My Wanderlust Diaries: A Compilation of Travel Stories, Misadventures, and Life Lessons from a Solo Female Backpacker

by Melissa Kittrell

When Melissa started her wanderlust with an impromptu solo backpacking trip to India, her only goal was to heal a broken heart. She had no idea the impact of just buying a plane ticket would have as the trip set into motion a decade's worth of adventure and an untamable wanderlust. She learned through many adventures the importance of taking advantage of opportunities and not wasting the most precious commodity in the world-time. By traveling solo, she exploited the empty space between herself and strangers and recognized the energy and power of making friends on the road as she navigated crazy obstacles and curveballs in foreign lands. From the beaches of Southeast Asia to the wild jungles of Africa, she looked for adventure across the globe and found it in abundance. The book endeavored to open up Pandora's box of what adventures await the curious soul and to show the reader that anything is possible with a little grit and gumption. The book combines vivid descriptions of exotic places with wild and funny misadventures from a solo female that had nothing to lose but everything to gain from living life at the edge of her comfort zone. This compilation of travel diaries strives to not only acknowledge the beauty and culture of the different places around the globe but to also relate the excerpts into messages that also feeds the soul and relates to the human psyche. 1

346 pages, Paperback

Published July 27, 2021

Reviews

[Brook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This assorted collection of reminisces in traveling by the author was beautiful, thoughtful, and made me ache, realizing how much her appetite for travel explorations mirrored my deceased son's desires. Maybe in some odd way, I finally got to hear 'him' because Melissa shared. Melissa utilized some of her travel to explore places where purchase of her various ciders might 'give back'. I hope readers will enjoy these stories as much as I did, and I hope for huge generosities towards causes Melissa chose to sponsor.

[Lindsay Boyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! From spending time with the Pygmy tribes in Uganda to hiking the Chilean Patagonia- it will ignite some serious wanderlust of your own. Melissa is a total badass. Highly recommend.