Solo (International) Travel as a Woman – Episode 355

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Janice Waugh - Solo Traveler

The Amateur Traveler talks to Janice Waugh from Solo Traveler about solo travel as a woman, particularly solo international travel. Janice did not set out to be a solo traveler but after the death of her husband, she gained her courage to get back out on the road. Janice now talks about how solo travel is better in many ways.

“At this stage in my life, I did not anticipate being a solo traveler again. I was very fortunate. I traveled a lot with my husband, with our children. We loved to travel. We had a small business together and we sold it and we took off for almost a year and traveled and homeschooled our youngest. But unfortunately, when we came home, my husband became ill and passed away in 2006.

Grieving is not a fun process and it goes up and down. Just about 2 years after he passed away I felt myself going down again, falling into that grief cycle again. I was not keen on going there, and I said ‘I guess I’m traveling solo’. It just struck me. So the next day I started Solo Traveler. I started traveling that Spring by myself and I haven’t looked back.”


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Show Notes

Solo Traveler
Solo Traveler Society
Solo Traveler on Twitter
The Best of Solo Travel
Travel Alone – Where and How
Best Solo Travel Destinations
Recommended: Travel Solo to Havana
Pic of the Week: High Above Havana
Solo Travel Destination: Cuba
Pic of the Week: Vintage in Varadero, Cuba
Addressing Solo Travel Objection #1: ten safety solutions
Solo Travel Safety
Travel Safety: 50 Tips for Solo Travelers
Amateur Traveler – Photo Tour of Egypt – Episode 255
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Safety Principle #5
Amateur Traveler – Tanzania, Africa as a Tourist – Episode 51
Solo Travel in the Lake District
Recommended: Travel Solo to Still the Anger
How to Travel Solo to Patagonia: Top 10 Tips
Solo Travel Destination: Patagonia
Solo Travel to India: 32 Tips You Need to Know
Solo Travel to India: Rough Itinerary
Solo Travel Safety: 20 Common Sense Tips
Solo Travel Safety: 10 ways to look confident
What You Focus on Will Grow: You Can Travel Solo
Feed Your Confidence: Travel Solo
Best Destinations for Solo Travelers
First Time for Solo Travel? Try a Short Retreat
Six Films. Six Countries.
Six Solo Travel Experiences.
Solo Traveler Means…
Solo Travel Destination: Sikkim, India
The Solo Traveler’s Handbook
Amateur Traveler – Review of the Solo Traveler’s Handbook

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Traveling Soon? These useful links will help you prepare for your trip.
Solo (International) Travel as a Woman with Janice Waugh (Podcast) #travel #solo #alone #woman #podcast #tips #safety #inspiration #theworld

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Chris Christensen

by Chris Christensen

Chris Christensen is the creator of the Amateur Traveler blog and podcast. He has been a travel creator since 2005 and has won awards including being named the "Best Independent Travel Journalist" by Travel+Leisure Magazine.

4 Responses to “Solo (International) Travel as a Woman – Episode 355”

Kathy

Says:

I was particularly interested by this episode as I’m another solo, female traveler. I started traveling solo when I took early retirement in my fifties, and completed my most recent trip just before my 65th birthday. I’ve been round the world three times, including two long trips to India, and riding the Trans Mongolian as part of a 17,000 mile train trip from Scotland to Saigon. I’m currently planning my first trip to South America.

I find just two main problems: no-one to watch the luggage on travel days (although I travel very light – no more than I can carry), and the dreaded single supplement. I have done some tours, but the more I travel the more I travel solo, although I do recommend your new sponsor, Intrepid, especially for Asia. I don’t have trouble with feeling lonely, but that’s partly because I have a blog.

I was envious of the Indian wedding story! I, too, was invited to an Indian wedding (totally by chance – I came down to the hotel lobby in Bhubaneshwar at exactly the right time) but it was a one day affair. I also hear a lot of “aren’t you afraid”, which is so sad, and I do recommend starting simple – maybe Montreal or Quebec City as an easy intro.

Gray

Says:

Terrific interview, Chris and Janice! I second Janice’s statement that solo travel is confidence-building. That may be my #1 reason for suggesting that everyone should try solo travel at least once. My confidence in myself has grown by leaps and bounds in the years I’ve been traveling by myself.

Brad

Says:

I have to admit that when I first saw the title of this episode, I had very little interest in listening. But given the track record of the AT, I figured I’d give it a few minutes. It was definitely not what I expected. Much of the discussion was generic to solo travel in general, which I really appreciated. Thanks for keeping the discussion upbeat, interesting, and relevant!

To Janice, my sincere condolences for your loss. I know my wife or I may be in that situation down the road, but you have really been able to create a wonderful opportunity in your life. You are a great example for those going through a similar loss. Best wishes to you.

JoyAtCheapCarHire

Says:

The main reason of commenting here is that you look exactly like a teacher I had few years back, a Miss Jacqueline who too was very fond of travelling. Got nostalgic. I wish you all the best for all your future solo travels. 🙂

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