This week is my 26th birthday. Yay! 2020 was a really hard year for everyone, and 2021 brought many changes to my own life. I definitely had time to reflect how much world travel, and especially solo travel, has impacted me as a person. I thought I’d celebrate my birthday this year by sharing 26 life lessons I’ve learned as a female traveler.
You Don’t Need As Many Belongings As You Think
My trusty Osprey Lumina pack
I fall into the same trap many of us do: collecting items and chasing after physical things. My guilt lies in video games, books, yarn (for knitting), and makeup. However, when I’m backpacking, I fit everything I need for months at a time in a single 45L backpack. While on the road, I definitely don’t miss those items collecting dust at home.
Plans Never Go Completely Right
I learned quickly to go with the flow as a solo female traveler. You never really know what’s going to happen, and overplanning every second of every day will only make you more stressed when things don’t go according to your plan. I’ve missed flights due to transportation strikes, lost luggage, and been scammed. It happens to everyone at some point, and letting go helps you become so much more adaptable as a person.
Kindness is Everywhere
Everywhere I went, even those “dangerous” cities, I always found the most kind and compassionate people willing to lend me a hand. Strangers have stopped to give me directions, walk me to my (correct) Airbnb, and helped me purchase the correct train ticket when I was completely lost. I have also helped more people than I can count on the road simply because they needed help just like I did.
Food is an Adventure
A yummy fish dish in Belize
The moment I let go of my Westernized idea of “good” food, my world opened up even more. I quickly warmed up to and began to love food that’s deemed “gross” back in the United States. I can’t even describe the feeling of trying something new and delicious for the first time simply by pointing at a menu in a language you don’t understand.
Sometimes it’s Ok to Indulge
I was so strict with myself on keeping my trips as inexpensive as possible. I still prefer backpacking, public transportation, and hostels, but I’ve learned not to feel guilty for indulging and spending some extra money every now and then. I will always remember that 5-star meal I had with my sister in Rome!
Learn What Your Essentials Really Are
When I first started, I read every blog post I could on what I should pack as a backpacker. However, I quickly learned that other people’s essentials aren’t the same as mine. I learned that I definitely needed to have a power strip, chopsticks, and solid toiletries in my bag for every single trip!
Keep an Emergency Fund
On the other hand, I’m no stranger to unexpected expenses while traveling. I’ve accidentally booked an Uber Black car in Milan (which was near $200 for the ride), missed flights, and lost phone chargers. Things happen, so I always keep a stash of money I leave for emergencies like this.
It’s OK to Not Like a Destination
La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
There’s nothing wrong with hating a popular destination or loving an experience most find unenjoyable. The trip is about YOU! For example, I did not understand why so many people fall in love with Barcelona when I visited, but felt I could move to and live in Lisbon the moment I set foot there! Expectations are a traveler’s worst enemy.
Take Rest Days
As an introvert myself, I sometimes just need days inside to recharge my inner batteries. No one should feel guilty for taking a mental health day and just laying in bed watching Netflix, especially on long trips. Listen to your body!
Always Pack Menstruation Products
Not every country carries the same products, and sometimes products, in general, can be downright difficult to find. I always pack some (I usually use a DivaCup) whether I expect my period or not
Hostels Provide Great Friendships
A rooftop hammock at The Secret Garden Hostel in Quito, Ecuador
Travelers in hostels want to make friends just as much as you do. You can literally go up to someone with the most absurd statement or question and become instant friends with them while you are both visiting that destination. There’s something about hostels that brings travelers together!
Being Alone is Freeing
Traveling alone, eating alone, and spending time with yourself can be a freeing thing. You can do what you want when you want! Once you get over the hump of feeling awkward, you may even prefer it.
Locals are Better than Guidebooks
I’ve always found the best restaurants and activities in an area by asking a local. Most of them weren’t even listed on the top blogs or guide books I had read through before visiting! A local will almost always know the best spots.
Charades is Universal
…meaning acting out what you’re trying to say when you don’t know the language happens everywhere. I can usually get my point across with some pretty silly or absurd charades! (sound effects recommended).
Learning About the World Helps you Learn About Yourself
I know, I know, cliche. However, the more you discover and experience other cultures and ways of life, the more insignificant yours seems to be as a whole. This isn’t a bad thing! You really learn what you enjoy and let go of your own stereotypes things about your own culture that you dislike.
You’re Smarter Than you Think
Street smarts are definitely learned through doing, and you’re probably better at it than you think. Sure, you may get sucked into a tourist trap or overpriced cab every now and then, but you quickly learn to think on your feet.
You are Responsible for your own Happiness
I really learned this through traveling solo. I learned what made me happy versus what I was doing to make others happy on trips. It made my travels that much better!
Try to be Present
Capturing a great photo for Instagram is sometimes fun, but being in the moment and taking a mental picture can really resonate with you. Next time, try putting your phone away and taking in the moment by yourself.
Getting Lost Can Lead to The Best Days
Often on my first day in a new place, I’ll just put my phone or map away and wander around. I can always catch a cab back to my hostel later or check my GPS on my phone. By intentionally getting “lost” in a new city, I’ve found some of the best things to do!
Call your Mom
Or your partner, sister, grandpa…whoever may be missing and worrying about you while you’re gone! It’s nice to hear from home if you’ve been gone a while, and they appreciate the updates.
Travel is Very Personal
Everyone travels differently and enjoys different things. There’s not necessarily a good or bad way to travel, as long as you are not damaging people or the environment around you. Figure out how you like to travel and go for it!
Always Carry Some Meds…
Medicine for small pains, traveler’s diarrhea, and small scrapes or blisters can make or break your trip. I HIGHLY recommend carrying some Ibuprofen, Pepto Bismol tablets, motion sickness medication, and some band-aids. New foods and water can really mess with your system!
The Cheapest Option is not Always the Best Option
Flight over the mountains in Thailand
This goes for airfare, excursion tickets, hostels, and anything else you have to pay for while traveling. Look closely at the reviews. Is it safe? Does it seem scammy? For airfare and hostels, check for hidden costs that may make it even more expensive than the next option.
Travel Poops Happen to Everyone
Whether you’re constipated for days or can’t stray too far from a toilet, travel poops happen to everyone. Don’t be ashamed!
A Smile and “Hello” Goes a Long Way
Learn how to say a polite greeting in the local language and be kind. That’s it! That’s the secret to success! Locals especially will open up to you and be willing to help you when you put forth the effort…even if your pronunciation is absolutely horrid.
Your “Number” Doesn’t Matter as Much as Experiences
Having fun at a vet clinic in Thailand
A lot of travelers out there will rack up country counts to flaunt their number, but often have little to no meaningful experiences in each one. Don’t fall into the numbers trap! Personally, I would rather hear a meaningful or funny story from your time in Greece than hear you’ve been to 25 countries.
What have you learned from traveling? I would love to hear from you!
(Insert “Happy Birthday” song here)
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