As I walked through the cobbled streets of Valencia, Spain, Aix-en-Provence, France, and Pisa, Italy, it became clear that the differences between life in Europe and life in the U.S. are more than just geographic. From the architecture to the attitudes, everything about these historic cities made me reflect deeply—not just on the cultures and people, but on how our own perceptions are shaped by the world around us.
One of the first things I noticed was the lack of obesity. There just aren’t many overweight people walking around, particularly in comparison to the U.S. It was almost shocking. In Spain, Italy, and France, I saw fewer people with the health issues associated with excess weight. What’s their secret? Could it be the food culture that emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, or maybe the slower pace of life that encourages more walking? In contrast, the U.S. is a relatively young country in terms of its global history, and I couldn’t help but notice how the pace of life and the way we think about health can be so different.
But the real story began when I thought more about my interactions with locals. On the surface, it was delightful to experience new cultures, but I quickly encountered frustration when I’d ask someone for directions or help in English. Their lack of patience, or perhaps just the natural resistance to speaking in a second language, was a stark contrast to the accommodating nature I’ve become accustomed to in the U.S. As I experienced this firsthand, I thought about all the Europeans I’ve met over the years—how I’ve seen them through the lens of an American, often idealizing their way of life. And yet, here I was, experiencing it with fresh eyes, and it made me realize how easily we can take for granted our own comforts and expectations when traveling abroad.
This dissonance between my expectations and the reality of navigating these unfamiliar environments made me think of an interesting concept: the fluidity of time and history. As an American, it’s easy to think that our historical narratives are the “right” ones, particularly when we come from a relatively young country. But here in Europe, history isn’t something you just read about in textbooks; it’s something you experience as you walk past centuries-old buildings. Suddenly, the weight of the past feels different. You realize that there is no single “correct” or “accurate” version of history—it’s all subjective and shaped by the lens through which we view it. What’s more, it’s fascinating how our modern-day experiences can completely reshape our perceptions of the past.
But, of course, not all my reflections were purely philosophical. My trip took a turn for the worse when I fell ill on a cruise. The stomach flu struck me hard, and for a while, I was convinced I was going to die. I’m not proud to admit it, but I’ve never been good at handling travel mishaps. The cruise, in particular, was a logistical nightmare. It was too many people in too small a space—imagine a madhouse just trying to get a bite to eat. What should have been a chance to relax became a whirlwind of stress and discomfort. I had to constantly problem-solve as things didn’t go according to plan. And at that moment, I vowed that if I survived, I would never take my health for granted again. It was an eye-opening experience, and it made me realize how important resilience is when it comes to travel (and life in general).
Reflecting on these moments, I realized that my motivations for traveling had been a bit misguided. I originally wanted to take a break from work and see the world, but all I found was more stress. It wasn’t the vacation I had imagined. I’m not saying that travel is inherently bad, but it highlighted the importance of managing expectations. Sometimes, the very thing we think will bring us peace and clarity can end up being more stressful than we ever imagined. And that’s a lesson I plan to carry with me as I move forward with my startup.
One major observation I made throughout my trip was how many businesses are cutting corners to stay afloat. Many seemed to be in a financial crunch, making it more difficult to find quality services at a reasonable price. The result? You end up paying more for less. From a travel perspective, this was incredibly frustrating—but it also reminded me of the broader financial landscape, something we often forget when we’re looking at day-to-day operations.
This brings me to a lesson I think we all need to internalize: when it comes to spending money, whether it’s on a vacation or any other investment, we need to be careful. There’s an undeniable sense of financial instability around the world right now. In both Europe and the U.S., many businesses are struggling, and there’s an increased risk of fraud, scams, and shady deals. People are cutting corners, and when you’re not paying attention, it’s easy to fall victim to the consequences of their financial difficulties. So, if you’re thinking about making a big purchase or investment, whether it’s in travel or your future, be sure to do your due diligence. And this is where my startup’s mission ties in perfectly.
Just like how I learned to be more careful with my travel expenses, we should be equally mindful when it comes to managing our finances at home. One of the key components of being mortgage-ready is not just having the financial backing to make a purchase, but also knowing how to navigate the broader financial landscape—making sure you’re not overpaying or falling into traps. If you’re not financially resilient, even the simplest purchases can become a logistical nightmare. This is exactly why my startup focuses on making mortgage readiness a smooth, stress-free experience for people.
By being prepared, staying aware of potential risks, and understanding the value of your money, you can avoid the pitfalls of overpaying, just like I had to do while traveling. Financial stability isn’t just about having a large savings account—it’s about making the right decisions, even when it’s easy to go with the flow. Whether it’s navigating a tricky foreign city, finding the right deal on a property, or just making sure you’re ready for the next step in your life, it’s all about being mindful of your financial health.
So, as I reflect on my European travels, I realize that while my journey was filled with unexpected twists and turns, it was ultimately a valuable lesson in how to be more resilient and discerning in all aspects of life—whether it’s in travel, business, or your financial future. And that’s exactly what I hope my startup can help people with—being prepared, being savvy, and being ready to face whatever challenges come their way.
Traveling, much like managing your finances, can be full of surprises—but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. So, let’s all be a little more mindful and make sure that the next step we take—whether it’s booking a flight or a home loan—is one that’s solid, informed, and built to last.
Takeaways:
• Stay resilient and adaptable when things don’t go according to plan, whether it’s in travel or life.
• Be mindful of your spending and make sure you’re getting value for your money—especially during times of financial instability.
• Financial readiness, especially when it comes to mortgages, is about more than just having savings. It’s about being prepared for anything that comes your way.
Let’s get ready for the next adventure—financially and personally!