5 Steps to Solo Travel for the Woman on the Go: What are the 5 Steps?
04/18/25 • 5 min
Are you traveling? Tell me why or why not. Need a confidence boost?
Here are the 5 Steps to Solo travel, summarized and a link to the book on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Five-Steps-Solo-Travel-Womans/dp/B0BC2FXLPY
Step 1: Local Solo Travel. Close to home local travel.
Step 2: Domestic solo trips, familiar with the territory. Maybe cross country.
Step 3: National travel with more complexity, such as Alaska or Hawaii
Step 4: International travel in familiar cultures
Step 5: Fully independent, adventurous international solo travel.
I’ve been creating this podcast weekly since 2018. I’m on my way to helping more than 100,000 women travel solo. Are you one of us?
https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com
FAQ: You asked? Where am I traveling this summer?
Here is your FAQ response:
I start in Colombia, then Ecuador for Galapagos, then Peru for Machu Pichu, and then Brazil for some beach life in Salvador and near Rio. I will finish in Argentina’s Iguazu Falls, then return to Sao Paulo for my Cape Town, South Africa flight. I’ll be there for several days and depart from Johannesburg to Athens, Greece. After being there for a week, I’ll explore other parts of Europe, including Poland and Scandinavia. I’ll be there for a while, and then across to travel in Canada, hopefully Halifax and PEI, before I go home 90 days later via Toronto.
That’s the plan for the summer trip. I’ll be staying with families via Servas (World Peace) and at lower-budget hotels. I’ll book local activities where I can. I’ll have a small footprint and carry a pack that weighs less than 15 lbs.
Lessons learned from my 90-day trip in 2023
Most of them were about the wrong direction or the wrong destination. This time, I know that I may make similar mistakes, but I hope to make fewer of them. I have a hard time with remembering which way I came in, such as a hotel room. I need to be more aware of the physical presence, and take notes in my brain about them.
Today’s Travel Advice- I’m planning the trip daily now, and most of my decisions can be made from Europe. However, if I want to get a Eurail pass, I should do so before I leave the USA.
https://www.eurail.com/en/eurail-passes/deals/eurail-pass-discounts/eurail-senior-discounts
I am concerned about how the world sees the USA these days. I will never be alone. I’ll always have God with me. I’ll be praying every minute, as best I can.
Connect with Dr. Travelbest
5 Steps to Solo Travel website
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page
Are you traveling? Tell me why or why not. Need a confidence boost?
Here are the 5 Steps to Solo travel, summarized and a link to the book on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Five-Steps-Solo-Travel-Womans/dp/B0BC2FXLPY
Step 1: Local Solo Travel. Close to home local travel.
Step 2: Domestic solo trips, familiar with the territory. Maybe cross country.
Step 3: National travel with more complexity, such as Alaska or Hawaii
Step 4: International travel in familiar cultures
Step 5: Fully independent, adventurous international solo travel.
I’ve been creating this podcast weekly since 2018. I’m on my way to helping more than 100,000 women travel solo. Are you one of us?
https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com
FAQ: You asked? Where am I traveling this summer?
Here is your FAQ response:
I start in Colombia, then Ecuador for Galapagos, then Peru for Machu Pichu, and then Brazil for some beach life in Salvador and near Rio. I will finish in Argentina’s Iguazu Falls, then return to Sao Paulo for my Cape Town, South Africa flight. I’ll be there for several days and depart from Johannesburg to Athens, Greece. After being there for a week, I’ll explore other parts of Europe, including Poland and Scandinavia. I’ll be there for a while, and then across to travel in Canada, hopefully Halifax and PEI, before I go home 90 days later via Toronto.
That’s the plan for the summer trip. I’ll be staying with families via Servas (World Peace) and at lower-budget hotels. I’ll book local activities where I can. I’ll have a small footprint and carry a pack that weighs less than 15 lbs.
Lessons learned from my 90-day trip in 2023
Most of them were about the wrong direction or the wrong destination. This time, I know that I may make similar mistakes, but I hope to make fewer of them. I have a hard time with remembering which way I came in, such as a hotel room. I need to be more aware of the physical presence, and take notes in my brain about them.
Today’s Travel Advice- I’m planning the trip daily now, and most of my decisions can be made from Europe. However, if I want to get a Eurail pass, I should do so before I leave the USA.
https://www.eurail.com/en/eurail-passes/deals/eurail-pass-discounts/eurail-senior-discounts
I am concerned about how the world sees the USA these days. I will never be alone. I’ll always have God with me. I’ll be praying every minute, as best I can.
Connect with Dr. Travelbest
5 Steps to Solo Travel website
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page
Previous Episode
Best of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance - Part 2
Today’s Special issue is on San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks Part 2
Today’s Mistake-Bodysurfing when the waves are too strong.
Destination: Part 2 of 2 San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks is a conservation organization under the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and is a Step 1 or Step 2 destination.
The Wildlife Alliance is trying to create A world where all life thrives. They have two front doors. In this episode, we focus on the Safari Park, formerly the Wild Animal Park.
https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/
https://sdzsafaripark.org/tickets
Connect with Dr Travelbest
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group
email: [email protected]
Next Episode
Blue Zone Travel
Special Episode Blue Zone Travel
https://www.bluezones.com/exploration/#section-1
The five "Blue Zones" in the world, which are regions identified as having a high concentration of people living to a very old age, are:
Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California, USA. Notably, four of these Blue Zones are located near oceans, making them easily accessible by sea travel.
- Ocean proximity: Blue Zones like Costa Rica and California are situated not too far from coastlines, making them ideal destinations for those interested in combining a healthy lifestyle exploration with beach vacations.
- Mediterranean Sea: The regions of Sardinia (Italy) and Ikaria (Greece) are located in the Mediterranean Sea, which can be easily accessed by cruise ships or ferries.
- Cultural immersion: Visiting a Blue Zone allows travelers to experience the local culture, cuisine, and lifestyle, which are often linked to longevity.
My friend Kirsty mentioned this in January, so I’ve created a list of things to do for each. You are not guaranteed to have long life, or even a good time, but visiting one or more of the zones will require different types of travel.
1. Ikaria, Greece 🇬🇷The island where people forget to die. It’s located off Athens, in the Icarian Sea. It’s on an island not fro from Mikonos or Patmos.
- Hike ancient trails to tiny stone chapels and mountain villages.
- Soak in natural hot springs in Therma.
- Join a panigiri (village festival)—you’ll eat, dance, and be pulled into the local scene, no invite needed.
- Try the local herbal teas and Mediterranean diet, rich in greens, olive oil, and goat’s milk.
🔍 Vibe: Rustic, serene, deeply communal. Great for introspection.
2. Okinawa, Japan 🇯🇵Land of the world’s longest-living women. I’ve been to Japan, but not yet here.
3. Sardinia, Italy 🇮🇹Mountain life, shepherds, and centenarians galore. I’ve been to Italy, but only the boot. This island is far from the mainland. It’s mountainous and has beaches. The cities are Cagliari to the south and Alghero to the north.
4. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica 🇨🇷Pura Vida in every breath.
5. Loma Linda, California, USA 🇺🇸A health-conscious bubble in SoCal. I have been here, but I never really thought about living a long life. They do have an award-winning hospital here. It's not far from Big Bear Lake and San Bernadino Riverside area near Los Angeles.
Skeptical Take: Are the Blue Zones Just Hype?Not every Blue Zone is “set up” for tourism, and longevity isn’t guaranteed to rub off on you after a week. Infrastructure, language barriers, and culture gaps can pose challenges.
But if you’re looking for meaningful solo travel that reframes aging, fosters deep well-being, and introduces you to life lived at a different rhythm, these places are worth the trip. Just keep your expectations grounded—and your curiosity wide open.
Today’s Travel Advice- Find a blue Zone near you that’s not on the list. Perhaps you can adjust your lifestyle to make the most of your years here. Let me know if you discover another Blue Zone in your travels.
Connect with Dr. Travelbest
5 Steps to Solo Travel website
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page
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