Question and Answers (1st Year Review)

June marked one year of full-time travel, work, and new experiences… Life on the road isn’t easy and I know how difficult that transparency is to maintain, so I asked everyone on my socials to submit questions they had about my travel. The questions are as follows (in italics):

Do you enjoy doing all of your traveling alone or would you rather be with someone you know from back home?

I prefer doing everything alone. It’s the best way to meet people, do the things you love, and travel at your own pace (which is extremely important whenever you live on the road).

How were you so brave to start solo traveling?

I never think of it as bravery. You can call it that, sure. But I’m always scared, and I just end up doing what I want anyway. Scary motorcycle ride? Cliff jumping? Going to the Amazon Rainforest? These experiences were all scary, but I did them and ultimately, I’m so glad I did. Someone close to me recently said the same thing: “You’re so brave because you’re always scared and you always do it anyway”. I guess that mentality has saved me from living this lifestyle. 

What is your job title?

I run my own marketing firm, run my blog, and manage various social media channels. I found multiple ways to work as a freelancer that have supplemented my income. Working hard at the beginning and end of the year is always a lifesaver for me, and it allows me to stabilize my budget and comfortably travel throughout the year, without having to worry about keeping up funds while traveling (which I try to do, but I always have a safety net as well). 

How do you fit work into your schedule while you’re always traveling?

Leading from the last question, I don’t always fit work into my schedule. I’ve become more or less financially free to continue my travels, and if a “reset” is needed, or if I’m trying to find new clients, I know I can always go to a co-working space or an Airbnb that has a designated work space. These accommodations are typically pricey, but they allow for more efficient work. I’ve also found particular hostels to be online-worker-friendly, such as Masaya, Viajero, & Selina hostel chains.

How do you make traveling affordable?

I’ve only gone over my $1,500/month budget 3 months out of the past year; something I allowed myself to do as a reward for earning more than I had expected. However, I always stay under a budget of $1,500/month including rent, utilities (including internet and workspaces), food, and activities. I’ve found that that budget works best for me while I’m working online. When I was in college, I could travel for under $1,000 a month very easily, and there are a lot of days when I spend $0. Life just happens that easily on the road (sometimes 🥲). 

How do you make traveling safe as a solo female traveler?

Traveling in general isn’t a safe act. However, I try my hardest to stay aware of my surroundings at all times, I’m always very sure of where I am when I’m alone, and I’m clear on directions on how to get to another destination before I leave my accommodation. If I don’t know something about a city like if I should take a bus or a plane because of the roads, that’s something I ask at the hostel. Hostels play a big part in my experiences, journeys, and networking while I’m on the road. Research plays the second biggest part. The third? Faith, in that this life is happening exactly the way it was meant to be! 

How do you get a WiFi and/or data connection everywhere you go (to work)?

Again, by staying in hostels that specify co-working spaces, Airbnbs with the internet, or by finding Internet cafes and working there, it all depends on the town that I’m in. 

As a woman, how do you feel about solo traveling, and do you have any tips for people that want to do the same?

I typically feel safer in countries that are not my home country. I feel the warmth of others towards foreigners a lot (maybe not in Europe), the majority of people go out of their way to help you and keep you safe, and you can do it! All the fear that comes with travel is valid, but it’s not worth letting it hold you back. Do research, get excited about where you’re going, and design your first trip! From there, you’ll learn how you like to travel and your second trip will be an even better experience. I would also love to start launching travel consultations. If that’s something that my blog readers would be interested in, shoot me an email at alexuslauver@gmail.com.