Solo Traveling Mom Inspires Diversity in the Outdoors

She Who Wanders

Dec 9

9 Questions with India from Our Wanderlust Life

Meet India. She’s a courageous mama of two boys, travel photographer + content creator who is passionate about adventure and getting outside more. She takes her boys all over the U.S., showing them and others that everyone has a place + belongs in the outdoors. Inspiring people of all cultures, economic status, family type etc. to find more adventure in their life, she shares how to keep it simple by just getting outside doing what you love. Her tips + advice on everything from camping to road-tripping with kids are pure gold for other families looking for adventure.

Q: Tell us a little about you and your family like where you’re from, where you live now, how old are your boys and anything interesting or unique you’d like people to know.

My boys and I currently live in Atlanta, GA! They are currently 5 and 3 (almost 4). I grew up in Atlanta and lived here for most of my life and then in 2019 we moved to California and lived there for two years. Living out west really encouraged me to explore the outdoors more and wanting to explore my own state at the time is what gave me the courage to just get out there whether I went solo or included friends.

Q: Why are you so passionate about your boys spending time outdoors? What benefits do you see in them as a result of your outdoor adventures?

Having boys is a wild ride lol. They have so much energy and quite honestly just thrive in the outdoors. Growing up, my outdoor experience was different, but as I grew older, I knew I wanted them to experience the outdoors in a different way than I did. Not everyone has the privilege to travel miles away from home, which is why I emphasize exploring local to save money; most people don't realize what's actually in their home state because they don't explore it.

When my kids get outside, I see them learning not only academically, but they are also able to work on their motor development. Being outside also promotes creativity, critical thinking and even curiosity in their surroundings.

Q: The Great Wanderlust is all about moms stepping outside of the box and diving deeper in both travel and in life! The mission is to inspire mamas and families to feel fully alive through adventure and exploration! What is your great wanderlust? What most makes you come to life??

I feel most alive when I’ve immersed myself deep in nature! Going on hikes, sitting by a creek or waterfall, taking road trips to explore the great outdoors in other places that aren't my home. All of these things make me feel so much closer to nature and being a mom of two boys, taking care of myself first has always been important. Nature is my therapy.

Q: As a mom, sometimes it feels overwhelming to get outdoors with our kids. What advice or practical tips do you have to help moms make it happen??

For me, getting outdoors is no different than taking them to the grocery store or to the park. Whatever your outdoor adventure looks like, in the beginning it helps to keep it simple, go with friends, or join a mom group for ex. Hike it Baby, Wild & Free group etc if you're into hiking etc. and of course bring lots of snacks!

Q: Have you always been passionate about travel and outdoor adventure? If so, what spurred that passion? And if not, when and how did that passion ignite for you? Was it a moment? An experience? Something from your childhood?

I think I’ve had a bucket list for as long as I could remember, but once I had kids I kind of felt like my bucket list was put on hold. In 2020, I went on a solo retreat to Costa Rica and I think that's what ignited my travel bug. Being in the middle of the pandemic I knew I couldn't go far, so the boys and I explored our home state at the time (California). I would take them on solo hikes and road trips and we haven't stopped since!

Q: Many women want to travel more, but feel stuck because they are intimidated to do it alone. How did you get the courage to go on your first solo trips with your boys? What do you do to feel safe and prepared when it’s just the three of you?

To be completely honest, I have just been used to doing things solo with the boys all the time. Going to the store, attending playgroups, getting on a plane etc has always been something I just did and never really second guessed it. It wasn't until a couple years ago that I realized many are afraid to do it alone. My advice would be to try going with a friend! My first backpacking trip I did solo (Me + the boys), I went with a friend and her kid. Just two moms out in nature with our kids. Once you feel comfortable doing that, I feel like the rest comes fairly easy.

When we’re hiking or camping, I always make sure to 1, be aware of my surroundings and trust my instincts. If something feels off, I get the heck out of there haha and 2, I always carry something to protect us. There are many options out there, so just use what feels most comfortable to you.

Q: Where are you off to next and what are you most looking forward to about it??

We are headed to Aspen, CO! Looking forward to all the snow and trying new winter adventures. Living in Atlanta, we don't normally get snow, so the boys love when we go somewhere else to experience it.

Q: Is there a question you wish I would have asked or anything else you’d like to share with other mamas relating to travel or life?

I just encourage all the other mamas out there to just take a leap of faith and get out there! We only have one life to live, our kids are only little for so long, if there's something you have been wanting to do but haven’t because you don't know how to do it with kids, just think about it like this; traveling with kids is not meant to be easy because parenting isn't easy. There are kids who live all over the world, so taking them to a new country or new state will be fine!

Q: Who inspires you to dig deeper in travel and life?

This is such a hard question! I have so many mom friends who travel with their kids. My best friend has definitely been a great influence when it comes to getting outside and doing things solo with the kids and we often get together and get outdoors together.

Other people I’m inspired by are Dineo from @dineodowd, Kristin from @raisinghikers, Erica from @7wildhearts, Zenovia from @blackadventurecrew and Meryl from @merylkas. All of these moms are friends and each have their own unique story!