Solo Female Travelers

In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar is joined by Jase Hatcher, Senior Campaigner for Climate and Oceans at Friends of the Earth USA, to explore the environmental impact of cruise ships and what travelers should consider before booking their next cruise vacation.

Cruises offer convenience, entertainment, and the opportunity to visit multiple destinations without constantly packing and unpacking. But behind the all-inclusive experience lies a complex environmental footprint. From wastewater discharge and air pollution to fuel consumption and the effects of large vessels on marine ecosystems, Mar and Jase discuss the environmental consequences of cruising that passengers rarely see or think about.

Together, they examine Friends of the Earth's Cruise Ship Report Card, which evaluates cruise lines based on sewage treatment, air pollution reduction, scrubber use, and transparency. Jase explains how cruise ship scrubbers work, why wastewater discharge remains a concern, and how shore power could help reduce pollution in port communities. They also explore environmental impacts that the report card doesn't currently measure, including underwater noise and artificial light that can disrupt marine wildlife.

The conversation also looks at the differences between river and ocean cruises, the challenges of comparing cruising with other forms of travel, and why a smaller ship isn't necessarily a more environmentally responsible choice. Mar and Jase discuss the importance of industry accountability, environmental regulations, and consumer transparency, while sharing ways travelers can support local communities and make more mindful decisions.

Whether you're a frequent cruiser, considering your first cruise, or simply interested in sustainable tourism, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the environmental impact of cruise vacations. Rather than telling travelers what they should or shouldn't do, it encourages everyone to ask better questions, understand the consequences of their choices, and travel in ways that align with their personal values.

Plus, in our new Weekly Travel Tip segment, we look ahead to destinations to watch in 2027, including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Egypt, Morocco, and Sri Lanka, along with emerging travel trends and exciting destinations featured in upcoming travel guides.

Links mentioned during this episode:

• Inside Environmental Justice Podcast
• WWF Canada National Vessel Dumping Assessment
• EMTER 2025 Facts and Figures Report
• River Cruise info
• Donate to FOE/ check out our website

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In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Meg is joined by Kelcie Miller-Anderson, environmental scientist, disability advocate, and creator of The Chronic Explorer, to explore the unseen challenges and incredible possibilities of traveling as a wheelchair user.

After being diagnosed with a rare disease in 2018, Kelcie's relationship with travel changed dramatically. But rather than giving up exploring the world, she discovered how using a wheelchair could give her back her independence and open the door to new adventures. From swimming with whale sharks to adaptive skiing and exploring Oregon's accessible beaches, she shares how travel continues to bring her joy and new experiences.

Together, Meg and Kelcie discuss the realities of accessible travel that many able-bodied travelers never consider. From researching hotel bathrooms and navigating airports to dealing with inaccessible transportation, unreliable accessibility information, and unsafe boarding procedures, Kelcie explains why traveling with a disability often requires extensive preparation and constant self-advocacy. She also shares how these challenges can become even more complicated when traveling solo.

The conversation also explores the importance of respecting wheelchair users' independence, asking before offering assistance, and recognizing that accessibility isn't one-size-fits-all. Kelcie highlights destinations making meaningful progress, including Oregon's adaptive outdoor experiences and Switzerland's accessible infrastructure, while offering practical advice for women who want to begin traveling independently with a disability.

Whether you use a wheelchair, travel with someone who has a disability, or simply want to become a more thoughtful traveler, this episode offers a powerful perspective on accessibility, dignity, and inclusion. Above all, it's a reminder that a change in mobility doesn't have to mean the end of travel. It can be the beginning of discovering the world in a whole new way.

Connect with Kelcie:

• Instagram
• Website

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In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar is joined by Lisa Abend, freelance journalist and creator of The Unplugged Traveler, to explore what happens when we put our phones away and rediscover the joy of traveling without digital distractions.

After noticing how social media, online recommendations, and travel algorithms were making travel experiences increasingly predictable, Lisa decided to try something different: visiting unfamiliar destinations without using Google Maps, researching attractions, or booking accommodation in advance.

Lisa shares how her unplugged adventures across Europe have brought back the spontaneity and unexpected discoveries that made travel so exciting before smartphones. From asking locals where to find the best Bolognese in Bologna to stumbling upon a science fiction convention in Glasgow, she reveals how traveling without a phone can lead to memorable experiences and meaningful human connections.

Together, Mar and Lisa discuss the practical challenges of unplugged travel, including finding hotels without reservations, navigating with paper maps, managing unfamiliar currencies, and overcoming the fear of missing out on must-see attractions. They also explore how our phones can unintentionally make us less approachable and why even small changes, like putting your phone away during dinner, can open the door to conversations with strangers.

Whether you're an experienced solo traveler or simply looking to be more present on your next adventure, this conversation will inspire you to embrace a little more spontaneity, connect with the people around you, and discover the world beyond your screen.

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In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar is joined by Alessandra Lotufo Alonso, founder and managing director of Women in Travel CIC, to explore how female tour guides are transforming the way travelers experience cities while creating new opportunities for women in tourism.

Alessandra shares how Women in Travel CIC supports underserved women, including immigrants, refugees, and women rebuilding their careers, through its Tour Guiding Academy. The program helps participants develop storytelling, guiding, and entrepreneurial skills, turning their personal experiences, cultural heritage, and local knowledge into meaningful tours that visitors can book.

Together, Mar and Alessandra discuss why the best travel experiences often go beyond famous landmarks and how women-led tours reveal the multicultural communities and overlooked stories that make cities unique. From Ethiopian food and Saudi Arabian cultural experiences in London to Ukrainian heritage and the contributions of Deaf women in Edinburgh, they highlight how local female guides can introduce travelers to a completely different side of familiar destinations.

They also explore the challenges women face when entering the tourism industry, the importance of mentorship and financial independence, and how travelers and tourism businesses can support female guides through bookings, partnerships, and sponsorships.

Whether you're looking for more authentic travel experiences, hoping to support women-owned businesses, or curious about the power of tourism to create positive social impact, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on who tells a destination's stories—and why that matters.

Links mentioned during this episode:

• Solo Female Travelers: Women-Led London Tour Packages
• Women in Travel CIC - Instagram
• Women in Travel CIC - Website

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In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar is joined by her business partner and fellow co-founder Meg Jerrard to break down everything you need to know to plan a trip to Australia. Drawing on Meg’s experience growing up and living across Australia, as well as the many trips Mar has taken around the country, they explain why Australia is an incredible destination for solo female travelers, and why its enormous size makes planning ahead essential.

They cover how long you should spend in Australia, the best time to visit different regions, how to build a realistic two- or three-week itinerary, and when to fly, drive, take a train, or rely on public transportation. They also discuss Sydney, Uluru, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Tasmania and Western Australia, along with road trips, wildlife, weather, school holidays, costs, food, packing essentials and some of the most common mistakes first-time visitors make.

Meg also shares why Australia is particularly easy to explore independently as a woman, how to travel more slowly and meaningfully, and why getting beyond the major cities can lead to some of the most memorable experiences. And, naturally, Mar and Meg settle some very important Australian debates involving dangerous wildlife, little penguins, Vegemite, coffee, thongs, and whether everything in Australia really is trying to kill you.

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In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar is joined by Dr. Karla Boluk, professor at the University of Waterloo, to explore the complicated ethics of Last Chance Tourism: traveling to see places, ecosystems, wildlife, or communities before they disappear or change irreversibly.

They discuss the paradox at the heart of this kind of travel. Visiting a threatened destination can create awareness, emotional connection, and even inspire conservation, but tourism itself can also contribute to the very pressures putting that place at risk. From melting glaciers and polar bears to gentrifying neighborhoods and fragile communities, Karla explains why simply witnessing environmental or cultural change does not automatically turn travelers into advocates.

Mar and Karla also explore what travelers can do before, during, and after a trip to make more responsible choices, including supporting local businesses, listening to communities, traveling more slowly, considering where tourism dollars go, and sharing experiences thoughtfully. Ultimately, the conversation asks a difficult question with no simple yes-or-no answer: Should we visit disappearing places at all, and if we do, how can we move from being spectators to becoming stewards?

Links mentioned during this episode:

• University of Waterloo - Karla Boluk
• LinkedIn Profile
• Google Scholar (list of publications/citations Index)

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In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Meg and Mar dive into six years of data from the annual Solo Female Travel Trends Survey to uncover what women really want when they travel alone. They challenge some of the most persistent stereotypes around solo female travel, including the idea that women travel alone because they have no one to go with, or that shopping, spas and Instagram-worthy destinations drive their travel decisions.

Using insights gathered from thousands of women around the world, they explore why women choose to travel solo, the biggest barriers they face, how safety concerns change with experience, and the destinations women recommend for a first solo trip. They also look at what actually influences destination and purchasing decisions, from culture, food and nature to price, sustainability, local ownership and supporting female-owned businesses.

Meg and Mar also discuss how women can use their purchasing power to influence the travel industry and why better data and greater representation matter. Ultimately, the episode shows that solo female travelers are not one type of woman, and that understanding what women actually want starts with listening to them.

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In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar is joined by Cepee, founder of She Hit Refresh and author of An American’s Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe. Cepee shares her story of moving from the US to Spain at 35 after realizing that the stable life she had built wasn't the life she wanted. Together, they explore what it really takes to turn the dream of moving abroad into a realistic plan.

They talk about finding your “why,” overcoming the fear that you're too old to start over, choosing the right destination, taking a scouting trip, understanding the cost of living and taxes, learning the local language, and figuring out which visa options might work for your situation. Cepee also breaks down digital nomad, retirement, self-employment and work visas, and explains why having a realistic plan for work and income is one of the most important parts of a successful move.

This conversation is for women who have been dreaming about living abroad but aren't sure where to start. Whether you're considering Spain, Portugal, Italy or another European country, you'll come away with practical steps to turn endless research into action—and a more realistic understanding of both the challenges and rewards of starting a new life abroad.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Website: https://shehitrefresh.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shehitrefresh/
• Membership: https://www.refresherslounge.com/

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In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Anastasia is joined by Meg Ten Eyck, founder and CEO of Every Queer and a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ travel and inclusion. Together, they explore what it really means for a destination to be welcoming and affirming to queer travelers, beyond rainbow flags, Pride campaigns, and LGBTQ-friendly marketing.

Meg shares her experience traveling to more than 80 countries and explains how queer travelers often have to make safety and visibility calculations that other travelers may never consider. They discuss researching destinations, deciding when to disclose your identity, traveling with trans and non-binary companions, evaluating whether hotels and tourism businesses genuinely support LGBTQ+ travelers, and the different meanings of Pride around the world. Meg also shares some of the destinations that have surprised her, including Jordan, and highlights welcoming places for first-time LGBTQ+ travelers.

The conversation is ultimately about finding confidence, community, and belonging while traveling. Meg encourages travelers to start small, take manageable steps, use the resources available to them, and remember that there are queer communities and welcoming people all over the world. This episode is especially useful for queer women, trans and non-binary travelers, and anyone who wants to travel more confidently while understanding the realities of LGBTQ+ travel.

Connect with Meg:

• https://everyqueer.com/
• https://instagram.com/EveryQueer
• https://instagram.com/MegTenEyck

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In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar and Meg Jerrard explore a question that sounds simple but is surprisingly personal: is group travel right for you? Rather than trying to convince everyone to join a tour, they unpack the different types of group travel and why the right choice depends on your personality, expectations, travel style, and stage of life.

They talk honestly about the trade-offs between group and independent travel, from freedom and flexibility to the mental load of planning, cost, access to unique experiences, and the compromises that come with traveling alongside other people. They also discuss what makes someone a great group traveler, including self-awareness, patience, curiosity, kindness, personal responsibility, and the ability to handle things when travel inevitably doesn't go according to plan. Along the way, they share stories from their own tours, including weather disruptions, delayed ferries, unexpected itinerary changes, and the ways a positive group dynamic can turn an inconvenience into a memorable experience.

If you're wondering whether a small group tour, independent trip, or another style of travel is the best fit for you, this conversation will help you think about what you actually need from a trip—and what you're willing to compromise on to get it.

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In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar is joined by Marinel de Jesus, a former civil rights attorney turned mountain nomad, filmmaker, tourism equity advocate, and founder of Equity Global Treks and the Porter Voice Collective. Marinel shares her journey from practicing law in Washington, DC, to building a life around hiking, community-led tourism, and advocating for the workers who make some of the world’s most famous treks possible.

Together, Mar and Marinel take a closer look at the realities behind trekking in places like Peru and Nepal, including porter working conditions, wages, overloading, cultural identity, tourism leakage, and the power dynamics between local workers and tour companies. They also discuss the additional barriers women face as guides, and how Marinel’s Himalayan Women Trail Leaders initiative is helping women in Nepal develop not only guiding skills but also leadership and self-advocacy.

The conversation offers travelers practical reasons to ask harder questions before booking a trek and to think beyond the experience they see as tourists. Women who love hiking, trekking, solo travel, or community-led tourism will come away with a better understanding of how their travel choices can support greater equity for the people behind the journey.

Episode resources:

• The Porter Voices Podcast
• Himalayan Women Trail Leaders Initiative
• Equity Global Treks
• KM 82 Film

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In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar is joined by Gaby Orozco, a former cabin crew member who spent five years working in aviation and now works with the Solo Female Travelers team. Together, they go behind the scenes of life as a flight attendant and explore what passengers rarely see once they step onto a plane.

Gaby shares the reality of working at 35,000 feet, from crew rest areas and what really happens to leftover food and drinks, to passenger upgrades, gift bags, emergency situations, onboard medical issues, and the unexpected ways cabin crew support solo travelers. She also explains what she learned about managing difficult situations, setting boundaries, working under pressure, and quickly building trust with new teams.

For solo female travelers, the conversation offers practical flying tips as well as reassurance about traveling alone, including why it's worth asking a friendly crew member for help and why preparation and curiosity can make a new destination feel much less intimidating. Anyone who flies regularly—especially women traveling solo—will come away with a better understanding of cabin crew life and plenty of useful insights for their next flight.

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In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar is joined by Ellie Hamby and Dr. Sandy Hazelip, better known as the Traveling Nanas, whose adventures prove that there is no age limit to exploring the world. After meeting through a medical mission in Zambia, their friendship grew into decades of independent travel and, eventually, an epic journey around the world in 80 days at age 81.

Ellie and Sandy share some of their most memorable travel stories, from riding the Trans-Siberian Railway and unexpectedly becoming witnesses to a crime to navigating Syria as conflict began and relying on the kindness of strangers along the way. They also talk about how they plan their trips independently, travel on a budget, pack light, choose accommodations, and make active adventures work for them in their 80s.

They also reflect on what makes their friendship such a successful travel partnership, why giving each other space matters, and how their philosophy of simply saying “yes” has opened the door to experiences they never expected. Whether you're 25 or 85, this episode is a reminder that it's never too late to step outside your comfort zone, meet new people, and start your next adventure.

Links:

• https://aroundtheworldat80.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/SandyandEllie
• https://www.instagram.com/aroundtheworldat80
• https://www.tiktok.com/@aroundtheworldat80
• http://www.youtube.com/aroundtheworldat80

Book Here We Go: Lessons for Living Fearlessly from Two Travelling Nanas available on Amazon and other major retailers and audiobook.

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In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar is joined by Dr. Vincie Ho, founder and Executive Director of RISE Travel Institute, for a thought-provoking conversation about what it really means to decolonize travel. Together, they explore how colonialism continues to shape the way we travel today, from the maps we use and the passports we carry to the language we choose, the experiences we seek, and the impact our travels have on local communities.

The discussion covers topics such as voluntourism, overtourism, cultural appropriation, community-led tourism, traveler privilege, and the importance of reciprocity when visiting another place. Mar and Vincie also share practical examples of how travelers can make more thoughtful decisions, support local communities more intentionally, and challenge long-held assumptions without feeling guilty or striving for perfection.

Whether you're planning your next adventure or simply want to become a more conscious traveler, this episode offers practical insights that will help you travel with greater awareness, respect, and purpose.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Rise Travel Institute website
• Rise Travel Institute Decolonising travel ebook
• Rise Travel Institute programs

Discount for the Solo Female Travelers community

Get $50 OFF by enrolling in The Rise Travelers Pathway Level 1 foundational course with discount code SFTCommunity. If you use this specific link to enrol in the discount code will already be applied.

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Planning your first trip to Scotland? In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Anastasia is joined by Scotland tour host Naomi to share practical advice for making the most of your visit. From choosing the best time of year to exploring the Highlands, Edinburgh, and the Isle of Skye, Naomi explains what travelers should expect, how to get around, and why slowing down and connecting with local communities leads to a much richer experience.

The conversation covers everything from driving versus public transportation, how many days to spend in Scotland, and what to pack for the country's famously unpredictable weather, to avoiding common tourist mistakes and discovering authentic local businesses, artisans, and hidden gems beyond the most popular attractions. Naomi also shares recommendations for visiting whisky distilleries, shopping for meaningful souvenirs, supporting women-owned businesses, and embracing Scotland's welcoming culture.

Whether you're planning an independent trip or considering a guided group tour, this episode is packed with practical Scotland travel tips that will help you travel more confidently and experience the country beyond the typical tourist itinerary.

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Links to things mentioned in the episode:

• Rebel Row Store
• Source, Edinburg
• Scottish Textiles Showcase
• The Specimens (Book)

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This week’s episode brings your favorite co-founder duo, Mar and Meg, back together for a fun and very honest conversation answering all the questions you have about Solo Female Travelers and our trips.

They answer the most asked questions they get: Am I too old or too young? Does everyone really come solo? Will I fit in? They also get into the practical details, including payments, what is included in the trip price, dietary requirements, when tours are confirmed and how Meg carefully matches roommates. She is quite the matchmaker, hopefully helping you find your bestie and travel buddy along the way.

Mar and Meg also share more about what being female-powered really means at SFT, and the non-negotiable principles they will never compromise on. From only ever working with female guides who are from the places they visit, to intentionally creating experiences that directly support local women and communities. They explain how these values shape every decision they make, why meaningful, responsible travel matters so deeply to them, and how their commitment to transparency and staying personally involved with every guest is rooted in those core beliefs, because they are building something they truly believe in and are here for the long run.

Of course, it would not be a Mar and Meg episode without plenty of laughs, questionable photography skills, unexpected tangents and a brand-new trousers-versus-skirt analogy that even Meg had never heard before.

It is a fun behind-the-scenes look at how SFT trips work, the care that goes into every detail and the two women behind it all.

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Travel photography doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating. In this episode, Meg sits down with professional photographer Anastasia Novosyolova-Blatt to share practical, beginner-friendly tips for taking better travel photos, especially when you're traveling solo.

They cover everything from choosing the right camera setup (spoiler: your phone is probably enough) to finding the best lighting, asking strangers for photos with confidence, using simple accessories like tripods and remote shutters, and deciding when it's worth hiring a professional photographer. Anastasia also shares her favorite editing tips and explains why mindset is often the biggest factor in getting photos you'll actually love.

Whether you want beautiful vacation memories, better social media photos, or simply more confidence in front of the camera, this episode is packed with realistic advice you can use on your very next trip.

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Thoughtful travel can sound like a fancy buzzword, but it does not have to be complicated or hard to achieve.

In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Meg sits down with Amanda Kendle, travel writer, podcaster, and host of The Thoughtful Travel Podcast, for an honest conversation about what it actually means to travel with more intention.

Amanda shares how her love of travel began with a six-month campervan trip through Europe as a child, how moving to Japan in her twenties helped shift her anxiety and open up her world, and how one simple comment about not riding elephants in Bali changed the way she thinks about ethical travel.

Meg also reflects on her own travel evolution, from early backpacking trips and checklist-style planning to the ways Solo Female Travelers now approaches social impact, animal welfare, child photography, locally owned businesses, and helping travelers prepare more intentionally before they go.

Together, they talk about moving beyond top 10 lists, planning trips around your actual interests, making space for spontaneity, being a guest in someone else’s home, and why thoughtful travel does not mean perfect travel. They also reflect on how travel does not really end when you get home, but continues in the way you carry those experiences forward.

We hope this episode inspires you to pause when planning your next trip, stay open-minded, and remember that even small, thoughtful choices can make a difference along the way.

Connect with Amanda:
Podcast: Not a Ballerina
Instagram: @amandakendle

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Antarctica is one of the most remote places on Earth, but visiting it isn't as simple as booking a cruise. From choosing the right expedition to understanding the rules that protect this fragile environment, there's a lot to know before you go.

In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar sits down with expedition guide and Antarctica expert Lori Gross, who has spent nearly 20 years guiding travelers across the White Continent.

Together, they talk about what it's really like to visit Antarctica, how to choose the right expedition, the differences between ships and itineraries, what to expect throughout the season, and why flexibility is one of the most important things you can pack.

They also discuss responsible tourism, wildlife etiquette, IAATO, biosecurity, social media, and how every traveler can help protect one of the last truly wild places on the planet.

If Antarctica is on your bucket list, this episode is packed with practical advice, insider tips, and everything you wish you knew before planning the trip of a lifetime.

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Connect with Lori:
Website: The Antartic Experience
Facebook Page: The Antarctic Experience
Facebook Group: The Antartic Experience
YouTube: @theantarcticexperience
Instagram: @theantarcticexperience

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So much of travel is built around what we can see. We talk about sightseeing, bucket-list views, and must-see attractions. But what happens when you experience the world differently?

In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Meg sits down with author, speaker, podcaster, and disability advocate Lois Strachan to talk about travel, independence, and what it means to truly be present in a place.

After losing her sight in her early twenties, Lois continued pursuing her lifelong love of travel, visiting more than 20 countries and developing what she calls a different way of seeing the world. Through sound, touch, smell, conversation, and curiosity, she experiences destinations in ways many travelers rarely stop to consider.

We talk about navigating new places as a blind traveler, accepting help without sacrificing independence, the role technology plays in making travel more accessible, and why curiosity is one of the most important qualities any traveler can have.

Lois also shares practical advice for becoming more present while traveling and challenges us to think beyond photos, viewpoints, and social media checklists to create deeper, more meaningful travel experiences.

Whether you're a frequent traveler or simply looking for a new perspective, this conversation is a powerful reminder that there are many different ways to experience the world.

Connect with Lois:

Website: Lois Strachan
Podcast: A Different Way of Seeing Podcast
Facebook: @Loisstrachanspeaker
Youtube: @LoisStrachan

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