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This episode is different — it's just me. No guest, no interview. Just Theresa, opening up about the biggest solo adventure of her life: moving from the US to Porto, Portugal.
This isn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. It's the result of years of hard work, hard choices, and a slow, honest evolution — from working four jobs just to stay afloat in Louisville, Kentucky, to researching visas for Costa Rica, then France, and finally landing on Portugal. Theresa walks through the financial breaking point that changed everything, the conversation with her son that made the move real, and why Porto — with its walkability, affordability, and slower pace of life — became the answer she wasn't expecting.
If you've ever wondered what it actually looks like to relocate abroad solo — not just the dream part, but the visas, the doubt, the 2am "what am I doing" moments — this episode is for you.
Why this move isn't a spur-of-the-moment decision — the years-long path that led hereWorking four jobs and still not making ends meet: the financial reality before the decisionWhy Costa Rica and France were both considered — and why neither ended up being the answerHow a remote worker visa search led to Portugal (and specifically, Porto)Portugal vs. France vs. the US: cost of living, safety, and pace of lifeThe moment it became real: selling the house, telling her son, telling coworkersWhat she's most excited about (walking everywhere, learning Portuguese, weekend train trips)What scares her (building community, unexpected expenses, language barriers)How lessons from solo travel prepared her for a solo move
What We Cover
Connect & Follow AlongFollow the journey as Theresa documents the visa wait, apartment hunting in Porto, and the move itself in upcoming episodes of Roam Alone Portugal.
Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens.
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What would you do if you knew you couldn’t get it wrong?
That’s the question that drives Kristy Halvorsen, author of Perfect Unfolding, and today’s guest on Roam Alone.
In this episode, Theresa sits down with Kristy Halvorsen — author of the new book Perfect Unfolding — to talk about the nine years she's spent living on the road in her Airstream, affectionately named Coddi (short for "coddiwompling," the art of traveling purposefully without a fixed destination).
Kristy shares what it means to trust that the road — and life itself — will lead her exactly where she's supposed to be, even when the path isn't clear and even when it's hard. Perfect Unfolding is her reflection on a belief she's built her whole life around: that everything is unfolding precisely as it's meant to, whether or not we can see the reason in the moment.
This conversation is part travel story, part life philosophy, and part gentle permission slip to let go of the need for certainty.
In this episode:
What "coddiwompling" actually means — and how it became Kristy's way of lifeLife on the road for nine years: the freedom, the uncertainty, and everything in betweenThe belief behind Perfect Unfolding: that life is happening exactly as it shouldHow Kristy leans into trust during life's hardest seasonsWhat it looks like to travel — and live — without needing to know the destinationConnect with Kristy:
Website: Perfect Unfolding
Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens.
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What does it look like to leave everything behind and travel the world solo — not for two weeks, but for four years straight? In this episode of Roam Alone, host Theresa Stephens sits down with Loni James, a fearless long-term solo traveler who has explored 36 countries since setting off on her journey after the loss of her mother to Alzheimer's disease.
Loni's story is equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring — a testament to the healing power of travel, the unexpected joy of vulnerability, and the freedom that comes from designing a life completely on your own terms. Whether you're dreaming of your first solo trip or wondering if long-term travel is even possible on a budget, this episode is packed with real, actionable wisdom from someone who has truly lived it.
In This Episode, You'll Discover:
• What sparked Loni's decision to leave her life behind and travel the world solo after losing her mom
• How she has sustained 4 years and 36 countries of continuous solo travel — and what she's learned along the way
• Her unique practice of "a date in every country" — what it is, why she started it, and the book she's writing about it
• Her best cost-saving strategies for affordable long-term travel (including tips most people never think about)
• How to stay safe, sane, and connected as a solo female traveler for the long haul
• Advice for anyone who wants to take the leap but doesn't know where to start
Key Takeaways• Grief can be a catalyst. Loni didn't let loss stop her — she let it redirect her toward the life she truly wanted to live.
• Long-term solo travel is a skill. Like any skill, it gets easier, more intuitive, and more rewarding the longer you practice it.
• Connection is everywhere when you're open to it. Loni's "a date in every country" practice is really about curiosity — asking what each place and each person has to teach you.
• Budget travel is a mindset. You don't have to be rich to travel long-term — you have to be resourceful, flexible, and willing to do things differently than most tourists.
• Solo doesn't mean alone. The solo travel community is real, warm, and waiting for you.
About LoniLoni is a long-term solo traveler, fearless adventurer, and soon-to-be author who has spent the last four years exploring 36 countries across the globe. What began as a journey of healing after losing her mother to early-onset Alzheimer's evolved into a full, vibrant life lived entirely on the road. Known for her unique practice of going on a date in every country she visits, Loni is currently writing a book about these experiences. She believes deeply that solo travel is not just possible for women — it is transformative.
Connect with Loni: https://www.instagram.com/jamesloni
Links Mentioned• Matador pocket blanket
💛 Loved this episode? Subscribe to Roam Alone wherever you listen to podcasts, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with the solo traveler in your life who needs to hear Loni's story. Every share helps more women discover the courage to roam.
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What happens when the safety net you've relied on your entire life suddenly disappears?
In this inspiring episode of Roam Alone, Jenni shares her remarkable journey from addiction recovery, financial hardship, and self-doubt to becoming a confident solo backpacker and hiker.
Although she has been sober for more than 20 years, Jenni admits that she spent much of her adult life depending on her mother for support, especially financially. After her mother's death, Jenni inherited money but soon found herself facing bankruptcy and a difficult reality: she had never learned how to fully trust herself.
Then she discovered hiking.
What began with a single night sleeping in a tent in a friend's backyard slowly evolved into solo camping trips, overnight backpacking adventures, and eventually multi-day wilderness treks. Along the way, Jenni faced fear, made mistakes, learned hard lessons, and developed a level of confidence she never imagined possible.
Most recently, she completed a solo 100-mile hike across Georgia over two weeks—a challenge that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.
In this episode, we discuss:
• Jenni's journey through addiction and long-term recovery
• Losing her mother and navigating life without a safety net
• Bankruptcy and rebuilding her life
• Why she chose solo hiking instead of group adventures
• Her first overnight camping experiences
• Mistakes she made as a beginner backpacker
• How solo travel and hiking build confidence
• Lessons learned from spending days alone on the trail
• Completing a 100-mile solo trek in Georgia
• The connection between outdoor adventure and personal growth
• Advice for women interested in solo hiking and backpackingThis episode is a powerful reminder that confidence isn't something you're born with—it's something you build, one courageous step at a time.
Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens.
Instagram: @theresaannstephens
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What if travel wasn’t just a vacation — but your career?
In this episode of Roam Alone, host Theresa Stephens talks with Michelle, a professional travel writer who has explored 35+ countries and built a life centered around global adventure. Michelle shares how she transformed her passion for travel into sustainable work, along with practical advice for solo budget travelers looking to see more of the world without overspending.
Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or dreaming of long-term travel, this episode delivers real-world strategies, safety insights, and an essential international travel checklist.
✈️ In This Episode, We Discuss:
How Michelle turned travel into a full-time career The realities of travel writing and remote work Best destinations for solo budget travelers How to travel internationally on a budget Solo travel safety strategies for women and first-time travelers Common travel mistakes — and how to avoid them Planning your first international solo trip Essential international travel checklist items Confidence-building tips for traveling alone🌍 Who This Episode Is For
First-time solo travelers Budget-conscious travelers Women considering solo travel Aspiring travel writers and digital nomads Anyone dreaming of long-term or slow travel🎒 Key Takeaway
Solo travel doesn’t require unlimited money or fearlessness — just preparation, curiosity, and the willingness to take the first step.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Roam Alone
If you enjoyed this episode:
⭐ Follow the podcast
⭐ Share with a friend planning a solo trip
⭐ Leave a review to help more travelers discover Roam AloneMichelle's Blog: TravelHerStory
Hostel World
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What happens when the life you built no longer feels like the life you want?
In this episode of Roam Alone, Theresa sits down with Jen Rulon, who made a bold decision at age 50: she left her marriage, her career, and the United States to start over alone in Costa Rica.
Jen opens up about the fear that came with such a massive transition — and how stepping into the unknown ultimately allowed her to rediscover herself.
Today, Jen is thriving. She has built a successful business as a midlife reinvention coach, cultivated a strong community in her new hometown, and found love again — proof that reinvention isn’t reserved for the young or the fearless.
This conversation explores what it really means to choose yourself, especially in midlife, and why starting over can become the most empowering chapter yet.
In This Episode, We Talk About:
Leaving a marriage and long-term career later in life Moving abroad alone at 50 Navigating fear, doubt, and identity loss during major transitions Building community from scratch in a new country Reinventing your career after midlife Why reinvention requires courage — not certainty Finding love and belonging after starting overKey Takeaway
You don’t have to feel ready to change your life. Sometimes courage simply means taking the next step while you’re still afraid.
About Jen Rulon
Jen Rulon is a midlife reinvention coach helping women redesign their lives with purpose, confidence, and authenticity after major life transitions. After relocating solo to Costa Rica at age 55, she now supports others navigating reinvention, identity shifts, and bold new beginnings.
Connect with Jen
jenrulon.com
Follow Roam Alone
If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and share the podcast — it helps more people discover stories of courage, independence, and self-trust through solo travel.
Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens.
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In this episode of Roam Alone, Theresa speaks with Diane about navigating one of life’s biggest transitions and choosing solo travel as a path toward personal renewal.
After divorce, selling her business, and entering an empty-nest chapter, Diane set out alone to reconnect with herself — volunteering at resorts around the world and rebuilding confidence, purpose, and identity along the way.
We discuss:
Why major life transitions often spark solo travel Traveling alone after divorce How volunteering abroad makes long-term travel affordable Letting go of other people’s expectations The emotional reality of starting over at midlife How solo travel helps you hear your own voice again Reinvention after 50 Practical tips for women considering their first solo journey✨ This episode is for anyone standing at a crossroads wondering: Who am I now?
https://helpx.net/
Pueblo Ingles
Nomadic Matt - Travel on $75 a Day
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Is home a place — or a feeling we carry with us?
In this episode of Roam Alone, Theresa welcomes Kelly Peeler, a woman who redefined independence by living nomadically in a van for six years before planting new roots on Milos, Greece.
Kelly’s story challenges traditional ideas about stability, success, and what it means to belong somewhere.
Together, they discuss:
Choosing solo travel as a way of life Building confidence through long-term travel The emotional evolution of nomadic living Creating spaces where women feel safe to create and rest Why reinvention doesn’t have an expiration dateThis episode is especially powerful for women navigating life transitions, creative awakenings, or the desire to design life on their own terms.
Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens.
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Solo travel is booming — and one group is leading the movement: women over 50.
In this episode of Roam Alone, we explore why midlife and older women are becoming one of the fastest-growing groups of solo travelers in the world.
From financial independence to life transitions like empty nests and retirement, more women are choosing to explore the world on their own terms.
Travel studies show women now make up the majority of solo travelers, and women over 50 are driving one of the biggest shifts in travel culture.
In this episode we discuss:
• Why solo travel is growing among women over 50
• The life changes that inspire many women to travel alone
• Why many solo female travelers are actually married
• The confidence and freedom that solo travel can bringIf you’ve ever wondered whether solo travel later in life is possible — or transformative — this episode is for you.
Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens.
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In this episode of Roam Alone, we talk about solo hiking in Europe and starting solo travel after 65 with long-distance walker Paula Kreissler.
In this episode of Roam Alone, Paula shares how she discovered self-guided walking trips through The Natural Adventure and why the format—independent but supported—was the perfect way to begin solo travel. What started with Scotland’s iconic West Highland Way has grown into more than ten journeys across Western Europe, each ranging from 80 to more than 100 miles.
Paula talks about navigating washed-out trails, trusting her instincts when routes disappeared, and the empowering feeling of relying entirely on herself. But the biggest transformation didn’t happen on the trail—it happened when she returned home carrying a new sense of strength, confidence, and independence.
Her story is proof that adventure doesn’t have an expiration date—and sometimes the best journeys begin when you least expect them.
Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction to Paula
02:10 Discovering The Natural Adventure
09:46 First solo walk: The West Highland Way in Scotland
16:25 Paula’s many solo walks—and where she’s headed nextSee for yourself! Check out The Natural Adventure: https://www.thenaturaladventure.com/
Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens.
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What happens when a six-month backpacking trip changes the entire trajectory of your life?
In Episode 9 of Roam Alone, I sit down with Donovan Pacholl, co-founder of Embark Exploration Co., the outfitter behind my very first summit: Mount Kilimanjaro.
Donovan shares how a backpacking journey through Europe and Africa evolved into a global trekking company that now leads adventurers up some of the world’s most iconic mountains. We revisit my experience climbing Kili with Embark, talk about what makes a trek beginner-friendly for first-time solo travelers, and unpack one of the biggest fears holding people back: safety.
If you’ve ever wondered:
Is the world actually safe for solo travelers?Are people inherently good?What’s the best first “big” adventure if you’re going alone?Donovan answers with the grounded confidence of someone who’s spent decades exploring remote corners of the globe.
Time Stamps:
00:00 – The backpacking trip that became a lifelong calling
16:30 – The best Embark trip for your first solo adventure
22:41 – Safety tips and why the world isn’t as scary as it seemsThis episode is for anyone craving adventure — but waiting for reassurance.
Check out all of the treks YOU can join with Embark Exploration!!
Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens.
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What if solo travel started with a concert ticket?
In Episode 8 of Roam Alone, I’m joined by Molly — the ultimate concert queen — who travels solo to cities across the country (and now internationally) to see her favorite artists live. I first met her at a Jon Batiste show, proof that live music and solo travel are powerful tools for connection.
Molly shares how traveling alone came about organically and how planning trips around concerts became her gateway into confident, independent travel. For her, attending concerts solo isn’t lonely — it’s one of the easiest ways to meet new people, build community, and create meaningful travel experiences.
If you’ve ever hesitated to travel solo or attend an event alone, this episode will inspire you to buy the ticket — and trust yourself to go.
Time Stamps
00:00 Meeting Molly at a Jon Batiste concert
04:43 How solo travel came about organically
07:02 Developing new friendships while attending concerts solo
09:20 First international solo trip to celebrate turning 50
13:00 Molly’s best solo travel safety tipsRoam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens.
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What happens when a shared dream outlives the person you planned it with?
In Episode 7 of Roam Alone, I’m joined by Anne—a traveler who embodies wanderlust in its truest form. After the death of a close friend, Anne made the brave decision to take the trip they had always dreamed of together: the Amalfi Coast. What began as a tribute became the start of a lifelong solo travel journey.
From a chance encounter with a stranger in Paris to practical safety strategies that help her navigate the world solo, Anne reminds us that travel can hold both loss and beauty at the same time.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to Anne and her intrepid wanderlust02:10 Taking her first solo trip to the Amalfi Coast as a tribute to a friend12:48 A powerful encounter with a stranger at a Paris restaurant26:21 Anne’s solo travel safety tips, including the famous “don’t mess with me” faceAnnie's Nuggets
Rick Steves' tours
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What do you do when the body you once trusted changes—but the desire to explore the world doesn’t?
In Episode 6 of Roam Alone, I sit down with Tracy, a traveler I first met as a tentmate while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2018. Back then, we bonded over thin air, heavy packs, and a shared love of going it alone. Years later, we planned to reunite for a trek to Everest Base Camp—until a cancer diagnosis changed everything.
After intensive radiation and chemotherapy, Tracy was left disabled. But instead of retreating from the world, she reimagined how she could move through it. At the end of 2025, Tracy embarked on a two-week solo journey through Europe, navigating accessibility and uncertainty — but on her own terms.
This episode is about resilience, independence, and redefining what adventure looks like when everything changes.
Time Stamps
· 00:00 — Meeting Tracy on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro
· 06:35 — Running a New Orleans half marathon solo after plans fall apart
· 09:52 — Joining the Peace Corps and moving alone to a small town in Ukraine
· 18:00 — A cancer diagnosis that changes everything
· 28:00 — Traveling solo through Europe while newly disabled
Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens.
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In Part Two of my conversation with Mark Fryer, we explore how solo travel can become a powerful tool for healing after loss.
Mark shares what it was like traveling alone to Puerto Vallarta shortly after the death of his mother—an emotionally raw journey that included an unexpected and dangerous run-in with a drug cartel. Years later, following a divorce, he embarked on a solo trip through Southeast Asia, where travel shifted from escape to intentional healing.
From volunteering at Thailand’s Elephant Nature Park to a two-day boat journey down the Mekong River and discovering the surprisingly cosmopolitan cities of Laos, Mark reflects on how slowing down and traveling alone helped him reconnect with himself. The episode closes with a powerful discussion of a 10-day Buddhist meditation retreat at Indriya in northern Thailand, and the stillness that comes from sitting with grief rather than running from it.
This episode of Roam Alone is a conversation about grief, resilience, solo travel, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward.
Time Stamps
00:00 Traveling to Puerto Vallarta after the loss of his mother
11:53 Post-divorce solo travel to Thailand & Elephant Nature Park
22:04 Two-day Mekong River boat trip and discovering Laos
34:40 A 10-day Buddhist retreat at IndriyaElephant Nature Park
Indriya Retreat
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What do you do when you know—deep down—that you don’t belong where you were born?
In Episode 4 of Roam Alone, Mark Fryer reflects on growing up in the south end of Louisville, Kentucky, where he often felt like an outcast in his working-class, Catholic upbringing. From an early age, Mark felt pulled toward the west, dreaming of a life beyond what he knew.
That pull became reality at 19, when he left home alone on a Greyhound bus bound for Denver. What followed was far more than a simple trip—it became a transformative hitchhiking journey across America, marked by harsh weather, chance encounters, and a mysterious “New Age” preacher who changed the course of the trip.
This is a story about trusting your inner compass, embracing uncertainty, and discovering who you are when you leave everything familiar behind.
Time Stamps
00:00 Growing up in the south end of Louisville feeling like an outcast
06:03 At age 10, planning a secret solo float down the Ohio River
12:49 A Greyhound bus west at 19 years old
20:19 A snowstorm forces a bold change in direction
28:08 Picked up by a “New Age” preacher for an epic cross-country ride
Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens.
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Solo travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about meeting a stronger version of yourself.
In this episode, Rosemary Sims opens up about how traveling alone transformed her confidence and sense of independence during a pivotal career change. What began as a single trip turned into a deep trust in her own abilities—one that continues to shape her life long after the suitcase is unpacked.
We talk about the magic of Spain, the boldness of a flying dress shoot in Greece, and the powerful moment when you realize you can handle anything—anywhere. Rosemary also shares what it’s like to return home after solo travel with a renewed sense of self-sufficiency and clarity.
This conversation is about more than travel. It’s about becoming more self-sufficient, trusting your instincts, and realizing you’re capable of far more than you think.
Time Stamps
· 00:00 Meet Rosemary Sims
· 02:52 The first solo trip that changed everything
· 07:37 Spain and a sense of déjà vu
· 14:23 Greece: The iconic flying dress experience
· 16:43 Identity shifts while traveling abroad
· 20:27 Applying solo-travel confidence to real life
Links:
Greece's Flying Dress Photo Shoot
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In this episode of Roam Alone, we sit down with Kristen Thoburn, whose journey into solo travel began earlier than most—on mission trips with her parents at just five years old. By age twelve, Kristen was already traveling solo, laying the foundation for a lifetime of independence, resilience, and curiosity.
Kristen shares stories from destinations like Grenada and Venice, reflects on being the victim of a robbery abroad—and why it didn’t stop her from continuing to roam—and explains how solo travel has actually strengthened her marriage to her husband, Nate. Together, they embrace independent travel while raising a son who’s catching the travel bug himself.
This conversation explores how travel evolves through life stages—from childhood to marriage to dreaming about a future empty-nester / slo-mad lifestyle—and why roaming alone can be one of the most powerful tools for personal growth.
Episode Breakdown
03:15 – Traveling on mission trips at age 505:54 – First solo mission trip at age 1214:17 – Lessons from Grenada17:58 – Venice, for better or worse28:58 – Tips for when travel goes wrong33:30 – Solo travel within marriage37:49 – Passing the travel mindset to the next generation42:36 – Travel dreams as empty nesters & the slo-mad lifeMentions in Episode 2:
YWAM UofN Kona2006 UK Bomb Plot FoiledIsabella Thoburn CollegeRoam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens.
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In the very first episode of Roam Alone, host Theresa Stephens shares the personal stories that ignited her passion for exploring the world on her own. From a spontaneous birthday weekend in Chicago to an unforgettable solo night at a Jon Batiste concert, Theresa reflects on the quiet confidence and unexpected connections that come from taking that first step alone.
She also opens up about one of her most transformative adventures—traveling to Africa solo to join a group trekking Mount Kilimanjaro. Through these moments, Theresa reveals how independence, curiosity, and courage shaped her journey and ultimately inspired the creation of this podcast.
Whether you're dreaming of your first solo trip or already a seasoned wanderer, this episode dives into the beauty, growth, and self-discovery that solo travel makes possible.
00:00 — Welcome + what this episode is about
06:13 — My weekend solo trip to Chicago
14:52 —Kilimanjaro on a whim
27:58 — Jon Batiste meetup in Cincy
36:01 – What’s next
Please like and Subscribe to the show! If you have a solo travel story, leave a recorded video or voicemail at [email protected] and you could be featured on the next Roam Alone!
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