Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Nogaski.
Hi Alyssa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always been curious about the workings of the world and with a background in social work and psychology, teaching, coaching, and training, I focused my experiences on helping others achieve their goals.
In 2009, I was forced to shine a light on myself and look at my own goals and growth. My boyfriend just broke up with me so I was heartbroken, felt like a shell of a person, and didn’t like who I had become. Despite fear, I made a decision to say yes to myself and start solo traveling in order to put myself back together. I knew saying yes to my transformation would have big impacts for me! Now having traveled most of the United States as well as 33 countries alone, I transformed into a confident woman, tried on new identities and hobbies, and learned skills to make a path for myself.
In 2023 I decided to help OTHER women reach their own transformations just like I did. I started Solo Girl Wanders, a travel coaching business that uses the non-traditional tool of solo travel to help women say yes to themselves and the transformations or feelings they crave! Whether they want to become more relaxed, more adventurous, more healed, more grounded, or more connected to themselves, I remind women that they don’t have to wait for the fear or anxiety to go away in order to solo travel. Instead, I encourage them to embrace the motto of “do it scared” and use solo travel–a night away, a weekend away, or a month away–as a tool to overcome challenges, connect to themselves, and change their feelings or identities.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The hardest part has been showcasing to women HOW solo travel can be transformative. We are all used to hearing how therapy, yoga, meditation, and cold plunges can be helpful for our growth and transformation. But what if we use the tool of solo travel to bring you closer to yourself? You with you.
It’s also been a journey helping women see how time away from their partner, kids, social scene, or work is not selfish! We as women are taught to put everyone else first. My mindset is that putting myself first is the most important thing I can do in order to help others around me because I come back from a trip feeling different and that rejuvenates me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a certified travel coach accredited through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) who specializes in helping women say yes to themselves and get the transformation they want, using solo travel as the tool!
Through my signature “Fear to Freedom” model, I first help my client set an intention of how they want to feel during and after their solo trip, and work through any emotional barriers standing in their way. This is the aspect of travel most women forget about when scrolling Instagram for vacation worthy pictures! Secondly, I teach them how to create a personalized itinerary aligned with their intentions including activities and destinations while finding the balance of structure and spontaneity. Lastly, upon their return from their trip we work on integrating the experiences from the trip into their everyday life. No going back to business as usual after an epic trip.
Most travel agents work on the logistical aspect of travel. Most therapists work on the emotional aspects of transformation. I get to blend my background in social work and psychology with my years of experience of solo travel to help women create a truly impactful experience in their life. My work can be considered “soul work with a suitcase” or “therapy with a passport.”
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The market of solo women traveling is growing. In fact, in 2023, 64% of all travelers worldwide were women and 84% of them were solo travelers. Post-Covid, women are really looking for ways to choose meaningful experiences and travel. The future of travel is how it will be used in our life to help us reach our goals and satisfy our needs, no matter how big or small they might be.
The statistics show women are delaying marriage and children (2 things that seem to delay women’s travels) so they are not waiting to find a partner or for their friends to get out of the group chat before they take the trip they’ve always dreamed of. In addition, many women are joining solo women group trips where solo women join together to travel in community—as I always say, solo doesn’t have to be alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sologirlwanders.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sologirlwanders
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aAfZqzrQP1vaA5gtZ5Q9g
