Kristi Shaw

I've been an avid traveler since my first adventure in 1996.  During a six week trip to Europe with a friend, when his girlfriend showed up to join us, I discovered unexpectedly that I really enjoy traveling solo.  I made a vow during that trip to visit a different country every year.  Over 20 years later, I've kept that promise while navigating a career in civil engineering, marriage, and becoming a doting mother.

My traveling styles have changed with each successive phase of my life, and with age have only gotten better.  I love trying unique foods, taking the road less traveled, getting to know the locals and constantly revising my itinerary.  The best thing about solo travel is feeling unencumbered, able to explore and shape a  personal journey.  When vulnerable moments turn to magic and strangers become friends.  I hope to empower women at all stages of life to step out of their comfort zone and confidently travel solo.

Tianna Roser

I was a bit of a late bloomer when it came to solo travel.  Since childhood I was intrigued with exotic locales after perusing many issues of National Geographic.  I wanted to travel the globe, but I wasn't a big risk taker growing up.

I felt excited yet terrified when I left for a  semester abroad in Guadalajara, Mexico.  Of course, it turned out amazing, so I enrolled in another Study Abroad program for International Business in Asia after that.  We had a full itinerary and our precious free time often was wasted on trying to get our group to agree on where to go together.  After this trip I knew I'd  prefer traveling with less people, but I wasn't brave enough yet to go solo.

When I hit my 30s, I decided I was tired of letting fear rule my life.  I noticed that many people stop growing as they get older.  They take less chances, become less adaptable and more fearful.  I chose to do the opposite, which  led to my first solo international trip to Lanjaron, Spain.  I spent 6 weeks volunteering at a bed and breakfast in exchange for room and board, thanks to HelpX.net.  Life has never been the same since.  Solo travel has become a regular part of my life, giving me inner freedom, confidence and aliveness!