Dear 20-year-old me,
It’s me—you—writing from your 40s. Spoiler alert: You’ve traveled to over 60 countries. And no, you didn’t need to be a millionaire to do it—you just figured it out. I know you’re eager to see the world, but before you pack your bags, let’s talk.
Grab a coffee, find a spot with decent Wi-Fi, and let me share some hard-earned wisdom from years on the road—things I wish I knew when I was your age.
Traveling has been one of the greatest teachers of my life. Looking back at your younger self, I feel immense gratitude—and a strong desire to share a few important lessons.
1. Travel Light—in Every Sense
Here’s the truth: you’ll wear the same three outfits anyway. That 24-kilo suitcase you’re lugging across cobblestone streets and crowded metros? It’s not worth it. I learned the hard way that less is more. Overpacking weighs you down physically and adds unnecessary stress. Pack only the essentials, and you’ll be amazed at how liberating it feels to travel light. Minimalism isn’t just a packing strategy; it’s a mindset that will serve you in life and on the road.
2. You Don’t Need Permission to Travel Solo
I know you’re not afraid of traveling alone. You already do it and meet amazing people along the way. Guess what? Even after you’re married, you’ll keep traveling solo.
Will you feel awkward eating alone? Not at all—you’ll love it. Will it be safe? Absolutely—because you choose destinations that are safe for female solo travelers while staying cautious. Trust me, being alone doesn’t mean being lonely. Traveling solo teaches resilience, independence, and the joy of truly enjoying your own company.
“Fall in love with yourself, with life, and then with whoever you want.” Frida Kahlo
3. You’re Not as Lost as You Think You Are
Remember how you feel like you have no idea where your life is going? Surprise: Most of the people you meet on the road don’t either. And that’s okay. Trust in the universe, and keep moving forward with a positive attitude.
Travel will teach you that life is less about “finding yourself” and more about creating who you want to be. And for the record, Google Maps will save your butt more times than you can count, so being “lost” is really just a matter of perspective.
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein
4. Eat the Weird Stuff
That fried rice served in a pineapple in Thailand? The unexpected pizza tikka masala in India? Eat them. Food is the fastest way to understand a culture. The stories will be worth it. Future you is obsessed with food memories, so start building them now.
5. Growth Begins Outside Your Comfort Zone
You might be afraid of some things. But guess what? The best stories will come from doing the things that scare you. Growth happens when you embrace the unfamiliar.
“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.
6. It’s Okay to Not Have It All Figured Out
Here’s the truth: No one knows what they’re doing. Not in their 20s, not in their 40s, and (I assume) not even in their 60s. Traveling will teach you to embrace uncertainty and trust the process. You don’t need to know where you’re going to enjoy the ride.
7. Invest in Experiences, Not Souvenirs
You don’t need another magnet or postcard. What truly stays with you are the memories: watching the sunrise in Split, hiking Machu Picchu, or laughing with fellow international travelers who became friends. Invest in experiences that enrich your soul, not in things that gather dust.
“Collect Moments, Not Things.”- Aarti Khurana
8. Take Care of Your Body and Mind
Jet lag, unfamiliar foods, and constant movement can affect your body. I wish I’d understood the importance of rest, hydration, stretching, and eating well earlier.
9. Travel Is Not a Race
In my 20s, I was eager to check countries off a list. Over time, I learned to slow down. Spending three months in Italy taught me more than rushing through five countries ever could. Depth is more meaningful than breadth.
10. Respect and Give Back
Travel is a privilege, not a right. Treat every place you visit with respect—its people, culture, and environment. Support local businesses, minimize your footprint, and always leave a place better than you found it.
“Thinking is difficult, that’s why most people judge.” – Carl Jung
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Travel has shaped me in ways I never imagined. If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self to be braver, kinder, and more open to the world. To anyone reading this on chicaontheroad.com, whether you’re 20s or 40s, the journey is yours to create. Embrace it fully, because the lessons you’ll learn are priceless.
The world is going to teach you so much—about yourself, about people, about life. You’re going to make mistakes, miss flights, and get lost in translation more times than you can count. But you’re also going to grow in ways you never imagined.
What lessons have you learned from your travels? 🙂 I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, or anything I might be missing!”
