Welcome, my name is Elisabeth. I have multiple passions, and solo traveling is one of them. I was introduced to the concept of traveling from my dad. My dad married in his thirties, and he embarked on traveling before he met my mother. He would share his stories about visiting different states in the USA and even international traveling, like visiting Israel with his mother.
The only traveling I did as a child was visiting my relatives each summer by car. We would pack the car with sandwiches and chips. I remember taking the blue Chevy blazer; my parents would jam-pack the car with luggage on top of the car. My mother would always take extra clothing we outgrew to donate to families in our village.
It was a twenty-something-hour drive to Citala, Jalisco, the village my mother is from. My parents took no breaks and didn’t stop for hotels; it was nonstop. In hindsight, I realize now we didn’t stop because my parents couldn’t afford to fly, make stops for hotels or go out to eat, but it was normal for us kids.
When I became an adult, I was so busy trying to survive, pay bills, and work that I forgot about traveling for a long time. It wasn’t until I was about thirty-eight that all that changed. In 2017, I had a debilitating illness that stopped me from living. It was a long journey in pursuing healing, and I was introduced to holistic wellness. I had to figure out what taking care of myself looked like.
After pursuing healing and holistic wellness, In 2020, I decided I wanted to go on a solo trip to a women’s retreat. I couldn’t find one, but I found Arizona, Sedona during my research. I was enamored with the picturesque views of red rock everywhere. I had never even heard of this place. I booked an Airbnb at a tiny mobile home on beautiful sacred grounds with a big house on the property, backed behind the Coconino National Forest. The home was inviting, and some healers worked there in case you wanted other services. There was a labyrinth, horses, wildlife, and beautiful garden spaces to relax or meditate.
My time in Sedona, Arizona, wa amazing, to say the least. I went on the trip on my 40th Birthday alone, and it meant something special to me to do so. Because it was my first solo trip to Sedona, I ventured to a few places and enjoyed the Airbnb grounds. I went hiking alone, visited a National State park, took a horse ride, and visited shops.
This trip I had taken alone was the spark I needed to relight a light I didn’t know was out. If you have never taken a solo trip, I highly recommend it. I felt empowered after the trip for many reasons, mostly because I overcame many fears. I developed a spiritual growth mindset awareness on this trip that I did not know existed. Meaning I was able to sit with my thoughts, meet new people and try new things. It is unexplainable, but the trip brought some clarity to me on many issues.
I was married with four children, working full time, and it had never crossed my mind to travel alone. As I write this, I am grateful for having a supportive spouse who is not threatened by my self-exploration—someone who advocates the importance of discovering your individuality all while in a committed relationship.
I knew after this trip that it would be the first of many. I was awakened; my travel bug had been dormant for many years. I was enlightened on so many levels it all unfolded authentically. It was a self-care act I didn’t know I needed until it happened. I hope you found this blog useful and find the courage to seek other layers of yourself that lie dormant in you. Awaken the senses!
“Wanderlust” is a strong innate desire to travel, explore, and experience the world. It is a term often used to describe a deep longing or passion for adventure, to visit new places, and to immerse oneself in different cultures and environments. People with wanderlust are constantly urged to wander and discover new destinations, seeking novel experiences and a sense of freedom from exploring unfamiliar territories. The term is derived from German, where “wander” means “to roam” or “to travel,” and “lust” means “desire” or “yearning.” Wanderlust is not merely a casual interest in travel but a profound and almost irresistible urge to embark on journeys and satisfy one’s curiosity about the world.
