Reader’s Spotlight: Michelle Eyrich
Welcome to The Queen of Trips – Reader’s Spotlight where I highlight your stories.
What types of stories will I be sharing?
Stories of women travelers that are in committed relationships, are married and/or have children and give themselves the space to travel solo.
With these stories I want to dispel the idea that solo travel is only for single women. I know so many amazing women who are moms and/or in committed relationships that enjoy solo travel. I hope that these stories help more women overcome their limiting beliefs and help them enjoy the gift of solo travel if they wish to do so.
If you have your own story that you’d like to share with me and my audience, please fill out this form. I will be sharing it on my newsletter and blog.
For today’s feature we have Michelle Eyrich!
How did you decide to solo travel for the first time?
I come from a family of independent women who have forged their own path. Both of my parents took paths that deviated from standard expectations, and this set the tone for my sisters and I. My parents have always been supportive of whatever we have decided to do, so I don’t think I was really aware that solo travel wasn’t just “normal” until I got older.
I think this is an important element to consider – solo travel sometimes isn’t *just* for you; you are also setting an example for those around you – nieces, daughters, nephews, sons. You are part of the movement to normalize this for those who come after you.
How did you bring up the idea of solo travel with your partner/family and what was their reaction? What reservations did they have?
My spouse knew from the time we met that traveling was a priority for me. I was born overseas and lived most of my life overseas before coming back to the US for university, so being a multicultural kid was part of my DNA. Early in our relationship we traveled together as I knew that I needed a partner who had an adventurous spirit also – he passed the test! I also had a corporate job that put me on the road internationally before we were married, so this wasn’t a huge shift.
What was the planning process like – did you take any special precautions or make any accommodations as a partnered solo traveler?
I think the planning changed considerably once we had our son. My first trip solo post-baby (a work trip) happened when my son was 14 months old and I needed to go to Singapore and Australia. I made sure they were well stocked with food (at that stage, my son was eating all the pureed homemade baby food) in the freezer as well as all the emergency numbers for doctors, medical records etc.
How did you find the solo travel experience compared to your expectations? What challenges or highlights did you encounter?
The solo travel for work was just that: it’s work, just in another location. And I can’t say my “mom brain” ever totally shut off, hoping all was going smoothly at home. I hadn’t anticipated the stress to come with me.
Moving into a solo travel experience that was in vacation-mode was a game changer. Because I was focused on other activities and forced myself to be very present, it was truly relaxing, true self care time where my one responsibility was to look after myself.
What advice would you give to other partnered women/moms in the Latino community who might want to travel solo but are hesitant?
I think women need to remember that “solo travel” is a pretty broad term and what that looks like can really vary depending on your comfort level and desired experience. You could be on a group trip that is all women – this can be incredibly inspiring and supportive. You are solo because you aren’t with your partner or family, but you are not alone. This is a different experience from packing up and camping alone in the woods!
Additionally, traveling solo as a parent with your kid(s) is a different type of empowerment. I think this is an invaluable opportunity to build your relationship with your kids.
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How did solo travel impact you personally and your relationships?
As a mom and a wife, it is easy to find that your identity is very much tied to these responsibilities and you forget that you are, in fact, a whole person with other interests and hobbies and things you like to do or would like to learn about. That can lead to a sense of being lost, depressed, insignificant. Independent travel really reinforces a sense of self. You are more than these titles.
What advice would you give to women who are partnered / moms considering solo travel for the first time?
If you are nervous, start small. You don’t have to book a trip to the other side of the world. Have lunch alone in a local restaurant, book a staycation somewhere not far from your house, take a fun class somewhere in your city alone, or find a trip with other like-minded women to join if you are concerned about being alone. Don’t feel that you need to start with the biggest most challenging trip that you see others doing on social media – find your comfort zone and then just step a little outside of it. This is about building yourself up and not comparing yourself to others as a measure of success.
Q&A
Favorite Solo Trip Destination?
One of my favorite trips wasn’t about the destination – it was about the company. I am an avid advanced scuba diver and ocean conservationist, but my partner does not dive. I found a community of all-women dive trips shortly after the pandemic and did a solo trip to dive with them to Isla Mujeres. I have met some incredible gals of all ages and stages in life through this. Since our initial trip, we have done several more together. We have established a flow and comfort level, we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and it’s a time for both growth and reflection. An all-women dive boat is a totally different experience – we have playlists and dance offs, a total blast, and bond through our shared love for the ocean.
Memorable Moment from a Solo Travel Experience?
I got laid off from a corporate role in 2019. While looking for a new role, I decided to jump on the chance to go solo to a conference for people in the travel creator space – bloggers etc – TravelCon 2019 in Boston. This trip changed my life. I was so inspired by the people I met (I think we met at TravelCon!). Being surrounded by these like-minded people really got my creative juices flowing and gave me the confidence that I could build this into a business that inspired other women.
The pandemic of course happened shortly thereafter and this gave me a chance to reset again. My new corporate job allowed me a lot of vacation time and a lot of opportunities for remote work locations. As a result, I decided to take a huge trip to Africa with my son, just the 2 of us, because the homeschool experience had been so rough. This trip really changed my relationship with my son, and now we make it a point to take at least one trip with just the two of us every year. It is a time of real bonding and communication. This type of solo travel – as a solo parent with the kid(s) – is very empowering. I know this can be intimidating at first but I really think this can change your relationship with your kids and it is the core of my business now – helping other parents to have the confidence to do this solo and really immerse themselves in enriching experiences.
Resource List
? To learn more about Michelle and Travels: Check out her website, No Place Like Roam.
? Find Michelle on Instagram.
? By sharing these stories here on The Queen of Trips, I am committed to showcasing diverse experiences, and if you have your own story to share, I invite you to fill out the form and become part of our empowering community. Let’s continue to shatter stereotypes and celebrate the richness of women’s travel experiences. Stay tuned for more readers’ stories.
? If this is your first time on my blog, make sure to read Why Latinas Should Never Solo Travel.
? If you would like to read about my reader’s stories, you can find them all here: Reader’s Spotlight.
? If you want to solo travel but don’t know where to start, I have an entire Guide to help you Solo Travel.
? Make sure to subscribe to the blog and newsletter to stay up to date!
ES
I absolutely loved reading this! I’m British but went to school with Michelle in Papua New Guinea, which is likely where I found my own sense of adventure. A truly inspiring read about an awesome human being 🙂