Vagabonding Case Study: Diana Edelman
Diana Edelman
Age: 34
Hometown: Rockville, Md.
Quote: Life’s not about living happily ever after, it’s about living.
How did you find out about Vagabonding, and how did you find it useful before and during the trip?
I found out about the site through Twitter. I actually did not use the site when I first left the country on my career break, but now as an expat who still travels (especially in SE Asia), I do refer to it for tips like street food in Bangkok and more.
How long were you on the road?
My longest leg of travel was around seven months.
Where did you go?
During that time, I went to: London, Ireland (Dublin and Galway), Spain (Madrid, Toldeo, Segovia, Monfrague, Alicante, Valencia, Barcelona, San Ambrosio, Tenerife, Granada, Sevilla, Benidorm), Portugal (Lisbon, Sintra, Lagos, Faro), Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Turkey (Istanbul, Cannakale, Fethiye, Kusadasi, Olympos, Goreme), Romania (Brasov, Cluj-Napoca), Bulgaria (Varna, Sunny Beach, Veliko Tarnovo), Morocco (Chefchauen, Fez, Casablanca, Marrakesh), Budapest, Krakow, Croatia (Zagreb, Split, Zadar, Solta, Dubrovnik, Trogir, Brela), Bosnia (Sarajevo, Mostar), and Rwanda.
What was your job or source of travel funding for this journey?
During this time, I was using my savings and also funding travel via freelance writing. Now, I fund travels via freelance writing and my Web site.
Did you work or volunteer on the road?
On that trip, I volunteered to teach English twice with Vaughantown in Spain. I also worked (very briefly) at a hostel in Kusadasi. I have gone on volunteer trips as well, just not on the most recent long term trip.
Of all the places you visited, which was your favorite?
Madrid and Berlin.
Was there a place that was your least favorite, or most disappointing, or most challenging?
I very much disliked Kusadasi. It was a tourist town and the men who worked in that industry were quite disrespectful of western women there. I was molested, threatened and challenged every moment I was there.
Which travel gear proved most useful? Least useful?
My backpack was by far the most useful. The least useful was my neck rest, which I eventually shipped home.
What are the rewards of the vagabonding lifestyle?
There is something so magical about waking up in a place and deciding to strap the backpack on and go somewhere entirely different. Traveling like that gives you complete control of the places you go and (for the most part) the experiences you have.
What are the challenges and sacrifices of the vagabonding lifestyle?
The biggest challenge would be that not everything goes as planned. Travel snarls, local customs, random moments of misfortune — they are all a part of the lifestyle and you have to be able to roll with it. In terms of sacrifices, being able to say “goodbye” to security and routine is a big thing. And, of course, leaving your loved ones.
What lessons did you learn on the road?
I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to. That I am strong, brave and can handle challenges thrown my way.
How did your personal definition of “vagabonding” develop over the course of the trip?
I grew more and more relaxed and able to roll with the punches.
If there was one thing you could have told yourself before the trip, what would it be?
Trust your gut and always trust your gut.
Any advice or tips for someone hoping to embark on a similar adventure?
Do it. Do it now. Take that leap, that chance, and live your dreams.
When and where do you think you’ll take your next long-term journey?
I actually leave for a month in a few days to head to Europe and Israel.
Read more about Diana on her blog, D Travels ‘Round, or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
| Website: D Travels ‘Round | Twitter: @DTravelsRound |
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Category: General, Vagabonding Case Studies