Growing up, I was always enamored with geography, so it’s no surprise that I developed a passion for solo traveling.

In my 20s, I assumed I would solo travel for a few years to “get it out of my system” before settling down. Instead, my destination bucket list grew while my desire for things that felt like societal norms at my age — kids and marriage, for example — dwindled.

By 30, it dawned on me that both of those things are choices, not requirements. While some women successfully balance it all, I’m not personally willing to swap spontaneous trips for dirty diapers.

My solo ventures have led me to experiences like road-tripping in Madagascar and seeing all 20 regions in Italy. Recently, they led me to my 90th country, Mauritius, where I snorkeled with colorful fish and ate street dholl puri.

What Mauritius really provided, though, was a moment to reflect on all that comes with solo traveling as a single, childless 34-year-old woman.

The judgmental comments are relentless, but I don’t let them deter me

I’ve built a business around solo traveling through my Instagram and blog, so I am no stranger to unsolicited comments.

My earliest trips were funded through my work as a bartender, and I quickly became skilled at traveling comfortably on my budget. I finessed systems like SkyScanner’s “Everywhere” search feature to find inexpensive flights, and I slept in affordable hostels.

Still, everyone from strangers online to coworkers in real life constantly insinuated that a man was paying for my trips — or my parents were.

I was taken aback by how frequently people asked how I could afford to travel, when I would never dare ask how someone could afford to raise a child.

I received other nosy questions, too. Whenever I dated someone, people asked if my partner was mad that I traveled alone, or said it was nice that he “let” me go on trips without him.

It made me wonder how often solo-traveling men are told it’s nice their partner “lets” them travel.

Naysayers aside, solo traveling has led me to a community of like-minded people

In my experience, it’s much easier to meet people when you’re traveling alone since you’re not stuck in your own group.

Solo traveling has led me to plenty of friends that I’ve met naturally in hostels, bars, and even on airplanes, and through my online community via social media.

Although solo travel — like babies and marriage — isn’t for everyone, I have found my footing in this world because of it. For me, it’s empowering to be in an unknown part of the world with nothing but myself to rely on.

Even as a seasoned traveler, I still learn something new on every trip, whether I’m dismantling negative stereotypes about places I’d been taught were unsafe or reminding myself I don’t need to wait for a partner to enjoy typical honeymoon destinations.

Solo travel has fed my curiosity, opened my mind, and given me the gift of enjoying my own company.

I wish that my life, passions, and career were celebrated in the way that marriage and kids are

If you had asked me when I was a kid where I saw myself in my 30s, “solo traveling the world” would not have been on my radar.

I assumed my life would consist of a stable career and a house in the suburbs with my husband and kids. However, looking back, I don’t know that I ever actually wanted kids — rather, it was something that was simply expected of me.

Now, I know that I don’t have the desire to have children, although I’m still open to marriage or a long-term partnership with the right person one day.

I recognize that for many, having a family is a dream come true. My dream life, however, is the one I’m living right now.

Perhaps that’s why it’s disheartening that my accolades, like visiting 90 countries alone, will never be celebrated by society the same way having a baby or a ring on my finger will.

Knowing this, I threw myself an “Antarctica send-off” party the night before leaving for my final continent — because, if nothing else, solo travel has taught me to be my biggest supporter and my own best friend.

It’s been 30 years since Cher Horowitz’s colorful life and even more colorful fashion sense debuted in the film Clueless. And though she claimed to have a “way normal life for a teenager” (as if!), her onscreen adventures and style proved otherwise. I can’t be the only one who wishes they had the opportunity to step into Cher’s shoes (both literally and figuratively), or try out her virtual closet and extensive wardrobe. Luckily, that dream can now become a reality. To commemorate the film’s fashion-forward legacy, the chic L’Ermitage Beverly Hills hotel has partnered with Paramount, Bloomingdale’s, and Clueless costume designer Mona May to unveil The Clueless Suite. The bright, pastel-splashed 750-square-foot space would certainly earn two snaps from Cher. Inside, you’ll find a large bed decked out in pastel pink and adorned with fluffy pillows, a spacious living area with a full-size couch and access to a private balcony, and playful odes to the film—including a yellow plaid accent wall inspired by Cher’s first-day-of-school look, a neon sign with Cher’s famous quote “Carpe diem! Okay?”, fuzzy pens, and Liechtenstein-style pop art. You’ll also have access to a white Jeep Wrangler, bringing you one step closer to “rolling with the homies” through Beverly Hills.

And for the pièce de résistance—and the thing most of us have wished was real since the film’s 1995 debut—the suite’s walk-in closet serves as a fashionable portal to Cher Horowitz’s iconic style. It’s draped with rotating fashion pieces from Bloomingdale’s, which were curated by Mona May with in-house stylists. You’ll be asked to fill out a pre-arrival style quiz to personalize recommended outfits, all of which are available to shop via QR code. Guests also get a free membership to Fitted, the official virtual Clueless closet app of the anniversary campaign, as well as a $100 Bloomingdale’s gift card, a VIP in-store styling appointment with Bloomingdale’s stylists, and a Dior Beauty glam session. Bookable from July 12 through September 1, the Clueless Suite starts at $1,995 per night with a two-night minimum. Reservations can be made on the L’Ermitage Beverly Hills website.

If you’re unable to book the Clueless suite, don’t lose all hope. L’Ermitage guests can also opt for “The Cher’mitage Experience,” a signature add-on available with any suite stay that includes Clueless-themed turn-down treats, a Polaroid camera, movie streaming, and a complimentary sunset toast at the hotel’s new rooftop lounge, Poza.

More Clueless-inspired hotels and rentals

Nostalgic Joshua Tree two-bedroom