‘I quit my 9-5 legal job at 35 to travel the world’

A 36-year-old woman who left behind her conventional 9-to-5 job to travel the world solo says it’s been the best decision of her life.

Tina Huegel, previously employed in a legal office, quit her job in July 2023 with the initial idea of exploring the world for a year.

Tired of the monotony of her daily routine, she sought to add excitement and purpose to her life.

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However, within just a few months of her journey, she realized she had discovered a lifestyle that resonated deeply with her.

“I was amazed at the overwhelmingly positive experiences and the incredible people I encountered,” Tina, who is now a travel content creator, shared with Luxury Travel Daily.

“I expected challenges, but I faced hardly any negativity or loneliness. Instead, I learned so much about myself and content creation. I feel like a completely new person.”

Since setting out, Tina has visited over 35 destinations, ranging from Bali and Sydney to cities like Los Angeles, Paris, Dubai, and Bangkok. Her extensive list also includes Cape Town, Cairo, Lima, Mexico City, and Berlin.

When Tina first departed from her parents’ home in Tokyo, Japan, her journey began with a flight to Singapore.

“I had planned everything meticulously for a one-year adventure,” she explained. “I mapped out when I would visit each country and booked many things in advance.

I’ve always been someone who loves to organize and plan ahead. But most importantly, I wanted to carve out time just for myself.”

During her travels, Tina ventured into the world of social media, launching accounts on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. It wasn’t long before she began earning an income as a travel content creator.

“I’ve loved every single place I’ve been to,” she said. “Cape Town, in particular, left me awestruck—the landscapes were beyond anything I could have imagined. And the people I met along the way were incredible.

“In Amsterdam, I met a YouTuber who was also a fan of Matsumoto Jun, a Japanese actor I adore. I never expected to find someone there who shared that interest.

In Egypt, a local woman invited me to stay with her for 10 days when my hotel’s lack of Wi-Fi made it impossible to work.

And in one heartwarming moment, a stranger gave me her train card in a city when I struggled to buy one myself.”

Despite the highlights, her journey has not been without its challenges.

“On my first day in Nairobi, my phone was nearly stolen,” Tina recalled. “And in Istanbul, I came close to being arrested because I had a camera with me while walking around. Experiences like these have taught me a lot about safety as a solo traveler.

Now, I’m much more cautious and try to connect with others to avoid being alone in places where I don’t feel entirely safe.

“For anyone traveling solo, especially in unfamiliar places, I’d recommend keeping your devices secure and doing thorough research. Preparation can make all the difference.”

Tina emphasized that researching destinations is crucial for anyone considering solo travel. “Knowledge really is power,”

she said. “Knowing what to expect makes trips smoother and more enjoyable. Some places are easier to navigate than others, but with a solid itinerary and local connections, your experience will be greatly enriched.”

Having returned to Japan for a short period, Tina is currently working as a freelance travel content creator while collaborating with a Japanese company on video projects for social media.

She’s already planning her next adventures, with Taiwan, Korea, and Thailand on her horizon.

Reflecting on her journey, she shared a piece of advice inspired by American YouTuber Casey Neistat. “His video, Do What You Can’t, is the most inspiring thing I’ve ever watched,”

Tina said. “It taught me to take risks, believe in myself, and pursue what I truly want.

“To find happiness, you need to shift your mindset to focus on solutions and possibilities. Instead of thinking, ‘I can’t do that,’ tell yourself, ‘I can.’ Once you embrace that way of thinking, life becomes so much easier.”

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