Roam Alone
Roam Alone is a podcast about solo travel — the courage, transformation, and unexpected connections that happen when people explore the world on their own.
Each episode features inspiring stories from travelers who discovered confidence, healing, and adventure through traveling alone. From first-time solo trips to long-distance walking journeys across Europe, guests share how solo travel changed their lives.
Roam Alone explores everything from solo hiking and travel after major life changes to traveling alone later in life and finding community on the road. Whether you're dreaming about your first solo trip or already love traveling independently, these conversations will inspire your next adventure.
Roam Alone
Growing Up With Solo Travel: A Life of Independent Adventure
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In this episode of Roam Alone, we sit down with Kristen Thoburn, whose journey into solo travel began earlier than most—on mission trips with her parents at just five years old. By age twelve, Kristen was already traveling solo, laying the foundation for a lifetime of independence, resilience, and curiosity.
Kristen shares stories from destinations like Grenada and Venice, reflects on being the victim of a robbery abroad—and why it didn’t stop her from continuing to roam—and explains how solo travel has actually strengthened her marriage to her husband, Nate. Together, they embrace independent travel while raising a son who’s catching the travel bug himself.
This conversation explores how travel evolves through life stages—from childhood to marriage to dreaming about a future empty-nester / slo-mad lifestyle—and why roaming alone can be one of the most powerful tools for personal growth.
Episode Breakdown
- 03:15 – Traveling on mission trips at age 5
- 05:54 – First solo mission trip at age 12
- 14:17 – Lessons from Grenada
- 17:58 – Venice, for better or worse
- 28:58 – Tips for when travel goes wrong
- 33:30 – Solo travel within marriage
- 37:49 – Passing the travel mindset to the next generation
- 42:36 – Travel dreams as empty nesters & the slo-mad life
Mentions in Episode 2:
Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens.
Instagram: @theresaannstephens
Facebook: /theresastephens
Facebook: /RoamAlone
