Who I Am & The Journey Behind To Be Explored

Welcome to To Be Explored

Hello, and welcome! Whether you're a fellow traveler, passionate about mental health, or curious about exploring the world and yourself, I’m thrilled you’re here. This blog (and now podcast!) is where I share the highs and lows of solo travel and the lessons I’ve learned about mental well-being along the way.

Discovering the wondrous Gljúfrabúi waterfall in Iceland

Where Solo Traveling and To Be Explored All Began

Traveling solo wasn’t always on my radar, but after years of longing to break out of my comfort zone, I decided it was time to give it a go. My first taste of traveling solo was to Mexico in 2023. It was a great starting point, a way to dip my toe into the pool of solo travel without it being overwhelming. But the getaway where I dove headfirst into an entirely new world was my first major solo trip to Iceland in summer 2023. Those journeys opened my eyes to the strength I had to face challenges alone and connect with places and people in meaningful ways. Since then, travel has become therapeutic. The benefits of traveling alone have become a part of my self-care—my way of grounding myself and finding clarity, even when it’s hard.

The Road So Far: Balancing Wanderlust with Wellness

As much as travel is my passion, it’s also been a journey of mental wellness. Anxiety and depression have been constant companions, but I've learned solo travel empowers me. It allows me to learn more about myself than at home. It gives me the chance to step out of my comfort zone truly and teaches me how to be adventurous.

Facing my fear by zip-lining in Mexico!

Of course, the realities of navigating foreign countries alone, handling language barriers, and coping with occasional loneliness can be challenging, but they've given me the tools to manage stress and anxiety better than ever before. I’ve found that taking breaks, setting boundaries, and practicing mindfulness—especially during travel—are all essential parts of my mental well-being.

Of course, the realities of solo traveling can be tough at times:

·      Navigating foreign countries alone

·      Handling language barriers

·      Coping with occasional loneliness

Yet, with these challenges, each experience has given me the tool to manage stress and anxiety better than ever before.

I’ll show you effective ways that has become essential parts of my mental well-being:

·      Taking breaks

·      Setting boundaries

·      Practicing mindfulness

Why To Be Explored, Why Now

This blog is more than just scenic views and travel tips (though I’ll share plenty of those!). It’s about getting real. To Be Explored is my way of being open about the realities of solo travel and how it’s become a path of self-discovery. From mental health tips I’ve found useful to the thrill and fear of stepping into the unknown, I will be offering insights in hopes to inspire you, wherever you are on your journey.

Here I am at the infamous Blue Lagoon

So, if you’re looking to explore the world or deepen your understanding of yourself, you’re in the right place. Thank you for being here—I’m excited to have you along for the adventure.

Let’s Get Real, Together

Join me as I explore what it means to be a traveler and a seeker, embracing the challenges and joys that come with it.

Ready for more? Tune into Let’s Get Real, the podcast companion to this blog, where I dive deeper into the stories and lessons behind every journey.