Having read numerous travel memoirs, I’ve encountered a variety of narratives. Some were marred by a sense of entitlement, others by self-absorption, and a few by a destination addiction. Delightfully, Kait Melendy’s Wanderlust Healing defied these all-too-common stereotypes found in this genre. It was a refreshing account of a thoughtful, albeit initially confused and searching, adult. This unique perspective made the book a compelling read. 

This narrative is a testament to the transformative power of self-discovery. Kait’s journey, which begins and ends with an Ayahuasca ceremony, is a profound exploration of her inner self. Her path, spanning Central America, South America, and Europe, echoes the transformative journey of Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love. 

I believe that more than would-be nomads will enjoy this book. Kait’s search for purpose, which began on a suburban porch and took her to Costa Rica, Panama, Argentina, Columbia, Ecuador, and several European countries, can be interpreted as a metaphor for each individual’s search for meaning. Perhaps we won’t need to travel so far in miles, as long as we keep an eye on the depths of our inner journey.

I loved witnessing Kait’s transformation as she moved from seeking external validation through her career, home ownership, certification courses, and even a psychic medium experience, to embracing the journey she was meant to travel. Despite the road not always making sense to her or others, she learned to trust in her journey.

Sometimes the author’s journey brought her in contact with others. For instance, she volunteered at an agency dedicated to helping the thousands of displaced men, women, and children, known as “los caminantes,” who were fleeing poverty, violence, and starvation. She also traveled with a buddy whenever their paths aligned and parted ways when they didn’t. Additionally, she altered her travel plans to spend more time with a love interest she met by chance.

Sometimes the author traveled alone, like during her Ayahuasca journey. Whether alone or with others, each experience contributed to her ultimate transformation into a woman not entirely sure of her destination, but confident in her path.

One aspect that troubled me was that either the author was incredibly lucky, or she downplayed many of the negative aspects of world travel. Despite the numerous potential challenges that travelers often face, such as health issues, financial constraints, and safety concerns, Kait managed to avoid them all. Sure, she was inconvenienced a time or two, but no lasting harm befell her, which certainly is not the case for every traveler. 

So, in conclusion, if you love a good travel memoir, you’ll adore Wanderlust Healing: A Journey Back to Self by Kait Melendy. Each chapter offers a heartfelt glimpse into her encounters and experiences, highlighting her growth and self-discovery. Kait’s story is a testament to the power of embracing the unknown and finding one’s purpose.

I received an ARC from Reedsy Discovery for this review. You can find my review on Reedsy HERE. Want to get in on the reading fun? APPLY NOW to become a Reedsy Reviewer.