In this episode, I share my unforgettable 310-kilometer solo travel journey along the Camino Primitivo, the oldest route of the Camino de Santiago for 1,100 years, followed by an extraordinary experience witnessing the 2026 total solar eclipse in León, Spain.

Although I began the pilgrimage alone, I was never truly alone. Along the Camino, strangers became companions. Conversations crossed cultures. Shared meals, encouragement, and kindness transformed a solitary journey into one rich with stories. At the same time, the Camino reminded me that wisdom lies in knowing when to embrace solitude and when to welcome a companion.

This episode is about much more than hiking across northern Spain. It is about perseverance, resilience, friendship, cultural discovery, and the personal transformation that often comes when we step outside our routines and comfort zones.

Whether you're planning a Spain tour, considering your own Camino pilgrimage, interested in solo travel, or simply curious about the lessons learned from walking hundreds of kilometers across Spain, I hope this story inspires you to take your own first step.

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In this episode, you'll discover:

• What solo travel is really like during a 310-kilometer pilgrimage across northern Spain. • How companionship naturally develops and changes among pilgrims from every corner of the world. • Why walking alone can deepen self-awareness while opening the door to meaningful human connections. • What it was like to continue the journey to León to witness the spectacular 2026 total solar eclipse. • Why the Camino de Santiago is ultimately about far more than reaching Santiago de Compostela.

Every journey changes us. Some through breathtaking landscapes. Some through unforgettable people. Some through rare moments that remind us how small we are beneath the vastness of the universe. My Spain tour offered all three, and more.

I hope you'll join me on this remarkable journey.

Joanne Z. Tan is the founder and CEO of 10 Plus Brand, Inc., a Silicon Valley brand strategy, executive branding, and thought leadership consultancy. She helps CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations build influential, authentic brands through strategic positioning, content, and digital presence.

A speaker, interviewer, writer, photographer, and lifelong traveler, Joanne combines business strategy with creativity to help leaders become recognized authorities in their industries. She is also the host of Interviews of Notables and Influencers, where she explores leadership, branding, innovation, and the stories behind remarkable people.

Learn more: https://10PlusBrand.com

Copyright © 2026 Joanne Z. Tan. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this podcast description or its contents is prohibited without written permission.