How Historical Feminism, Curated Group Trips, and the Magic of Taking Up Space Inspire Modern Women Travelers
Rediscovering the Magic of Solo Travel
The allure of solo travel for women has never been stronger. For many women, the idea of boarding a plane or train alone can bring both exhilaration and anxiety. But as Amanda Bauner, host of the Me and the Magic podcast, and guest Sarah Magnoni, founder of Cobblestones and Castles, discuss in Episode 178, there is profound empowerment and joy in exploring independently, especially when that adventure is interwoven with Europe’s rich tapestry of historical feminism.
Solo travel isn’t just a chance to “get away.” It’s an opportunity to be present, to nurture oneself, and to walk in the footsteps of the women who paved the way for today’s freedoms.
Overcoming Fear And Experiencing Exhilaration
One of the episode’s most relatable themes is the mixture of excitement and trepidation that comes with a first solo journey. Sarah Magnoni recounts her maiden solo trip to France and how moving through her fear made the experience deeply rewarding. “Fear is just another emotion…You can be afraid one minute and the next minute be joyful,” she reflects.
This honest approach demystifies solo travel, reminding listeners that bravery isn’t the absence of fear… it’s showing up anyway. And because safety remains the number one concern for many women travelers, building in support through small group trips or thoughtful itineraries can transform anxiety into excitement.
Why Historical Feminism Matters in Travel
What truly sets Sarah Magnoni’s travel philosophy apart is her blending of history, feminism, and immersive local experience. Sarah curates group trips for women that focus on destinations like Ireland, Scotland, England, and France, where the stories of women’s struggles and triumphs are embedded in the landscape.
Exploring places like the Dublin castle, learning about Ireland’s female presidents, or walking the same streets as suffragettes in London, Sarah’s small group travelers become part of a living narrative. As she says, “When a woman travels solo, you’re taking up space that all those years ago would have made a woman look suspicious.” Recognizing and honoring these foremothers makes present-day journeys feel both personal and powerful.
The Group Experience: Community Meets Independence
Traveling solo doesn’t mean being alone. Cobblestones and Castles’ small group trips are designed for women who want independence with the safety net of community. The groups are intentionally kept intimate (six to ten women) to foster real connections and lasting friendships.
With a blend of structured activities (such as private tours with local academics or immersive experiences themed around literature or feminist history) and ample free time, these trips balance the freedom of solo wandering with the warmth of shared stories at dinner. And for first-time solo travelers, the community aspect eases nerves while still allowing free time for meaningful solo moments.
Curating Meaningful, Immersive Itineraries
Unlike generic travel packages, Sarah’s curated itineraries are deeply intentional. Sarah works with local experts to ensure every detail aligns with the needs and interests of her travelers, from unique boutique hotels steeped in history to exclusive experiences with authors or historians. As Sarah puts it, “I don’t create trips that you find on Expedia…I want [women] to feel different when they leave.”
This approach also fosters slow, immersive travel by encouraging guests to savor a destination, absorbing its culture and atmosphere without rushing.
Passing the Torch: Modeling Adventure and Confidence
One of the episode’s most touching takeaways is the ripple effect solo travel can have, particularly for daughters and younger women. When Sarah FaceTimed her daughter at the Eiffel Tower during her solo trip, she realized she was modeling independence and adventure, the kind of legacy that changes family stories for generations.
By openly sharing vulnerabilities and victories, contemporary women travelers not only grow themselves but also lay a new foundation for those who will follow.
Solo travel, especially when infused with historical context and supportive community, is a powerful act of self-nurture, education, and quiet rebellion. As Amanda and Sarah highlight, women today are reclaiming their place in the world’s stories, one meaningful journey at a time.
To learn more about joining a future trip or connecting with like-minded women travelers, explore Cobblestones and Castles or tune in to the Me and the Magic podcast. The world, and your own intuition, are waiting.
Connect with Our Guest
Connect with Sarah Magnoni at Cobblestones & Castles.
Join Sarah’s Facebook group, The Cobblestone Collective: Historical Feminism Travel Group.
