Visit Aliyah on Instagram.
About you
I fell in love with traveling while I was studying abroad in Newcastle during college. Having a full-time job in the states and trying to travel frequently is definitely not easy but have been able to make it happen.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
To feed my soul and hunger for exploring different cities and enjoying what this beautiful world has to offer.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I love art history and architecture. Strolling through different streets with beautiful architecture is one of my favorite activities. I also love to enjoy beautiful sceneries with a glass of wine.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Google flights calendar!
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My powerbank.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Türkiye, Italy, and Spain.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I’m the worst person to answer this question because I have always been told “Omg, how come you weren’t scared to go to X by yourself or travel solo” But the reality is, the most scared of something you become, the more likely that thing is going to happen to you. I always made sure that I was not traveling solo in an unsafe country.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Asking locals or doing some research before going to that destination.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Boulangerie
When and where are you next travelling?
Most likely Paris and Vienna in November
Visit Michelle on Instagram and her Website
About you
My name is Michelle, and I am a professional musician and digital content creator who loves traveling, fashion, and beauty. I love finding unique travel locations, sharing elegant and colorful fashion finds and talking about the latest makeup launches on my Instagram (@michellelondyn) and website, elegantlypetite.com! It is my hope that my writing, photos, and videos help others see more beauty in the world, whether it is in themselves, in others, or in the world around them.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
I love expanding my horizons—both literally and figuratively. There is so much beauty to see in this world, and traveling has helped me to be more present in the moment, soaking in all the new experiences and views. Traveling also allows me to gain new perspectives on life and culture. Plus, it’s so much fun to meet new people and find beautiful new places!
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I love finding unique, less-traveled spots. During my travels, I enjoy exploring a mix of outdoor activities (lots of hiking and beaches, please!) and city adventures. Also, trying new restaurants and local foods is one of my favorite parts of traveling!
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Get up early! I’m a night owl, so this one is hard for me, but it’s so much less crowded in the mornings, and you often can have locations all to yourself.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My Béis cosmetic case! It carries all my makeup (and I bring a lot with me!) and keeps everything safe and tidy. Plus, I always have my camera with me so I can document all the beautiful spots I find on the trip.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Ecuador! I just visited for the first time this past May, and there is so much to see! I can’t wait to return and explore more of the country. In the United States, I always love visiting California and look forward to every trip there.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Thankfully, my husband and I always travel together, but this is something I still think about each time we travel. We plan out each trip in advance and research every location so we know what to expect. I also avoid going out alone at night, and I’m always aware of who’s around me. But my biggest advice is to trust your gut—if something doesn’t feel right, honor that feeling and get somewhere safe.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Before traveling, learn at least some phrases in the country’s language, and then, when you arrive, ask locals for their recommendations for places to go and food to try! Also, while I like going to some of the super touristy locations, my favorite spots have ended up being the less traveled areas of the country. If you are in a country where you don’t speak the language fluently, I also highly recommend a local tour guide!
When and where are you next travelling?
I’m staying local for a few months and exploring my home state of Arizona! There’s so much to see in the American Southwest.
Visit Ketti on Instagram and her Website
About you
Hi, I’m Ketti! After toying around with a bunch of different international careers, I’m now a full-time travel and sustainability blogger. I also consider myself a serial ex-pat. Every single job I’ve taken since college, I’ve taken because it allowed me to move to a new country. So I really had no choice but to build my own job that I can take anywhere! But my interest in sustainability came much later than my love for travel, and after completing my Master’s in Sustainable Business and Energy, my passion is combining that knowledge with the travel industry. Because we spend so much money on travel. So spending it better – with companies that are ethical and responsible – is a powerful way to change the world. I grew up in very rural Montana, and now I can honestly say I’m as comfortable sleeping in a tent in the mountains as in a five-star hotel in the city.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
Because ever since I was a kid, I’ve felt more like myself when I’m traveling than I do staying home. It’s what makes me feel alive.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
Mountains to climb, new foods to try, and ways to meet people and break out of my comfort zone – sometimes way out.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Don’t expect things to be the same as they are at home. That may sound obvious, but I see people getting frustrated on their travels all the time for reasons that essentially boil down to, “why doesn’t this work the way I’m used to?” The only point of travel is to see places and experience ways of living that are different from what we know. You have to really make a conscious effort to be open to that, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
All my favorite plastic-free toiletries, which also make for much easier packing and one less security hassle! Shampoo and conditioner bars, powdered face wash, solid serums, and cosmetics in cardboard packaging.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Cambodia. I love small countries – I think they’re easier to love because their cultures and politics aren’t as well-known (or at least, not as famous) as the really big, powerful ones. Plus, the places I visited in Cambodia, and the super cheap way I was traveling there made me feel like I was practically living with the locals.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I have a rule for this, and I definitely have times when I break it. The rule is: “Don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home.” I break it for lots of things – skydiving, trying new kinds of foods, staying in strangers’ homes (homestays and Couchsurfing have been some of my favorite travel memories), and being open to lots of other adventures. But use your common sense, and when your gut is saying, “hmmm I’m not sure about this,” listen. Beyond that, I honestly think that we’re often just as safe traveling as we are at home – we’re just more used to the risks at home, so we don’t notice them. (This is especially true for any fellow Americans reading this – the risk of encountering a mass shooting when you’re not in a war zone is pretty unique to our home country. In that sense, I definitely feel safer abroad.)
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
As I mentioned before, homestays are a powerful travel tool that let you live with locals – it’s far beyond the “local experience” of an Airbnb, which at this point is really just marketing. (I recently wrote a blog post about lots of great Airbnb and Couchsurfing alternative platforms, which you can find here: https://www.tiltedmap.com/airbnb-alternatives-vacation-rentals-homestays/ ) But staying in a local person’s home – even just for a night or two of your trip – helps you really see things from a perspective you never would have even thought of on your own. (I know this because I’ve been shocked by how much I’ve learned every single time I’ve done it – in China, Spain, Italy, France, Poland, Chile, Nicaragua, Guatemala…. the list goes on, and I keep coming back for more!)
What’s your favourite word in another language?
This is a hard question! I’m a huge language nerd, and I speak several languages well enough to get around. (Italian and Spanish fluently, then different levels of French, Portuguese and Mandarin.) One word I love is “beleza,” which literally means “beauty” in Portuguese, but in Brazilian slang it’s used to sort of say, “okay, all good.” I learned it from some of my Capoeira instructors (a Brazilian martial art that I’ve been playing for years) and I just think it’s both so much fun to say, and so lovely to use such a positive word to simply say you agree.
When and where are you next travelling?
I have a busy few months coming up! I’ll be staying in North America for a bit, and visiting Miami, Montreal, Vancouver for some hiking, San Francisco and some organic vineries in Napa Valley, and then likely heading back to Italy for an Italian Christmas, before an extended winter stay in Mexico!
Visit Elena on Instagram and her Website
About you
My name is Elena Dimitriou and I live in Greece. I am a journalist but I also work as a content creator. I have my own travel website, seretravel.com and I love to share all my travel experiences on the website. I love photography, traveling, and create unique memories.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
I don’t like the daily routine and I love to explore new places. I also believe that traveling opens your mind and you become a better person. It’s a beautiful experience to meet new people and their cultures. I believe that the world is so big and we have to explore it as much as we can.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I want to search for special adventures, like hiking in the Switzerland mountains or doing a desert safari. Experiences that I can’t have in my country.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
My favorite tip is to wake up early so I can explore all the places without many people around. I also prefer to travel during not high season In each country. It’s also much cheaper.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
I can’t travel without my tripod, my phone and my camera
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Cappadocia in Turkey!
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
When I’m traveling alone I prefer not to go out very late at night. I also choose crowded spots to be safer. I always book hotels close to the attractions I want to visit &I always send my location to my close ones so they’ll know my plans and where I am supposed to be.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Before my trip, I always look at Google Maps ratings for restaurants that local prefers. I usually don’t go to the famous restaurants for tourists because I believe that the quality of food is not so good. I also ask for advice at the hotel reception.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Günaydın & çok (good Morning, &very – Turkish), Buongiorno (good Morning – Italian)
When and where are you next travelling?
Evia, Greece (August) and during autumn I am planning to visit Mykonos, Istanbul and Copenhagen.
Visit Christina on Instagram and her Website
About you
30 from the UK. Super passionate about travelling as much as possible around my 9-5 job
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
Love experiencing new cultures and new landscapes, enjoying experiences that you wouldn’t have from the comfort of your own home
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
Adventures that will allow me to experience the best of nature. Volcano hikes, scuba diving, sky diving
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Love finding cheap flights and a new country to fly to by inputting the destination as “everywhere” instead of specific place.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My Cameras! I love taking pictures
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Sri Lanka. Such a beautiful country amazing nature and food!
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Keep my belongings hidden, don’t walk down empty streets, keep an eye out for how much alcohol I have drink, go with reputable companies etc
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Ask a local about what they would recommend and avoid using popular travel sites for recommendations as they are usually the most touristy spots
What’s your favourite word in another language?
necesito (Just for the way it sounds)
When and where are you next travelling?
Sardinia, Italy in August. Has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe
Visit Sally on Instagram and her Website
About you
My name is Sally and I am a travel blogger and content creator from Australia. I manage Sally Sees, a sustainable budget travel blog and Instagram page, inspiring people to travel in a way that doesn’t cost the earth – both in the amount we spend exploring it, and the impact our travels have on it.
Travelling is my greatest passion in life, and exploring new places and cultures sets my soul on fire. These days, I am blessed to travel pretty much full-time, and my preferred method of travel is slow, overland travel spending long periods of time in one country. My favourite travel experiences usually revolve around wildlife (whales are my favourite animal!), and I love experiencing different natural landscapes.
I always travel with my partner of 12 years, Brayden. And when we’re in Australia, our fur baby Stanley, a 5 year old Golden Retriever. We have just returned from 6 months travelling in Mexico, and our next trip will be 6 months backpacking through Central America. We have been learning Spanish and hope to continue to improve our language skills throughout our future travels.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
I truly believe my purpose is to explore our world. I can’t imagine a life spent not getting outside of my comfort zone and experiencing what our wonderful planet has to offer. There is no better feeling than seeing something for the first time, and travelling is the best way to chase this feeling.
Travel makes me the best version of myself. Each day is a new possibility, spent doing things that fulfil me and feed my soul. Whether that’s hiking in a beautiful place, scuba diving in tropical oceans, exploring historic cities or simply being present in a new destination. There is no better lifestyle than that of travelling, and I have strived to make it my full-time reality.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I love slow travel. I seek countries or a regions that have a range of diverse landscapes and cultures that I can experience over the space of a few months. Travelling overland without the need to fly is a big part of this experience, to keep my impact low.
Nature and adventures are always at the heart of my destination choices, and I love to venture to places that are a little bit different, and not as popular. Destinations that have migratory wildlife experiences, good hiking opportunities, beaches or tropical islands are always my favourite. I love places where I can stay in the heart of nature, and spend most of my time outside. And being a budget traveller, my travels are usually in more affordable parts of the world, like Asia or Latin America.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Always seek out local accommodation, tours and transport and book direct. Rather than using online booking systems managed by large corporations, seek out local tourism businesses directly. This ensures they get more of your valuable tourist dollars (and they don’t end up with a multi-national corporation!), and you usually get a better price too!
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My e-reader! I am an avid reader, and fly through books when I travel. I always have my e-reader in my bag, even if I’m just popping out for dinner. When you travel (especially budget travel!), there is always waiting time. Waiting for public transport to turn up, or for tours to leave, waiting for your food in restaurants. Sitting on planes/buses/trains/boats for hours on end. Instead of getting frustrated by that time, I whip out my book and the time passes by in a flash!
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Baja California Sur in Mexico instantly stole my heart, and despite just returning from Mexico I am already dreaming of going back there in a campervan. All of South East Asia is such a special place for me, and after the pandemic I am so keen to get back there. Borneo in particular is my favourite place in the region, and after living there for 6 months, I am eager to return!
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Research where you’re going, what you’re doing and how you’re going to do it. Turning up somewhere with no background knowledge, no bookings or no prior understanding of the area is the quickest way to get into trouble. Being prepared and knowing of any possible risks is a great way to mitigate any possible problems.
Also avoiding big nights of drinking and nightlife, where bad things tend to happen, is another tip (drinking a lot of alcohol when travelling also adds a huge expense!).
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Book local places, eat in local restaurants, organise your tour through a local operator. Some things need to be booked in advance, but if you can hold off on booking everything online, you will discover so many more local options when you arrive. Making a conscious decision to choose local is the best way to experience a destination like a local! It is also the best thing you can do to be a more sustainable traveller, ensuring your tourist dollars actually stay within the local community and provide a positive economic benefit.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Perrito – meaning puppy in Spanish. I love dogs, and in the Spanish language adding ‘-ito’ or ‘-ita’ to most words indicates smallness, or affection. And puppies are both small, and a recipient of all my affection!
When and where are you next travelling?
We are currently in Australia until December. We are back in our hometown of Melbourne, and have a few trips planned around Victoria. As well as a visit to Noosa, our future home!
But our next big trip is 6 months backpacking around Central America, leaving in December. We plan to travel from Belize, through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica to Panama.
Visit Emma on Instagram
About you
Hi there! My name is Emma and I am a 24 year old living in the United States. I am an artist, art teacher, and avid traveler with a great love for human connection.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
My favorite part of traveling is having the opportunity to connect with people vastly different than myself, which makes my travels all the more fulfilling. ♡
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I do my best to look for the most sustainable options that support the well-being of our environment and the communities to which I roam.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
A great low-cost travel hack is to know that during your travels, it’s completely okay to choose not to eat out~ Buying yummy local groceries from supermarkets instead of eating out at restaurants can cut down in travel expenses exponentially and is definitely worth it if the cost of your dream destination hinders you from going!
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
The most helpful travel hack I use is to always always always bring a portable charger or two for you phone, especially if you’ll be using it as a GPS.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
I recently had the opportunity to travel to Barcelona and it exceeded all of my expectations! I would love to go back and experience the culture and natural wonders of that city again as soon as possible.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
My favorite way to stay safe while traveling is to bring a travel buddy~ friends make wonderful co-navigators and co-photographers while traveling and it can cut down on stress a lot to have another person around. If this isn’t available, investing in a SIM card for your cell phone (if you’re traveling solo internationally and don’t have an international cell phone plan) can also create an immense feeling of safety in knowing you can always get ahold of a loved one if you need outside help.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
The best way I know to experience a destination as a local is to ask locals what their favorite spots are upon arrival to my destination. This can be as simple asking this question barista at a cafe or to a stranger who you’ve had a pleasant encounter with.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
During my first international travel venture, I learned the Swahili phrase “tupo pamoja”. This lovely phrase translates to, “we are one”, in English and has been beautifully emphasized in all of the travels I’ve experienced since. We are together, we are one, we are all team human. ♡
When and where are you next travelling?
During my next travel venture, I will be backpacking around Europe to the countries: Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy!
Visit Niki Kay on Instagram
About you
Hello! My friends call me Niki. Im 27 years old. I was born in Mumbai, India. At age 12 I moved to the United States where I finished up high school and later my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University at Buffalo and John’s Hopkins University respectively.
I have a full-time corporate career in the Medical Device industry, which is how I mainly support myself and my travels.
I believe that everyday above ground is a blessing and that we all have an innate ability to maximize our lives beyond a 9-5, only if we get rid of our fears, listen to our souls and honor what we hear.
For me that’s Travel. I feel the most alive when I’m running around airports, driving across state lines, meeting new people and getting inspired by their stories.
I don’t stop there. I love sharing my experiences with all of you for the pure joy I get from teaching you what I know and maybe encouraging you to also follow your heart. Follow me my journeys on Instagram @niki.kay
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
People spend entire lifetimes looking for their purpose and never find it. I believe that this life is a given to us as a gift and our purpose could merely be to fully cherish this gift and all aspects of it. One way of which is through travel and new experiences.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I always start by learning the uniqueness of the place I’m traveling to and then building my itineraries around it. Whether it be horseback riding in the Wild West Desert of Utah or swimming with Dolphins in Mexico’s Caribbean blue waters or ATV riding in Puerto Rico’s El Yunque Rainforest, there’s a significance attached to it.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
I always look for flight and stay package deals on sites such as Orbitz or Expedia for the most bang for my buck and I’ve never had a bad experience with that.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
As someone that shoots all their travel footage and content on their phone, I always make sure to have a fully charged phone power bank with me. It’s a savior.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
I would love to go back to Mexico but this time explore it’s west coast.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I find accommodations in locations that are tourist friendly. I don’t venture out alone at night. I keep my alcohol consumption to a minimum and always share my phone’s location with atleast 2 friends that are not on the trip with me.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Booking yourself a local food tour is always a great way. Sure you’ll probably be with other tourists but you’ll get access to some very local “hole in the wall” type bars and restaurants that you may not come across otherwise and get to try some authentic foods and meet other locals.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Bella which means beautiful in Spanish.
When and where are you next travelling?
Bali in June
Visit Christine Ericson on Instagram and her Website
About you
I’m a tropical traveler. With a camera in one hand and a surfboard in the other. And operates the Swedish award winning travel blog: 29°
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
For the inspiration and happiness, it gives in return. And I’m curious and just love spending time outdoors.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
Nature adventure
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Invest in really good travel insurance. (Many insurances do not cover surfing, scuba diving, mountain climbing etc).
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My camera.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Bali! (Even though I’m here right now)
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I can’t give a good answer to this, because it’s nothing I struggle with.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Talk to local people, and learn some of the languages. And don’t be afraid to let them guide you.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Pura vida
When and where are you next travelling?
Don’t know (are traveling right now for one more month).
Visit Carolyn (Kari) Gillespie on Instagram, Twitter and her Website
About you
Born and raised in Scotland, four years ago I moved South and now live in the Surrey Hills. After reading English at Oxford, a short career in publishing was followed by a longer career as an English teacher. On the wall above the smartboard in my classroom, the words ‘language is power’ made no secret of my agenda. Foremost in my teaching came a message that our experience of the world is formed and shaped by the words we choose; a close second came the creation of an environment that was comfortable enough for children to pause, to think, and to take the risk, to stretch a bit further and to reach, and reach. Underneath the board a second mantra was pinned: ‘Noli Timere’ it read, in 750pt Ariel Black. Finally taking my own advice, when I moved south, I gave up teaching in order to focus upon my writing. I recently completed and MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Surrey, for which I was awarded a Distinction.
My first book, Pilgrim, is a memoir of my journey to Santiago de Compostela, a pilgrimage of some 900kms. Long-distance walking is recalibrating for me: I find renewal and inspiration in the landscape and the people I encounter along the way. Two years ago, I walked the Pilgrim’s Way from Winchester to Canterbury and although plans to walk the Via Francigena are currently on hold, I hope to begin the walk as soon as I am able. I have written a collection of poems for children called Wonder Child – about a child’s encounters with awe -and recently finished my first novel, Visitation.
My work has appeared in Oddity magazine, Coin Operated Press’s Poetry zine and Scotland Outdoors. My poem, The Shadow Butterfly, was Highly Commended in the Wells Festival of Literature, 2021 and I have been shortlisted in both the Soutar and Fish poetry competitions. I was a panellist at the Guildford new Writers Festival 2020 where I read an extract from Pilgrim. I spoke on BBC Radio Surrey about the benefits of reading during lockdown and, I run creative writing workshops in schools.
Why do you travel?
I travel to shrug off the habitual. I am someone who enjoys a quiet life, and I’m very happy at home with the dog, making, writing and pottering in the garden. It would be all too easy to stay put. But when I’m most comfortable, that’s when I start to atrophy. And it’s only when I push myself out the door that I start to regenerate. Life, for me, is a sequence of births and deaths. Travel can be the trigger of something new. It helps me to see things afresh, to see myself afresh.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Pack light, but pack things that have a sensory impact. For me, my puffa jacket felt like a hug; the smell of Aesop fabulous face oil recharged and a bag of Liquorice toffees tasted like home!
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
I love my Berghaus base layers. They feel great, wash easily and dry fast!
What destination are you eager to go back to?
I’m heading back on the Camino in September. This time I’m following the costal route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, and am carrying on to Finisterre.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I tend to team up with other walkers in sections of the Camino which are too isolated. Although I often walk alone, I usually have a buddy within my sights. I check in with family at the end of the day so that they know my location and my destination for the following day.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
The best advice I had was ‘Don’t eat in a square or anywhere with pictures on the menu!’ If you see a queue for a bakery, stand in it! You won’t be disappointed.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Cocorico!
How has travel changed in your lifetime and how will it change over the next 25 years?
When I am on pilgrimage I am often struck by how little this tradition has changed in the last 1000 years. You walk, you eat, you sleep. If you’ve got those three things sorted, nothing else matters much. I hope the spirit of the Camino remains unaltered in the next 25 years.
When and where are you next travelling?
I am heading off on the Portuguese Way in September. I can’t wait!