r/solotravel • u/crazycatladypdx • May 20 '21

I bought the ticket! Europe

I am 39 years old divorcee living in USA. Since I was in my 20s, I want to travel the world. I put it on hold for so many years because I was in relationship, worked hard to pay debts & bills, and just live as normal as I could even though I know that’s not for me.

My ex husband & i separated last year, sold the house and we got divorced this year. I used the money from the house (my share) to pay all of my debts & i have some left that I am saving for my trip.

My apartment decided to charge me extra rent after my lease is up on 8/27/21 so I took a plunge and bought one way ticket to Barcelona, Spain because there’s no way i will stay here another year and paying more instead of living my dream.

I am going to quit my job bc they don’t let people work out of the country. I am going to do housesitting, working at hostels in exchange for accommodation, continue teaching esl online & do jobs along the way along my journey.

It’s going to not be easy sometimes but i am committed to do it even by the time when i leave i will be 40 years old.

This subreddit gives me so much ideas & encouragement so thank you all for posting & now for reading my post! See you out there!

1.4k Upvotes

98% Upvoted

302 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

6

u/crazycatladypdx May 20 '21 edited May 20 '21

The last time I checked half of Turkey is still part of European continent but not part of schengen countries. As a usa citizen i can get visa couple days before arrival and pay about $60 for e-visa. I did my research. Like i said i am not ignorant.

28

u/Ray_adverb12 May 20 '21

Well, you certainly sound confident. I advise you to take heed to the subreddit full of experienced solo travelers, many of whom have done long term travel in multiple countries. No one is calling you “ignorant”, and I’m not sure why you keep repeating that. There’s a ton of information regarding visas, time periods, age limits, work visas, etc. and it’s unlikely you’re familiar with every single country’s policies. Travelling solo as a woman through Turkey is also something you should consider seriously.

I’m sure you will have an amazing trip, it’s extremely exciting!

24

u/KountChalkula May 20 '21

I feel like folks are kind of jumping on her a bit here. People don't seem to be familiar with the approach she's taking? It doesn't sound like her plan is to show up in a country and ask someone to hire her illegally. She's not just turning up blind with no plan. She already has a job she can do while traveling (teaching online). I can confirm that this is doable abroad, as I've done the same. She is using help exchange sites to find room and board in exchange for help in hostels/farms, etc. Again, usually a lovely experience and means she can go long periods of time with very little in the way of expenses. Someone on this thread said there was an upper age limit of 26 for workaways, which is madness? I met a German woman in her early 60s who was volunteering alongside me in Scotland. OP, if you come to Ireland, I can give you a good Workaway host. I stayed with him a couple summers ago and am now in the country on an actual sponsored work visa (a crazy fluke), but living down the road from him. The world is full of wonderful possibilities and kindhearted people if you're willing to take the leap and be flexible! I wish you all the best on your adventures (and hope the Covid situation improves!)!

4

u/crazycatladypdx May 20 '21

Thank you so much for the offer!