The Californer - Solo Travel Leads to Breakthrough Mental Health Gains, Early Data Shows

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New data from nonprofit Travel Through Trauma shows remarkable improvements in motivation, emotional health, and resilience among trauma survivors.

LOS ANGELES - Californer -- LOS ANGELES — Transformational outcomes from participants in Travel Through Trauma, a nonprofit healing program combining therapy and international solo travel, suggest that solo travel may offer clinically significant mental health benefits for young adults overcoming trauma.

Jessica Villagomez, the first participant to complete Travel Through Trauma's full four-month program, completed weekly self-assessments before, during, and after her solo international trip. The results were striking:

+122% in motivation and productivity
+108% in social connection
+67% in stress management and coping capacity
+63% in physical and restorative wellness
+43% in emotional and mental health

Jessica described a powerful shift from isolation to connection:

"Since returning from my trip, I've felt content and supported in a way I hadn't experienced before. I haven't had any emotional breakdowns or moments of deep loneliness. For the first time in a long time, I feel proud of myself—and that's not something I say often."

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Another early participant, Brandon, completed the travel portion of the program and summarized his transformation simply:

"I came back feeling more capable of taking on the world."

"Solo travel pushes people beyond their comfort zones in a way that fosters resilience, clarity, and growth," said Ashraf Farassati, founder of Travel Through Trauma. "It's a powerful catalyst for healing—especially for those who have been told their whole lives that healing isn't possible."

Travel Through Trauma serves underprivileged young adults (ages 18–29) from backgrounds of trauma and poverty. The organization provides four months of trauma-informed support, including free therapy, coaching, fitness and wellness services, and a fully funded solo international travel experience. The model helps participants build emotional, physical, financial, and social resilience.

With over 30 percent of U.S. young adults living in poverty and increasing rates of trauma-related mental health struggles, the program addresses a critical gap in recovery and empowerment services.

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Upcoming Events and How to Support

To expand this mission, Travel Through Trauma is hosting two upcoming events:

A fundraising gala on September 27, 2025, in Los Angeles
A 5K run/walk on March 7, 2026, in partnership with The McCourt Foundation

To donate, sponsor a participant, or get involved, visit www.travelthroughtrauma.org.

Sponsors
Travel Through Trauma is proud to be supported by:

BetterHelp, Allianz, Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, The Professional Homie, B.COS Coaching, Moodfit, Noorb Facials, OffGrid Living, Making Sense Consulting, Long Wellness Chiropractic, Alchemy, and Olive + Lavender Farms.

Full sponsor details available at travelthroughtrauma.org (https://www.travelthroughtrauma.org).