Growing Up With Solo Travel: A Life of Independent Adventure

Send us Fan MailIn 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 Breakdown03:15 – Traveling on mission trips at age 505:54 – First solo mission trip at age 1214:17 – Lessons from Grenada17:58 – Venice, for better or worse28:58 – Tips for when travel goes wrong33:30 – Solo travel within marriage37:49 – Passing the travel mindset to the next generation42:36 – Travel dreams as empty nesters & the slo-mad lifeMentions in Episode 2:YWAM UofN Kona2006 UK Bomb Plot FoiledIsabella Thoburn CollegeRoam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens.Instagram: @theresaannstephensFacebook: /theresastephensFacebook: /RoamAlone