Meet Julia

Meet Julia : the oneearwanderer
I am deaf in my left ear and I am backpacking to see the world.

I am an adventurer in my mid-twenties, simply taking a chance to follow a passion to travel the world. 6 months ago I quit my professional job and bought a one way ticket to Argentina. My goal is to inspire you to aim high and pursue your goals, no matter how fun, crazy, or expensive they are! Here are the 5 W’s explained to help you to understand me and my dream to travel the world.

1. Who? : Traveling solo It isn’t common for an American girl to travel solo through third world countries, that’s a fact.
   To find someone to travel with is more than just a question. Think of one person in your life with the same passion, amount of money, hobbies, and ability than you. For me, finding a travel companion would be based out of fear of the unknown. 
   My decision to travel solo is based on the logistics that there is not one person who could or would want to do it with me. My advice, do not find someone for the sake of avoiding loneliness.
2. What? : Traveling the worldMy goal: To spend a year traveling the world. For the past three months I backpacked through South America. Next, I am going to Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia.
   With 2 weeks left until college graduation, I was sitting at Maxi’s bar at Temple University researching companies and jobs that were available. Suddenly, a cheap ticket pop up from the Hopper app appeared. Without thought or planning, I purchased a one way ticket to Ecuador. The spontaneous, radical idea to flee the country from any responsibilities ended up being the best decision I have made.
   My first trip to Ecuador made me fall in love with travel and opened my mind to the possibilities this world has to offer.
3. Where? : Planning the tripThe places, fellow travelers, and culture of South America encouraged me to set a goal, a goal to return and backpack the continent by myself.
   The key to my entire world trip is simply, setting a goal. To see the world was based on the aim to accomplish as much as I can, as soon as I can.
   It was in a plane from Bogotá to Cartagena, Colombia when an American girl told me her plans of traveling the world. From then on I followed her trips on social media and asked questions to gain motivation to do it myself when the time came.
   I decided that as long as I had the money and ability in 2018 I would challenge myself to do a similar world-wide trip. She is my inspiration, thanks girl!
4. When? The time is nowMaking the decision to give in my 2 week notice was the most difficult thing of my entire trip so far. It is not the typical American ideal to quit your job and not have work experience for a chunk of time on your resume.  It is HARD to quit, even a job that you don’t see yourself at forever.
   The expectation I had for myself was I would know when the time was right to buy a ticket, but the moment never came.
   It was the fear of being stuck and content that inspired me rather than the romanticized moment that people wait for. Life isn’t against you, but it will test you. You never know what responsibilities or pressures you will find the longer you wait.
5. How?
   You not only have to set a goal, you then have to work it into your life. For two years, I reminded myself daily of my goal. Every shitty day at work I knew it was going to be worth it. There were hard times, such as stepping away from relationships that may deter me or giving promotions to my co-workers who saw the job as their career. I made my goal apart of me.
   The goal of leaving to travel the world for a year apart of every decision I made, person I met, and career opportunities I was given.The actual logistics of leaving the country with only the bag on your back, it’s easier than you think.

 Take the things that you learn and use it to help others. You can never help someone until you know yourself fully. As I grow, I want to share the lessons I learn from people, cultures and experiences. If I can help youfind the confidence and ability to do what you love, then this blog will be successful.
You do not need to be a traveler, or have a goal to travel to gain from this blog, it is for anyone and everyone!

My goal for this blog: See places, meet people and read thought provoking ideas that will motivate you to seek understanding of the world.

All of my suggestions, stories, pictures and ideas are inspired from the amazing people and places I have been able to experience, enjoy!