From Newbie to Spontaneous International Trips: Haley’s Travel Journey with Friends

On Top of Barcelona

Haley never imagined she’d become a globetrotter. Growing up, vacations were limited to beach trips, with her mom favoring destinations within driving distance. Even with a stepdad who worked as a pilot, flying for vacation wasn’t exactly encouraged. But thanks to her friends, Haley discovered the thrill of travel, transforming from a hesitant first-timer to a confident explorer. Her journey is one of friendship, discovery, and unforgettable adventures.

The First Leap: A Delta Connection

It all started with a friend who worked for Delta Airlines. Haley had never traveled far before, and the idea of navigating airports, train stations, and foreign languages felt overwhelming. But she wasn’t going to let fear hold her back. With the support of her travel-savvy friend, who happened to be a Delta pilot, she tackled her worries head-on. Armed with tools like Mobile Passport, Global Entry, she took the plunge. And she never looked back.

Finding Her Travel Groove with Friends

One of the biggest lessons Haley learned? Travel is better with friends. With them, she found the confidence to step out of her comfort zone, embrace last-minute itinerary changes, and make the most of every adventure. Time zone adjustments became easy, and she stopped stressing over the little things.

Her new travel philosophy? “Don’t say no—be open to what comes along.” This mindset led to fast-paced weekend getaways where she and her friends would fly out on a Friday, explore on Saturday, and return Sunday. Whether it was a short trip or an international escape, having friends by her side made each moment more exciting and memorable.

Standout Destinations: Australia and Barcelona

Among her favorite trips, Australia and Barcelona stood out. In Australia, she faced an unexpected challenge—nearly getting caught in the 2020 COVID lockdown—but she managed to leave just in time. Meanwhile, Barcelona captivated her with its lively culture, stunning architecture, and dynamic atmosphere. Each adventure reinforced the importance of saying “yes” to new experiences, especially when shared with great company.

Traveling Smart on a Budget

One of Haley’s biggest travel perks? Not paying for flights, thanks to airline connections. But beyond that, she and her friends stuck to nightly budgets, avoided unnecessary shopping, and focused on immersive experiences rather than material things. Instead of splurging on souvenirs, they created lifelong memories through shared moments and local adventures.

Adapting to Cultural Differences Together

Traveling with friends made cultural differences easier to navigate. Most places she visited had English-speaking locals, but Stuttgart, Germany, presented a challenge—no English translations. While relying on one another, they used context clues and quick learning to get by. Meanwhile, Australia’s incredible safety and welcoming environment made it one of Haley’s favorite places.

Staying Connected and Beating Homesickness

Her simple solution for staying in touch? Paying $10 a day for an international phone plan and using her credit card without worrying about exchanging currency. Having friends along also eased any feelings of homesickness—together, they created a home away from home wherever they went.

Haley’s Advice for First-Time Travelers

For those hesitant to take their first trip, Haley offers this advice:

• Travel with friends—they provide support, make experiences more fun, and help navigate challenges.

• Start with an English-speaking country to ease into international travel.

• Keep flights short at first to get comfortable with the experience.

• Pack light—overpacking is a rookie mistake.

• Use TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to streamline the airport process.

• Plan a versatile wardrobe: one nice outfit, interchangeable basics, and good walking shoes.

• Write down details from your trip—small restaurants and hidden gems are easy to forget!

  
  

A New Chapter: Moving to New York City

To take her travel game to the next level, Haley recently made the bold move to New York City. With its energy, cultural diversity, and endless opportunities for adventure, the city provides the perfect launchpad for her travel lifestyle. Now, with major international airports just a short ride away, she has the world at her fingertips, ready for spontaneous getaways with her closest friends. Beyond travel, she’s excited to immerse herself in the vibrant arts scene, meet fellow explorers, and fully embrace the nonstop rhythm of city life.

What’s Next for Haley?

With plenty of stamps in her passport already, Haley hopes her next adventures include Paris, Italy, and Greece. And if her past experiences are any indication, she’ll be taking on these destinations with the same fearless, spontaneous energy—always with friends by her side.

Key Takeaways: Why Traveling with Friends is the Best

1. Shared experiences create lifelong memories. Adventures are always more fun when you have someone to laugh with.

2. Support makes challenges easier. Whether navigating a foreign city or dealing with last-minute itinerary changes, friends help lighten the load.

3. Travel is less intimidating. First-time travelers feel more confident knowing they have someone to lean on.

4. You split costs and save money. From accommodations to meals, sharing expenses helps stretch the travel budget.

5. There’s always someone to take your photos. No more awkward solo selfies!

Haley’s journey proves that travel is for anyone willing to take that first step. And when you take it with friends? The world becomes even more exciting.

Feel free to follow Haley on Instagram @HaleyGust.