🌍 Introduction: Welcome to Business Story of the Week

In a world that never stops, it’s refreshing to hear from those who have found a way to hit pause and immerse themselves in the beauty of travel. Welcome to Business Story of the Week hosted by Joshua Lori, where we dive deep into the transformative power of travel and storytelling. Today’s episode features the incredible Sharael Kolberg, a nationally published travel writer whose work graces some of the biggest platforms like US News and World Report, Lonely Planet, and Forbes.

🧳 From setbacks to triumphs, Sharael has experienced it all, turning her passion for travel and writing into a full-time adventure. In this episode, we explore not just the logistics of her journeys, but the deeper lessons and stories behind them. Let’s dive in!

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The Childhood Spark: How It All Began ✍️🌍

Travel and writing weren’t just random career choices for Sharael—they were passions ingrained in her from a young age. Growing up in a military family, Sharael spent her early childhood in Germany, a country filled with rich culture and traditions that sparked her curiosity about the world. Even though her family moved to California when she was three, the German influence remained strong at home, and it planted the seed for her wanderlust.

But it wasn’t just travel that called to her. A second-grade creative writing assignment, where she brought a hand-drawn monster to life with words, unlocked another passion: storytelling. That love of taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary never left her.

By the time she reached college, Sharael knew she was destined for a life of travel and writing. With a degree in journalism from the University of Hawaii, she set her sights on turning her passions into a reality. And she did just that!

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The Freelance Life: Turning Passion into Career 💼✈️

Sharael’s journey as a freelance writer is a testament to patience and perseverance. For more than 25 years, she balanced freelancing on the side while working full-time in high-tech PR. Writing about adventure sports like kayaking, mountain biking, and sailing, she always found ways to fuel her passion for exploration.

But three years ago, everything changed. Her daughter went off to college, and the door opened for Sharael to pursue her passion full-time. Now, she spends two weeks out of every month traveling, with her husband often joining her for the ride. “I love exploring new places and sharing that with my readers,” she says, “so they can get inspired and have the information they need to go explore those places.”

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Unforgettable Adventures: Patagonia and British Columbia 🏔️🐾

When asked about her favorite travel experiences, Sharael couldn’t help but rave about two particular trips: Patagonia and British Columbia.

In Patagonia, Sharael kayaked among icebergs, hiked towering mountains, and embarked on a puma-tracking adventure where she spotted six majestic Pumas in the wild. 🌊🦁

British Columbia brought winter magic with snowmobiling, skiing, and even a little adventure mishap when she broke her leg in a remote area. This experience, while painful, opened her eyes to the importance of risk management in adventure travel. “I’ve been writing about risk mitigation with remote adventure travel since then,” she says, emphasizing the value of preparation.

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Going Unplugged: A Year Without Technology 📵💡

One of Sharael’s most profound personal projects was a year-long journey without technology, which she chronicles in her book One Year Unplugged. Living in Silicon Valley at the time, she and her family disconnected from all digital devices—no phones, no computers, no Wi-Fi, no TV. This radical lifestyle shift transformed her young daughter, who became more independent, creative, and relaxed without the constant presence of screens.

The experience also redefined their sense of community. Without the convenience of technology, they had to rely more on face-to-face interactions and good old-fashioned board games. It was a year filled with introspection, connection, and profound lessons.

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The Challenge of Staying in the Moment 🌿

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of documenting our travels for social media, but Sharael reminds us of the importance of staying present. On a recent press trip to Alaska, she lost her phone and was forced to experience the sights without snapping constant photos. “It did make me start thinking about… maybe I shouldn’t take so many pictures, maybe I should live more in the moment.”

While she still believes in sharing travel experiences, Sharael emphasizes the balance between capturing memories and actually living them.

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Final Words of Wisdom 💡

As Sharael wraps up her stories, her advice is simple but powerful: “Don’t wait. Get out there and travel.” The world is full of experiences waiting to be discovered, and the sooner you start, the richer your life will be.

Her message is clear: whether it’s a big international trip or a weekend getaway, every journey is an opportunity to learn, grow, and be inspired.

✨ Ready to follow Sharael’s adventures? Head to her website at sharael.com and subscribe to her newsletter for tips, tricks, and travel stories that will inspire your next trip!