One Year and a One-Way Ticket

Ditching My Mother's Five-Year Plan to Travel Solo

by Danika Smith

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Pub Date 11 Mar 2025 | Archive Date 28 Mar 2025

Biographies & Memoirs

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Description

A memoir rich in adventure, love, and self-discovery, One Year and a One-Way Ticket details the transformative journey of 23-year-old Danika.

Born and raised in Toronto under the watchful eye of her demanding mother, Danika has always believed success means studying hard, securing a prestigious job, buying a home, and starting a family. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she is rejected from veterinary college, leaving her meticulously laid-out plans in ruins and her spirits deflated.

Spurred by this setback, what was supposed to be a short pre-vet school trip morphs into an extended year of self-exploration. With just a one-way ticket to Sri Lanka, Danika faces a series of challenges—from unsettling encounters with volunteer hosts to arduous treks through cold, sickness-inducing altitudes. Yet, these pale in comparison to her greatest anxiety: returning home to confront her mother's stringent five-year career plan.

Candid and inspiring, Danika's story captures her pursuit of bravery, acceptance, and autonomy as she travels the world with a curious and courageous spirit.

A memoir rich in adventure, love, and self-discovery, One Year and a One-Way Ticket details the transformative journey of 23-year-old Danika.

Born and raised in Toronto under the watchful eye of her...

A Note From the Publisher

Danika Smith is an artist at heart, finding solace in dance, writing, and nature. One Year and a One-Way Ticket is Danika’s debut memoir. Her next book features her experience teaching ballet in Kurdistan, Iraq. Danika’s short-form travel stories can be found on Intrepid Times and Go World Travel, as well as on her Substack and website. Keep up with Danika’s latest travel adventures and stories: Instagram: @danikaduartesmith
website: www.danikaduartesmith.com
Substack: https://danikaduartesmith.substack.com

Danika Smith is an artist at heart, finding solace in dance, writing, and nature. One Year and a One-Way Ticket is Danika’s debut memoir. Her next book features her experience teaching ballet in...

Advance Praise

"I loved Danika Smith's narrative because she not only describes the places, flavors, and emotions but also shares personal aspects. We see how she overcomes her fear of being judged and becomes a stronger version of herself. Additionally, she deals with even the most difficult and painful experiences as part of her evolution. Her writing style is close and enjoyable as if she were conversing with a friend. She takes us through her activities such as participating in a theater play, dancing, or hiking, accompanying these with some lovely photographs. Her anecdotes are full of reflections that inspire and teach. One of the aspects I liked the most is how, throughout her journey, Danika transforms her perspective on work. She doesn't see it as an obligation but as a choice. One Year and a One-Way Ticket reminds us that we don't have to give up what we love but can learn to adapt to the circumstances." - Diana Lopez, Readers' Favorite

"I loved Danika Smith's narrative because she not only describes the places, flavors, and emotions but also shares personal aspects. We see how she overcomes her fear of being judged and becomes a...