“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” — Neale Donald Walsch
Have you ever dreamed of taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip—perhaps to Africa, Southeast Asia, or the Mediterranean—only to realize no one could (or wanted to) go with you?
If so, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too.
Traveling solo can feel intimidating at first—but it can also be one of the most freeing, confidence-building experiences of your life.
I’ve always loved to travel, yet for 42 years my husband’s concert schedule with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra made it difficult for us to travel together. While we did share wonderful trips during orchestra tours, his work schedule left little time to truly explore. As a result, much of my travel over the decades was solo—through business trips, educational journeys, spiritual retreats in Costa Rica and Panama, multiple trips to South America, and learning-rich travel experiences within the travel industry itself.
Looking back, I feel incredibly blessed. Those experiences didn’t just broaden my view of the world—they shaped who I am. I can honestly say I would be a very different person today had I not stepped outside my comfort zone and said yes to those adventures.
That’s why I’m so passionate about this month’s theme—and why I chose our two fascinating guests.
Any time I’m in a room full of women and mention solo travel for women 60+ , the reaction is always the same: curiosity, excitement, and lots of questions. Just recently at my gym—The Exercise Coach, which serves women 60+—a casual conversation about solo adventure travel sparked immediate interest from several women who wanted to know how it works and whether it’s truly safe and affordable.
That curiosity is exactly what we’re exploring this month.
Meet Our January Guests
Susan Harvey – President, Grand Circle Corporation & Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) Adventure Travel for Women 60+ — Learning-Rich, Solo-Friendly Journeys
Susan shares how O.A.T. empowers women to explore the world with confidence—often without paying a single supplement. We discuss how thoughtfully designed itineraries, built-in camaraderie, and local Trip Experience Leaders create journeys that are not only safe and enriching, but deeply transformational.
You’ll discover how purpose-driven travel can open doors—to new cultures, new friendships, and new versions of yourself.
You can learn more about the upcoming O.A.T. trips HERE.
Alexis Nataf Expedition Leader & Founder, Konjo Cruising Indonesia Extraordinary Adventures Off the Beaten Path
After interviewing Alexis, I was so inspired that I decided to get PADI scuba certified on my upcoming trip to Mexico—so I can eventually join one of his two-week diving expeditions in Indonesia!
Alexis invites us into the remote waters of Indonesia—home to pristine reefs, rare marine life, and authentic village experiences. His work shows how immersive travel fosters deep connection: with nature, with others, and with ourselves. This is adventure travel at its most soulful and transformative.
Feel free to visit Alexis’s Konjo Cruising website HERE or by watching one of his recent diving trips in this National Geographic quality video HERE.
This is how I found Alexis myself!
A Gentle Invitation
Traveling solo can happen for many reasons. Perhaps your spouse can’t travel—or doesn’t share your interests. Perhaps you’re single and your friends aren’t available or adventurous. The beautiful thing about traveling on your own is that you choose —your pace, your experiences, and who you connect with along the way.
And with organizations like Overseas Adventure Travel , solo travelers often enjoy little to no single supplement, making independent travel more accessible than ever.
As you look ahead to 2026, I hope you’ll make space—in your schedule and your budget—for a bold journey of your own. And if you don’t have someone to travel with, consider stepping outside your comfort zone with a trusted organization that allows you to feel safe, supported, and inspired.
The world is waiting—and so is the next version of you.
About Katana Abbott & Smart Women’s Empowerment
Katana Abbott is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Retirement Income Coach, and the founder of Smart Women’s Empowerment, a nonprofit project of United Charitable. For more than 35 years, Katana has helped women gain clarity, confidence, and peace of mind around their money and their lives—guiding them through major transitions such as retirement, encore careers, caregiving, and legacy planning.
After retiring from her corporate advisory career, Katana brought together her lifelong passion for financial education, philanthropy, and women’s empowerment by creating Smart Women’s Empowerment. Through her long-running podcast Smart Women Talk, her inspirational ezine Smart Women Smart Choices, and her signature course Unlock Your Financial Power, Katana continues to educate, inspire, and support women around the world as they step into their next chapter with purpose and intention.
Katana believes there is no single “right” path—only the one that aligns your values, resources, and vision for the life you want to create.
To learn more or connect with Katana, visit www.katanaabbott.com.
Smart Women’s Empowerment is a project of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 20-4286082). Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.