• About Me
    • How it all began
  • Solo Female Travel
    • Travel Tips
      • Travel Gear
      • Travel Services
    • Travel Guides
      • Ecuador
      • Italy
      • Mexico
      • France
  • Subscribe to My Newsletter
  • Contact Me

The Barefoot Beat

  • Europe, Travel Stories

    Leaving France and facing another transition.

    I’m staring at the blank page and biting my lip, trying to force some sort of closure, trying to formulate words that can somehow summarize my feelings about France and my time…

    September 23, 2013 by Mariah
  • Europe, Travel Stories

    “Why are you REALLY traveling?”

    “Why are you traveling? No, REALLY. Why are you traveling? What are you looking for?” I’m flabbergasted as I try to comprehend what is happening. Moments earlier I had been sitting with…

    September 20, 2013 by Mariah
  • Life Musings

    5 technology essentials for the long-term traveler

    I’ve been on the road for almost six months now- criss-crossing the States, spending a month in Mexico, and the last ten weeks in France. It’s been a whirlwind, one that I’m…

    September 18, 2013 by Mariah
  • Life Musings, Travel Stories

    Dear Life…

    This post is inspired by Kim and the Dear Life series she shared on her So Many Places blog. If you have time, read some of these open letters of gratitude to the…

    September 10, 2013 by Mariah
  • Solo Female Travel, Travel Stories

    Traveling, kissing, and first impressions

    “Te voy a esperar cada dia hasta que estoy viejito,” he tells me as he bends his knees and hunches down, demonstrating the passage of time. I smile and wrap my arms…

    September 5, 2013 by Mariah
  • Solo Female Travel, Travel Stories

    About this “solo female travel” thing.

    I’ve been traveling alone for five months now and the more I read and write, the more I experience, the more I realize that what I am doing is not unique or particular. Women all over the world are traveling on their own seeking adventure and authentic lifestyles. They are breaking rules and charting their own path. 

    August 31, 2013 by Mariah
Older Posts
Newer Posts

About Me

About MeHello! I'm Mariah. I'm a travel writer, poet, and debut novelist living in Southeast Tennessee with my husband and son. In 2013, I quit my job as an ICU nurse to backpack solo around the world—a journey that became the foundation for my debut novel, "The Pattern Shop" (coming in 2026!). I started this blog to share those adventures and have been documenting my journey of finding home, healing, and a simple life of adventure ever since. When I'm not writing, you'll find me exploring the outdoors, advocating for social justice, and cultivating community. My hope is to inspire you to live your own life of love and adventure, wherever you are. Let's do this, together!

Popular Posts

  • What to pack for a year of travel
  • TheBarefootBeat About this “solo female travel” thing.
  • TheBarefootBeat What I learned from my 1st Workaway
  • Kayaking around Milos, Greece 2011 Solo Female Travel
  • DSCN3216 How To Travel the World (On a Budget)

Archives

Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Tumblr
© 2013 Solo Pine Designs, INC. All Rights Reserved. Back to top
Close

Buy me a cup of coffee

A ridiculous amount of coffee is consumed in the process of writing this blog. Add some fuel if you'd like to keep me going!