Cheryl Esch - Podcast Details

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Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsNo Summer Travel Plans? Create a Memorable Summer With Adventures Close to HomeThe summer countdown has begun. School's out, temperatures are rising, and social media feeds are bursting with vacation photos and travel plans—but what if you don't have anything planned? Whether due to procrastination, budget constraints, or simply preferring to avoid peak travel season, a summer without definitive plans doesn't have to leave you feeling left out or bored.Today's episode offers a refreshingly practical approach to creating memorable summer experiences without the need for expensive flights or extensive planning. Drawing from personal experience and creative travel solutions, there are three accessible options that can transform your se...2025-05-2712 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsA Day in Porto: Exploring Portugal's Riverside GemThe vibrant energy of Porto, Portugal comes to life through Cheryl's detailed account of her day and a half in this charming riverside city. While many travelers automatically gravitate toward Lisbon, Cheryl makes a compelling case for Porto's superior atmosphere, describing it as less touristy yet rich with authentic Portuguese culture.From the moment she steps off the train from Lisbon, Cheryl's adventure unfolds with visits to the famous Livraria Lello bookstore (which she recommends booking first thing in the morning to avoid crowds), the stunning Igreja dos Carmelitas with its iconic blue tiles, and the panoramic...2025-04-0815 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsEmpowering Tips for Allergen-Free JourneysTraveling with food allergies doesn't have to be a daunting experience. Join me, Cheryl Esch, as I share my personal journey and practical strategies for navigating the world with a host of dietary restrictions. Whether you're allergic to peanuts, soy, gluten, or dairy, learn how to conquer your fears and prepare for safe and enjoyable adventures. I'll guide you through the essential steps, from packing your own food to researching restaurants in advance, ensuring that your next trip is free from anxiety and full of excitement. If you've ever hesitated to explore new destinations due to dietary concerns, this...2025-02-1817 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsBooks as Inspiring Blueprints for Solo Travel AdventuresHave you ever wondered how a single book could change your life trajectory? As someone who has been profoundly influenced by literature, I invite you to join me on an exploration of how books serve as a bridge between our dreams and reality. From the soulful journeys in "Eat Pray Love" and "Under the Tuscan Sun" to the rugged paths of "Wild," these stories are more than mere narratives; they're blueprints for embarking on real-life adventures. Through this episode, I share my personal experiences with these influential books and discuss how they offer both inspiration and practical travel insights...2025-02-1114 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsThe Art of Intentional Travel for Personal GrowthImagine turning your next travel escape into a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. That's exactly what I, Cheryl Esch, aim to help you achieve in our latest episode. Having used travel as a means to cope with the pressures of my corporate career, I realized it could be so much more than just a temporary escape. We dive into the art of purposeful travel, focusing on how to identify your unique physical, mental, and spiritual needs to choose destinations that truly nurture and revitalize you. Whether you're seeking solace in nature, the tranquility of a beach, or a...2025-01-2110 min

Good Neighbor Podcast: FriscoEP #83: Empowering Women Through Solo Travel: Cheryl Esch's Journey with Travel Coaching and Breaking BarriersWhat makes Cheryl Esch with Solo Travel Adventures a good neighbor?Cheryl Esch embarked on a journey that reshaped her life and now she's on a mission to empower women to seek transformation through solo travel. She joins me on the Good Neighbor Podcast to share her inspiring story of turning a simple podcast into a life-changing travel coaching business. Do you believe the myth that women shouldn't travel alone, especially beyond the age of 50? Cheryl is here to break down these misconceptions, proving that solo travel can be empowering, liberating, and incredibly healing. Her...2024-10-1907 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsDo You Need a SIM Card to Use Your Phone Abroad? Optimizing Your Mobile ConnectionDo you ever wonder how to stay connected without breaking the bank while exploring the world? Cheryl uncovers the secrets to mastering SIM cards and eSIMs for international travel. Learn from her personal experiences with different mobile providers, including the cost-effective options from T-Mobile compared to Verizon’s pricey plans. Discover the benefits and drawbacks of using WhatsApp for communication, and get the lowdown on phones that support dual SIM capabilities, particularly among popular Android models. Cheryl also shares practical advice on choosing and using both physical SIM cards and eSIMs, ensuring you stay connected and confident during your tr...2024-08-2714 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsBalancing Plans and Surprises: A Guide to Spontaneous Travel for WomenUnlock the secrets to making your travels more thrilling and unforgettable, even if you love detailed itineraries! Through a mix of personal anecdotes and expert advice, Cheryl explores everything from last-minute road trips to surprise vacations planned by companies like Pack Up and Go, Surprise Me Trips, and Journee. You’ll learn practical tips to strike a perfect balance between planning and embracing the unexpected, ensuring your travels are both well-organized and delightfully unpredictable.Imagine the joy of discovering a hidden gem on an unplanned detour or savoring a spontaneous local experience that wasn’t on your itin...2024-06-1821 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsTransforming Anxiety into Adventure: A Spiritual Nomad’s Guide to Finding Inner Peace with Guest Monique GirouxWhat if you could transform a rigid, anxiety-filled life into one of peace and spontaneity? Join us as we sit down with Monique Giroux, a former corporate executive who left behind the financial world to embrace the life of a spiritual nomad. Monique's journey began with a life-changing retreat in Bali and led her to adopt practices like yoga, meditation, and forest therapy. During our conversation, she opens up about her transition to minimalism, the disciplines that have nurtured her inner calm, and her mission to guide others towards nature connection and energy healing. Monique takes us...2024-06-1139 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsReal-Life Tips for Navigating Bad Booking AccommodationsAre you ready to learn how to handle disappointing accommodations and what to do if you find yourself in an awful lodging situation? Join me on this episode where I share personal stories and practical advice on navigating less-than-ideal bookings. Discover how I managed a sweltering night in Belize without air conditioning, and why staying adaptable and open-minded can turn an inconvenient situation into an unforgettable adventure. You'll also hear about critical safety and financial considerations that ensure your travel experiences remain both enjoyable and secure.We'll also expose a common scam in the accommodation industry—offering fr...2024-06-0421 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsEmbracing Independence: The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel and Self-RelianceHave you ever felt the thrill of conquering a fear, turning it into your most cherished strength? That's the transition I underwent when I embarked on my solo travel escapades, and it's a transformation I'm excited to guide you through in our latest podcast episode. Traveling alone can be daunting; it stirs up anxieties and fears that many of us would rather avoid. But what if the key to unlocking the world was in your own backyard? From the comfort of your local cafe to the leap of faith into skydiving, join me as I recount how normalizing solo...2024-05-2817 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsCalling Solo Travelers To Share Their AdventuresEver felt the thrill of booking a trip that's just for you, one that sets your spirit alight with anticipation? As the summer beckons with its siren call of vacations and getaways, I share my personal tale of seizing the moment to plan a rejuvenating July weekend escape. I'm also extending an invitation to sister travelers who've explored trendy destinations from Japan to Botswana, urging them to come forward with their stories. Your escapades could be the guiding star for others dreaming of their own solo journeys.If you've wandered the streets of Costa Rica, marveled at the A...2024-05-2107 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsNavigating the Summer Frenzy: 4 Tips to Surviving Peak Summer TravelEver found yourself crammed in a car, the scent of snacks mingling with the unmistakable whiff of 'adventure-gone-awry', as you hurtle towards a holiday hotspot with no room booked? That's exactly what happened to us on our uproarious excursion to Niagara Falls - a perfect case study in what not to do during the summer rush! Buckle up for this episode where I spill the beans on our family's comic misadventures and serve up golden nuggets of advice on navigating the peak travel season. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, I'll guide you through the pitfalls of impulsive travel...2024-05-1414 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsWhere is it Safe to Travel Alone for Women? Navigating Your Personal Safety ConcernsDiscover the art of crafting your own safe passage through the world's wonders, as I bring to light the subjective reality of safety and the power of trusting your instincts. Through tales of personal experiences and the shared wisdom from seasoned travelers, this episode is a beacon for anyone seeking to find their own comfort level in destinations near and far.Join us as we chart a course to empower your solo journeys with joy and confidence. I'll guide you through the process of selecting destinations that resonate with personal security, encouraging you to listen to your...2024-05-0711 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsThe Wanderer's Guide to Free Lodging: Insights from a House Sitting Expert with guest Kate EvansVenture into the world of nomadic living with Kate Evans, a true maestro of house sitting, who gracefully shares her tapestry of travel tales and the savvy behind her cost-effective lifestyle. Her story, reminiscent of Pippi Longstocking's whimsical adventures, unfolds to reveal a serendipitous discovery that transformed her globetrotting dreams into reality. As Kate guides us through the art of securing charming abodes across the globe, she brings a spark of inspiration to fellow wanderers who are yearning for their next chapter of exploration without the financial strain.Peek behind the curtain of popular house sitting platforms...2024-04-3041 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsMastering Solo Departures: 5 Essential Pre-Trip Strategies for a Stress-free JourneyEmbark with me, Cheryl Esch, on a journey into the heart of solo travel, where the final touches before departure become the keystones of a stress-free trip. We're not just talking passport checks and visa verifications; we delve into the realm of home front harmony—from pet care plans to bill management—ensuring that the only thing you need to focus on while away is the adventure at hand.As we step through the preparations often left to the last minute, you'll gather pearls of wisdom to tuck into your travel belt, making your departure as smooth as t...2024-04-2311 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsFrom Ordinary to Unforgettable: Tips for an Adventurous Birthday ExperienceEver found yourself buying your own birthday cake because life's whirlwind left your special day as an afterthought? I've been there, and let me tell you, it sparked a personal revolution. On this journey through my birthday philosophy, rooted deeply in cherished family traditions and the zest for marking each year with something unforgettable, I share how I transformed my neglected birthdays into days filled with adventure and joy—from ziplining to horseback riding, to savoring the magic of Paris. If you've ever longed to make your birthday more than just another date on the calendar, join me as I...2024-04-1608 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsPacking Perfection: Savvy Strategies to Avoid 4 Common Packing MistakesHave you ever found yourself wrestling a suitcase zipper, trying to squeeze in just one more "just in case" item? It's a common scenario, but not an inevitable one. As your guide through the labyrinth of luggage woes, I am here to equip you with strategies for packing that won't lead to an overstuffed bag or a stressed-out traveler. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to master the art of packing lightly and smartly, complete with anecdotes and advice that will undoubtedly refine your approach to preparing for your next solo adventure.During our chat...2024-04-0907 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsShould You Go Into Debt to Travel? My Personal Experience and Rational AdviseHave you ever been tempted to reach for your credit card to fund that dream trip, rationalizing that it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Join me, Cheryl Esch, as I recount the personal toll that such decisions can have on our wallets and well-being. I open up about my own battle with the desire to splurge on travel now and worry about the costs later, and the sobering reality of debt that can linger long after the suitcase is unpacked. Through heartfelt stories and an honest breakdown of numbers, I'll show you the hidden price tag that comes with paying for...2024-04-0213 min

Warrior Words | Stories of Hope | Finding Beauty After Battles & Thriving After Surviving Trauma12. Bottling Assault Doesn't Help You Survive Trauma - Try Thriving Through Adventure Instead with Cheryl EschWelcome to Episode 12 of the Warrior Words podcast! In this episode, I listen as Cheryl Esch shares about her experience with bottling a rape and a date rape (no graphic details are shared) and about the impact that had on her. She also shares about her journey with her mother and her battle with breast cancer, including the impact one trauma had on the other. Wait until you hear about the unique and fun way she is thriving today! Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Se...2024-03-2631 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsRetiring Early From Work to Global Trekker: The Julie Fenn Story of Post-50 FreedomHave you ever imagined swapping your daily routine for an endless adventure around the globe? Julie Fenn did more than just daydream; she waved goodbye to her work life and embarked on a solo journey that has taken her from the familiarity of Ontario to the unknowns of international locales. Today, I'm thrilled to have her share her tales and tips with us. From how she transformed her childhood family bike trips across Europe into a full-fledged nomadic lifestyle, to her innovative methods of securing cozy accommodations through Trusted House Sitters, Julie's experiences prove that it's never too late...2024-03-261h 11

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsChasing the Solar Eclipse: Budget-Friendly Tips and Purposeful Travel AdventuresPrepare to be dazzled by the cosmic ballet, as we share tips on witnessing the full solar eclipse without breaking the bank! On April 8th, an astronomical event unfolds over North America, one that won't repeat until 2044, and we've got the scoop on the best spots to catch it all, from the serene Canadian landscapes to the vibrant Mexican vistas. I'll guide you through snagging those elusive budget-friendly flights and accommodations, alongside creative alternatives like camping or house-sitting. If you're bound to home turf, no worries—I've got your back with ways to partake in eclipse festivities from your ow...2024-03-1910 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsCan You Trust Online Travel Reviews? 4 Golden Tips for Solo TravelersEver felt lost at sea with online travel reviews? I'm Cheryl Esch, your solo travel mentor, and I've been there. But fear not! In this auditory adventure, I unpack the secrets to not just surviving but thriving in the world of travel feedback. With my four golden tips, you'll learn to harness the power of reviews and transform them into an invaluable compass for your solo travels. This podcast is your ticket to understanding the true value of those stars and comments that flood the internet. I'll share personal tales of accommodations that both soared and sank e...2024-03-1213 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsDo You Love Animals? How to Travel Ethically While Having an Animal Experience with Guest Nora LivingstoneGuest Nora Livingstone is the co-founder of Animal Experience International, an award winning B Corp that helps animal lovers visit and participate in safe, ethical and authentically beneficial conservation programs. Coining the term: Consent Based Travel she understands the importance of ethics in all interactions- both when we are at home and abroad. Through AEI, Nora has sent more than a thousand volunteers on adventures and donated more than a million dollars to locally run conservation and animal welfare programs. She has been to more than 50 countries and will never pick a favorite. She likes bikes, hikes and drinks...2024-03-0536 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsWhat To Do If A Friend Wants To Join Your Solo TripYou have begun planning a solo trip and share where you are going with a friend and now they want to join you. How do you respond? What should you say that won't hurt your friend's feelings or make you feel guilty or regret your decision?Support the showhttps://www.cherylbeckesch.com Instagram @solotraveladventures50Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50 https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200 2024-02-2714 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsAre Rideshares (Uber) Safe For Solo Travelers? 8 Tips to Feel SaferWe often think nothing of requesting an Uber or rideshare car these days. When I was growing up, we were warned to never get into a car with a stranger. Yet we do it all the time as a means of transportation, especially when traveling. Could we use some extra cautious steps to feel safer? YES. Here are 8 tips to ensure a safer ride.1) Book your request through the app and make sure no one is around to potentially see your information.2) Check your driver's rating ad reviews.3) Share your ride/trip with a trusted...2024-02-2011 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsShould I Use Packing Cubes?We all want to be efficient in our packing. But are packing cubes the answer?Packing cubes are typically nylon or polyester material, rectangular bags with a zipper and mesh portion to let air out.They are helpful to:1) Organize your clothes2) Prevent wrinkles3) Condense your packing area by 5-10%4) Keeps clean clothes separate from dirty clothesTIP: Always take 1-2 empty packing cubes for dirty clothesAMAZON BASICS PACKING CUBEShttps://a.co/d/79Coob8Support the showhttps://www.cherylbeckesch...2024-02-1308 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsExplore the World Through Cuisine & Culture with guest Annie SimAre you a foodie? Do you like to experience the authentic cuisine of the country where you are traveling? Annie Sim, CEO of The Table Less Traveled, is bringing an intimate concept of food and travel together.With culinary exploration at the heart of their travel experiences, Annie Sim labels herself the CEO — Chief Eating Officer — of The Table Less Traveled. Her love affair with travel began at age 13 when her parents took her out of the U.S. for the first time. The moment she woke up in a thatched-roof hut with elephants and giraffes just steps away...2024-02-0631 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsLacking Courage To Go On A Solo Trip? 3 Tactics to Overcome Your FearsMany women have expressed to me how they struggle with the courage to go on a solo trip. "Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear" Theodore Roosevelt.Three Tactics to Develop Courage and Push past your fears.1) Take action2) Face your fears-big and small3) Do something that scares you every week to develop the muscle of "courage".Support the showhttps://www.cherylbeckesch.com Instagram @solotraveladventures50Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50 2024-01-3008 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsWorried About Getting Sick While Traveling? How To Stay Healthy On Your TripBeing sick is no fun. But being sick in a foreign country away from the comforts of your home can feel worse.Staying healthy while traveling actually begins beforehand by building up your immune system.1) Reduce your stress2) Make sure you are well rested beforehand and get adequate sleep while traveling too.3) Hydrate- before and during your trip, especially if you will be consuming alcohol.4) Watch what you eat-before and even maybe while on your trip. If you have allergies, get them under control beforehand and take any medications needed.5) Purchase...2024-01-2311 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsConcerned About Feeling Safe While Traveling? 3 Criteria To Determine Where to GoSafety as a solo traveling woman should always be on our minds, even during the planning stages.In Episode 12, I offer 10 Safe countries that are safe for solo female travelers.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048349/12058242Consider these 3 criteria before picking a destination, especially as a new solo traveler.1) Go to a place where they speak your native language. You will have one less barrier and found yourself less anxious because you are able to communicate with others easily.2) Go on a road trip. I feel more confident when i take a...2024-01-1610 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsA Day in Bruges: Planning Your TripIf you are in Europe, you need to make time to visit Bruges, Belgium. Even if you only have one day, you will experience an idyllic city in Europe mostly untouched by the war.Bruges is located in Northwestern Belgium know for its picturesque streets and historic medieval architecture.It is a quiet city surrounded by canals like Amsterdam but less touristy, It is also a UNESCO Heritage location.HOW TO GET THERE: Train from Brussels or Amsterdam or Paris.WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Ter BrugheWHAT TO DO: Boat trip on...2024-01-0909 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsWhere To Travel in 2024: The 12 Popular Destinations to Visit As a Solo TravelerDo you create travel goals every year? Where do you want to go in 2024?Unsure of where to go? I combined a list of 12 trendy destinations for 2024 I gathered from trusted resources such as Travel & Leisure, The Points Guy, CNN, Lonely Planet and Conde Nast Travel. I picked locations that are safe for solo women travelers.Listen in on how I faired in accomplishing my 2023 travel goals and what my 2024 audacious travel goals are this year.Still unsure as to where you will travel in 2024? Maybe today's list of 12 trending destinations will inspire you...2024-01-0222 min

Solo Travel Adventures: Safe Travel for Women, Preparing for a Trip, Overcoming Fear, Travel TipsCan't Decide Where To Travel To? How To Pick A DestinationWhere are you traveling to in 2024? Can't decide? Have a bucket list a mile long?Consider these ways to help you pick a place.In January, I will be hosting a mini workshop to help you go more in-depth on deciding where to go but also on how to start planning that trip. Support the showhttps://www.cherylbeckesch.com Instagram @solotraveladventures50Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50 https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200 2023-12-1911 min