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About you
My name is Kayla and I have been an International Travel Agent for over 7 years as well as a Travel Writer/Blogger for over 3 years. Today, I run my own travel business called Travel Agent Without Borders where I specialize in creating unique, custom travel itineraries with a focus in sustainable travel. My travel blog includes destination guides, hidden gems, tips for packing & so much more!
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
It all began years ago when I boarded my first plane to Mexico with my family. I remember walking off of the plane and being in a world so different from where I was from. Since that week in paradise, my life changed forever. Traveling the world is so much more than getting a break from reality, or seeing beautiful sights. Travel changes you; it lifts you higher than you ever imagined possible, makes you laugh, cry, breaks you down, humbles you and pulls you out of your comfort zone. When you venture out into the world, you meet incredible people, experience new cultures and ways of life, you learn so many things about the world that surrounds you and about yourself. I travel and seek adventure because this big, incredible world is too beautiful for me to not see every corner.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
The kind of adventures that I look for when I travel are off the beaten path. Don’t get me wrong, I also enjoy seeing the amazing tourist sites, but I really love to break away and try to find those hidden gems!
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Use a Travel Agent! I think there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding using a Travel Agent to help book your vacations. I cannot speak for all of the agents, like any industry, there is the good and the bad. However, using an agent like myself will not only help you weed through the thousands of suppliers (hotels, airlines, tour companies, cruises and so much more) which saves you so much time, I don’t cost anything extra! Agents are not paid by clients, they are paid by the supplier, so booking online or with an agent, would result in paying the same price (sometimes we can find discounts!). Another advantage is that you always have someone in your corner, from planning to returning home, I am there to make sure anything that comes up, is dealt with and we find a solution.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
I cannot travel without my sleep mask! My mask has saved me so many times while traveling. Whether you are trying to sleep on a plane, train, on a bus in the middle of the night while the street lights whiz by, your sleep mask will always keep the light out and allow you to get a deeper sleep.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
So many! I definatly want to head back to Greece and Italy.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
When I am traveling, there are a fews ways that I ensure that I stay safe. I love to kick back and relax during my travels and immerse myself into the destination I am visiting, but I always have it in the back of my mind to be aware of my surroundings. This is something that I do at home as well. I also always check in with my family and let them know what I am doing that day as well. Lastly, always be respectful. This is a huge part of travel, if you are visiting a destination, be respectful of the way the locals live their lives and dress. If you are traveling to a more conservative area, be respectful and dress accordingly!
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Talk to people! Learn a few words in the local language and fill in the gaps with something like google translate, or you may speak the same language as someone you meet along the way. This is one of my favourite things to do when I travel, meet locals and spend some time learning about where they live, what their life is like and anything else that comes up in conversation. I have met people around the world that I still talk to years later and that have shown me things tourists wouldn’t find, just by starting a conversation.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
My favourite word in another language is amour, its cliche but love conquers all!
When and where are you next travelling?
My next trip (and first since Covid!) is to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico departing December 16!
