Welcome back to my updated blog focusing on my personal adventures in solo travel for women. My topics will dive into my innermost thoughts on issues that many women face when we travel solo.
Unlike other travel blogs offering tips on places to visit and foods to try, mine is about my life at 65 as I navigate through different countries and face new situations.
Since 2017, I’ve explored South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda, Maldives, Seychelles, Madagascar, and Dubai. These trips were business related and not solo travel. Grenada, the UK and France were part of my solo travel experiences and Covid did not prevent me from traveling solo. In fact, flights were empty and I quite enjoyed being the only passenger on an Air France flight in Premium Economy.
I travel purely for pleasure and not to make a living like many bloggers and influencers who have sponsors. Since I don’t travel year round, I plan to write about other topics that interest me and hopefully you as well. For example, my fears of being alone and the anticipation of meeting other like-minded travelers, setting boundaries after a life of people-pleasing, learning to keep my mind positive, staying active, eating healthy, and continuing to meditate and learn. A little side-note, I discovered an app offering courses on creativity, finding peace and joy, and mindfulness. I find it so helpful on a daily basis: “Insight Timer.”
Finally, I’m working with a coach to motivate me to start writing another memoir about my life after divorce. I must stop procrastinating and making excuses. Last year I booked an Airbnb in Grenada with the intention of starting my second memoir. Instead, I ended up listening to umpteen podcasts and videos on writing, just to get motivated. Did I write? NO! I spent the entire seven weeks researching all I could find on memoir writing.
So now, in 2023, I’m in the mood to start solo-travel to places I haven’t yet explored. My first solo travel trip is to Croatia in September. I’ll share the process I went through in selecting a solo travel company that fits what I’m looking for in my next post.
Have you traveled solo? If so, please share and let me know which topics interest you in the comments section.
What an amazing woman you turned out to be . Wow !!
Am in awe of you Sonia.
We met in Madrid teaching with Vaughntown. I encouraged you to end your marriage ….& you have blossomed ever since
Am so happy for you xx♥️
Hi Nicole,
I’m so happy to hear from you. Yes, a lot has changed since Vaughan Town and I’m looking forward to so many things in my life. How are you? Have you volunteered since we met? If so where? I volunteered with Bamboo in Koh Samui, Thailand and also 15 months with the Peace Corps in Lesotho, Africa.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..Solo Travel with Sonia
Sonia, I met you online in 2014 with the Gutsy story series. You published my piece “Gutsy in Ukraine,” which sent my life in a new direction. An author friend discovered my essay in the anthology and consequently invited me to a writers’ retreat, where I met 5-6 other writers who became my mentors.
I have been blogging since 2013 and have published two memoirs: Mennonite Daughter: The Story of a Plain Girl and My Checkered Life: A Marriage Memoir. You can find both on my website: https://marianbeaman.com
By the way, Sonia, you look great! 😀
Marian Beaman recently posted..Fantasy Fireworks and a Special Offer
Dear Marian,
So nice to reconnect and of course I remember you and your Gutsy in Ukraine story.
I just took a look at your blog and subscribed. I see you’ve now written two memoirs. Congratulations! Did your mentors help you with your memoirs?
Sonia Marsh recently posted..Solo Travel with Sonia
Sonja, you are still leading an adventurous life–wonderful to hear!
Yes, my mentors provided energy and wisdom as I plotted my (halting) way from blogging to learning storytelling craft, beta reading, and writing blurbs for both memoirs. After 40+ years in education, I did find my “people” again. Hallelujah!
You mentioned you subscribed to my blog, but I don’s see you listed with recent subscribers. On Monday, I met with my web guy, who did a website tuneup, which included MailerLite, my subscription service. If you will, do try this link: https://marianbeaman.com
Thank you, Sonja! ;-D
Marian Beaman recently posted..Crista’s Cats, Ruthie’s Fritzie and the Dog Days of Summer
Hi Marian,
FYI, I tried to subscribe to your blog again and when I hit submit, it turns and turns but doesn’t seem to accept my email.
Sonia
Sonia Marsh recently posted..11 Reasons Why “Just You” is the Best Solo Travel Company
Sonia,
Where are you living now? Might be fun to meet for coffee and compare notes.
Tom Blake
Hi Tom,
I live in Laguna Woods now. Are you still in Dana Point?
Thanks for reaching out and perhaps an email to set up a time and place to meet.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..Solo Travel with Sonia
Hello Sonia,
So happy to see your email in my inbox. Looking forward to learning about solo travel on your future blog posts.
Cate
Hi Sonia,
It’s me, Peggy Edwards, you spoke at and were a member of the Publishing Club.
I’m now battling breast cancer, looking for an alternative to a double mastectomy with all the “goodies”–chemo, radiology and opiates.
Good to hear from you. You are indeed a “gutsy woman” and I still have your first memoir.
Hi Peggy,
Thank you for reaching out. I’m very sorry to hear that you are battling breast cancer. I wish you all the best for a speedy recovery.
Croatia was always on my bucket list—handicapped now so travel is out—I will read about your travels instead