Can Travel Change Your Life?
At il Poggiarello in Maremma, Tuscany.
I love to travel. In some ways, I live to travel. Travel Sparks me. It lights me up. It challenges me. And in many ways, it has made me the person I am.
Why travel?
Travel can change you, too, and quite possibly if you’re reading this, you already know that. It can open new doors and windows onto the world. It can open your eyes, your heart, and your mind. It can change the way you think about the world, the place you come from, and the way you define yourself.
Traveling can make you stronger and braver and more resourceful. It’s through travel that you can come to appreciate firsthand the immense beauty and diversity of the world. If you enjoy travel and find it personally enriching, you’re in the right place. You’ll like this blog and, I hope you join in the conversation.
How did I catch the travel bug?
Street life in Cadiz, Spain
My first taste of travel was a long time ago as an exchange student. I lived in the south of Spain. While I was there I also visited North Africa and other parts of Europe. When the program ended, I went home to complete my studies, but my experience living abroad had changed me; I was no longer the same person. My eyes had been opened to a whole other world out there. I felt restless, and the prospect of climbing the corporate ladder after graduation now loomed uninvitingly.
“The perfect trip is circular. The joy of departure, the joy of return.” Mural in Milan, Italy.
The seeds of wanderlust had been planted, and I would never again be the same. Spain had left me enchanted. I began dreaming of how I could get back to Europe, and less than a year after graduation, I was living in Milan, Italy. My general plan was to spend about two years backpacking around Europe and then go back home to climb that proverbial ladder. Instead, I stayed in Italy for nine years, and I’ve never regretted it.
Have you got the itch?
My advice to anyone longing to travel, whether for a short period of time, indefinitely, or possibly to relocate: Do it. Answer that call, and take the leap. You’ll be a richer and better person for it.
When I left at the tender age of 22, I didn’t have big plans, I just followed my gut, which is always right and steers me well, if only I follow it.
Now that I’m based back in the states, I travel as often as I can.
What’s your travel style?
My preferred mode of travel is solo. Despite what some may think, it’s not lonely or scary. I find that traveling on my own allows me to be spontaneous and fluid. It also allows me to go super slow and really observe, take in, and savor all the details of a place. (I’m not a fan of rushing and checking off lists; I prefer to wander and dawdle.) I also find that traveling solo makes it easier to meet local people, have interesting conversations, and make new friends.
Pitching in for the Easter feast at my friend Anna Maria’s agriturismo, Villa Pane, in Sorrento, Italy
Travel styles vary, and everyone’s is different, based on their unique personality and needs. However you travel – be it solo, with family, a few friends, or a group – there are key elements that I believe make for experiences that will change, transform, and enrich you. They are curiosity, mindfulness, gratitude and an open heart. Pack those in your bag, and you’ll have richly rewarding travel experiences wherever you go and whatever you encounter. And even if you do travel with others, I encourage you to take some time where you strike out on your own and explore solo, even if just for a few hours. You’ll find it exhilarating and confidence boosting.
Why the Jet Set Gypsy?
The name of this blog, the Jet Set Gypsy, captures my style. If I have a chance to travel jet-set style, I’m all for it. And if I need to stay in a one-star pension or sleep on a couch or two to make it happen, I’ll do that, too. I’m flexible and versatile, two good qualities to always bring with you. Variety makes it exciting, and some of the best stories are born out of unexpected or challenging situations.
Taking a stroll off the beaten path is its own reward. Turin, Italy.
I don’t have rigid standards about the number of stars of a hotel, restaurant, or mode of transport. What I am uncompromising about is the quality of the experience I have, and that is very much under my control. I always bring with me these must-have qualities: go-with-the-flow-ness, curiosity, mindfulness, gratitude, and an open heart. They’ve made all the difference in my travels and saved my butt many a time.
What’s your travel style? Why do you travel? Do you believe travel can lead to personal growth and increased confidence? How has travel changed you? I love hearing your comments!
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About Post Author
Jodina’s passion for travel is infectious and her ability to describe her experience is inspiring. Time to travel!
Grazie Cheryl-Carolina! Thanks for stopping by to check out my new baby and for joining the conversation!! 🙂
Wonderful images. Makes me want to travel!
Hi Signe! Thanks so much for visiting and commenting, glad you like the pics. Wishing you happy travels! 🙂
¡Maravilloso Jodina! I read this while sitting on the deck of a retreat center in Costa Rica. This is my first international trip (other than visiting Mexico, which is my neighbor and doesn’t feel foreign).
I came here solo and it has been one of my greatest adventures. I’m a little sad to leave next week. I was able to travel here on my tight budget thanks to air tickets from my family and via Workaway, a travel website that connects volunteers with hosts all around the world. Working and living here for six weeks has allowed me to find greater appreciation for life. It has also given me an opportunity to slow down and experience a different lifestyle than I’m accustomed to living. I have made new friends, improved my Spanish and rejuvenated my heart. Some moments have been uncomfortable and I was hesitant to travel alone, but I don’t regret this decision. It truly is a gift to meet, share with and learn from people from other cultures in their home country. I am so grateful, so lucky.
Muchissimas gracias Leah! You are a jet set gypsy, too! 🙂 Your latest travel adventure sounds amazing. Good for you for getting out there and making it happen! There are for sure uncomfortable moments in a totally out-of-our-element situation, especially traveling solo, but it makes you a stronger and more resilient person. Immersing yourself in the culture with an open heart and mind is absolutely (imho) the best way to do it! It is life-changing to see how other people work and live, as you have proven. I totally understand being sad about leaving, but you’ll also be taking that place and your experiences with you, wherever you go from there, and be richer for it. I haven’t heard of Workaway and will have to check it out. Have you heard of WWOOF – World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms?
Hoping our paths cross again soon, Jodina xo
Jodina is a global soul ! she is down to earth, smart and a real explorer..
I know Jodina for several years that I can’t really remember when exactly did it all start :))
But one thing that I’m pretty sure about her that she is an adventurer, fun, life lover, gorgeous and creative.
I love travelling too and I experienced few things myself worldwide so I would like to congratulate her about her new step of this amazing blog and let her know that we have this travelling thing in common 😉
Carissimo Pietro, grazie infinite for your kind words (blushing)! So glad we have this travel/adventure thing in common – you are a true explorer and lover of life yourself. Here’s hoping our paths cross soon. xo
Thank you! I feel much more confident for sure. Yes, I’m familiar with WOOF. Workaway is similar, but with more variety in the work options. See you soon! 🙂
Love your new blog, Jodina. So many wonderful tips for travelers. I, too, travel Solo, for the very same reasons as you. I enjoy people watching and now that I am learning Italian, I love to listen in to conversations to see what I can pick up! I enjoy beginning my walks very early in the morning, as the city is awakening, mercatos are stocking their beautiful vegetables and flower shops making displays and OH the scent of bakery goods. Am looking forward to reading more….keep up the good work!
Grazie mille Lynda/Stefania! I’m with you on people-watching, and yes, knowing (at least some of) the language makes such a difference. I love the markets, too, especially buying the fresh produce – next time you go to Italy, you can ask for what you want in italiano 🙂 I’m usually a night owl/late riser, but I will take a cue from your playbook and make the effort to get up early at least once or twice 😉 next time around to witness the city waking up.
So happy to read about your travel passion. Takes me back a million years – though in my case it was more of a Train/Boat/Car-set Gypsy and less of the Jet! Train to Athens where I lived for a year or so, deck class boat to and from Cyprus a few times (loved Cyprus before it became a tourist destination), car trip from Cyprus to England with all the countries in between and many European trips, but all so long ago. It’s lovely now to follow your travels from my sofa where I seem to have got stuck for the moment! (Forgot Australia and South Africa – there were jets involved there…)
Ciao Anna- thanks so much for checking out the blog and following! Train-boat-car set gypsy, I love that! Thanks for sharing about your travel adventures – one of these days I want to hear more about them – I have yet to visit Cyprus, Australia, South Africa, and would love to have some tips from you. 🙂
So well written, couldn’t have said it better! So many shy away from solo travel, but it’s definitely the best way for those of us that prefer to wander around and go wherever the day takes you. Looking forward to reading and sharing more of your posts in the future!!! Congrats on your new blog!!
Hey, hey lady, thank you! Yup, solo travel is the way to go for us wanderers 😉 Thanks for stopping by and sharing – hope to see you soon! xo
Wow I love your blog! You’ve inspired me, I am, leaving for the Camino in May and I will take your advice and pack my curiosity, mindfulness, gratitude and an open heart. Thank you for sharing I am looking forward in following your travels, tours and tips.
Thank you, Lori, I’m so glad you found the post and blog inspiring! I know you’ll go with the right attitude of curiosity, mindfulness, gratitude and an open heart, because that’s how you approach life 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful, soul-enriching journey on the Camino and in all the other places you plan to visit. xo
Great blog Jodina! I love the must haves you list “go-with-the-flow-ness, curiosity, mindfulness, gratitude, and an open heart. “. I look forward to reading your next posts.
Thanks so much Itan! Glad to have you “on-board” 🙂 Stay tuned and see you soon. xo
Loved reading your blog Jodina. You have such articulate and engaging way of expressing yourself. Your warm, fun personality comes through with every word you write.
I too love to travel for the same reasons as you do and I will look forward to reading more about your travel adventures.
You are motivating me to plan my next trip to some exotic place!
Grazie Cristina for your ultra-sweet words – they mean a lot to me! Thanks so much for checking out the blog & subscribing 🙂 I look forward to sharing more insights and tips with you. Buoni viaggi!! xo
Perfectly said! Here’s to another season of amazing travel! xo
Grazie 🙂 Evviva i viaggi! Cin-cin!
This is really wonderful Jodina! Thank you for all the travel tips. I am definitely going to use them on my next trip.
Thank you Katalina, you’re so welcome 🙂
Happy travels! xo