What does it take to leave everything familiar behind and build an extraordinary life in a new country? In this inspiring episode of JourneyWoman's Ageless Adventuress Travel Podcast, host Kathy Buckworth sits down with Eliza Reid, Canadian-born bestselling author, celebrated public speaker, and former First Lady of Iceland, for a conversation that is equal parts wanderlust and wisdom. 

Eliza opens up about her remarkable journey from backpacking adventurer to living life on the world stage, and what travel has taught her about identity, reinvention, and embracing the unexpected. 

What You'll Hear in This Episode: 

• The hilarious (and very valid) reason her husband never took her to Paris for her 40th birthday and how Paris showed up anyway 

• What it's really like to be First Lady of Iceland

• From cashing in her stock options to hopping the Trans-Siberian Railway: her epic 100-day solo trip through Russia, Central Asia, Mongolia, Japan, and Southeast Asia, and why she did it completely alone 

• The concept of a "patchwork security quilt"

• Her carry-on only packing strategy, homemade porridge packets, and a spork, the travel tip nobody saw coming 

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Eliza Reid and Her Journey 

02:55 Identity and Self-Description 

06:01 The Role of First Lady: A Unique Experience 

09:07 Travel Dreams and Unexpected Turns 

12:06 Making the Most of Opportunities 

14:52 The Importance of Solo Travel 

18:05 Eliza's Big Travel Plan 

21:09 Connecting Through Travel Experiences 

23:58 Exploring West Africa: A Solo Adventure 

25:38 Exploring Travel Preferences and Planning 

27:31 Embracing Life's Patchwork of Experiences 

30:14 Contrasting Travel Styles: Backpacking vs. First Lady 

35:21 The Iceland Writers' Retreat: A Creative Journey 

42:13 Travel Tips and Personal Insights 

About Our Guest

Eliza Reid is a bestselling writer, public speaker, gender equality advocate, cofounder of the acclaimed Iceland Writers Retreat, and former first lady of Iceland. She was born and raised in Canada but has lived in Iceland for over twenty years. Her memoir The First Lady Next Door: A Memoir of Iceland, Identity, and Unexpected Adventure came out in spring 2026.  Instagram: @elizajeanreid 

In this episode of Journey Woman's Ageless Adventuress Travel Podcast, host Kathy Buckworth interviews Monika Schnarre, a renowned supermodel and advocate for health and wellness. They discuss Monika's Bavarian roots, her extensive travel experiences as a model, and the importance of travel for women over 50. Monika shares her insights on solo travel, overcoming fears, and the lessons learned from her global adventures. The conversation also touches on practical travel tips, packing strategies, and the significance of embracing new experiences at any age. Monika's journey into real estate showcases her ability to reinvent herself and inspire others to pursue their passions.

Takeaways

• Travel is a superpower for women over 50.

• Bavaria is a beautiful escape and holds personal significance.

• Travel experiences can be transformative and enlightening.

• Solo travel can help build confidence and independence.

• It's important to embrace opportunities and say yes to adventures.

• Travel expands our understanding of privilege and gratitude.

• Women can gain confidence through travel and new experiences.

• Planning less can lead to more spontaneous and enjoyable trips.

• Packing efficiently can enhance the travel experience.

• Reinventing oneself is possible at any stage of life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ageless Adventurous Travel

01:27 Monika's Bavarian Roots and Early Life

04:58 Travel Experiences as a Supermodel

07:49 Embracing Solo Travel and Overcoming Fear

09:15 Advice for First-Time Travelers

11:13 Lessons Learned from Global Travel

12:19 The Importance of Travel for Older Women

14:38 Travel Tips and Packing Strategies

18:11 Meeting Influential Figures and Money-Saving Tips

20:44 Monika's New Chapter in Real Estate

About Monika: At fourteen, Monika was the youngest ever to win the prestigious Ford Modeling Agency's, Supermodel of the World competition. By fifteen, she was the youngest to have ever appeared on the cover of American Vogue and in the pages of the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. At eighteen, Monika moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career and
has since appeared in over 50 films and television shows including King of Queens, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Beastmaster and Junior. After studying journalism at UCLA, Monika worked as a television correspondent on such prestigious shows as eTalk, Cityline and ET Canada. Today Monika has her sights set on building her real estate career with Engel & Völkers. "Monika Schnarre has been actively buying, selling and investing in Ontario real estate for over 25 years. With a background in building and renovations, Monika brings a unique perspective and understanding to each of her clients - whether selling a listing, identifying a home for purchase or finding a great investment opportunity. Building on her strong foundation of experience with the latest technology and market knowledge, Monika confidently represents and negotiates for her clients. She exceeds her client's expectations by finding the ultimate home for their needs or guiding them through the selling process with endless
support and diligence."

She has been featured on the cover of House and Home and This Old House. She is an ambassador of Habitat for Humanity's Women Build Campaign. In her spare time, Monika enjoys all sports and playing with her young son, Bode.

In this episode of Journey Woman's podcast, host Kathy Buckworth speaks with Ellie Hamby and Sandy Heslip, two adventurous women over 80 who have traveled to nearly 50 countries together. They share their experiences, insights on travel, and the importance of friendship and cultural immersion. The conversation highlights their journey around the world in 80 days, their adventures in Egypt, and valuable travel tips for older women. The episode emphasizes the joy of human connection and encourages listeners to embrace travel as a means of self-discovery and adventure at any age.

Takeaways

• Travel is a powerful tool for self-discovery.

• Friendship can blossom at any age.

• It's never too late to start your travel journey.

• Cultural immersion enhances the travel experience.

• Traveling on a budget can lead to unique experiences.

• Saying yes to life opens doors to new adventures.

• Human connection transcends cultural and political divides.

• Traveling together strengthens bonds of friendship.

• Planning ahead can save money and enhance experiences.

• Embrace challenges as part of the travel journey.
  
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ageless Adventures

02:40 Traveling Together: A Journey of Friendship

06:25 Around the World in 80 Days: The Concept

07:57 Exploring Egypt: Highlights and Experiences

15:50 Cultural Immersion and Food Adventures

17:19 Travel Tips for Older Women

19:16 The Importance of Human Connection in Travel

20:12 Hot Flash Round: Quick Travel Tips

About the Traveling Nanas:

Their book, Here We Go: Lessons for Living Fearlessly from Two Traveling Nanas, invites readers to share those stories and invite you to discover their own adventures.

Dr. Sandy, as many of her patients call her, now limits her practice to patients who are residents in long term care facilities and hospice care. She enjoys the challenges of geriatric patients and feels the Lord has called her to work with the very frail and fragile patients who are in the "November and December" of their lives. She has served in the past as president of the Texas Geriatric Society.   She currently serves as the Medical Director for Windcrest Health and Rehab and she is one of the physicians for Hospice of the Big Country. But Dr. Sandy wears other hats besides her "doctor" hat.  She is a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother. She is also a widow.  The love of her life, her husband, Don Hazelip, died 20 years ago. She is also a published author and lecturer and has spoken in the United States, China, Germany, Croatia, Romania, Russia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Zambia on women's health issues. She also has participated in and taught Bible lessons for Ladies' Retreats in those countries. One of her greatest joys has been the experience of taking her grandchildren on short term mission trips during the past 18 years to Zambia, Russia, China, Cambodia, and Romania.  But let me give you fair warning, do not ask her about her four "youngest" grandchildren, who are all adopted from China, unless you have a lot of time to hear all about "how cute, smart, and wonderful they are."  

Ellie Hamby lives in Abilene, Texas and is an international documentary photographer.  She has traveled to 107 countries and all seven continents "always with my camera at my side." She speaks about photography and her photographs have been featured in magazines, brochures and exhibitions both in the United States and Africa. Her international business, Photos by Ellie, features her photographs on postcards, bookmarks, and note cards.  Currently she serves as a Director of Zambia Medical Mission.  This medical mission takes place in the country of Zambia every July and provides medical care in very remote areas to approximately 13,000 Zambians over a two-week period of time.  Ellie maintains a home in Namwianga, Zambia and continues to return there several times each year to help oversee the work of Zambia Mission, which includes schools, a hospital, a radio station and several orphanages.  She serves on the board of Zambia Mission. Ellie has three children who have blessed with grandchildren.

This podcast is sponsored by Globus Escapes, a Switzerland-based, family-owned travel company. Globus Escapes offers curated trips for women and designed for the non-peak travel season. 

In this inspiring episode, Kathy Buckworth sits down with Andrea Bain — TV host, author, podcaster, and co-host of the award-winning national talk show The Social on CTV — to talk all things travel. From growing up in a family where annual vacations were non-negotiable, to solo adventures in Morocco's Atlas Mountains, Andrea shares how travel has become her greatest reset, her creative fuel, and her most powerful act of self-care. If you've been waiting for a sign to book that trip, this episode is it.

About Our Guest: Andrea Bain is a Canadian TV host, author, and podcaster. She currently co-hosts The Social on CTV and is the creator of the podcast Single Girl Problems, inspired by her 2019 book of the same name. Her career has taken her from the newsroom to red carpets in Los Angeles, where she interviewed icons including Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, Martin Scorsese, and Madonna. She's also a passionate solo traveler and is currently building a solo travel series to inspire other women to see the world on their own terms.

·      Her Instagram: @itsmissbain2u

·      Her TV: The Social on CTV, weekdays at 2 p.m. ET

·      Her Podcast: Single Girl Problems

Key Takeaways

·      Stop waiting for the group chat, if no one can come, go anyway. Solo travel is freeing, not lonely.

·      Slow down. Stay longer in fewer places. Shop local, eat local, talk to people. That's where the real trip lives.

·      Travel is a mental health reset, not a luxury. Andrea's rule: one trip a year, or else.

·      Don't let other people talk you out of a destination. Do your research, find a guided group if needed, and go.

·      Unplug on purpose. Airplane mode from takeoff to landing, photos only, no scrolling.

·      Spend on experiences (tours, excursions, cultural moments), not souvenirs you'll never use.

·      Pack carry-on only. Roll clothes like a crepe, max three pairs of shoes, bring detergent strips.

·      Compression socks and a facial mist are non-negotiables on any flight.

·      If solo travel feels scary, start small, a solo dinner, an overnight in your own city. Baby steps count.

About JourneyWoman

Founded in 1994, JourneyWoman is the world's first solo female travel resource and one of the most trusted travel brands for women. The platform publishes award-winning editorial for women 50+, written by women who have personally visited every destination they recommend. JourneyWoman also hosts the JourneyWoman Travel Directory — a free service offering hundreds of curated, women-friendly tours, retreats, small ships, and accommodations, with a focus on supporting women-owned travel businesses.

The solo female travel market for women over 50 in North America is valued at $245 billion USD/CAD combined... and it is growing.

This episode is presented in partnership with Globus Escapes, which offers guided tours to destinations including Morocco.