What happens when an empty-nester refuses to settle into retirement and instead decides to fill her world with adventure? Meet Mary Baskin, the inspiring entrepreneur who turned her post-50 chapter into her most extraordinary yet.

When Mary's twins left for college, instead of mourning the empty nest, she took a transformative trip to Provence that sparked the creation of her beloved Vagabond Travel Company. Now 17 years later, she's built a thriving business taking small groups of adventurous women (mostly over 50) on immersive, design-focused journeys to Morocco, India, Kenya, France, and beyond—the kind of trips where 79-year-old women tear through the Moroccan desert on motorcycles.

But Mary didn't stop there. She and her husband Howard restored a historic 1915 mansion into the award-winning English Merchants Inn in Texas, and she recently co-founded Found Travel and Living Journal, a stunning biannual magazine that showcases artisan stories and cultural experiences from around the globe.

In this inspiring conversation, Mary shares:

• How a childhood love of National Geographic led to a life-changing trip at age 12
• The pivotal moment in Provence that launched her travel business
• Why small-group, immersive travel transforms people
• Her secrets for creating authentic cultural experiences
• How to push through fears and just GO
• Advice for women at crossroads seeking their next chapter

Mary's story is proof that our most adventurous, fulfilling years can begin at 50—we just need the courage to pack our bags and explore.

Perfect for: Women over 45 seeking inspiration, travel enthusiasts, empty nesters looking for their next chapter, and anyone who believes the best adventures are yet to come.

Connect with Mary:

• Instagram: @TheVagabondTravelCo, @FoundTravelJournal, @EnglishMerchantsInn
• Websites: VagabondTravelCo.com, FoundTravelandLiving.com, TheEnglishMerchantsInn.com

Ready to plan your own adventure? Mary welcomes questions and is happy to share travel tips—just reach out!

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Stop letting "someday" steal another year of your life. If you're a woman over 40 who's been putting off that bucket list travel for "when the kids are grown," "when I have more money," or "when I find the right travel companion," this episode is your wake-up call.

Hosts Heidi Brandes and Nicky Omohundro expose the three biggest reasons women delay their travel dreams—and more importantly, share the science-backed strategies that actually work to break the someday trap. From solo travel confidence building to budget-friendly adventure planning, they reveal how to book your dream trip before you feel "ready."

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why waiting for the "perfect" time guarantees you'll never go
• The psychology behind implementation intention and how to use it
• Three proven strategies women over 50 use to turn dreams into booked trips
• How to start building travel confidence with stupidly small adventures
• Why solo travel is actually the fastest path to midlife adventure
• Real stories from women who stopped waiting and started exploring

Perfect for women's empowerment seekers, empty nesters ready for their next chapter, and anyone tired of making excuses about travel over 40. Whether you're dreaming of Europe, an African safari, or simply a weekend away alone, this female travel podcast episode gives you permission to prioritize your own travel inspiration.

Your homework: Ask yourself what trip you'd book if you trusted yourself more—then take one small action this week. Because the best time to book was yesterday, and the second-best time is right now.

2026 is your year. Stop stealing from your future self and start planning your adventure today.

Keywords: women travel, solo travel, travel over 40, travel over 50, travel confidence, adventure travel, female travel podcast, travel inspiration, travel planning, bucket list travel, women's empowerment, midlife adventure, travel dreams, solo female travel

Connect with us: @untetheredwanderwise on Instagram for daily travel inspiration and tips that prove adventure has no age limit.

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“Wyoming Is Having a Moment in 2026”
Episode Summary

If Wyoming isn’t on your 2026 travel list yet… it will be after this episode. In this lively, laugh-filled conversation, co-hosts Heide Brandes and Nicky Omohundro dive into why the Cowboy State is set to become the destination for women over 45 craving adventure, authenticity, luxury—or all three.

Heide brings back stories straight from Carbon County, like free 24/7 hot springs, llama trekking with goofy-but-loveable pack animals, saloon-style dinners with real cowboys, and small-town museums with some truly wild Old West history.

Then, the duo shifts to Jackson Hole’s major glow-up for 2026, including luxury lodge renovations, ski-season celebrations, red-light-therapy spas (yes, please), sleigh rides, wildlife safaris, and rooftop hot tubs under enormous Wyoming skies.

It’s fun, it’s feisty, it’s full of irresistible travel inspiration, and it’ll have you planning a birthday trip, girls’ getaway, or solo escape before the episode even ends. If you’re a woman embracing your independence, your curiosity, and your “why not?” era, this one’s for you.

Listen in and discover why Wyoming is about to have its biggest year yet.

Links Mentioned:

• Carbon County, WY: discoverCarbonCountyWI on Instagram
• Hotel Terra Jackson Hole: hotelterrajacksonhole.com
• Teton Mountain Lodge: tetonlodge.com
• The Sylvan Lodge at Snake River Sporting Club: snakeriversportingclub.com
• Travel Wyoming: travelwyoming.com

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