Wonder isn’t a luxury—it’s a lever for real change. We trace the quiet path from a single sunset or museum hall to the deep shift you feel when you come home from a trip and realize your mind, mood, and body aren’t quite the same. Drawing on the science of awe and years of solo travel coaching, we break down how novelty, vastness, and meaning work together to rewire attention, dial down rumination, and open space for gratitude and connection.

You’ll hear how nature’s big canvases—mountain ranges, star-splashed skies, ocean edges—create instant perspective, and why human-made marvels like Machu Picchu and the pyramids spark the same wide-open feeling. We talk about awe in cities and art galleries, in music that lifts the chest, and in small spiritual moments that make time feel deep. Along the way, we translate research into simple practices: a daily awe pause, choosing a “vastness anchor” for each destination, slowing your pace by 20 percent, and keeping a one-line reflection that turns fleeting wonder into lasting change.

We also explore what’s happening under the skin. Awe is more than emotion; it’s whole-body. From brain networks lighting up to the calming shifts in breath and heart rate—and even potential immune benefits—these moments act like micro-reset buttons. Whether you’re planning a big trip or staying close to home, you’ll leave with a toolkit to find awe on purpose and let it do its quiet, healing work. If this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review telling us the last moment that truly awed you.

Support the show

https://www.cherylbeckesch.com

hello@cherylbeckesch.com

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

The calendar flips to October and the store aisles explode with tinsel—meanwhile, your heart feels heavy at the thought of the holidays. If you’re a single woman or newly navigating an empty nest, those weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can feel like a pressure cooker of memories, expectations, and silence. We decided to tell the truth about it—and share a better way to move through it.

We start by naming the hard stuff: sadness, loneliness, grief, and the ache of feeling like the odd one out at someone else’s table. From there, we get practical. You’ll learn how to map your emotional and physical needs, choose travel that supports them, and time your bookings to avoid sticker shock. We talk road trips that keep costs low and control high, why international travel can be a hidden bargain during U.S. Thanksgiving, and how a cruise or city break can flip the script on a day you’ve come to dread.

We also dig into rituals that turn grief into meaning. Think small, tangible acts—gifting keepsakes that carry a loved one’s story, volunteering in their honor, cooking one dish that keeps their light at the center of your table. We draw a bright line between being alone and feeling lonely, then offer concrete ways to connect: inviting yourself to a friend’s dinner, gathering other solo travelers, or joining meetups at your destination. And for Christmas, we walk through choosing family time that feels safe and nourishing—or building chosen family traditions that fit who you are now.

If you’ve been waiting for permission to design a holiday season that heals, this is your nudge. Press play, take what serves you, and start a tradition you’ll actually look forward to. If this conversation helps, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more women find their way to joyful, self-made holidays.

Support the show

https://www.cherylbeckesch.com

hello@cherylbeckesch.com

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

Wondering if group travel might be your next adventure? Join me as I chat with Avery Hale-Smith, Chief Experience Officer at Backroads, who shares how guided active adventures are transforming the way people experience destinations worldwide.

Avery reveals how her own childhood travels—from immersive village experiences in Ecuador to studying abroad in India—shaped her perspective on what makes travel truly meaningful. These formative journeys ultimately led her back to Backroads, where she now works alongside her father (the founder) to create exceptional active travel experiences focused on cultural connection and personal growth.

We dive deep into the remarkable surge in women's adventure travel, with Backroads seeing triple-digit growth in their women-specific trips. Avery explains this phenomenon: "Women tend to spend much of their lives doing things for others. Now they're waking up and feeling like 'why wait?' The time is now to choose me." This shift has created a boom in journeys with spiritual elements, like the Camino de Santiago, where women find both connection and personal transformation.

The conversation takes unexpected turns when Avery describes their unique active safaris in Africa—where guests actually bike through game reserves alongside giraffes—and their adventures spanning from Antarctica to the Azores. For solo travelers (my specialty!), there's exciting news about upcoming reduced single supplements to make these experiences more accessible.

Perhaps most valuable are Avery's insights for women venturing out alone: "Start small, follow your intuition, and remember you're capable of more than you think." Whether you're considering your first solo journey or looking to join a group adventure, this episode illuminates how stepping beyond your comfort zone—with the right support—can create life's most enriching experiences.

Ready to discover how active travel might transform your next adventure? This conversation will inspire you to explore the world in ways you never imagined possible.

https://www.backroads.com

https://www.instagram.com/backroadstravel/

Support the show

https://www.cherylbeckesch.com

hello@cherylbeckesch.com

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

Feeling overwhelmed by endless travel possibilities? You're not alone. Every wanderluster faces the delightful dilemma of where to go next. Drawing from years of solo travel experience, I reveal six distinct approaches to selecting your next destination – some spontaneous, others deeply intentional.

You could explore trend-based travel, where popular destinations like Paris or Amsterdam beckon with their timeless appeal. I candidly share how social media discoveries have sparked unexpected adventures while cautioning about the carefully curated perfection of travel influencers' posts. For those seeking structure, I discuss how bucket list approaches like visiting all Seven Wonders create purposeful travel itineraries, sharing my personal experience visiting Machu Picchu with my son.

A few playful and truly spontaneous methods – from literally throwing darts at maps to rolling dice for destination selection. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate practical tips on leveraging flight deals and subscription services that alert you to fare bargains. But the heart of this episode lies in my final approach: creating deeply meaningful travel experiences aligned with your current emotional landscape. I vulnerably share how following this method led me to the solitude of Saguaro National Park after a traumatic period, resulting in a profoundly healing encounter with a horse named Rebel in the desert solitude.

Whether you're seeking adventure, healing, or simply your next great story, these six approaches offer a framework for making travel decisions that truly resonate with your personal journey. And for those drawn to wellness travel, I extend a special invitation to join my European river cruise in 2026, where I'll blend my passions for Pilates and exploration in an intimate setting. Ready to discover where your next journey might take you?

Support the show

https://www.cherylbeckesch.com

hello@cherylbeckesch.com

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

Ever notice how the ground beneath your feet changes when hiking? From sandy paths to packed dirt trails, paved walkways to rocky terrain—each surface requires a different approach and energy level. What if these changing terrains hold wisdom about the type of travel that would serve you best right now?

During a recent solo road trip to West Texas that didn't quite go according to plan, I discovered a powerful metaphor while hiking that perfectly illustrates the relationship between life's seasons and our travel needs. Those sandy stretches where progress feels slow and tiring? They might be signaling you need a trip centered around your passions—music, cooking, hiking—something to restore the joy that daily challenges are slowly depleting. Walking comfortably on packed dirt trails with steady momentum? Your stable life foundation makes you perfectly suited for ambitious multi-city tours or country exploration.

Then there are those moments we find ourselves on autopilot, so overwhelmed we're just trying to survive each day. Surprisingly, these "paved pathway" phases call for wellness retreats or spa getaways—controlled environments that provide restoration without requiring you to make decisions. And those rocky paths demanding your constant attention? When life has you carefully navigating multiple challenges, cruises or organized group tours remove the burden of planning while still giving you the escape you desperately need.

This isn't about running away from life's difficulties but gaining fresh perspectives that transform how we navigate them upon return. In my one-on-one travel coaching, we assess exactly where you are in life's journey and design travel experiences that meet you right where you stand. Whether you're trudging through sand or picking your way across rocks, there's a perfect travel experience waiting for you.

Ready to discover what terrain you're walking and what type of travel would serve you best? Visit CherylBeckEsch.com to learn more about my personalized travel coaching program and schedule a free discovery call today.

Support the show

https://www.cherylbeckesch.com

hello@cherylbeckesch.com

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

Do you think you've never been a solo traveler? Think again. That trip to the grocery store alone, the errands you run by yourself—these everyday activities actually share elements with what we define as "solo travel." The difference? Just the destination.

In this eye-opening episode, we challenge the common perception that solo travel exclusively means backpacking across continents completely alone. The truth is far more accessible and varied. Whether you're flying solo to meet friends at your destination, joining a guided tour, extending a family vacation with a few days on your own, or even taking a cruise by yourself—all these experiences fall under the solo travel umbrella. The defining factor isn't how much time you spend alone, but rather that you initiated the journey independently.

This broader definition opens doors for women who might have been intimidated by the traditional solo traveler stereotype. Starting small with day trips or structured group experiences can build the confidence needed for more independent adventures later. The benefits remain consistent across all forms: increased self-reliance, freedom to follow your curiosity without compromise, and unparalleled opportunities for self-discovery. Every woman deserves to experience at least one solo trip in her lifetime, and there's no better time than now. As we've all learned, life can change in an instant, potentially limiting our ability to travel. Don't put off these transformative experiences—find your own definition of solo travel and embrace the adventure that feels right for you.

BOOK EUROPEAN RIVER WELLNESS CRUISE: August 22-29, 2026

https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/TravelPro1-AvoyaTravel/ships/amalea-river-cruise-ship#Staterooms

Support the show

https://www.cherylbeckesch.com

hello@cherylbeckesch.com

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

Remember those magical family road trips from childhood? The singalongs, the roadside attractions, the endless games of I-Spy? There's something deeply nostalgic about hitting the open road—but experiencing that freedom solo introduces an entirely new dimension of adventure and self-discovery.

Safety doesn't mean sacrificing spontaneity when traveling alone. I've learned through countless solo journeys that preparation creates the foundation for freedom. Establishing a reliable check-in system with a trusted contact (supplemented by location-sharing apps like Life360 or Google Maps) provides crucial peace of mind. Your accommodation choices matter tremendously—opt for hotels with interior corridors over exterior-access motels, or try car camping near populated areas for both security and flexibility. That converted van or simply reclining your seats with a proper mattress can transform your vehicle into a cozy, lockable haven wherever you roam.

The practical elements of solo road tripping deserve attention too. Download offline maps before departure, pack traditional paper maps for the big-picture view that digital navigation can't provide, and ensure your vehicle passes a pre-trip inspection (tires, oil, brakes). Your emergency kit should include self-contained battery chargers, tire repair tools, first aid supplies, blankets for all weather conditions, and power banks for electronics. But beyond these practicalities lies the true gift of solo travel: uninterrupted reflection time. Those hours behind the wheel become meditative spaces for thinking, listening, and reconnecting with yourself away from daily demands. Why not draw a circle representing your comfortable driving radius and discover what unexplored wonders await within reach this weekend? The road is calling—what's holding you back from answering?

Ready to create your own road trip memories? Subscribe to Solo Travel Adventures for more practical tips and inspiration for your next journey. Share your favorite solo road trip destinations in the comments below!

Support the show

https://www.cherylbeckesch.com

hello@cherylbeckesch.com

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200

Are you letting other people's fears hold you back from experiencing the world on your own terms? After six years of intentional solo traveling that began in my 50s, I've discovered that the biggest obstacle isn't the outside world—it's the voices of those who've never actually done it themselves.

Solo travel transformed my life in ways I never expected, teaching me valuable lessons I wish I'd known sooner. The world isn't nearly as frightening as many would have you believe, especially when you walk with confidence and purpose. There's a remarkable power in carrying yourself with your head held high, projecting an energy that says you won't be an easy target. This simple practice has kept me safer than any gadget could during my adventures.

One surprising discovery was the freedom that comes from imperfect planning. Those meticulously crafted itineraries I once created? They never went according to plan and only added stress to my journeys. Now I build in breathing room, allowing space for those magical serendipitous moments that often become the highlight of any trip. But perhaps the most profound revelation was how solo travel rewires your brain—creating mental and emotional changes that extend far beyond simply seeing new places. The autonomy, problem-solving, and fresh experiences literally transform how you see yourself and the world. What began as trips I took because no one could join me has become my preferred way to travel, offering a unique joy I never anticipated finding in my own company.

Ready to discover what solo travel might reveal about you? Start small with destinations known to be safe, and you might just find yourself, as I did, falling in love with the freedom of charting your own course through the world. What adventure are you putting off because of someone else's unfounded fears?

Support the show

https://www.cherylbeckesch.com

hello@cherylbeckesch.com

Instagram @solotraveladventures50

Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200