Ella: Live A Life You Will Remember
Ellena.Auzinger
Would you like to introduce yourself?
Hi! I’m Ellena Auzinger, I’m 22 years old and I’m from Upper Austria. I’m passionate about travelling, especially solo travelling, and I love discovering new cultures, meeting people from all over the world, and stepping outside my comfort zone.
Which life achievement so far are you most proud of?
Without a doubt, travelling the world for two years after buying a one-way ticket to Bangkok at just 20 years old. It was the biggest decision I’ve ever made, and it completely changed my life.
Who or what inspired you to start (solo) travelling?
I kept asking myself, “Is this really all there is?” Working, going home, sleeping, and repeating the same routine every day didn’t feel right to me. I wanted to experience more, challenge myself, and see what the world had to offer.
What did you learn about yourself or people on your travels?
Travelling has taught me so much about mental health, resilience, happiness, and what really matters in life. I’ve learned that experiences are worth so much more than material things. It also showed me not to let society pressure you into living a certain way. Everyone has their own timeline, and life isn’t a race.
What inspires you to inspire other young women to travel?
I want other young women to realise that they are capable of so much more than they think. Travelling gave me confidence, independence, and unforgettable experiences, and I hope more women allow themselves to experience that too.
What should every solo female traveller know before going travelling for the first time?
Trust your instincts, prepare well, but don’t overthink everything. You don’t need to have every detail planned before you leave. Confidence comes with experience, and you’ll learn so much along the way. Most importantly, believe in yourself.
What was your craziest travel experience?
It’s impossible to choose just one! Hiking an active volcano in Guatemala, swimming with whale sharks in Indonesia, and diving with tiger sharks in the Maldives are definitely among the most unforgettable experiences of my life.
What is your unfulfilled travel dream (your Everest)?
Honestly, I’m not sure yet. There are still so many places on my bucket list and so many ideas in my head. I’m excited to see where life takes me next.
How safe do you feel when you travel?
It really depends on the country, who I’m with, and even the time of day. Overall, I feel safe because I’m always aware of my surroundings and trust my intuition.
Malta vs Mexico – How did they compare?
They couldn’t be more different. Malta felt relaxed, easy to travel around, and perfect for a girls’ trip. Mexico was much more diverse, full of incredible culture, amazing food, beautiful beaches, and unforgettable adventures. Both are amazing in their own way.
Taiwan vs Cambodia – Expectations vs Reality. Would you go back?
Taiwan surprised me with how clean, modern, and organised it was while still feeling incredibly authentic. Cambodia was much more emotional because of its history, but the people were some of the kindest I’ve ever met. I would definitely return to both.
Brazil vs Costa Rica – What inspired you to visit?
Brazil attracted me because of its vibrant culture, music, and energy. Costa Rica had always been on my list because of its incredible wildlife and nature. Both countries completely lived up to my expectations.
Sri Lanka – Give us the low down on your experiences.
Sri Lanka is such a beautiful mix of beaches, mountains, wildlife, and friendly people. I loved how much variety there is in such a small country. It’s one place I’d happily visit again.
South Africa – What was the best part of your time there?
Volunteering on an animal research project in the African bush for two weeks was definitely the highlight. Being surrounded by wildlife every day was an experience I’ll never forget.
Colombia – How did you get the most cultural experiences?
By spending time with locals, trying the local food, joining tours run by Colombians, and being open to conversations with people everywhere I went. Those moments always create the best memories.
What is your biggest travel fail?
Definitely missing my flight from the Maldives to South Africa because I didn’t have a visa for India. It ended up costing me a lot of money, but it also taught me to always double-check visa requirements!
What is the last travel photo on your phone?
Photos from a girls’ trip to Malta.
What is your attitude towards money and material things?
Experiences will always be more valuable to me than material things. But at the same time, money is important because it gives you opportunities. Without money, many travel dreams simply aren’t possible, so I see it as a tool that allows me to live the life I want.
Have you ever had any major negative travel accidents?
I crashed my scooter in Indonesia while a friend was riding on the back. Thankfully she wasn’t injured, but my leg got trapped between the scooter and the road. The funny part? We crashed right outside a pharmacy, and the person who accidentally hit us turned out to be one of the doctors who cleaned and treated my wounds afterwards.
What advice would you give to young women who want to travel but aren’t as confident as you?
You absolutely can do it. I truly believe that. Put yourself in situations you think you’ll never be able to handle, because that’s exactly where you grow. You’ll always find a way. It’s scary at first, but it’s also much easier than you imagine.
What do you want to be remembered for?
As someone who was positive, supportive, kind, and always brought happiness to the people around me.
Anything else you’d like to say?
“You only live once. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—create it yourself. The best memories begin when you step outside your comfort zone.”
Ellena.Auzinger