What if the most powerful part of solo travel isn’t the destination... but the people you stay with?

In this episode of Dream Big, Have Adventures, Tess shares why staying with locals completely changes the solo travel experience — from saving thousands of dollars to being invited into barbecues, beach days, holidays, and real life.

If you’ve only ever stayed in hotels, Airbnbs, or hostels, this episode will open your eyes to a different way to explore the world.

• How staying with locals can dramatically lower your travel costs
• Why accommodation is the biggest budget drain in solo travel
• How local hosts help you skip tourist traps
• What it’s like to be invited into holidays and family gatherings abroad
• Why immediate community changes everything when you land in a new city
• How to “live like a local” instead of traveling like a tourist

When you stay with locals, you don’t just visit a place — you experience it.

Tess shares stories of:

• Being invited to a Mother’s Day barbecue in Florida
• Spending holidays like Thanksgiving with new friends
• Playing beach volleyball with locals
• Learning Australian slang (and why PB&J shocked everyone)
• Seeing daily life through the eyes of families around the world

These are the kinds of experiences you simply don’t get from a hotel room.

Staying with locals means:

• Built-in community
• Cultural immersion
• Organic networking
• Real friendships
• And unforgettable memories

Solo travel can feel lonely — especially when you first land somewhere new.

But when you stay with a local host:

• You’re welcomed in.
• You’re introduced to their circle.
• You feel safer and more grounded.
• You see what real life looks like beyond the tourist attractions.

And yes — it can save you hundreds (or even thousands) in accommodation costs.

Ready to Travel With Built-In Community?

✨ Start with the free Solo Travel 101 workshop: >>Access Here>>

🌍 Explore HerHouse with a 7-day free trial: >>Join Here>>

📖 Grab Tess’s book Sherbet Skies: >>Buy Now>>

Website: https://www.herhouse.co/
Instagram (Tess): @tessmillhollon
Instagram (HerHouse): @herhouse.co

LinkedIn:@tess-millhollon
TikTok:@herhouse.co

Want to know how I built HerHouse with no tech background, no team and no funding?

Well let me tell you.

The conversation covers the journey of building HerHouse, from the initial inspiration to the challenges of rebuilding the app and seeking investment. It also delves into the personal challenges I faced as the founder and the eventual success and grand reopening of the app.

Takeaways

• Building an app without coding
• Challenges of rebuilding the app
• The journey of building Her House

Chapters

• 00:00 The Inspiration
• 05:30 Soft Launch and Challenges
• 13:10 Funding and Rebuilding
• 21:18 App Rebuilding and Grand Reopening

Terri, a HerHouse host from the UK, shares her experience and insights on solo travel, hosting, and building a supportive community for women travelers. She also discusses her professional role as a transformational travel coach and her passion for helping women gain confidence in solo travel.

Takeaways

• Solo travel and hosting create a sense of community and camaraderie among like-minded women.
• Terri's role as a transformational travel coach and her passion for helping women gain confidence in solo travel are interconnected, reflecting her commitment to empowering women.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introducing Terry and Her Location
• 09:42 The Value of Solo Travel and Building a Supportive Community

In this episode of Dream Big Have Adventures, Tess Millhollon shares her transformative journey from a rodeo lifestyle to becoming a solo backpacker. She discusses the pivotal moments in her life, including a traumatic experience that shifted her perspective and ignited her passion for travel. Tess emphasizes the importance of community and connection among women travelers, leading to the creation of Her House, a platform designed to provide safe and affordable accommodations for solo women. The episode highlights the growth of this community and Tess's vision for its future.

Takeaways

Tess built Her House from her personal travel experiences.

Trauma can significantly impact one's life direction.

Traveling can provide a sense of freedom and adventure.

Building connections is crucial for solo travelers.

Having a safe landing place is essential when traveling.

There are good people willing to help travelers.

A dedicated space for women travelers is necessary.

The idea for Her House was a long-time vision.

Community building takes time and effort.

Her House aims to connect women travelers globally.

Keywords

solo travel, women empowerment, community, adventure, backpacking, HerHouse, travel safety, networking, entrepreneurship, personal growth

Chapters

00:00 From Rodeo to Backpacking: A Life Transformation

12:55 The Power of Connection: Stories from the Road

18:59 The Birth of Her House: A Vision for Women Travelers