Why I Started Traveling And Why I Continue To Do It
I’ve always been curious about what it’s like to be in another country, and each new destination I visited just made me more curious. I’m addicted to seeing new places, getting to know other cultures, meeting locals, hearing other languages, trying new foods, etc.
I Try To Travel Whenever I Can
I travel every 2 months (more or less), but I would like to travel a lot more. Being based in Israel, Europe is the easiest and cheapest continent to reach. Also, I’d love to visit all continents, but there’s something about the charm of European countries that is irresistible to me.
I always have my camera with me, and for me, other must-haves include a reusable water bottle, a travel journal to document everything, sunscreen, and of course, chargers.
How I Travel Around Europe
I usually plan a trip to one country at a time, so I only get around that one country. I love using Omio (formerly GoEuro) to compare bus, train, and flight rates because sometimes flights can be cheaper than trains. That said, many train companies offer some kind of pass that can give you major discounts.
Meeting New People On My Travels
I meet locals organically, whether it’s the hotel owner, a person having coffee at a cafe, or a cashier at a shop. On many occasions, a small conversation turns into a memorable moment. I remember road tripping Andalucia (southern Spain) and asking a local to help us with finding the parking lot of the car rental company to return the car. The guy came with us, waited until we returned the car, and invited us to have beer and snacks at his favorite bar. We ended up spending a few hours together, and it was spontaneous and fun.
Countries I’ve Visited So Far
I’ve been to 19 countries so far, and I visited some of them more than once.
South America has always been on my bucket list since I grew up watching Argentinian tv series that were very popular in Israel when I was a child. That’s how I learned Spanish, and I was eager to visit Argentina and other countries in the continent. Visiting places with such amazing natural landscapes like Laguna Esmeralda in Ushuaia, Bariloche, the Perito Moreno glacier and Iguazu falls, and attending the carnival in Rio were some of my most favorite experiences.
My bucket list is incredibly long, but right now, my top dream destinations are New Zealand, Japan, the Azores, and the Canary Islands.
Some Of My Favourite Travel Apps & Websites
Skyscanner and Booking for flights and accommodation. Get Your Guide and Airbnb for tours and experiences. During the trip itself, in Europe I usually only use Google Maps to mark the places I want to visit and to navigate.
Why I Started My Blog
I’ve had a few years of feeling stuck, not knowing what to do with my life, and this blog felt like a step in the right direction. I want to help other travelers experience each destination to the fullest and not just see the highlights of a country/city, which means introducing them to underrated destinations, finding hidden gems, and sharing my best travel tips, itineraries, and more.
How I Manage My Travel Costs
I’m a mid-range traveler, and I put emphasis on experiences. I try to find relatively cheap mid-range accommodations, so I can enjoy good food and unique tours. I also try to find free things to do, including museums that can be visited for free on certain days and other free or cheap attractions.
One Of My Best Travel Experiences
I wanted to improve my Spanish, so I spent one month in Madrid at a language school called Enforex. I rented a private room at a lovely local woman’s home through Airbnb to save money on accommodation, I met many new friends from around the world at that school, and I did get to improve my Spanish a lot. It’s a unique experience because you get to feel like a local when you spend more than a few days in a city, and I would have probably never met that group of people without it. The school has so many different programs for all levels that can be customized to your needs and wishes, so anyone can try it.
What I Wish I Had Known When I Started Traveling
Traveling has become much more accessible (in terms of prices, information, etc.) since my first few trips, so I can’t really think of something I wish I knew. I did learn a lot from every trip, and I think the biggest lesson is that there is no wrong or right way to live. When you see so many different ways of life and hear so many stories from people you meet along the way, you realize that you live in a bubble and that you can choose how you want your life to look like.
Advice To Other Solo Travelers
Build your confidence one trip at a time. Start with a short city break in a city that’s considered safe. Know that - you can join some group walking tours if you want to feel like you’re not alone 24/7, you don’t have to stay at hostel dorms if it’s not your style, and there are plenty of apps designed for solo female travelers you can use to feel safer and more comfortable or to meet other travelers.
Other inspiring stories to read!
