Cobblestones and Castles

Between 1563 and 1736, Scotland executed more accused witches per capita than anywhere else in Europe. 84% of them were women. But this isn't just dark history, these are women's stories that matter deeply to how we travel today. In this episode, I'm sharing why our October 2026 Scotland trip, Spellbound in Scotland, is built around witch history. We're not just visiting beautiful castles and drin...

This episode is a little spicy. I'm talking about something most travel advisors avoid: travel is political, and pretending it's not does everyone a disservice. As Americans travel abroad right now, I'm hearing questions like "Will other countries accept us?" and "Is it safe to travel?" But I'm also seeing American travelers show up with entitlement, wearing MAGA hats in French restaurants, and re...

Even travelers who spend months planning their trip to Ireland often come home feeling rushed, overwhelmed, and as if they missed something. In this episode, Sarah breaks down three common planning missteps that quietly derail an Ireland experience and explains why Ireland requires a very different approach than most people expect. This episode offers perspective, not itineraries, and sets the sta...

As the year comes to a close, this episode is a reflection on how the way we travel evolves as we do. In this conversation, I’m sharing the travel habits, expectations, and patterns I’m leaving behind and the kind of travel I’m choosing instead. In this episode, we explore: • Travel habits that no longer fit this season of life • Letting go of rushing, pressure, and checking boxes • Why slower and...

The podcast episode discusses the importance of mindset in travel and personal experiences, emphasizing the impact of mindset on handling travel mishaps and personal challenges. It also explores the role of mindset in solo travel and the significance of journaling for regulating emotions and maintaining a positive mindset. Takeaways Mindset plays a crucial role in shaping travel experiences and ha...

This is the real story of my first solo trip at 50 the one where fear tried hard to keep me in my hotel room and I almost let it. I’m walking you through every messy honest moment from standing in Charles De Gaulle trying not to cry to wobbling on a crowded train to Paris to finally sitting with a glass of wine staring at the Eiffel Tower wondering how on earth I got myself there. You’ll hear • Ho...

Solo travel is more than beautiful photos and highlight reels. In this episode, Sarah shares why Ireland is one of the best destinations for a first solo international trip, especially for women who want to feel safe, supported, and confident without being overwhelmed. Inspired by the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection 2026 report featured in Forbes, this episode examines what makes Ireland a we...

In this episode, I’m sharing the real story behind why I started this podcast and how travel became such a defining part of my life. As a pilot’s wife whose partner doesn’t love to travel, I had to learn how to take trips on my own. That experience changed everything for me. I talk about how I ended up traveling without my husband, what it was like taking my kids on trips solo, and how that eventu...

In this trailer, I’m sharing the heart behind Cobblestones and Castles, why I travel, what inspires this show, and what you can expect each week. If you’re a woman who loves history, culture, meaningful connections, and the idea of traveling solo within a supportive group, you’ll feel right at home here. Let’s explore the world together.