Part 4: What’s Next?
2.23.25 | Part 4: What's Next?
This marks the last part of my solo travel reflections. To everyone who’s been following along, whether through my posts or in person, sharing how my words made you reflect on your own journey, thank you. Your comments, messages, and conversations have meant so much to me. Knowing that my experiences have resonated with others has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful for the chance to share these pieces of my life.
As I wrap up these reflections, I’ve been thinking about what I’ve learned. Not just about myself, but about people, connection, and what lies beneath the surface of our day-to-day interactions. If there’s one thing this journey has reinforced, it’s that human connection is universal. No matter where you go, what language you speak, or how different your backgrounds may be, there’s an unspoken understanding when you make the effort. I’ve met strangers who have shown me kindness in ways I never expected. Offering guidance, sharing stories, and helping me navigate unfamiliar places. The world feels a little smaller when you realize how much goodness exists in it.
And yet, it’s also so much bigger than I ever imagined. There’s something about stepping into the unknown, about seeing the world beyond your daily routine, that shifts your perspective. I used to think solo travel wasn’t for me. I told myself I wasn’t the adventurous type. But I was wrong. The experience changed me. It made me more independent, more capable, and more aware of how much is out there waiting to be explored. If you’ve ever felt hesitant about taking that first step, I promise it will be worth it. You’ll come back seeing life a little differently, and maybe, like me, you’ll realize just how much more you’re capable of.
What’s Next?
It’s been a month since I’ve been back. Yes, still procrastinating on posting photos from my trip. At this point, I feel settled again. Back to seeing friends and family, back to work, back to my routine. But something in me feels different. My outlook on life has shifted, even if only slightly. My priorities for the year feel clearer. My commitment to deepening friendships is stronger. And the part of me that craved adventure? I think it’s finally woken up.
For the first time, I’m genuinely considering living somewhere other than NYC. Before this trip, I never thought I’d leave. I always assumed NYC would be home forever. But now? I don’t know. The idea of building a life somewhere else doesn’t seem as impossible as it once did.
A lot of people have asked me, “So, where are you going next?”
Japan 2025 is already on my mind. Maybe in the fall. Japan was one of the first places I traveled to internationally, and I fell in love with it. The food, the people, the culture. Plus, I love anime (Who else is watching Solo Leveling right now? I’m so addicted). Solo traveling there feels like something I need to experience. Kyoto is still my favorite city ever, and I’d love to relive that feeling of walking through its quiet streets, absorbing every moment. I’m also considering the Philippines in December, and maybe even Taiwan again before the year ends (currently trying to bait some friends into joining me 😆).
If you’ve been somewhere that completely changed you, let me know. I’m always looking for new places to add to the list!
On FIRE, Personal Finance & Future Plans
I know I’ve talked a lot about escaping the 9-to-5, FIRE, and personal finance in my posts. I get that it’s not everyone’s thing. Sometimes, even thinking about it feels overwhelming. But if I can leave you with one thought:
People say time is money, but really, time is freedom. The choices you make today, how you manage your finances, what you invest in - not just money, but yourself, your skills, your health - shape the options you’ll have in the future. Whether it’s for yourself, your family, or even for the generations after you, setting yourself up now means giving yourself the freedom to live life on your own terms later.
One of the biggest realizations from this journey has been that there are so many people thinking about the same things. Personal finance, FIRE, early retirement, long-term goals, traveling, entrepreneurship. But these conversations don’t happen enough. So, I’m starting something new.
In March or April, I want to host a small dinner series in NYC for like-minded people. Those interested in FIRE, financial freedom, meaningful travel, and designing a life beyond the traditional path. It’s still in the works, but if this resonates with you, reach out to me on IG. Depending on interest, it might be capped, but I’d love to bring together a group of people who get it. Who want to have these conversations and support each other in the process.
That’s all for now. Until the next one✌🏻
