They said: don’t date a girl who travels.  Some of us replied; date a girl who travels. 

Anyway. I’m a girl who travels.  I met a guy who travels.  What would be the story behind this? A good one? A romantic one? A sad one?

I’m a girl who travels.  In fact, I met more than a guy who travels. We didn’t have the same path; we didn’t have the same plans.  Most of the time, it wasn’t meant to be.

I’m a girl who travels.  I met a guy who travels. Like every beginning, it felt great. We bought a car, we packed the car and we drove across Australia together.  We discovered what Australia was all about and we experienced the simple life living on a farm… together.

I’m a girl from Canada. He’s a guy from England. I speak French, he speaks English.  We thought we could build a path together somewhere somehow. Was it blindness or was it love?  It was the romantic story of two solo backpackers who wanted to share their happiness I guess.

I don’t exactly know when we lost each other, but somehow, our romantic epic love story wasn’t meant to be.

There I was, visiting home, feeling comfy again, being the one I used to be…  It was enough to question my life, my priorities.  After nearly two years on the road, it was great to feel my roots again.  I also had enough time to realize what my life could have been and what my life would never be.

Don’t get me wrong; I love traveling.  Sometimes, I still wish I wasn’t dealing with my travel addiction; it would be much easier.  I could have a steady job, save money and travel a few weeks a year.  I could get into a serious relationship and be the best friend I want to be.

Is there something on Earth that could stop me? Is my travel addiction ruining my life?

Perhaps, I should simply tell you; watch out.  I’m being serious here. Please, don’t date me.  And if you do, please don’t even dare fall in love with me.

girl who travels

I’ll change my mind every day.  I’ll crave a settled down life in a modern condo downtown Montreal.  The next minute, I’ll dream of managing a new hostel in Costa Rica.  What would you think of having a second house in Thailand?  In the meantime, I’ll be enjoying my life on a cattle station in Australia, far away from the rest of the world.

I’ll be looking at flights just for fun.  What if I could find a cheap flight to go to Sri Lanka?  Don’t worry, if you can’t come, I’ll go by myself.  I’m an adult; I can do it.  If you do want to make me happy someday, you’ll just have to buy a couple of flight tickets.  You won’t even have to spend a lot; error fares will do the job just fine.

I might dream about us.  I’m a dreamer.  I’ll imagine us across the globe; I’ll picture ourselves instead of them on this lovely picture in the Caribbean.  I’ll dream of a life that we don’t need to escape from.

I might scare you away with my eternal questions or my scenarios.  But, please don’t be afraid.  If I let myself dream, it’s simply because I’m completely committed to you.  This is the way I trust people.  I’m simply trying to picture what could be my life with you and if I can feel this possible happiness.

I won’t spend money on things.  Don’t even think of an expensive one like a house or a car.  I sold everything already. I’m not ready for the settled down life just yet (or at least, until I change my mind again).  I’d rather spend my last dollar on local meals, adrenaline shots and flight tickets.  I’ll spend money on adventures or experiences.  There’s no way I’ll work to live. I’ll preach for simple happiness through my lifestyle. Routine and boredom aren’t very attractive, are they?

I can think for myself.  I don’t want you to believe I’m not happy with my life.  I don’t want you to be scared.  I’m an adult; I can do it.  If you do think I could be bored with you, you might be right.  This is why you’ll have to surprise me along the way.

I don’t need you.  In fact, I’d rather be alone.  But, if I do choose to have your company, this would mean a lot to me.  I can do a lot by myself, but I can also enjoy a journey full of complicity, meaningful eye contact and happy laugher.

If you dare invite me in your life, please, don’t fall for me. And if in a moment of weakness, I invite you in mine; please, stay close enough to draw a smile on this pretty face of mine and give me wings when I need to fly.

There’s no need to be crazy. I’m just a random girl.  And I travel.

There’s no need to fall for me.  I’m just a random girl somewhere, somehow.

READ MORE: What it’s like to be dating a foreigner.

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015 and has been living abroad since 2014. Originally from Canada, she has embraced a digital nomad lifestyle, working online from various destinations worldwide. Melissa is passionate about travel, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit. Her extensive travels have taken her across Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. Currently, she resides in Thailand.


☑ Book your flight: Who said you won’t be able to find cheap flights? My top saving tip is flexibility. If you're flexible, you should be able to find a cheaper flight. Check out Skyscanner or Google Flights for the hottest deals.

☑ Book your accommodation: Want the comfort of being at home or the luxury of a hotel? I love using Vrbo and Booking.com for those very reasons. If you're a solo traveler, Hostelworld offers a wide variety of hostels you should take a look at. Alternatively, if you're a budget traveler, sign up for Worldpackers to get FREE accommodation in exchange for work.

☑ Rent a car or an RV: Make your trip more comfortable by renting a car with DiscoverCars.com. This website allows you to compare car rentals around the world. If you're traveling in the United States, find an RV rental on RVshare.

☑ Stay safe: Travel mishaps happen – so, better be safe than sorry by covering your back with travel medical insurance. I would suggest SafetyWing, Genki or Heymondo as they offer the best rates, especially for long-term travelers.

☑ Pack the essentials: Universal charger, check; power bank, check; passport, check! What else could you forget? I've put together this ultimate packing list just for you!

☑ Do you need a visa? If you aren't sure if you need a visa, it’s highly recommended for you to double-check. You can use iVisa - it's super useful and easy to use.

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