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A Conversation With Mia Kercher (And Cleo!)
I recently met Mia at Vietnam Nomad Fest and was so inspired by her journey. Her story is one that all travel fanatics just need to hear. She just recently completed a primarily overland journey from Serbia to Vietnam (with the exception of a Pakistan → Thailand flight).
Mia is an adventure traveler and writer, who visits rural places, where she can interact with the locals. She writes about unconventional methods of travel, solo female outdoor adventures, marketing as a tool of feminist empowerment, and the confidence to go after your big goals and dreams.
Scroll on below to read through our conversation and learn more about her journey across the world.
Mia, your journey is incredible! Can you tell us about yourself and what you've been up to in the past couple of years?
Last May, I realised I no longer wanted to live in Serbia, where I had been for four years as an expat. Rather than choosing a new destination to settle in, I wanted to explore and have an adventure. Earlier that year, I visited Bali. It was my first time in Asia and it inspired me to see more of the East. Being American, I love road trips, so I packed my car, brought my cat along, and started driving east with the goal of reaching Vietnam and ended up experiencing 12 different countries.
Of all the countries you visited, which one stood out the most?
Turkey was the first to surprise me, especially its camping culture. I drove along the Black Sea coast and found endless camping spots. The hospitality of the locals was incredible.
Kazakhstan was another highlight. Travelling through its western desert was my first real desert experience. I camped among camels for four days! Afghanistan was also significant, given its media portrayal. Experiencing it firsthand was eye-opening, and confirmed my expectation that the media does not accurately portray the way a country really is.
What has been your favourite mode of transport during your journey?
Definitely my car. If I could have kept it for the entire trip, I would have. It gave me independence and the ability to carry all my belongings, which made things easier, especially with my cat, Cleo. However, travelling by bicycle was also enjoyable. It allowed me to slow down and be more connected to nature.
Speaking of your cat, tell us about Cleo. Travelling with a pet must be a unique experience.
I've had Cleo for 11 years. We started with road trips across the US before moving to Serbia, where we continued our adventures through Europe by car. When I had to give up my car, my biggest concern was how she would adapt to buses, trains, even bicycles. She managed almost everything, though Southeast Asia was challenging. Many buses and trains didn’t allow pets, so we had to get creative, often taking local tuktuks and minibuses, and even walking and hitchhiking a bit.
Were there any challenges while travelling with Cleo?
Transportation was a major issue, but hotels were tricky too. In smaller towns, pet-friendly options were limited. I sometimes had to sneak her in, keeping her in a bag and getting to my room quickly. I'd tell hotel staff I'd return to pay after unpacking, just to get Cleo inside unnoticed.
What are some lessons you've learned from your journey?
The biggest lesson was learning to let go, both physically and emotionally. When I gave up my car, I had to part with most of my belongings, including sentimental items. In Laos, I let go of everything except essentials so I could continue travelling on foot.
What was the hardest thing to let go of?
Emotionally, it was people. I formed strong bonds along the way, and saying goodbye was tough, especially in Afghanistan, where I grew close to a family. When I left, their children cried. That moment was especially emotional.
One thing I’ve learned is that friendships on the road are incredibly deep. Since everything is temporary, people don’t wait to form connections. I’ve made lifelong friends, collaborated on creative projects, and experienced romances. You seize the moment because you never know if you’ll see that person again.
What were the biggest challenges you faced on the road?
The biggest challenge was bureaucracy, especially crossing borders with my car. I hadn’t realised I needed a Carnet de Passage, an expensive permit ($12,000) required for many countries. That forced me to reroute multiple times. Losing my car was another major challenge. It meant rethinking my entire journey, downsizing belongings, figuring out transport, and making sure Cleo would be ok with other kinds of transportation.
Which country was the most difficult to travel through?
I would say India, since it’s the only one I couldn’t get into! They wouldn’t let me enter with an e-visa, as they require a physical stamped visa, but none of the embassies in countries in the nearby region were offering any Indian visa services. I tried my luck at the border, hoping someone would just let me through, but it was a very strict no. So I had to turn back. That’s when I ended up flying to Thailand, because there were no more options.
What were your biggest fears before setting off on this journey?
People assume I feared being attacked or robbed, but I wasn’t worried about that. I’ve always believed people show up to help me anytime I need it. My biggest fears were my car breaking down in a remote area and my business failing, leaving me without money. (Neither of which happened, by the way.)
Speaking of money, how do you sustain yourself while travelling as a digital nomad?
I run a copywriting and consulting business, focusing on launch strategies for coaches and spiritual entrepreneurs. Since my work is online, I structured my schedule around Wi-Fi availability, writing copy when I had limited internet and taking consulting calls when the connection was strong.
Do people have any misconceptions about your journey?
Yes. The biggest misconception is that travelling through Muslim countries as a blonde, single woman would be dangerous. In reality, these cultures prioritise protecting women. The media portrays them differently, but my experience was overwhelmingly positive. Another misconception is that it’s always fun and glamorous. Travelling is incredible, but there are difficult days, bad weather, breakdowns, and logistical challenges.
As a solo female traveller, what advice would you give others thinking about doing something similar?
Don’t be afraid to travel alone. You are capable of more than you think. Also, set firm boundaries. While most people are kind, some may test limits. Subtle body language isn’t enough; you need to be direct. I’ve had to firmly tell people to back off or physically remove someone’s hand. Knowing how to assert yourself is crucial.
What’s next for you and Cleo?
We’re preparing to ride a motorbike from Vietnam to Papua New Guinea.
And That's A Wrap!
Big thanks for Mia for her time and for sharing her journey with us. Mia was such an inspiring soul to meet in Vietnam and I'm glad I got to have multiple valuable exchanges with her.
If you'd like to follow Mia and Cleo's wild journey, here are some links you should check out:
https://www.instagram.com/mia.kercher
