Be Inspired to Live Your Travel Adventures

​I am delighted to introduce the next in our series of video chats with experienced worldwide travelers who share their travel tips and experiences.... Jackie Walden Trowbridge.

Have you ever dreamed of living in another country?

Growing up in a small rural community in Canada, Jackie dreamed of living in Europe. Despite many tears and questioning what what she was doing, Jackie offers an inspiring story of how she made it happen with her move to Spain. She describes how despite dealing with feelings of loneliness and frustration due to language issues, it's a decision she does not regret

Jackie also passes on her advice and travel tips. In fact one of her best pieces of advice is to learn from her and not to do it the way she did!  If you're looking at starting out as an independent traveler, learn about her recommendations how to build  your confidence to be a more confident and adventurous traveler.

Highlights From A Chat With Jackie...

Jackie's Key Points of Advice...

• Be careful who you travel with. Know them and their idiosyncrasies.
• Meetup.com is a great way to know meet a lot of people and make friends. (eg to go on hikes, go for Tapas, etc),
• If you're single or married and maybe your partner doesn't like to travel and you've never done a solo trip, do something small to start with even in your own country.
• Practice having dinner by myself or just sitting at the bar talking to the bartender having a drink.
• Don't go out after dark if you don't know the place, or take extra precautions.
• Always let somebody know your movements. (Jackie uses Facebook so friends have a general idea of where she is and what she is doing and where she is going.)
• Stay away from countries where there might be conflict you wouldn't feel comfortable with.
• If uncomfortable about going to a country, take a tour first to help you better assess travelling there again independently.
• Use a backpack rather than a suitcase to keep your hands free in the event of something happening.
• Use a security purse where the straps can't be cut.
• Use those secure containers for your credit cards that can't be scanned.
• Be aware of ATM's with fake card units.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Don't travel with all your cash in the same spot or all your credit cards together.
• Make sure your passport is protected and secure when not required.
• Maintain relationships at home.
• Be open to trying new things and experience new foods, places and people.
• Don't hesitate to travel because you don't speak the language. Google translate can be your best friend.
• For women, specifically older women who want to travel, search and join a travel Facebook group for women travelers as they  offer valuable tips and tricks.

This article is part of the The Youthful Midlife Traveler. Tips and advice how to travel the world as a free independent traveler, where you wish and on your terms. To subscribe Click Here.