Things to Know Before You Fall in Love with A Girl Who Travels
There’s a lot of controversy lately about us girls who travel. Some people tell you to date us while others warn you away. I’m not going to do either, it’s your choice whether you want to date her or not. But what you can’t always choose is whether or not you fall in love with her. That, my friend, is a risk you can’t prevent. But before you fall for the girl with the wind-blown hair, sun-kissed skin, and sparkling eyes, there are a few things you should know about her.
She knows she’s intimidating, but she doesn’t mean to be
Travelling is her passion and she’s gotten good at it which means she’s confident and independent as f***. And guess what? She’s really proud of it. No, she doesn’t need you or any other man, and experience has shown her that, for most guys, that’s a huge turn off. But no matter how lonely she gets she won’t change that about herself, because she loves who she is and is really proud of what she has done. She’d much rather be the hero than the princess and she wants to be respected for that.
She doesn’t care if you are afraid of heights and she bungee jumped from the tallest tower in the world, or if she’s been backpacking for months and you are only on a 2 week trip. She just wants someone to share her stories with. So ask her about them, praise her for her achievements, and share your own adventures. She loves hearing travel tales as much as she loves telling them.
She doesn’t expect you to climb out on the ledge, just offer to take her picture when she does
She doesn’t want you to give her the world, she just wants you to see it the way she does
A girl who travels doesn’t want flowers, chocolates, or expensive jewelry. She doesn’t care about your fancy car, your big house, or the size of your bank account. She knows that in the dating game this makes her a little weird and maybe even crazy, but she’s accepted that.
So, leave money out of the conversation. It will just make her uncomfortable. After all, she probably has nothing but a near-empty bank account and the determination to make it last as long as possible. Want to impress her? Give her the inside tips about a cheap hostel, a great place to get street food, or a cool, free thing to do. Not only will she appreciate the advice, but she will appreciate that you understand what she values.
She does’t need to be at a fancy restaurant to enjoy a meal
She’s good at goodbyes, but that doesn’t mean she likes them
As a traveller, she goes through people faster than Usain Bolt runs the 100m sprint. That’s how it works in the travel world. Some people she meets for two minutes, some she sticks with for weeks, so it’s hard for her to get attached. But she’s willing and happy to talk to anyone, so if she doesn’t get to you first, go to her. If you actually get to exchanging names, you’re off to a good start. Does she invite you to spend the day with her? Even better. Do you make it to the Facebook friend level? Well done! But sooner or later there’s going to be a goodbye, and she knows it. She’s done it before, and she’ll do it again but that doesn’t make it any easier, especially if she likes you. So if she seems more reserved or closed off when you part ways, it’s not you; she’s protecting herself. If you are lucky you’ll get a lingering hug, but then she’ll be gone. She’d rather be the one to walk away first, and chances are she won’t look back. But that doesn’t necessarily mean she wants to walk out of your life.
You might not realize it, but she will miss you when you are gone
The ball is in your court
A girl who travels knows that she’s picked an alternative lifestyle and no doubt she’s been criticized for it. She’s afraid of being locked down, but also of being unfair. Enough people in her world don’t understand what she’s doing for her to realize that her way of life isn’t for everyone. She’ll automatically assume that it’s probably not for you either.
She loves who she is and what she does, but she’s had to build up a wall and put on a brave face to defend it. She’s actually gotten quite good at being alone, but that doesn’t mean she wants to be. The truth is; the same girl who isn’t afraid to buy a one way ticket and walk alone through the streets of a foreign country, is afraid of liking you. Afraid of falling for you. Afraid of you trying to change her and breaking her heart.
All she wants is for someone to take her seriously when she tells them that she wants to spend the next two months backpacking through Central America, or Asia, or whatever destination has caught her eye. If that makes you roll your eyes, then move along. But if that makes you want to respond with ‘when do we leave?’ then go after her and be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime.
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Great post, Hannah! Many of these are spot on, 🙂
Thanks Karisa 🙂
Hey, i wanted to say THANK YOU for such an accurate article. I’ve read also those two items, you’ve linked in the beginning (i mean those pros and cons of dating a girl who travels) and from my personal point of view, those two articles can not be compared to yours at all. You’ve read it so deeply and so strict to the point, with a heart. Its amazing : )
while those two are just manifesting pointless, but beautiful statements, gathered from different commercials, seems to me.
Awww thanks for the positive feedback and kind words Alina <3 I'm so glad you liked it 🙂
Excellent post, Hannah! I can relate to all of these, and I love how you took a different angle to this kind of a post, digging deep to get to the heart of it and being unafraid to say what you’re/we’re really thinking. Well done!
Thanks so much for the positive feedback Jessica!
Love this post! Definitely agree with a lot of these 🙂 #girlsthattravelrock
Thanks so much Adele- and sweet hashtag 😉
You have put this spectacularly well! I’m that girl right now, who’s been seeing a lovely local guy for a few months, and an impending departure in less than 3 weeks is looming. I have wrestled with myself about weather or not to even have a relationship because I knew I was leaving (and made sure he did too) I suspect there will be tears, not just a lingering hug, but I definitely feel like I become colder to people just before leaving, and you’re 100% right, it’s to protect myself, not because I think any less of them!
Yeah that will be hard 🙁 wishing you the best with that though- and your impending adventures!
Great post! It’s important that the people you are involved with know that traveling is a big part of your life, and that’s not going to change.
Thanks Carmen! 🙂
Such a great post Hannah! Everything is so true. I love being a traveler but it’s always hard saying goodbye.
Thank you Erin!
FINALLY an article that hits the nail on the head. doesn’t say why you should date us or why you shouldn’t – quite frankly both are kind of annoying – this is so truthful and real!
A great read, thank you 🙂
Aw thanks Janey- I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I love this article, so true!! Good job girl <3
Thanks Valentina <3
I definitely agree to this too being one of the guys who has dated a traveling nurse. They are tough and resilient! You girls rock!
Haha thanks Kris- nice to hear some positive feedback from a guy 😉
I seriously love this! If only more people understood us 🙂 safe travels lady!
Thanks fellow Hannah 😉 and same to you!
Wow what a great post! So well written and you definitely hit the nail on the head. I finally feel like someone understands me and I’m glad to know there are more people out there I can relate to. 🙂
Thanks for the kind words Jill- I’m so glad so many girls are connecting with this piece 🙂
There is the perfect someone for everyone out there. Never settle.
Oh my god! This article is so accurate, everything mentioned is point on! Thank you for such amazing write up 🙂
Thanks Bethany, glad you enjoyed 🙂