Solo travel can be empowering, messy, magical, and unforgettable. And sometimes, the best way to prepare for your own journey is to hear it straight from women who’ve been there. These five podcasts offer raw stories, useful tips, and thoughtful reflections from female travelers who’ve crossed continents alone.
1. “She Explores” — Connection Through Nature
Hosted by Gale Straub, She Explores is about women who travel through wild places. While it often focuses on outdoor adventures, many episodes dive into solo journeys and the emotional layers of traveling alone.
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Recommended Episode: “The First Step” — a solo traveler shares how a spontaneous hiking trip helped her rebuild confidence after a tough breakup.
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Key Takeaway: Solo travel isn’t always glamorous, but it can be deeply healing.
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Spotify: Listen here
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Apple Podcasts: Listen here
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Website: she-explores.com/podcast
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YouTube: Occasional uploads via She Explores YouTube
2. “Women Who Travel” — Real Talk for Real Trips
Produced by Condé Nast Traveler, this podcast brings together writers, bloggers, and globetrotters to discuss everything from navigating airports alone to finding joy in unexpected detours.
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Recommended Episode: “When Things Don’t Go as Planned”
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Key Takeaway: You don’t have to be fearless to travel alone. Flexibility and self-trust are the real essentials.
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Spotify: Listen here
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Apple Podcasts: Listen here
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Website: cntraveler.com/women-who-travel
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YouTube: Condé Nast Traveler occasionally features related interviews.
3. “The Solo Female Traveler Podcast” — A Toolkit for Independence
This show offers practical tips, especially for first-time solo adventurers. Host Jackie Nourse covers everything from budgeting to safety hacks.
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Recommended Episode: “What I Wish I Knew Before My First Solo Trip”
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Key Takeaway: Preparation doesn’t limit adventure—it empowers it.
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Spotify: Listen here
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Apple Podcasts: Listen here
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Website: jessieonajourney.com/podcast (Jackie also collaborates with solo female travel resources)
4. “Girls Go Abroad” — Culture and Connection
This podcast highlights stories of women living and working abroad. Many episodes feature women who built entire lives overseas.
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Recommended Episode: “Starting Over in Spain”
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Key Takeaway: Solo travel can become a life chapter, not just a vacation.
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Spotify: Listen here
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Apple Podcasts: Listen here
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Instagram: @girlsgoadroad (frequent episode announcements)
5. “Unmapped” — Stories Off the Tourist Trail
This one is for dreamers who love deep conversations. Episodes explore the emotional and psychological sides of travel.
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Recommended Episode: “Fear, Freedom, and the Road Less Taken”
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Key Takeaway: The best journeys often begin when plans fall apart.
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Spotify: Listen here
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Apple Podcasts: Listen here
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Website: unmappedthepodcast.com
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YouTube: Unmapped Podcast
Why This Matters
These stories are reminders that solo travel is not a niche—it’s a powerful, growing movement among women. Whether you’re planning your first trip or your tenth, hearing from those who’ve been there can give you courage and practical wisdom.