How to Travel and Set Yourself Free

BOOK REVIEWS

“Don't let the title fool you - this book is about much more than a strategic, life-hacking game plan to leave the country for a vacation (or change in residency). It's just as much about leaving bad habits, toxic relationships, and other forms of negativity that plague most of us in the past; and inspiring its readers to operate at their highest "level of vibration" and live their best life. Whether you're focused on one or the other or both, you're sure to find value and time well spent in reading this book.

I would go so far as to say this book should be required reading on a fundamental level. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, this book can help inspire someone to live THEIR best life - not the life imposed on them by a third party. To quote directly from the book: "Too many people are taking what their parents, teachers, churches, governments, and societies are handing them, saying 'here, take this, you want this, this will make you happy.'" (Page 26) I've shared that same conviction as long as I can remember, and Erica does a wonderful job of expanding upon it in the book.

One of Erica's greatest assets as an author is how relatable she is - whether it be to ourselves or someone we know. For that reason alone, this book should see a fairly large audience. Whether it's the logistical advice for traveling, tips for personal growth, or insights into Erica's own fascinating life and remarkable journey, there's something in this book for everyone. I highly recommend it.”

“a life-hacking game plan to leave” -Evan C

This book is a candid account of one woman's journey to align with her soul’s purpose. She shares personal anecdotes and stories that have allowed her to shift her mindset to literally halt her conventional existence and travel globally using her intuition as her guide. Subsequent chapters reference her experiences as well as recommendations on airfare sites, accommodations, and other essentials needed for international travel. The author navigates through the book encouraging the reader to lean into their courage, go within and question their hearts' desires. It’s an easy-to-read book that has a personal forthright approach. An easy start for those that may be interested in spiritual growth and self-help.

“a candid account of one woman's journey to align with her soul’s purpose.” -Danielle G

Have you ever dreamed of escaping your life, creating something all new that excites you, makes you happy, lets you grow and explore? Erica and her book put this dream within reach. With an in-depth sharing and guide on how to step-by-step face your fears and obstacles, not to mention practical advice once you do set your dream in motion, this book I truly hope and believe will allow readers to step out of a life they may feel trapped in, and start to explore life and create their own reality. Her authentic sharing of her own struggles, stories, and adventures is a delight to read. She has pulled together and shares the wisdom she has collected and integrated throughout her journey for us all to learn from. If you think there is more out there for you... pick up this book now and really journey with it!

“authentic sharing of her own struggles, stories, and adventures is a delight to read” -Lea R

WOW, just as much as I love seeing and listening to Erica in her videos, I am absolutely enthralled by reading her story. The link excerpts are a nice touch. Gives a full-body escape. I seriously felt like I was living my dream as I was reading. All my memories of traveling combined with her manifested reality brought me there, once again, to my favorite spots around the world. Her writings also provoked feelings within me to go explore new horizons. This book is a fantastically fun read and I highly recommend it to anybody who is interested in traveling. I found that it is also a useful application to hone into your creative inner voice and seek out to accomplish your goals.

Erica is a beautiful person with a kind caring spirit. Her teachings are uplifting and fun-loving.

“uplifting and fun-loving” - Lauri K

An irresistibly candid look into the writer's pursuit and devotion to what she really wanted out of life. She takes the reader on her journey while she travels alone and paints a picture of what’s possible. It's a creative interactive book that can be used as a tool to readers that want to take their own adventure to enlightenment.

“irresistibly candid” - Jillian S

"Leaving America with Erica” is a riveting true-to-life adventure story. You will travel with Erica on a journey that will vicariously take you to fascinating and exotic places like Guatemala, India, Egypt, and Bali, where you will experience powerful and extraordinary-life lessons, as told by the author, Erica Derrickson.

“a riveting true-to-life adventure story” - Elaine G

Erica Derrickson has written a delightful and inspiring book with great intentions and it has helped me and inspired me to seek travel and seek a new way of life. It is an interesting and incredible read. You won't be disappointed for sure. A must buy!

“an interesting and incredible read” - Tina A

Erica brings wisdom, humor, and joy into one package as she gives voice to a new way of living. Such a beautiful and inspiring journey! Great for young adults stepping into the world through to the old timers looking to reclaim their life. 12/10 would recommend.

“she gives voice to a new way of living” - Breanna M

Equal parts oh-so-readable travel guide and memoir, this account of a young woman’s personal journey and spiritual growth captivated me from page one. While practical travel tips abound throughout each chapter lesson, the reader is transported to faraway continents, becomes mesmerized by the various tales, and most importantly, is ultimately left with the feeling of "Wow, I can do this too!" Raw, honest, and endearingly vulnerable, Erica Derrickson’s writing draws you in with her distinct voice, vagabond spirit, and relatable feelings. Anybody with the desire to travel internationally but who may feel stuck in a rut or unsure of where to begin would benefit immensely from reading this book.

“a young woman’s personal journey and spiritual growth” - Alix F

“Leaving America with Erica” is so much more than a travel guide or "how-to" book. Even though there are useful travel tips that can save the beginning traveler time and money, I found the book very motivating and inspiring. She gives very personal accounts of her own experiences, all the while encouraging the reader to take steps and challenge them to chase their dreams. I would say it's more than about leaving America, it's more about leaving your comfort zone and saying "yes" to a life that deep down inside you've always yearned for... and perhaps this book may be a catalyst, or a final push, for some to finally make a move and set a life of adventure into motion. I've personally been to many of the places Erica has described, but even as a veteran traveler, I found the book a delightful read and also a great prompt for more inner reflection. I highly recommend it!

“motivating and inspiring” -Kyle J

Erica Derrickson's book "Leaving America with Erica" is a book about a young woman who gave up everything to embark on a journey of self-discovery with surprising results. You will see yourself in some if not all chapters. You will experience many emotions as you read her book. You'll laugh, you’ll cry, and be in total awe as Erica bares her heart and soul to the reader. She sets out on the journey of a lifetime traveling to India, Bali, Thailand, Egypt, and now Guatemala (a paradise that she calls home for now.) Her truth and transparency will captivate your heart and will keep you from wanting to put the book down. It's a book you must have in your collection of books. I highly recommend this book to all those who feel stuck in life and who are looking for a change. This is YOUR book! Erica’s book is a life-changer to all those whose hearts are open and dare to believe.

"You will know the truth and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)

“Erica’s book is a life changer” - Debbie S

If you are looking for a clear, fast-paced guide for travel, “Leaving America with Erica” is for you. Erica weaves a practical guide with her personal story in a captivating, easy-to-read style. Each chapter outlines the steps she took to get her where she is today. She pokes you, motivates you, and cheers you on each step of the process. But in the end, she hands the reigns over to you--reminding you that it is your decision to keep going, to start your own adventure.

“pokes you, motivates you, and cheers you on” - Sarah S

Erica Derrickson's "Leaving America with Erica" is more than an excellent book, it is like a warm cup of delicious tea that you share with your best friend. At times, I forgot that I was reading a book. I felt as though I were in deep conversation with Erica sitting on my couch in my living room. It's the conversational tone that brought me in and did not let me go until I read the last page.

From the self-help tips to the travel tips, I wanted to dive in deeper to find out where we were going next! As a world traveler myself, I could relate to so many scenarios and found myself almost smelling the aromas that Erica describes at times as she traverses the globe.

The interactive nature of this book is refreshing and the lessons that are given are plenty.

I highly recommend this book for one and all and give it a 5/5!

“I felt as though I were in deep conversation with Erica” — Camille F

Everyone would benefit from reading Erica's magical book, but speaking as a soon-to-be graduate, I think it is a must-read for college students! Over the last year, I've tried to read and study as much on spirituality and manifestation as possible, but what's wonderful about this book is that it connects those ideas specifically with travel. Erica's words have shown me that adventures are available to us all-- and that we have all of the tools we need to make them happen. She banishes the idea that we are unqualified or unworthy of having what we want NOW. Like any good book that tackles spirituality and the Universe, it is one you can easily come back to any time you need some help raising your vibration, or need a reminder that life is meant to be joyful and adventure-packed. While most of us are at home right now, this is the perfect read to inspire you for the future. I feel at peace despite the uncertainty we're all facing because I know that experiences like Erica's will be waiting for me when we can be out in the world again.

“a must-read for college students” - Hannah S

Erica isn't some sort of generic self-help guru leading you down a winding road of bullshit. She has had to make drastic changes in her own life, and enter the cave of her fears many times over before writing this book. Erica is energizing, direct, and uses beautiful and clear imagery to guide you through the story of how she conquered her fears and set out to explore the world both around and inside her. If you have been dreaming of making your escape to a lush jungle, the mesmerizing ancient pyramids, or just taking that trip you've been talking about but keep putting off, this book will inspire you. She gives you many tools and tricks to pulling off a successful adventure. Get ready to dive deep inside yourself and making your travel dreams come true!

“this book will inspire you” - Emilie H

This book was amazing. It covers things to help you prepare for traveling abroad. But more than that the author speaks from her heart. She speaks the truth and real-life struggles that most of us are afraid to seek and find. I suggest this book for anyone seeking many different things out there. From travel to truth, to looking deep inside yourself, this book can guide you through your journey.

“this book can guide you through your journey” - Nancy C

Yes, this book is about traveling, but it’s also so much more.  It's about focusing your energy, facing your fears, and finding your joy. Who is this book for? The explorer, the adventurist, the female traveler, the solo traveler, but it's also for anyone unhappy at their job, in an unhappy relationship, or feeling sad and looking for something new. Some of my favorite quotes:

"Claim your adventure by looking within your heart & seeing what's there"

"I could not find my home on the outside until I was lead home on the inside"

"Don't let people keep you down, don't listen to doubters that say it can't be done"

This book spoke to me & made me think about my own life and how I can make changes. The author speaks from the heart. It’s truly  "A Work of Heart." Traveling is the subject of the book but traveling is also a metaphor. What is your treasure? Your joy?  What calls to you?  A new career? A new home?  "Slow down, learn to listen to your intuition, stand up for yourself & rise" Joy is possible. 5 stars

“the author speaks from the heart” - Doug S

This book is something of a life handbook. I thoroughly enjoyed the vulnerability of the author and it took me back to twenty years ago when I too moved away from home for the first time and how I felt trying to maneuver through strange places.  Erica has a way of drawing you in as if you are sitting one-on-one having an intimate conversation between friends. She is relatable and humorous about the honesty of coming to grips with oneself. I am truly inspired to get my creative juices flowing again! I would recommend this book to anybody of any age. I think this would be an amazing book for young kids going out to college and entering the world on their own for the first time as well. 

“a life handbook” - Emily M

If you want a book to help you dig your roots into the ground beneath you, to allow you to be comfortable with the life you have found yourself in instead of the life you've always dreamed of, read no further. If you are looking to shake the very foundation of your being and uproot yourself to experience the joys and hardships of self-actualization, this is your new manual. This book will awaken the call to adventure that, like me, you may have quieted. Moreover, it gives that voice such a clear outline and so much power that it will be damn near impossible to silence again. Erica speaks from a place of earned and unwavering compassion, clarity, and experience and has taken a lifetime of challenges, lessons, and exploration to distill the formula on how to find and live your passion. What seems to most as an unrealistic life of travel and adventure reserved for the rich or reckless, becomes a tangible reality and cleared path that Erica has already walked in order to lay to the groundwork for you. However, this book is not for those who long for the Instagram version of travel where you find your nearest tourist trap so you can snap your selfie and call it a day. This book is for those who truly want to take the road less traveled. For those who want to see the world as it is and learn from someone who has taken the risks, spent the time, and has survived and thrived through some of the world’s most diverse locations. Sometimes it takes a small, blonde, white girl to show you what true strength and bravery can be. As you would be a fool to underestimate her, do yourself a favor and do not underestimate this book. Allow your journey to start today and start reading. You will not find a better guide.

“you will not find a better guide” - Caleb A

Erica lays a foundation that so many of us dream about. She is able to present a foundation in an easy-to-understand language that anyone can relate to. Erica's book is the key to unlocking your true potential and connecting with your higher self. A very good outline is described to help the reader draw parallels between dream and action.

“Erica's book is the key to unlocking your true potential“ -Bobby D

Wow. Just Wow! This adventurous, truthful and completely vulnerable story gives you access into the heart and soul of Erica Derrickson, and will undoubtedly ignite a spark within you that will cause your heart to conceive, or rekindle a dream you may have long forgotten, and inspire you to take action. You can feel the emotion in all its forms as Erica shares the joys and pitfalls of her personal journey while traveling and discovering her truth, and finding the courage to own her freedom. Teachers or mentors come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and personalities and they are here on this earth to take us to the next level in our journey. So if you are reading this review, then I can promise you this book has come to you as a message your heart longs to hear.

“an adventurous, truthful and completely vulnerable story“ - Patricia P

Not all who wander are lost. Is there an adventurer within you crying to be released?  I think many of us have that gnawing desire to embrace our wanderlust.  Erica has done it and takes on the internal and external journey of how we could do it, too.  

If you want to take the leap to a life of travel and life-changing experience?  The only thing stopping you is the society’s view of what success looks like and the crushing expectations of accepting life’s safe choices.  Fear is what stops most of us from pursuing our dreams.  Erica knows what you’re are experiencing.  Yet.  She said screw it and followed her bliss wherever it leads.

There is a lot of internal dialogue that we all battle and it was good to see Erica share her fears and anxiety.  She isn’t always confident and doesn’t present herself as an all-knowing guru. The opposite. She presents herself as just like anyone. If she can take this leap to a life of adventure anyone can.

I really appreciate that this isn’t a book about how Erica followed her bliss and just states you should too.  It is ACTUALLY a ‘how-to’ book to listen to your inner desires and dreams and gives you an action plan of how you to can travel the world and learn more about the untapped potential of who you really are.

I loved her ‘Adventure Path’ which lays out all the things to consider and you need to figure out before you go on your travels. Everything from saving money, getting a visa, how not to get ripped off, etc.

Erica makes herself super vulnerable in this book.  She exposes all her fears, mistakes, and self-doubt...and yet she prevails.  We get to get to know her and learn from her mistakes and successes. 

If you’re ready to explore a leap into adventure and everyone around you is telling you what a bad idea it is, then check out this book. Don’t fall victim to your internal negativity and the naysayers around you until you read how Erica lays out a path of how you can explore the life you yearn for.

“a ‘how-to’ book to listen to your inner desires and dreams” - Chris H

Truly a must-read for anyone looking to gain insight and a clear perspective on the crazy journey we're all taking. LIFE! It is so much more than merely a book about traveling abroad, it's equally enlightening, empowering, and triggering. My first impression was "this book is like that friend who will take you by the shoulders, look you in the eyes and give you a good hard shake". You won't soon forget it.

“a must-read” - Lori M

This book is not just advice on the cheapest places to stay and which websites to purchase flight tickets. Erica's book helps people who are on the voyage of self-discovery, improvement, and enlightenment.  This inspirational book focuses on concepts of self-worth and individual psychology and teaches us emotional language. I enjoyed Erica's writing because it's smooth, flowing, funny and a pleasure to read. I appreciate the ideas and self-reflections it provokes inside of me. This book is teaching us about having the mindset to travel. I believe Erica succeeds in the difficult task of opening the reader’s eyes to the many benefits travel can provide. I truly enjoyed all of her stories, especially the hard lesson she learned from the camel and this helped her learned to trust her intuition. I have never read a book that inserts links to videos to accompany certain sections of the book passages, that was really different and unique. I felt more connected to the story and felt immersed in the adventure of her storytelling. I highly recommend this book for anyone, not just those who are looking to travel. I would recommend gifting this book to high school graduates in America, as it will expand their minds and hopefully they will take a year or two off to travel and find themselves.

“Erica's book helps people who are on the voyage of self-discovery” - Maria F

"Leaving America with Erica" by Erica Derrickson is an amazing experience! What a challenging and difficult journey Erica endured while searching for her light to freedom. I felt her joy, anger, sadness, anxieties, and empathized with her as she was making tough decisions to change. Erica has a great deal of strength and courage to be able to give up everything from her prior existence, and change her life through transformation to a higher vibration by meditation, facing the uncertainties, slowing things down, believing there is light under the tunnel, not quitting, taking responsibilities, being good to yourself and helping others. I enjoyed reading about Erica's experiences by following her heart and deciding to fly to India when she was 29, walking through the Cave of Fear in Bali, confronting the demons of a controlling mind, and her joyful encounter with "The Miracle Tree of Life". Erica is truly inspirational, passionate, endearing, loving and an honest human being. Her words jump off the page and this keeps theme, reader, present. I was motivated and inspired by her writing and I am making changes in my life. I agree with Erica, "Anything is truly possible for those who dare to believe."

“an amazing experience!” - Linda E