There’s nothing quite like the excitement of your first time traveling overseas. In 2017, I went on a life-changing adventure that would spark my love for exploring. In 4 short weeks, I traveled to Israel and Jordan and stopped in England on the way home. That’s three countries, three very different cultures, and countless memories I still treasure today. From my very first transatlantic flight to exploring ancient wonders and modern cities, this trip taught me a lot about travel—especially the art of planning and packing. Here’s a look back at that unforgettable journey and some travel tips I’ve picked up along the way.
Please note: All the photos throughout the blog are my own personal photos shot on an old iPhone. This was long before I had anything to do with digital marketing or social media. They’re super blurry, mostly shot by my mom, and I’ve cropped out anyone who’d rather not appear on the internet. So they’re not great photos, but it’s what I have!
The Journey Begins: Traveling Overseas to Israel
The trip began with a long flight from New Brunswick, Canada, to Israel, with a quick stop in Toronto. If you’re unfamiliar, that’s how flights work in Canada when you’re from a small place like I am. Saying I was excited to be traveling overseas would be an understatement—I was buzzing!
However, after being awake for over 30 hours, I was a little delirious. At one point, while flying over the Alps (I think), I untinted my airplane window and started freaking out from the view. A flight attendant promptly yet kindly shushed me and told me to re-tint it. This was lesson number one in international travel: be mindful of your fellow passengers (and your own excitement). Don’t be that girl!
Travel Tip:
Try to sleep on long-haul flights. I didn’t sleep on these flights, but now I try to sleep. It’s hard when the adrenaline is pumping, but staying rested will make a huge difference. It also helps with adjusting to new time zones!
This is me after being awake for over 30 hours straight because I didn’t sleep on the plane. I almost didn’t include this in the post because I look so rough, but take it as a warning. Don’t be this girl!
Immersing Myself in Israel
Israel was the main destination of the trip, and we spent two weeks exploring the country. We stayed in an Airbnb in Be’er Sheva and used it as a home base for day trips north and south.
This was the view from our window. I know it’s not much, but everything felt so different from back in Canada. Even the water heaters on the roofs to help heat the water in the desert sun was a foreign concept for me.
Staying in a local spot like this helped us feel more like locals than tourists, an experience I highly recommend. The culture, climate, and language felt completely different from anything I had ever experienced, which made every moment feel like I had landed on another planet in the best way.
Let’s talk about the language barrier when traveling overseas…
Before arriving in the country, I had bought a Hebrew phrasebook and had learned a few basic words. Thankfully, many people spoke some English and the majority of signs were in both languages, but I felt out of my depth. Since this experience, I often try to visit countries where I know a bit of the language already, or I try to learn a bit more before I go so that I can communicate with the locals. Not only does it make it easier to get around, but I feel like it’s the polite thing to do and many locals appreciate the effort.
We traveled across the country, visiting cities like Jerusalem, Tiberias, Haifa, and Eilat, floating in the Dead Sea, hiking at Ein Gedi, and swimming in the Red Sea. Israel’s diverse landscapes and culture amazed me. From deserts to beaches, ancient cities to modern shopping centers, there was always something new to explore. And yes, I am one of those people fascinated by grocery stores in foreign countries. There was this chain of convenience stores—though I can’t recall the name—that sold iced coffee slushies, passion fruit drinks, and the famous limonana (lemon and mint)—a refreshing treat that became my go-to drink in the Israeli heat.
More Isreal Photos
Let’s talk food when traveling overseas…
It was also pretty cool to see familiar places with an Israeli twist. For example, McDonald’s, but make it kosher! You will not find a bacon cheeseburger on that menu, but you will find lots of great new things that you don’t see in North America. They also had North American Pizza chains all over the place like Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s. Every single one had corn as a common topping! We tried it, and it tasted great. I’d never seen that before, so seeing familiar things with a unique twist fascinated me.
Wherever we went, and whatever we tried, we did it with an open mind. That’s something I’ve always done, but I think when traveling overseas, you have to do it even more. In my mind, why explore a new place and culture if you are closed off to really experiencing it? While in Israel I even tried liver. At the restaurant, they told me it was an Israeli delicacy, so I tried it. Not for me! It was like a meat gusher (which is a gross thing to read but imagine having to eat it), but I tried it. Usually, I love the new things I try, but they can’t all be winners!
Travel Tip:
Learn a few key phrases in the local language, even if it’s just greetings, numbers, and basic words. It shows respect and can make interactions smoother. Also, try new things when traveling overseas! You never know what you might be missing out on.
A Brief but Stunning Visit to Jordan
Jordan may have been the shortest part of the trip, but it left a big impression. We spent three days on a guided tour, but it was a completely different world. As a foreign woman, I was curious about how I would feel in a predominantly Muslim country, or if I would feel pressured to cover my hair or my face. I was 18, I knew nothing about the world, and I had no idea what to expect! Honestly, I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe, I did dress modestly out of respect (light linen shirts were a lifesaver), but nothing out of the ordinary for me.
The absolute highlight of Jordan was our overnight stay with a Bedouin tribe in the Wadi Rum desert. The landscape felt otherworldly—the sea of red sand dunes and towering rock formations were breathtaking. I totally understood why they shot The Martian there. Once night fell, the stars in the desert sky seemed infinite. I sat around the fire with one of our Bedouin hosts, he smoked his hookah and pointed out the constellations. The vastness and quietness of everything amazed me. It was one of those moments that makes you realize that you are just a tiny speck on this big beautiful planet—in the best possible way.
Pro Tip: Maybe don’t get food poisoning while traveling overseas in the desert
The next morning I ate a bad egg (which is my own fault) and got food poisoning, and our driver was incredibly kind and took amazing care of me. He rushed us back into town and pulled into a gas station, running inside and saying something about grabbing me a tea. Coming back, he put a cup in my hands, saying something about putting sugar so I would drink, and that I had to drink the whole thing. This traditional tea, made from sage and rosemary (I think), cleared up my stomach within the hour. I will never forget his kindness, and I will never stop trying to replicate that tea.
But then Petra was amazing!
From the gas station with the magic tea, we headed north to Petra. I will never forget the moment when we emerged from the narrow canyon on our way into the city to see the Treasury in person, I felt like I was stepping straight into The Last Crusade. Thankfully I felt well enough to explore the ancient city and climb the hundreds of steps up to The Monastery.
Petra was even more breathtaking in person than I had imagined. The intricate network of aqueducts running through the city impressed me, even though they stood dry and unused now (except for the resident cats, who treat it as their personal highway as seen here). To feel so close to history and to imagine the civilization that built such a place was awe-inspiring.
Petra was an incredible sight, and the Wadi Rum desert with the hospitality of the Bedouin tribe will always hold a special place in my heart. That combination of stunning natural beauty and genuine human connection made my brief time in Jordan something I’ll never forget.
More Jordan Photos
Travel Tip:
When traveling overseas to a new country, do some research beforehand on customs and expectations, especially in more conservative areas. Also, pack light, breathable clothing for hot climates.
Last Stop London
After our adventures in the Middle East, we spent a week in London before traveling overseas back to Canada. London felt both familiar and chaotic after Israel and Jordan. Although I felt more uneasy in the busy streets of London than I had in the Middle East (keep in mind, this was 2017), it was still incredible to see so many iconic landmarks. We visited Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and, as Sherlock Holmes fans, made a stop at 221B Baker Street. We got around town via the Underground, which was an adventure in itself.
My favorite day was not in London but on a bus trip traveling to Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Castle. Seeing the English countryside was a refreshing break from the city. Stonehenge was one of the big things on my list I wanted to see. Like many other people, I found the history fascinating and it was so cool to see it in person.
Another cool thing in England, since I was 18, was legally having a pint at a traditional English pub. Now that I’m older, this has obviously lost its novelty, but it’s something I couldn’t do back home in my province in Canada at the time.
Travel Tip:
When in a major city like London, plan your days but leave room for spontaneity. Taking public transportation like the Underground is fun and practical and exploring beyond the tourist hotspots is a must.
Lessons I Learned Traveling Overseas
My first time traveling overseas taught me a lot about traveling, and I’ve carried these lessons with me on every trip since.
Be prepared, but also stay flexible
My mother, who planned the trip, is chronically disorganized, which made for some near misses—like almost missing our flight out of Israel! Later on, as someone who is naturally anxious, I tended to overcorrect in the opposite direction and over-plan my trips. Now, after becoming more comfortable traveling, I’ve found a healthy balance. Now when I travel, I check out the location ahead of time and see what’s around, but I also leave lots of room to discover new things and explore.
When traveling overseas, pack smart!
Having never traveled internationally before, I overpacked for this trip and was stuck lugging around a giant hockey-style duffel bag. I also found that on the trip, I brought many items that I didn’t even wear the whole time, I preferred to wear the same comfy clothes over and over and just do laundry. After this, I learned the value of packing light and choosing a functional, comfortable bag. My best suggestion is to pack light and choose luggage that’s easy to carry. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re navigating airports or narrow streets.
Soak in the culture and keep an open mind
This trip allowed me to experience a culture so far from my own, and I’m so grateful that I could experience that at such a young age! It exposed me to so many new things and widened my horizons. I’m so glad that I went in with an open mind and a willingness to try new things. As I have continued traveling, this is something that I still do because it improves the experience and helps me grow personally. My best advice is to try new food, learn some of the language if you can, and try to experience life as a local. More perspective never hurts!
Looking back…
My first time traveling overseas was everything I hoped it would be and more. There were bumps along the way—overpacking, almost missing flights, and getting sick in the desert—but those moments taught me valuable lessons about travel and myself. I learned how to be more organized, how to navigate different cultures with respect, and most importantly, how to embrace the unpredictability of travel. This trip sparked my love for seeing the world, and it’s safe to say it was only the beginning. To anyone planning their first big trip—go for it! You’ll make mistakes, but you’ll create memories that last a lifetime.
Safe travels!
