14 | Courage, Connection, and Cleo the Cat: Mia Kercher's Story of Nomadic Life

From Serbia to Afghanistan with a Cat: Mia Kercher’s Bold Nomad Journey

In this episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast, Christoph Huebner speaks with solo traveler and copywriter Mia Kercher about her extraordinary overland journey from Serbia to Vietnam. Along the way, she made the unusual choice to spend five weeks in Afghanistan – traveling not only as a solo female but also with her cat, Cleo, by her side.

Why Afghanistan Was on the Map

Mia began her journey in Serbia, where she had been living and bought the car that would take her across continents. Originally, she planned to cross Iran, but visa restrictions made that impossible for American travelers. Instead, her route took her through Georgia, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan before reaching Afghanistan. While friends and family warned her against the idea, Mia decided to see the country for herself and to challenge the narrative painted by Western media.

Life-Changing Experiences in Afghanistan

Her time in Afghanistan was eye-opening and transformative. From Kabul (where she also met Orest – listen to the episode with him on extreme travel) to the countryside, she encountered warmth, hospitality, and curiosity from the local people. Afghan women invited her into their homes, shared meals, and even danced together behind closed doors where restrictions did not apply. Despite strict rules, locals often made exceptions for foreign women like Mia, allowing her access to places off-limits to Afghan women themselves.

Underground Workshops for Afghan Women

During her stay, Mia hosted underground workshops in online marketing for women eager to sell their crafts and artwork to the outside world. These sessions spread by word of mouth and became small but powerful acts of empowerment. She also discovered grassroots initiatives – from jewelry-making schools to underground English classes – that continue to provide Afghan women with hope and opportunity despite economic hardship and government restrictions.

The Ethics of Traveling to Oppressive Countries

One of the key themes in the conversation is the ethical debate around visiting countries with oppressive governments. Does traveling there legitimize the regime, or can it shine a light on the resilience and humanity of its people? Mia argues that connecting with locals, showing curiosity, and offering support can make a positive difference, especially in countries that are isolated from the rest of the world.

Mia Kercher, Cleo and Christoph Huebner

Nomadic Life with a Cat

Traveling with her cat Cleo added an unusual twist to the journey. Whether crossing land borders or riding on a bicycle along the Mekong River, Cleo quickly became a bridge to connect with strangers. Locals were fascinated by the cat, often stopping Mia to ask questions or invite her into their homes for tea. Cleo wasn’t just a travel companion – she was an instant conversation starter.

Funding a Life of Adventure

Mia has supported herself as a copywriter and marketing consultant for the past six years. The flexibility of freelancing allows her to balance client work with long overland adventures, writing wherever she can find a Wi-Fi connection. It’s a lifestyle that demonstrates how remote work can make even unconventional journeys possible.

What’s Next for Mia Kercher

Beyond her travels, Mia is also developing a new podcast project called Stories from Villages, where she plans to record and share stories from rural communities she encounters around the world. This project, like her journey, highlights her passion for authentic cultural exchange and amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard.

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Key Takeaways from this Episode

• Traveling solo through Afghanistan as a foreign woman is possible, though filled with unique challenges and cultural nuances.

• Afghan women are finding creative ways to learn, connect, and empower themselves despite restrictions.

• Ethical questions about traveling to countries with oppressive governments are complex and worth exploring.

• Traveling with a pet can open doors to human connection in unexpected ways.

• Location-independent work makes bold adventures sustainable and realistic.

• A sneak peek at her podcast, here on Youtube: Deep Marketing: Stories from Villages

And if you would like to listen to more stories of travelers with animals: Listen to Sonia’s journey of solo traveling multiple continents with her dog!