Freedom and Reinvention: A Solo Traveler’s Journey from Van Life to an Art Residency in Greece

Solo Budget Travel: Safety Tips, Destinations & How to Make Travel Your Career

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2564310/fan_mail/new] What if travel wasn’t just a vacation — but your career? In this episode of Roam Alone, host Theresa Stephens talks with Michelle, a professional travel writer who has explored 35+ countries and built a life centered around global adventure. Michelle shares how she transformed her passion for travel into sustainable work, along with practical advice for solo budget travelers looking to see more of the world without overspending. Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or dreaming of long-term travel, this episode delivers real-world strategies, safety insights, and an essential international travel checklist. ✈️ In This Episode, We Discuss: * How Michelle turned travel into a full-time career  * The realities of travel writing and remote work  * Best destinations for solo budget travelers  * How to travel internationally on a budget  * Solo travel safety strategies for women and first-time travelers  * Common travel mistakes — and how to avoid them  * Planning your first international solo trip  * Essential international travel checklist items  * Confidence-building tips for traveling alone  🌍 Who This Episode Is For * First-time solo travelers  * Budget-conscious travelers  * Women considering solo travel  * Aspiring travel writers and digital nomads  * Anyone dreaming of long-term or slow travel  🎒 Key Takeaway Solo travel doesn’t require unlimited money or fearlessness — just preparation, curiosity, and the willingness to take the first step. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Roam Alone If you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Follow the podcast  ⭐ Share with a friend planning a solo trip  ⭐ Leave a review to help more travelers discover Roam Alone  Michelle's Blog: TravelHerStory [https://www.travelherstory.com/] Hostel World [https://www.hostelworld.com/?source=ppc_gooads_brand_dsk_search_brd_en_row&network=g&campaign_id=13461949562&adgroup_id=130259537424&criteria_id=kwd-137381844&creative_id=594756953728&location_physical_id=9014183&location_interest_id=&adposition=&uniqueclickID=15524064535922528823&sub_keyword=hostelworld&sub_ad=e&sub_publisher=ADW&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13461949562&gbraid=0AAAAAD9QXQaVYYL5jRvp5ohhXoO0X7s0N&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2YDQBhD_ARIsAE1qeScXKplJXKtE4f4MkV42v7ytsF6P2jevPbe_ZJ-cL_UFX4JlXAiwcUEaAncGEALw_wcB] Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone

Midlife Reinvention: Moving Alone to Costa Rica

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2564310/fan_mail/new] What happens when the life you built no longer feels like the life you want? In this episode of Roam Alone, Theresa sits down with Jen Rulon, who made a bold decision at age 50: she left her marriage, her career, and the United States to start over alone in Costa Rica. Jen opens up about the fear that came with such a massive transition — and how stepping into the unknown ultimately allowed her to rediscover herself. Today, Jen is thriving. She has built a successful business as a midlife reinvention coach, cultivated a strong community in her new hometown, and found love again — proof that reinvention isn’t reserved for the young or the fearless. This conversation explores what it really means to choose yourself, especially in midlife, and why starting over can become the most empowering chapter yet. In This Episode, We Talk About: *  Leaving a marriage and long-term career later in life  *  Moving abroad alone at 50 *  Navigating fear, doubt, and identity loss during major transitions  *  Building community from scratch in a new country  *  Reinventing your career after midlife  *  Why reinvention requires courage — not certainty  *  Finding love and belonging after starting over  Key Takeaway You don’t have to feel ready to change your life. Sometimes courage simply means taking the next step while you’re still afraid. About Jen Rulon Jen Rulon is a midlife reinvention coach helping women redesign their lives with purpose, confidence, and authenticity after major life transitions. After relocating solo to Costa Rica at age 55, she now supports others navigating reinvention, identity shifts, and bold new beginnings. Connect with Jen jenrulon.com [http://www.jenrulon.com] Follow Roam Alone If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and share the podcast — it helps more people discover stories of courage, independence, and self-trust through solo travel. Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone

Starting Over at 55: How Solo Travel Helped Diane Rebuild Her Life After Divorce

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2564310/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Roam Alone, Theresa speaks with Diane about navigating one of life’s biggest transitions and choosing solo travel as a path toward personal renewal. After divorce, selling her business, and entering an empty-nest chapter, Diane set out alone to reconnect with herself — volunteering at resorts around the world and rebuilding confidence, purpose, and identity along the way. We discuss: *  Why major life transitions often spark solo travel  *  Traveling alone after divorce  *  How volunteering abroad makes long-term travel affordable  *  Letting go of other people’s expectations  *  The emotional reality of starting over at midlife  *  How solo travel helps you hear your own voice again  *  Reinvention after 50  *  Practical tips for women considering their first solo journey  ✨ This episode is for anyone standing at a crossroads wondering: Who am I now? https://helpx.net/ [https://helpx.net/] Pueblo Ingles [https://www.volunteerspuebloingles.com/] Nomadic Matt - Travel on $75 a Day [https://www.nomadicmatt.com/] Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone

Freedom and Reinvention: A Solo Traveler’s Journey from Van Life to an Art Residency in Greece

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2564310/fan_mail/new] Is home a place — or a feeling we carry with us? In this episode of Roam Alone, Theresa welcomes Kelly Peeler, a woman who redefined independence by living nomadically in a van for six years before planting new roots on Milos, Greece. Kelly’s story challenges traditional ideas about stability, success, and what it means to belong somewhere. Together, they discuss: *  Choosing solo travel as a way of life  *  Building confidence through long-term travel  *  The emotional evolution of nomadic living  *  Creating spaces where women feel safe to create and rest  *  Why reinvention doesn’t have an expiration date  This episode is especially powerful for women navigating life transitions, creative awakenings, or the desire to design life on their own terms. Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone

Why Women Over 50 Are Traveling Solo More Than Ever

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2564310/fan_mail/new] Solo travel is booming — and one group is leading the movement: women over 50. In this episode of Roam Alone, we explore why midlife and older women are becoming one of the fastest-growing groups of solo travelers in the world. From financial independence to life transitions like empty nests and retirement, more women are choosing to explore the world on their own terms. Travel studies show women now make up the majority of solo travelers, and women over 50 are driving one of the biggest shifts in travel culture. In this episode we discuss: • Why solo travel is growing among women over 50 • The life changes that inspire many women to travel alone • Why many solo female travelers are actually married • The confidence and freedom that solo travel can bring If you’ve ever wondered whether solo travel later in life is possible — or transformative — this episode is for you. Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens. Instagram: @theresaannstephens Facebook: /theresastephens Facebook: /RoamAlone