How a One-Way Ticket Sparked a Solo Female Travel Adventure with Julia Chien

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Julia Chien—Vancouver-based registered dietitian and passionate world traveler—about the life-changing impact of booking a one-way ticket and embracing adventure after heartbreak. Julia shares her story of leaving behind a comfortable routine, overcoming the limitations of chronic eczema, and discovering both freedom and loneliness during her years of solo travel across Central and South America, Europe, and Asia.

About the Guest:

Julia Chien is a registered dietitian based in Vancouver, BC, specializing in holistic nutrition and the root causes of chronic inflammation. Through her own journey healing from eczema and building a location-independent business, Julia helps others find balance and empowerment in their health and careers. She is also an avid solo traveler, digital nomad, and advocate for growth through risk-taking and self-discovery.

Main Topics Covered:

• What inspired Julia's decision to buy a one-way plane ticket to Costa Rica at the end of a long-term relationship.
• Navigating the healing journey from chronic eczema and what newfound health enabled Julia to do.
• The logistics, emotional experience, and practical strategies of working remotely while traveling solo through multiple countries.
• How spontaneous decision-making, risk-taking, and meeting new people shaped Julia’s self-discovery and spiritual healing.
• The challenges of being a digital nomad—including loneliness, burnout, finances, and adapting to different cultures.
• Insights into Julia’s work as a holistic dietitian and the unique pressures of entrepreneurship.
• Learning to nurture one’s own wellbeing and redefine what “home” and “success” mean.

Quote from the Episode:

“Traveling really showed me how much out there there is that we haven’t really seen as people... it was healing in the sense where I kind of finally was able to do things for myself, because I realized that I poured so much into my business... I started to not really do things for myself.”—Julia Chien

Timestamps: [00:00:06] Welcome & intros; where Julia calls home

[00:01:39] A one-way ticket to Costa Rica: the catalyst moment

[00:02:20] Healing, heartbreak, and remote work: what led to travel

[00:04:56] Leaving a healthy long-term relationship and mindset shifts

[00:06:46] Booking the ticket: doubts, freedom, and practicalities

[00:09:00] Choosing Costa Rica and first days as a solo traveler

[00:12:02] Combining work and adventure as a digital nomad

[00:14:25] From Costa Rica to Colombia: the spark for indefinite travel

[00:16:47] How Julia chose her next destinations and the power of nature

[00:18:25] Deciding how long to stay and returning home for milestones

[00:19:57] Letting go of “home” and going all in as a digital nomad

[00:21:48] Navigating logistics: connectivity, finances, and minimalism

[00:25:43] Solo travel: from loneliness to community

[00:27:11] Expanding to Europe and Asia: the full world tour

[00:29:38] Living from a suitcase; how her travel rhythm evolved

[00:31:13] Spiritual lessons, self-discovery, and redefining success

[00:34:56] Adventures, risk-taking, and pushing boundaries

[00:39:44] Could this transformation happen without travel?

[00:41:57] Julia’s business, nutrition practice, and special offer

[00:43:23] Fun questions & rapid-fire favorites

Special Offer from the Guest:

Journalling Guide for Busy Entrepreneurs 

Value: $29 USD Special offer: FREE - https://julia-chien.mykajabi.com/journalling-guide

Note from the show: Guest offers are often limited-time and limited quantity. If you have an issue redeeming the guest offer please reach out to the guest or vendor directly.

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