In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Mar is joined by Dr. Vincie Ho, founder and Executive Director of RISE Travel Institute, for a thought-provoking conversation about what it really means to decolonize travel. Together, they explore how colonialism continues to shape the way we travel today, from the maps we use and the passports we carry to the language we choose, the experiences we seek, and the impact our travels have on local communities.

The discussion covers topics such as voluntourism, overtourism, cultural appropriation, community-led tourism, traveler privilege, and the importance of reciprocity when visiting another place. Mar and Vincie also share practical examples of how travelers can make more thoughtful decisions, support local communities more intentionally, and challenge long-held assumptions without feeling guilty or striving for perfection.

Whether you're planning your next adventure or simply want to become a more conscious traveler, this episode offers practical insights that will help you travel with greater awareness, respect, and purpose.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Rise Travel Institute website
• Rise Travel Institute Decolonising travel ebook
• Rise Travel Institute programs

Discount for the Solo Female Travelers community

Get $50 OFF by enrolling in The Rise Travelers Pathway Level 1 foundational course with discount code SFTCommunity. If you use this specific link to enrol in the discount code will already be applied.

www.solofemaletravelers.club

Planning your first trip to Scotland? In this episode of the Solo Female Travelers Podcast, Anastasia is joined by Scotland tour host Naomi to share practical advice for making the most of your visit. From choosing the best time of year to exploring the Highlands, Edinburgh, and the Isle of Skye, Naomi explains what travelers should expect, how to get around, and why slowing down and connecting with local communities leads to a much richer experience.

The conversation covers everything from driving versus public transportation, how many days to spend in Scotland, and what to pack for the country's famously unpredictable weather, to avoiding common tourist mistakes and discovering authentic local businesses, artisans, and hidden gems beyond the most popular attractions. Naomi also shares recommendations for visiting whisky distilleries, shopping for meaningful souvenirs, supporting women-owned businesses, and embracing Scotland's welcoming culture.

Whether you're planning an independent trip or considering a guided group tour, this episode is packed with practical Scotland travel tips that will help you travel more confidently and experience the country beyond the typical tourist itinerary.

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Links to things mentioned in the episode:

• Rebel Row Store
• Source, Edinburg
• Scottish Textiles Showcase
• The Specimens (Book)

www.solofemaletravelers.club

This week’s episode brings your favorite co-founder duo, Mar and Meg, back together for a fun and very honest conversation answering all the questions you have about Solo Female Travelers and our trips.

They answer the most asked questions they get: Am I too old or too young? Does everyone really come solo? Will I fit in? They also get into the practical details, including payments, what is included in the trip price, dietary requirements, when tours are confirmed and how Meg carefully matches roommates. She is quite the matchmaker, hopefully helping you find your bestie and travel buddy along the way.

Mar and Meg also share more about what being female-powered really means at SFT, and the non-negotiable principles they will never compromise on. From only ever working with female guides who are from the places they visit, to intentionally creating experiences that directly support local women and communities. They explain how these values shape every decision they make, why meaningful, responsible travel matters so deeply to them, and how their commitment to transparency and staying personally involved with every guest is rooted in those core beliefs, because they are building something they truly believe in and are here for the long run.

Of course, it would not be a Mar and Meg episode without plenty of laughs, questionable photography skills, unexpected tangents and a brand-new trousers-versus-skirt analogy that even Meg had never heard before.

It is a fun behind-the-scenes look at how SFT trips work, the care that goes into every detail and the two women behind it all.

www.solofemaletravelers.club