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 soon If you want to keep up with Adie + her amazing family: follow them on Instagram @designedtoexplore LINKS: 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/MIRIAM2026 TIK 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/MIRIAM2026 TIK 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 $$: MIRIAM LINKS: https://linktr.ee/miriamdonovan

Prefacing all of my upcoming Nicaragua and Colombia episodes with this small rant about why we need to stop generalizing about which countries are 'safe' or 'dangerous' to go to. For my entire time traveling through Latin America, one of the first things people had to say to me was always about whether or not I felt safe of I thought certain countries were unsafe, and the reality is that we can't keep talking about safety in such a black and white way. In this episode, I'm going to talk about how I perceive travel safety as a solo female traveler and why I get so frustrated when people let biases and preconceived notions determine their opinions on so many countries, specifically those in Central & South America. INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $: MIRIAM LINKS: https://linktr.ee/miriameternallyevolvingpod

For my second podcast guest ever, please welcome my friend & fellow content creator Sierra Fernand!! We have been traveling together for the last month after meeting in Nicaragua and I’m so excited for her to share her story of discovering travel, creating content online, starting her own business, and transitioning to working remotely around the world. This episode was so much fun to record and if you are looking for guidance to transition to this sort of lifestyle yourself, go follow her on Instagram and enroll in her amazing guided mentorship. Her Instagram is @sierra.fernald <3 TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ Instagram: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $: MIRIAM LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/miriamdonovan?fbclid=PAY2xjawJT9fpleHRuA2FlbQExAAGmXFPlDv22MTZcGbCVKVo_s7FqPtpw_2qtnzsZwkxvZiEkPRqmzfOYGjD6_aem_ExRMi5XW6e380MfCIo69wg

After a month and a half back at my favorite work exchange in Nicaragua, Bigfoot Hostel, I wanted to talk about all of the good things that come with working at a hostel, but also some of the challenges. Work exchanges have become my new favorite way to travel honestly and I think this one was my ideal exchange, it would be SO hard to beat! But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t challenging at times as well, I learned so much from my time there and I hope this episode helps you understand a bit more about what to expect if you have been wanting to start traveling and volunteering. Like always, Worldpackers is the best way to get started so use my code MIRIAM to sign up for a discount if this episode resonates with you! INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ MOROCCO GROUP TRIP: https://plotpackers.com/tours/group-excursions/the-treasures-of-morocco-with-_miriamdonovan_-22nd-june-1st-july-2025/ WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $: MIRIAM LINKS: https://linktr.ee/miriameternallyevolvingpod

Finally back with another podcast episode after over a month! The first part of this was recorded when I was initially processing the aftermath of Trump being inaugurated again and his blitzkrieg of attacks that followed. Specifically, I dive into his anti-immigration policies and actions against specifically the Latino community and how I am thinking about it as someone who’s currently living in Central America. The second part of the episode was recorded a few weeks later starting to break down what is progression developed after a month of Trump being in office and how the attacks haven’t stopped. Combined with a life update from my chaotic time in Nicaragua!! INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ MOROCCO GROUP TRIP: https://plotpackers.com/tours/group-excursions/the-treasures-of-morocco-with-_miriamdonovan_-22nd-june-1st-july-2025/ WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $: MIRIAM LINKS: https://linktr.ee/miriamdonovan

My first time ever doing a Q&A episode and I can't wait to make this a regular series!! I asked you guys to ask me questions on Tik Tok and picked a few to answer on here so that I could respond in a more detailed and personal way. In this episode, I'm talking about how to prepare for long-haul flights, my favorite country I've ever been to, advice for first-time solo travelers, cheap less touristy places to travel to from London, my favorite desserts around the world, monetizing social media and making money while traveling, and more. COME TO MOROCCO WITH ME: MOROCCO GROUP TRIP JUNE 22- JULY 1, LAUNCHING JAN. 22 (sign up through linktree link!) INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $: MIRIAM LINKS: https://linktr.ee/miriameternallyevolvingpod

Basically a journal entry in podcast form, reflecting on everything that has happened this year. 2024 was the best and also one of the hardest years of my life, I have learned so many lessons and grown so much, honestly this year has changed my life. My intentions and manifestations going into 2025 are clearer than they ever have been, and I hope you resonate with the massive life shift I can feel coming in this new year. INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE TO SAVE $: MIRIAM LINKS: https://linktr.ee/miriameternallyevolvingpod

Two magical fairy tale towns in two entirely different parts of Vietnam! For the second part of my Vietnam series I’m talking about two of the most idyllic picturesque places I’ve ever been to; they’re both so different but so special. Sapa is a cozy mountain town with even bigger mountains than Ha Giang, the cutest fairy houses, unique culture from the local ethnic minority groups, the most magical art village on a mountain, and so much more. And one 26 hour sleeper bus later, we made it to Hoi An, the town of lanterns where you can release wishing candle boats onto a river and get handmade tailored clothes from the best seamstresses in the world. TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE: MIRIAMKD linktree: https://linktr.ee/miriameternallyevolvingpod SIGN UP FOR MY GROUP TRIP UPDATES: https://creators.plotpackers.com/miriamdonovan

Earlier this year I spent a month in Vietnam and it was one of the most important and incredible countries I have ever been to! As I talk about in this episode, I kind of only exist because of Vietnam since my parents actually met there. In this first part of what will be a 2 part series on Vietnam, I am detailing everything I did in Hanoi for almost 2 weeks; the incredible food, the best coffee in the world, cultural beauty treatments, interesting museums, and the most insane parties/nightlife. As well as the unique experiences I got to have because my dad used to live there. I'm also talking about the Ha Giang Loop, one of the most famous and coveted backpacker experiences in the world, and for a good reason! Truly one of the most beautiful and adventurous experiences I have ever had while traveling. INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE: MIRIAM LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/miriameternallyevolvingpod?utm_source=linktree_admin_share (whatsapp travel group, media kit, and more!)

Finally telling the details about one of the most adventurous and remote travel experiences I have ever had! I spent a week on Koh Ta Kiev staying at a treehouse and jungle hut camp. The island itself is only accessible by small fishing boat, with not a single restaurant, shop, road, no AC, almost no electricity, not even bicycles; only footpaths through the jungle and 2-3 small camps around the island. This place was definitely challenging in so many ways but I learned so much about myself and everything I am capable of. I met some incredible people, explored undiscovered beaches, got to swim with bioluminescence, watched the most incredible sunsets, and so much more. TIK TOK: _miriamdonovan_ INSTAGRAM: _miriamdonovan_ WORLDPACKERS CODE: MIRIAM LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/miriameternallyevolvingpod

It's been a rough week in America. For the second episode of this series, here is my rant/thoughts/analysis of the outcome of the American elections that took place last week. I am currently back home in Washington DC, so to be in the Capitol of the US witnessing this historic election has been both terrifying and informative. Like I always say, travel and politics are inherently connected, so I'm discussing the large-scale global implications that this election will have and what you should keep in mind going forward as you travel throughout the world.