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.
Visit Marie on Instagram.
About you
I’m a 30-year-old veterinarian who has lived in Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, and now, America. I love all kinds of travel, whether it’s luxury travel or a cabin stay in a national park. However, I will admit I have a real soft spot for outdoor adventures and unique hotel stays (ie riads, glamping, igloos, tiny homes).
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
I make traveling a priority in my life because I’ve realized how important it is for my mental health, especially in the veterinary industry where compassion fatigue and burnout are very real causes of a diminished workforce (read: vet and vet tech shortage), which further amplifies the stress on the remaining workers in the industry.
Traveling also helps me appreciate what I have. It’s a great way to shift your mindset and help you practice gratitude.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
Anything outdoors that makes me feel like I am reconnecting with nature because I’ve spent so much of my life in big cities (ie glaciers, deserts, mountains, oceans). I also don’t mind extreme temperatures, the more extreme the better because I want to get out of my comfort zone and experience things that I can’t at home.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Get a travel wallet. I have one that has multiple pockets for different currencies, a passport holder, a bunch of card slots, and a pen holder so you always have something to write with. I never worry about where my passport has gone and the pen has come in handy so many times (you know you’re going to have to fill out a customs form at the airport).
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My iPhone (with a data plan for the country I’m in)
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Japan. The food is amazing and the culture is so unique and beautiful. It’s metropolitan but also has some of the prettiest hikes and ski resorts.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
1) Have a prepaid data plan on your phone so that you can always be in contact with your family and Google a map if you’re lost.
2) Don’t make it well known that you’re a solo traveler
3) Listen to your gut feelings. If you’re getting bad vibes, get out of there
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Find a local to hang out with! There are plenty of apps nowadays for people to meet friends and hang out together.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
mitarashi dango – I don’t have a favourite word but this is the name of my favourite sweet and savoury Japanese dessert
When and where are you next travelling?
I hope to see more of the National Parks in America. I’m planning a trip to Arches National Park in Utah next spring. I’m also heading to Europe in the summer (exact itinerary TBD)
Visit Claire on Instagram.
About you
From Chicago, works in events and got hooked on travel during a college semester abroad in London.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
I think it’s important to expose yourself to new surroundings and people of other cultures. It changes your perspective on life and learning to adapt to things that are unfamiliar challenges you to grow.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I love nature adventures whether it be a boating day or a mountain hike. I also love to experience a city’s public transportation. Whether that be their subway, tram… etc. It gives you a good feel of a city and its local people when you take the subway with them to work.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
I don’t think I have a hack. As embarrassing as it is, I rely on google maps a lot. I can wander away and not have to worry about finding my way back. Although I usually do have a few destinations in mind that I try to route out in advance. I like to do a combo of the touristy stuff and off the beaten path
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My portal phone charger! Between google maps and taking photos, my battery dies quickly.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
I actually try to not repeat destinations. The world is so big with so many places, I try to always go somewhere new. However, I would love to go back to Thailand one day as I feel there was so much more to explore that we didn’t have time for.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
For me, it’s about blending in and not making yourself a target. I never wear fancy clothes or expensive jewelry. I wear crossover bags and keep them in front of me. With taking photos and figuring out your route, it can be easy to get sucked into your phone. But you should always be looking up and around you. Just be aware of your surroundings at all times.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Taking their public transportation and exploring neighborhoods that do not have main attractions in them.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Sausage in French (saucisson), it’s just really fun to say.
When and where are you next travelling?
I usually like to travel in the spring and fall (fewer crowds and better rates). We are aiming for Morocco this spring.
Visit Chrystine on Instagram.
About you
Just a girl that loves to travel
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
Yes, traveling without really connecting to nature and the different cultures, for me, is not really traveling
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
Nature, hiking, climbing, diving and explore experience with mostly nature
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Always get to know the place you traveling to a little better before going. Do a little research. Follow influencers that have been to the same destination before for tips
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
Cell phone
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Bali Indonesia
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Like I mentioned before, I do my research ahead of time
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
To stay around them, talk to them, and get to know the cultures better. Explore and try new things.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Bora ( Portuguese from Brasil) means “ let’s go “
When and where are you next travelling?
I’m not sure yet
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 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!