Traveling After Graduation: A Journey Worth Taking
For my graduation trip, I spent two weeks exploring the Caribbean islands. During a recent visit to Argentina, I met sisters who were on a remarkable six-month post-graduation adventure across Latin America. Their travels overshadowed my own experience. They exemplify many of the insights I shared in a previous article about finding time to travel. These sisters discuss their budgets, memorable moments, and how their journey strengthened their bond!
Elizabeth and Katherine Lacksen kicked off their incredible journey in Mexico City.
Name: Katherine Lacksen (25) & Elizabeth Lacksen (23)
Hometown: Sparta, GA
Countries visited: Katherine – 17 countries; Elizabeth – 20 countries
Instagram: @klacksen & @elacksen
1. What inspired your travel journey?
EL – Our parents instilled a love for travel in us from a young age. Growing up in rural Georgia, our family would frequently pack up the van during summer to explore state and national parks, avoiding the tourist traps.
2. Describe your graduation trip.
EL – Katherine and I had envisioned a significant sister trip for years, but university commitments delayed it. A visit to Katherine in Australia over Christmas sparked the idea for a longer adventure. With Katherine completing a research project in Darwin and my graduation looming, we saw an opportunity. We traveled through Central America (Mexico and Panama) for three weeks and continued through South America (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil) for five months. Our shared passion for hiking led us to Patagonia, while we also connected with family and friends living in South America.
KL – Patagonia was our main focus, so we used an atlas to plan our route. When our relatives learned about our travels, they invited us to Panama, which became a highlight. We kept an open mind and embraced spontaneity, allowing us to say yes to road trips with new friends and to choose alternative hikes in Torres del Paine National Park.
Katherine ties a wish to the famous wall of ribbons at Bonfim church in Salvador, Brazil.
3. Why is traveling after graduation important?
EL – Travel opened my eyes to the kindness of strangers. While I cherish my loved ones at home, it's an incredible experience to be in a foreign land, struggling with the language, yet receiving help from someone you’ve never met.
KL – Traveling offers countless benefits. It allows you to discover new places, appreciate what you left behind, take risks, learn, and connect with diverse people. You make new friendships, push your limits, and create lasting memories. I found joy in simple moments, like watching sunsets or playing cards until dawn.
Elizabeth volunteered in Peru, trading work for lower accommodation costs to extend her budget.
4. How did you finance your travels? Did you set a budget?
KL – We had an overall budget but didn’t break it down into daily spending. [We aimed for $10,000 USD each but spent much less. Explore this post for insights into my travel budget in Latin America.] We managed our hiking expenses due to fixed camping fees. Even when not hiking, we often prepared grocery store meals, which helped us save for activities like glacier treks and snorkeling in Brazil.
EL – We contemplated this trip for six months before buying our plane tickets in October, departing in January. After graduating in May, I juggled two part-time jobs until our departure. Graduation gifts also contributed! We didn't set a daily budget but aimed to spend a certain amount on hostels per country, favoring places with breakfast included and utilizing overnight buses for savings. In Peru, I volunteered at a women’s empowerment center, negotiating a lower rate for my extended stay.
A spur-of-the-moment trip to Río Cochamó with new friends turned into a highlight of their adventure.
5. What was a highlight of your travels?
KL – Halfway through our journey, we had to change plans upon arriving in Puerto Montt, Chile. We intended to visit Chiloé Island, but wildfires prompted evacuations. After befriending two fellow travelers on our ferry, we decided to join them in Río Cochamó. This stunning valley, often called the Chilean Yosemite, remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. One night, we laid outside our tent, gazing at the starry sky, surrounded by granite formations, realizing that beauty shines brightest when shared.
The Lacksen sisters hiked to Fitz Roy in El Chaltén, Argentina.
6. What challenges did you face on your trip, and how did you address them?
KL – We prefer to keep our plans flexible, allowing us to fully enjoy our experiences. Think of it as navigating a river; you know where you want to go but remain open to unexpected turns. Having the right travel companions is essential. Thankfully, Elizabeth and our friend Jill, who joined us for part of the trip, were adaptable. Disagreements arose at times, but open communication helped us navigate those moments.
EL – My biggest challenge was remembering to slow down and savor the experience. I often felt pressured to fit everything in, risking missing out on truly being present. Katherine and Jill's love for leisurely mornings taught me the value of pausing to appreciate our surroundings.
The sisters celebrate their trek to Glacier Grey on the “Q” circuit in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile.
7. How did this trip impact your relationship with your sister?
KL – Travel fosters growth, and our journey together strengthened our bond. Sharing a tent and meals for four months required teamwork and patience. It’s comforting to have someone looking out for you while creating lasting memories together. We still laugh and reminisce about our adventure as if it were yesterday.
EL – Katherine and I have always been close and shared similar interests. Our travels revealed our differences, which occasionally led to conflict, but we also learned to leverage each other’s strengths. Katherine excels at connecting with others, which often helped us solve problems during our travels.
The sisters and their friend Jill braved the cold to hike to the iconic towers in Torres del Paine at dawn.
8. What advice do you have for future travelers? How can they overcome fear?
EL – Early in our travels, my Uncle Jack shared a guiding principle with us: #1: It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission. We also developed a rule: #2: Avoid making decisions when hungry. Some of our most challenging moments stemmed from hunger. I advise travelers not to try to do too much; it’s essential to recognize that you can't experience everything.
KL – Just book your ticket and go. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; it doesn’t exist. Instead, embrace adventure. Stay open to experiences and don’t rush; there will always be more to discover.
9. What’s your next adventure?
KL – I hope to explore Finland! I’m excited about the forests, lakes, and Nordic skiing, plus I have Finnish heritage on my dad’s side!
EL – Faroe Islands! Kat — since they’re nearby, maybe we could meet up? ?
10. What are three must-have items you pack for every trip?
KL – Leica D-Lux 6, leather journal, and Sea To Summit dry sack (to safeguard my camera and passport!)
EL – Rain jacket, running shoes, Chacos (They’re a bit heavy, but they’ve accompanied me on five continents!)
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