Hello there fellow traveler! Welcome to Exploration Solo.
My name is Alison and I started this blog to encourage everyone to get out and explore the world.
I began my solo travel journey in my thirties and backpacking in my fourties. Before that, all the fear and lack of support stopped me. So believe me, I get it. I completely understand the fear that comes with the decision to go for it.
Once I found my voice and got out there, my life changed. I’ve seen amazing things in beautiful places, and now I lead others on hiking and backpacking trips.
I’ve been leading hiking and backpacking trips in the mountains of NC, TN, and VA since 2017. When I’m not out in the woods, I’m exploring nearby areas (I’ll drive anywhere if it’s 5 hours or less), and once in a while, I take a big trip to a dream location.
Think traveling, backpacking, and getting out there is too scary? Nah. If I can do it, so can you. I have my Wilderness First Responder Training which covers 101 things that can wrong in the backcountry, and honestly, the most I encounter is a sprained ankle, bug bites, and blisters.
Just to let you in on a little secret — I’m scared of flying. Yep. I’m a travel writer that’s afraid of flying. But I do it. I get on the plane (although it’s not always pretty).
The point is we all have fears. It’s okay to be scared. You can push through and when you do, it’s amazing.