She found the courage to travel the world alone, and so can you.

Published 1:30 am Sunday, August 19, 2018

Terry Woods is the opposite of a snowbird.

Woods, 75, is what you’d call a “sunbird.” Instead of migrating south to escape the snow, Woods travels north to get away from the heat. She lives in Las Vegas, but her favorite place to stay in the summers? Right here in Edmonds.

She has been a solo traveler for the past 16 years. She’s written a memoir, titled “Accidental Travels of a Single Woman,”on the joys and the sometimes unexpected snags that come with travel. She is scheduled to do a reading Aug. 22 at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park.

Here, Woods talks about what it’s like to travel alone, some of her favorite memories of Europe, and recommendations for those who want to follow in her footsteps.

How did you become a solo traveler?

I got divorced. No divorce is good, but it isn’t something that set me back. I was 50 and had three businesses under my belt… Although I was raising my children myself, I gained strength as I got older so I could handle pretty much anything. I started (traveling) in 2001, and the last (trip) was in 2017.

I had been traveling for business as a motivational speaker. I had my own news magazine. I was a pretty independent person. I was never afraid of traveling by myself. I didn’t live in fear. I was already a mature woman who had experienced a lot in the world about business and people. I wasn’t afraid.

How did your friends react?

My friends were afraid for me. I kept emailing when I felt something was important or affected me or was exciting or unusual. That’s where the stories came from… my diary. I just emailed them to my friends to allay their fears about my traveling alone.

They were concerned, but it’s actually easier to travel alone. It’s easier if you’re a woman. People are very happy to help you.

Tell me about some of your traveling experiences.

There have been many instances. I would stop people. They were very helpful in Italy and France. I just think they have a different mentality over there. And Canada, too. Oh, friendly! They said, ‘Come, follow me. I’ll point you to where you have to go.’ And point to what freeway to get onto. In the U.S., the most friendly people are in Texas.

What happened in France?

Most of the time with home exchanges, you go to your place and they to yours, but you never meet each other. But in my situation, I was very fortunate because a French artist was invited to come to Las Vegas to bring her paintings on display. That’s when she and her partner stayed with me.

Then it was my turn. She went out of her way to bring me along wherever she was going, experiencing everything. I don’t think the average person has had these experiences. I think it’s good for people to know there are inexpensive ways to travel. One of those is the travel group that originated in Gig Harbor. Then the home exchanges are free. What a way to travel.

You belong to the travel club. Tell me more about that.

I’m a member of Affordable Travel Club out of Gig Harbor. As a single person, I think the cost is $15 a day. Sometimes (the people you are staying with) go out to dinner with you. I like it better than a hotel; it’s personal and so inexpensive, and you meet lovely people.

Between the Travel Club and European exchanges, that gave me the ability to travel the way I did. Otherwise it would have been too expensive. It’s a very good thing to consider, if you’re limited monetarily.

My favorite chapter is entitled “Music and Castles in the Air.” Talk about the pianist in France.

Well, I was with this French amateur artist I had met while staying in France. We hung around a lot. My friend was Zoe. She said, ‘How would you like to go to this castle?’ It’s one of my favorite memories. I was stretched out on the grass under a window, where I could hear him practicing.

You live in Las Vegas, but typically spend the summer in the Edmonds area?

Yes, I usually come here every summer. I’m here for almost three months this year.

It’s my favorite city. And I know people here. It’s so beautiful. I’m stuck in Las Vegas. I don’t like the desert. I bought a house with two trees in the back yard. When people come to my house, they say it looks like a park back there. I’ve got to be around trees. That’s why I come here. Three months out of the year, I get to be with trees.

I like quaint, charming, by-the-water scenery. I can’t get enough of Edmonds. If I could afford it, I would live there without question.

Do you have any upcoming travel plans after you get home?

No. You know, I’m 75 years old. I don’t do as much as I used to. As I get older, I become more of a homebody. I have seen the places that I have wanted to see.

Europe was always the big one for me. Lake Como — I’d go back there in a heartbeat. So beautiful. Above Melan, it’s about a 26-mile lake and ends in Switzerland. The Italian Alps is like Switzerland. Then at the bottom tiny towns are tucked in.

What tips do you have for people traveling alone?

I don’t think introverted people would do well traveling alone. They wouldn’t be brave enough to speak up. I am not uncomfortable talking to people and asking questions.

I never was afraid. Even when the police stopped me. You have to have confidence if you’re going to travel alone. You can’t be in fear.

Don’t pack too much. And jellyroll all your clothes. They’re not in layers, and they don’t wrinkle as easily. Going into restaurants and eating, sit near people. That’s a good way to meet people, (saying) ‘Excuse me, can you explain the menu to me?’ You just have to be more forward.

Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3496 or salyer@heraldnet.com.

If you go

What: A reading of “Accidental Travels of a Single Woman” by Terry Woods

When: 7 p.m. Aug. 22

Where: Third Place Books,17171 Bothell Way NE, Suite A101, Lake Forest Park

Tickets: Free

More: 206-366-3333 or www.thirdplacebooks.com