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

Facebook: /RoamAlone

In the very first episode of Roam Alone, host Theresa Stephens shares the personal stories that ignited her passion for exploring the world on her own. From a spontaneous birthday weekend in Chicago to an unforgettable solo night at a Jon Batiste concert, Theresa reflects on the quiet confidence and unexpected connections that come from taking that first step alone.

She also opens up about one of her most transformative adventures—traveling to Africa solo to join a group trekking Mount Kilimanjaro. Through these moments, Theresa reveals how independence, curiosity, and courage shaped her journey and ultimately inspired the creation of this podcast.

Whether you're dreaming of your first solo trip or already a seasoned wanderer, this episode dives into the beauty, growth, and self-discovery that solo travel makes possible.

00:00 — Welcome + what this episode is about

06:13 — My weekend solo trip to Chicago

14:52 —Kilimanjaro on a whim

27:58 — Jon Batiste meetup in Cincy

36:01 – What’s next

Please like and Subscribe to the show! If you have a solo travel story, leave a recorded video or voicemail at theresaannstephens@gmail.com and you could be featured on the next Roam Alone!

Roam Alone is hosted by Theresa Stephens.

Instagram: @theresaannstephens

Facebook: /theresastephens