My One Year Trip Around The World: Live My Adventure

Travel Wanderlust Trip Around The World Sunita Bendale
The countries on my itinerary for my 10 month trip around the world.

Am I Really Doing This?

For the past few months I have been toying with the idea of literally taking a trip around the world. My plan is to take 1 year, or perhaps more, and experience as much culture and beauty as possible. I feel like now is the time. I’m at a point in my life where I am in decent physical shape. I can climb all the mountains and see all the sites. I’ve worked my entire life and have a great job; this has given me the financial cushion to pull off such a comprehensive trip. There is nothing holding me back or keeping me in the United States. So why not take off and explore all the beauty the world has to offer?

Financial Preparation

Don’t get me wrong – I’m actually very fiscally responsible and max out my retirement funds each year. I also see no point in hoarding the remainder of my funds. My car and clothing are very basic, I don’t drink or party, and I rarely ever eat out at restaurants. Money spent on hair, nails, or expensive makeup are never my priority or preference. I live way below my means. Live simply and experience deeply. All of my funds are strictly dedicated to immersing myself in travel and experiencing as much as I can. It is one of my greatest passions.

certified registered nurse anesthetist CRNA Sunita Bendale anesthesia women in healthcare women in medicine trip around the world independent women
I actually LOVE my job, but travel is one of my greatest passions.

Living in the Moment

Life is highly unpredictable and tomorrow is never guaranteed. There is nothing that I love more than living and experiencing things fully in the moment, free of distractions. I’d rather travel the world now, than to have unlimited funds in my 70s, when I won’t be as agile and energetic. Let’s be real – I have the rest of my life to work. I am going to spend the remainder of my life working, even into old age, as most people do. And that’s okay, because I actually love my full time job!

For these reasons, I have decided that I am going to make this trip around the world happen. I couldn’t be more excited! Although travel is difficult and unpredictable with the Covid pandemic, it is possible. Everything I want to do and see is outdoors. I’m quietly watching the progression of the pandemic to plan as best as I can. Barring any major disasters, I plan to start on the western edge of Europe and slowly make my way east. I’m thinking March 2022. I’ve given my employer the heads up. This is happening.

The planning begins now. Follow my journey as I take you on a trip around the world!

solofemaleexplorer

Hello! My name is Sunita Bendale and I have been an avid solo traveler for the past twelve years. I grew up with the values of a traditional Indian family, and lived a very sheltered life. After becoming a registered nurse, I made the very difficult decision to challenge my cultural and familial norms, and moved clear across the country to sunny California.

Best . Decision . Of . My . Life!

I didn't know anyone within a several thousand mile radius; my friends and family were back home in New Jersey, but I was not going to let that minor inconvenience deter me. My adventure had just begun, was absolutely thrilling, and I welcomed the challenge to create a new life for myself.

With an innate passion for dance, I quickly found myself immersed in the Los Angeles Argentine Tango dance scene. I was a young woman with big dreams and stars in my eyes. One day, on a whim, I decided that I wanted to see the world and dance in Paris. It was a spontaneous last-minute trip, booked only for four days, but I was determined to see and experience as much as I could. I spent those days running up the steps of the Eiffel Tower, taking in the views during the day and night, wandering through the Louvre, staring straight into the eyes of the Mona Lisa, stuffing my face with the most exquisite macarons and every delicious pastry you could imagine, making friends with the taxi cab driver that drove me all over the city, catching the 1am last sparkle of the Eiffel Tower, and dancing the nights away. I didn't sleep. I wanted to soak it all in. The experience was immensely liberating, and jump-started my obsession with travel.

Since that glorious trip, I have made it my life's goal to dance all over the world. It is wildly invigorating walking onto a dance floor in a foreign place, not knowing a single soul or speaking the language, yet being able to dance flawlessly with any random person in the room. To be able to detect the slightest, most subtle shift in weight and move perfectly in unison without so much as breathing a single word - it's enthralling.

Every successive trip since then has fueled my addiction. For the past several years, I have been working as a Nurse Anesthetist, which has been fulfilling in so many different ways. Not only do I absolutely love my career, it also affords me the financial independence and flexibility in scheduling to pick up at a moment's notice and travel the world. 

Many people find the thought of traveling alone a daunting experience, especially as a solo female. However, I am here to share my experiences and safety tips, and assure you that it is not only possible, but can be very cathartic. My goal is to empower women (and all travelers) by providing them with tools and resources that will bolster the confidence to travel solo.
I'm just a girl dancing through life, and enjoying every step along the way.

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