#61 - Kareen Soued: Traveling to Syria & South East Asia, Learning about Other Cultures, Travel Tips & Hilarious Stories

Kareen Soued is a passionate traveler and future Pilates instructor. Kareen has a wealth of experiences and insights to share from her travels around the world. In this episode, we will delve into her adventures, the lessons she's learned, and her advice for aspiring travelers. Kareen's journey is a testament to the transformative power of travel and the importance of embracing new experiences. Kareen Soued is a 23-year-old bartender and server, and an aspiring Pilates instructor. She is an avid traveler who loves cats, spending time with friends, and enjoying house music and the beach. Mentally, she envisions herself living on a tropical island with her partner and two cats, perhaps a dog, while teaching Pilates remotely. Kareen's love for travel and adventure is matched by her passion for living a fulfilling and balanced life. One of Kareen's most memorable travel experiences was solo backpacking through Southeast Asia. This journey significantly lowered her standards of living and taught her invaluable lessons about herself and others. Living out of a backpack helped her become a minimalist and appreciate simplicity, despite considering herself high maintenance. The experience built her confidence, making her comfortable in her own skin and natural appearance. Kareen also learned resourcefulness, such as sticking to a budget, adapting to new environments, and problem-solving in challenging situations. Kareen's top advice for aspiring travelers is to just go, even if it means traveling solo. She emphasizes staying in social hostels, which may sound intimidating but are incredibly rewarding for meeting new people from all over the world. Social hostels encourage stepping out of one's comfort zone and making friends easily through group activities. Kareen highlights the importance of packing smart, staying safe, and being aware of one's surroundings. She also advises budgeting more than you think you need and always having travel insurance. Traveling to various countries has profoundly influenced Kareen's personal growth and worldview. She has learned about different religions and cultural practices, such as Buddhism in Thailand, Hinduism in Bali, Islam in the Gili Islands, and Catholicism in the Philippines. These experiences have taught her the importance of patience, open-mindedness, and meditation. Kareen has also become more aware of her privileges, such as her passport, wage, and age, and the importance of respecting local customs and cultures. Her travels have made her more adaptable, resourceful, and appreciative of the diverse world we live in. KEEP IT LONG TERM!