Solo Travel Adventures: Faith-Rooted Intentional Travel for Christian Women Over 50

What would drive a woman to sell everything she owns and travel halfway around the world alone? For Tess Millhollon, it was the need to reclaim her sense of self after surviving sexual assault in college. In this powerful episode, she shares how seven months of solo travel in Australia became a turning point in her healing journey. What began as escape became transformation. From taking a spontane...

Is solo travel really unsafe… lonely… or selfish? Many women over 50 hesitate to travel alone because of persistent myths and well-meaning warnings from others. In this episode, Cheryl challenges the most common misconceptions that keep women sidelined from one of the most empowering experiences of their lives. Because the biggest barrier often isn’t the world—it’s the story we’ve been told about...

Perimenopause doesn’t mean your travel days are over—but it may mean you need a smarter strategy. Hot flashes, night sweats, and unpredictable temperature shifts can make even the most beautiful destinations feel uncomfortable without preparation. In this episode, Cheryl shares practical, real-world strategies to help women navigate travel confidently during hormonal transitions. Because this seas...

Craving adventure—but not the airports, high prices, or complicated planning? A solo road trip might be the simplest, most freeing way to travel this summer. In this episode, Cheryl shares how hitting the open road—whether for a day, a weekend, or a full week—can build confidence, flexibility, and unexpected joy. Because sometimes freedom is just a full tank of gas away. In This Episode: How to ch...

No flights booked. No big vacation countdown. Just an empty summer calendar. If you’re feeling behind because you don’t have travel plans this season, take a breath. A meaningful summer doesn’t require expensive airfare or months of preparation. In this episode, Cheryl shares three practical, flexible ways to create memorable adventures—without leaving your region (or blowing your budget). Because...

Ever scroll through travel photos and wonder, How do people afford this? Here’s the truth: most travelers aren’t wealthy, sponsored, or living off social media income. They’re regular people who prioritize travel intentionally and fund it creatively. In this episode, Cheryl breaks down realistic, sustainable ways women afford travel—without going into debt or waiting for retirement. Because travel...

What kind of traveler are you—really? Do you stretch every dollar to travel longer? Prefer boutique hotels and comfort? Chase adrenaline? Or lose yourself in museums and history? In this episode, Cheryl explores six distinct travel personalities and helps you identify which style fits your season of life right now. Because when you travel in alignment with who you are, the experience becomes trans...

What do you do when life forces you to start over? After losing her job, her beloved dog, and her sense of stability in 2019, Allison Gonzalez made a bold decision: instead of rebuilding the same life, she chose the open road. In this episode, Cheryl sits down with Allison to explore how solo RV travel became her path to resilience, healing, and rediscovering herself after 50. Sometimes starting o...

What happens when you step into a landscape so vast and raw that it shifts your perspective instantly? In this episode, Cheryl shares her solo journey through Iceland—where volcanic plains meet glacier-topped mountains, black sand beaches stretch beside emerald farmland, and geothermal springs bubble through ancient lava fields. Iceland isn’t just visually dramatic.  It’s transformational. Traveli...

Have you ever been so overwhelmed—by grief, stress, or a messy middle season—that you just want to get away? Not to run from your life… but to breathe again. To heal. To hear God clearly. In this episode, Cheryl talks with Danielle Hebert , who went through a painful divorce after 32 years—and made an unexpected decision that changed everything: she moved to Kuwait for two years. If you’ve ever wo...

How to Avoid Tourist Traps: See Iconic Destinations Without the Crowds Ever look at those “places you must see before you die” lists and feel the pressure to go… but dread the crowds, high prices, and tourist chaos? In this episode, Cheryl shares simple ways to experience iconic destinations without getting pulled into the tourist-trap version of them. What’s Inside This Episode: • What “tourist t...

Planning a trip to Portugal? If you only have one day in Porto — what should you actually prioritize? In this episode, Cheryl shares her personal solo travel experience in Porto and the simple walking route that made the city unforgettable. From tiled churches to port wine to a sunset you’ll never forget — this is an easy, do-able day you can follow. Inside This Episode: • How to get from Lisbon t...

Are you a spreadsheet traveler… or a go-with-the-flow adventurer? The way you live your everyday life often shows up in how you travel. In this episode, Cheryl breaks down the real pros and cons of planning every detail versus leaving room for spontaneity — especially for solo travelers. Because there’s no “right” way. There’s only what helps you feel confident. What’s Inside This Episode: • The r...

Have you ever gotten so comfortable that you stopped paying attention? Cheryl shares a simple moment — an unzipped purse at lunch — that became a powerful reminder about financial safety while traveling. When you travel solo, protecting your money isn’t optional. It’s part of feeling confident. What’s Inside This Episode: • Why everyday habits can sabotage travel safety • The best types of anti-th...

Travel regulations are constantly evolving, with several significant changes coming in 2025 that will affect both domestic and international journeys. Understanding these new rules now will help you prepare and avoid unexpected complications during your future adventures. • The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) implementation has been delayed until late 2026 • An electro...

Do you stare at an empty suitcase the night before your trip, or struggle to zip one that's bursting at the seams? The chronic overpacker's dilemma is real, but there's a better way to prepare for your adventures. After years of streamlining my packing process, I've developed six game-changing strategies that transform chaotic last-minute packing into an organized system anyone...

Are you dreaming of taking a solo trip but feeling apprehensive? Join me as we delve into the inspiring journey of Leigh Barborek, who bravely faced her fears to travel solo to New Zealand for the very first time. From grappling with feelings of guilt and safety concerns to thrilling adventures and newfound independence, Leigh shares her heartfelt experiences and lessons learned.  In this episode,...

Why do people choose to travel solo? This captivating episode provides an in-depth look at the many facets of solo travel and the intrinsic motivations that draw people to explore the world on their own terms. The conversation dives into personal anecdotes, highlighting that the urge to journey alone often stems from the need for self-reflection, recharging, and embracing solitude. With engaging s...

Traveling with food allergies doesn't have to be a daunting experience. Join me, Cheryl Esch, as I share my personal journey and practical strategies for navigating the world with a host of dietary restrictions. Whether you're allergic to peanuts, soy, gluten, or dairy, learn how to conquer your fears and prepare for safe and enjoyable adventures. I'll guide you through the essentia...

Have you ever wondered how a single book could change your life trajectory? As someone who has been profoundly influenced by literature, I invite you to join me on an exploration of how books serve as a bridge between our dreams and reality. From the soulful journeys in "Eat Pray Love" and "Under the Tuscan Sun" to the rugged paths of "Wild," these stories are more th...

Facing the daunting headlines of plane crashes, I found myself pondering how to make solo travel less intimidating and more secure. Ever wondered how to travel with peace of mind, knowing you're prepared for any bump along the way? This episode promises to equip you with practical strategies to organize essential documents, utilizes tools like Google Docs to store critical information, and in...

Ever found yourself buried under a mountain of travel emails and confirmations, unsure of what’s what and where’s where? You're not alone. I'm here to share how I found my way through the chaos of planning a spontaneous trip to Florida. Discover the magic of apps like TripIt and Wanderlog that can effortlessly gather all your travel details into one streamlined itinerary. Imagine never h...

Imagine turning your next travel escape into a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. That's exactly what I, Cheryl Esch, aim to help you achieve in our latest episode. Having used travel as a means to cope with the pressures of my corporate career, I realized it could be so much more than just a temporary escape. We dive into the art of purposeful travel, focusing on how to identify...

Ever felt let down by a travel destination that didn't match the vibrant photos you saw online? You're not alone. I share my personal experience at Rainbow Mountain in Peru, where reality didn't quite live up to my expectations. Let's explore how setting realistic expectations and maintaining a sense of curiosity can transform these moments into opportunities for unexpected joy...

Ever wondered how to align your travel dreams with your life's current season or find the perfect destination for a soul-soothing solo journey? We promise that by the end of this episode, you'll not only have a clearer vision of your 2025 travel goals but also practical strategies to make them a reality. Celebrating the start of season three with our vibrant community, I reflect on my 20...