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Writer's pictureZeline Santana

Navigating Postpartum and Solo Travel


Spain 2023: The Arc de Triomf


Navigating postpartum and solo travel requires strength and resilience, it's a transformative journey marked by joy, challenges, and a profound sense of responsibility. Amidst the whirlwind of caring for a newborn, the idea of embarking on a solo journey might seem farfetched, but there are compelling reasons why it can be fruitful for new mothers. Here's is how and why I started this journey:


Rediscovering Identity:

My journey of reclaiming and rediscovering my identity as a member of the Latinx community began in 2018. I was always one to think outside the box and challenge narratives. I found that the postpartum period added another layer to this process and solo travel became an opportunity to reconnect with my pre-motherhood self, fostering a sense of individuality independent of my role as a parent. This transformative experience is detailed in our shop and blog, shedding light on the reasons why I embarked on this journey.


Self-Reflection and Mental Health:

Giving birth in the challenging year of 2020 added to the emotional intensity of the postpartum period. Mental health issues were on the rise, and self-reflection became a crucial aspect of healing. Despite the non-linear nature of this journey, solo travel provided the time for deep introspection, offering clarity on business ventures and prioritizing mental health for other mothers navigating similar challenges.


Empowerment Through Independence:

Embarking on a solo journey in a foreign country, especially one where I was fluent in the language like Spain, brought a profound sense of empowerment. The courage to face the unknown was nurtured by my experiences as a translator for my mother, breaking down barriers and instilling the tools to navigate new experiences. Traveling alone during a new motherhood experience fostered self-sufficiency and gratitude for the empowering journeys paved by my ancestors.


Reconnecting with Passion:

My passion for travel, expressed through projects like Sueños De Una Viajera and Viajerx and Co., has been on and off, intertwined with imposter syndrome. Despite success in my career, I realized the impact of colonialism, discrimination, and intergenerational trauma on my journey. Solo travel became a means of self-discovery, bringing me closer to my passion and serving as a reminder to be my own motivator. This journey is shared with my faithful followers, acknowledging the support system that allowed it to happen.


Building Lasting Memories:

While uncertain if I'll travel alone again, this solo journey has created a core shared memory. The unique and personal experiences from solo travel will have a lasting impact on my child, shaping the memories I want to share. 


My solo travel journey during the postpartum period has been profound and transformative. Being a mother, especially in a challenging year, brought about almost all the emotions and shifts in identity you can possibly think of. Rediscovering my roots and embracing the responsibilities of motherhood prompted a need for self-reflection and a focus on mental health. Taking on a solo trip was not just an act of reclaiming individuality but an empowering venture into the unknown. Reflecting on my heritage and the struggles faced by Latinx communities, I found strength in breaking down barriers and embracing the unknown. This journey rekindled my passion for travel, fueling personal growth and serving as a reminder to mothers everywhere that nurturing one's own passions is equally important.


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