Seizing Your Opportunity to Travel, Saving Money as a Solo Traveler, Lessons from a Career Break, and How to Figure Out What You Want (In 60 Seconds) with Leslie McKellar
Aug 22, 2024
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In this engaging conversation, professional photographer Leslie McKellar shares her inspiring journey into full-time travel after a life-changing event involving toxic mold. She discusses her budgeting strategies, how to choose the right destinations, and the unexpected challenges she faced abroad. Leslie emphasizes the personal growth that comes with travel and offers a fun 60-second challenge to spark new adventures. Listeners will resonate with her insights on embracing the chaos of life, adaptability, and the joy of self-discovery through exploration.
Leslie McKellar's journey into full-time travel was ignited by her unexpected challenge with toxic mold, prompting a reevaluation of her life path.
Effective budgeting strategies, such as booking accommodations monthly and timing visits for free entry, can significantly enhance the travel experience while saving money.
Solo travel fosters personal growth through deeper local interactions, enhances adaptability, and can serve as a transformative reset for one’s life and career.
Deep dives
The Importance of Seizing Opportunities
Taking a bold step to travel for a year can feel daunting, with concerns about risks and uncertainties looming large. However, not pursuing one's passions also carries its own risks, including missing out on rich experiences and personal growth. Embracing the unknown can lead to amazing discoveries and connections, as demonstrated by individuals seized opportunities to embark on life-changing adventures. The journey often reveals that the true reward lies not just in the final destination but in the experiences and stories created along the way.
Budgeting and Planning for Extended Travel
Planning for a year of travel requires careful budgeting and financial foresight. Travelers can find significant savings by booking accommodations on a monthly basis, allowing for a more comfortable experience without the strain of constant relocation. Additionally, being strategic about where and when to travel can optimize costs, such as timing visits to museums to coincide with free entry days. This practical approach empowers travelers to maximize their experiences while staying within their budgets.
The Unique Value of Solo Travel
Solo travel provides an unparalleled opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth, allowing individuals to interact more freely with locals and other travelers. Being alone often fosters deeper engagement with the environment, as one becomes more receptive to spontaneous conversations and experiences. This introspective journey helps cultivate resourcefulness and adaptability, essential traits for overcoming challenges encountered while traveling solo. Emphasizing safety, solo female travelers can navigate new places confidently while trusting their instincts.
The Transformative Power of Travel
Travel can serve as a powerful reset button, enabling individuals to rethink their lives and careers, while also learning valuable lessons along the way. Encountering unexpected situations and navigating through them teaches resilience and adaptability, key attributes for personal growth. The journey often uncovers hidden opportunities that would not have surfaced without stepping out of one's comfort zone. These transformations can lead to meaningful connections, new career paths, and a greater appreciation for life’s unpredictability.
Embracing the Adventure Ahead
As travel plans unfold, navigating through challenges can lead to unexpected joys and richer experiences. The decision to remain open and flexible can enhance the itinerary, allowing serendipitous moments to flourish. The experience of living in various locales for extended periods reveals the nuances of different cultures and lifestyles, enriching one's perspective. Ultimately, travelers are reminded that the journey itself can be just as important as the destinations, if not more so.
If a new opportunity comes your way, are you ready to take it? When professional photographer Leslie McKellar was forced to move out of her apartment in 2020 because of toxic mold, she took it as an opportunity to reevaluate her trajectory. After realizing her calling to travel full-time, she set out a plan to make it happen and left for Europe in January 2022.
This interview is extra special because not only was it recorded in person but I also met Leslie 8 months into her travels so she has some fantastic insights to share from her experience.
You will not want to miss what she has to say about how she budgeted for the trip, advice on how to pick the right destinations, valuable lessons from curveballs along the way, why traveling can help you reset, and a 60-second challenge to help you find new adventures.
What are your takeaways from the 60-second challenge? I'd love to hear about them and hope you will share by sending me an audio message.
*This month, we're sharing previous episodes highlighting travel turnarounds! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, providing valuable insight whenever you listen.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why toxic mold was the unexpected launching point for Leslie’s travel dreams
The strategy Leslie used to budget and plan accommodations
How Leslie has navigated visa renewals during her year abroad
The unexpected challenges that have come up during her time abroad
Why she considers climate and weather when seeking destinations
What her experience has been being a solo female traveler
The biggest differences between slow travel and a quick trip
How this journey impacted Leslie’s perspective on her career
Why Leslie decided to leave her photography equipment at home
Her takeaways from nearly a year of traveling and why it's a bigger risk not to seize the opportunity