Inspiring solo travelers

The goal is to “inspire other women to be the subject of their own adventure story. This isn’t a story about a girl getting over a boy,” she said in the film. “It’s the story of a girl exploring the world, getting to know herself.”

She wanted better filming quality for the docuseries, so she hired a camera-person to join her. Now, this of course isn’t traveling totally solo, but she had strict rules to maintain the integrity of her journey.

No talking outside of filming, no eating meals together. The only times they saw one another was during filming.

“This is still a solo trip, so don’t come strike a conversation with me,” she told the filmer.

She started out finding winter waves on the south island at a spot called Kaikoura, where there were no crowds and small waves. She also got to explore nature, coming close with seal pups and sperm whales, between surf stops.

Throughout the 40-minute film, she lets the audience into her funfilled moments searching for surf and her moments of insecurity as she wipes away tears after a frustrating surf session.

She has a long list of places she wants to explore. Portugal, because it’s gritty and adventurous, but not quite third world. And there’s Canada, with so many places to explore in her own home town.

“You can do something and be so off the beaten path, but feel like you are safe and comfortable,” she said.

Our conversation ends with a question: “Do I see myself taking a solo adventure in the near future?” she asks.

I had to think about that for a minute. My life has changed since I was in my free-spirited 20s, and now my joy comes from taking my two young children to explore the world.

And there’s one thing missing when you travel alone: someone to share the experiences with, to laugh at all the crazy moments and to reminisce about the journey.

I’m not sure that I’ll be booking a solo flight anytime soon, but if I ever get that itch, I’ll know I can live vicariously through Echino’s adventures.