In the first installment of our three-part solo travel series, Zakiya Gibbons, host of dating podcast Hang Up, recounts a pretty glamorous work trip to Cannes—and shares how she navigated moments of loneliness, figured out ways to prioritize downtime and actually see the destination, and even managed to squeeze in a date. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Reggae singer Lila Iké, known for her deep roots in Kingston, shares her journey as an artist influenced by icons like Bob Marley. She discusses her commitment to authentic reggae while blending it with modern sounds like soul and hip-hop. Lila reflects on her childhood experiences, including a poignant story about a local artist who shaped her identity. She also shares the excitement of her first live performance and journey through the vibrant Kingston music scene. Her personal connections to her heritage resonate throughout her music and artistic vision.

Freezing your eggs can be logistically challenging—and costly—here in the US, which is why some women are turning their sights overseas. Lale chats with Los Angeles-based Esther Yu McElroy about her own fertility journey, one that took her all the way to Barcelona with a stop in London along the way. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this engaging conversation, journalist Megan Spurrell shares her firsthand experiences covering the Olympic surfing competition in Tahiti. She dives into the vibrant surf culture and how it contrasts with the serene island life. Megan highlights inspiring stories of both rising and retiring female surfers, emphasizing their journeys and the significance of mental health advocacy. Additionally, she explores Tahiti's natural wonders, local cuisine, and the importance of connecting with communities while traveling, all set against the backdrop of an Olympic dream.

Join outdoors expert Emily Pennington as she shares her adventures in Patagonia and offers tips for exploring the wilderness responsibly. Learn about solo backpacking trips, camping strategies, and summer nature destinations. Get inspired to get out into the wild this summer!

Erin French, owner of The Lost Kitchen in Maine, shares her unique dining experience with a challenging reservation process. She discusses her new cooking and travel show where she road trips across the US, seeking inspiration and sharing meals with farmers and chefs.

Travelers share stories of magical family adventures, from witnessing a solar eclipse in Dallas to exploring Japan with Pokemon-loving kids. A grandmother and grandson showcase independence while traveling through Vietnam, highlighting the joys and challenges of family travel.

Activist and solo traveler, Rachel Cargle, shares insights on solo travel for restorative purposes, self-discovery, and embracing personal values. She discusses her experiences staying in hostels, exploring Jamaica, and the intersection of travel and activism. The podcast also touches on the importance of creating travel playlists and diverse literature for enriching solo travel experiences.

Ever dreamed of swapping your current life for a brand new one in Paris? That’s what Jane Bertch did, who chronicles her own journey, and the French cooking school she subsequently opened, in her new memoir The French Ingredient. Lale chats with Jane about the lessons she’s learned (culinary and otherwise) from her years spent in Paris, her tips for shopping the city’s many boulangeries and fromageries, and all the characters she’s met along the way. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In her book Beyond the Shores: A History of African Americans Abroad, Dr. Tamara J. Walker recounts stories of 20th-century African-Americans who chose to build their lives outside of the United States—everywhere from Paris to Nairobi. Lale chats with Tamara about the romantic notions of 20th-century Paris and the creatives who made it their home, like James Baldwin and Florence Mills, as well as her own travel experiences around the world and what it means to be a global citizen. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices