Top 10 Things I’ve Learned from Traveling Solo 10 Years

This year, 2024 will officially be my tenth year of traveling solo! I went on my first ever solo trip when I was 26, thinking I was “too old” to travel solo, but low and behold, I discovered a whole wide world, and I have been diligently exploring all of it ever since!

There’s so many things I’ve learned, but here are my top ten, and hopefully they inspire you to travel solo too!

The World is Not a Scary Place…And It Makes USA Look Scarier

Before I left for my first solo travels, I was beyond scared. Even for the few years after that, I still had a general fear of going to other countries. I blame the US media and social media trolls for this, because now I know that most countries are very peaceful, safe, and welcoming.

In fact, feeling so safe in other countries has led to me now feeling unsafe in USA! There’s no other country in the world with such high levels of homeless people with mental health/substance abuse problems, and let’s not ever forget…nearly half the population owns a gun.

Most People are GOOD! And They Love Americans!

When I first started traveling solo, for some reason I thought people in other countries didn’t like foreigners, especially Americans. This is one of the most wrong assumptions I’ve had!

Most people in other countries LOVE when foreigners visit their country, because they’re very proud of where they’re from and that people are coming to see it. They also LOVE Americans, and it seems like they think we are all famous, and it’s a big dream to go visit there.

The Key to Living Out of a Suitcase is Travel Compression Bags and Donating

I’ve been living out of a suitcase (well, several) for about seven of my ten years traveling. That means not having one place I live in long enough to have a closet.

I also usually travel to multiple countries in one trip, which have different climates or cultures. To be able to live out of a suitcase successfully, I sweat by travel compression bags. You roll the air out of them (no vacuum needed) and it keeps everything organized, and able to fit more. Just be sure to check the weight!

To not over accumulate clothes, I have a rule where I have to donate however many pieces of clothing I buy while traveling. Usually I leave them for hotel housekeepers, or I ask around for donation centers or people in need.

A Credit Card with Points, Lounge Pass, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry is ESSENTIAL

To this day, one of the best decisions I have made in my travels, is getting the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t be using a credit card with 3x points for travel, unless you’re traveling in countries where credit cards aren’t easily accepted.

This card also comes with Priority Pass lounge pass, TSA PreCheck, and Global Entry. Three things that are my absolute top essential things to have for travelers. I also have an AmEx Platinum which has the same perks and even more, but it isn’t widely accepted abroad, so I don’t use it as much. If you primarily live/stay in USA, I’d recommend it though.

You Become Strong, Independent, Confident, and Intelligent

Feeling like you can handle literally anything on your own is so empowering, and the ultimate flex. Not having to rely on others for help or happiness is also the fastest way to achieve the feeling of freedom.

The only downside of this, is that you’ll also become intimidating. Especially when it comes to dating. Don’t worry, those who can’t handle you, are simply not the right ones for you. You’ll find someone at your level eventually!

You Will ALWAYS Meet People When Traveling Solo

So many people have asked, “Don’t you get lonely traveling solo?” And then I laugh, because that’s one of the biggest misconceptions about traveling solo. I’ve learned that you will ALWAYS meet people when you travel solo!

I’m not sure if it’s because you seem more approachable when you’re solo, or because you have that mindset of, “I’ll probably never see these people again, why not go for it?”, or both, but I will say that I have met at least three people in each of the 128 countries I’ve been to!

You’ll Learn More About Life, History, Nature, Culture, and Money Than You Did in School

The amount of information, or lack thereof, that I learned in school and college is laughable compared to how much I have learned from traveling. To be fair, it could be because I was very rebellious when I was young and only paid attention in school to get out of it, but I definitely do not recall learning a fraction of the things I’ve learned from traveling.

In fact, I’ve learned so much that if I do ever have a child, I definitely want to spend a lot of time taking them around the world to teach them things!

Traveling & Living Abroad Can Be Cheaper than Living in USA

When people say they don’t travel because it’s too expensive, yet they live in USA, I can’t help but roll my eyes. Don’t worry, I was that person once too. But it’s not true.

I’d say the majority of other countries are extremely affordable, and if you flight hack properly, your trip will likely cost less than the same amount of time existing in USA.

This is why I have a condo in Mexico, and am about to live part time in Italy.

The US Media Only Highlights Negative News, Most Countries Are Amazing

The US Media and Social Media trolls have completely destroyed the reputations of so many amazing countries. They only spread the negative news, which in turn causes the “sheep” to believe it and repeat it.

But I specifically go to countries that the US has given negative stereotypes to, and they have all been absolutely amazing! My top favorites that most people have said not to go to are; Papua New Guinea, India, Morocco, Egypt, and D.R.Congo.

The “American Dream” Seems Like a Lie Compared to Quality of Life in Other Places

I’ve known for many years that the “American Dream” is a lie, and a ploy created by the government to make people stay in the USA and work their asses off rather than enjoy life. This is why I have refused to work a normal 9 to 5 job since I was twenty two.

But once I started traveling full time, and living in other countries, I also discovered something very important; many other countries value quality of life over the hustle mentality. I also started really realizing how f*ed up US policies are!

For example, society brainwashes you into thinking you have to go to college, which you also have to pay for, and then you go into debt. Then you have to spend your 20’s working your ass off to pay back that debt, plus also save up enough to buy a home. On top of that, you’re expected to get married and have a baby by 30, and spend the next twenty years working even harder to support that person. Finally when you’re old and unable to do as much, you get the freedom to relax. That’s bullshit.

Also bullshit, is how expensive healthcare and insurance is, how high taxes are, how most people only get two weeks off of work per year, and don’t even get me started on maternity leave. To me, living in the USA and doing the “American Dream” sounds more like a nightmare than choosing to live abroad.

Meanwhile, I work from a laptop and phone, anywhere in the world, whenever I want (which is a lot, I’m not going to lie, I work every day to sustain this lifestyle), and I make the same six figure income as the average US resident my age, or more.

Whirlwind Romances, Foreign Flings, and Fairytale Endings Do Exist

If you’ve ever had the thought or dream of meeting a romantic partner in another country, you need to pack your bags and go travel solo. I’ve met so many charming, attractive men, and have even dated people in other countries. The experiences and stories are priceless!

I also always dreamt of meeting a man in another country, getting married, and moving there, and although it started to seem like it would never happen, recently it did! Ten years later and I’m finally engaged, and likely going to be living in Italy for at least half of the years!

Always be safe of course, tell people where you’re going and give the guys social profiles to a friend or family member. But don’t be shy! No one is going to judge you besides your older self if you don’t go after a romance abroad!