Angela Marie Maxwell
Exploring the World One Step at a Time
"This was my wild adventure into the unknown, exploring the world and building connections that bridge borders, time zones and cultures. I wanted to discover what I was truly capable of, what the world is made of and how sharing our stories can connect and inspire each of us."
- Angela
- Angela
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Across 4 continents, over 22,000 miles, 16 countries and a handful of islands, Angela discovered her innate courage, strength and conviction. She traversed desolate deserts, snow-capped mountains and bustling ancient cities alone. Twelve pairs of shoes and too many cups of noodles consumed to count, she walked nearly the circumference of the earth.
A novice adventurer when she began, Angela faced the incredible odds of surviving the outback in Western Australia, dengue fever in Vietnam, a physical attack in Mongolia, and the sheer challenges of being a solo woman sleeping in a tent wherever she could lay her head for the night. |
Angela’s goal was never about the pace of her travels but rather the challenges she would face and to learn and understand the world on a deeper, soulful level. “I wanted to truly feel and experience the world, not just be an observer,” says Angela.
That’s why wherever she went and whoever’s path she crossed she tried to be of service, as well as give back to local organizations working to empower the lives of women. She saved up her own money and lived on $5 or less a day while taking donations. “I wanted to contribute to social and environmental change in a positive way.” she says.
She partnered with Her Future Coalition and raised over $20,000 to bring awareness and funds for their efforts to educate, shelter and nourish at-risk girls.
To make this walk feasible on a few dollars a day she lived mostly on oatmeal, two-minute noodles and camped wherever she could find a decent hiding spot for her tent. Angela often went weeks without a warm shower, which might sound gross for some but this was all an essential part of her embracing her wildness.
To make such a long walk in extreme conditions attainable she broke the walk into "legs". She knew where she would start and finish crossing one to two countries at a time. The path she took was unknown, allowing the landscape, the solitude and the strangers she met along the way to become her map. She discovered that getting lost was the strategy for finding the way.
Her world walk is a story of perseverance, facing fears and choosing courage. A gifted inspirational speaker, Angela shares the many stories she has accumulated from her journey, while inspiring and encouraging women worldwide. Stories of tragedy and triumph, of courage and calamity, as well as those of humor, heart and humanity.
In 2024, Angela joined her friend and colleague, Karl Bushby, for a 1,000 mile expedition walking from Buhkara, Uzbekistan through the Kyzlkum desert, and finishing on the coast of the Caspian, near the border of Turkmenistan. From there, along with two professional Azerbaijan swimmers, they set a world-record becoming the first people to swim across the Caspian Sea. (Neither Angela or Karl were swimmers and spent months training for it.) Angela secured a partnership with the NGO, The Blue Marine Foundation, which has 21 project locations all over the globe working to ensure the protection of at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.
There are no major expeditions planned for 2026, as Angela is currently focused on giving international talks about the transformative power of slow, intentional travel, highlighting the impact of volunteering, cultural immersion, and connecting deeply with locals. Alongside this, she contracts as a travel guide, experience designer, and expedition organizer, crafting off-the-beaten-path adventures for individuals and small groups seeking something meaningful and unique. Once a year, Angela co-leads a wilderness retreat for women with her friend Miriam Lancewood, where participants learn outdoor survival skills while diving into deep personal transformation in nature.
For more information on how to hire Angela for a speaking engagement, click here. For more information on hiring her as a travel guide or bespoke travel organizer, click here.
That’s why wherever she went and whoever’s path she crossed she tried to be of service, as well as give back to local organizations working to empower the lives of women. She saved up her own money and lived on $5 or less a day while taking donations. “I wanted to contribute to social and environmental change in a positive way.” she says.
She partnered with Her Future Coalition and raised over $20,000 to bring awareness and funds for their efforts to educate, shelter and nourish at-risk girls.
To make this walk feasible on a few dollars a day she lived mostly on oatmeal, two-minute noodles and camped wherever she could find a decent hiding spot for her tent. Angela often went weeks without a warm shower, which might sound gross for some but this was all an essential part of her embracing her wildness.
To make such a long walk in extreme conditions attainable she broke the walk into "legs". She knew where she would start and finish crossing one to two countries at a time. The path she took was unknown, allowing the landscape, the solitude and the strangers she met along the way to become her map. She discovered that getting lost was the strategy for finding the way.
Her world walk is a story of perseverance, facing fears and choosing courage. A gifted inspirational speaker, Angela shares the many stories she has accumulated from her journey, while inspiring and encouraging women worldwide. Stories of tragedy and triumph, of courage and calamity, as well as those of humor, heart and humanity.
In 2024, Angela joined her friend and colleague, Karl Bushby, for a 1,000 mile expedition walking from Buhkara, Uzbekistan through the Kyzlkum desert, and finishing on the coast of the Caspian, near the border of Turkmenistan. From there, along with two professional Azerbaijan swimmers, they set a world-record becoming the first people to swim across the Caspian Sea. (Neither Angela or Karl were swimmers and spent months training for it.) Angela secured a partnership with the NGO, The Blue Marine Foundation, which has 21 project locations all over the globe working to ensure the protection of at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.
There are no major expeditions planned for 2026, as Angela is currently focused on giving international talks about the transformative power of slow, intentional travel, highlighting the impact of volunteering, cultural immersion, and connecting deeply with locals. Alongside this, she contracts as a travel guide, experience designer, and expedition organizer, crafting off-the-beaten-path adventures for individuals and small groups seeking something meaningful and unique. Once a year, Angela co-leads a wilderness retreat for women with her friend Miriam Lancewood, where participants learn outdoor survival skills while diving into deep personal transformation in nature.
For more information on how to hire Angela for a speaking engagement, click here. For more information on hiring her as a travel guide or bespoke travel organizer, click here.
Latest Podcast: Inspire Campfire
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