Welcome to the New To Be Explored: Real Talk, Real Travels

As I've navigated new landscapes, I've also been navigating something just as vast—my own mental health.

Travel has changed me, not because it "fixed" anything, but because it taught me how to live alongside my anxiety and depression, how to move through the tough moments instead of running from them.

And that's what To Be Explored is all about. This blog is evolving into something deeper, more personal, and more connected to you—because I know I'm not the only one who has felt the weight of anxiety while booking a plane ticket or the sting of frustration when my body couldn't keep up with my travel dreams.

So today, I'm thrilled to announce the next chapter of To Be Explored—where we dive into real conversations about travel, mental health, and the ways they intersect.

Real Talk, Real Travels: Why This Shift Matters

Back in mid-May 2024, I opened up on Instagram about something I had kept just beneath the surface—my ongoing battle with depression and anxiety. For years, I forced a smile in photos, posted the highlights, and kept the struggles in the background.

But the truth? Mental health doesn't take a vacation.

There are times where:

• I've felt anxiety spike while booking flights, questioning if I've made the right choice

• I've felt the weight of depression settle in when I couldn't do something I dreamed of—like hiking when my chronic knee pain held me back

• I've experienced travel overstimulation—where the noise, crowds, and chaos became too much

But here's what I've learned: Travel doesn't have to be about "escaping." It can be about learning how to exist in the world, exactly as you are. And that's what I want to share with you—real talk, real travels, and real ways to navigate the intersection of adventure and mental well-being.

Yours truly in her happy place in Lisbon

New Tagline, Same Mission

You'll notice something new around here:

Real Talk, Real Travels: Healing the Mind, One Adventure at a Time.

This isn't just a tagline. It's a commitment—to honest storytelling, real struggles, and the kind of travel experiences that shape us.

What you can expect moving forward:

• More personal stories about travel and mental health—the good, the tough, and everything in between

• Educational and advocacy-based posts to help you navigate anxiety, depression, and wellness while traveling

• Tips, strategies, and insights to make solo travel feel more empowering, not overwhelming

I'm excited about the changes happening here, but more than that, I'm excited to connect with YOU in a deeper way.

Stronger Connections, Bigger Conversations

This blog has never just been about me—it's about all of us. Because I know I'm not the only one who has felt the complicated mix of fear and excitement that comes with solo travel.

Moving forward, I want To Be Explored to be more than just a website you read—I want it to be a space where you see yourself in these stories.

Have you ever felt anxiety while traveling solo?

Have you struggled with self-doubt before a big trip?

Have you ever had a travel experience that completely changed your perspective?

You're not alone. And now, To Be Explored has a Community page where your stories take center stage.

The Community page is a space where women can share their personal experiences—about overcoming fear, finding confidence, and navigating the mental ups and downs of travel. Check out the first stories or submit your own here!

I'm also hosting my first-ever retreat in Iceland—Wild Heart Summer Journey—an experience built for women who want to explore, connect, and recharge. Right now, i'm offering a first-look opportunity to my newsletter subscribers before the official waitlist opens in June.

But for now, I'd love for you to explore the new site, check out the latest posts, and dive into this next chapter with me.

Thank you for being here. Let's keep it real, keep traveling, and keep healing—one adventure at a time.