Travel Goals for 2023

Goals for this Blog

The main goal I have is to create posts consistently and make sure I have enough content in between my trips. I'm not sure how often I'll be able to write, but I think having at least 2 blog posts per month is a good place to start. As I write more posts I can also start tailoring my blog to specific aspects of traveling, depending on what people want to read of course! The beginning will be a learning curve for sure, and although I consider myself tech savvy, setting up and managing my own website for the first time is quite challenging. I'll also have a few personal blog posts here and there (like this one), sharing life updates and next steps. Once I get a job in Barcelona, I'll have to find an apartment in the city rather than commute from Sitges, which could potentially be a blog topic — Apartment Hunting in Barcelona or Tips for Renting an Apartment in Barcelona! But mainly this blog will feature my trips and key tips I've picked up along the way that could help you with your travels and inspire you to travel more within Europe.

What's Next on my Bucket List?

As for my travel goals this year, I have a few trips planned, mainly going around major cities in Italy, such as Rome, Venice and Florence. However, I also want to travel more within Spain since there's so many cool places all around the country, and even near Barcelona. Madrid, Girona and Sevilla are just a few of the spots on my bucket list that I plan to check off this year. Last year I finally got to go to Paris, which was at the top of my list for the longest time! Now I've gone there several times since my first time in May and I must say it is a spot I'll keep coming back to. This year, however, is the year I push myself to explore places I've never been to before (like Madrid and Rome) and perhaps even do a solo trip for the first time. I've flown plenty on my own, but I've never been truly alone as I always have a friend to stay with in each place I go to. Perhaps 2023 is the year I finally get out of my comfort zone and go somewhere completely alone, staying at a social hostel and having to make friends as I go along. It's scary just thinking about it, but I know it's something I need to do at some point in my life. And I've heard cities like Lisbon, Vienna and Prague are great places for first time solo travelers, so I may need to add them to my bucket list for this year!

My Travels and My Confusing Culture Identity

Planning my future trips gives me something to look forward to, and I always get excited when I actually follow through on those plans! Sometimes I plan on going somewhere new but end up going somewhere I've already been to like Ireland since my family is there and it's always good to see them. 2023 is the year this changes so that I can explore new places and make new friends. I think meeting people is one of the best things about traveling, especially since you never know who you'll run into or how that person will impact your life. I'm thankful for all the connections I've made throughout my travels, and I know some people I've met will remain lifelong friends.

Though it's always meeting people that's nerve-racking for my introverted self. It's also a bit nerve-racking because people are constantly asking me, "Where are you from?" I really have to think about this because it's such a loaded question for me. Do I say I'm from Barcelona because that's where I'm living now? If I do they'll think I'm Spanish, and the Peruvian in me can't accept that. If I say I'm from the Bay Area they'll think I still live there and that I'm this annoying American tourist without culture (not all of us Americans are terrible! — more on tourist stereotypes in another post). If I only say I'm Irish or Peruvian then they'll wonder how I got my American accent. If I say I'm Irish and Peruvian AND American, it gets overwhelming and confusing.

"I'm from California," I always end up saying, "but I'm Irish and Peruvian." As if mentioning that somehow cancels out my American-ness to those who highly dislike American tourists. But the thing is, I can't mention being an American without also mentioning my Irish and Peruvian heritage. It feels wrong to leave that part out, though sometimes I have to in order to shorten and simply introductions. For the most part, I try to explain my full story of how I was born and raised in California but that I'm Irish and Peruvian, and currently living in Barcelona. It's fun getting to share my story and it's always a great conversation starter when meeting people. So, while it can be overwhelming and confusing sometimes, it's my unique background that helps me connect with others, especially if they're also American or Irish or Peruvian!

Stay Tuned for Future Posts

It might be a while before my next post until I get the hang of things, but again, my goal is to remain consistent with my writing. I appreciate any and all feedback, especially on what you guys want to see on here, whether it's a certain topic (like clubbing in Barcelona) or specific travel tips (like tips for first time travelers in Europe).

Thanks for reading!

Love, Lany.