My travels in the 1990s
When and how it all began – 37 countries visited
During my 1990s travel adventures, I witnessed the world undergoing remarkable changes. One of the biggest was the end of the four-decade-long separation by the Iron Curtain, marked by the fall of the Berlin Wall. The previously hermetically closed countries of Eastern Europe began to open up and adopt Western ways. It was also the time, when I started traveling; first around Europe, and later worldwide.
My 1990s travel explorations were mostly solo, and I had to manage a limited budget. Initially, I was not entirely comfortable with the choice of travelling alone. After completing my first European journey with Andrey and gaining experience as a backpacker, it was hard to find a travel companion for the next year.
Factors such as insufficient funds, time limitations and different priorities left me with the option of either remaining at home or embarking on solo adventures. While this independence allowed me to plan and execute my travels according to my preferences, it has also forced me to be more open in communication with other travelers and locals.
Although I explored much of Western Europe in the 1990s, it wasn’t until I turned 24 and finished university that I set off on my first real overseas adventure.
My American Big Tour from the United States to Argentina in 1996-97, which lasted 15 months, was the most demanding trip of my entire travel career. I struggled with money from the very beginning, couldn’t afford a proper motorbike, and found it hard to stay in touch with my family. When I returned home from South America, I was completely broke.
The following year, I didn’t visit any new countries, but I quickly began saving for my next adventure.
My 1990s travel adventures ended with visits to 37 new countries, a total similar to later decades.
Countries visited in 1990s – 37
