Roam From the Start: How Solo Travel Shaped a Life and a Family

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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:

• YWAM UofN Kona
• 2006 UK Bomb Plot Foiled
• Isabella Thoburn College

Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens.

Instagram: @theresaannstephens

Facebook: /theresastephens

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