Let the world take you on a journey.

If you’re anything like me, you just can’t wait to get out there and see as much as you can. Let this blog be your place to find inspiration, encouragement, and information to take that next trip. On top of destination information and general travel tips, The Unanchored Passenger provides tips for solo travel, resilience after heartbreak, and unconventional living.

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Camino de Santiago

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Latest from the Blog

Mikala sitting smiling on a rock in front of Hokitika Gorge in New Zealand

40 Must-Know New Zealand Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip

If you’re planning a solo trip to New Zealand and feeling a little nervous—you’re not alone. I remember staring at my itinerary, wondering if I was making the right choices. How would I get around? Was it safe? Would I miss anything important? I spent a month exploring New Zealand in early 2025, much of…

Mikala standing pretending to be scared in front of a massive The Lord of the Rings troll statue at Wētā Cave at Wētā Workshop Unleashed in Auckland.

Wētā Workshop Auckland vs. Wellington Review

Camino de Santiago shell marker in the cobblestone street at the Porte de Saint-Jacques in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

15 Top Camino de Santiago Starting Points

Path along the Camino Francés through the Pyrenees Mountains with lush green mountain views in the distance.

Camino de Santiago Routes and Tips to Choose Your Route

Hiker with a pack and trekking poles smiling in the early morning in the mountains

Why Walk the Camino de Santiago: 15 Reasons

Hey there! I’m Mikala.

There’s always been something about international travel for me that’s filled my heart like nothing else. In 2022 my world fell apart following a broken engagement, and I picked myself up again by chasing more travel experiences, including hiking the Camino de Santiago. Now I’ve been to 30 countries and have been solo traveling for 10 years.

If you’re here because your heart is calling you to new places, you’re looking for solo travel tips, or you’re looking for an unconventional life that allows you to prioritize travel, then you’re in the right place.

More about my Journey

Mikala from The Unanchored Passenger smiling with a lake and mountain in the background at Torres del Paine National Park in Chile

Trail marker with yellow Camino shell symbol alongside a dirt trail with a vineyard and mountains in the distance

What is the Camino de Santiago?

Wondering what is the Camino de Santiago? You’re in the right place! This pilgrimage, also known as the Way of Saint James, has been growing in popularity over the years. Pilgrims typically hike to Santiago de Compostela, Spain for this journey. It began centuries ago and millions of people have completed it since. If you…

Mikala on the Camino de Santiago smiling at the top of a mountain with iron statues of pilgrims behind her.

Camino de Santiago Statistics 2024

Curious about Camino de Santiago statistics in 2024? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re dreaming of your first pilgrimage or planning another trek, understanding the data can offer valuable insights. From the number of pilgrims to the most popular routes and where people come from, these stats can help you plan your own Camino…

River running through Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port with a bridge over it and historic charming buildings around

10 Things to Do in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (SJPDP) is a picturesque town nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees and celebrated as one of the most beautiful villages in France. While it’s best known as the gateway to the Camino Francés, the most popular route of the Camino de Santiago, there are plenty of things to do in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port that make…