I just got on my plane heading from Sweden back to my home in Australia, and I wanted to stop and take a moment of self reflection about this spectacular journey that I embarked on a few, short months ago. From New Zealand, to Italy, to Ireland, to the U.S., to Portugal, to Sweden, and back, (it’s a mouth full, I know), I was able to take all of you along for the ride. I speak with nothing but gratitude when I talk about my adventures and the self discovery that I experienced while hopping from country to country.
One of my main motivations for taking this trip was to gain some perspective and work on my self improvement before I take on the next steps in my life. Now that I have finished my travels, I know that this was the best decision that I ever made. I saw some of the most beautiful sights, like the volcanoes in Naples and the beaches of New Zealand. I had truly amazing experiences, like hiking a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail in California and dancing the night away in Stockholm. And I met so many great people along the way.
As you all know, I had recently graduated with a degree in Anthropology before I made the decision to travel. As I flew to all these different countries and embraced their unique culture, I realized how much this trip had brought my four year education to life. Everything I had been learning and studying, I was actually experiencing and it gave me a whole new appreciation for the work I put into my college degree.
Throughout your lifetime, if you ever get the opportunity to travel solo, I highly urge you to take it. No matter what phase of your life you are in, everyone can learn or experience something beneficial from it. Especially to all my college student readers, if you want to see the world…all I have to say is “Go for it!”. This is such a great time in our lives where we can explore, learn, and make memories that we will carry forever. That being said, I totally understand how much of a privilege being able to travel is, and I am more than grateful that I was able to have this as a life option.
If I had to describe myself before my trip I would say I was timid, and nervous about where my path was going to take me next. After, I would say I am thankful, prepared, and excited for whatever is coming my way. It’s crazy to think how much this adventure has affected me, but it allowed me to get the clarity that I desperately needed. As my final farewell, I just want to say thank you for reading along as I encountered new places, new people, and new perspectives.
Happy Travels!!
Around the World with Jess 