Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel Tips - When God Sends You Halfway Across the World to Find Healing

When God Sends You Halfway Across the World to Find Healing

04/22/25 • 38 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel Tips

Danielle Hiebert's life took an unexpected turn when, in the midst of a painful divorce after 32 years of marriage and exhausted from the pandemic's toll on educators, she found herself scrolling through job listings in the middle of the night. A curriculum coordinator position in Kuwait caught her eye, and within weeks, she was preparing to move halfway across the world.
What began as an escape from heartache transformed into a profound journey of healing and self-discovery. Kuwait—a country she knew only from Desert Storm references—became the backdrop for Danielle's personal renaissance. "That's how you know God has a wonderful sense of humor," she reflects, "because he sent me to a Muslim country to spiritually heal."
For two years, Danielle immersed herself in Middle Eastern culture, forming deep connections with people from diverse backgrounds. From her Lebanese neighbors who brought her meals to her Filipino colleague singing hymns in the school bathroom, these relationships expanded her worldview while providing the community she needed to heal. Professional validation came too, as she found herself surrounded by educators eager to learn from her—a stark contrast to the burnout she'd experienced in American schools.
The distance gave Danielle something precious: perspective. In her "apartment up in the sky," she found time for prayer, journaling, and processing grief. Weekend trips to Dubai, Jordan, and Oman fulfilled her adventurous spirit while teaching her to approach life with an open heart. Her advice for women considering similar journeys resonates with simple wisdom: "Go with an open heart and mind, because you never know how it's going to play out for you."
Want to explore how travel might support your own healing journey? I'm launching a new travel coaching program designed specifically for those working through grief, trauma, or feeling stuck. Book a free call to join the waiting list for this transformative experience launching in late May.

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Previous Episode

Beyond the Tourist Traps: Experience Iconic Destinations Without the Crowds

What do the Statue of Liberty, Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, and the Eiffel Tower have in common? They've all become part of the global tourist trap circuit—places that promise unforgettable experiences but often deliver crowds, inflated prices, and a distinctly inauthentic atmosphere.
I've traveled to numerous destinations on those viral "must-see before you die" lists, and while these iconic landmarks certainly have their merits, the experience of visiting them doesn't always match our expectations. The good news? There are practical strategies to transform even the most clichéd tourist destinations into meaningful, authentic adventures.
Timing makes all the difference. Visiting Italy in November rather than July means fewer crowds, lower prices, and more available accommodations. Yes, you'll need an extra layer or two, but you'll gain a more intimate experience with the destination. Similarly, seeking out alternative experiences—like Iceland's lesser-known Glacier Lagoon instead of the crowded Blue Lagoon—provides comparable beauty without the overwhelming tourist presence.
For truly immersive experiences, consider staying with locals outside tourist districts. When visiting Machu Picchu, some travelers spend days living with families in rural areas outside Cusco, gaining invaluable cultural insights before seeing the famous ruins. Even in major cities like Paris, exploring lesser-known arrondissements beyond the central tourist areas reveals authentic slices of local life most visitors never experience.
The value of travel isn't about checking items off standardized bucket lists but creating meaningful connections with the places we visit. Whether you're an introvert seeking quiet experiences or simply tired of fighting crowds for the perfect photo, these strategies will help you discover the authentic heart of your destination. What's on your travel list? And more importantly—how will you experience it differently?
Join our Facebook community "Solo Travel for Women Over 50" to share your own strategies for authentic travel experiences and connect with fellow adventure seekers who understand the balance between seeing iconic landmarks and discovering hidden gems.

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Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50

Next Episode

Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice

The endless horizon stretches between volcanic plains and glacier-topped mountains as we journey through Iceland, a land where fire and ice create one of earth's most breathtaking natural canvases. What makes this Nordic island nation so remarkable isn't just its visual drama but how its landscapes become a powerful catalyst for personal healing and renewal.
My solo adventure through Iceland revealed a country of startling contrasts - snow-capped peaks beside dramatic coastlines, black sand beaches against emerald farmland, geothermal springs bubbling near ancient lava fields. This environmental diversity creates an almost otherworldly experience, like visiting multiple countries without ever crossing a border. Each vista offers a different perspective, making Iceland an ideal destination for those seeking nature's transformative power.
Traveling in April provided remarkable solitude, with empty roads and tourist-free vistas creating space for deeper reflection. While summer offers milder temperatures and lush landscapes, there's something magical about experiencing Iceland's raw beauty in relative isolation. My most unexpected gift came at midnight when the Northern Lights appeared outside my farmhouse window - a phenomenon locals assured me was extraordinarily rare for April. These serendipitous moments exemplify how travel delivers its most precious gifts when least expected.
Iceland presents practical advantages for solo travelers: it ranks among the world's safest countries, offers stunning natural attractions from the Blue Lagoon to countless waterfalls, and provides varied accommodation options from hotels to guesthouses. While expenses run high, the payoff in natural wonder and personal growth proves immeasurable.
My journey reinforced how intentional travel becomes a powerful vehicle for transformation. By setting clear objectives before departure - seeking restoration, reconnection with nature, and digital detachment - I created space for meaningful insights about incorporating elements of this experience into daily life back home. This process forms the foundation of healing through travel, a practice I now help others discover through my coaching program launching May 27th.
Have you considered how a thoughtfully planned journey might address your own needs for renewal? Whether you're recovering from burnout, seeking clarity following life changes, or simply craving deeper connection with yourself and the natural world, Iceland's diverse landscapes offer the perfect backdrop for transformation. Join me in discovering how intentional travel can become your most powerful tool for personal growth.

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Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel Tips - When God Sends You Halfway Across the World to Find Healing

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.000

If you've ever experienced so much heartache , pain , grief or even just the stress of everyday life is just so mounting and overwhelming . You have anxiety , just , and need to get away . You're saying , Calgon , take me away . So if you're from my era , we know what that means . But you want to go beyond the Calgon take me away , feel you want to escape these problems . Possibly