Turns Out, I’m an explorer
It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started to refer to myself as a traveler. I took trips, not vacations. There were a few reasons that I made the verbiage change.
I Often Work When I’m Traveling
As a small business owner of over eight years, traveling without working at least an hour or two every morning was nearly impossible. Even though I have cut back on my workload (after surviving burnout—more on that in another blog), I still find that I am the most inspired and productive while traveling. Maybe it’s because my undiagnosed ADHD works best when there is a time crunch. Or, perhaps I’m guilty of romanticizing working from a European coffee shop or while sipping a glass of wine on a rooftop in South America. Whatever it is, working while I’m away works for me. It’s not for everyone, nor should it be—especially if your vacation time is limited and precious.
I Don’t Do Well with Doing Nothing
Not that that is what a vacation means for everyone, but I always thought of a vacation as sitting on the beach or by the pool every day for a week. Now, I do this occasionally, but it’s not my preferred way to travel. Instead, I like to explore—go for a hike, take a day trip out of the city into a local vineyard, meet locals while visiting a bar off the beaten path, or meet fellow tourists while learning about the city. I like to wander and “get lost.” I prefer loose itineraries and a go-with-the-flow attitude. This approach is perfect for solo traveling, allowing me to immerse myself in new experiences fully.
I Like to Be Gone for 2-3 Weeks Whenever Possible
I think of a vacation as seven days, maybe ten at most. For me, that’s when I’m getting started. I like to immerse myself in the day-to-day life of an area and not feel pressured to see as much as I can before my time is up. I’ll discuss this more in the future (especially how I guide my clients to ensure they aren’t jamming too much into a trip). Again, I know my situation is not the same as other people’s—I have the luxury of working remotely, which I’ve worked years to build. This flexibility is one of the many benefits of solo female travel, allowing me to explore at my own pace.
I Don’t Often Revisit Places
If I do, it’s because they hold a very special place in my heart. A vacation always felt like an annual getaway to the same destination. For me, variety is the spice of life. How can I be a world traveler if I’m not experiencing every corner of the world? Solo travel has allowed me to explore new destinations and cultures without constraints.
Want to find out if you’re a Vacationer, Traveler, Explorer, or Cultural Enthusiast? TAKE THE QUIZ to find out!
(Side note: when I took the quiz, I found out I’m actually an Explorer and that tracks!)
Your travel style and vibe are unique to you. Even a fun quiz can’t capture all the uniqueness of how you see and experience the world. And, depending on your goals, your style might change as you get more comfortable and experimental or maybe even from trip to trip.