When I packed my bags in April of 2024, I wasn’t sure about my final destination, what type of work I would do, or how long this adventure would last. There were many unanswered questions and yet as an energetic young woman, I felt the need to take the leap and give up the familiar: my job, my apartment, my friends, my culture, and my familiarity with my country. I headed to Canada both to improve my English and to gain perspective. Time away from home, I figured, would allow me to miss home and eventually lead me back to Spain.

Now, I work a rotational job as a geologist in Equity Exploration. I work for three weeks, and then I have three weeks off to explore Canada as I please. I carry my belongings on my back and live in hostels during my travels. Here’s what I’ve learned so far—both about myself and Canada.

Travelling solo is easier than I thought

I’ve always been someone who travels with friends or a partner. Solo travel wasn’t really on my radar before this trip. Now that I’m doing it though, I feel way more confident and I’ve proven to myself that travelling solo no longer has to be a barrier for me. The freedom to choose where to go, what to eat, and what to explore is truly amazing. You don’t have to apologize if something goes wrong. When it’s just you on your own, you can let your imagination and creativity be your guide. I love that I can do whatever I want whether it’s heading to a museum, classical music concert, disco, library, park, riding a bike, or planning my next big adventure.

For other women travelling alone, yes it’s true that we face more risks and of course, I’ve encountered challenging situations. Trusting your instincts and prioritizing your well-being are your best allies. In general, it’s cool to meet people that you’d never expect to ever meet. But if you don’t feel like being with someone, you don’t owe anyone an explanation. Simply be honest and say that you prefer to continue your journey alone.

Canadian nature is absolutely incredible!

As a traveller, what truly stands out in Canada and what I appreciate the most is its nature. The vast continental forests with their lush fir trees. Mountains taller than you could ever have imagined. A landscape of green, green, and more green. Large wild animals roaming freely. Solitary hikes, where bear spray is your best ally. Huge rivers with powerful currents and stunning lakes with a bluish-white hue that takes your breath away. It’s… gorgeous.

The first time I drove from Calgary to the Rocky Mountains, I was astonished by the sheer beauty of the landscape. With every kilometre, I felt closer to the geomorphology of the mountains. It was just a dream come true. In fact, the emotions I experienced seeing that kind of beauty were overwhelming. Indeed, I couldn’t hold back a few tears as I drove through that incredible scenery.

Culturally, Canada and Spain are totally different!

Like any traveller, I spot the differences between the culture I’m exploring and the one which I come from. For me, the two cultural aspects that I think other international tourists would notice on their first day in Canada are safety and excellent service.

The absence of theft is striking to me. I realized this when I saw someone leave their phone and wallet on a table at a bar, completely unattended (gasp!), while he was going to the washroom. While the lack of theft is impressive, there are times when I’ve felt uneasy walking through main city streets. That said, if you avoid conflict, you’re generally safe.

Another noticeable difference is the quality of service, especially in restaurants. No matter where you go, kindness and attentiveness are always there. They’ll even offer you free water! While the tipping culture might not always be ideal for travellers who aren’t used to it, the positive impact of this service is undeniable, creating a pleasant experience.

Going with the flow is less stressful

I used to be a stressed-out traveller. I was always planning my trips in advance, determining a list of must-see stops, and feeling a constant pressure to manage my time. These days, I’ve learned that there’s no point in over-planning. Your expectations are often different from reality anyway! Of course, it’s important to learn a bit about your destination and do the necessary research, but asking locals and fellow travellers is often the best way to discover hidden gems. Part of going with the flow can mean taking days to fully relax, rest, adjust routine, or change plans based on the weather (a key element when visiting Canada!).

The backpacker community is like chosen family

At first, I often missed my own space when I could be alone, in a quiet area, or let out my emotions as I needed. When hostels become your home for a few days, you learn to get comfortable sharing rooms with four, eight, 12, or even 14 people. It wasn’t always easy but the connections I made with roommates made it all worthwhile. I can’t even describe the power in meeting people from around the world who were living in a similar reality to my own. Having the chance to connect and share my fears with them was just fantastic. One of my favourite places in a hostel is the kitchen, where people cook together. It’s a wonderful opportunity to exchange recipes, share meals, and learn about different cultures and cooking traditions. You just don’t get to do that anywhere else!

Making friends is actually really easy

By staying in hostels, you’re creating connections across the globe. It’s a continuous opportunity to learn and stay engaged with new people. During my travels, I’ve found that it’s actually incredibly easy to meet new people, whether in the dorm room, the elevator, during organized activities, at the bar, or in the kitchen. My conversations often started with the same questions: "How was your day?” “What brings you here?” “Where are you from?” “How long are you staying?" After that, the conversation flowed naturally. It’s been a pleasure and a great opportunity to meet people from countries I couldn’t even pinpoint on a map!

In hostels, most relationships are sporadic, knowing there’s a high chance you’ll never see that person again. However, I’ve also met friends who have become long-term connections. We’re already talking about when I’ll visit their hometowns, and when they’ll come to Barcelona.