# Solo Travel, Identity & Embracing the Unexpected with Bestselling Author & Former Iceland First Lady Eliza Reid

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/journeywoman-ageless-adventuress-travel-podcast-7731950/solo-travel-identity-embracing-the-unexpected-with-bestselling-author-former-iceland-first-lady-eliza-reid
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/journeywoman-ageless-adventuress-travel-podcast-7731950/solo-travel-identity-embracing-the-unexpected-with-bestselling-author-former-iceland-first-lady-eliza-reid.md
Podcast: [JourneyWoman Ageless Adventuress Travel Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/journeywoman-ageless-adventuress-travel-podcast-7731950)
Published: 2026-05-06T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://889a63e5-5a31-474c-aeb2-e02bbbbcfae2.libsyn.com/solo-travel-identity-embracing-the-unexpected-with-bestselling-author-former-iceland-first-lady-eliza-reid
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/889a63e5-5a31-474c-aeb2-e02bbbbcfae2/Embracing_Age_Identity_the_Unique_Role_of_a_First_Lady_with_Eliza_Reid_v2.mp3?dest-id=5219550
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Duration seconds: 2837

## Resource

What does it take to leave everything familiar behind and build an extraordinary life in a new country? In this inspiring episode of JourneyWoman's Ageless Adventuress Travel Podcast, host Kathy Buckworth sits down with Eliza Reid, Canadian-born bestselling author, celebrated public speaker, and former First Lady of Iceland, for a conversation that is equal parts wanderlust and wisdom. Eliza opens up about her remarkable journey from backpacking adventurer to living life on the world stage, and what travel has taught her about identity, reinvention, and embracing the unexpected. What You'll Hear in This Episode: The hilarious (and very valid) reason her husband never took her to Paris for her 40th birthday and how Paris showed up anyway What it's really like to be First Lady of Iceland From cashing in her stock options to hopping the Trans-Siberian Railway: her epic 100-day solo trip through Russia, Central Asia, Mongolia, Japan, and Southeast Asia, and why she did it completely alone The concept of a "patchwork security quilt" Her carry-on only packing strategy, homemade porridge packets, and a spork, the travel tip nobody saw coming CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Eliza Reid and Her Journey 02:55 Identity and Self-Description 06:01 The Role of First Lady: A Unique Experience 09:07 Travel Dreams and Unexpected Turns 12:06 Making the Most of Opportunities 14:52 The Importance of Solo Travel 18:05 Eliza's Big Travel Plan 21:09 Connecting Through Travel Experiences 23:58 Exploring West Africa: A Solo Adventure 25:38 Exploring Travel Preferences and Planning 27:31 Embracing Life's Patchwork of Experiences 30:14 Contrasting Travel Styles: Backpacking vs. First Lady 35:21 The Iceland Writers' Retreat: A Creative Journey 42:13 Travel Tips and Personal Insights About Our Guest…

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