Visiting 30 Countries by 30
Everyone has a dream- a vision for their life. Some dream of success in a career path, achieving recognition from peers. Others dream of true love, getting married, starting a family. Some dream of obtaining degrees, acquiring knowledge. Some seek fame, some seek fortune.
All of these dreams- while different in their specifics- are equally beautiful. All of these dreams require work. All of these dreams require sacrifice, dedication, and effort. All of these dreams are worth striving for because they are YOURS.
One day, we all hope to turn our dreams into plans. To turn these visions into achievements. Fantasy into reality.
So much of life is spent belittling our triumphs or downplaying our happiness in hopes of not offending, or feeling embarrassed about what makes us happy. It might not mean anything to other people, they might not understand your excitement- but to you, it means everything!
On a slightly less serious note, I am very excited and happy to have achieved a long time life goal of mine: to travel to thirty countries by the time I’m 30 years old. This summer in Iceland (2016)- I did it! It took me 15 years, countless hours of planning and research, plenty of dollars, and a surplus of emotions to reach this point- and I reached it! To some, it might be nothing. To some, it might seem boastful. To me, it is the fruition of a lifetime of plans.
Thank you for your support and encouragement- and for sharing in my joy with me! If you are reading this, it means you’re a supporter- and I appreciate it SO much!
The Numbers:
- As of August 2016, I have spent 402 days abroad since leaving the country for the first time at 14.
- I have visited 30 countries, on 5 different continents.
- The longest I’ve spent in one country is 155 days.
- I’ve spent two of my longest trips with study-abroad programs
I’ve been homesick. I’ve been uncomfortable. I’ve been very ill, and felt scared while traveling. But- I’ve also been phenomenally happy, inspired, and felt truly alive. Some of the best moments of my life were had while traveling- and I wouldn’t trade it for the world (get it??)! 30 countries by 30
The Breakdown:
- United States
- England – 13 days – 2001, 2008
- Ireland – 10 days – 2004
- France – 6 days – 2008
- Spain – 155 days – 2007, 2012, 2016
- Italy – 16 days – 2007
- Switzerland – 8 days – 2007, 2012
- Portugal – 4 days – 2012
- Germany – 4 days – 2012
- Austria – 6 days – 2012
- Canada – 7 days – 1996, 2011, 2017
- Peru – 13 days – 2009
- Bolivia – 9 days – 2010
- Chile – 2 days – 2010
- Indonesia – 5 days – 2012
- China – 5 days – 2011
- Thailand- 6 days – 2012
- Cambodia – 9 days – 2012
- Vietnam – 2 days – 2012
- Morocco – 5 days – 2012
- Colombia – 13 days – 2013
- Costa Rica – 52 days – 2014
- Vatican City – 1 day – 2007
- Turkey – 4 days – 2014
- Tanzania – 15 days – 2015
- Croatia – 5 days – 2016
- Bosnia & Herzegovina – 2 days – 2016
- Montenegro – 3 days – 2016
- Greece- 11 days – 2016
- Iceland- 11 days – 2016
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