The New Philanthropist

My National Geographic Profile

At the end of 2011, at the start of my full-time nomad life, I was interviewed by Keith Bellows for a profile in National Geographic magazine.

It was in this interview that this renowned Traveler editor christened me “Wander Woman,” a nod to my solo travels volunteering with humanitarian organizations around the world.

One on One: Erin Michelson — The New Philanthropist

Erin Michelson is going places. The business consultant (recently based in San Francisco) and self-described “adventure philanthropist” set out on December 31, 2010, on a two-year journey to more than 70 countries on all seven continents.

Along the way, she is donating time and money to humanitarian causes—including, so far, impoverished communities in Uganda, HIV/hAIDS organizations in Ethiopia, and housing initiatives in the Philippines—and connecting with local communities in ways that casual tourists can’t.

Michelson, who chronicles her adventures at GoErinGo.com, says the journey is enriching her life, leading to a “more engaged existence and new depths of happiness.” Traveler interviewed Michelson by phone during her stay in Beirut, Lebanon.

What is adventure philanthropy?

It’s a lifestyle, making giving part of your life and your travels. For me, it began during a hiking tour in the Usambara Mountains of Tanzania. Heading to a remote school, our group was advised to bring paper and pencils as a gift. Instead, we brought soccer balls, musical instruments, and art supplies, thinking these would be more fun for the kids.

When we reached the school, we discovered 700 students crowded five to a desk with no books or pencils. The principal literally had ten sheets of paper in his desk. He was completely gracious about our gifts, but we realized we had made a mistake.

To set things right, we bought lumber with which the students’ parents built new desks and chairs for the school. That sparked the idea that, when traveling, you can better understand people by getting involved in their community and its needs.

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Christened “Wander Woman” by National Geographic, Erin Michelson has traveled to 130+ countries & all 7 continents. She is a professional speaker and author of the Nomad Life™ series of curated trips and travel guides, including the #1-ranked Explore the World with Nomads.

Want to read more about my adventures? Get the book “Adventures of a Nomad: 30 Inspirational Stories.”