Your video is so on point! I started solo traveling in my late 20s when I decided to leave my comfort zone. Hostels, hitchhiking, cheap late-night buses where you sleep on the bus and arrive at your destination in the morning, and cooking my own meals at the hostel. All of that changed after I reached my late 30s. I enjoy staying in nice accommodations, eating at nice and delicious restaurants, and taking flights instead of night buses (my record was a 29-hour bus from Munich to London). Life is incredible! I'm heading to Africa again for 3 months in July! 2 more weeks!
people always say "oh ill travel when im older when i have more savings" but during mu first semi-solo trip (because i joined a local tour) i realise you do not need money to travel. you need HEALTH. there was this lady in her 70s who accompanied her 40yr old daughter on this trip, and during this whole time, the old lady stayed on the coach because the roads arent even and comfortable enough to walk, or theres just too many stairs (it was in Turkey). it changed my perspective of travelling. you really got to do it when your body is ABLE. your health will only go downhill, but your savings have possibility of going up as you age
I’ve been trying to do this in my own life after I’ve known 3 people to develop and pass away from cancer in 2 years. Where I’m not traveling yet, I am taking the opportunities to go to concerts, fairs, and more friend/family oriented activities. Live your life today!
Agreed with everything you said. One of our family members always says "I wish I had travelled when I had less money because now I have the money but are not healthy enough to do it" and that's reason enough to travel as much as you can because you never know if you're going to be able to do it later. Exploring your backyard counts, especially if you live somewhere like the US.
You are so spot on. I started travelling Solo, since 2016(minus pandemic). I have started to travel every year for my birthday and made a promise to myself that i need to wake up in a different country on my birthday. I just returned from South Korea today. Travelling really adds a different perspective to life. a new chapter to your book of life. It does really boost the confidence and most importantly it definitely kicks the survival instinct in you when you travel alone. In the recent trip, I met a Korean lady and we spoke for 30mins using google translator about everything under the sun we can discuss. She even invited me to her house to show her beautiful garden. I totally agree, the level of comfort travelling has changed over the last few years for me too.
Great video. This past winter I asked 2 of my closest friends if they would travel to Italy this year with my husband and me. They've never been there. We are all about 60. They balked at the cost and said, "Maybe in a few years." I was disappointed and stewed about it for a while. When I saw them next, I gave a little speech--nothing as comprehensive as your video, but along similar lines: In a few years, nothing is going to be easier. Our parents' health won't be better. Our health won't be better. We won't have more income--it's too late to assume that. People sometimes have buyer's remorse, but almost never have traveler's remorse. I talked them into it.
You are absolutely right! I am in the same age range and a solo traveler! The time to travel is now! Italy is beautiful, I just returned from Florence, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Great experience!
My wife and I love your videos. I just turned 60. She’s 53. I’m trying to do as much traveling now as I can. I use to go solo and went on photographic trips out West (I live in New Hampshire). We just got back from a driving trip to West Virginia. It’s beautiful there. A tip for you Allison- you should come to the White Mountains in New Hampshire and to Vermont the first two weeks of October. Specifically drive the Kangamagus Highway and bring your drone. There’s nothing like the Autumn Colors there. Our next road trip is to Lake Willoughby in Vermont the first week of October. Then Scotland or Italy next year. Thanks again for your videos. Peace.
Love your point on traveling helps build problem solving skills. It just sparked an idea for a summer activity for our 12 yr old to design a day adventure here in Austin and give him a destination and he has to figure out how to get there using the CapMetro rail, how to buy tickets for it. Including things like a budget for lunch, and figuring out where to eat, and work in little bit for him to plan and figure out. Travel in your backyard.
If you can, travel. Explore. Leave your hometown. Go somewhere far away. Live or find a job in another country for a while. Discover how other people live and how different it is from what you know. Different places will bring out different versions of you. Go and see what’s out there. The self-discovery that comes from leaving can change your entire life. I know it’s scary, I was scared too.. but I did it anyway and you can too. My whole perspective in life changed the moment I stepped out of my comfort zone. And you won’t regret it, I promise. If it works for you, good. If it doesn’t, well, atleast you tried.
I booked my dream vacation to Italy, and I can't wait! Starting at the Amalfi Coast and ending in Venice. I had it on the back burner for 10 years, and finally decided that if I never book it then it will never happen. I am so glad I did, now I am obsessively watching videos on places to see while there 😂
In the process of planning a 3 month solo Europe trip (not backpacking, but carry-on-ing 😂) I keep doubting myself and going back and forth as to whether I should go through with it as it is SO BIG, expensive, lots of forms of public transport which means lots can go wrong and it'll be my first time in non-english speaking countries...but I'm gonna take this as my sign to stop doubting and start doing! Thank you Allison!
Go! I am a female solo traveler, but I travel for max 2 weeks, because after that I miss the healthy food, my bed, my exercise routine :). Best wishes and don't worry too much about non-English speaking countries, you will always find someone who speak English. Maybe learn the basic words. They appreciate that too when you say, please, thank you in their language. Or basic phrases like "where is the bus stop, the bathroom, supermarket, etc. Best wishes on your travels.
I was going to go to soctland this past year but then I prushed it off so I’m going to Canada and Greece and me and my and doing a road trip out west in USA
Spot on video! Can really relate to the comfort tolerance part. In my 30’s now and it really rings true. Can only imagine how much lower it would be in my retirement years…travel now!
Me and my wife just got back home from a trip to Switzerland and all the things that you said here are 100% on point and also made us realize bunch of things from watching this video. Thanks and more power to you and to your channel!! 🙌🏻
I agree 100% with everything, specially because being able to travel is such a privilege that not many people have. So the ones who can and like to do it should totally go. We went on a cruise to Alaska last month and it was incredible, in fact, I found your channel because of your Alaska video and I fell in love immediately with the destination and your videos. Thanks for your beautiful work! It inspires me so much.
That’s crazy ☺️ This video came out one day before my second solo trip started. I really thought about cancelling it, because I was so nervous about it! So your video was perfectly released to convince me to go ❤ And the trip was absolutely amazing 😍 I was smiling all day because it was so amazing! Love all your solo travel content and hope there are a lot following 🥰 Thank you Allison, all of your solo travel videos are so inspiring, that I started my first solo trip in january. I fell in love with solo travel ☺️
This is a great vlog you're so right on all accounts as a lover of travel in my 20s I was broke in debt finally finished college at 28 started traveling around 34 after paying my debt greatest decision.I travel solo mostly because I can never find people who want to go the places I do or they don't have the time or money but I don't let it hold me back plus I'm a introvert so solo travel is amazing for me. I'm 43 now still healthy and can walk miles and miles but I have discovered my tolerance for traveling in hot climates walking alot, staying in lower budget accommodations and being in crowds has really diminished so we definitely change as we age expectations, comforts etc. I can do extremely long flights but now I can't tolerate economy like I did at 28 or 34 I have to be in economy plus, or 1st class if I can afford it which sometimes off season I find good prices on 1st even business class I'm at a age where comfort and peace is priority great tips.
Beautiful, I am so glad you made us all part of your journey. I found late 20s and early 30s to be the perfect sweet spot - I worked heard in early 20s to make the money, then put the so called 'career' on hold to prioritise travel. Best decision I could ever make! But also the more I travel the more I believe that money is not always the biggest barrier - if you want to make it work, you will, no matter your budget! Also one aspect you touched upon, how the world is changing, how travel is changing.. I would love to hear more about this from you - do you see travelling change because of social media / TH-cam / instagram?
WOW, everything about your video is perfect. You, the content, the edits, thank you! It made want to have a full video of you talking about how you handled yourself in Portugal after noticing your wallet was gone. Kudos to you, you are an amazing/resourceful person!
In 2017 I chaperoned my daughter's trip to NYC. The group went on to WaDc. I stayed in NYC by myself. I was 42 and live on the west coast in a town of maybe 35 people. I had never been so scared in all my life. I would do it again.
What a great way to inspire your viewers to travel and why you should not delay. Im totally with you. Earn it and burn it and go where you want to go. This year for us it's back to Namibia and South Africa. Safe travels Allison.
Great video, you are young and wise and I very much agree with what you say. I’m in my mid 60’s now and have travelled the world most of my life. My personal goal is to visit 100 countries before I die. I am currently at 65 and I would already have made my target except that along the way I returned to places like, Kenya, Tanzania, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK multiple times each, because they are all so worthy of multiple visits. Your breakdown of our timeline of life is very accurate. I’ve gone with little and for longer when I was younger, put up with sleeping in noisy dorm rooms at hostels, flop houses in SE Asia and sleeping on a wooden pew in a church in Africa because it only cost $1/night. At this age and retired my wife and I don’t stay at luxurious places, moderate hotels, motels and B&B’s are just fine. We use local transport, buses and trains and we like to rent a vehicle for a week or two at a time to give us total freedom to go where want to go, when we want to go. We mostly plan and arrange our own itinerary, it is so easy with the internet, something we didn’t have in the 1970’s and 80’s. From time to time we will sign onto an organized 2 week trip and I must say, I have actually really enjoyed them because we did our research and made sure it was with a small group, 15 or 16 maximum, and allowed us to be very active, not just sit in a bus and watch the scenery through a window. I truly agree with your list of benefits, improving problem solving skills, developing a worldview, and that we never know what the future holds, good and bad. Eight years ago I went through life threatening cancer but by the grace of God, I’m still here and still travelling. Seize the day, carpe deim. I’ve noticed over the years/decades that some people can just jump in the deep end and go off travelling but I was much more of a crawl, walk, run person, starting with shorter trips with a few friends, then shorter trips solo and then having the experience and confidence to go on my own for multiple months to a year long trip backpacking the world. I still hope to make the 100 countries, with Egypt and Jordan being added in a few months. Travel on!
I’m taking my husband out of the country for the first time next week! So excited for him to experience a different kind of travel! The country at the top of my list now, is Jordan thanks to your video on your travel experience there!
I aM so Inspired currently 70% of Philippines now for my baby step before going outside of my country and this is one of the best thing I have done in my life!!!!! I have no regrets doing this in my 20's I am so proud of what I am doing and what I have done fr the past 7 months I finally escape the 8 to 5 jobs and start travel...Greetings fron the Philippines
You are so right! Now is the time to see the world. Allison, I was so inspired by your fabulous video chronicling your Namibia Safari, I just added my name to the list for the April 2024 Nambia Photo Safari organized by SafariFrank. I'm 65 and in good physical condition, all things considered, and now is the time to go if I want to go. Ten years from now, I might not have the energy. Although I have been on tours with women in their 80's who had more energy than most people in their 20's. The point is I have that yearning for adventure. My idea of adventure may be different from when I was in my 30's but a sense of adventure, nonetheless. I have traveled solo all over the world. I congratulate you on encouraging young women to take the plunge. If you're smart and safe about it, traveling the world can be an amazing, awe-inspiring adventure! Best of luck with your TH-cam channel, Allison. You are a real inspiration for young women to get out there! And semi-old ladies like me, too. (-; And, btw - there are some real travel deals out there to be had. For those on a tight budget, look for airfare deals and cruise line deals. They are there. You may have to save up your money and keep looking for the right one to come along, but the airlines and cruise lines have sales that just might make a trip "doable."
Travel, experiences different cultures 3rd world especially gives you a new perspective to basic things we take for granted. If money is tight, there are still opportunities to save - I’ve done it when I didn’t earn much money. No subscription services, no going out to eat, cook bulk meals, meal prep and you can save so much money by just doing just this. But this takes discipline
Been loving your vlogs lately like. This is so insane, having solo trips yet the results is so good. Love the editing, videography, hope you could able to travel and explore Philippines one day. Sending love and support from Philippines 🇵🇭
I agree with everything you said. I didn't really start traveling until I was 50. Then I started taking at least one trip a year to some place amazing. I wish I could have traveled more when I was younger. I've been to lots of amazing places, seen lots of amazing things, and met lots of amazing people. I'm 70 now. And, I'm slowing down and can't do all of the things that I could do in the past. I still plan to travel when and where I can for as long as I can. And I would encourage everyone, young or old, to do the same. My next trip will be to Vancouver and Vancouver Island this Fall. Hopefully I'll get to see and photograph whales!
After watching your videos for a couple of months. You have inspired me to want travel on my own. And after 2 years struggling with my mental health. I've recently just started a new job and hoping to save some money to be able to travel even if it is somewhere close.
Just got my passport and I'm 31 years old, haven't left the UK or been on a plane in nearly 25 years (pretty fucked I know lol) but I've just booked to go to prague and can't wait to get there
Love this SOO much!!! Traveling has enriched my life SO much and I’ve never ever regretted spending money on travel - even when I was younger and really needed to work extra hard to save, or when I knew I had to get creative with travel costs. Love seeing your travels 🥰
Will you be my tour guide!? Love your solo trips. I'm a solo travler as well, so much freedom in traveling alone. My husband worries sometimes but also is very supportive. TRAVEL NOW❤
Finally about to spend all my airline points on a trip with my twin brother. I was probably 75% convinced when he brought up the idea of a trip to Europe, but now....can't wait for Italy and Switzerland!
My husband and I have a 2 year old and 4 year old. We just went to Aruba, and EVERYONE was shocked they went with (we have been to several other places as well). Most of my mom friends don't want to travel with young kids. But guess what? Those young kids become busy big kids with school (we homeschool), sports, conflicting schedules, etc. There is no perfect time to travel. My kids are now use to flying on a plane and they love it! We got back early May from Aruba, but my 4 year old already wants to go fly again because she gets sprite! Haha.
Good for you! My children are grown now and want to do their traveling with their own partners (as they should!). People will tell you, you get 18 summers, and it is true, but many don't realize what that means until the years of family trips are behind them.
Amazing you are travelling with kids! I just came back from St Lucia, also highly recommended for family holidays and does not have to be expensive! I also made a video about it in case you wanted more detail
I agree there's no perfect time train children well they get use to travel the more they experience it and learn how to behave many children do just fine.
You are so right, we traveled to several great places since 2016. I can say I been to all 7 continents since. But we haven't been able to agreed on the destinations. This help us to stop making excuses and pick one. Glad I cam across this video.
India with my wife and kids. We were in India for my wife's work in 2007 and our kids were 6 and 2. But many core memories for them come from that 3 month trip. Now they are 22 and 18. I would love to see it again with them as young adults witnessing all the little things that have influenced them from that beautiful country.
love this all so much! We just bought an Airstream to live in full time and excited to be pushed out of our comfort zones and go on some fun adventures!
I decided to get a job in a place far from my homeland. I choose it on my 20's because i want to learn more, travel more, before i get married because if not now, then when. Before i watched your video i was really scared, worry and something just spin on my head if my decision was wrong. But now...i'm excited to go. Thank you ❤
Awesome video! I am retired military where I traveled to some to some of the most Dangerous countries on earth. Now I travel (Full-time) for leisure having the best years of my life. I love traveling ❤️🐸🔱
I love your channel and it’s inspiring to me to start planning my solo trips!! Actually I have one booked to Montego Bay I’m nervous but excited at same time
Thanks for all your Covid videos Allison!! :) I'm headed to Scotland/Ireland and will be re-watching your camera videos to find the Invisible stick and maybe a nice video camera for the hikes
Hi Allison, great video! Excellent analysis. I just got back from Florence, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. I am sooo tired, and can't believe I am already looking to see where I might want to go next. (That's after I travel to see my mom in Latin America). I followed your recommendations/ tips for my Oman and Dubai/Abu Dhabi trip last year, they were all on point. Thanks! You are right, the best time to travel is now! I am thinking maybe Japan, Korea or who knows, maybe go South Asia. I have only been to Tokyo briefly and Shanghai for a wedding six years ago. I appreciate your tips for female solo travelers.
All so true, especially about learning and adapting to things. The US in 2010 was my first solo trip, it was before I had a smartphone and I researched so badly about each place I traveled so inevitably I got lost on arrival in most cities and took forever to find hostels to stay. But that made me so much better prepared for all my travels since. But I also learned from that no matter how things pan out, it's all part of the experience 👌😎✈️🌎
I traveled to Portugal to do a master's degree all of a sudden. And despite some setbacks, such as COVID, I don't regret going. I was able to postpone it and not even happen.
Have you ever thought about organizing a group excursion of sorts? Like we can all meet up at an area and stay in a giant Airbnb or hotel with separate rooms and go out on the city exploring and traveling together!!
I realised this few months back and then travelling and exploring the local land. Yeah, its true, next best time to travel is 'NOW'. I have some plans to go for a overnight camp in a mountain area around where I live. Planning for astrophotography as well. Let's see how it turns out...
I can't travel yet, but I am not making an excuse! I am 16 and clearly broke haha, but I plan to change that soon enough, and I was watching this video not because I needed more reason to go, but to keep mind focus on why I need to keep pushing! One day I am going to book my first flight and my life will truly start ( I say that because I want to dedicate my life to travel!) and I will have the best time of my life! I am a little scared, I won't lie...but it is almost a excited fear? I don't know! Anyways, love the video and safe travels!
All great points on travel. I've been very fortunate to travel all over the world with work and pleasure. It absolutely opens up your views on other people and cultures. In regards to Angel's Landing in Zion....I say skip it. My buddy and I continued on the West Rim Trail and hiked way above Angel's Landing with way better views and not a soul in sight. Sure, it's an extra 8-10 miles, but sooooooo worth it. Get away from the crowds.
So funny. I have been wanting to walk the Camino de Santiago, the French Way in Spain, for 15 years now (I am 36). I just finished it. It took me 1 month to walk over 500 miles. I now am in Portugal and will also be making my way to Morocco after. And yes, I am doing these trips by myself!!
I have loved diving into your channel! From one fellow traveler to another (and relative minimalist)- do you have a favorite pair of traveling pants? Preferably natural materials… don’t have to withstand a tsunami but ones that are somewhat hardy and reasonably flattering for outdoorsy situations❤
Well said Allison! I just came back from Tokyo this month. It was so wonderful and I know the memories will remain with me forever. Coming back made me think about a lot of things, including how I can make it possible to travel more in a year. Where's my next trip? Not sure yet...maybe Alaska by end of the year, and next year, Norway or Switzerland. :)
All good points. Can I add one? If we assume that travel makes life-long memories, what would you rather do; travel at 70 and have those memories last, say 15 years, or travel at 30 and have them last 50+ years? Regarding the money/time/health scenario, I think they sometimes compensate for each other. For example, as a 65 year old I suffer from Sciatica, which makes sitting crammed into an Economy seat for long periods painful sometimes (it’s a lottery!). Fortunately, at this stage in life, my finances are such that I can book premium economy when needed. I don’t think the tolerance of discomfort that you mention is necessarily linear with time. Depends on the objective of the trip. Sometimes we travel to celebrate, or for a treat, in which case we “push the boat out” a bit with comfort. But I’m a landscape photographer and if I’m travelling to get a shot in a particular location, I’ll do whatever it takes to get there. (And yes, happy to still sleep on the floor at 65. Actually helps with the Sciatica!😂)
AGREED! I wish more people thought this way! Last year, I was so frustrated with my friends not committing to trips. I booked my first solo trip to Arizona to see Taylor Swift in concert this March and it was AMAZING 🤩 I also bought tickets to see S Club 7 in London this October. England has always been my #1 bucket list 🥹 I didn’t care that I was going solo, I HAD to jump at this once in a life time opportunity. My parents don’t want me going alone to another country (I’m 34 😂), so my mom will be traveling with me in England ❤ Can’t wait! 🇬🇧
So fun! It’s awesome to hear that you had such a positive and great experience. And the Taylor Swift concert must’ve been 🎉🎉🎉 solo especially! Lol. I want to work up the bravery to go alone. I like the idea of traveling somewhere domestic first. I might just have to start in my home state as a staycation first lol
I also travel alone to see concerts and for the gastronomic experience. Of course I also see top cultural attractions. I am parent too, we worry about our "kids" your age and older 🤣
Thanks for sharing some Important Travel tips. I am travelling but till in my state region, and soon will travel to countries. Will definitely keep in mind important Tips which you have shared. I really like your Story telling skills and Film making skills as well. Hope to meet you someday! Have a Good Day.
In my opinion, it's not only about the tolerance changes over time, which is true...but also the fact, if you travelled before for some time, or more often you just know sometimes it's better to pay a little bit more money to not having rats in your bed. :'D Or knowing that some things seem a bit shady, just look at the pictures online which could bring you and others into severe danger. So having experience means knowing when to invest and when not. :) For example, I learned to stay in female dorms in a hostel. It's not about me not liking men or mixed dorms. But the fact that over time I made lots of sadly bad experiences, made me be more aware and so I prefer to pay some dollars more to sleep better and feel safe. :D Love to watch your videos, because it makes people open their horizon and go for what they want. Do prefer to travel alone. With friends it's fun, but I like to take my time making videos and photos and don't need to adjust to another person in the meaning of food, morning or night person etc. Could tell lots of stories about travelling and interesting situations as well. It's wonderful to talk about these with others to learn from each other.
I'm trying to decide to either go to the UK or to Las Vegas and Zion National Park for a week. If I choose to go to the UK I would rent a car and drive across to Scotland and hike the national parks along the way and see the other sights like Buckingham Palace, old churches and whatever else.
If I had the PTO and money to go, I’d fly to Australia tomorrow. Perhaps because it’s the furthest continent away from me in the USA. It fascinates me!! Koalas, kangaroos, weird fruits, Bondi Beach, Syndey… there’s so much to see. Freelee the Banana Girl has piqued my curiosity, & I have an au pair friend from there 🇦🇺❤️
So... where's your next trip?
Egypt may be😊
Probably Vietnam & Cambodia this November / December!
Mars
South Africa in June!
Singapore
Your video is so on point! I started solo traveling in my late 20s when I decided to leave my comfort zone. Hostels, hitchhiking, cheap late-night buses where you sleep on the bus and arrive at your destination in the morning, and cooking my own meals at the hostel. All of that changed after I reached my late 30s. I enjoy staying in nice accommodations, eating at nice and delicious restaurants, and taking flights instead of night buses (my record was a 29-hour bus from Munich to London). Life is incredible! I'm heading to Africa again for 3 months in July! 2 more weeks!
THIS is amazing! you are very inspiring as well!
people always say "oh ill travel when im older when i have more savings" but during mu first semi-solo trip (because i joined a local tour) i realise you do not need money to travel. you need HEALTH. there was this lady in her 70s who accompanied her 40yr old daughter on this trip, and during this whole time, the old lady stayed on the coach because the roads arent even and comfortable enough to walk, or theres just too many stairs (it was in Turkey). it changed my perspective of travelling. you really got to do it when your body is ABLE. your health will only go downhill, but your savings have possibility of going up as you age
I’ve been trying to do this in my own life after I’ve known 3 people to develop and pass away from cancer in 2 years. Where I’m not traveling yet, I am taking the opportunities to go to concerts, fairs, and more friend/family oriented activities. Live your life today!
Agreed with everything you said. One of our family members always says "I wish I had travelled when I had less money because now I have the money but are not healthy enough to do it" and that's reason enough to travel as much as you can because you never know if you're going to be able to do it later. Exploring your backyard counts, especially if you live somewhere like the US.
You are so spot on. I started travelling Solo, since 2016(minus pandemic). I have started to travel every year for my birthday and made a promise to myself that i need to wake up in a different country on my birthday. I just returned from South Korea today. Travelling really adds a different perspective to life. a new chapter to your book of life. It does really boost the confidence and most importantly it definitely kicks the survival instinct in you when you travel alone. In the recent trip, I met a Korean lady and we spoke for 30mins using google translator about everything under the sun we can discuss. She even invited me to her house to show her beautiful garden. I totally agree, the level of comfort travelling has changed over the last few years for me too.
thanks for visiting my country! hope you enjoyed your stay in South Korea!
@@danply Thank you :) I definitely did enjoy. Hopefully will visit other cities in SK in the future.
Great video. This past winter I asked 2 of my closest friends if they would travel to Italy this year with my husband and me. They've never been there. We are all about 60. They balked at the cost and said, "Maybe in a few years." I was disappointed and stewed about it for a while. When I saw them next, I gave a little speech--nothing as comprehensive as your video, but along similar lines: In a few years, nothing is going to be easier. Our parents' health won't be better. Our health won't be better. We won't have more income--it's too late to assume that. People sometimes have buyer's remorse, but almost never have traveler's remorse. I talked them into it.
You are absolutely right! I am in the same age range and a solo traveler! The time to travel is now! Italy is beautiful, I just returned from Florence, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Great experience!
Planning to go to New Zealand this year! Also planning a one year leave from work to travel in a few years from now!
Couldn't agree more. There's no time like the present. That's why I'm on the road from Texas to Alaska right now!
My wife and I love your videos. I just turned 60. She’s 53. I’m trying to do as much traveling now as I can. I use to go solo and went on photographic trips out West (I live in New Hampshire). We just got back from a driving trip to West Virginia. It’s beautiful there. A tip for you Allison- you should come to the White Mountains in New Hampshire and to Vermont the first two weeks of October. Specifically drive the Kangamagus Highway and bring your drone. There’s nothing like the Autumn Colors there. Our next road trip is to Lake Willoughby in Vermont the first week of October. Then Scotland or Italy next year. Thanks again for your videos. Peace.
Love your point on traveling helps build problem solving skills. It just sparked an idea for a summer activity for our 12 yr old to design a day adventure here in Austin and give him a destination and he has to figure out how to get there using the CapMetro rail, how to buy tickets for it. Including things like a budget for lunch, and figuring out where to eat, and work in little bit for him to plan and figure out. Travel in your backyard.
Awesome idea!
I love how you incorporate storytelling into your travel videos. It adds a personal touch.
If you can, travel. Explore. Leave your hometown. Go somewhere far away. Live or find a job in another country for a while. Discover how other people live and how different it is from what you know. Different places will bring out different versions of you. Go and see what’s out there. The self-discovery that comes from leaving can change your entire life. I know it’s scary, I was scared too.. but I did it anyway and you can too. My whole perspective in life changed the moment I stepped out of my comfort zone. And you won’t regret it, I promise. If it works for you, good. If it doesn’t, well, atleast you tried.
I booked my dream vacation to Italy, and I can't wait! Starting at the Amalfi Coast and ending in Venice. I had it on the back burner for 10 years, and finally decided that if I never book it then it will never happen. I am so glad I did, now I am obsessively watching videos on places to see while there 😂
She convinced me - but she left my bank account empty.
In the process of planning a 3 month solo Europe trip (not backpacking, but carry-on-ing 😂) I keep doubting myself and going back and forth as to whether I should go through with it as it is SO BIG, expensive, lots of forms of public transport which means lots can go wrong and it'll be my first time in non-english speaking countries...but I'm gonna take this as my sign to stop doubting and start doing! Thank you Allison!
Don't worry about the language... especially in western europe lots of people can talk english
Go! I am a female solo traveler, but I travel for max 2 weeks, because after that I miss the healthy food, my bed, my exercise routine :). Best wishes and don't worry too much about non-English speaking countries, you will always find someone who speak English. Maybe learn the basic words. They appreciate that too when you say, please, thank you in their language. Or basic phrases like "where is the bus stop, the bathroom, supermarket, etc. Best wishes on your travels.
I was going to go to soctland this past year but then I prushed it off so I’m going to Canada and Greece and me and my and doing a road trip out west in USA
Spot on video! Can really relate to the comfort tolerance part. In my 30’s now and it really rings true. Can only imagine how much lower it would be in my retirement years…travel now!
Me and my wife just got back home from a trip to Switzerland and all the things that you said here are 100% on point and also made us realize bunch of things from watching this video. Thanks and more power to you and to your channel!! 🙌🏻
Hi Allison! I’m glad I have found your TH-cam channel. You are really inspiring, specially for women 😊
I agree 100% with everything, specially because being able to travel is such a privilege that not many people have. So the ones who can and like to do it should totally go. We went on a cruise to Alaska last month and it was incredible, in fact, I found your channel because of your Alaska video and I fell in love immediately with the destination and your videos. Thanks for your beautiful work! It inspires me so much.
“Double booked with a rodent”! 😂🤣😂
That’s crazy ☺️ This video came out one day before my second solo trip started. I really thought about cancelling it, because I was so nervous about it! So your video was perfectly released to convince me to go ❤ And the trip was absolutely amazing 😍 I was smiling all day because it was so amazing! Love all your solo travel content and hope there are a lot following 🥰 Thank you Allison, all of your solo travel videos are so inspiring, that I started my first solo trip in january. I fell in love with solo travel ☺️
This is a great vlog you're so right on all accounts as a lover of travel in my 20s I was broke in debt finally finished college at 28 started traveling around 34 after paying my debt greatest decision.I travel solo mostly because I can never find people who want to go the places I do or they don't have the time or money but I don't let it hold me back plus I'm a introvert so solo travel is amazing for me. I'm 43 now still healthy and can walk miles and miles but I have discovered my tolerance for traveling in hot climates walking alot, staying in lower budget accommodations and being in crowds has really diminished so we definitely change as we age expectations, comforts etc. I can do extremely long flights but now I can't tolerate economy like I did at 28 or 34 I have to be in economy plus, or 1st class if I can afford it which sometimes off season I find good prices on 1st even business class I'm at a age where comfort and peace is priority great tips.
Beautiful, I am so glad you made us all part of your journey. I found late 20s and early 30s to be the perfect sweet spot - I worked heard in early 20s to make the money, then put the so called 'career' on hold to prioritise travel. Best decision I could ever make! But also the more I travel the more I believe that money is not always the biggest barrier - if you want to make it work, you will, no matter your budget! Also one aspect you touched upon, how the world is changing, how travel is changing.. I would love to hear more about this from you - do you see travelling change because of social media / TH-cam / instagram?
You make me smile... good advice. I've traveled extensively and will continue to do so at 71 years old.
WOW, everything about your video is perfect. You, the content, the edits, thank you! It made want to have a full video of you talking about how you handled yourself in Portugal after noticing your wallet was gone. Kudos to you, you are an amazing/resourceful person!
In 2017 I chaperoned my daughter's trip to NYC. The group went on to WaDc. I stayed in NYC by myself. I was 42 and live on the west coast in a town of maybe 35 people. I had never been so scared in all my life. I would do it again.
What a great way to inspire your viewers to travel and why you should not delay. Im totally with you. Earn it and burn it and go where you want to go. This year for us it's back to Namibia and South Africa. Safe travels Allison.
Great video, you are young and wise and I very much agree with what you say. I’m in my mid 60’s now and have travelled the world most of my life. My personal goal is to visit 100 countries before I die. I am currently at 65 and I would already have made my target except that along the way I returned to places like, Kenya, Tanzania, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK multiple times each, because they are all so worthy of multiple visits. Your breakdown of our timeline of life is very accurate. I’ve gone with little and for longer when I was younger, put up with sleeping in noisy dorm rooms at hostels, flop houses in SE Asia and sleeping on a wooden pew in a church in Africa because it only cost $1/night. At this age and retired my wife and I don’t stay at luxurious places, moderate hotels, motels and B&B’s are just fine. We use local transport, buses and trains and we like to rent a vehicle for a week or two at a time to give us total freedom to go where want to go, when we want to go. We mostly plan and arrange our own itinerary, it is so easy with the internet, something we didn’t have in the 1970’s and 80’s. From time to time we will sign onto an organized 2 week trip and I must say, I have actually really enjoyed them because we did our research and made sure it was with a small group, 15 or 16 maximum, and allowed us to be very active, not just sit in a bus and watch the scenery through a window. I truly agree with your list of benefits, improving problem solving skills, developing a worldview, and that we never know what the future holds, good and bad. Eight years ago I went through life threatening cancer but by the grace of God, I’m still here and still travelling. Seize the day, carpe deim.
I’ve noticed over the years/decades that some people can just jump in the deep end and go off travelling but I was much more of a crawl, walk, run person, starting with shorter trips with a few friends, then shorter trips solo and then having the experience and confidence to go on my own for multiple months to a year long trip backpacking the world. I still hope to make the 100 countries, with Egypt and Jordan being added in a few months. Travel on!
I’m taking my husband out of the country for the first time next week! So excited for him to experience a different kind of travel! The country at the top of my list now, is Jordan thanks to your video on your travel experience there!
I aM so Inspired currently 70% of Philippines now for my baby step before going outside of my country and this is one of the best thing I have done in my life!!!!! I have no regrets doing this in my 20's I am so proud of what I am doing and what I have done fr the past 7 months I finally escape the 8 to 5 jobs and start travel...Greetings fron the Philippines
You are so right! Now is the time to see the world. Allison, I was so inspired by your fabulous video chronicling your Namibia Safari, I just added my name to the list for the April 2024 Nambia Photo Safari organized by SafariFrank. I'm 65 and in good physical condition, all things considered, and now is the time to go if I want to go. Ten years from now, I might not have the energy. Although I have been on tours with women in their 80's who had more energy than most people in their 20's. The point is I have that yearning for adventure. My idea of adventure may be different from when I was in my 30's but a sense of adventure, nonetheless. I have traveled solo all over the world. I congratulate you on encouraging young women to take the plunge. If you're smart and safe about it, traveling the world can be an amazing, awe-inspiring adventure! Best of luck with your TH-cam channel, Allison. You are a real inspiration for young women to get out there! And semi-old ladies like me, too. (-; And, btw - there are some real travel deals out there to be had. For those on a tight budget, look for airfare deals and cruise line deals. They are there. You may have to save up your money and keep looking for the right one to come along, but the airlines and cruise lines have sales that just might make a trip "doable."
You’ve convinced me to FINALLY renew my passport!
Travel, experiences different cultures 3rd world especially gives you a new perspective to basic things we take for granted. If money is tight, there are still opportunities to save - I’ve done it when I didn’t earn much money. No subscription services, no going out to eat, cook bulk meals, meal prep and you can save so much money by just doing just this. But this takes discipline
Been loving your vlogs lately like. This is so insane, having solo trips yet the results is so good. Love the editing, videography, hope you could able to travel and explore Philippines one day. Sending love and support from Philippines 🇵🇭
I agree with everything you said. I didn't really start traveling until I was 50. Then I started taking at least one trip a year to some place amazing. I wish I could have traveled more when I was younger. I've been to lots of amazing places, seen lots of amazing things, and met lots of amazing people. I'm 70 now. And, I'm slowing down and can't do all of the things that I could do in the past. I still plan to travel when and where I can for as long as I can. And I would encourage everyone, young or old, to do the same. My next trip will be to Vancouver and Vancouver Island this Fall. Hopefully I'll get to see and photograph whales!
After watching your videos for a couple of months.
You have inspired me to want travel on my own. And after 2 years struggling with my mental health. I've recently just started a new job and hoping to save some money to be able to travel even if it is somewhere close.
Just got my passport and I'm 31 years old, haven't left the UK or been on a plane in nearly 25 years (pretty fucked I know lol) but I've just booked to go to prague and can't wait to get there
I started watching your videos a few weeks ago, and now I'm touring Australia by myself! Thank you so much for being an inspiration ❤
Say no more Allison! I am packing my bags as we speak for a trip to Kazakhstan this week! 🇰🇿
Love this SOO much!!! Traveling has enriched my life SO much and I’ve never ever regretted spending money on travel - even when I was younger and really needed to work extra hard to save, or when I knew I had to get creative with travel costs. Love seeing your travels 🥰
Will you be my tour guide!?
Love your solo trips. I'm a solo travler as well, so much freedom in traveling alone. My husband worries sometimes but also is very supportive. TRAVEL NOW❤
Finally about to spend all my airline points on a trip with my twin brother. I was probably 75% convinced when he brought up the idea of a trip to Europe, but now....can't wait for Italy and Switzerland!
My husband and I have a 2 year old and 4 year old. We just went to Aruba, and EVERYONE was shocked they went with (we have been to several other places as well). Most of my mom friends don't want to travel with young kids. But guess what? Those young kids become busy big kids with school (we homeschool), sports, conflicting schedules, etc. There is no perfect time to travel. My kids are now use to flying on a plane and they love it! We got back early May from Aruba, but my 4 year old already wants to go fly again because she gets sprite! Haha.
Good for you! My children are grown now and want to do their traveling with their own partners (as they should!). People will tell you, you get 18 summers, and it is true, but many don't realize what that means until the years of family trips are behind them.
Amazing you are travelling with kids! I just came back from St Lucia, also highly recommended for family holidays and does not have to be expensive! I also made a video about it in case you wanted more detail
I agree there's no perfect time train children well they get use to travel the more they experience it and learn how to behave many children do just fine.
@@lostinadmiration thank you! Traveling doesn’t have to be crazy expensive, I agree!
You are so right, we traveled to several great places since 2016. I can say I been to all 7 continents since. But we haven't been able to agreed on the destinations. This help us to stop making excuses and pick one. Glad I cam across this video.
Videos like yours keep me in check for my financial and fitness goals, as I am set to start traveling full time in 10 months(hopefully🤞)! Thank you ♥
India with my wife and kids. We were in India for my wife's work in 2007 and our kids were 6 and 2. But many core memories for them come from that 3 month trip. Now they are 22 and 18. I would love to see it again with them as young adults witnessing all the little things that have influenced them from that beautiful country.
Well said Allison!
love this all so much! We just bought an Airstream to live in full time and excited to be pushed out of our comfort zones and go on some fun adventures!
I'm hooked! Can't stop watching your videos.
Excellent dude, I can listen to you all day! Safe Travels!
I decided to get a job in a place far from my homeland. I choose it on my 20's because i want to learn more, travel more, before i get married because if not now, then when. Before i watched your video i was really scared, worry and something just spin on my head if my decision was wrong. But now...i'm excited to go. Thank you ❤
One reason that you should not travel now :- Money
Bro woke up and decided to show us the reality.
Yes you need lot of money 😂
😂😂😂😂😂
I felt it on the hair of my arms.
Exactly
Awesome video! I am retired military where I traveled to some to some of the most Dangerous countries on earth. Now I travel (Full-time) for leisure having the best years of my life. I love traveling ❤️🐸🔱
I love your channel and it’s inspiring to me to start planning my solo trips!! Actually I have one booked to Montego Bay I’m nervous but excited at same time
Croatia has been on my list and planning it at the moment for next year.
Love this video!! Going on my first solo trip to iceland next year as my 21 birthday present to myself.
Some of the things you mentioned, I have never really considered. Awesome video.
Right now is the best time to travel ❤
Thanks for all your Covid videos Allison!! :)
I'm headed to Scotland/Ireland and will be re-watching your camera videos to find the Invisible stick and maybe a nice video camera for the hikes
Hi Allison, great video! Excellent analysis. I just got back from Florence, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. I am sooo tired, and can't believe I am already looking to see where I might want to go next. (That's after I travel to see my mom in Latin America). I followed your recommendations/ tips for my Oman and Dubai/Abu Dhabi trip last year, they were all on point. Thanks! You are right, the best time to travel is now! I am thinking maybe Japan, Korea or who knows, maybe go South Asia. I have only been to Tokyo briefly and Shanghai for a wedding six years ago. I appreciate your tips for female solo travelers.
All so true, especially about learning and adapting to things. The US in 2010 was my first solo trip, it was before I had a smartphone and I researched so badly about each place I traveled so inevitably I got lost on arrival in most cities and took forever to find hostels to stay. But that made me so much better prepared for all my travels since. But I also learned from that no matter how things pan out, it's all part of the experience 👌😎✈️🌎
I traveled to Portugal to do a master's degree all of a sudden. And despite some setbacks, such as COVID, I don't regret going. I was able to postpone it and not even happen.
I am planning a river cruise on the Danube. It got sidelined due to COVID and I am just now able to save my deposit and rebook. Yay!
Have you ever thought about organizing a group excursion of sorts? Like we can all meet up at an area and stay in a giant Airbnb or hotel with separate rooms and go out on the city exploring and traveling together!!
I realised this few months back and then travelling and exploring the local land. Yeah, its true, next best time to travel is 'NOW'. I have some plans to go for a overnight camp in a mountain area around where I live. Planning for astrophotography as well. Let's see how it turns out...
Great video with great reasons to not pospone the decision. Thanks.
Love all of these reasons!
Always great advice! Sometimes we just need those reminders to get outside and make life happen. 💕 Your videos are always inspiring.
This video did it for me definitely doing Japan in a few months starting to plan it now!
I can't travel yet, but I am not making an excuse! I am 16 and clearly broke haha, but I plan to change that soon enough, and I was watching this video not because I needed more reason to go, but to keep mind focus on why I need to keep pushing! One day I am going to book my first flight and my life will truly start ( I say that because I want to dedicate my life to travel!) and I will have the best time of my life! I am a little scared, I won't lie...but it is almost a excited fear? I don't know! Anyways, love the video and safe travels!
Just came from Japan. Been too long since your last travel video. You are one of my favorites for sure. =)
We are booking one for Belize this August, and Germany and French Polynesia next year!
I love this video! Thanks for the encouragement :)
All great points on travel. I've been very fortunate to travel all over the world with work and pleasure. It absolutely opens up your views on other people and cultures. In regards to Angel's Landing in Zion....I say skip it. My buddy and I continued on the West Rim Trail and hiked way above Angel's Landing with way better views and not a soul in sight. Sure, it's an extra 8-10 miles, but sooooooo worth it. Get away from the crowds.
So funny. I have been wanting to walk the Camino de Santiago, the French Way in Spain, for 15 years now (I am 36). I just finished it. It took me 1 month to walk over 500 miles. I now am in Portugal and will also be making my way to Morocco after. And yes, I am doing these trips by myself!!
Thank you for this amazing video once again ! Traveling can really change your life, your mindset and your attitude ☺
Very good saying....you really boosting my confidence
Thank you Allison. You inspire me to step outside my comfort zone even though every time I travel, I have some stressful experiences 😂
Yosemite’s half dome hike is also on a lottery system and it’s also hard to get a pass for it
Thank you my friend for sharing such beautiful scenery and information.🙂
Thanks Allison. These are great points. I will book the trip to Japan that I have been thinking about. Cheers from Melbourne Australia.
Iceland is the next big trip... many logistically less challenging trips before then. I enjoy your posts.
Great video as always! ✨
Tanzania!! 3 or 4 day safari and then Zanzibar for a beach vacay! 🥰
I have loved diving into your channel! From one fellow traveler to another (and relative minimalist)- do you have a favorite pair of traveling pants? Preferably natural materials… don’t have to withstand a tsunami but ones that are somewhat hardy and reasonably flattering for outdoorsy situations❤
Great advice! I love it and totally agree!!I just booked a trip to the Christmas markets in Quebec city for this December!!
so true about how health, money and time triage!
Well said Allison! I just came back from Tokyo this month. It was so wonderful and I know the memories will remain with me forever. Coming back made me think about a lot of things, including how I can make it possible to travel more in a year. Where's my next trip? Not sure yet...maybe Alaska by end of the year, and next year, Norway or Switzerland. :)
All good points. Can I add one? If we assume that travel makes life-long memories, what would you rather do; travel at 70 and have those memories last, say 15 years, or travel at 30 and have them last 50+ years?
Regarding the money/time/health scenario, I think they sometimes compensate for each other. For example, as a 65 year old I suffer from Sciatica, which makes sitting crammed into an Economy seat for long periods painful sometimes (it’s a lottery!). Fortunately, at this stage in life, my finances are such that I can book premium economy when needed.
I don’t think the tolerance of discomfort that you mention is necessarily linear with time. Depends on the objective of the trip. Sometimes we travel to celebrate, or for a treat, in which case we “push the boat out” a bit with comfort. But I’m a landscape photographer and if I’m travelling to get a shot in a particular location, I’ll do whatever it takes to get there. (And yes, happy to still sleep on the floor at 65. Actually helps with the Sciatica!😂)
Once again another nice description of traveling ❤ So cute 😊
AGREED! I wish more people thought this way! Last year, I was so frustrated with my friends not committing to trips. I booked my first solo trip to Arizona to see Taylor Swift in concert this March and it was AMAZING 🤩 I also bought tickets to see S Club 7 in London this October. England has always been my #1 bucket list 🥹 I didn’t care that I was going solo, I HAD to jump at this once in a life time opportunity. My parents don’t want me going alone to another country (I’m 34 😂), so my mom will be traveling with me in England ❤ Can’t wait! 🇬🇧
oh that's lovely! let me know if you need any London recommendations :) hope you have a great time!
Ok good for you this reminds me of videos my mom showed me of her trip
So fun! It’s awesome to hear that you had such a positive and great experience. And the Taylor Swift concert must’ve been 🎉🎉🎉 solo especially! Lol. I want to work up the bravery to go alone. I like the idea of traveling somewhere domestic first. I might just have to start in my home state as a staycation first lol
I also travel alone to see concerts and for the gastronomic experience. Of course I also see top cultural attractions. I am parent too, we worry about our "kids" your age and older 🤣
Great reasons provided!
I'm going to Bali in July and Mexico City in Sept, I still havent plucked up the courage to travel completely alone yet but I'd like to.
Thanks for sharing some Important Travel tips. I am travelling but till in my state region, and soon will travel to countries. Will definitely keep in mind important Tips which you have shared. I really like your Story telling skills and Film making skills as well. Hope to meet you someday!
Have a Good Day.
Love your videos!!
In my opinion, it's not only about the tolerance changes over time, which is true...but also the fact, if you travelled before for some time, or more often you just know sometimes it's better to pay a little bit more money to not having rats in your bed. :'D
Or knowing that some things seem a bit shady, just look at the pictures online which could bring you and others into severe danger.
So having experience means knowing when to invest and when not. :)
For example, I learned to stay in female dorms in a hostel. It's not about me not liking men or mixed dorms. But the fact that over time I made lots of sadly bad experiences, made me be more aware and so I prefer to pay some dollars more to sleep better and feel safe. :D
Love to watch your videos, because it makes people open their horizon and go for what they want.
Do prefer to travel alone. With friends it's fun, but I like to take my time making videos and photos and don't need to adjust to another person in the meaning of food, morning or night person etc.
Could tell lots of stories about travelling and interesting situations as well. It's wonderful to talk about these with others to learn from each other.
I'm trying to decide to either go to the UK or to Las Vegas and Zion National Park for a week. If I choose to go to the UK I would rent a car and drive across to Scotland and hike the national parks along the way and see the other sights like Buckingham Palace, old churches and whatever else.
If I had the PTO and money to go, I’d fly to Australia tomorrow. Perhaps because it’s the furthest continent away from me in the USA. It fascinates me!! Koalas, kangaroos, weird fruits, Bondi Beach, Syndey… there’s so much to see. Freelee the Banana Girl has piqued my curiosity, & I have an au pair friend from there 🇦🇺❤️