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

Protect yourself from travel scams this summer with practical tips and real-life stories that will empower you to travel safely and confidently. Have you ever found yourself in a foreign city, unsure if the cab you're about to get into is legitimate? Join me as I recount my own experiences with booking scams and fake taxis, sharing the red flags to watch out for, like unexpected payment deman...

Ever wondered how to transform your long-haul flight into a serene, hassle-free experience? Discover my personal flight essentials that will make your journey comfortable and stress-free. From a versatile men's overnight satchel bag from Target to an eye mask and earplugs for uninterrupted sleep, I reveal my must-have in-flight items. Learn how compression socks can boost your circulation, an...

Unlock the secrets to making your travels more thrilling and unforgettable, even if you love detailed itineraries! Through a mix of personal anecdotes and expert advice, Cheryl explores everything from last-minute road trips to surprise vacations planned by companies like Pack Up and Go, Surprise Me Trips, and Journee. You’ll learn practical tips to strike a perfect balance between planning and em...

What if you could transform a rigid, anxiety-filled life into one of peace and spontaneity? Join us as we sit down with Monique Giroux, a former corporate executive who left behind the financial world to embrace the life of a spiritual nomad. Monique's journey began with a life-changing retreat in Bali and led her to adopt practices like yoga, meditation, and forest therapy. During our conver...

Are you ready to learn how to handle disappointing accommodations and what to do if you find yourself in an awful lodging situation? Join me on this episode where I share personal stories and practical advice on navigating less-than-ideal bookings. Discover how I managed a sweltering night in Belize without air conditioning, and why staying adaptable and open-minded can turn an inconvenient situat...

Have you ever felt the thrill of conquering a fear, turning it into your most cherished strength? That's the transition I underwent when I embarked on my solo travel escapades, and it's a transformation I'm excited to guide you through in our latest podcast episode. Traveling alone can be daunting; it stirs up anxieties and fears that many of us would rather avoid. But what if the k...

Ever felt the thrill of booking a trip that's just for you, one that sets your spirit alight with anticipation?  As the summer beckons with its siren call of vacations and getaways, I share my personal tale of seizing the moment to plan a rejuvenating July weekend escape. I'm also extending an invitation to sister travelers who've explored trendy destinations from Japan to Botswana,...

Ever found yourself crammed in a car, the scent of snacks mingling with the unmistakable whiff of 'adventure-gone-awry', as you hurtle towards a holiday hotspot with no room booked? That's exactly what happened to us on our uproarious excursion to Niagara Falls - a perfect case study in what not to do during the summer rush! Buckle up for this episode where I spill the beans on our...

Discover the art of crafting your own safe passage through the world's wonders, as I bring to light the subjective reality of safety and the power of trusting your instincts. Through tales of personal experiences and the shared wisdom from seasoned travelers, this episode is a beacon for anyone seeking to find their own comfort level in destinations near and far. Join us as we chart a course...

Venture into the world of nomadic living with Kate Evans, a true maestro of house sitting, who gracefully shares her tapestry of travel tales and the savvy behind her cost-effective lifestyle. Her story, reminiscent of Pippi Longstocking's whimsical adventures, unfolds to reveal a serendipitous discovery that transformed her globetrotting dreams into reality. As Kate guides us through the art...

Embark with me, Cheryl Esch, on a journey into the heart of solo travel, where the final touches before departure become the keystones of a stress-free trip. We're not just talking passport checks and visa verifications; we delve into the realm of home front harmony—from pet care plans to bill management—ensuring that the only thing you need to focus on while away is the adventure at hand. As...

Ever found yourself buying your own birthday cake because life's whirlwind left your special day as an afterthought? I've been there, and let me tell you, it sparked a personal revolution. On this journey through my birthday philosophy, rooted deeply in cherished family traditions and the zest for marking each year with something unforgettable, I share how I transformed my neglected birt...

Have you ever found yourself wrestling a suitcase zipper, trying to squeeze in just one more "just in case" item? It's a common scenario, but not an inevitable one. As your guide through the labyrinth of luggage woes, I am here to equip you with strategies for packing that won't lead to an overstuffed bag or a stressed-out traveler. This episode is a must-listen for anyone look...

Have you ever been tempted to reach for your credit card to fund that dream trip, rationalizing that it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Join me, Cheryl Esch, as I recount the personal toll that such decisions can have on our wallets and well-being. I open up about my own battle with the desire to splurge on travel now and worry about the costs later, and the sobering reality of debt that c...

Have you ever imagined swapping your daily routine for an endless adventure around the globe? Julie Fenn did more than just daydream; she waved goodbye to her work life and embarked on a solo journey that has taken her from the familiarity of Ontario to the unknowns of international locales. Today, I'm thrilled to have her share her tales and tips with us. From how she transformed her childho...

Prepare to be dazzled by the cosmic ballet, as we share tips on witnessing the full solar eclipse without breaking the bank! On April 8th, an astronomical event unfolds over North America, one that won't repeat until 2044, and we've got the scoop on the best spots to catch it all, from the serene Canadian landscapes to the vibrant Mexican vistas. I'll guide you through snagging thos...

Ever felt lost at sea with online travel reviews? I'm Cheryl Esch, your solo travel mentor, and I've been there. But fear not! In this auditory adventure, I unpack the secrets to not just surviving but thriving in the world of travel feedback. With my four golden tips, you'll learn to harness the power of reviews and transform them into an invaluable compass for your solo travels. ...

Guest Nora Livingstone is the co-founder of Animal Experience International, an award winning B Corp that helps animal lovers visit and participate in safe, ethical and authentically beneficial conservation programs. Coining the term: Consent Based Travel she understands the importance of ethics in all interactions- both when we are at home and abroad. Through AEI, Nora has sent more than a thousa...

You have begun planning a solo trip and share where you are going with a friend and now they want to join you. How do you respond? What should you say that won't hurt your friend's feelings or make you feel guilty or regret your decision? Support the show https://www.cherylbeckesch.com hello@cherylbeckesch.com Instagram @solotraveladventures50

We often think nothing of requesting an Uber or rideshare car these days. When I was growing up, we were warned to never get into a car with a stranger. Yet we do it all the time as a means of transportation, especially when traveling. Could we use some extra cautious steps to feel safer? YES. Here are 8 tips to ensure a safer ride. 1) Book your request through the app and make sure no one is arou...

We all want to be efficient in our packing. But are packing cubes the answer? Packing cubes are typically nylon or polyester material, rectangular bags with a zipper and mesh portion to let air out. They are helpful to: 1) Organize your clothes 2) Prevent wrinkles 3) Condense your packing area by 5-10% 4) Keeps clean clothes separate from dirty clothes TIP: Always take 1-2 empty packing cubes for...

Are you a foodie? Do you like to experience the authentic cuisine of the country where you are traveling? Annie Sim, CEO of The Table Less Traveled, is bringing an intimate concept of food and travel together. With culinary exploration at the heart of their travel experiences, Annie Sim labels herself the CEO — Chief Eating Officer — of The Table Less Traveled. Her love affair with travel began at...

Many women have expressed to me how they struggle with the courage to go on a solo trip. "Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear" Theodore Roosevelt. Three Tactics to Develop Courage and Push past your fears. 1) Take action 2) Face your fears-big and small 3) Do something that scares you every week to develop the muscl...

Being sick is no fun. But being sick in a foreign country away from the comforts of your home can feel worse. Staying healthy while traveling actually begins beforehand by building up your immune system. 1) Reduce your stress 2) Make sure you are well rested beforehand and get adequate sleep while traveling too. 3) Hydrate- before and during your trip, especially if you will be consuming alcohol....

Safety as a solo traveling woman should always be on our minds, even during the planning stages. In Episode 12, I offer 10 Safe countries that are safe for solo female travelers. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048349/12058242 Consider these 3 criteria before picking a destination, especially as a new solo traveler. 1) Go to a place where they speak your native language. You will have one less barrier...