And this is my story… a journey shaped by adventure, resilience, and a deep love for exploring the world as a solo female traveler.
My love for travel started young, but everything changed when I booked my first solo trip. What was meant to be a short adventure turned into something much bigger; something that completely reshaped the way I see the world and my place in it!
I fell in love with the feeling of figuring things out on my own. With one-way tickets, unfamiliar streets, and the kind of freedom that only comes from not knowing exactly what’s next. I found connection in the most unexpected places, with people I didn’t share a language with, but somehow still understood.
Over the years, I’ve learned how to navigate foreign cities with nothing but a backpack, how to turn strangers into friends, and how to create a sense of home almost anywhere.
But I’ve also learned that travel isn’t always the highlight reel you see online. There are missed buses, uncomfortable nights, moments of doubt, and days where everything feels overwhelming.
And honestly… those are the moments that changed me the most!
From small-town beginnings to a life shaped by the world, I’ve spent years traveling, working, and living across different countries and cultures.
I’ve now visited over 90 countries and while I don’t know if I’ll ever truly feel “done,” I do know that this journey has become so much more than just ticking places off a map… It’s about learning, unlearning, and seeing life from perspectives I never would’ve known otherwise.
Through this space, I want to share not just where I go, but what it actually feels like to experience the world this way; the highs, the chaos, the growth, and everything in between.
Because there’s no single way to build a life… and this is what mine happens to look like!
My story begins in Karlovy Vary, a small spa town in the Czech Republic. It’s where my roots lie; where my family, traditions, and parts of who I am come from. But my childhood was just as much shaped by Cologne, Germany, a vibrant city in the west.
Growing up between the two, I often felt like I didn’t fully belong in either. I never quite fit into the culture, the expectations, or the version of life that seemed laid out in front of me.
So at 13, I made a decision that would change everything.
I wanted more than what I had known. More than the familiar. More than staying in one place and following a path that didn’t feel like mine.
I applied for academic and motivational scholarships abroad… and somehow, it worked! I was given the opportunity to finish high school in the United States.
That move became the first real step into the life I live now.
Not just a life of travel, but a life of choosing my own direction. Of chasing experiences over expectations, redefining what success looks like, and constantly searching for a place that feels like home.
Since then, I’ve been figuring things out on my own terms. I’ve traveled to over 90 countries across six continents, and lived and worked in eight of them.
And the truth is, I’m not even halfway through.
I don’t know exactly where this journey will lead, but I do know I’m excited for everything that’s still ahead… and really glad you’re here for it!
I didn’t start this blog to tell you where to go.
I started it to show you what’s possible when you step outside your comfort zone and start experiencing the world in your own way! Because travel doesn’t have to look one specific way. It doesn’t have to be perfect, polished, or expensive to be meaningful.
Whether you’re dreaming about your first solo trip, planning a long-term adventure, or just craving a little more out of life, I want this space to feel like proof that it is possible.
Here’s what you’ll find here:
🌍 Destination guides: Honest, experience-based guides with practical tips, must-see spots, and the kind of details you don’t always find online.
🎒 Travel tips: Budget-friendly advice, packing lists, solo travel insights, and everything I wish I knew before I started.
💭 Personal stories: The real, unfiltered moments of life on the road; the good, the messy, and everything in between.
💌 Open letters: Reflections on the people, places, and experiences that have stayed with me long after I left.
This blog isn’t just about travel. It’s about what happens because of it.
The way it pushes you, changes you, and sometimes completely reroutes your life.
For me, travel has never been about just seeing places.
It’s about feeling them.
I’m not chasing checklists or trying to see everything, I’m drawn to the in-between moments. The quiet streets, the unexpected conversations, the places that aren’t always on a map. I’d rather understand a place through small, real experiences than rush through the highlights.
I travel with just enough of a plan to get by, keeping things flexible, affordable, and open to change. Because some of the best moments I’ve had were never planned in the first place.
And more often than not, they happened right outside my comfort zone.
But travel has also taught me this: things won’t always go the way you expect, and that’s part of it. Missed buses. Changed plans. Goodbyes that come sooner than you’d like.
Some of the most meaningful connections are the ones that only last for a moment… and somehow still stay with you long after. That’s what makes it real.
More than anything, I hope this space encourages you to explore the world in your own way and maybe even question what travel, and life, really mean to you.
Here’s to whatever comes next!
Honestly… I’ve never had a simple answer to that.
I never fully felt at home where I grew up, which is part of what pushed me to leave and start exploring in the first place. Since then, I’ve spent years moving, traveling, and trying to understand what “home” even means to me.
These days, my home base is in Arizona, USA; it’s where I come back to reset, reflect, and plan what’s next. But if I’m being honest, home has never really been a single place.
It’s a feeling. Something I find in the people I meet, the moments that stay with me, and the sense of connection I feel in certain corners of the world.
So for now, home isn’t one destination. It’s a collection of experiences… and the people I share them with!
Yes… sometimes.
Solo travel isn’t always as carefree as it might look. There are moments of uncertainty, long travel days that leave you exhausted, and times where the loneliness hits a little harder than expected.
But those feelings aren’t exclusive to travel; they’re part of being human.
Over time, I’ve learned not to run from them, but to sit with them. Because more often than not, those are the moments that lead to the most growth.
And the truth is, I’m rarely alone for long. Travel has a way of bringing people into your life when you least expect it. Some of the connections I’ve made on the road (whether they lasted a few hours or a few months) have been some of the most meaningful I’ve ever experienced.
So yes, it can be scary. And yes, it can feel lonely sometimes.
But it’s also incredibly rewarding in ways that are hard to explain until you experience it for yourself!
There’s no single answer… but for me, it’s been a mix of saving intentionally, spending consciously, and working along the way.
I’ve taken on different jobs abroad over the years, from teaching and nannying to freelance work that I can do remotely. I don’t rely on one fixed income stream; it’s more about being flexible and figuring things out as I go.
I also travel in a way that prioritizes experiences over comfort!
That means choosing budget-friendly accommodation, being mindful of how I spend, and sometimes making trade-offs that allow me to stay on the road longer. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s worth it to me.
And the biggest thing I’ve learned?
Travel is often more accessible than it seems. Not easy, not effortless, but possible with the right priorities, planning, and a bit of resourcefulness!
If that’s something you’re curious about, I share a lot more detailed tips here on the blog and across my social platforms!
Honestly… both, for different reasons.
Solo travel gives me complete freedom. I can follow my own pace, change plans last minute, and fully step outside my comfort zone. It’s where I’ve grown the most and learned to rely on myself in ways I never had before.
But traveling with others can be just as special. Some experiences are simply better when they’re shared; those “you had to be there” moments that turn into lifelong memories.
Over time, I’ve realized it’s not about choosing one over the other, it’s about finding the right balance. I love my solo adventures, but I also deeply value the connections and friendships that travel brings into my life!
I have some university credits, but I chose to take a different path and prioritize travel over finishing a traditional degree.
For me, learning has never been limited to a classroom. Travel has been my biggest teacher; pushing me into unfamiliar situations, exposing me to different cultures, and helping me develop a perspective I don’t think I would’ve gained any other way.
That said, I have a lot of respect for formal education, and I don’t see it as an either/or situation. This is just the path that felt right for me.
And I’m still constantly learning; whether that’s through online courses, new experiences, or the people I meet along the way.
Curiosity.
The kind that makes you wonder what life looks like somewhere completely different from your own.
Travel has been my greatest teacher. It’s changed the way I see the world, challenged what I thought I knew, and constantly reminded me how much more there is to learn.
Every new place humbles me in a way. It makes me realize how small my own perspective is and how many stories, cultures, and people I’ve yet to experience.
I think that’s what keeps me going. Not the idea of “seeing it all,” but knowing that I never will. And still wanting to explore as much of it as I can!
A bit of everything, honestly.
Over the years, I’ve worked in teaching, nannying, hospitality and customer service, as well as freelance writing and digital marketing. I’ve also spent time working in tourism, volunteering, and picking up the occasional odd job along the way.
For me, this lifestyle has never been about one single career path; it’s about staying flexible and making things work wherever I am. Some roles help fund the journey, others are about the experience, and some are simply about giving back.
Long-term travel definitely requires creativity, but there are far more opportunities out there than people think, especially if you’re open to trying different things!
This is always the hardest question.
Every country offers something completely different, and my “favorite” really depends on what I’m looking for at the time.
But if I had to choose one that’s stayed with me, I’d say New Zealand.
There’s something about it; the landscapes feel almost unreal, the diversity packed into such a small place is incredible, and the people made it even more special.
It’s one of those places that just sticks with you long after you leave.
Not in a traditional sense, but I do tend to hold onto little things.
I love picking up small, meaningful souvenirs, especially locally made crafts, artwork, or postcards. Nothing big or flashy; just pieces that feel connected to a place.
I also have a habit of keeping the tiny, almost forgettable things… currency from different countries, old tickets, handwritten notes from people I’ve met along the way. The kind of things that don’t look like much to anyone else, but somehow carry an entire memory with them.
But more than anything, I think what I really collect are the experiences, the stories, and the people. Those are the things that stay with me long after I’ve moved on!
Oh, absolutely.
Travel isn’t always sunshine and perfect moments and anyone who says it is probably isn’t telling the full story!
I’ve missed flights, gotten completely lost in places where I didn’t speak the language, run out of money, and had belongings stolen. I’ve also had a few uncomfortable situations while couchsurfing or hitchhiking that reminded me how important it is to trust my instincts and set clear boundaries.
And especially as a solo female traveler, there’s an added layer of awareness that never really switches off.
You learn to read situations more carefully. To stay alert, trust your gut, and remove yourself when something doesn’t feel right without second-guessing it.
It can be stressful in the moment, but over time I’ve learned that staying calm and adaptable makes all the difference.
Because the truth is, things will go wrong at some point. But they’re almost always temporary. And more often than not, those challenging moments turn into the stories that stay with you the longest.
They teach you resilience, resourcefulness, and a kind of confidence you don’t get any other way. And sometimes, they remind you just how kind people can be, especially when you need it most!
More than anything, an open mind.
Of course, there are practical things involved: a passport, visas, some level of planning, and a way to support yourself along the way. But beyond that, it really comes down to mindset.
A willingness to step outside your comfort zone, to adapt when things don’t go as planned, and to stay open to experiences that might not look the way you imagined.
A lot of people think they need a huge budget or the “perfect” plan before they start. But the truth is… there’s no such thing. You figure it out as you go.
That doesn’t mean it’s always easy. It takes resourcefulness, flexibility, and sometimes making choices that aren’t the most comfortable. But it is possible in more ways than most people think.
So if you feel drawn to it, start where you are. It doesn’t have to be a one-way ticket across the world. Sometimes it’s just booking that first trip, even if it feels a little scary. You’ll never feel 100% ready, and there will never be a perfect time. But the experiences, the growth, and the people you meet along the way make it worth it every time!
And one practical tip I’ve learned the hard way? Pack half of what you think you need.
If you’ve made it this far… hi, I’m really glad you’re here! 🫶🏼
For me, travel has always been about connection; the people you meet, the stories you share, and the moments that somehow stay with you long after you’ve moved on.
So if you ever have a question, need advice, or just want to chat about travel, I’d genuinely love to hear from you! You can fill out the contact form, or send me an email at contact@jackykarwathova.com.
And if you’d like to follow along with my journey in real time, you can also find me across my social media channels; I’d love to have you along for the ride!
If you’re a brand, tourism board, or company looking to collaborate, you can find more details on my Work with Me page.
In a world of endless scrolling and unopened emails, The Postcard Club is something tangible; postcard kits inspired by my real travels, featuring my own photography, art, stories from the road, and little extras connected to the places I’ve been 💌
Join the waitlist so you don’t miss the very first destination: South Africa 🇿🇦
Founding subscribers from this waitlist will receive a little extra love in their first drop!
By joining the waitlist, you agree to receive occasional emails about future postcard drops, travel stories, and updates from the road. Unsubscribe anytime 💌
