Wander_n_Solo
Ever so often we meet someone who lives a life that inspires us to dream, think, and live beyond whatever confines that presently exist for us. Sometimes we aren’t tapped into a deep desire for more out of life until something or someone exposes us to the possibilities. If we’re not careful, our present existence of routine and comfort will consume our entire lives and leave us merely holding on to daydreams and thoughts of what-if for longer than any of us would like to fathom. Depending on how we’re conditioned, we can be easily fooled to believe that all who wander are lost.
I am fortunate to know an extraordinary individual who lives a life of travel that far exceeds the obligatory annual vacations that serves as a respite from our day to day routine. Surprisingly, I was able to catch up with my friend, Irma Clement, between trips to finally have an in depth conversation about her life as a world traveler.
How did you first begin your journey as a world traveler?
As a young woman from North Carolina, with an existing career as a Tax Attorney and CPA, I found myself moving up North after being recruited by a Japanese Pharmaceutical company. That was over 23 years ago now, and during that time I had the opportunity to travel solo to Japan on business which helped to build up confidence in knowing that I could travel to another country and get around independently. What really changed everything was in 2007 during a trip to Hawaii where I met a young man who had recently lost his wife and now he was traveling the world. He went on to share that his former job was as a clown! I remember thinking where is a “clown” finding the money to travel around the world? That encounter immediately inspired me to think deeper about my life circumstances realizing that with my career, experiences, and support I had more than enough to begin making travel more of a priority in my life. Up until then I had enjoyed my life, but I remember saying “you only get one life and it needs to be a little bit more fulfilling than I was feeling.”
As the type of person who needs a plan and the plan needs a plan, I took a leap of faith with the support of my partner and lots of research to retire early and travel the world! I didn’t intend to only travel solo(I don’t always), but I embrace it and I’ve never looked back.
How did you choose your first destination after making the decision to become a world traveler? Tell me about that experience.
Back then I would watch House Hunters International, and after seeing the scenery of Nicaragua I decided that would be my first trip. I was open to traveling with my partner, but when that couldn’t happen, I embraced going solo. After much research, I embarked on a five day trip which started off with meeting a transplant who was now a realtor in Nicaragua. That trend of meeting friendly and good people did not end there because on my very next solo trip to Costa Rica, I met an older couple from the United States who picked me up from off of the side of the road and ended up hanging out with them for the rest of the trip. There came a point where I realized that I’m doing these solo trips but I’m not solo!
What has been the biggest challenge as you travel the world solo?
The first thing that really stands out is language which consistently remains a major challenge. If you can’t communicate, you’re unable to get where you need to go and/or determine the cost of things which are major hurdles.
How many countries have you visited and what is the most EXTRAordinary place that you’ve visited?
To date, I’ve travelled to 80 countries and I’ve seen all 7 wonders except the Taj Mahal. About half of these visits were solo (40/50 countries). For me, the most extraordinary places are Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Petra in Jordan. They each have their own unique beauty and vibe, but what stands out are the intricate carvings, rich history, scenery, culture and of course the people.
What is the most important thing that you have learned about yourself on this journey?
I’ve grown to learn to trust my gut feeling/intuition and that I believe that 90% of people don’t want to do you any harm. I enjoy the feeling of going to someplace that I don’t see all the time and then when I see it it blows my mind. Most important, I learned that I am completely happy with myself.
Who is your inspiration for travelling and taking chances?
Anthony Bourdain was definitely my inspiration for taking chances, seeing the goodness in people, and having the attitude to try new things with an open mind. He also helped to shape the idea that I don’t need to be in a nice restaurant to have a great meal.
I have to ask! Your pictures are incredible…Are you interested in travel photography?
I like photography and it has intensified since traveling. I like to capture the things that had an impact on me during my trip to share with family or whomever might be interested so that they can ask me questions about the place.
Our interview lasted over an hour and Irma remains a fascinating person to speak with. She has inspired me to brush up on my geography and continue pursuing my goal to travel the world with others or solo! The one thing that stands out from our chat was when she said, “Most people do things because it pays well and they don’t consider options.” Her journey inspires us to reflect on so much about our own lives. Whether we seek to be a world traveler, start a business, change careers, etc. we should know why we are doing it and get joy from the experience! Be like Irma and start with the question, “What do I want to do with my life at this point?”
Follow Irma on Instagram @wander_n_solo to become even more inspired to visit places that you may have only dreamed of!
Comment and/or ask questions below (I think she’d be happy to answer them).