How I did it: I was nearing my last year in college and knew i had to get away for a while, experience new things, a new perspective on life before i began life in the real world with a career.  I saved up money, made sure i left with empty credit cards, and went their with an open mind.  I was a happy go lucky girl who was friendly and always up for meeting new people and trying new things!

Lessons & tips: Make a list of goals!!! And of course really aim to accomplish them!  I made a list, and did it all!! Have an open mind and really try to meet a lot of people!  Make connections, talk to people, ask questions!  Stay at a backpackers and talk to other travelers, get insight on what they have experienced as well, you can never get too much insight on other people's traveling experiences,  I ended up in a new country that was totally not even on my itinerary because i talked to other backpackers who raved about New Zealand, and in the end it was also totally worth it!

Don't be afraid to go by yourself.  I left for Australia on my own and made numerous friends while i was there and traveled with them around the country.  Then it was time to leave and i then left for New Zealand and i backpacked all over both islands by myself and loved it!  I chose what i wanted to do, no compomising with anyone or doing something i did not want to do because i had to make that other person happy as well.  Don't get me wrong, many people cannot travel alone, and im sure its still a lot of fun!! but i did not have anyone else to travel with when i left the US, and it was totally worth it! Whatever you do, DONT NOT TRAVEL JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE HAS EXCUSES ABOUT WHY THEY DECIDED TO NOT TRAVEL.  Do what you want to do. 

Resources: Where ever you go, get a LONELY PLANET book for that country!!!!!!!  Me and my Lonely Planet book for New Zealand helped me get around NZ on my own!

Dont wait.  There is never going to be a good time to travel.Friendships, Family, Boyfriend or girlfriend, work, school......i can come up with a zillion reasons not to travel.  But if i would have gave in, i would have never had such an amazing experience in Australia and New Zealand.  I met some of my best friends while i was traveling.   Just do it!!

Sep 22, 2008, 08:07PM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer