong friendships
• How to experience authentic local culture through women's co-ops, home-hosted meals, and meaningful conversations about real life
• The surprising safety advantages of group travel for solo female travelers in destinations like Africa and the Middle East
• Why shoulder season travel offers better experiences, lower costs, and authentic local encounters
• How guided tours eliminate the stress of trip planning while still offering plenty of freedom to explore

Perfect for listeners who:

• Want to explore intimidating destinations safely and confidently
• Are tired of planning every detail of their trips
• Seek deeper cultural connections beyond typical tourist experiences
• Are ready to venture beyond Europe to places like South America, Africa, and the Balkans
• Want to meet like-minded adventurous women and form lasting travel friendships

Diana shares candid insights about everything from walking through Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope to learning tango in Buenos Aires dive bars, proving that the best adventures happen when you step outside your comfort zone—with the right support system.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler looking for your next challenge or someone ready to take that first big leap into group travel, this episode will inspire you to book that trip you've been dreaming about.

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Join host Nicky Omohundro as she welcomes travel expert Jenn Coleman of Coleman Concierge to the Untethered and Wanderwise podcast. In this episode, Jenn shares how she and Nicky transformed a recent business trip to Las Vegas into an unforgettable girls' getaway packed with extraordinary experiences. Discover the inside scoop on seeing Dead and Company at the revolutionary Sphere venue (with tips from Jenn's popular MSN article), soaring over the neon-lit Strip in a nighttime helicopter tour, and enjoying the glamorous Dita Von Teese Burlesque show at the Venetian.

Beyond their recent adventure, Jenn reveals insights from her previous Vegas explorations, including the mind-bending Meow Wolf experience. Whether you're a business traveler looking to maximize your time in Sin City or planning a dedicated vacation, this episode delivers practical advice on scoring great show tickets, booking the right excursions, finding late-night dining deals, and creating the perfect work-play balance in a city known for excess. Learn how two Gen X travel experts approach Vegas with an eye for transformational experiences while staying true to their values of sustainable and ethical tourism. It's everything you need to know about making the most of Las Vegas—no matter what brings you there!

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Join hosts Heide Brandes and Nicky Omohundro as they discuss why America's National Parks offer the perfect adventure for women in midlife. This episode covers trending parks for 2025, practical tips for planning visits during off-seasons, and insights on accommodations ranging from traditional camping to luxury glamping. 

The hosts share their personal favorite parks—from Yosemite's majestic waterfalls to Grand Teton's dramatic peaks—while highlighting the unique perspective that life experience brings to these natural treasures. 

With this being National Park Week  (April 19-27), this conversation provides timely inspiration for women seeking adventure, peace, and connection with nature, regardless of their outdoor experience level.

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Join hosts Nicky Omohundro and Heide Brandes as they interview Andrew Jernigan, co-founder and CEO of Insured Nomads, about navigating international travel in today's complex political landscape. Andrew shares crucial safety tips for travelers in 2025, from digital privacy precautions and insurance essentials to managing cross-border tensions. 

Learn about innovative travel protection technology, the importance of sharing your itinerary with trusted contacts, and why—despite global uncertainties—Andrew still encourages everyone to "take that trip." This episode of Untethered and Wander Wise offers practical strategies to keep your journeys both enriching and secure in an increasingly unpredictable world.

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Join hosts Heide Brandes and Nicky Omohundro as they delve into the world of authentic solo travel experiences for midlife women. 

In this captivating episode, meet Anita Thomas - an award-winning travel show host who has visited an astounding 123 countries over her 13-year career as a Pan-American World Airways purser. Anita shares her journey from aviation professional to acclaimed broadcaster, revealing how she transforms destinations through the eyes and voices of locals who call these places home.

What you'll discover in this episode:

• How to connect authentically with locals while staying safe in unfamiliar places
• Practical travel safety tips specifically for women travelers
• Cultural awareness insights from decades of international exploration
• Budget-friendly travel strategies that maximize experiences
• The evolution of female solo travel and what different generations can learn from each other

Connect with Anita Thomas:

• Instagram: @AnitaAndFriends (Note: Anita spelled with two n's)
• Facebook: Anita Stokes Thomas
• Website: TravelWithAnita.com (with two n's in Anita)

Whether you're planning your first solo adventure or your 50th, Untethered and Wander Wise delivers the perfect blend of practical travel wisdom and inspiring stories that will fuel your wanderlust. Join our community of intrepid women travelers who prove that the best journeys begin when you're brave enough to travel untethered!

Follow Untethered and Wander Wise:

• Instagram: @untetheredwanderwise
• Facebook: Untethered and Wander Wise

Subscribe now to never miss an episode of this empowering travel podcast for midlife women explorers!

#WomenTravel #SoloTravel #MidlifeAdventure #FemaleExplorers #TravelOver45 #AuthenticTravel #WomenEmpowerment #TravelPodcast #CulturalExploration #TravelSafety

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Join hosts Heide Brandes and Nicky Omohundro as they explore an unexpected winter wonderland on this episode of Untethered and Wanderwise. Most travelers picture New Mexico as a desert landscape with adobe architecture, but our special guest Nicole Barker reveals the state's spectacular winter offerings that make it truly the Land of Enchantment during the colder months.

Nicole, a former photojournalist whose adventures have taken her from East Africa to New Zealand, moved to New Mexico in 2017 to work with Outside Magazine and fell in love with the state's wealth of outdoor activities. With her background in journalism and marketing experience in the ski travel industry, she shares insider knowledge on:

Episode Highlights:

• New Mexico's Surprising Ski Scene: Discover nine diverse ski resorts across the state, from small, charming operations to world-renowned Taos Valley
• Perfect for Beginners: Learn which resorts offer the best learning experiences for women trying skiing for the first time in their 40s, 50s, and beyond
• Beyond the Slopes: Explore unique winter activities including scenic gondola rides, zip lining, and cultural celebrations
• Cultural Experiences: Experience the magic of farolitos (paper bag lanterns) lighting walkways during holiday celebrations
• Culinary Delights: Indulge in green chile cheeseburgers, posole, blue corn enchiladas, and the Santa Fe Margarita Trail
• Wellness Retreats: Unwind at Japanese-inspired hot springs or participate in authentic sweat lodge ceremonies
• Budget-Friendly Options: Find affordable alternatives to traditional ski destinations with insider tips

Whether you're an avid skier looking for uncrowded slopes, a beginner seeking a welcoming environment to learn, or someone who prefers cultural experiences and relaxation, New Mexico offers a perfect winter escape that goes well beyond your typical ski vacation.

Listen now to discover why New Mexico should be your next winter destination!

Resources Mentioned:

• Ski New Mexico
• New Mexico Tourism

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @untetheredwanderwise
• Subscribe and leave a review to help other adventure-seeking women find us!

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This introspective journey with travel expert Pauline Frommer, President of Frommer Media, and Editorial Director of Frommer's Guidebooks, explores the transformative power of meaningful travel for women in their prime. Through personal stories, expert insights, and practical wisdom, Pauline shares how women over 45 can create profound travel experiences that honor their accumulated wisdom while opening new chapters of discovery.

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