Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Solo Female Travelers
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Meet The Team | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:26:08 | |
Welcome to the first episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast! www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| Welcome to the Solo Female Travelers Podcast | 28 Mar 2026 | 00:01:27 | |
Welcome to the Solo Female Travelers Podcast. This show is brought to you by the team behind Solo Female Travelers Tours and our global community of women who believe the world is meant to be explored on your own terms. If you're already part of our community, read our weekly newsletter, or have traveled with us before, you know what we're about: supporting women who want to travel the world, the women who help show it to us, and the women who make it all happen behind the scenes. And now we get to bring those voices together here. This podcast is for you if you're:
In each episode, we’ll share practical travel advice, stories from the road, conversations with fascinating women from around the world, and yes, the embarrassing travel moments that somehow become the best stories later. You’ll hear from bold, diverse, and sometimes unconventional women who chose to ask “why not?” instead of waiting for permission. The Solo Female Travelers Podcast is the one you listen to on your daily commute, download before a long flight, and send to the friend who keeps saying she wants to travel but hasn’t booked the ticket yet. Follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you have a great embarrassing travel story, send it our way, we might just feature it in a future episode. You can also find all episodes and learn more about our women-only small group tours at www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #2 | How to Support and Not Exploit Indigenous Communities | 14 Apr 2026 | 01:00:45 | |
Most travelers never see the real impact of their trips, not because it’s hidden, but because we don't always see where our money goes or who truly benefits. In this episode, we sit down with Lily Palma, founder of Zapotec Travel and our Oaxaca tour host, to talk about what ethical travel in Oaxaca actually looks like and how community-led tourism works in practice. We get into the realities of how the travel industry operates, from commission-based models and hidden pricing to why “cheap” tours often come at a cost to local communities. Lily shares how she built a business rooted in Indigenous culture, long-term relationships, and women-led experiences, working with over 80 families across Oaxaca. We also talk about what’s changing. Gentrification, social media, and “Instagram experiences” are reshaping destinations quickly, often in ways travelers don’t realize. From fake cultural experiences to polished but disconnected tours, it’s becoming harder to tell what’s truly authentic. Lily breaks down what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to travel in a way that actually supports the people and places you’re visiting. If you’ve ever wondered what responsible travel really means in practice, this conversation will likely challenge the way you think about it. Connect with Lily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zapotectravelbylily www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #4 | You Have What You Need to Stay Safe | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:50:04 | |
Most conversations around safety, especially for women, tend to focus on what to avoid. Where not to go, what not to do, how to stay out of risk. But this approach is rather limiting and incomplete. In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, we sit down with Nicole Snell, CEO of Girls Fight Back and founder of Outdoor Defense, to rethink what safety actually means. With over 20 years of solo travel experience and a background in empowerment-based, trauma-informed self-defense, Nicole shares a perspective that goes far beyond tips and checklists. We talk about how traditional safety advice can create more fear than confidence, why awareness and mindset matter more than memorizing rules, and how learning self-defense can actually expand your world instead of limiting it. From solo hiking to everyday situations to solo travel, this conversation explores what it really looks like to feel capable, prepared, and confident in yourself and your abilities. This isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being prepared in body and mind. Join our women only luxury tours: www.tours.solofemaletravelers.club Websites: www.nicolesnell.com and www.girlsfightback.com www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #3 | Crossing Deserts: From Saudi Arabia to Timbuktu | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:55:01 | |
Adventure doesn’t have to mean crossing deserts or taking on extreme expeditions. Sometimes, it starts with simply stepping outside your comfort zone. But Alice is ready even for the grander adventures. In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, we sit down with Alice Morrison, an explorer, writer, and former BBC journalist who left her career to pursue slow, long-distance journeys across some of the world’s most remote regions. From cycling across Africa to walking the length of Saudi Arabia, and even traveling to places like Timbuktu following the salt trade, Alice shares what a life of adventure really looks like beyond the highlight reels. We talk about the advantages women have in conservative majority-Muslim countries in the Middle East and Africa, how meaningful cultural connections shape the way we see the world, and why approaching travel with curiosity and respect leads to deeper, more meaningful experiences. This conversation challenges the idea that adventure is reserved for a select few and instead reframes it as something accessible, personal, and rooted in how we choose to engage with the world around us. Plus you may learn a few camel sex tricks that could save you if you ever got lost in a desert. Connect with Alice Website & Books: www.alicemorrison.co.uk/books www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #5 | The Magic of Ecuador | 05 May 2026 | 01:06:22 | |
Ecuador received 1.4 million visitors in 2025. In comparison to the nearly 100 million people who visit Spain each year, this is only a small fraction. Those who venture there find more than they ever expected. A magic that is hard to describe but easy to feel. Mountains that stretch as far as the eye can see, topped by year-round glaciers; rainforests that teem with vegetation and protect some of the highest biodiversity in the Amazon basin; islands that inspired Charles Darwin and are home to endemic species so friendly you’ll have to step back not to touch; and indigenous culture that is very much alive and thriving. In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, we sit down with Ana Santa Cruz, our Ecuador tour host, certified national guide, and wildlife photographer, to talk about what it’s like to travel through the country. In a single trip, you can go from high-altitude cities in the Andes to the Amazon rainforest, with completely different landscapes, cultures, food, and climates along the way. And it all changes fast. Ana shares what that really feels like on the ground, not just the facts, but the experience, what surprises people most, and what they often get wrong before they arrive. We talk about the Amazon, what it is and what it’s not, the role of local guides and indigenous communities, and how to approach travel in a way that feels respectful without overthinking it. You’ll also hear about the wildlife, the food, and the small details most people miss. We know this episode will make you want to visit Ecuador for yourself, and we have the perfect tour to do so. Our Ecuador and Galapagos tour takes you to the heart of indigenous culture, the Amazon rainforest, and the Galapagos Islands on a women-only expedition with luxury accommodations and thoughtful, behind-the-scenes experiences. Along the way, we support women-owned businesses, from where you stay to where you eat, experiencing Ecuador through the female gaze. www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #6 |Tips from 200 Pet Sits | 12 May 2026 | 00:47:06 | |
A lot of people hear about pet sitting and immediately think: free accommodation, cute animals, dream lifestyle. And sometimes… it really does look like that. In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar sits down with her longtime friend Sabrina, a blogger, digital nomad, and long time pet sitter who has completed nearly 200 pet sits around the world over the last 12 years. From luxury condos in Singapore to cat sits in Bangkok, Bali, and Vietnam, Sabrina shares what this lifestyle actually looks like day to day, beyond the perfectly curated Instagram version. We talk about how she got started, how beginners can land their first sit even without reviews, the questions you absolutely need to ask before agreeing to stay in someone’s home, and the red flags she learned to spot after some very memorable experiences. While some pet sits come with rooftop pools, sweet cats, and fully stocked fridges… others involve seven cats peeing everywhere, hidden cameras, or unexpectedly being left alone with two teenagers. We also get into digital nomad life, community, loneliness, traveling with only hand luggage, and why pet sitting works best for people who genuinely love animals, not just people looking for a free place to stay. If you’ve ever wondered what pet sitting is really like, how people actually make this lifestyle work long-term, or whether it could work for you too, this episode is a very honest look behind the scenes. Connect with Sabrina: Website & Blog: https://www.justonewayticket.com www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #8 | Bali Beyond Social Media | 26 May 2026 | 00:45:54 | |
Bali is one of the most visited islands in the world, but beyond the traffic, beach clubs, and Instagram photo spots, there is another side of the island that many travelers never experience. In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar sits down with Henni, our local Bali host, to talk about what Bali is really like from a local perspective. www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #7 | Dating, Desire & Solo Travel | 19 May 2026 | 00:39:05 | |
What happens when romance, solo travel, and modern dating collide? In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Meg sits down with Sabrina, a sex educator, TEDx speaker, and founder of After Sex Ed, to talk about dating, intimacy, boundaries, and safety while traveling solo. Meg shares some of her own experiences with travel and dating, while Sabrina explains why travel can feel so freeing emotionally and psychologically, and why so many people are drawn to romance while away from home. Together, they discuss vacation romances, solo travel dating safety, setting boundaries, trusting your instincts, online dating abroad, consent, STI prevention, cultural differences around sex and relationships, and why “no” is indeed a complete sentence. Sabrina introduces us to what she calls the third sexual revolution,” and discusses why younger generations are increasingly craving emotional intimacy and real connection, and how confidence, self-worth, and body image shape the way women approach dating and relationships at every age. If you’ve ever experienced a vacation romance, wondered how to date more safely while traveling, or wanted a more honest conversation about intimacy and solo female travel, this episode offers thoughtful, practical, and empowering perspectives. Connect with Sabrina: Website: www.aftersexed.com www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #9 | The Magic of Packing with Mar | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:56:45 | |
Packing light sounds simple in theory, but for many travelers, fitting everything into a carry-on can feel almost impossible. Here are the products they mention in this episode:
www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #16 | Your Most Asked Questions Answered | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:54:32 | |
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. www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #15 | How to Take Photos of Yourself When Traveling Solo | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:39:22 | |
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. www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #14 | How to Be a More Thoughtful Traveler | 07 Jul 2026 | 00:51:25 | |
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: www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #13 | Planning a Trip to Antarctica | 30 Jun 2026 | 01:01:37 | |
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. -- Connect with Lori: www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #12 | Multisensory Travel | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:38:34 | |
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 www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #11 | The Ethics of Tourism Under the Taliban | 16 Jun 2026 | 01:12:55 | |
In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar sits down with Fatima Haidari, Afghanistan’s first female tour guide, for a deeply personal conversation about courage, displacement, identity, and rebuilding a life after unimaginable loss. Fatima’s story is also part of our own. When she first left Afghanistan, she worked with Solo Female Travelers during those early, uncertain moments of starting over. This conversation feels especially meaningful because we get to reconnect with her a few years later, hear where life has taken her, and witness the strength, clarity, and purpose she continues to carry forward. Fatima shares what it was like growing up in rural Afghanistan, teaching herself to read by listening to lessons from outside a classroom, and the journey that eventually led her to become a tour guide, journalist, and women’s rights advocate. She also speaks about the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, escaping Afghanistan on an evacuation flight, and the difficult reality of rebuilding her life from scratch in Italy while navigating grief, culture shock, trauma, and the weight of leaving home behind. Together, Mar and Fatima talk about what life is like for women and girls in Afghanistan today, why Fatima continues to fight for education and women’s rights, and how her organization, Alefba, is helping girls keep learning despite the restrictions they face. The conversation also explores the growing popularity of tourism in Afghanistan and the complicated questions that come with it. Can travel support local communities? Where is the line between cultural exchange and normalizing oppression? And what responsibility do travelers and content creators have when sharing stories from places facing serious human rights challenges? This is an honest, thought-provoking conversation about resilience, survival, education, and the power of refusing to give up on a better future, for ourselves, for Afghanistan, and for women everywhere. Connect with Fatima: www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #10 | Greece Beyond Mykonos and Santorini | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:48:13 | |
When most people think about traveling to Greece, they picture Santorini sunsets, Mykonos beach clubs, and crowded whitewashed streets packed with tourists. But what if some of the best Greek islands are actually the ones you've never heard of? In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar sits down with Stella, our Greece tour host and a travel industry expert who has spent more than 25 years working across the Greek islands as a wedding planner, tour leader, cruise director, and travel specialist. Together, they talk about what tourism is really like in Greece today, the impact cruise ships have on small island communities, and why some of the most memorable experiences happen away from the country's most famous destinations. Stella shares her favorite alternative islands, including Folegandros, Sifnos, and Milos, and explains why they're perfect for travelers looking for beautiful beaches, charming villages, incredible food, and a slower pace of life without the crowds of Santorini and Mykonos. We also chat about island hopping, ferry travel, Greek hospitality, local food, why dinner starts surprisingly late, and why Greece might be even better outside of peak summer season. If you're planning a trip to Greece, dreaming of island hopping, or simply looking for a more authentic experience beyond the Instagram hotspots, this episode is full of practical tips and local insights from someone who knows these islands inside and out. www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #19 | Around the World at 80 - The Traveling Nanas | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:53:50 | |
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:
Book Here We Go: Lessons for Living Fearlessly from Two Travelling Nanas available on Amazon and other major retailers and audiobook. www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #18 | Decolonize Your Travels | 04 Aug 2026 | 01:25:35 | |
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:
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. www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #17 | How to plan a trip to Scotland | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:47:58 | |
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. -- Links to things mentioned in the episode: www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||
| #20 | Flying Secrets of Cabin Crew | 18 Aug 2026 | 01:01:54 | |
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. www.solofemaletravelers.club | |||