Visiting 30 countries by 30

Everyone has a dream- a vision for their life. Some dream of success in a certain career path, succeeding with their talents, achieving recognition from their peers. Others dream of finding true love, getting married, or starting a family. Some dream of obtaining degrees, of acquiring knowledge and wisdom. Some seek fame, some seek fortune. All of these dreams- while different in their specifics- are equally beautiful. All of these dreams require work. All of these dreams require sacrifice, dedication, and effort. All of these dreams are worth striving for because they are YOURS. 30 countries by 30

One day, we all hope to turn our dreams into plans. To turn these visions into achievements. Fantasy into reality. Seize the day! Celebrate your accomplishments, however big or small! So much of life is spent belittling our triumphs or downplaying our happiness in hopes of not offending, or feeling embarrassed about what makes us happy. It might not mean anything to other people, they might not understand your excitement- but to you, it means everything!
On a slightly less serious note, I am very excited and happy to have achieved a long time life goal of mine: to travel to thirty countries by the time I’m 30 years old. This summer in Iceland (2016)- I did it! It took me 15 years, countless hours of planning and research, plenty of dollars, and a surplus of emotions to reach this point- and I reached it! To some, it might be nothing. To some, it might seem boastful. To me, it is the fruition of a lifetime of plans. 
30 countries by 30
I did it!!!

30 countries by 30

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement- and for sharing in my joy with me! If you are reading this, it means you’re a supporter- and I appreciate it SO much!

The Numbers:

  • As of August 2016, I have spent exactly 402 days abroad since leaving the country for the first time at age 14.
  • I have visited 30 countries, on 5 different continents.
  • The longest I’ve spent in one country is 155 days.
  • I’ve spent two of my longest trips with study-abroad programs

I’ve been homesick. I’ve been uncomfortable. I’ve been very ill, and felt scared while traveling. But- I’ve also been phenomenally happy, inspired, and felt truly alive. Some of the best moments of my life were had while traveling- and I wouldn’t trade it for the world (get it??)! 30 countries by 30


The Breakdown:

  1. United States 
  2. England – 13 days – 2001, 2008
  3. Ireland – 10 days – 2004
  4. France – 6 days – 2008
  5. Spain – 155 days – 2007, 2012, 2016
  6. Italy – 16 days – 2007
  7. Switzerland – 8 days – 2007, 2012
  8. Portugal – 4 days – 2012
  9. Germany – 4 days – 2012
  10. Austria – 6 days – 2012
  11. Canada – 7 days – 1996, 2011, 2017
  12. Peru – 13 days – 2009
  13. Bolivia – 9 days – 2010
  14. Chile – 2 days – 2010
  15. Indonesia – 5 days – 2012
  16. China – 5 days – 2011
  17. Thailand- 6 days – 2012
  18. Cambodia – 9 days – 2012
  19. Vietnam – 2 days – 2012
  20. Morocco – 5 days – 2012
  21. Colombia – 13 days – 2013
  22. Costa Rica – 52 days – 2014
  23. Vatican City – 1 day – 2007
  24. Turkey – 4 days – 2014
  25. Tanzania – 15 days – 2015
  26. Croatia – 5 days – 2016
  27. Bosnia & Herzegovina – 2 days – 2016
  28. Montenegro – 3 days – 2016
  29. Greece- 11 days – 2016
  30. Iceland- 11 days – 2016

3 Comments

  • Reply Jen Ambrose December 20, 2016 at 9:49 pm

    Congrats! I’m turning 30 this month and am close to 30 countries, but not quite there… May have to aim for 31 by 31 😉

  • Reply Ursa December 29, 2016 at 4:53 am

    Congratulations! I haven’t ever thought of doing that but it’s a great idea 🙂

    • Reply Michelle W. December 31, 2016 at 2:45 pm

      Thank you so much Ursa!! You should go for it too! 🙂

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