Greetings everyone! Meet Salatha!

Tell me a bit about yourself and what you do.

I’m originally from Northern California but have always considered Hawaii home since moving there at 19. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, entrepreneur, and owner of Behold Your Wonder, a virtual neurodiversity-centered practice that I’m expanding into a full neurodiversity center with my husband.

Beyond therapy, I’m passionate about supporting Black women expats and am developing Mental Care Abroad™, a mental health support service for Black women. 

How has travel impacted your life and how has it changed you and your family life?

My parents instilled in me a love for culture, connection, and world travel, and that curiosity has shaped my life. Travel has deepened my appreciation for flexibility, diversity, and slow living. It’s redefined my idea of stability—home isn’t a place but the experiences and connections made along the way. As a newlywed, it has also strengthened my communication, openness, and emotional expression. Of course there’s times when I miss my family back home, and while there’s nothing that can replace seeing their faces in person, I love that I’m able to video call them and include them in my travels, virtually.

What has been your favorite travel experience and why?

It’s hard to pick just one! Each trip reflects who I was and what I needed in my personal development at that time. But Morocco stands out—I went with my Spanish immersion school, Casa de Español, and, having grown up in a Muslim household, I felt a deep personal connection I didn’t know I needed. I still think about camping out in the Sahara Desert and the stillness that I felt. Another favorite was Si Racha,Thailand, with my husband—waking up to mountain views from our balcony every morning was breathtaking.

Do you have any tips or advice for people who want to travel more?

Get your passport and go! The most common questions I hear are, “Are people in [country XYZ] racist?” “How do you afford it?” “Isn’t it scary?” And while travel can be intimidating or costly, you can experience fear, racism, and expenses anywhere—even at home. My cost of living and expenses are far less than when I was living in America. The world belongs to you. Don’t let fear stop you!

Why did you relocate to Southeast Asia?

One day, my husband and I looked at each other and said, “Should we sell everything, give up our lease in Hawaii, and move to Southeast Asia?” And just like that, we made the leap! We craved a lower-stress lifestyle, more freedom, and a cost of living that wouldn’t require us to work endlessly just to sustain ourselves.

Thailand, in particular, stood out for its high quality of life, world-class healthcare, and warm, welcoming culture. The slower pace allows us to be more intentional with our time, focusing on personal growth, creative projects, and simply enjoying life without constant financial pressure. The affordability of everyday expenses—whether it’s healthcare, fresh food, or transportation—means we can prioritize experiences over survival.

Plus, living in Southeast Asia gives us the flexibility to travel often and explore new cultures with ease. The ability to spontaneously book an affordable flight to Vietnam for a week or hop over to Bali for a reset makes this lifestyle feel even more rewarding. It’s a shift from living to work to working just enough to truly live.

What are your must-have packing items?
At first, I packed way too much—hair products, skincare, and all the little things I thought I couldn’t live without. But over time, I’ve realized that what truly matters isn’t just what’s in my suitcase—it’s the moments, connections, and experiences I gather along the way.

Of course, my passport is essential—my gateway to adventure. My computer and phone keep me connected to my work and the people I love, while my digital credit cards and Airalo eSIM make navigating new places effortless. My remote work setup gives me the freedom to build the life I want, no matter where I am.

But the most cherished things can’t be packed. Like the feeling of my husband kissing me on a quiet street in Vietnam, the warmth of strangers who I learn more about, and the freedom of knowing I can make home anywhere. Everything else? I’ve learned I can find it—or some equivalent—wherever I go.

Why is it important for women to travel?
Travel is an act of self-care and empowerment that allows women to step beyond societal expectations and rediscover themselves on their own terms. It pushes you beyond your comfort zone, challenging fears, assumptions, and limitations, which in turn builds confidence and resilience. There’s nothing like experiencing new cultures, navigating unfamiliar places, and learning to trust yourself in making decisions.

With so much downtime, travel naturally leads to deep self-reflection and personal growth. Whether through solo travel or shared experiences, it’s a chance to explore new perspectives, redefine priorities, and cultivate a greater sense of autonomy.

For Black women, in particular, travel can be a powerful way to reclaim joy, “our time,” and visibility—a chance to exist outside environments that may not always feel supportive. I often hear Black women say, “Sis, I’m tired!” Travel offers the space to exhale, reset, and experience life beyond survival mode. Ultimately, travel is more than just a leisure activity—it’s a form of self-investment, growth, and liberation.

Where can people follow your journey?

• Instagram: @marriedwithstamps
• For Mental Care Abroad inquiries: blackwoman@beholdyourwonder.com