i solo camped on an island for 3 days | first time female backpacker

[@isaurag8240]

As a woman, the thought of traveling alone always triggers me. Your bravery and your willingness to go on so many adventures are amazing. You are such an inspiration, Elena. Thank you for sharing with us :)

[@fabifuckoff]

Literally sitting in my Berlin apartment, drinking coffee and watching this calmed me down! Also I feel like I should do a trip like this too on my own! Thank you so much for inspiring us 💛 2022 will be a good year for you, I’m sure 💛

[@annafujikami7013]

Omg same I’m sipping my tea while watching this😂. Thank you Elena. This just helped me realign with my goals

[@ellis.m.m]

Same in California!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

This seemed like such a great, healing, and reflective time for you. Love that. Catalina is one of my favorite places in SoCal. It has been my little place to retreat. Fun fact: it was owned by the Wrigley's! The gum company people!!

[@amymkingston]

The fact that you did this all SOLO is incredible!! You're always in your element when exploring and travelling and these vlogs will always be iconic. So happy for you!!

[@osheenmahant4109]

I didn’t want the video to end. It was so surreal and so reflective , the view and everything- chefs kiss

[@hannahjane5450]

The shots of with the drone paired with that relaxing music made me tear up! Our earth is so beautiful and awe inspiring .

[@ElenaTaber]

agreed :')

[@TheInvincibleGirl]

This is one of my favourite "travel" vlogs from you! The vibe was impeccable. It's nice to see something a little different from the cities and urban areas... so calming and beautiful!

[@justinepang7753]

This was so therapeutic!! I feel the at-ease-ness with you!! Adding this to my bucketlist

[@rudyluna6245]

This was one of your best videos Elena ! I absolutely respect your sense of adventure and wanting to live life out to its fullest ! I love going hiking and I have gone all over the country but Catalina Trail is on my bucket list for sometime this year after watching this video - I would also go solo and the opportunity to reconnect with myself turning off the rest of the world sounds so welcoming ! You are one of my favorite You tubers to follow !!!!!!

[@themaydiariesxo]

Elena, I will never stop saying how incredibly inspiring you are. I feel like this video came to me at the right moment. I’ve been home for the past two weeks due to COVID and being at home has caused a bit of a decline in my mental health. I’ve been urging to either go back to work or to escape. But watching this video has spoken to my soul and truly given me a bit of hope & motivation that I highly lacked throughout the holiday season. I know that I don’t know you personally, but I hope that you’re also able to align yourself on your journey. You’ve made me look at feeling lost not as necessarily a terrible thing, but more of a feeling of motivation to push out of that comfort zone.

[@jmondello3131]

This was awesome. What a beautiful way to challenge yourself. Been wanting to get out to Catalina for a long time now, thanks for the encouraging push! Looks pricey but even just using the gear haul option alone looks like a nice option for a new/inexperienced backpackers wanting to ease into it

[@caitlinmusic]

Elena, I hope I chase my dreams as hard as you do after study! You are a breath of fresh air and have inspired me to push myself to try new things, dream big and start reading again. Keep smashing life x

[@lauramarazzi1012]

One of my favourite things about your channel is you sharing your intentional lifestyle! This was such a wonderful video!

[@gabbysiros1051]

Every summer I went to Catalina with my grandfather and my family. We stayed on his sailboat in Two Harbors and honestly it is always one of the best experiences of my life. You brought back those feelings of the late summer nights, thank you

[@phavonger]

I did this solo back in May 2021 on a whim from Seattle with like three days notice and had a 35-40 lb backpack with all my gear (sleeping bag, tent, food, etc). If I ever go back, maybe I'll do the gear haul! A lot of people on my ferry were worried for me, but it's so amazing to be a woman and doing things on your own! If anyone is looking for a good first step into backpacking, I highly recommend Catalina! Love the video and I look forward to see you challenging yourself with more things like this in the future. Congratulations on the sick accomplishment!

[@marlleygon3706]

This was such a relaxing video to watch, the scenery shots were done so beautifully. I felt intune with the nature I was seeing. Thanks for making this video! I am definitely adding this on my bucket list of things to do.

[@caitlynwinders6709]

i love LOVE hiking but have never done a solo trip. this has really inspired me to take a solo hiking trip this year. also your editing in this is top notch!!

[@christineesparza5417]

Just think how much happier we all would be if social media disappeared? To have time to scroll less and do what we all have wanted to do but didn’t have enough “time to do it”. Its crazy to think days without instagram/facebook can be so healing and clearing. Life is a beautiful thing and so short 🧡 much love xoxo

[@toniramirez2328]

This video was beautiful and so refreshing! I did this hike years ago and it was absolutely amazing!!! You should feel so proud of yourself.

[@butterflyer44]

Hiking/walking is my favorite way to clear my head and recenter myself

[@lizetteroni5410]

Oh my I have so much respect for you doing this!! Wow the production quality in this one + the realness… girl I LOVED everything about this video. You go gurl,,,, pls do a subscriber hiking trip one day in socal 🥺

[@britt8395]

So beautiful and peaceful - you’re making me want to go on a solo trip asap!

[@hannahkraemer]

Wow thank you so much for this video elena! I'm an uni student and i have exams in the next few weeks and I've just been feeling really stressed and anxious and your video just made me feel so happy and relaxed. One of my big goals is to do a longer trekking hike this year in Germany and you just reminded me of that goal and how simple and beautiful being in nature just is! Thank you

[@ringlófa]

Same here, lots of academic sress lately:( been itching to go on a big hike! Good luck on your exams😊

[@hannahkraemer]

@@ringlófa yess me too. I hope your exams will go well😘

[@Desmondchesmond]

Your videos are always so inspiring and calming. Love seeing other women who enjoy travelling solo. Thank you for sharing!

[@ellafriess8526]

It’s so cool to see you on Catalina it’s one of my favorite places! I love your videos and congrats on doing the hike, it’s definitely difficult! fun fact: the bison weren’t even in the final cut of the movie

[@chiaraA.]

So enjoying your videos - even my cat who doesn't watch screens that often or consistently sat upright and focused on this one as we watched together - thanks for bring us along together

[@justindavis6574]

Most people who tell themselves that they are enough don’t actually believe they are. When you were saying that you’re enough, I felt like you actually meant it. Good for you. God bless you.

[@suzy8109]

I love this girl. She seems so chilled and comfortable in her own skin.

[@BendStudioPilates]

When you said "keep your shoulders up" me as a Pilates instructor was like no put them down! Beautiful video 🖤

[@ellagibbons6210]

also always love your chats in your videos, Elena, always so relatable and always speak to me :)

[@lapsilazuli284]

This was so inspiring and emotional for me. And you look beautiful as always.

[@carissawyh]

Wow, this is gorgeous! Love seeing you constantly grow, Elena. This seems like the perfect solo activity for peace and reflection, especially during the pandemic.

[@Zowie7272]

this inspired me to book this same trip and hike solo, 3 days from two harbors to avalon. I start this friday and am SO excited - thank you for the great idea elena!

[@baidoh107]

It's an incredible experience to travel and hike on your own! I'm adding this to my list. I went to Ireland alone in August 2020, did a full quarantine, and then hiked a ton!

[@brandonsanders9674]

I agree, I totally need to move far away from Michigan! And get outside and into nature more often.

[@baileydiamondidis]

you inspire me always, Elena! I've really been wanting to get into solo travel recently and your videos are beyond helpful and so fun to watch. Can't wait to see what adventures you embark on next 💛 💛 💛

[@chloesmith2149]

You’re so refreshing to watch Elena. Another brilliant video.

[@mattykestis782]

Loved this video and the music you used. Santa Catalina Island is so beautiful.

[@skye4272]

everything about this is STUNNING

[@itskatieparks]

this was so calming thank you elena

[@Jazmin_Ortega]

Did this hike last year and it was awesome! This time of year is even better (I DON'T recommend the middle of July!). Little Harbor was my favorite. Great vid.

[@ElenaTaber]

honestly doing it in January was such a good time of year!

[@MillaExplores]

The views are stunning! A solo hike like this would be so good for the mind and soul. ☺️

[@kayseacamp]

I'll be soloing the TCT in March for my 30th birthday and I'm so excited!!! I definitely think it's a good first-time solo option since you're never TOO far from civilization if something went sideways you need to bail.

[@asmaob8966]

Thank you Elena for this really! I don't know how to explain it, but this vid came at the right time for me. So thanks xx

[@melissagrindon9074]

The vibes = immaculate

[@mihaelaclaudiap..2]

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity” ― John Muir, Our National Parks

[@shellyswt]

Doing this hike in April & have been trying to find footage of what the island looks like. This is the best I’ve found! Excellent! Thanks for posting! 👍🏻

[@essentiallymichellegriffit6288]

That’s awesome! glad for you and thanks for the scenery shares📸 the company that hauls your gear sounds cool

[@sarinta2thetea]

The editing and quality of this video is immaculate 💖

[@ellisgalex]

wow!! i’ll be visiting catalina next month for my partner and i’s anniversary. this was so cool to watch!

[@aworldofasunshine]

Right now I’m on an exchange semester in Mexico completely out of my comfort zone because I’m advised to not go anywhere by myself or take an Uber by myself. A huge change for me, as I was doing everything by myself in the Netherlands. Your video made me look forward to plan an adventure for myself after this one. I‘m definitely grateful now for this „small“ thing I used to take for granted 🥰 All the best to you, Elena ♥️

[@HeavensAudventure]

My favorite video of yours!! Omg I’m so inspired. Loved every second of it!

[@jamieandrews9919]

Saving this video Bc I need to do this hike. Thank you for showing this!

[@TheLoversPassport]

I just did this full trail in November and it kicked my ass!! Such a fun one though! Loved seeing your experience! :)

[@juliepabion8131]

I don't usually comment but OMG this is such an incredible video! Well done Elena - I should really do this myself 😍

[@LifeLemons]

As strenuous as the hike seemed, I feel like this is such a refreshing reset and a great way to start a new year!

[@dream-sk8ri]

I always wanted to do stuff like this but being a woman in adventures Alone is very scary to me ; but seeing u do this gives me courage. Love u 🤍

[@meganschloer8637]

This video was beautiful! It is such a amazing thing to be alone with nature to think and relax by yourself! It is totally on my bucket list to do this someday!

[@staceyswain236]

I watch your videos with my 9 year daughter and you are such an inspiration for her, love your content ❤️

[@ElenaTaber]

Ahhh that's so sweet to hear oh my goodness❤️

[@jessbrown8912]

ugh i love this video Elena! Might be one of my faves of yours. You always inspire and motivate me so much

[@anicaabaquin7580]

This was beautiful, Elena! I'm now inspired to do a similar adventure. Thank you!

[@kellyfoster7338]

As a woman in her 50s, to witness your process of adventure, reflection and love for life, relationship, and openness is beautiful. It’s wonderful to also see how your path unfolds as it happens. Keep being you! Wishing you love and light. 👏🏾👏🏾🌸🎈☀️

[@carolbarbosa8646]

One of your best videos. 💚

[@southwest702]

The Alex G sounding song was incredible, I need more of that in my life.

[@elevelyn.]

i ASPIRE to be like you when i'm older! you are literally stunning, intelligent, and honest, and i am so jealous of all of the traveling you have done. i can't believe you aren't at at least one million subs yet!!

[@stevensaxon8888]

Elana this has been the best video so far. You should do more of these videos.

[@hannaha951]

Loved this video - both your message and the gorgeous drone shots!

[@Jheniquelifestyle]

Woooow he’s huge!!!! I would be scared…. This place is beautiful 🤩 I enjoyed this vlog…

[@valeriegriffith5409]

I'm glad you are taking time for yourself before you return to the 24 hour open NYC.

[@keinname212]

Most beautiful video ive seen in a long while

[@toomanyjstoomanyrs1705]

Thank you for the video. And info on camping. I'll be going for a day trip to Catalina within the next few weeks to get a feel for the lay of the land. Then go back and do 2-3 days hike.

[@abeach5420]

I have been SO lucky to have been able to & physiologically equipped to travel alone since my mid teens. Moved to Australia-Indo-NZeal. for 2 yrs at beginning of my 20's. I am so glad you are doing such especially living in NYC so much of the year. Congrats---you look healthy and *at ease with yourself* . . .keep doing YOU. That bison was soooo stunning. I hope you turned off cameras and were 'with' him/her -- being present.

[@bissmay7032]

what a beautiful video elena

[@lecroissant4088]

I love this video! I just booked all my camping spots in November. It’ll be my first solo backpacking trip!

[@sarahcooper7660]

was already planning on hiking this weekend and this video further confirms my decision!

[@laurenpacella]

Such a lovely video - thoroughly enjoyed watching :)

[@saratierney]

This was beautifully filmed. Well done!

[@Linda-vg8sr]

I honestly loved this video and it made me feel like I should add this trail to my "bucketlist" :)

[@JessicaSmith-jj3hx]

Great video, the Trans Catalina is on my bucket list. I have done a fair amount of solo backpacking, one thing I liked to do was hike out a few miles and set up a base camp. From there you can spend the rest of your time doing day hikes from that spot. It’s a great way to go, especially if the idea of lugging a full size pack everyday doesn’t appeal to you!

[@brittg2188]

Love love loveeeeed this. So beautiful and peaceful and I can tell how amazing this time away was for you

[@juliebelen36]

you are what i aspire to be in my 20’s 🤍 turning 20 in a month and have been reflecting on what i want to bring into this new decade of life and you inspire me!!

[@ninakalwar8105]

I normally love your videos but this one really inspired me. Thanks for sharing!

[@izalewicka5171]

girl, the go pro shots... Stunner!!!!

[@kallierichter1324]

Such an awesome video! Takes me back to when I used to live on Catalina. Ive made so many memories in Little Harbor, and your video made me miss it so much!! In fact I think I’ve stayed in the same camp spot before ;)

[@sinadias3202]

Hey Elena, Sooo stunning…breathtaking…and relaxing to watch🌱☀️ I’ve hiked so many trails with friends or by myself, I can sympathize, what u mean. So perfect to calm down and enjoy the peaceful mood and sort the thoughts perfectly with this view 🌜⭐️💙 xoxo

[@rachelcarafello2492]

you are an inspiration! keep it up sis

[@ralucamariahampau6806]

This is so beautifully filmed and inspiring!

[@SoniaDoubleG]

Loved coming on this hike with you Elena, thinking of finding one to go to near me in UK

[@bellawild1241]

I really needed this thank you

[@carolinachavez9137]

Just did this backpacking route a couple weekends ago, can't believe you were there probably a week or two before me (: so beautiful out there

[@stargazer9201]

This was beautiful! Thanks for sharing this experience!

[@mayelingonzalez6818]

This was deeply motivating... it filled my little heart ♥with hope!

[@hdog24]

i strive to achieve the level of independence and mental stability you have. you just seem like you have your life and mental health in such pristine condition, i’m so jealous lol

[@Jacob-dx7zd]

This was just a beautiful video to watch.

[@ellagibbons6210]

yes girl!!! Love this!!! you always inspire me so much, Elena!!

[@JordanStroman2021]

This brought me so much joy!!

[@hannahhillman3593]

I'm doing my first backpacking trip ever on the TCT next month! Loved watching your vlog :)

[@SixFlagsSlave]

I did this hike a year ago. Little Harbor is my favorite place on the island. So beautiful and relaxing.

[@worst-of-times]

the fact you self filmed all of this is crazy!

[@eliskacharlottew.2408]

omg as a backpacker (who carries their stuff with them lol) i was IN SHOCK that they built your tent for you hahahhaha looks like a beautiful hike though! Glad you were able to enjoy nature

[@edithtierce8209]

There are companies who will bring and built basically whatever you want and helicopter companies who often times drop people off in different locations if they don’t want to hike but need to make videos for their youtube channel. It all honestly detracts from the purpose of going out in nature and experiencing it all to begin with. Nowhere is sacred anymore. Everyone wants to play at being outdoorsy and talk about it without truly experiencing it.