When I finished high school in 2017, I had only one thing in mind: make money as fast as possible so I could finally fulfill my dream and leave Germany. I was struggling with depression at the time, feeling trapped in a cycle I desperately wanted to break free from. I didn’t want to wait; I didn’t want to follow the path that everyone else was taking, I just wanted to get out and see the world for myself.

Cuba was my first destination. More specifically, Havana. At 19 years old, landing in a place so vastly different from Germany was a shock to the system. The streets were alive with music, colors, and a kind of energy I had never experienced before. The classic cars, the vibrant street life, the friendliness of the people—it was overwhelming in the best way possible. Germany, by contrast, felt structured, predictable. Havana was the exact opposite, and that contrast was exhilarating.

But my love for travel didn’t start there. My parents had always traveled a lot with me, showing me different cultures, different ways of living. Those early experiences planted the seed that would later grow into a full-blown passion for exploration. Traveling for me isn’t and never was just about seeing new places; it will always be about stepping outside of my comfort zone, constantly learning, and expanding my perspective on life.

As of the writing of this blog post, I am 26 years old and have been to just about 50 countries, as well as living in Colombia, Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany. During my travels I have acquired a bachelor’s degree in international business while working as a part-time language teacher. However, it was my time in Latin America that truly shaped me. Spending over two years exploring the region, learning Spanish, and immersing myself in the culture was the best time of my life. The people, the landscapes, the way of life—it all captivated me in a way I never expected. Latin America wasn’t just a place I traveled through; it became a part of who I am.

Those years of travel shaped me into the person I am today: a curious, open-minded guy who knows what he wants and is willing to take every step necessary to achieve it. Stepping into the unknown time and time again taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of human connection. These experiences are priceless, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

A lot of people from where I’m from often ask me: Why didn’t you start a job right away? Why didn’t you go to university immediately? You could have had so much money by now. And my answer is simple: Money will come back, but the experiences I’ve collected during my travels are something no amount of money could ever buy.

For anyone out there who is struggling with depression or feeling lost about what to do with their life, remember this: The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason. Read that again! Never let your past dictate your future. There’s an entire world out there waiting for you—don’t let fear hold you back.

This is why I created LocalXperience. I want to share my passion for travel and create opportunities for others to experience the beauty of the world, just as I have. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how much money you make or how quickly you follow society’s expectations—it’s about the journey, the connections, and the experiences that shape you into the person you’re meant to be.

Jona Herrmann