Traveling with the Jones

Many people have mixed feelings about traveling alone , especially if they’re a female.  I’ve had the opportunity to not only travel abroad alone, but to also actually live abroad.  During my solo travels I’ve learned a lot about myself and the world in which I live in.

From my most recent adventure to Nicaragua.

Here are 8 things I learned while traveling solo:

1. Wherever you are, you’re never alone.

I’m a college student and over the past year I’ve dealt with some bad anxiety issues.  I can tell you there were times that in a room full of friends I felt completely alone.  When I took the summer to travel to Central America, things changed.  No matter where I went, I never felt “lonely”.  There was always either another traveler, or a local, who could understand what I was going through.  At times you might feel lonely in a hostel full of people you don’t know, but there’s usually always someone else nearby feeling the same way.

2. Waiting for your life to magically change on it’s own is a bad idea.

Waiting out the rain, in the rain.

Think of it like this, if you walk outside and it’s raining, you’re not going to stand outside in the rain until it stops raining before continuing on with your life.  If you hate what you’re doing, then why are you doing it?  If you sit around waiting for the day that suddenly everything is going to change on its own, you will probably never see that day.  You have to be willing to work for the change.  You can’t expect that you will win the lottery and finally be able to take a trip somewhere, you have to work for it.

I learned this very quickly when traveling.  My friends back home would always tell me “Oh I wish I was rich so I could afford something like that!” I’m a college student. I am far from rich, and I’ve worked for the money that I  have.  If you want to do something, you have to actually work for it.

3. People are generally good.

Surfing Turtle Lodge (Nicaragua – $10/night)

When I was in Nicaragua this summer I stayed at a place called the Surfing Turtle Lodge.  It’s this hostel on it’s own little island, not too far away from Leon.  To get to this hostel by public transportation – you have to take a bus from Leon, walk about a half a mile to the boat launch, pay $1 to hop on this little motor boat over to the island, and then walk through the small jungle on the island to the other side where the hostel is.  During my walk across the island, I was approached by an elder man riding on a horse-drawn cart (it was literally a piece of wood over two wooden wheels).  He had an ax across his lap and asked me if I wanted a ride.  Naturally, I accepted and he took me to the hostel.

Most people would never imagine doing something like this, but when you travel you quickly learn that most people are generally good. Hitchhiking is a norm in central and south America, and in many countries being a traveler you can be invited to stay in someone’s home even when you don’t know them.

4. Bad things can happen to you anywhere.

Hang in there!!

While yes, people are generally good, bad people do exist.  So many fear traveling because of the “bad” things that could happen to them.  When I lived in Brazil, people would ask me if I was “scared of living somewhere so dangerous.”  I stuck out like a sore thumb in Brazil, and I went to places many of the richer locals deemed “too dangerous” and I never had any serious problems.  In an entire year I was robbed once, and it was only for $20.

The thing most people fail to remember is that bad things can happen to you wherever you are in the world.  I’m personally more nervous walking around some areas of Tampa than I ever was in Brazil.

If you find yourself in a bad situation – don’t let it control your whole trip.  You have to hang in there and enjoy all of the other positives!

5. Planning everything out can often lead to missing out.

After our 6 and a half hour hike to the top of the volcano!

Everything about your travels can’t be focused on the destinations, but the journeys that take you there.  We had decided we were going to climb the volcano just outside of Granada, Nicaragua, and we didn’t really have much of a plan.

We didn’t want to spend money on the bus to get to the park (which was probably only 50 cents), so we just started walking.  We ended up on these back dirt roads through people’s farms, asking for directions constantly.  We eventually ended up hiking through the rainforest on the side of the volcano, at times needing to use our hands to dig into the mud and pull ourselves up the small, rarely traveled, trail. While it did take us over six hours to reach the top, it was an amazing experience.

In places such as Central and South America, it’s very difficult to plan out a lot.  If you plan, you’re going to overspend and miss out on what some countries have to offer.  While I’m not telling you to hop on a plane with no idea of what you’re doing, I’ve learned that you need balance.  If you feel the need to plan everything out, you’re going to miss out on a lot of spur of the moment opportunities.

6. Some things will never translate.

The class I helped teach in Nicaragua

If you truly immerse yourself in your trips abroad, by learning the language, you’ll realize that many words, acts, and activities, will never translate into your language or culture.  My favorite example of this is the Portuguese word saudades.  Many times people translate this word to simply meaning “to miss something,” but it has a much stronger feeling than that.  It’s to long or desire something you once had, but now is missing.  When I look back at my travels, I can’t express how much I miss my friends and family from Brazil, or how much I miss the class of kids I worked with this summer in Nicaragua very well in English.

This goes the same way with experiences.  When you come back from a super awesome trip, you want to tell everybody about all of the cool things you have done.  You’ll realize quickly that nobody actually wants to hear all of your trip stories, they just want to hear the basics.  Your feelings and experiences are never going to be as interesting to a friend or family member as they were to you.

7.  It’s good to step out of your comfort zone.

My 21st birthday gift to myself – A skydive adventure!

I like to say that “I’m most comfortable outside of my comfort zone.”  This allows me to constantly try new things that I might be too afraid of doing, such as skydiving.  Now skydiving might not be for you, but when you travel you quickly learn that your comfort zone is a dangerous place.

You miss out on so much when you don’t want to try new things.  I had the opportunity to travel abroad by myself for a year as a 16 year old. I had an unusual but amazing opportunity to grow at such a young age.  I believe the more you push the limits of your comfort zone, the more you are able to experience in life.  You don’t have to do this by jumping out of planes, but the more something makes you nervous – the more exciting it can be!

8. The only person who can make you happy is you.

This I think is the biggest lesson I’ve learned spending time alone.  You can people please and work your way into all the right circles to try and force happiness, but no other person can make you truly happy.  If you aren’t happy with yourself, you’re never going to be completely happy.

Accept your faults and take pride in your strengths.  You only have one life, and if you aren’t spending your time happy, you’re wasting your time. Breathe,smile, and be thankful to be alive in such a beautiful world.

Do any of my findings apply to you?  What have you learned traveling alone? Scroll down and leave your answers in the comments below!

This post was written by Lauren Youngerman, a student at the University of South Florida studying international business with a focus on Spanish and marketing.

She is a member of her school’s sailing team, and also works as a sailing coach at a nearby club.

Lauren is an adventure seeker who has had the opportunity to live abroad in both Brazil and Nicaragua, as well as to being a part of the U.S. Army.

Currently completing a social media internship for VentureTime Travel, Lauren seeks a career in marketing after graduation. Learn more about Lauren’s work experience via her LinkedIn profile. 

Learn more about Lauren’s travel experiences and insights by reading some of her other posts:

• How to Pack Three Months of Your Life Into One Suitcase
• “As a child, my parents didn’t buy me “˜things,’ but spent on experiences, such as travel, that allowed me to grow as a person.” A Travel Chat with an International Business Student
• 13 Favorite Things to Eat, Drink, and Do in St. Augustine, Florida
• 6 Tips for Your First-time Hostel Stay
• The Search For the Best Cuban in Tampa
• 6 “Can’t Miss” Beaches in Florida
• 10 Fun Facts About Tampa, Florida

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Or, check out our boards on Pinterest and/or our photos on Instagram.

San Francisco, one of my favorite cities, has a new cruise ship terminal at Pier 27 along the Embarcadero. It’s a $100 million building of corrugated aluminum that is 40 feet tall and 504 feet long, designed to handle cruise ships carrying up to 4,000 guests.

I tried out the new terminal last week, while sailing round-trip San Francisco on the Star Princess for a 7-Day California Coastal cruise that included stops in Ensenada, Mexico, as well as San Diego, Long Beach and Santa Barbara, California.

Unlike its predecessor, the 100-year old Pier 35, the new structure does not line up with the Embarcadero street front. Instead, it is located behind a 2.3-acre grassy plaza with benches intended as a respite for those waiting for a ship or just passing by.

The new terminal is named for veteran labor leader James R. Herman, a onetime port commissioner and head of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.

The 88,000-square-foot, two-level cruise terminal houses ticketing, baggage, a Customs and Border Protection Area, and security operations. The boarding areas inside are designed for year-round comfort with heating and air conditioning, and an open floor plan with more than 70,000 square feet of space that can be rented for private events when cruise ships are not in port.

The new Port of San Francisco cruise terminal is environmentally friendly and was certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). It features electric shore power so the ships don’t have to run their engines in port.

San Francisco’s Pier 27 welcomed its first ship, Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess, on Sept. 18, although the official grand opening was officially held on September 25, 2014.

Despite a month’s worth of cruises by the time I boarded the Star Princess on October 18, there were still a few issues that might require a little more practice.

There is a significant off-street passenger drop-off circle for cars, buses and taxis, right in front of the entrance. When I arrived around 1:15 pm, however, there was a long line of guests waiting to enter, that snaked around the building and out to nearly the Embarcadero street front.  (I arrived walking with my suitcase; I had traveled from the San Francisco airport on BART to the Embarcadero Station, and then walked with my bag to Pier 27, which took about 30 minutes.)

While the line at Pier 27 moved fairly quickly, I was told numerous times that I needed to check my roller bag with the porter, but there were no porters near the line.

Despite getting out of the long line several times and dragging my bag around to the taxi/bus drop-off area, I could not find any available porters, just several ‘supervisors’ standing around. The limited number of porters were apparently inside handling several busloads of luggage.

Finally, I got frustrated and took my bag in with me into the building.

My luggage fit through the security machines with plenty of room to spare.

This long line and lack of available porters was a challenge for the older and disabled passengers.

You enter through these glass doors. During embarkation, this area was filled with people and several checkpoints for filling out a health questionnaire. At the end of the hall, you entered another check-point and arrived at the escalator that takes you to the second floor where the security screening takes place.

After the security screening, you head to another large room, where you check-in with the cruise staff for your cruise and get your cruise room key/ID card.

We could not board yet; after check-in we got a group boarding number and sat in the boarding area to wait for our group number to be called.

After about a half hour wait, my group was called and we walked through the doors towards the ship.

Those doors funnel you onto a walkway alongside the Port building (see photo above.)

This walk doubles back and forth as you eventually make your way onto the ship.

Once on the ship, the view of the Port building, Telegraph Hill, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay is spectacular.

At 5 pm, the Star Princess set sail, and quickly passed by Alcatraz Island.

Memories of long lines in embarkation quickly fade as one enjoys the world-class views while sailing out of the Port of San Francisco.

Sailing under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge is another highlight.

Once the ship has passed under the Golden Gate, there’s still a terrific view of San Francisco and the surrounding coast.

Upon return to San Francisco after the 7-day cruise, this view of Coit Tower greets disembarking passengers.

In the other direction, arriving cruise passengers get this view of the San Francisco’s Financial District

If you can’t go on a cruise, you can watch the departure progress while dining on the outdoor patio of Pier 23, a long-time waterfront dining and drinking favorite.

For easy-to-book tours of San Francisco, check out these offerings from Get Your Guide:

Have you visited San Francisco’s new Pier 27? If so, how was your experience? Please share in comments below.

Are you planning a visit to San Francisco? You may want to check out these posts:

• Going to San Francisco? 8 Tips for First-Time Visitors
• Photo Friday: Make the Monkeys Fly in San Francisco
• Discovering Fort Funston for a Beach Walk in San Francisco
• A Peek Inside the San Francisco Marriott Union Square Hotel
• Eating and Drinking around San Francisco’s Neighborhoods
• A Peek inside the Stanford Court Renaissance Hotel – San Francisco
• Views from San Francisco
• 5 Favorite Casual Dining Spots in San Francisco

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Since I’m planning on studying abroad in Spain in the upcoming year, I’ve been trying to figure out what I can do to really immerse myself in the Spanish culture.  I believe that the best way to do that is to “become a local” of the country, since the local residents are the ones who are experts in Spanish living.

San Sebastií¡n, Spain
Photo by Keta.

Here are 9 tips to take advantage of if you want to blend in with the citizens of Spain and experience the culture and life style on a deeper level.

1. Dress accordingly

A downtown street in Mí¡laga filled with locals enjoying their meals at cafés.
Photo by Olli767.

One of the best ways to really fit in when in a Spain or any foreign country is to look like a local.  How you dress can either give you away as a tourist or make you look like a citizen of Spain.  People in Spain are very conservative, but also fashionable in how they dress.

No matter what the season, locals do not wear shorts.  As a tourist, you probably think that shorts are an essential part traveling, but you will be categorized as a tourist in a heartbeat if you’re caught wearing shorts in Spain.  Instead, wear jeans or casual pants.

Stay away from sweatpants, hoodies, and tennis shoes especially white ones.  Again, Spaniards are conservative, so stay away from anything that shows too much skin.  If you have a sense of what is fashionably casual and also conservative, then you will be able to fit in with the locals of Spain.

2. Take part in Siesta

Café con leche is a popular staple for any local of Spain.
Photo courtesy of Jeremy Keith from wikipedia.org.

Many people know about the Spanish Siesta, literally nap in English, but don’t take it too literal.  Around 2 to 5 pm most businesses close down, aside from restaurants and cafes, to relax, talk, and eat with friends and family.  Many tourists find it very hard to get used to this since many people, especially Americans, are known for working from 9 to 5 pm.  Don’t plan on shopping or running errands after lunch since most business owners will be found with friends and family at cafes drinking a nice cup of café con leche (coffee with milk).  So plan on relaxing like the locals during this time while in Spain.

3. Talk about your Personal Finances

The euro is the official currency of Spain.
Photo by Avij.

Okay, so maybe let this be the first thing out of your mouth, but don’t be surprised if Spaniards asks you how much you make at your job during your first conversation with them.  In Spain, locals are very open about personal finances, and do not find it rude to ask you about what you pay for rent, or what kind of money you make even if they’ve just met you.  When trying to make conversation, don’t be afraid to ask them, either.  They won’t be taken aback since it is always a part of everyday conversation.

4. Be aware that there are ‘Meal Rules’

A typical plate in Spain called Paella.
Photo by Manuel M. Vicente.

Spaniards regard everything about food as a huge part of the culture of Spain.  It is a very important concept, that many tourists do not understand.  To start, meal times are set at specific times of the day, and no one deviates from that schedule.  Breakfast is early in the morning between 6 and 8 am, but locals don’t eat lunch until around 2 pm and is also the largest meal of the day.  A light snack is eaten between 10 and 11 am to hold everyone over.  Don’t plan on eating dinner before 9 pm, either.  Spain also has another meal of the day known as merienda which is a lighter meal between lunch and dinner.

What Spaniards eat is also slightly different from typical American foods, especially for breakfast.  No one ever eats eggs, yogurt, or meat, and oatmeal is also rare.  Bread and fruit are the main foods for breakfast, so don’t be looking to eat an omelet at 7 am while in Spain.

5. Respect and Gain Respect

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.
Photo by Ardfern.

This tip is very general and applies to any country you may be visiting.  Respect is very big in Spain, so it’s important to known to give it and gain it.  Many of the other tips on this list will help you do both such as dressing like the locals and taking part in other cultural aspects of the country.

Another thing that I think is very important when in Spain, is to learn the country’s language.  Having at least a basic understanding of common words will play a big part in giving and gaining respect in any country.  Learn how to say thank you, please, and some other common words such as food names.  It’s also a great way to make you feel like you are a part of the country.

6. Use the Metro

Metro trains are the preferred method of transportation in most of Spain.
Photo by Namor88.

Americans use cars to travel anywhere and everywhere.  Well, transportation is very different in Spain.  Cars are very rare, and the cars that are found in the country are small and fuel-efficient.  The general public use the metro to get around, and are also known to bike when traveling shorter distances.  If you really want to become a local of Spain, don’t be afraid to use public transportation systems like the metro and buses.

7. Staring is Normal and not Rude

Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain.
Photo by Sebastian Dubiel.

This is also a very different aspect of Spain that is hard to get used to since American tend to leave others alone.  In Spain, people will stare at you.  It’s as simple as that.

If you’ve taken the steps on this list to fit in, then they are not staring at you because there’s something in your teeth or think your shirt is weird.  It is simply a cultural thing, so try to get used to it.  If you want, you can even stare back!  It may seem rude in America, but Spaniards tend to be much more open to others which explains the staring and the conversation of personal finances as well as the following tip.

8. Kisses, not Handshakes

The Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family).
Photo by Montrealais.

Many people have heard that greetings in other cultures are also quite different from America.  This is also true in Spain.  In America, people will only say hello or shake hands when meeting someone new.  When greeting friends and family, a simple hug will do, but it Spain, no matter how well you know someone, a hug a kiss on each cheek is the normal greeting throughout the country unless it is a man to man greeting in which a handshake will suffice.

Try to remember this when meeting someone and be prepare greet others the way the Spaniards do it.

9. Fiesta at 10 PM

A view of the Madrid skyline at sunset.
Photo by Jorge Dí­az.

Since dinner is eaten so late in the day, when people want to go out and have a good time, it is rarely before 10 pm.  In America, since dinner takes place around 5 or 6 pm, the parties will start right after that, but in Spain it’s likely that party goers will stay out until the early morning every time until around 3 am.

Adjusting to this is also difficult for tourist, but with a little willpower, you’ll be heading back home late just like the locals.

Which of these tips is the most interesting to you?  Do you have any other tips for how to immerse yourself in the culture of Spain?

This post was written by Kathryn Johnson, a junior majoring in Spanish at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

Kathryn’s passion for travel blossomed from her love for foreign language  In August, 2015, she plans to volunteer in France or Morocco before traveling to Spain for a semester-long study abroad experience.

Kathryn is currently learning about travel marketing and social media during an internship with VentureTime Travel.

View her LinkedIn profile at  to learn more about her accomplishments and future goals.

Check out these other posts written by Kathryn: 

• 8 Fun Facts About Darwin, Australia
• Top 5 Locations on my Travel Bucket List
• 4 Tastiest Foods On A Stick At The Iowa State Fair
• Visiting Mexico: Travel Tips and 5 Destination Recommendations
• 5 Best Attractions In The Mall Of America
• 5 Fun Facts About Decorah, Iowa

Planning a visit to Spain? You may want to check out these posts on one of our favorite cities in Spain: Barcelona:

• Destination Discovery: Casa Milí , Barcelona
• Destination Discovery: Mercat de La Boqueria in Barcelona

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