My Journey as a solo traveler has been one of self-discovery, growth, and a deepening trust in my own instincts. Stepping out into the unknown, i’ve learned that true adventure begins when you trust yourself to navigate unfamiliar paths, face challenges head-on, and embrace the beauty of uncertainty. Along the way, i’ve gather countless lessons and stories, and now I want to share them all – along with practical tips and recommendations – to inspire others to chase their dreams, explore the world, and reach for their goals. This space is not only for me to pass on those insights, but also to explore my creative writing, using this platform to grow and express myself in new ways. Join me as I reflect, share, and inspire, with the hope that my journey sparker the courage for you to start your own.
Hi Friends!
Welcome to my very first blog post! My name is Jozy Lynx Taylor Lammers. I’m almost 22 years old and have been traveling around the world for the past 7 months! I’ve fallen in love with traveling and all the wonderful things it brings along the way. With a background of working in hospitality and events, I naturally love knowing when people are having a good experience and knowing I helped create that special moment is rewarding to me!
Jozy Lynx Travels has started as a way to express my creative writing and to document and share my travel adventures to hopefully inspire others to follow their dreams. I love to help people in any way, and so excited to share more with you about my journey!
This is starting out as a passion project, so I’m hoping to post on this blog a couple times a month to start. I will be sharing my guides to favorite cities and countries, writing relatable content about solo travel and the highs and lows, talking about my best recommendations for affordable restaurants and activities, and more. I’m also wanting to creative write for myself. This will be how I remember my trips and all its details. But mainly sharing for anyone else that feels the same development journey while traveling solo, and others that want recommendations from a budget backpacking traveller that is honest about her experiences.
My Story
Quick life background, I was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska (Hence the middle name, thanks to my father). Looking back at growing up in the 49th state, it was an interesting and unique childhood. I couldn’t be more grateful for it though. My dad always called Alaska ‘Our Big backyard.’ When I tell people where I’m from, I get this surprised look and I commonly get asked about the weather, or “what did I do for fun because of the cold?.” Sometimes about the midnight sun and the dreaded winter darkness, and the stunning Aurora Borealis. I genuinely love talking about this beautifully incredible state. The more and more I did, the more I missed it. The more I recognized how amazing of a place it is. The lessons and lifestyle I was taught to survive that far north. The untouched nature and stunning environment in all seasons. Now I didn’t used to think this about Alaska. I knew it was special, but severely unappreciated it. I had this realization of how truly lucky I am to call Alaska my home while traveling and meeting all kinds of people from all over the world.
I moved to Washington in 2021 after graduating online, and soon figured out college wasn’t for me at that time. Life then led me to get a job in the fine dining hospitality industry. I enjoyed those jobs I had while exploring the beautiful Pacific NorthWest state. This type of job set me up for the future financially. During my time in Seattle, I took my first international trip in the beginning of 2023 with one of my best friends to europe! We visited Paris, Milan, and Amsterdam over 2 weeks. As soon as we got back to the US, I got that craving for travel immediately. In September, I flew to Thailand for 1 month and explored the South and its islands. This is where I found out travel is something I’m super passionate about. My eyes had opened so wide with all the future possibilities available for me and a realization about what I wanted. And that I’m good at. I had a feeling it was just starting and it was.
Realization of my Reality
Fast Forward to the spring of 2024, I knew it was time. It was time to make a change in my life. Time to make a true difference in the way I was living and taught to view it. I chose to quit my job, pack up my life in Washington and embark on my first ever solo trip around the world. I was so excited, anxious, scared, and confident all in one. I knew I was ready to fully trust myself, to let go and grow. To stop chasing happiness and embrace the change to find a new perspective for it
My 2024 Travels in the Present
The following July, I met my best friend in Madrid after she was done studying. We explored Spain for a few weeks, running around, eating tapas and drinking lots of tintos. After having to much fun with just us, we met my sister and her best friend in Italy. We had our very own Euro Italian Summer traveling to Rome, Salerno, Amalfi Coast, Capri while taking in all the italian necessities; Aperol Spritz, Vino, Pasta and Pizza of course. Hop, skip and a jump, we took a quick flight to Greece and I watched Mama Mia for the first time. Partied on Mykonos, reset on Paros, and saw the ruins of Athens. This first month of travel with people I cared a lot about helped me be ready for the rest to come. I will cherish these memories so deeply forever and ever.
I was so ready for the solo journey. It was like a breath of fresh air knowing I was finally there. Ready to experience what the world had to offer, and to finally let go of all the stress, and anxiety that was built up. I was ready to go with the flow and challenge myself in new and exciting ways. I started my journey in Corfu and then ferried to Albania. That’s where I met some of my best travel friends. We did all types of adventures in Albania; with the Theth to Valbone hike being my favorite, definitely the perfect place to be solo for the first time. Took the bus across the border to Montenegro, and ended up in Ulcinj for a week. I went back to Spain to visit a friend that had moved there, and got to reset in Alicante while catching up with one of my favorite souls. I followed up with Portugal and spent 3 weeks going from North to South. The Algrave Coast, pure bliss and perfection. My favorite European country by far.
The same group I met in Albania, then asked if we wanted to join a road trip through Morocco. I couldn’t turn down that opportunity and it was the best decision ever. Morocco is by far my favorite country i’ve visited to date. It was then time to leave that part of the world before winter hit. I flew to south east asia and met my friend in bangkok. We then got our visas for Vietnam and spend 3 weeks going along the coast working our way up to northern Vietnam. He left once we got to Hanoi and then I did the infamous Ha Giang Loop. Another super memorable experience!
After officially 5 months of non-stop travel. I realized the longest I had been anywhere for 8 days. I was desperately searching for a place to chill for a while and reground myself. Chiang Mai, Thailand called me. I took a volunteer opportunity teaching English online outside of the city, and it was absolutely perfect. The sweet escape from the noise, while processing so much for myself and figuring out my intentions. I got another opportunity to volunteer at a hostel in Chiang Mai, and spent the holidays surrounded by people doing the same thing. Got to see the lanterns get released for new years and the markets here are amazing!
Current Status
That brings me to where I am now. I’m about to go to Chiang Rai for another hostel volunteer opportunity. This past month has been the most mentally draining and fulfilling. I had lots of ups and downs, but I feel more at ease with myself and content with the path i’m on. I realized the only thing I can control is myself. And that I can’t figure out the future, and no one can give me that answer. That I can do my best to ensure I’m happy about what i’m doing and I’m right where i’m supposed to be. I crave to learn to be creative and share my experience with everyone.
If you have any advice on how to be creative while writing and blogging, please share! I’m wanting to hear all criticism to continuously grow and get better skills for this!
