Get Inspired to Solo Travel By Listening to Other Solo Travelers
Listening to travel-related podcasts can be like getting a pep talk from a close friend who’s been there, done that, and has the stories to prove it. For 1st time solo female travelers, these podcasts can be super inspiring. I know it was for me!
Imagine hearing about someone just like you who decided to pack a bag and explore the world on her own. She probably started with the same worries—Is it safe? Will I get lonely? What if something goes wrong? But then you hear how she found herself sipping coffee in Paris, hiking in the mountains of Peru, or simply enjoying the peace of a quiet beach in Thailand. Suddenly, the idea of traveling solo doesn’t seem so scary anymore—it feels exciting and doable!
Plus, many travel-related podcasts offer practical solo traveling tips—how to stay safe, pack light, and make friends on the road. So, by the time the episode ends, you’re not just dreaming about your first solo trip; you’re planning it!
Over the years, I have been fortunate to be a guest speaker on several travel-related podcasts. Each one highlights a different nuance of my personal travel style: solo female traveling, sustainable traveling, and solo backpacking. So, if you’re still on the fence about taking the first solo trip, listen up!
1. The Travel Transformation
The Travel Transformation Podcast dives headfirst into the life-changing power of solo travel, intentional adventures, and location-independent living. If you’re dreaming of completely transforming your life through epic travel experiences, you’re in the right place.
Hosted by creator and friend, Jessica Grace Coleman, who’s an author, travel transformation coach, and founder of Flip The Script Travel Transformation Services. Every week, Jess takes listeners on a journey into the incredible world of travel, exploring how it can change/transform your life. She interviews inspiring travelers who’ve used their journeys to better themselves and shares her favorite itineraries, tips, and hacks to help you on your own adventures.
In my featured episode, I chat about my journey of solo traveling while Black-American, female, and single over 40. I spent a good chunk of my 30s traveling full-time as a solo female backpacker. What started as a simple travel journal has since evolved into a platform aimed at educating and empowering women of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds to get out there and explore more—even if it means going solo!
Next up, is a podcast that I leaned into the topic of solo traveling while Black.
2. MProper Mimi
MProper Mimi is a bi-weekly podcast where host, Mimi Jacks, invites you to join in on celebrating and empowering women in every aspect of life. There’s absolutely nothing improper about exploring what brings us joy, whether that’s inspiring 1st time solo travelers, or launching a business.
As a Black woman, I know that traveling alone can be nerve-wracking, but in this conversation, I tackle those fears head-on. As an avid solo traveler, I’ve got you covered—from providing emergency numbers in every country to recommending sustainably-made travel products. No matter your age or ethnicity, this solo female traveler has thought of everything to empower you to travel confidently. So go ahead, book that trip, and start exploring!
If you’re curious about my sustainable living and solo traveling techniques, you’ll love this next podcast gusset spot!
3. The Canadian Wanderer
How do you practice sustainability on a day-to-day basis? In this IG live with @thecanadianwander, I chat about practicing sustainability on a day-to-day basis in addition to when solo traveling. I covered alternate travel methods, different types of accommodation, and how to be more sustainable at home.
Sustainable travel has long been my forte and I am NEVUH quiet about it! Sustainable traveling is the only way to continue to travel lest there be nothing left to visit in the world. As solo travelers, we share the responsibility of educating ourselves on how best to behave within a different culture. Never have I ever cringed so hard when listening to locals complain about tourists from my home country showing zero respect for ancient traditions. You don’t want that to be you, do you? Me neither!
Keep listening for more solo travel tips on this next podcast guest spot, which was one of my favorites!
4. The Solo Female Traveler
As a solo female travel blogger with over 55 passport stamps and 30+ earned solo and over the age of 35, my mission is to empower women of all ages, shapes & ethnicities to go and explore. In this episode of the Solo Female Traveler podcast, I share some strategic solo travel tips, why representation as a BIPOC traveler matters, finding the courage to go solo, and so much more!
Lu’s podcast was so much fun to participate in. Since my guest appearance, she has gone on to interview countless solo female travelers. Which is to say her podcast offers plenty of inspiration for first-time solo traveling females!
Still want more? Stay tuned because I am slotted for a guest spot on the popular Travel Not To Escape podcast this month!
5. Travel Not To Escape
I first collaborated with Geleen earlier this year because she was a nominated feature in my last blog post about 13 solo female traveling accounts to get to know. From this collaboration, my guest spot on her travel blog was born. Yet to be recorded at the time of publishing this blog piece, Geleen’s travel podcast belongs near the top of any solo female traveler’s list.
Travel Not To Escape is all about solo traveling with purpose. In an industry where everyone romanticizes the outward appearance of solo traveling vs. the realities that the impacts of overtourism have on the world, this podcast is near and dear to this sustainable solo traveler’s heart of hearts. Stay tuned to my social media accounts and monthly newsletter for the announcement of this guest spot when it’s ready for publishing.
If you still want to listen to more inspiration, check out the 5 travel-related podcasts in the next section.
Solo Female Travel Podcasts to Inspire 1st-Time Solo Travelers
I’ve hand-picked five more travel-related podcasts to inspire you, solo traveler! These podcasts are packed with tips, stories, and advice from women who’ve faced the ups and downs of solo travel and come out with incredible experiences. Listening to their journeys not only gives you practical advice—like how to stay safe, budget-friendly travel tips, or the best destinations for solo female travelers—but also fills you with confidence, showing that if they can do it, so can you!
- Women WhoTtravel – A safe space reclaimed by women to discuss all things women in travel.
- She Explores – Whether it be solo hiking trails or solo explorations beneath the surface of the sea, this podcast has a little bit of everything to inspire your adventurous side.
- Wander Woman – Hosted by award-winning travel writer, Phoebe Smith, this is THE podcast any solo female traveler should start with.
- Jump With Traveling Jackie –This one is for my adventure-FULL lovelies!
- A Way To Go – This one is brought to you by Fathom, the go-to brand for all things curious travel!
Hearing real stories from adventurous women can make the idea of traveling alone seem a lot less intimidating. They share personal experiences, funny mishaps, and even some of the challenges they’ve overcome while exploring new places on their own. Whether it’s tips on how to meet people, find hidden gems, or simply build the courage to take the first step, these podcasts are your friendly travel guides.
The Power of Storytelling
Listening to someone share a similar story about procrastinating on their first solo trip can have a powerful impact. When you hear someone talk about their own fears, hesitations, or excuses for delaying their adventure, it resonates on a personal level. Solo female travel podcasts, in particular, offer stories from women who once doubted themselves, too, but eventually took the plunge. This relatability makes the idea of solo travel feel more accessible, as listeners see their own journeys reflected in the experiences of others.
When I stepped up to check in for my first official solo travel trip to SE Asia, I was 100% nervous! But you know what I felt much more than the nerves? The excitement, the thrill, and the desire to experience things and places I thought I might never get the chance to. You don’t have to know everything, nor do you have to be uber confident in yourself to take your first solo trip/ You just have to dig deep enough to find a little bit of courage and then keep leaning into that every step of the way.
Hearing how other women overcame their fears and how their solo trips transformed them can be the perfect push toward action. The advice, encouragement, and success stories shared on these podcasts can tip you from indecision into excitement, helping you realize that the hardest part is getting passed your inner demons. Those voices that have been deep-conditioned telling you that you can’t do this, you shouldn’t do this… F THAT! You CAN and you WILL!
1st Time Solo Female Travelers, This is for You!
Listening to travel podcasts is like having a pep talk with a bunch of experienced, adventurous friends who’ve been where you want to go. They help build your confidence, give you practical advice, and remind you that the world is full of possibilities waiting to be explored!
What’s more, travel podcasts often feature all sorts of tips and tricks from people who’ve been there, and done that. They talk about how to stay safe, how to make friends on the road, and even how to pack light (which is an art form!). This kind of advice can make 1st-time solo travelers feel way less scared and way more empowered.
Plus, the hosts and guests often talk about the amazing freedom of solo travel. You get to do what you want when you want, which can be empowering. Hearing how other women have tackled challenges, met cool people, and had life-changing experiences can make you think, “Why not me?”
I was once in your shoes and new to solo traveling, too. After 10 years of solo traveling and living abroad, this avid adventurer is prime to inspire, motivate, and assist you with your sustainable solo travel needs. Get to the heart of your solo traveling deterrents on a 1-on-1 with your favorite Bag Lady (that’s me!). These hour-long chats are perfect for the 1st time solo travelers, solo female digital nomads, or anyone entertaining the idea of solo living abroad. PLUS, every call gets an additional 15 FREE minutes to ensure we can cover everything!
