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Continue reading →: 5 Teaching Jobs to Take if You Want to Travel the World
Three years ago, I’d left the country one time. Right now, I’m in the hotel room of my 16th country, after having had dinner on the beach. I used to scroll past travel influencers, convinced that their lives were unattainable. That is… until I found that teaching could make travel…
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Continue reading →: How I Traveled to 9 Countries Before Age 23 (Without a High-Paying Job)
The practical strategies I used to make international travel affordable as a broke recent grad. I knew I wanted to live abroad after college, not just to travel, but to experience different cultures. At 22, I’d never left North America. At 23, I had nine more stamps in my passport.…
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Continue reading →: The Magic of Small Towns in Italy: Culture, Food, and Slow Travel
Pizza, gelato, cappuccinos galore—what’s not to love about Italy? I’m not here to convince you to go to Italy, but I am here to say that visiting one of the quieter towns or cities of Italy is definitely worth it. It’s the innocuous, quiet places that provide a glimpse into…
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Continue reading →: Tough Moments from Solo Traveling and How I Overcame Them (As an Introvert):
My first night alone in Italy, I wandered the streets for over an hour—not because I was lost, but because I was terrified to eat dinner by myself. I had booked a 9-day solo trip through northern Italy. I was nervous, but mostly about logistics: navigating trains, staying safe, and…
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Continue reading →: The Ultimate Packing List for a 10-Day Backpacking Trip Through Europe
Planning a backpacking trip through Europe and not sure what to pack? This isn’t about backcountry trekking—it’s about traveling light while still having everything you need for trains, cities, hikes, and hostels. After 9 days exploring Italy—hiking the Dolomites, wandering Venice, and touring the Vatican—I’ve created a complete, tested packing…
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Continue reading →: Layering System for Backpacking: How to Pack One and Why You Should
A layering system is something I first learned while backpacking in the backcountry, but it’s just as useful for international travel—especially in unpredictable climates. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, trekking in Nepal, or exploring a new city during shoulder season, this guide covers how to build an effective layering system…
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Continue reading →: Why Everyone Should Take a Solo Trip (Even If You’re Scared)
I never planned to travel alone. But there I was — in the Italian Alps, hiking through a quiet forest — when a strange thought hit me: “If something happened to me right now, who would even know?” It’s everyone’s worst fear.So how did I end up there?I’d love to…
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Continue reading →: What the Italians Know by 5 PM- And Why It Made Me Homesick
My first evening in Italy, I was struck by the cultural difference immediately. I flew overnight, landed at 7 am, and took a train up to Bolzano, in Northern Italy. After a long travel day, I sat at a cafe for an hour, soaking in the foreign language, drinking sparkling…
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Continue reading →: Italy Backpacking Itinerary for Solo Female Travelers (On a Budget!)
I spent 9 days backpacking through Italy—traveling by train, hiking the Alps, and wandering historic cities—all on a modest budget. This post is for anyone who wants to experience the best of Italy without staying in luxury hotels or spending a fortune. Italy is layered with diverse cultures, artistic charm,…
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Continue reading →: Solo Backpacking Rome in a Day: Budget Tips, Sites, and Safety
Rome in a day as a solo female backpacker – how I did it on a budget. Rome: A City of Rich History and Distinct Culture Rome—the Eternal City—is a must-see for solo travelers. With thousands of years of history, famous landmarks, and world-class art, Rome makes it easy to…
Hi,
I’m Olivia
Welcome to The Olive Atlas, your personal guide to budget travel, solo trips and unique cultural experiences. My goal when traveling is always to get off the beaten path. This corner of the internet is dedicated to all things adventurous homebody: finding gems in each place I visit and experiencing the lessons of crossing cultures. Follow along for itineraries, maps, tips and stories from the road. I’m glad you’re here!
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