My name is Ana, and I’ve traveled alone to every continent. For me, travel isn’t just about visiting tourist spots or ticking off destinations. It’s about truly experiencing life—understanding new cultures, breaking barriers, and learning as much as I can from the places I visit. I’m driven by a burning desire to connect with people on a deeper level, and to live in a way that goes beyond just being a traveler. It’s about embracing new traditions and living life at its fullest.

The desire to experience life fully

Traveling solo wasn’t an escape for me; it was an opportunity to live life more authentically. I’m not interested in staying in five-star resorts or taking guided tours where everything is arranged for you. I’ve always wanted to feel the heart of each place—the rhythm of its streets, the taste of its food, and the warmth of its people.

My first solo trip was to South America, where I spent a week in a small town in Argentina. Instead of staying in a touristy hotel, I found a modest guesthouse run by a local family. I learned how to cook traditional Argentine dishes, shopped at the bustling markets, and rode my bike through the village to explore. That’s what real travel is to me: immersing yourself in local life, not just passing through.

Embracing local life and traditions

One of the most powerful things I’ve learnt on my travels is the importance of becoming local. It’s not just about visiting a place; it’s about stepping into the culture, learning from the people, and allowing yourself to be transformed by the experience.

In Africa, I spent several weeks in a small village where electricity was limited, but the sense of community was overwhelming. The people were incredibly generous and welcoming. One of my favorite experiences was participating in a traditional drumming ceremony. As the sun set, the whole village gathered in a circle, and I was invited to join in. The rhythm was infectious, and though I was an outsider, I felt a deep connection to the music and the people.

In Asia, I lived with a family in rural India for a month. They taught me how to prepare traditional curries and chai from scratch. Every morning, I would wake up before sunrise to see the women of the village draw water from the well, and we’d all sit down together for breakfast. It was simple, but the joy and warmth in those moments were unforgettable.

And in Australia, I spent time with Indigenous Australians in the Outback, learning about their Dreamtime stories and cultural traditions. One of the most fascinating experiences was taking part in a bush tucker tour where we sampled native plants and learnt how the local people have lived off the land for thousands of years. There was something profoundly humbling about learning their deep connection to the earth and nature.

Travel light, live large

Many people think you need a lot of money to travel well, but that’s not true. Over the years, I’ve learnt to travel on a budget, cooking my own meals, making coffee at home, and focusing on the experiences rather than luxury accommodations. You don’t need a five-star hotel to have a five-star experience.

In Europe, for example, I stayed in a small flat in a quiet neighborhood in Lisbon. I spent my days exploring the city on foot, eating fresh pastries at local cafés, and talking with the people in the neighbourhood. My favorite memories weren’t of the famous tourist sites, but of the simple moments—like getting lost in the Alfama district, finding a hidden garden, and having a friendly local teach me how to make the perfect Portuguese custard tart.

When I traveled to South Korea, I lived in a shared guesthouse and learned to cook kimchi with my host family. We would gather around the kitchen table, laughing and sharing stories. I didn’t need fancy equipment or expensive ingredients—just a willingness to get my hands dirty and dive into the culture.

Connecting across cultures

Through my travels, I’ve come to believe that travel is one of the best ways to break down barriers and labels. It’s easy to think in terms of “us” vs. “them,” but once you start engaging with different cultures, you realise how much more we have in common than we think.

In South America, I had the chance to spend time in the highlands of Peru, where I learnt about the traditions of the indigenous Quechua people. One tradition I loved was the pago a la tierra—a ceremonial offering to the earth, made by scattering seeds, flowers, and coca leaves as thanks for the harvest. It was a beautiful reminder of how people around the world honour the land that sustains them.

In Africa, I participated in a “bush barbecue” in Kenya. A group of us trekked into the savannah, and after a long day of exploring, we cooked our dinner over an open fire, surrounded by the sounds of the wild. It was simple but exhilarating—sitting under the stars, sharing stories with fellow travelers and locals, and reflecting on the vastness of the African landscape.

The real joy of travel

What I’ve come to realise is that the real joy of travel isn’t in the grand sights or the fancy accommodations. It’s in the everyday moments—the ones you can’t plan for or predict. It’s in the small connections you make with people, in the new experiences that challenge you and push you to see the world differently. It’s in walking through a city and stumbling upon a local festival, or sitting down to a meal cooked by someone who takes pride in their heritage.

Traveling on a budget forces you to engage with the culture in a deeper way. You’re not shielded by the luxury of a resort; you’re forced to step outside your comfort zone and discover new ways of living. Sometimes it takes a little push to start, but once you connect with a new culture, you realise how much you gain from the experience.

Don’t settle, embrace the world

So, my advice to anyone looking to travel is this: don’t settle for just being a tourist. Go out, walk, bike, explore, and take the time to really experience the world. Every continent, every culture, has something unique to offer. Don’t be afraid to dive in and get your hands dirty. Be open to new experiences, learn from the people you meet, and embrace the beauty of living in each place as fully as possible. Travel isn’t just about destinations—it’s about the life you live along the way.