Oh Valentine’s Day!…
With it only a few days away how could I not share some insights to traveling solo and while being single. Being single and traveling is pretty awesome! Although, not gonna lie, it would be nice to share my experiences and memories with someone I love…
I’m a 26-year-old (soon to be 27 in 15 days) American/ Cuban. And if you looked at my resume (CV) I certainly pass on paper! I’ve been single for a while now. To be fair, I haven’t really lived in a city long enough to get to know someone to be in a relationship. And when I did (NYC) I wasn’t ready to be in a relationship. (And no people, I did not start traveling because I had some dude break my heart. I have always loved traveling!)
As for the rest of my family and friends, I am the last single girl standing! (Hey hey!-As I snap my fingers)- haha
Just to be clear my family doesn’t give me THAT MUCH pressure for being single! I mean I come from hispanic/latino (whatever you want to call it) parents so culturally (sorta) they believe I should be in a serious relationship. Blah blah. I get it. Fair enough. I am 27.
This is my thing, I am only 27! (26 soon to be 27) Shit! I have a lot to see in the world and a lot to do! Right??
I have my moments of doubt. Especially because in society my ‘clock is ticking’ or I should have ‘checked my boxes’ already. Which is freaking amazing for some people, I mean good on you for sorting your shit out. My shits all over the place! Haha
I love what I do. One of the reasons I quit my job a year ago and decided to blow my savings and travel is because I was single. Because I can do this. I didn’t have the same responsibilities as someone who was tided to a partner, house, car, mortgage, etc. It would have been much harder to leave all that behind and just travel the world. I wouldn’t be able to this again at any other point in my life.
My Dilemma
How can I build a relationship with someone if I am constantly moving. I can’t expect him to come with me. I can only expect him to support what I do. Stand behind me. My lifestyle isn’t easy and certainly isn’t for everyone.
I am 27 and I’ve been to 30 countries. I have lived, studied, and worked in 3 (now 4) different countries. I am not bragging, but I am making a statement.
India 2016
Switzerland 2015
We live in a generation where we believe that we need to rush through ‘checking our boxes’ because we are ‘running out of time’. Go to school, get a job, find a partner, get married, and buy a house. etc. Don’t get me wrong. I want all those things too. I just don’t believe in rushing to get them. And that’s where I believe our generation lacks. What is the rush?
Because of traveling, I learned to love to be alone, make decisions, trust myself, and listen to what I want. Not to say that if I was married I wouldn’t know those things about yourself. I’ve just given time to all those things. I am also aware that I am a bit on the extreme side of things than most people. I make drastic changes in my life. It’s like a hobby for me. Haha (kidding sister!)
I don’t want to settle for someone who is good for me and might be the perfect man if I am not ready. It certainly wouldn’t be fair to him if I wasn’t ready. I don’t want to stop what I do for someone else. I want to be selfish. You could say I am in LOVE with TRAVELING.
Those are all the things I said to myself a year ago.
But today, because of traveling, I don’t want to settle for anyone less than extraordinary. I am a bit of a hopeless romantic (if you haven’t picked it up).
I believe that love should be amazing because I’ve only seen amazing things. It certainly shouldn’t only be celebrated once a year. It should be celebrated day in and day out. Not matter how shitty it can get. Even as a single gal, I don’t hate Valentine’s Day. Relationships should be about patience, support, trust, and understand. All the things that make loving someone other than yourself. It is learning to be unselfish. In my specific case, someone who isn’t afraid to live a little. A partner in crime!
I won’t lie! I have met some amazing gents on my traveling journeys. Ladies they are out there! I meet people all the time. But it’s always nice when every once in while you meet someone who sparks something amazing. Something you didn’t even existed. When it happens you learn something new and moments like that make me smile.
I am at a point where traveling has made me want to share my experiences with someone. Places like, Bali, Rome, Spain, and Switzerland all made me want to share them with a partner (looking back now). I have so many friends that I’ve met on my travels that travel with a partner. (Yes, I am usually the 3rd wheel aka their child) Haha
It’s also really comforting to know that you can have and make memories with someone while traveling. It’s a safe feeling too. Oh! another thing, for all the times I’ve gotten sick on the road and I wished I had a boyfriend to run to the store and get me food (or my mommy). Haha – (kidding, but not really.)
I am a firm believe that if you can travel with someone and not want to kill each other by the end of the trip, it’s true love! Or just a perfect traveling partner.
I have enjoyed my time solo and I will continue to do so, because it isn’t that bad. But if I find a partner in crime or the perfect traveling partner, the sucker is mine!
Happy Valentine’s Day peeps!! Sending you heaps (lots) and heaps (lots) of love from down under. XOXO
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Hahahaha! Another funny (& great) post!
Well, I was like you a year ago… on the road all by myself. Then, after the cricket sounds, birds started their song. I’ve met him on the road. Similar plans, big love and big smiles, here we are. 😀
You guys are the freaking cutest!! Hahah glad you enjoyed it girl! 🙂
Take your time and continue to learn more about yourself and this world. You are the very first person that I followed on bloggers because you are unafraid and didn’t seem to worry about a boyfriend. You remind me of a younger version of myself but I gave in to what religion and society said about when you should get married and start a family. IT IS NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING 27 AND SINGLE! If you never ever got married or in a serious serious relationship, it still would be nothing wrong! Most people rush to get married and don’t even know themselves fully, or they know themselves fully but marry someone who they are not compatible with. Then some see two lovebirds kissing and laughing in the moment and want to get married or wish they could share love like that couple, but do not even know what goes on behind closed doors! Your blogs and traveling tips hav inspire me because I have always wanted to travel. I am on a new path in life and I know now is the time! On Vday, continue to celebrate your freedom to travel without having to wait on or confide in anyone! If it aint broke don’t fix it!
Wow. Thanks so much Tiffany. You’ve just brought the only smile to my face thank you for supporting me. You’re awesome! And wherever life my take you, what ever adventure you’re about to embark on, just know you’re never to late! ? best of luck beautiful!?
Yes, I do not regret anything anymore because whatever you have always wanted to do will come right back around to you when you are sincere and really desire it. And when it comes back around, it’s even better! I am speaking of traveling!.. Your blogs have led me to research so many things and have introduced me to WWoof, Worldpackers, airbnb, airfordable, and teaching English in another country. You have stirred up that traveling side of me in a big way! I have a notebook devoted to traveling information and plans. I have always enjoyed me! In good relationships and in not so good ones. Everyone does not have that gift, and it is not meant for everyone to understand. It is a gift to feel comfortable and secure within. It is a gift to enjoy yourself and the company of strangers and associates without feeling the need to be dependent on anyone or attached. It is a gift to enjoy male companionship without feeling like, OMG this is the one! Thank you for sharing your heart and your experiences.
No. Thank you for sharing your beauty. Tiffany you’re amazing! I’m glad I’ve help spark something!
You are one extraordinary person Jen! Honestly you are living it up. I agree there is no rush. I been single over a year now. I’ll be 26 in 2 months and really feel I have a lot to learn about myself and have so much I wanna do as well and no crazy responsibilities yet so why not?? lol. I mean great if I find a partner I can share that bucketlist with now and if theirs an undeniable chemistry that be nice lol but if not then no. I admire your independence, Keep living it up! Happy Vday and cheers from the other side !! ?
Ps. Can’t wait to share my next travel plans with you❤️?
Daniella! Thanks so much. ☺️ and yes! Keep living it up babe! And your 26 year will be epic. ☺️
Hey, don’t worry about it – I’m 30 and single and I am only now about to venture out into the world alone as a single female traveller…so have no fear, there is always someone older! (me 😀 hehe) Great post and so glad I found your blog! – I feel it is going to be very useful in the next couple of months planning for my trip round Europe!
Haha! Thanks heather! Glad you did too. Call to best and best of luck in Europe. If you need tips don’t hesitate to shoot me an email. ?☺️