6 Simple Ways To Ease Into Solo Travel

I never really thought about the concept of solo travel until I was in Italy for my job after college and my roommate brought it up. She said during our Christmas break she wanted to do some solo traveling. She wanted to see the castles in Romania. The thought of traveling solo seemed so foreign to me, considering for our job we took groups of students around Europe, and prior to that when I studied abroad, we were always traveling in groups.

However, the more I traveled, the more I read travel blogs. I was engrossed in stories of times spent abroad and kept seeing the term "solo travel" pop up. My curiosity about traveling solo began to grow and I started looking into it. After all, while I'd love to travel with my friends, it gets to a point where it becomes too difficult to coordinate schedules, budgets, and expectations.

Are you thinking about solo travel? If it excites you in just the slightest, then you should try it.

Amalfi Coast Positano boats

You can start easy. Start by going to a new city where you don't know anyone for a day. Have a plan with a bunch of things to do (or even no plan at all - whatever you prefer).

I'd didn't realize it at the time, but when I moved to DC for a summer job I took the first step. While I was going to meet and spend most of time with my co-workers, I didn't know anyone doing the program. I had never been to DC. I didn't know anyone at all. Taking a leap of faith to do something I've always wanted to do led to an unforgettable summer with new friendships, a rewarding job, and a city that holds a dear spot in my heart.

ROME

When I moved to Italy shortly after my summer in DC, I was the first one of our staff to arrive. Like DC, I hadn't met anyone I was working with in Italy either. I was by myself for a few days before everyone else started trickling in. Between the jet lag I was out and about, re-exploring the streets of the city I had studied abroad in two years prior. It was yet another incredible experience and something I'll remember forever.

6 ways to ease into solo travel:

• Move somewhere completely new for a job - this helps you get used to taking risks by traveling somewhere foreign to you where you don't know anyone (living with your co-workers makes the transition smoother)

• Sign up for a tour by yourself with a tour company - you'll meet others in the group and travel together

• Volunteer abroad with a group or organization

• Teach English abroad through a TEFL/TESOL/ESL company that has an orientation for other teachers in the same city you're moving to

• Go somewhere solo and meet up with friends of friends

• Do couchsurfing or air bnb to meet and stay with locals

arc de triomphe 1

Solo travel doesn't have to be lonely. In fact, some people tend to favor it versus going with people they already know. I've only had a full long weekend of full "solo travel" in Paris, but taking "risks" by moving to DC or to Italy by myself previously helped ease that fear. Also, Paris is a very touristy city so I knew I'd meet plenty of others traveling too (and I did!). While I haven't done a huge solo trip for a long period of time, the thought of going somewhere alone doesn't intimidate me like it used to.

I encourage you to consider traveling solo. It can be an amazing, eye-opening experience and is something I think everyone should try at least once in their lives, even if only for a few days. Getting out of your comfort zone allows you to grow, and solo travel - or easing into it like one of the ways above - will certainly do that.

When Nothing Goes Right, Go Left (And Never Settle)

When I decided I didn't want to get a full-time, permanent job right after college, I was going against the grain. Did I have a fear of commitment? Yes. I thought I knew what I wanted up until middle of my senior year, when I realized that this would be the perfect time to travel and explore other options.

A year of experiences is not a year lost

By working as a group leader for high school conferences, I realized I enjoyed working with students. And when I was living in Italy, I was also working and traveling with study abroad students. While I wanted to work in those jobs for the duties the jobs had themselves (and, of course, travel and live in new cities), it made me realize I wanted to incorporate education into my future career.

Traveling and working those jobs didn't make me "behind" my peers in my job search. It can be difficult to not compare yourself to others, but everyone is on a different journey. What might be right for them isn't necessarily what's right for you.

10 Reasons Why You Should Travel After College

While I was a little unsure of what I wanted, I knew what I didn't want - to work in a permanent job right after college. I wanted to travel. During the past year or so, I realized that (besides travel, of course) the education aspect was important to me. I wasn't "wasting" a year by doing the things I did, rather, those experiences led me to the job I have today.

But getting a full-time, permanent job in higher education can be difficult, especially for someone who doesn't have a master's degree and/or many years of experience (aka me).

Do not settle.

If you think it's not right for you, listen to your gut instincts.

I did interviews for jobs and felt bad because I realized I wouldn't want to work there even if I did get the offer. Sometimes it went both ways and I would get the rejection email (or no email at all). Sometimes it would be something I really wanted...and I wouldn't get it. But I kept going, because I was determined to get a job in higher education.

When I received an offer for something I wasn't entirely on board with, I would politely decline. I didn't want to be spending 40+ hours a week doing something not fulfilling when I knew there were opportunities out there that would be fulfilling.

When nothing goes right, go left

Maybe that one "dream" opportunity didn't work out, but that doesn't mean that there aren't other opportunities that are just as great.

I didn't get a social media job for a company in the town I went to school in after graduation. If I had gotten it, I probably would've taken it. But that means I never would've been able to work at leadership conferences or lived in Italy last year - experiences that made me realize that (at least for now) I want to work in education.

When I returned from Italy I didn't get a job that I really wanted. I interviewed with them two separate times and went through five rounds of interviews each time. However, if I had gotten that job, I wouldn't have started working at a restaurant in the meantime (where I met awesome people and learned some new skills) or have gotten my current job working at a university now (which I really enjoy).

When other people drag you down, don't give up

After my job hunt got a little lengthy, I started to get stir crazy. Trust me, last year was a roller coaster of emotions and filled with questioning everything. I knew the type of job I wanted and I was ready to just get it.

This is where the pressure from other people came in. They would say, "You're not supposed to like your job. You need to keep your head down, get a few years of experience under your belt, and maybe then you can actually do what you love. No one loves their first few jobs right out of college." I had multiple people tell me this.

And I need to say: THEY ARE WRONG. Do not settle for a life that's less capable than the one you want to live. Other people are going to be in your ear giving you crap "advice" telling you to take a job you hate just for money - while they sit at their desks miserable with their own jobs.

I don't know about you, but if I'm going to be working 40+ hours a week and sitting in rush hour traffic twice a day, I sure as hell need to enjoy what I'm doing.

Life is meant to be lived. We only get one life and there's no sense in delaying gratification for the hope that someday, fifty years from now, we might get to enjoy it. Enjoy it now. Don't give up. And don't settle.

Interesting Video About Maps That'll Blow Your Mind

I can stare at a map for a long time, daydreaming about where I want to go in the world. I already knew that maps aren't quite to scale, but this interesting video shows just how not-to-scale they really are. For example, Madagascar is larger than the UK and takes up the size of a few states in the US. Watch the video below and I'm sure your mind will be blown with at least a few of these, just as mine was.

h/t Buzzfeed

The 11 Most Common Excuses for Not Traveling Abroad (and why they're weak)

Vienna Christmas markets

It's easy to dismiss an awesome idea by coming up with excuses. By "awesome idea" I mean traveling the world. Want to travel but you don't think it's possible? Think again. Here are 11 excuses I've heard time and time again - and why they're weak. Don't let travel intimidate you - take action and just go. If you want to do it, just do it.

The 11 Most Common Excuses for Not Traveling Abroad (and why they're weak)

1. "It's not safe"

Why this argument is weak: I felt safer in Paris at night as a female all by myself than I did out with a group friends at night in my US college town. The saying goes that you're more likely to be safe abroad than you are in your hometown. There are exceptions, of course. Just do your research beforehand, keep your wits about you, and be aware of any scams to look out for. Consider if it's smart or stupid to be out by yourself at night. And try not to get drunk or intoxicated to avoid getting lost or taken advantage of. These are all precautions you'd normally take if you were at home, though.

Trogir-Croatia-2

2. "What if something goes wrong?"

Why this argument is weak: Things could go wrong whether you're home or abroad. Be prepared before you go.

"Most things I worry about never happen anyway." - Tom Petty

3. "I don't have anyone to go with"

Why this argument is weak: Why would you not go somewhere just because it doesn't work out to go with your friends? What if it's your only chance to go? You wouldn't want to miss out on the opportunity to go somewhere just because you don't have anyone to go with. You'll regret it if you don't go. Especially as you and your friends have increased responsibilities, it's difficult to make the timing align perfectly to travel together.

IMG_1462 fb

See the screenshot above - I have a Facebook group with my best friends from college. No one's able to go to New York with me for Memorial Weekend, despite the tempting low ticket price. I'm not letting that hold me back. I booked the flights anyway. NYC, here I come!

Solo travel seems intimidating at first, but trust me when I say that it's not as scary (or as lonely) as you'd think!

vienna juice_edited

4. "I don't speak the language"

Why this argument is weak: If you're an English speaker, you will be able to get around just fine in most major cities. English is more often than not a second language and you will be surprised how many people in the world are fluent - or can at least make small talk - in English (plus many other languages!).

Of course it's always important to learn at least a few phrases before you go and to ask people if they speak English before assuming they would. The more rural an area is, the less likely you'll come across those who speak English. But if this is a main concern of yours you should be fine so long as you stick to cities or touristy areas.

5. "It's too expensive"

Why this argument is weak: most people who say this are those that hear the word "travel" and automatically connect it to a five star resort vacation, sitting on an excluded beach, and sipping pina coladas. There's nothing wrong with that type of trip, but with limitless ways to travel you can bet anyone with that mindset hasn't done any research on the topic.

If money is tight, then do what's right for you financially and save up for travel at a later date. You don't have to leave next month; sometimes having a goal (for example: 1 year from now, or when you finish grad school) makes it seem less intimidating.

Also read: How To Save Money For Travel and Ways To Save Money While You Travel

Buda Castle View

6. "I'm going to stick out like an 'Ugly American'"

Why this argument is weak: You won't if you do a little bit of research on the cultural customs beforehand, be respectful, and embrace the fact that some cultures are different. As an American who have met other Americans abroad, not everyone fits into the "ugly American" stereotype. You'll still be seen as an American, but you should erase the "ugly" (being ignorant/rude) part of the stereotype. The more you travel the more you understand that not everyone hates Americans...

7. "I don't have time"

Why this argument is weak: If you prioritize travel, you'll find time. It doesn't have to be your number one priority, but it could take precedent over staying home for a long weekend versus going somewhere. If you really want to travel you will find a way to do it.

1 The Louvre Paris

8. "I have too much stuff to bring"

Why this argument is weak: Exhibit A: my mom who brings two checked bags for a 5 day trip to Arizona. If you want to bring a bunch of stuff, then by all means do. Though you may be surprised by how little you need and how much room you can save with packing hacks.

9. "It's too complicated"

Why this argument is weak: Use the many resources available to help you get started. You could plan it on your own with the help from blogs and travel websites (Google anything you have questions about), by asking friends for advice, or by reading guidebooks.

To make it much easier you could book your trip with an agent or join a tour group. This takes all the planning out of it so you can relax and enjoy your trip. There are a number of tour companies for people aged around 18-30: Contiki, EF College Break, and G Adventures to name a few. You can sign up solo or with friends!

DSC_0529

10. "I'm too young/too old to travel"

Why this argument is weak: You're never too young or too old to see the world. Traveling when you're younger allows you advantages like being more physically fit with less potential for injuries, able to stay up later and bounce back from jet lag or drinking, and (potentially) less responsibilities like not having to worry about children.

However, you shouldn't let age deter you. I've seen older people out traveling having a great time just like anyone else. Maybe you want to wait until you've settled down, have some money saved up, or are retired. Just don't wait too long to the point of regret. My motto? Don't postpone happiness! If you want to go now, go.

11. "I don't want to leave the comfort of my own country"

Why this argument is weak: Everybody likes being comfortable. But seeing the Eiffel Tower in person for the first time is 10000x better than seeing the fake one on the Las Vegas strip. Living life means taking risks, and taking risks outside your comfort zone allow you to grow. Is your dream destination worth the hype? If you never go, you'll never know.

Work Experience That Will Help You Get a Job Abroad

Florence, Italy - View from Piazzale Michaelangelo

My most frequently asked question is how I got my job doing tour guiding and marketing for a travel company in Europe after college. Basically I sent my resume to the company, had a Skype interview, and got the job. Just like any job.

However, my experience and skills from college helped set my resume apart so that I was one of the few that was given an interview.

The job was a mix of many things: leading weekend trips to different cities in Europe for college study abroad students, digital marketing, sales, and events.

I'm going to outline helpful work experience for the jobs I've had that have allowed me to travel, some soft skills you should mention in a cover letter and interview, and what my resume looked like when I applied to these jobs.

International Tour Guiding and Marketing

Croatia tour

Helpful experience to have for this type of job:

• Study abroad or international travel experience

• Leadership

• Public speaking

• Social media (helpful to have experience doing this for businesses)

• Sales

• Event planning, operations and hosting

• Customer service

• Photography

• Video editing

• Writing

• Basic foreign language skills (if the people \where you're living speak a different language)

Budapest trip

Soft skills to mention (provide examples from your experience to back these up):

• Passion for travel

• Creativity

• Social/outgoing

• Strong leader

• Willingness to understand/accept other cultures

• Independence

• Easy-going, flexible

• Able to make snap decisions

• Sense of humor (especially when things go wrong)

• Like to have fun

Faculty Advisor for International Conferences

gylc europe

I've also gotten to do some traveling by working for a different company at leadership conferences. First I was in DC/NYC for a summer, and the following year was in Europe for a couple weeks, and this upcoming summer will be doing another one in China for a couple weeks. The job entailed leading a group of 20-25 international high school students and facilitating curriculum on leadership and international relations.

Helpful experience for this type of job:

• Experience leading groups

• Work/school experience in the area of the conference's theme

• Teaching, counseling, and/or coaching

• Public speaking

• Have worked with students

• Enjoy bonding games and icebreakers

rockefeller center

Soft skills:

• Able to make snap decisions

• Staying calm in stressful situations

• Being able to maintain high energy (LONG days)

• Friendly personality

• Role model (you follow the same set of rules the students do)

• Creativity

• Flexibility

• Always thinking with a "team" mindset

• Promoting inclusivity and a team spirit among your group

staff selfie

When I originally applied to these jobs out of college, my resume included:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations with minors in Promotions and Journalism

• Studied abroad in Florence, Italy

• Public Relations Intern (7 months)

• Study Abroad Ambassador (2 years)

• Copy Editor for college yearbook (2 years)

• Social Media & Newsletter Editor for my school's chapter of PRSSA (1 year)

• Freshman Orientation Leader (3 years)

• Zumba instructor (1.5 years)

• College dance team member (4 years)

• Junior high dance team coach (1 year)

While I have a degree in PR, you don't necessarily need to be studying that to get one of those jobs. Some potential majors for wanting to go into something similarly related could include: communication, photojournalism, international relations, hospitality, international business, any foreign language, or tourism.

The more important thing is describing your previous experience and relating it to how you're qualified and will excel at the job at hand.

Have you worked abroad? Add your tips in the comments below!

Traveling The World After College: What You Need To Know

arc de triomphe 1

People always told us as kids that we should be whatever we want to be: astronauts. Rockstars. Ballerinas. Athletes. Detectives. Professional puppy owners or ship captains or world explorers. And then we grow up. And we're told we need to be "practical" with a secure full time job in a sensible field.

Especially in the US, traveling after college is not the norm. Society urges college grads to look for employment right away (not a bad thing), but taking a gap year or even the summer to travel isn't exactly encouraged. But it should be.

DSC_0566

Even though older adults often say "oh I wish I had the opportunity to travel when I was your age," it still is "more important" to cling to the corporate ladder and the security of a 401k right after graduation, and anyone who strays from the norm are met with either "good for you!" or "well, just make sure you find a job when you get back *eyeroll.*" How do I know this? I received both immense praise and utter criticism - with those exact phrases - when I decided to move to Italy for a short term job after graduation.

Do what's right for you. Welcome or not, everyone is going to give you their advice on what you "need" to do. Tune out the haters and those with the ignorant, jealous mindset that traveling after college isn't possible or realistic. If you want to travel after college, now's the perfect time. And if you're just about ready to do it, here is everything you need to know.

Traveling The World After College: What You Need To Know

Seine River Paris

Research the many ways to travel

You could be working, backpacking, volunteering, or taking a two week trip. Do you want to go long term or short term? Do you want to rent an apartment somewhere or live a gypsy life?

Decide what works best for you

Once you've done your research, decide what works best for you. Whether it's Yacht Week in Croatia, teaching English in Cambodia, backpacking across Europe, a cruise around the Caribbean, a working holiday visa in Australia, or Peace Corps for two years, there are a number of ways to travel. The options are endless!

Get inspired by others

Read blogs of others who have done it to see how they're doing it. Follow their tips. Read books about travel. Search travel hashtags on Pinterest. Talk to friends or family who have gone abroad. Before I graduated college, I even went to my school's study abroad office to ask their tips on traveling after graduation, and they were able to give me plenty of tips and resources.

Spice Market Istanbul

Know the culture's customs before you go

This is important not to just to save yourself from potential embarrassment but to also be respectful and learn about how other people live. It's also helpful to learn at least a few phrases of the language of where you're going.

The money thing.

Yes, you'll need to budget your money, and no, it doesn't have to be as expensive as you may think. Don't have quite enough saved up? Neither did I when I graduated college. I worked a summer job to pay for my flights to Europe.

If you're working abroad, be realistic about the opportunity and how much money you're going to make. Know the exachange rate of your currency and the places you're going to.

Returning from abroad: the fear of being "unemployable"

Traveling after college will boost your resume. Contrary to any fears or reservations you may have, you don't need to get a full time corporate the day after graduation.

You won't be "behind." In fact, life will be pretty much the same when you get back home. There will be jobs to apply for when you get back. You have the rest of your life to climb the corporate ladder. I'm currently working full time back home after traveling. Traveling didn't hurt my resume, it helped it.

The skills you build upon and things you learn abroad can only be positive when you're applying to jobs in the future. Plus, travel may make your career aspirations more clear.

View of Champs Elysee from Arc de Triomphe

Get ready to go!

Get your passport if you don't already have one and sort out any visa situations you might be in. Start planning with these steps: 8 Essential Steps To Planning a Trip Abroad.

Be smart and safe

Give family and close friends back home your travel plans, flight details, and a general outline of where you're going so they know how to get ahold of you if an emergency arises. Use apps like Skype, FaceTime, Whatsapp, or Viber to keep in touch over wifi.

Connect with other travelers

If you're going solo or want to meet people along the way, use networks like Couchsurfing or other groups to find others or get advice on traveling. Hostels are another great way to meet people on the road.

Blarney Castle View Cork Ireland

Keep an open mind

Sometimes the intial culture shock is amazing, and sometimes it takes time to adjust. By staying open-minded you'll give yourself the opportunity to try new things, have new experiences, and meet new people - the best parts about going abroad.

If you really don't like it, you can always go home

That's always an option. But try to at least give it a chance, shake up your routine, or try going somewhere new before leaving.

Embrace everything

If you're going somewhere short term, your time will fly by. Take pictures. Keep a journal (or blog!). Be in the moment. You've worked hard to earn your degree, and now is the time to enjoy this period in life where you can be free to roam the world.

Interlaken 1

Want more inspiration? Check out these posts about travel quotes:

These 14 Quotes Will Motivate You To Book Your Next Flight

10 Cliche But Inspiring Travel Quotes

10 Non-Cliche Travel Quotes

More Inspiring Travel Quotes

7 Things I Learned From Italians

Florence Duomo from Piazzale Michelangelo

One of the benefits of living abroad or traveling slow is that you typically understand the culture of the country and the people more than if you were just passing through. After studying abroad in Italy and living there after college, I've learned a thing or two from these gorgeous, animated Europeans.

7 Things I Learned From Italians

Purple Flowers in Sorrento

1. Stop and smell the roses

Time is different in Italy. Have a meeting at work? It's okay if you strolled in a five (or forty) minutes late. Maybe you ran into a friend on the way there, or you stopped to grab a quick espresso. In the summer vacation weeks (August) stores and restaurants have shorter hours. Some close completely and reopen when people come back from vacation. Spending time with friends and family over the summer holidays is more important than turning profit.

Andiamo Bellevue Food

2. Appreciate good food

Food is meant to taste good. One time I got take-away pizza from Cento Poveri, a restaurant near my apartment. As I held the boxes with one hand from underneath, they started to tilt a little. All of the servers nearby made audible gasps and lunged toward the pizza. The man who handed me the pizza said, "Ah! No-no-no!" This was all to ensure the cheese wouldn't slide off the perfectly crafted pizza.

3. ... And eat good food

You'll only find the best of the best in Italy, a major food capital of Europe. Daily grocery/market runs mean the freshest ingredients are used in your meals. Meals can drag out for hours, and if you're at a restaurant, you'll never be pushed out, because you're enjoying the meal and conversation.

4. Dress to impress

Italians are always dressed to the nines, even if it is just a simple skinny jeans/sneakers/sweater combination. "Look your best, because you'll never know who you'll run into" aptly applies, as you'll constantly see fabulous fashion from Italian men and women.

5. Quality over quantity

Well-crafted items are better than those made to quickly fall apart. One pair of quality, leather boots to face the cobblestone streets are far more worth it than 10 pairs of H&M sandals that will fall apart within days.

Duomo Florence

6. Art is not dead

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Italy is an art history buff's dream come true. You'll not only museums filled with art; you'll see it everywhere you go: from the ancient wonders of still-standing structures in Rome (Colosseum to name one), to the delectable cuisine, to the designs carved into churches, or the pastel homes decorating the cliffs. Art isn't just in Italy's past - it's in its future. Internationally known fashion powerhouses such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Valentino are Italian, and there are budding artists at local universities studying everything from fine art to fashion to cooking.

7. There is a pretty word for "uhh."

It's allora. :)