Travel Documented Podcast: Solo Female Travel, International Pet Sitting & Digital Nomad Life

First-time solo travel can feel paralyzing when anxiety takes over. But what if the three biggest fears holding you back—safety, loneliness, and navigation—aren't actually the obstacles you think they are? In this episode, we reveal how preparation, not perfection, transforms solo travel anxiety into genuine confidence before you even leave home.Many aspiring solo travelers imagine worst-case scenarios and convince themselves they're not ready. But the reality of safe, connected, confident solo travel is far more achievable than you've been told. We're breaking down the exact fears that stop people, and more importantly, the specific strategies that overcome them.• What actually builds safety as a solo traveler (and it's not what you think)• The counterintuitive reason staying in social accommodations solves the loneliness problem before it starts• How practicing navigation skills at home transforms how you move through unfamiliar places• Why preparation creates confidence without requiring you to control every variableThis isn't about eliminating all risk or becoming someone you're not. It's about understanding that solo travel confidence comes from having options, knowing your resources, and having a plan for the things that genuinely worry you. Whether you're concerned about exploring Mexico City, Oaxaca, or any destination worldwide, you'll discover the preparation strategy that addresses your specific fears—and hear real examples of how this looks in practice.By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear action plan to tackle one fear area before your trip, giving you the genuine confidence to take that first empowering solo journey.Visit our ⁠Website⁠: Traveldocumented.comConnect with Travel DocumentedOur Website: Find all our resources, articles, and more at ⁠⁠traveldocumented.com⁠⁠Travel with Trusted Housesitters: Use our sign-up link: ⁠⁠https://traveldocumented.com/trustedhousesitters/⁠⁠Explore Our Journey on YouTube: See our adventures and behind-the-scenes moments on the Travel Documented YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Travel.Documented/⁠⁠Listen & Subscribe: Make sure to subscribe to the Travel Documented Podcast on your favorite platform!All Our Links in One Place: Discover everything at our Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/traveldocumented⁠⁠Support Our Work: If you enjoy what we do, you can support us on Kofi: ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/traveldocumented⁠⁠Get Notified! Sign up for updates on our upcoming book! Head to ⁠⁠https://traveldocumented.com/book-pre-launch-pet-sitting-unleashed-house-and-pet-sitting/⁠⁠We are available on all major podcast platforms. If you are enjoying our podcast, drop us a positive review on whichever platform you are listening on.

Thinking about renting an apartment in Mexico for months but worried about language barriers, sketchy scams, or overpaying for tourist traps? Most solo travelers searching for long-term rentals in Mexico use the wrong platforms entirely—missing the affordable, legitimate options that locals and seasoned expats actually use. This episode reveals the hidden rental markets, vetting strategies, and negotiation tactics that turn apartment hunting from stressful to straightforward.• The Spanish-language websites and Facebook groups where real, budget-friendly apartments live—and why major international platforms show inflated prices• Why virtual tours alone won't protect you from rental scams, but this three-step verification method will• How direct negotiation with Mexican landlords can cut your monthly rent by 30-40% compared to platform listings• The lease term trap that catches most foreign renters, and what experienced expats do differentlyWhether you're planning three months in Mérida, six months exploring Oaxaca, or testing different Mexican cities as a digital nomad, this episode walks you through real-world scenarios from Mexico City to coastal areas. You'll discover why timing your apartment search matters more than you think, what to include in a rental agreement to protect yourself, and the one thing you should never do when paying deposits. Learn the insider language, the neighborhoods where your budget stretches furthest, and how to build trust with landlords who initially see foreigners as risky tenants.Visit our ⁠Website⁠: Traveldocumented.comConnect with Travel DocumentedOur Website: Find all our resources, articles, and more at ⁠⁠traveldocumented.com⁠⁠Travel with Trusted Housesitters: Use our sign-up link: ⁠⁠https://traveldocumented.com/trustedhousesitters/⁠⁠Explore Our Journey on YouTube: See our adventures and behind-the-scenes moments on the Travel Documented YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Travel.Documented/⁠⁠Listen & Subscribe: Make sure to subscribe to the Travel Documented Podcast on your favorite platform!All Our Links in One Place: Discover everything at our Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/traveldocumented⁠⁠Support Our Work: If you enjoy what we do, you can support us on Kofi: ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/traveldocumented⁠⁠Get Notified! Sign up for updates on our upcoming book! Head to ⁠⁠https://traveldocumented.com/book-pre-launch-pet-sitting-unleashed-house-and-pet-sitting/⁠⁠We are available on all major podcast platforms. If you are enjoying our podcast, drop us a positive review on whichever platform you are listening on.

Solo female travel doesn't have to feel risky—but it does require smarter planning than most travelers realize. Women in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond are discovering incredible freedom through independent travel, yet safety concerns often hold them back from taking that first trip. This episode reveals the difference between paralyzing fear and practical preparation, sharing the exact strategies that let you explore unfamiliar places with genuine confidence rather than constant anxiety.You'll discover:• The pre-trip research most travelers skip that actually prevents dangerous situations before they happen• Why your accommodation choice determines your entire trip's security—and it's not about luxury• The communication routine that keeps loved ones informed without making you feel tethered to constant check-ins• How cultural awareness becomes your invisible safety superpower in any destination• The counterintuitive truth about situational awareness that contradicts everything you've heard• A specific transportation strategy that dramatically reduces risk in unfamiliar cities• The daily routines and small behavioral shifts that keep you blending in rather than standing out• Why confidence and caution actually work together, not against each otherThis isn't about bubble-wrapping yourself or avoiding entire regions of the world. It's about informed decision-making that transforms safety from an overwhelming worry into a manageable part of your travel planning toolkit. You'll walk away with a personalized safety checklist framework you can use for any destination—the same preparation tool that separates solo travelers who feel secure from those who stay paralyzed by what-ifs.Whether you're planning your first solo adventure or expanding your travel horizons, this episode gives you the actionable strategies and realistic perspective that actually work in real-world travel situations.Our Website: Find all our resources, articles, and more at ⁠⁠traveldocumented.com⁠⁠Travel with Trusted Housesitters: Use our sign-up link: ⁠⁠https://traveldocumented.com/trustedhousesitters/⁠⁠Explore Our Journey on YouTube: See our adventures and behind-the-scenes moments on the Travel Documented YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Travel.Documented/⁠⁠Listen & Subscribe: Make sure to subscribe to the Travel Documented Podcast on your favorite platform!All Our Links in One Place: Discover everything at our Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/traveldocumented⁠⁠Support Our Work: If you enjoy what we do, you can support us on Kofi: ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/traveldocumented⁠⁠Get Notified! Sign up for updates on our upcoming book! Head to ⁠⁠https://traveldocumented.com/book-pre-launch-pet-sitting-unleashed-house-and-pet-sitting/⁠⁠

What if everything you thought you knew about solo travel was wrong? In this episode of Travel Documented, host Samantha shares the three transformative stages of her nearly two-year solo journey through Mexico - and they're not what you'd expect.Forget the typical survival stories. This is about discovering you're smarter, more adaptable, and more confident than you ever imagined. From navigating currency exchanges in local markets to building genuine cultural fluency, Samantha reveals how solo travel becomes a masterclass in recognizing your own capabilities.In this episode, you'll discover:Why you're already more capable than you realizeHow cultural adjustment becomes fascinating rather than frustrating with the right mindsetThe moment confidence shifts from external validation to internal knowingWhy getting a casita changed everything about exploring MexicoHow Spanish fluency develops naturally through daily cultural immersionThe real difference between tourist independence and true adaptabilityWhy comparison to home becomes irrelevant when you embrace local systemsPerfect for aspiring solo travelers, digital nomads, and anyone curious about the real psychology of extended international travel.Visit our ⁠Website⁠: Traveldocumented.comConnect with Travel DocumentedOur Website: Find all our resources, articles, and more at ⁠⁠traveldocumented.com⁠⁠Travel with Trusted Housesitters: Use our sign-up link: ⁠⁠https://traveldocumented.com/trustedhousesitters/⁠⁠Explore Our Journey on YouTube: See our adventures and behind-the-scenes moments on the Travel Documented YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Travel.Documented/⁠⁠Listen & Subscribe: Make sure to subscribe to the Travel Documented Podcast on your favorite platform!All Our Links in One Place: Discover everything at our Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/traveldocumented⁠⁠Support Our Work: If you enjoy what we do, you can support us on Kofi: ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/traveldocumented⁠⁠Get Notified! Sign up for updates on our upcoming book! Head to ⁠⁠https://traveldocumented.com/book-pre-launch-pet-sitting-unleashed-house-and-pet-sitting/⁠⁠We are available on all major podcast platforms. If you are enjoying our podcast, drop us a positive review on whichever platform you are listening on.

Discover how two major travel trends are combining to revolutionize budget travel in 2025. In this episode, we explore the explosive growth of solo travel and the booming pet sitting industry, and reveal how savvy travelers are using both to unlock authentic, affordable adventures around the world.We'll dive into why more people than ever are choosing to travel alone, what destinations are trending for solo explorers, and how house sitting can eliminate your biggest travel expense while connecting you with locals and adorable pets. From practical tips for getting started to real talk about the challenges, this episode gives you everything you need to know about this game-changing approach to travel.Whether you're dreaming of slow travel through Europe, looking to stretch your travel budget, or simply love the idea of exploring new cities with a furry companion by your side, this episode will show you how to make it happen.What You'll Learn:Why solo travel is having a major moment in 2025How pet sitting works and why it's perfect for independent travelersThe best platforms and strategies for finding house sitsTrending destinations for solo travelersHow to build a winning house sitter profileReal challenges and how to overcome themPractical steps to get started todayPerfect for digital nomads, budget travelers, pet lovers, and anyone ready to explore the world on their own terms.Visit our ⁠Website⁠: Traveldocumented.comConnect with Travel DocumentedOur Website: Find all our resources, articles, and more at ⁠⁠traveldocumented.com⁠⁠Travel with Trusted Housesitters: Use our sign-up link: ⁠⁠https://traveldocumented.com/trustedhousesitters/⁠⁠Explore Our Journey on YouTube: See our adventures and behind-the-scenes moments on the Travel Documented YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Travel.Documented/⁠⁠Listen & Subscribe: Make sure to subscribe to the Travel Documented Podcast on your favorite platform!All Our Links in One Place: Discover everything at our Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/traveldocumented⁠⁠Support Our Work: If you enjoy what we do, you can support us on Kofi: ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/traveldocumented⁠⁠Get Notified! Sign up for updates on our upcoming book! Head to ⁠⁠https://traveldocumented.com/book-pre-launch-pet-sitting-unleashed-house-and-pet-sitting/⁠⁠We are available on all major podcast platforms. If you are enjoying our podcast, drop us a positive review on whichever platform you are listening on.

Are you tired of just dreaming about living abroad? Do you crave a deeper connection to new cultures and a life filled with authentic experiences? This episode of Travel Documented is for you.Join Samantha, an experienced international pet sitter and solo female traveler, as she shares invaluable insights from her own journey of making the leap abroad. After over two decades in Dallas, Texas, Samantha traded the familiar for nearly two years of immersive travel through Mexico, from Mexico City to Cancun, embracing local life every step of the way.This episode isn't a rigid "how-to guide." Instead, it's a candid conversation designed to spark your excitement and provide real, actionable clarity. Samantha talks about what it truly means to pursue a life abroad, especially as a single woman. She pulls back the curtain on the motivations that drive such a significant change, helping you "nail your why." You'll hear about the essential groundwork and how international pet sitting became her unique pathway to deep cultural immersion.In this episode, we're talking about:Discovering Your "Why": Understanding the core motivations for living abroad and embracing life transformation.Concrete Steps for Preparation: Practical insights into planning your move, simplifying your life, and navigating new environments.The Solo Female Traveler Perspective: Addressing specific considerations for women traveling alone and making the leap.International Pet Sitting: Samantha's authentic experiences and how it opens doors to cultural immersion and a nomadic lifestyle.Get ready to explore the exciting realities, common hurdles, and fundamental preparations for living abroad. Discover how to transform your dream into a tangible reality, all through the lens of genuine shared experiences and insightful conversation.Connect with Travel DocumentedOur Website: Find all our resources, articles, and more at ⁠traveldocumented.com⁠Travel with Trusted Housesitters: Use our sign-up link: ⁠https://traveldocumented.com/trustedhousesitters/⁠Explore Our Journey on YouTube: See our adventures and behind-the-scenes moments on the Travel Documented YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Travel.Documented/⁠Listen & Subscribe: Make sure to subscribe to the Travel Documented Podcast on your favorite platform!All Our Links in One Place: Discover everything at our Linktree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/traveldocumented⁠Support Our Work: If you enjoy what we do, you can support us on Kofi: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/traveldocumented⁠Get Notified! Sign up for updates on our upcoming book, anticipated late Fall 2025! Head to ⁠https://traveldocumented.com/book-pre-launch-pet-sitting-unleashed-house-and-pet-sitting/⁠We are available on all major podcast platforms. If you are enjoying our podcast, drop us a positive review on whichever platform you are listening on.

In this episode of the Travel Documented Podcast, I take you with me on a real-time backpacking travel day as I leave the bohemian beach town of Sayulita and head south to the bustling coastal city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This isn’t just a story about getting from Point A to Point B—it’s a raw, immersive glimpse into what it’s really like to travel solo through Mexico, navigating public transportation, Ubers, steep streets, appointments, and the ever-present pull to explore—even after dental work!🌿 Sayulita, nestled in the lush hills north of Puerto Vallarta, has long been one of my favorite beach towns in Mexico. Known for its chill surf vibes, creative expat scene, and cobblestone streets, it’s the perfect place to unplug and recharge. But when real life calls—like, say, a dentist appointment—it's time to make moves. This episode begins with me strapping on my backpack and hiking through the town’s winding roads to reach the Sayulita bus station.From there, I catch an Uber that takes me through scenic mountain roads and the small city of Bucerías, offering beautiful views and a slice of everyday life along the way. As we pass Vidanta—a well-known timeshare hotspot—I share some insight on what to expect if you're ever lured into a high-pressure sales pitch in Mexico.As we arrive in Puerto Vallarta, the vibe instantly shifts. The roads get busier, the traffic thicker, and the energy more intense. If Sayulita is where you go to relax, Puerto Vallarta is where you re-enter the pulse of city life. My driver drops me off at a hostel in a new neighborhood I haven’t stayed in before—one I specifically chose to explore and feature in a future episode.But before I can settle in, I have to make it to my dental appointment in Old Town (Zona Romántica). Between backpacking, bus rides, and a tight schedule, it’s a race against the clock. Spoiler: I make it! And if you’re curious about dental tourism in Mexico or are considering care abroad, I even share my experience and the name of the clinic I used:—highly recommended if you're in the Puerto Vallarta area.With my face slightly numb from a filling (don’t worry, I kept the camera steady), I still couldn’t resist walking through the city. I weave through PV’s bustling neighborhoods, pass vibrant restaurants and colorful shops, and soak in the warmth of the weather and the joy of street life. For solo travelers like me, there’s something magical about simply wandering with no specific destination—especially in a place like Puerto Vallarta.This episode is full of motion, from backpack straps to dentist chairs, and packed with insight into the rhythms of digital nomad life in Mexico. If you’ve ever wondered what a real, unfiltered day of solo travel looks like—including all the beautiful, hectic, mundane, and unexpected moments—this is the episode for you.🧳 Highlights in this episode:Saying goodbye to Sayulita after an extended stayUbering through the mountains of Nayarit and JaliscoFirst-hand advice on navigating Mexico’s roadways and small townsMy experience with dental care in Puerto VallartaExploring Old Town PV by foot—while still numbed upWhy wandering new neighborhoods is one of my favorite parts of travelEncouragement for solo female travelers, digital nomads, and expats📍Whether you're interested in long-term travel, Mexico travel tips, digital nomad life, or just love good storytelling from the road, this episode brings it all together—with honesty, humor, and a little dental work thrown in for good measure.

In this episode of the Travel Documented Podcast, we’re headed back to the wildly popular, wonderfully weird, and irresistibly relaxing beach town of Sayulita, Mexico—and this time, it’s personal.Samantha shares her second, longer stay in this Pacific coastal gem just north of Puerto Vallarta and opens up about why Sayulita stole a piece of her heart. From soft sand and sunny skies to beachside breakfasts and unexpected RV parks, she takes you through the town’s colorful, chaotic streets, introduces you to its relaxed-yet-lively energy, and offers travel insights from the solo female traveler lens.Sayulita is more than a surf town. It’s a creative hub for digital nomads, wellness seekers, and snowbirds alike. Whether you’re drawn to its yoga classes, street tacos, co-working spaces, tattoo studios, or the occasional wild golf cart ride down cobblestone streets, Sayulita invites you to slow down, explore freely, and rediscover yourself.You’ll hear:🏖️ Samantha’s thoughts on the evolving vibe of Sayulita🏕️ Details about a hidden RV park with no online presence (truly off-the-radar)🌅 Her travel tips for navigating the town, from buses to golf carts🧘‍♀️ Why Sayulita is perfect for solo travelers looking for something real, relaxing, and creatively rechargingSamantha also reflects on the deeper pull of this town—why it feels like a place where buried dreams start to bubble back to the surface. Whether you want to surf, heal, connect, or simply watch the sunset with beet-and-carrot juice in hand, this episode paints a vivid picture of what Sayulita is really like—beyond the tourist brochures.🎙️ Ready to see why Samantha calls Sayulita one of her favorite places in Mexico? Tune in now and let the journey begin.