the Art of Travel
It’s common knowledge that travel can be restorative- both in terms of a mental break from your day-to-day and a needed respite physically from demanding schedules. But lately I’ve been wondering what travel could provide on a community level. In light of recent political shifts and grave misunderstandings about immigration, asylum and cultural differences I wonder what travel could bring to someone’s worldview.
One haustler in particular could make a second career out of all her travels.. and I was lucky to sit down with her and ask what it’s like to travel solo as a woman and what she feels she gains from each experience.
Jess: I admire all the places you’ve been and how recently you’ve done quite a few spots solo!
What does traveling solo reveal about yourself?
Jenn: I have done a lot of traveling over the past 10+ years but actually only a small amount has been solo. When I do travel solo, the biggest thing on my mind is trying to stay off my phone and not use it as a crutch. I try to be present in the moment. It can be uncomfortable to eat a meal alone in a foreign country or even in a restaurant in your hometown. The default is to pick up the phone. Traveling solo reminds me how much I rely on the comfort of my phone and I try to be conscious of breaking that habit. The times I’ve put the phone away and talked to the person next to me have ended up in new friendships (even if single-serving) and unexpected adventures and conversations.
Solo travel also builds confidence. It feels empowering to navigate an unknown place and not get lost. You have to trust your gut and listen to your instincts in new surroundings and I think that can create more self awareness in a healthy way.
I actually prefer traveling with a friend because as a female solo traveler, you unfortunately have to be on even more high alert in certain situations. When I’m solo, I have a harder time relaxing and letting my guard down compared to when I have a travel companion. However, I have met many solo female travelers that are an inspiration to me and have no fear of getting out into the world and experiencing things on their own. This is something I strive to do more of in the future.
Jess: You know I chose to move to Chicago because of that very experience. I took myself to dinner and started conversations with strangers who opened up about their love of this city and community. While we can’t count on every conversation with a stranger to be a wonderful experience- you’re right that setting down your phone and being open to connection allows for opportunity and adventure to happen.
Jenn: Yes! People are open to connecting. People have a lot in common, even when we come from different backgrounds. Being open to new connections can lead to new experiences you may never have had otherwise. People want to share their culture and their community.
Jess: What has been your favorite spot so far?
Jenn: I have a few favorites for different reasons. For nature, I absolutely love the Swiss Alps. It was the very first place I went abroad after college in 2008 and I was blown away by the beauty. I recently returned to the Lauterbrunnen area in 2022 to see it again and I was even more blown away the second time. Being up in the mountains surrounded by the Alps makes you feel so small in the world with these massive peaks surrounding you and the fresh air and distant sound of cowbells nearby. It’s a great feeling being out there.
I have a bit of a connection with Japan. I was born there since my dad was stationed there in the Air Force at the time. I’ve been back twice as an adult and it is a place that I will always have travel plans for in motion. Tokyo is obviously massive and you can’t possibly have the same experience there twice with how much there is to see and do. I love how overwhelming it can be to the senses and how conquering the metro there can feel like a real feat! I’ve done a lot of research for trip planning in Japan and there are so many unique areas that I still want to explore. I’m also very interested in Japanese culture and it’s such a respectful, safe place. It’s tops on my list for recommendations when people ask me where they should go internationally.
The country I have visited the most is France. It’s cheesy but I love Paris. I think I’ve been to Paris at least five times over the years, sometimes just for a night to catch a flight home. French is the only other language I can speak decently, so I do love to make it to France any chance I get to practice speaking with locals. It’s a challenge for me personally and nothing feels better than a French cab driver who doesn’t speak English in a small medieval town complimenting your French. I also love the food, the wine, the history — all of it! And I’ve never found any of the stereotypes to be true about the French being rude or not liking Americans, especially if you put in a little effort. Some of my favorite travel memories take place in Paris — an unplanned night out dancing until 6am with total strangers in Oberkampf, a spontaneous karaoke night in Montmartre with people we met sitting next to us at dinner, crashing a house party in the Marais just because we heard Kesha playing from an open window.
Jess: Is there any place in particular you learned the most about community?
Jenn: I’ve never been anywhere so hospitable and welcoming as Jordan. Each person I was lucky to meet during my time there was so friendly and kind and helpful. The Jordanians were genuinely excited to share their history and culture and open their doors to total strangers. I loved every bit of the experience, especially the food. Everyone I met had a friend, uncle or cousin who could help me and my friends out if I needed anything from a ride somewhere to a recommendation on where to go (and they did!). I collected so many WhatsApp numbers on that trip. I’ve never been anywhere else where I’ve felt such a strong sense of pride from the locals to share their community and heritage with guests.
Jess: What a beautiful reminder of how a strong community can build this network of connectivity. It can be both a lifeline and a resource!
When in these amazing places, how do you keep yourself from being a “tourist”? I know you do work to show up authentically and with a true passion for culture and as someone who hopes to travel more, I want to do it conscientiously.
Jenn: This is a great question. It can obviously be hard to fit in as a local in certain places. The best way I have found is to keep an open mind. Be open to learning about the local culture and history. Take a local’s advice — experience a place through the eyes of a local. I like to book a day trip with a local guide to get a lay of the land and a brief overview of the local history. A food tour is a great way to get a sense of place. Food brings people together and creates memorable experiences. You can also take a recipe home and share that experience with others.
Jess: Does travel aid in healing and growing?
Jenn: Absolutely. For me personally, after going through a breakup in early 2024, I found myself on a group trip in Croatia and Montenegro later that fall with a couple dozen other American tourists that were about 10+ years older than me. I was lucky to have had deep conversations with a few of the women in the group that really helped reshape my perspective on what I’d been recently going through and what I may strive for in the future. I love connecting with people I come across during my travels. A conversation with a total stranger can be really healing and also inspiring in many ways.
It’s also really healthy to meet people outside of your daily bubble. This keeps your mind open to new ideas and new ways of thinking. I wish everyone was required to leave the country, let’s say, every five years just for that reason alone.
Jess: If you could leave our haustlers with one final thought... whay would you like to say?
Jenn: The world is a really chaotic place right now. When it comes down to it, all we have is community. You don't have to travel far to share a meal with a stranger or learn something new about your neighbor. We can all be better at building our networks and communities by taking time to listen, showing up for one another, and being just a little more compassionate with each other. The Haus is a perfect example of just how important and impactful community can be. I love being part of a community that lifts each other up. I love seeing the Haus pool resources when someone is in need — no questions asked. When we break barriers and build community, magical things can happen!