Wanderhoney.com

Things have been quiet here lately, but for good reason. So I thought I’d share a little update.

I’ve been preparing myself for something that feels both exciting and a little bit frightening. In just a week, I’ll be leaving for a two-week solo backpacking trip.

Though I’ve been traveling solo since 2016, my last solo trip was in 2022 for my birthday. That one felt more like a celebration than a true exploration. This time, the journey carries a whole new energy. I’ll be moving through several countries, diving into cultures I’ve only read about, pushing myself into experiences I can’t fully imagine yet, and—hopefully—making some amazing new friends along the way.

For safety reasons, I won’t be sharing where I’m headed just yet. However, I pinky promise that once I’m safely back home, I’ll spill everything—from my full itinerary to tips and stories and, of course, all the behind-the-scenes moments. (I’ll still be posting photos on Instagram though, but yeah… as always, only after I’ve left a place. Safety first, always! 😉)

Honestly, the decision to take this trip came quite suddenly—a mix of fate and stubbornness, I suppose. About a month ago, my partner told me he’d be going to Japan with his family (he’s there now, actually). I had been holding onto the hope that we could plan a trip together later this year—I even told him I wanted us to travel after July. So when he shared his plans, I admit, I sulked at first. But then something in me shifted. I realized that if I kept waiting for the “right time” to go with him, I might never go at all.

That thought was enough to push me forward. Within a month, I had booked my flights and built a rough plan and only afterwards did I tell him. Looking back now, it feels like life gave me the nudge I needed, and I’m grateful for it. If things hadn’t played out this way, I probably would have kept postponing forever. So maybe it’s true: everything happens for a reason. 🌸

I’m grateful, too, for my parents. They’ve been nothing but supportive, even though I know they worry. I worry too. It’s been a long time since I’ve challenged myself like this. I know there will be days of exhaustion, long hikes, heavy steps, and moments where I question why I ever thought I could do this. But I also know there will be moments of joy—the kind that only comes when you’re far from the familiar and open to everything unknown.

Over the past month, I’ve been doing my best to prepare—building stamina, running again, working out, and slowly finding my rhythm. At first, it was humbling, but little by little, I improved. It reminded me that growth may be slow, but it’s always possible—something I’ll carry with me on this journey.

What makes all of this even more surprising is that I’ve never considered myself a backpacker. In fact, I used to say I disliked it. Yet here I am, full-on backpacking! 😅, with two years of savings invested into a trip that was originally meant to be a winter trip but is now suddenly happening in a different season and under different circumstances. Life clearly had other plans—and honestly, I couldn’t be more excited.

So here I go: nervous, grateful, and ready for whatever this journey brings. Wish me luck (and maybe send a little prayer my way for a safe journey). I’ll return with stories to tell, lessons to share, and hopefully, the kind of memories that will inspire you to take a step toward your own adventure—whatever that may look like.

Until then, feel free to reread some of my older posts while I’m gone—they’ll keep you company until I’m back with fresh adventures. And trust me, there will be plenty to share when I return.

Talk soon!
Xx, Hani. ✨🌏💫

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