“Traveling alone can be one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences of your life. It is a true test of courage, and the rewards easily outweigh their worth in gold.”

Hello, my name is Danny! I’m 25 years old from the United States and I am currently traveling in New Zealand!  If you would like to get in contact with me, submit a message here and Erica will relay it to me. You can also check out my personal travel blog at www.dangea.com. I hope you enjoy reading what I’ve learned while on my journey!

What countries have you traveled to so far?

USA, Canada, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, Italy, The Vatican, Australia, New Zealand

What country are you currently in or where are you planning to go?

New Zealand

What stage of life are you in?

Post-University, Between Careers, Professional in Your Field, Seeking a New Path

Why embark on your journey?

To be an example to others, to experience a new culture, to check out new scenery, to challenge yourself, to meet new people.

What are some of your goals while traveling?

Overcoming mental obstacles, such as traveling alone, backpacking, finding my way thru an unknown country, self-funding the entire journey myself.

What were some of your fears about traveling before you left?

Running out of money, missing loved ones, being alone/loneliness, not being able to find a job (if on a work visa), exposure to possible dangers (sickness, disease, violence, etc)

How do you feel you have faced those fears during your trip?

Constantly reminding myself that millions of others have done what I am doing before me, and it is NOT impossible. Millions of people continue to travel alone everyday. I just wish to join them!

Have your dreams of what you might do with your live changed as a result of traveling?

They have changed slightly. I have made a pact with myself to travel more often. Material things and possessions have no weight compared to the joy of travel.

What are 3 significant things you have learned while being on your adventure?

1. Traveling alone can be one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences of your life. It is a true test of courage, and the rewards easily outweigh their worth in gold.

2. The friends you make while on the road are your friends FOR LIFE. These people are having the same experiences as you, and that fact alone puts you on a much deeper bonding level than most people could imagine.

3. Traveling can “put you in your place”. Many people (especially Americans) get caught up in the material world, and they can also get caught up in the thought that everything is in America, and there is no need to travel. As unfortunate as that thought is, it’s humbling to learn that while you are traveling foreign lands, you will come to realize just how HUGE the Earth is, and how many people reside in it. You are just a small, small dot on the planet, and your time here is just a fraction of a blink in time.

What advice could you give others who are considering taking some time off to explore themselves and the world?

IT’S DOABLE. Period. Many people look for reasons not to. I can give them a million reasons TO travel. For some people, it may be difficult, but not impossible. Early financial planning and logistical job requirements can allow enough time off to travel, if people do their homework right.

Were there any quotes that motivated you along the way?

No quotes, unfortunately! I used only my dreams as inspiration.

What are the top three countries you would like to travel to next?

Thailand, Norway, Argentina