Eternally Evolving (with Miriam Donovan)

It has been a ridiculously long time since I’ve uploaded a podcast episode but we are FINALLY back with a rebrand and an amazing new guest to start off this season of Eternally Evolving! Meet Adie Brooks— the coolest 7 year old girl in the world who’s growing up in a full time travel family. She talks about bikepacking through Kyrgyzstan, how they moved to French Polynesia, van life, and helping to inspire travelers of all age to take the leap and go for it!! I had the privilege of spending every day with Adie for 2 months while living on the boat with her family and she has changed my perspective about life in so many ways; I hope you enjoy getting to hear her thoughts as much as she loved sharing them. Welcome back and there will be regular episodes coming again soonIf you want to keep up with Adie + her amazing family: follow them on Instagram @designedtoexploreLINKS: Tik tok: @_miriamdonovan_Instagram: _@miriamdonovan_

I don’t think there’s really even a way for me to summarize this episode it’s such a strange scenario you’re just gonna have to listen. Long story short I got threatened (anti-semitically?) by a delusional wanna be cult leader who owns a hotel in Mexico and it’s quite the saga. This is one of the downsides of travel + content creation for sure butttttt at least it makes for a story I’ll remember for the rest of my life hahaha

A lot to catch up on since my last episode; life has been a world wind but surprise I moved out of my apartment in DC for good now & I’m currently living on a boat in French Polynesia! It’s been such a crazy road to get here & so much has been in the works over the last few months that I knew I needed to catch you guys up on this podcast. This episode is about transitioning to full time travel for an indefinite amount of time & all of the fears that came with that— plus how I knew I was ready to make that choice in the first place. And explaining what I’m doing here in French Polynesia because it’s complicated. Hopefully this resonates with you and as always let me know if you have any questions!INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_COSTA RICA GROUP TRIP: https://www.worldpackers.com/epic/experiences/finca-ganadito-sustainability/slots/MIRIAM2026?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwNWpnxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpwvXYvWjxK7razhuPYOTW8V3u27EXlQInC_TpL9EkdAF5LsWsmgkYBOtTLU2_aem_H_vWY1236qOm12lFsqHXMA

There's a reason why I have actually been to Guatemala twice over the last year; it's one of those countries I don't think I'll ever stop coming back to honestly. There is something truly so special about the culture, music, food, and landscapes here, plus some of the most lifechanging bucket list activities. In this epside I talk about the western vs eastern sides of Guatemala and the well-established travel route of all the places you want to see. From the colorful cobblestone streets of Antigua to the bluest water of Lake Atitlan to watching a volcano errupt all night at Acatenango to the Mayan fairy pools of Semuc Champey and more.INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_COSTA RICA GROUP TRIP open now!! Message me to sign up!

Answering a wide variety of questions that people have asked me recently on Tik Tok. In this episode I discuss how I afford to travel full time, how I make money while traveling, underrated or hidden places you should travel to, getting out of the tourist areas while still feeling safe, advice for anyone wanting to study International Relations, Latin America travel routes and so much more. Remember I am always here through comments or dms to answer any questions you guys have and let me know if you would want more q&a episodes in the future!COSTA RICA GROUP TRIP: https://www.worldpackers.com/epic/experiences/finca-ganadito-sustainability/slots/MIRIAM2026TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_WORLDPACKERS CODE: MIRIAM

Kosovov truly surprised me; not only was it beautiful, peaceful, full of the kindest locals and intricately complicated history, but it potentially the safest I have ever felt while solo traveling. And as I state in the first 20 seconds of this episode, there is one big overall reason why I knew I had to come here when many travelers don't: welcome to the country that my dad helped liberate. Visiting Kosovo was one of the most unique and important experiences I have ever had and I will be the first to encourage anyone traveling in the Balkans to not skip it.COSTA RICA GROUP TRIP: https://www.worldpackers.com/epic/experiences/finca-ganadito-sustainability/slots/MIRIAM2026TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_WORLDPACKERS CODE: MIRIAM

Croatia is now officially my most visited country; this was my third time going back to Croatia and it was hands down the best out of all of them. I joined the company Koda Sail for a week-long sailing trip around the Dalmation Coast, visiting some of the most famous & historic spots in Croatia as well as some of the most beautiful hidden beaches and islands. This company is (in my opinion) the most ethical and culturally immersive way to experience a tour like this, and that's largely thanks to the amazing owner, founder, and tour guide Chris. This week was truly a dream come true and I made some of the most amazing, genuinely supportive and like-minded friends. If you're looking to do a sail week in Croatia or any of the other countries they offer, I seriously cannot recommend Koda Sail enough.TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_WORLDPACKERS CODE for $$ off: MIRIAM WORLDPACKERS GROUP TRIP TO. COSTA RICA: Jan. 18-25, 2026 *launching soon*

Life has been chaotic and my voice is pretty much gone but I recorded a pretty raw episode talking about my perspective on the ICE raids and subsequent protests going on in the US this week. I’m currently in Croatia but I just spent 4 months of my life in Central and South America and it breaks my heart to see my own country demonizing and terrorizing immigrants, specifically from LATAM. So I ranted about it in a pretty unfiltered way and discussed a bit more about everything else I’m currently doing while traveling Europe this summer. A longer more thought out episode will be coming soon I promise. INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $$: MIRIAM

I think I have to give Medellin the title of my favorite city in the entire world (so far!) I spent two weeks here and found it to be one of the most complex, culturally vibrant, and misunderstood places I have ever traveled to, plus it was the perfect city for solo travelers! Between the legendary nightlife, incredible food, endless day trip options and beautiful surrounding natural landscape, I could have easily spent months here. This episode talks about the complex history of Medellin that I learned about directly from local guides and how much the city has changed over the last few decades. Plus I talk about my day trips/ overnight trips to Guatape & Jardin; two Andean towns that feel like a fairy tale.TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $$: MIRIAM

Ometepe is a small island made up of 2 volcanos in the biggest lake in Central America. It's also hands down the most spiritually powerful place I have ever experienced, and as you will hear me say a hundred times throughout this episode, this island changed my life. I went to Ometepe twice throughout my time in Nicaragua and I know I will go back every single chance I get; both locals and travelers alike know the unique energy that this place holds. If you are ever in Nicaragua, please go visit my lovely friends at The Local's Collective and Casa Mariposa to hear more about why they moved to the island and the incredible work that they do there.INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $$: MIRIAMLINKS: https://linktr.ee/miriamdonovan