North America
Immigrating to the USA to San Francisco as a teen taught me things can change at any given moment. I didn’t realize it at the time but I had culture shock. I went from being in a society where everyone followed the rules to a country where your personal opinions and diversity are celebrated (okay, way more celebrated where I spent my childhood).
2. South America
My first solo trip ever was to Peru. I don’t know what I was thinking at the time, but I guess I wanted to go big or go home. At the time, being a solo female traveler was an anomaly. After my trip, I was asked if I was scared or that I was “brave” - which to this I find a comment mildly insulting since I’m sure I wouldn’t receive the same comment if I was male.
3. Australia & Oceana
This was the year that I was deep in working in my 9-5 job. It was the same year I had a knee and ankle injury from running. On my month long trip to Australia, I was swimming in the ocean almost everyday. I always said I never would do a triathlon and after that trip I planned to do one. I started swimming laps at the pool and bought the cheapest road bike at the local bike shop. I ended up eating clean and training for triathlons for about 4 years total, in which I competed in two sprint tris while also racing countless 5ks and other distances.
4. Europe
The first place I stepped in Europe was in Barcelona, Spain. It was there I rediscovered my singlehood and the freedom that came with it. I was officially single for the first time in almost 9 years. Too long to have thoughts like “What would my partner think?” Or maybe not bringing up uncomfortable conversation because I wanted to keep the peace. I think both thoughts are fine IF only the other person reciprocates the same behavior. It was my time to think about ME. What did I want out of life? I traveled to a couple countries on my first trip to Europe in 2017 and made friends along the way. Suffice to say I haven’t stopped doing what I want since.
5. Africa
On my trip to Kenya I learned that they have the best customer service in hospitality. I was met with warm individuals who were kind and also seemed to love their jobs. I went on my trip to Kenya the year after my sister passed and it was my first official international trip since the pandemic, so I remember it well. I remember feeling not like my “travel self”…
In any case, Kenyans are the kindest people I’ve met so far in my travels.
6. Asia
It may not look like it but I have very humble beginnings- I didn’t grow up with having a lot of money and even was “textbook homeless” during my teens. My parents worked two jobs while I was bouncing between relatives’ houses. I never had my own bedroom, let alone my own bed. All the clothes I owned fit in a large GAP paper bag (which later I was able to “upgrade” to a roller bag). Not having much as a kid has become my pillar for practicing gratitude almost daily for my travels and other opportunities that have come my way.
7. Antarctica
Stepping on all 7 continents is a dream of mine I’ve had since I was 12 or 13. Back then I never even knew this trip was a possibility. The idea came to me probably when I was flipping through a National Geographic magazine- which was one of my favorite pieces of literature to read. It was only during my college years that a quick google search told me that they did have tours and cruises going to this untouched land. I was surprised since the continent is fairly untouched. Thus began one of my biggest life obsessions…
My biggest lesson of all is recognizing my privilege. Particularly passport privilege. With a U.S. passport, I can visit 188 locations visa-free! Though this wasn’t always the case.
Without my U.S. passport, I wouldn’t be traveling this much. I’d also be spending money and time on filling out visa applications!
Adding on the list of privileges I’ve come to acquire: location and motion.
I live within two hours of 3 international airports, and I am able-bodied. I think if I didn’t have both of these, I wouldn’t travel much either!
I hope this post inspires you to go for your dreams and also acknowledge any privileges you have. Life is too short not to be able to do what you want, and acknowledging your privilege is a topic that isn’t talked about much.
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