Visit Sylwia on Instagram and her Website.
About you
My name is Sylwia, and I am a travel blogger. I am from Poland, but I currently live in the U.S., where I work professionally as a data manager. I travel as much as I can outside of my 9-5 job, sharing all my travel adventures (including guides, itineraries, and tips) on my blog at curiouswanderess.com.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
Traveling makes me feel alive. It pushes me out of my comfort zone and inspires me to see, taste, and try new things. Travel lets me immerse myself in culture, history, geography, religion, and languages… you name it. Years of travel and living abroad have not only given me an appreciation of my own culture but have also deepened my understanding and respect for other points of view and ways of life.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I predominantly look for outdoor adventures. Nature is the place where I relax and feel the freest. I find it refreshing to get away from a computer screen and just get lost in the wilderness. If I am not hiking, I enjoy learning. When I go somewhere, I love to experience the culture and learn about its past. Natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture are what I seek the most.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
As an introvert, I prefer to avoid crowds, so I try to visit popular tourist spots early in the morning. It happens to be the best time of day for photographs, and I can enjoy having the place to myself. I also prefer to travel in shoulder seasons, as destinations are more affordable and there are fewer tourists.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
Part of traveling for me is capturing memories. I do not travel anywhere without my camera equipment: my camera, lenses, tripod, and remote shutter release for taking pictures of myself. Recently, I got a Brevitē backpack that is slowly becoming my favorite backpack for both hiking and city exploration. They come in many colors, and their casual look means they won’t attract attention, making them perfect camera backpacks. For solo hiking, I always bring a satellite communicator in case of emergency, especially considering that you typically get a spotty signal outdoors. Finally, I always get travel insurance. Life happens, and you never know when you’ll need it.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Peru has been one of my favorite travel destinations so far. I got to experience small mountain towns, big cities, the rainforest, and treks through the mountains. Peru is a diverse country with lots of unique experiences
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
There are a lot of things to keep in mind when you plan your trip. I start by doing research and becoming familiar with the place I’m about to visit, including any possible scams. I want to make sure I respect the culture by acting and dressing appropriately without drawing attention to myself. I travel with copies of my important documents, let my family know my itinerary, and check with them often. I typically travel with little to no cash and withdraw money from an ATM when I get to my destination, or I just use a card if that is an option. Other than that, I am always aware of my surroundings and trust my gut, especially if I’m travelling solo, as I know that no one is watching over me but myself.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Ask a local. I always ask for recommendations at places I stay. One of my favorite accommodation types is Airbnb, which I have found to be a great way to connect with locals and stay in less touristy parts of town. My hosts usually ask about my travel purpose and interests in advance. Sometimes, they even put together a binder with recommendations for restaurants and things to do in the area. I also seek out recommendations from servers at coffee shops and restaurants as well as Uber drivers.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
One of the first foreign phrases I learned growing up was the Latin carpe diem, which means “seize the day.” For me, travel is the best way to seize the day.
When and where are you next travelling?
I am still figuring out my 2023 travel plans, but they will definitely involve the U.S. and Europe this year. I am eager to revisit the Pacific Northwest and across some new national parks off my list.
