Hi everyone! I’m Alexis, Michelle’s younger sister and the blogger behind FITnancials.
Many of you may already know me, but if we haven’t met, I’ve spent the past two years traveling the world as a blogger, au pair, and volunteer. I’ve taken several mother-and-daughter trips with my mom, and I often write about my journeys, which you can read about here.
I caught the travel bug from my dad, who passed away when I was 14. He traveled extensively and filled our lives with stories. Michelle and I have boxes of his photo albums, and opening them and finding pictures of me in the exact same spot he once stood makes me feel like we’re still traveling together. That connection has been especially meaningful since his passing ten years ago.
Related:
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- How I Went On An Around-The-World Cruise (25+ Countries In 4 Months!)
My first trip outside the United States wasn’t to Europe like many of my peers. I spent two months in Peru volunteering four days a week at a special-needs orphanage. A few months later I went to Australia, then to Europe where I worked as an au pair for three months. Since then I’ve visited Japan and Mexico and I’m already preparing my next trip.
I took a gap year from college because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to explore and see what the world had to offer. Each trip returned me more confident, courageous, and independent than before. Every country taught me something new about the world and about myself—lessons I didn’t expect but deeply appreciate.
I strongly encourage travel, especially solo travel, because it allows you to set your own pace and discover valuable life lessons. I’ve written more about why solo travel is so rewarding here.
Below are the most important lessons I’ve learned while traveling—practical, emotional, and surprising insights that have shaped how I see the world.
1. Make responsible travel decisions.
If you want to see animals while traveling, be aware that animal abuse still exists within parts of the tourism industry. Social media has helped expose some of these practices, but not fast enough. Early in my travels I decided to avoid tours or attractions that exploit animals. Instead, visit reputable sanctuaries and rescue organizations that prioritize animal welfare.
Major travel platforms are starting to remove ticketing for businesses that promote animal abuse, which helps, but it’s still important to research and choose ethical experiences.
2. You’ll make lifelong friends.
Travel often brings you face to face with people who feel like old friends within minutes. I’ve made close friends from Italy, Peru, Mexico, Germany, and the UK—people I would happily invite to my wedding. Sometimes a single day or short encounter can spark a deep connection that endures across years and continents.
Be open to spontaneous meetups and local gatherings—those encounters often turn into meaningful friendships that change the way you see the world.
3. We’re all the same.
Travel reveals how universal our desires are: people everywhere want happiness for themselves and their loved ones. I’ve met travelers and locals from six continents and different faiths and backgrounds, and what connected us were shared experiences and curiosity about each other’s lives—not differences.
4. Stay open minded.
Be willing to try new foods and explore places that aren’t on the typical “must-see” lists. Some of the best travel memories come from wandering off the beaten path. Once I got lost in Florence and found a tiny jewelry shop full of handcrafted pieces—an unexpected discovery I would have missed if I’d followed only the guidebook.
5. Don’t let your fears hold you back.
Online warnings and overgeneralized safety concerns can keep you from visiting places that are worth experiencing. If I had listened only to online chatter, I’d have missed out on Mexico, Peru, Chicago, and southern Italy—places that introduced me to some of the warmest, most generous people I’ve ever met.
Of course, be informed and cautious where necessary, but don’t let fear alone dictate your travel plans unless official advisories recommend avoiding a destination.
6. Be open to falling in love.
Travel opens the door to all kinds of love—romantic relationships, deep friendships, or a love for a place so strong you might decide to move there. I know people who’ve relocated permanently after meeting someone abroad or falling for a country’s culture and lifestyle.
Keep an open heart—travel creates unexpected opportunities for connection and change.
7. Learn to say no.
Don’t let FOMO (fear of missing out) drive every choice. Saying yes to everything leads to exhaustion, burnout, and depleted funds. If you’re staying in hostels or traveling with others, invitations will come often—take the nights you need to rest. It’s okay to skip activities and recharge; you’ll enjoy your trip more for it.
8. Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive.
Budget travel is very possible. In Europe I often moved between countries for under $50—sometimes as low as $10—using services like Blablacar for affordable long-distance rides. Couchsurfing, hostels, and budget-friendly Airbnb options make accommodations much more affordable, and Couchsurfing can introduce you to locals who know the best non-touristy spots.
Switching to a travel-friendly mobile plan can also save money and hassle. For longer trips I changed to a carrier that offers free texting and affordable data and calls abroad. Dining can be inexpensive too—five-course meals for a few dollars in parts of South America or delicious Tokyo meals for under $10 are real possibilities if you avoid tourist traps.
9. There’s no place like home.
Travel enriches life, but coming home has its own unbeatable comforts. After a long trip there’s nothing like the ecstatic greeting from pets—my dogs’ excited licks and cuddles are priceless, even if there’s occasionally a small accident to laugh about later.
I live in Austin, Texas, with my boyfriend and our rescue pups. I work as a full-time blogger and volunteer with several rescues and farm sanctuaries. My long-term goal is to open a sanctuary for rescued farmed animals.
If you want to travel more, I offer a free 5-day email course that covers how to travel the world on a budget. Over five days you’ll learn about finding free flights and accommodations, travel essentials, making friends abroad, and other helpful tips to make travel easier and more affordable.