What kind of traveler are you at heart? Do you pinch pennies to extend your journey, or do you splurge on luxury experiences? Are you drawn to cultural immersion, or do you crave heart-pounding adventure?

We all have natural tendencies that shape our travel experiences, yet many of us try to force ourselves into travel styles that don't authentically reflect who we are. In this eye-opening exploration of travel personalities, we break down six distinct traveler types - from the budget-conscious backpacker to the comfort-seeking luxury traveler, the thrill-seeking adventurer to the history-loving cultural enthusiast, the unhurried slow traveler to the freedom-chasing road tripper.

Each travel style comes with recommended destinations and valuable resources to help you embrace your authentic travel self. The budget traveler might thrive in Thailand or Vietnam, utilizing apps like Going to score affordable flights. Luxury travelers might set their sights on Dubai or an upscale African safari. Adventure seekers could plan expeditions to Iceland's glaciers or Patagonia's rugged terrain, while cultural enthusiasts might immerse themselves in Italy's art scene or Scotland's rich history.

Your travel style isn't a fixed identity - it can evolve with life's seasons or adjust when traveling with companions. What matters most is recognizing and honoring your true preferences rather than forcing yourself to travel like someone else. When you align your journeys with your authentic self, travel becomes not just enjoyable but transformative.

Follow @solotraveladventures50 on Instagram to see how I incorporate budget-friendly local adventures into everyday life. Have questions about finding your travel style? Message me there or book a personal consultation to discover the traveler you're meant to be.

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GOING: Cheap Flight Deals

https://goingwith.me/6gsk6x5d

LUXURY TRAVEL MAGAZINE https://www.luxurytravelmagazine.com

GREETHER: https://greether.com Book local walking tours with a woman guide.

NOMAD LIFESTYLE: https://eatwalklearn.com

ROADTRIPS IN US: https://www.wonderbingtravel.com

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When life forces you to start over completely, what would you do? For Allison Gonzalez, a series of devastating blows in 2019—losing her job, the death of her beloved dog, and the onset of a global pandemic—became the unexpected catalyst for a transformative journey of self-discovery through solo RV travel.

Rather than continuing to push for conventional stability after selling her California home, Allison made a bold decision: "I'm just going to skip the house and travel." What began as a reaction to circumstances evolved into a four-year nomadic adventure through national parks, desert landscapes, and mountain terrain across America.

Throughout our conversation, Allison shares the profound lessons learned from living on the road—physical challenges that built resilience, safety concerns that demanded vigilance, and most significantly, the spiritual healing she discovered in nature. "I don't know how to explain it," she reflects about her time among the saguaro cacti and mountain vistas, "it fills your soul." This soul-filling connection became the tonic she needed while rebuilding her life after 50.

For women contemplating their own solo adventures in midlife, Allison offers wisdom from her journey: "Get out of your comfort zone even if it's just a little bit." She emphasizes that small steps build confidence for bigger adventures, while learning from mistakes makes you stronger. Perhaps most surprisingly from an independent traveler, she encourages others to "learn to trust...lean on them" when needed, finding that community support enhances rather than diminishes personal strength.

Whether you're facing your own life reset or simply dreaming of more adventure, this episode offers both practical insights and spiritual reflection on how starting over through travel can lead to discovering your most authentic self. Ready to find out what you're truly capable of? Listen now and be inspired to take that first step.

Follow Allison Gonzalez and her adventures:

https://allierambles.com

https://www.youtube.com@imallierambles

@allierambles

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The endless horizon stretches between volcanic plains and glacier-topped mountains as we journey through Iceland, a land where fire and ice create one of earth's most breathtaking natural canvases. What makes this Nordic island nation so remarkable isn't just its visual drama but how its landscapes become a powerful catalyst for personal healing and renewal.

My solo adventure through Iceland revealed a country of startling contrasts - snow-capped peaks beside dramatic coastlines, black sand beaches against emerald farmland, geothermal springs bubbling near ancient lava fields. This environmental diversity creates an almost otherworldly experience, like visiting multiple countries without ever crossing a border. Each vista offers a different perspective, making Iceland an ideal destination for those seeking nature's transformative power.

Traveling in April provided remarkable solitude, with empty roads and tourist-free vistas creating space for deeper reflection. While summer offers milder temperatures and lush landscapes, there's something magical about experiencing Iceland's raw beauty in relative isolation. My most unexpected gift came at midnight when the Northern Lights appeared outside my farmhouse window - a phenomenon locals assured me was extraordinarily rare for April. These serendipitous moments exemplify how travel delivers its most precious gifts when least expected.

Iceland presents practical advantages for solo travelers: it ranks among the world's safest countries, offers stunning natural attractions from the Blue Lagoon to countless waterfalls, and provides varied accommodation options from hotels to guesthouses. While expenses run high, the payoff in natural wonder and personal growth proves immeasurable.

My journey reinforced how intentional travel becomes a powerful vehicle for transformation. By setting clear objectives before departure - seeking restoration, reconnection with nature, and digital detachment - I created space for meaningful insights about incorporating elements of this experience into daily life back home. This process forms the foundation of healing through travel, a practice I now help others discover through my coaching program launching May 27th.

Have you considered how a thoughtfully planned journey might address your own needs for renewal? Whether you're recovering from burnout, seeking clarity following life changes, or simply craving deeper connection with yourself and the natural world, Iceland's diverse landscapes offer the perfect backdrop for transformation. Join me in discovering how intentional travel can become your most powerful tool for personal growth.

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Danielle Hiebert's life took an unexpected turn when, in the midst of a painful divorce after 32 years of marriage and exhausted from the pandemic's toll on educators, she found herself scrolling through job listings in the middle of the night. A curriculum coordinator position in Kuwait caught her eye, and within weeks, she was preparing to move halfway across the world.

What began as an escape from heartache transformed into a profound journey of healing and self-discovery. Kuwait—a country she knew only from Desert Storm references—became the backdrop for Danielle's personal renaissance. "That's how you know God has a wonderful sense of humor," she reflects, "because he sent me to a Muslim country to spiritually heal."

For two years, Danielle immersed herself in Middle Eastern culture, forming deep connections with people from diverse backgrounds. From her Lebanese neighbors who brought her meals to her Filipino colleague singing hymns in the school bathroom, these relationships expanded her worldview while providing the community she needed to heal. Professional validation came too, as she found herself surrounded by educators eager to learn from her—a stark contrast to the burnout she'd experienced in American schools.

The distance gave Danielle something precious: perspective. In her "apartment up in the sky," she found time for prayer, journaling, and processing grief. Weekend trips to Dubai, Jordan, and Oman fulfilled her adventurous spirit while teaching her to approach life with an open heart. Her advice for women considering similar journeys resonates with simple wisdom: "Go with an open heart and mind, because you never know how it's going to play out for you."

Want to explore how travel might support your own healing journey? I'm launching a new travel coaching program designed specifically for those working through grief, trauma, or feeling stuck. Book a free call to join the waiting list for this transformative experience launching in late May.

https://calendly.com/solotraveladventures/book-a-call

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What do the Statue of Liberty, Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, and the Eiffel Tower have in common? They've all become part of the global tourist trap circuit—places that promise unforgettable experiences but often deliver crowds, inflated prices, and a distinctly inauthentic atmosphere.

I've traveled to numerous destinations on those viral "must-see before you die" lists, and while these iconic landmarks certainly have their merits, the experience of visiting them doesn't always match our expectations. The good news? There are practical strategies to transform even the most clichéd tourist destinations into meaningful, authentic adventures.

Timing makes all the difference. Visiting Italy in November rather than July means fewer crowds, lower prices, and more available accommodations. Yes, you'll need an extra layer or two, but you'll gain a more intimate experience with the destination. Similarly, seeking out alternative experiences—like Iceland's lesser-known Glacier Lagoon instead of the crowded Blue Lagoon—provides comparable beauty without the overwhelming tourist presence.

For truly immersive experiences, consider staying with locals outside tourist districts. When visiting Machu Picchu, some travelers spend days living with families in rural areas outside Cusco, gaining invaluable cultural insights before seeing the famous ruins. Even in major cities like Paris, exploring lesser-known arrondissements beyond the central tourist areas reveals authentic slices of local life most visitors never experience.

The value of travel isn't about checking items off standardized bucket lists but creating meaningful connections with the places we visit. Whether you're an introvert seeking quiet experiences or simply tired of fighting crowds for the perfect photo, these strategies will help you discover the authentic heart of your destination. What's on your travel list? And more importantly—how will you experience it differently?

Join our Facebook community "Solo Travel for Women Over 50" to share your own strategies for authentic travel experiences and connect with fellow adventure seekers who understand the balance between seeing iconic landmarks and discovering hidden gems.

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Send me a message or share your solo travel story with me.
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The vibrant energy of Porto, Portugal comes to life through Cheryl's detailed account of her day and a half in this charming riverside city. While many travelers automatically gravitate toward Lisbon, Cheryl makes a compelling case for Porto's superior atmosphere, describing it as less touristy yet rich with authentic Portuguese culture.

From the moment she steps off the train from Lisbon, Cheryl's adventure unfolds with visits to the famous Livraria Lello bookstore (which she recommends booking first thing in the morning to avoid crowds), the stunning Igreja dos Carmelitas with its iconic blue tiles, and the panoramic views from Clérigos Tower. Her exploration continues along Rua de Santa Catarina where local artists display their talents, though she cautions about distinguishing original artwork from printed replicas. The São Bento train station emerges as an unexpected highlight with its magnificent azulejo tile murals depicting Portuguese history.

The crown jewel of Cheryl's Porto experience comes at sunset, where she describes climbing the hill past Ponte Luis I bridge to an old monastery vantage point. There, street performers create a lively soundtrack as the sun bathes the Douro River and Porto's terracotta rooftops in golden light. This magical moment, coupled with the city's walkability, rich architecture, and the unforgettable taste of authentic port wine, solidifies Porto as Cheryl's preferred Portuguese destination. Whether you're planning your own Portuguese adventure or simply dreaming of European travels, this episode provides both practical tips and the inspiration to discover Porto's unique charm. Have you considered Porto for your next solo adventure?

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Discovering your travel personality might be the key to your most enjoyable adventures yet. Do you meticulously plan every detail with color-coded spreadsheets, or do you prefer throwing caution to the wind and seeing where the journey takes you? The truth is, neither approach is inherently better—they simply reflect different personality types and comfort levels.

Planned travel offers undeniable advantages: guaranteed access to popular attractions (like my recently secured Blue Lagoon reservation in Iceland that was nearly sold out weeks in advance), better pricing on accommodations, and that comforting sense of security that comes from knowing exactly where you'll be each day. It's particularly valuable for those new to solo travel or visiting highly touristed destinations during peak season. Yet this approach can transform your vacation into a rushed checklist exercise, leaving little room for those magical unplanned moments that often become our most cherished travel memories.

Spontaneous travelers enjoy the freedom to extend stays in places they love, change direction on a whim, and discover hidden gems not found in guidebooks. This approach creates space for authentic local experiences and serendipitous encounters. However, as I recently discovered when I missed out on a recommended guesthouse in Iceland, this freedom comes at a price—potentially missing must-see attractions that require advance booking or facing limited accommodation options at premium prices. The sweet spot for most experienced travelers lies somewhere in between—perhaps securing flights, accommodations, and must-see attractions while deliberately leaving space for wandering and discovery. Your ideal approach should match your personality while considering your destination, travel experience, and the time of year you're visiting.

What's your travel planning style? Has it evolved as you've gained more travel experience? Share your thoughts and join our community of solo adventurers who are constantly learning and growing through their journeys around the world!

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

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Send me a message or share your solo travel story with me.
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A surprising moment of carelessness in a familiar setting sparked an important realization: the security mindset we adopt while traveling often vanishes when we're in comfortable surroundings. After discovering my purse sitting wide open in a busy restaurant aisle, I began reflecting on the critical strategies we need for protecting our finances during solo adventures.

Security begins with the right equipment. Finding an anti-theft bag that works with your travel style provides the foundation for financial safety. My Wonder Bag crossbody has become my trusted companion, offering a slim profile that sits flat against my body while providing reinforced protection against pickpockets. Equally important is RFID protection technology, which blocks scammers from electronically stealing your credit card or passport information with just a brush against you in crowded spaces.

Beyond equipment, strategy matters tremendously. The distribution approach—never keeping all your money or cards in one place—creates essential redundancy if theft occurs. A money belt worn under clothing provides an additional security layer, though you'll need to balance accessibility with discretion. Regular monitoring of your accounts completes your security system, allowing you to quickly identify any fraudulent charges before they spiral into larger problems.

By implementing these comprehensive security strategies, you can explore the world with confidence while keeping your money safe. Ready to travel boldly but securely? These practical steps will help ensure your solo adventure stays focused on discovery rather than disaster.

TRAVEL & LEISURE-8 Best Anti-theft Bags

https://bit.ly/4kXC9Ph

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