Stepping into solo travel can stir up a lot of ‘what ifs’, especially if you’re doing it later in life or heading somewhere unfamiliar.
In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Erin Michelson — writer, adventurer, ethical-tour creator, and all-round powerhouse behind Nomad Life — to talk about what it really means to feel safe, confident and capable on the road.
Erin has travelled to 130+ countries, lived as a nomad for over 15 years, worked in global banking, built an ethical AI company, volunteered around the world, been featured in National Geographic, and somehow still manages to be one of the warmest and most grounded humans you’ll ever meet.
We covered her wild (and sometimes hair-raising) stories, the practical safety habits every traveller should learn, and why confidence comes from preparation, not bravado.
If you’ve ever worried about travelling alone after 50, this conversation will feel like a deep breath and a permission slip.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why “don’t be scared — be prepared” is the mindset shift that changes everything
The early experiences that shaped Erin’s lifelong commitment to service and adventure
How she walked away from two high-status careers to build a freer life
Foundational safety skills every traveller should know
Why confidence is your strongest protection when you’re abroad
Practical ways to de-escalate, stay aware, and move through the world with ease
The surprising truth: many of us feel less safe at home than we do on the road
Why tours, guides and gentle landings aren’t weakness — they’re wisdom
Erin’s current passion: travel safety boot camps, ethical small-group adventures, and helping more women see the world
The one piece of encouragement she’d give to every woman over 50 dreaming of a freer life
Key Takeaway
Freedom grows when you feel steady in yourself, aware of what’s around you, confident in your instincts, and prepared for the moments that matter. With a little groundwork, the world reveals itself as far more welcoming than the stories online suggest.
Time-Stamped Guide
00:00 Welcome + Erin’s extraordinary background
02:00 From global banking to a two-year volunteering journey
06:00 Building (and walking away from) an ethical AI company
11:00 Why service and philanthropy shape everything she does
13:30 Funding a nomad life: consulting, books, writing, curated trips
17:00 The truth about safety, confidence and travelling solo
21:00 Gentle landings: why tours and guides can be smart
25:00 Erin’s travel safety boot camp and real-world examples
31:00 Foundational safety habits every traveller should learn
37:00 How to avoid, de-escalate, survive and recover
41:00 Guided tours, ethical travel, and her upcoming trips
45:00 Quick-fire questions (Vietnam, Mozambique, Italy… and espresso makers)
49:00 The bravest decision she’s made in recent years
51:00 A message for women over 50 who feel “too late” to start
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
● Erin’s Substack: Your Nomad Life
● Travel Safety Boot Camp: Monthly training on awareness, confidence and staying safe
● Curated Ethical Adventures: Bhutan, Cambodia & Laos
● Erin’s Books: Her five-part series on global volunteering & adventure
Join the Conversation
Have you ever held yourself back from travelling because of fear? What small action could help you feel more confident on the road?
Share your thoughts, your stories, and your questions, I’d love to hear what resonated most from this episode.
Loved this episode? The biggest compliment you could give me, would be to share it, restack it or send it to someone else who would love it! Thank you so much! 🙏
🎉 Win a $5,000 Dream Holiday as Part of my Brand New Ecom Launch! 🎉
By the way, I’m launching a new brand called This Big World, a collection of travel-inspired products designed to add more fun, curiosity, and adventure to life on the road.
The first release is The Travel Challenge Scratch-Off Deck. 50 playful prompts to help you see the world with fresh eyes, meet new people, and say “yes” to more spontaneous moments. (My sister and I have already had a blast testing a few through Italy!)
To celebrate the launch, I’m giving away a $5,000 Dream Holiday!
✨ Join the Early-Bird Insiders List ✨
As a member of my Substack community, you’re getting first access, before I open this to the public. Join the Insiders List now to be one of the first to grab your deck and secure your chance to win the $5,000 Dream Holiday.
Because life’s too short to travel small! 🌍
