Hello, and welcome to my travel blog!
My name is Caroline, and I’m originally from the beautiful and charming state of Home, Sweet Home, Alabama. If you’re reading this, I’m assuming you, too, have a passion for traveling, or perhaps you’re just looking for some inspiration to kick-start your own adventures. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. I started this blog as a way to share my travel experiences, offer helpful itineraries, and dive deep into some of the places on my ever-growing travel bucket list. Travel isn’t just about visiting new places for me – it’s about the stories we collect, the memories we make, and the personal growth we experience along the way. I’m so glad you’re here, and I hope you’ll find something that excites you as much as it excites me.
Let me take you back to the summer of 2023, a pivotal moment that truly changed my life and solidified my passion for travel. I had just graduated from college in the spring and was ready to dive straight into the corporate world that summer. I had everything set up: I was excited about starting my new job, settling into adult life, and figuring out what the future would hold. But life had other plans for me. One afternoon, I received a call from the company I was about to start working for – and it wasn’t the call I was expecting. I had been deferred for six months. In that moment, I was completely blindsided. I had already made plans around this job, and suddenly, everything was thrown up in the air. The uncertainty was overwhelming. I had no idea what I was going to do. My dream job was on hold, and the reality of how much time I had before things might get back on track sank in.
Like most people would, I started to panic. I didn’t know where to start, but I needed to figure something out. I decided to take on a temporary job at a golf course near my home in Alabama. It was a humble job, but I worked hard, and every penny I earned, I saved. During this time, I had the privilege of working with a woman who would end up playing a pivotal role in the trajectory of my life. My manager at the golf course had a wealth of experience, not only as a seasoned traveler but also as someone who had spent years living and teaching in Vietnam. She was an avid solo traveler and had stories from all corners of the globe. One afternoon, while we were sitting in the break room chatting, she gave me some of the best advice I’ve ever received: “If you don’t do it now, you might never get the chance. The time to travel is now.”
It felt like a wake-up call. For the first time, I realized that traveling wasn’t something I could keep putting off. There was never going to be a “perfect time” to travel, so I had to take the leap. With that in mind, I put together a plan. I worked as much as I could over the summer, saving up enough money to make the trip a reality. And then, I did something I never thought I would do – I booked a one-way ticket to Europe. I didn’t have a detailed plan or itinerary. I didn’t know where I was going to go first or how I was going to manage all the logistics. I simply took the plunge, and I knew in my heart that this was going to be an incredible journey.
Fast forward to the end of that summer. With my bags packed and my heart racing, I boarded that flight to Europe, knowing I had just set the stage for what would become one of the most life-changing experiences of my life. Over the next six weeks, I traveled solo through nine different countries, visiting cities I’d only dreamed about, and discovering places I had never even heard of. I wandered through the cobblestone streets of Prague, lost myself in the history of Budapest, and marveled at the art in Portugal. I explored the beautiful coastlines of Spain, hiked through the scenic hills of Switzerland, and immersed myself in the rich culture of Norway. Along the way, I met fellow travelers, shared stories, and learned things about the world – and myself – that I never could have imagined.
It wasn’t just the sights and destinations that made this trip so special. It was the personal growth I experienced. Traveling solo taught me how to trust myself, how to navigate the unexpected, and how to embrace both the beauty and challenges that come with being far from home. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, forced me to become resourceful, and gave me a new sense of independence that I never had before. It was in the quiet moments, sitting at a café in Florence, or in the bustling energy of Barcelona, that I realized how deeply I had fallen in love with travel.
After my six weeks were up, I returned home with a heart full of memories, a mind overflowing with inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose. I knew I couldn’t let this feeling fade away. I wanted to continue exploring the world, sharing my experiences, and inspiring others to embrace their own adventures. And that’s when the idea for this blog came to life. I wanted to create a space where I could not only document my travels but also provide helpful advice, tips, and itineraries for fellow wanderers.
Through this blog, I aim to share my journey with you – not just the highlights, but the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re planning your first trip abroad, seeking inspiration for your next adventure, or looking for practical travel itineraries, I hope to offer something that will help you along your journey. I’ll also be sharing the destinations on my own bucket list – the places I’ve researched, dreamt about, and hope to experience someday. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, I want to inspire you to dream big and explore far.
I also want to emphasize that travel isn’t always glamorous. While it’s easy to get caught up in the highlight reels we see on social media, there are plenty of bumps in the road that come with traveling. Missed trains, language barriers, lost luggage, and moments of homesickness – they’re all part of the experience. But it’s in those moments that we grow the most, and it’s what makes the journey so worth it.
So why do I have such a big heart for travel? The answer is simple: Travel has the power to change us. It opens our eyes to new perspectives, helps us appreciate what we have, and connects us to people and places in ways we never imagined. For me, traveling has become a lifelong passion that I want to share with others. I want to show you that it’s not just about crossing things off a list or ticking off bucket list destinations – it’s about the experiences, the growth, and the memories that last a lifetime.
As you read through this blog, I hope you’ll be inspired to embark on your own adventures, whether near or far. I’m here to help you every step of the way with helpful itineraries, tips, and resources that will make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. And who knows – maybe we’ll cross paths on the road someday. Until then, I wish you the very best of travels, wherever they may take you. Embrace the journey, and remember – the world is waiting for you.
Thank you for joining me on this exciting adventure. I can’t wait to share all the places I’ve been, all the places I’m going, and all the lessons learned along the way. Here’s to the adventures that await us – happy travels
💛 Caroline
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