Sometimes the biggest adventures start when we dare to change direction.

In this podcast, I share my journey from law to life in Spain and how travel became my way of reinventing myself in midlife.

A little while ago, I was invited to join the Butterfly Journeys: Midlife Adventures podcast for a beautiful and honest conversation about something that has shaped my life completely: starting over in midlife.

In the episode, I share my personal story, how I left behind my legal career in the Netherlands to follow my heart and start a new life in Spain. It wasn’t an easy decision (far from it!), but it turned out to be the best one I’ve ever made.

Moving countries, learning a new language, finding my way in a different culture… it all pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t expected. Out of that experience, Chica Travel was born; a boutique travel company for women who, like me, want to explore, reconnect and rediscover themselves through travel.

We talked about courage, uncertainty, and how travel can open the door to a new chapter in life. For many women, midlife is a time of reflection. The kids might be grown, careers may feel less fulfilling, or we simply start wondering: What’s next for me?

For me, travel became the answer. Every journey and every woman I’ve met along the way has reminded me that midlife isn’t an ending. It’s a beginning.

So if you’re standing at that crossroads, unsure of what’s next but feeling the pull towards something more I hope my story inspires you to take that first step, even if it feels uncertain. That’s often where the magic begins. 

 Listen to the full conversation here: Embracing Uncertainty in Midlife with Gwen Simon

And if it sparks your wanderlust… Discover Chica Travel’s 2026 journeys — women-only trips through Spain that celebrate connection, adventure and a touch of Spanish magic.

 Discover Our Trips