Why There’s No Better Time to Travel Than Right Now

Welcome to Travel Goals, the podcast that helps you travel better, with deep dives into travel topics and destination inspiration from travel journalist host Portia Jones.

On this podcast episode, ‘Why There’s No Better Time to Travel Than Right Now,’ we’re chatting with Jen Ruiz, a lawyer turned travel blogger, author, and award-winning travel journalist.

Jen is here to tell us why there’s no better time to travel than right now. We dive into her journey from practising law to becoming a full-time traveller, and she shares invaluable solo travel tips, budgeting hacks, and practical advice on how to make travel work for you, no matter where you are in life.

Jen is an inspiring figure who teaches us how to take our travel dreams seriously and act on them—starting today.

She’s the mastermind behind Jen on a Jet Plane, a solo travel blog, and the author of 12 Trips in 12 Months: Make Your Own Solo Travel Magic, which recounts her transformative journey.

In this inspiring episode, Jen explains why waiting to travel is a mistake, why solo travel is the ultimate gift you can give yourself, and how to make travel affordable and accessible.

Continue reading and listen to the podcast episode here!

This episode is for you if you want to discover how to create your own solo travel magic and take the steps to book your dream trip!

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What we cover in the episode

[2:22] – From Law to Travel Blogging:
Jen shares her journey from practising law to becoming a full-time travel blogger. She discusses the transferable skills that helped her transition, including storytelling and public speaking.

[7:45] – The 12 Trips Challenge:
Jen introduces her 12 Trips in 12 Months challenge and how it transformed her perspective on life and travel, particularly how it helped her embrace spontaneity and solo travel.

[15:30] – Planning and Budgeting:
Jen explains the importance of budgeting for travel, highlighting tips like signing up for flight alerts and using budget airlines. She emphasises the value of booking non-refundable flights to fully commit to travel plans.

[24:50] – Overcoming Solo Travel Fears:
Jen discusses the common fears of solo travel, such as safety concerns and loneliness. She shares personal experiences and practical strategies for overcoming these obstacles.

[33:15] – The Joys of Solo Travel:
Jen reflects on some magical moments that solo travel has brought into her life, from unexpected adventures to deep connections with locals and fellow travellers.

[45:10] – Digital Nomad Life and Income Streams:
Jen details how she supports her travels through various income streams, including freelance writing, digital products, and brand collaborations.

[55:20] – Writing 12 Trips in 12 Months:
Jen wraps up by discussing her book, 12 Trips in 12 Months, encouraging listeners to read about how solo travel transformed her life and offers tips for others looking to create their own solo travel magic.

Our podcast partner

Special thanks to our partner, SafetyWing, for supporting this episode—offering affordable travel medical insurance designed for digital nomads and travellers.

If you’re planning your next adventure, don’t forget to check them out for flexible, reliable coverage. Stay protected and explore with peace of mind—get covered by SafetyWing now!

The Power of Solo Travel: Why You Should Start Today

Jen Ruiz’s story begins with a high-pressure career as a lawyer, but even as she worked long hours in the courtroom, her heart was elsewhere—on the road. Jen didn’t wait for the perfect moment to quit her job and travel.

Instead, she began to take solo trips while still working full-time. Her first challenge? A personal goal is to take 12 trips in 12 months before her 30th birthday, balancing her professional obligations with a growing passion for travel.

Jen emphasizes that waiting for the “perfect” time to travel often means never going at all. There will always be reasons not to travel—financial limitations, personal responsibilities, fear of the unknown—but Jen’s advice is to leap regardless. “The perfect moment doesn’t exist,” she explains. “You have to create your own opportunities.”

Solo travel became Jen’s way of pushing herself out of her comfort zone and embracing the unexpected.

It allowed her to take control of her own narrative and provided her with opportunities she wouldn’t have experienced if she’d waited for someone to join her.

Whether sipping a mojito in Cuba one day or appearing in court the next, Jen shows us how travel is about seizing opportunities—no matter where you are in life.

Breaking Free from the Fear of Solo Travel

Many hesitate to travel alone because we fear loneliness, getting lost, or encountering safety issues.

Jen addresses these common fears head-on, explaining that they are normal but conquerable. One of her top tips for overcoming anxiety is to start small: take a solo day trip to a nearby city or book a weekend getaway. “Once you realize you can handle being on your own, you’ll want to explore even further,” Jen says.

She also recommends practical steps to stay safe during solo travel. Researching destinations thoroughly, booking well-reviewed accommodations, and keeping family and friends informed about your whereabouts are all essential tips. With the right precautions, solo travel can be empowering rather than daunting.

Jen encourages her readers and listeners to reframe their fear as an opportunity. Solo travel offers the chance to connect with locals, make friends, and be truly present in each moment—a gift often lost when travelling with others.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay: Seize Your Travel Dreams Now

One of the key messages in this episode is the idea that waiting to travel may mean missing out on opportunities. Jen shares a powerful example from her travels: natural landmarks and historical sites constantly evolve and sometimes disappear.

The natural arch in Utah’s Arches National Park collapsed unexpectedly, Machu Picchu now limits access to its ruins, and Horseshoe Bend in Arizona has introduced viewing barriers due to tourism.

These changes remind us that the world we want to explore won’t wait. “The places you want to visit may not look the same in 10 or 20 years,” Jen warns.

Political changes, environmental crises, or rising tourism restrictions can also impact travel. For these reasons, she advocates for taking the plunge now rather than putting your travel dreams on hold indefinitely.

Jen’s philosophy is clear: life is unpredictable, and there will always be reasons to delay your plans. But the world is full of incredible places that won’t wait forever, so why should you?

Budgeting for Your Dream Trip: Jen’s Expert Tips

One of the most common barriers to travel is cost, but Jen has built a career by showing that affordable travel is possible for anyone. In this episode, she shares some of her best budgeting hacks to help you make travel a reality—even if you’re on a tight budget.

Flight Alerts: Jen recommends signing up for flight alerts from platforms like Secret Flying, Skyscanner, and Airfare Watchdog. These services notify you of mistake fares, flash sales, and unadvertised discounts, helping you snag cheap tickets to dream destinations.

Budget Airlines: If you’re travelling within Europe or Southeast Asia, budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and AirAsia are essential for keeping costs low. Jen admits that flying on budget airlines might not be glamorous, but for $30 a flight, the trade-off is worth it. She encourages travellers to adjust their expectations and view budget airlines as a way to spend more on experiences at their destination.

Timing and Flexibility: When it comes to planning, flexibility is key. Jen suggests shifting your travel dates to take advantage of off-peak seasons, midweek flights, or alternative airports. Being open to layovers or arriving at a nearby city instead of your exact destination can also save you hundreds of pounds.

Book Non-Refundable Flights: Jen’s most interesting tip? Book non-refundable flights. You’re forcing yourself to follow through with your travel plans by making a commitment you can’t back out of. “You’ll find a way to make it work once you’ve committed,” she says.

Jen also advocates cutting back on small, everyday expenses to prioritize travel. Skipping a few luxury purchases at home can make the difference between booking a flight and putting off your trip yet again. For Jen, this shift in mindset is the key to making travel a priority in your life.

The 12 Trips in 12 Months Challenge: A Life-Changing Journey

Jen’s inspiring 12 Trips in 12 Months challenge was originally a way to celebrate her final year in her twenties.

Rather than spend the year worrying about life milestones or chasing societal expectations, Jen chose to invest in experiences. “I’ve always traveled for my birthday,” she says, “so why not turn my last year in my twenties into one big celebration?”

How the Challenge Sparked Jen’s Transformation

Balancing her legal career with constant travel wasn’t easy. Jen recalls flying to Cuba for a weekend, returning to the courtroom on Monday morning, sipping mojitos one day, and wearing a suit the next. Despite the challenges, the experience changed her life.

Each trip taught her something new about herself and the world. From hiking through the lush landscapes of New Zealand to exploring the lively streets of Tokyo, every destination offered a new lesson.

The beauty of the 12 Trips challenge, Jen explains, is that it forced her to step out of her comfort zone repeatedly. “There’s a magic that comes from travelling solo,” she reflects. “You become more open to the world.”

This year-long adventure ultimately inspired her to pursue travel blogging full-time. It showed her that the results can be transformative if you commit to your dreams, even while juggling other responsibilities.

Jen Ruiz’s New Book: 12 Trips in 12 Months: Make Your Own Solo Travel Magic

Jen’s latest book, 12 Trips in 12 Months: Make Your Own Solo Travel Magic, extends her 12-month travel challenge. But it’s more than just a travel diary—it’s a roadmap for anyone looking to make solo travel a reality.

In 12 Trips in 12 Months, Jen shares the lessons she learned along the way, including balancing travel with a demanding career, travelling on a budget, and how solo travel can transform your life.

The book contains personal anecdotes that illustrate the magic of stepping outside your comfort zone, from being serenaded in an intimate Italian opera house to discovering hidden gems in bustling Asian cities.

Jen’s candid, conversational tone makes the book accessible and relatable to readers at all stages of life. Whether you’re an experienced traveller or considering solo travel for the first time, you’ll find inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of adventure on every page.

The book is available on Amazon and major online retailers. If you’re ready to make your own travel magic,

Episode resources

Budget Airlines:

Flight Alerts:

Work and Teach Programs:

Jen Ruiz’s Blog & Books:

Travel Insurance:

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About the Travel Goals Podcast

Welcome to the Travel Goals Podcast, where we help you travel better with on-location destination episodes and interviews with top travel experts.

Host Portia Jones is an intrepid travel journalist who will interview top travel experts to bring you what’s new in travel, actionable travel hacks, destination inspiration, and stories of travel adventures from around the world.

Tune in for in-depth discussions on the latest travel trends with some of the biggest names in the travel industry. There are also immersive destination episodes – recorded on location that can help you plan your next adventure.

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