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

Roy’s Peak Sunrise: A Bucket List Hike Worth Waking Up For

Are you wondering what it’s really like to hike Roy’s Peak at sunrise—if it’s worth dragging yourself out of bed at an ungodly hour, and whether it’s safe to do solo? As someone who treasures her sleep and would never call herself a morning person, I totally get the hesitation. In the days leading up…

Mikala taking a selfie with her hand up in the air in front of Fox Glacier while on a heli hiking tour in New Zealand.

Fox Glacier Heli Hike Review: Is it Worth It in 2025?

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

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

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

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

While the Camino is often talked about as if it’s one experience, there are actually many Camino de Santiago routes to choose from. All embody the spirit of this epic pilgrimage, but each trail provides its own unique adventure. If you’re anything like me, you’ve decided by now that you want to hike the Camino…

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

Why Walk the Camino de Santiago: 15 Reasons

If you’ve made it to this post, you’re probably asking yourself questions like: Why walk the Camino de Santiago? Is the Camino for me? If you’re looking for answers, keep on reading. In this post, I’ll dive into 15 reasons why you should consider walking the Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of…

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…