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Visit Chloe Harrison on her Instagram.
About you
I’m a British adventurer, who encourages others to get outdoors for their overall well-being and mental health.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
We have one earth and one life to experience the best of both. Travel and adventure unlock answers to questions we didn’t even know existed within us. To explore is to grow!
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I love to hike and get out on foot. The higher the better, that’s where the best perspective is!
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Checking a location on Instagram gives the most recent and most popular posts from that area. This is a super easy way to see the best places to go to!
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
Hydration backpack! It’s so much easier to drink from while you’re on the go.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
The Scottish Highlands for their gorgeous mountains
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I always tell someone where I’m going / what time I expect to be back so they can sound the alarm if they haven’t heard from me! Another good solo female camping tip is to have men’s footwear etc on display to give the impression of a male presence.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Trip advisor, local community Facebook groups and the recent Instagram posts of a location!
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Je ne sais quoi – French saying for a vibe that cannot be described with words easily
When and where are you next travelling?
Next up is the Swiss alps!
Photographers: Kanchan is a traveler and a full-time working woman.
February 19, 2023
Visit Priyanka Yadav on her Instagram and Twitter.
About you
I am a travel blogger and traveled across India and covered 5 Years.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
It makes me happy
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
Anything
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Just pack your bags and book one-way ticket
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
Camera
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Vietnam
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Be one of them!!
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Thank you
When and where are you next travelling?
Malaysia
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 Aoi Kuwabara on Instagram.
About you
I’m Aoi from Japan Tokyo. Lived in Sweden for 2 years. Love traveling and exploring new things
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
Love to experience new things, and love to talk to many people who have different though from me
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
Trying to feel each country’s tradition/culture. Talk to local people and experience special things that normal travelers can’t experience
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Not planning a lot and connecting with local people
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
Camera
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Ethiopia
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Don’t wear expensive things (like necklaces and some stuff)
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Be friends with local people (but trustworthy ones!!) and try to do everything!
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Thank you (in each countries language)
When and where are you next travelling?
Maybe in March, Egypt, or somewhere around Egypt
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 Mikayla Hiebert on Instagram.
About you
My name is Mikayla I am 24 years old and have just started my solo traveling journey this year. With the pandemic ending and everything aligning in my life I felt it was the perfect time to start venturing out of my comfort zone. I am an aspiring landscape photographer. What better place for landscape photos than Iceland!? So that’s where I started. On my very first solo trip, I went on and took so many photos, 2 months later I am still looking through them. I think getting out of your comfort zone is a big deal and more people should explore that. Whatever that means for them. I have a dream of building out my own tiny home on wheels so I can keep exploring this wonderful world and continue to grow outside of my comfort zones.
Why do you travel and photograph your journeys?
Photography is such an amazing art form that can capture a moment in time. Not all art forms can do that. I think it’s original and creative. I could capture a single tree and when I look back I remember exactly how I felt at that moment. Almost like an emotional time machine. Travel photography gives me more experiences and more memories to capture so I can look back and always get transported back in time to those moments.
What is your favourite thing or item to photograph?
Nature. Landscape. Anything in its natural state. I find it beautiful to be able to capture an image and over time you can see the difference or similarities that may have occurred.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Go to travel hack is to just be prepared for anything. Make sure you look at the weather that day and always have a plan B. I like to make sure I have tons of waterproof gear if it’s going to be raining so that I can still go out and do what I love.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My obvious answer would be my camera/ cell phone (I take photos with my phone a lot ) But to think outside the box I would say I would be lost without my favorite pair of hiking boots.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
I would love to go back to New York City so I can skip the touristy things and focus on capturing real time photos of buildings or people. The architecture in that city is incredible.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
The biggest thing I do is trust my gut. I walk alone everywhere and if my gut tells me that this path doesn’t feel right, I will turn and take an extra 20 minutes just for my own peace of mind. More materialistic things to keep me feeling safe, I have a pocket knife on me as well as I always tell someone back home where I will be and at what times. This ensures that if they don’t hear from me a few hours after they should have, they know something happened.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Food! The answer is always food. You need to go to the local restaurants and try local foods. Nothing bonds people together like drooling over the same tastes. Also, I like traveling during the off seasons so that there are fewer tourists and more locals on the streets. Don’t be shy, start conversations with the locals and they might just show you around!
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Bueno dias – good morning in Spanish. Currently planning a trip to Mexico so I am learning the language. Good Morning is beautiful in any language, because any morning you get to wake up, is a good one.
When and where are you next travelling?
Planning a trip to Mexico this summer! Bringing a few of my friends along for the experience. It will be extra specials to share with others.
Visit Cindy Christella on her LinkedIn, and Instagram.
About you
Travel experience led me to explore work and opportunities in international education and the Australian immigration industry and creativity in capturing new things.
Why do you travel and photograph your journeys?
I always tell others: “Why do you travel and photograph? So that I can come back and I can see the place I came from with new eyes, perspective, and extra colours. And I see myself differently, too. Coming back to where I started is not the same as never leaving.”
What is your favourite thing or item to photograph?
I like nature, cute creatures, and unique architecture.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Stop rushing.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
Phone.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Japan and Indonesia.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Be polite and follow the local norms. Help others when you can.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Stay in one place as long as you can. Learn the local language and make friends.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Thank you.
When and where are you next travelling?
December 2022 – USA
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 Agnes on Instagram.
About you
Quit my 60 hr+ consulting job to travel and explore beautiful & adventurous destinations
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
Experiences in life are what matter and I love to meet new people, and hear their stories. Already lived in 6 countries and travelled even more. That’s how you keep growing; that’s how you learn.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I’m all in for adrenaline or something that is actually an experience – “not just a pretty photo”. E.g. I’ve just been to Iceland to see the volcano eruption.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
1/ Mastering packing to the fullest (I have no trouble travelling for a week with one carry-on) and 2/ Getting to know locals and using their recommendations – or better yet, travelling with them. I never plan the entire trip in advance; I always leave room for exploring with locals.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My phone to keep in touch with family & friends, no matter which country I am in; and of course to share my experiences via IG. Everything else is dependent on the climate. Recently, I’ve also been carrying around binoculars. It’s more useful than you’d think!
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Norway!
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Puh.. depends on the country. In some countries, it’s helpful to have a man travelling with you. Another helpful thing is having your own driver instead of getting into random “taxis”. This is not always feasible/affordable depending on the country. I always let at least 1 friend know where I am and what my exact itinerary is and make regular check-ins. I know some friends who carry pepper spray with them but that is banned in so many countries, it makes crossing borders hard.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Talk to them! And ask yourself 😉 It helps tremendously to speak the local language at least a little.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
I don’t think I have one…
When and where are you next travelling?
December – Iceland, January – Australia!
Visit Azzah Jailani on Instagram.
About you
Hi, my name is Azzah, and a 22 years old girl from Malaysia. I am currently a final-year student taking chemical engineering. I discovered my passion for travel (particularly solo) and photography while doing my industrial internship in France. As an introvert, I love exploring new cities on my own while being in my own solitude. I truly believe that travelling teaches you a lot of things that you could never possibly get in books and classrooms.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
Just the thought of the number of places I have yet to set foot on, the scrumptious cuisine I have yet to try, and the amazing souls I have yet to cross paths with, makes me never satisfied by staying at one place. I am constantly searching for views that take my breath away. After solo traveling in six countries in Europe, I realize that traveling helps me to get out of my comfort zone and try things I have always been scared to do! It was more or less a self-discovery journey. It reminds me of the quote “Travel far enough, you meet yourself ” and I could not agree more.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
While traveling, I crave for adventures and experiences that I can’t have in my home country like hiking in Switzerland surrounded by a breathtaking turquoise blue lake or ski-ing at the mountain in French Pyrenees. I also love to immerse myself in the culture of the country I’m visiting by trying out their traditional cuisines or staying at local AirBnB.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
My rule of thumb is: Wake up early in the morning to enjoy a new city on my own. Personally, I think cities have a whole different vibe when you stroll around early morning compared to when it gets crowded as more tourists start to explore. As an introvert myself, I often find it overwhelming when I’m surrounded by a lot of people. So, waking up early allows me to explore famous tourist spots without many people around.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My extendable tripod and Bluetooth remote! Definitely a lifesaver.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Interlaken, Switzerland. I went there last summer, and it was excruciatingly gorgeous. I would love to go back during winter to have a different experience.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Never do things that you won’t do in your own home country. For instance, I would always make sure to be at my airbnb by sunset or before it gets dark. Updating close friends and family members about your itinerary would help too so at least someone else have an idea where you might have been in case anything happens. It is also a good idea to do appropriate research of the new city you’re about to visit, eg: how to get around, do’s and don’ts etc. Make sure you download the map of the city so you can always view it offline in case you ran out of cellular data or at a place where the signal is unsatisfactory.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Personally, I love to stay at local Airbnb to experience living as a local in a local neighborhood. Don’t be shy to ask the hotel receptionist for recommendations of places to eat or hang out, trust me they would love to help! Also, what is the point of visiting a new place without trying their cuisines? Be open-minded and give it a try. Who knows you would end up finding your new favourite food?! Learning common phrases in their language would be fun too! Locals appreciate it when you TRY to speak their language.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
There’s this one word that I learnt in my French class which is “copain”. It is basically a term for “boyfriend”. What makes it interesting is how the word was originally formed. In French, “pain” means bread and I guess we all know the French are always on another level when it comes to their bread and pastries. It is a huge part of their culture and means a lot to them. While the word “co-” indicates sharing something with someone. So, the word “copain” could be briefly translated to “someone that I share my bread with”. I personally think that it’s super cute.
When and where are you next travelling?
Since I am now back in Malaysia after completing my internship, my future travel would be around my home country and hopefully Southeast Asia which I never had the chance to explore yet.
Visit Emily on Instagram.
About you
My name is Emily, I’m 25, and live in the beautiful Blue Mountains in Australia. I spend way too much time daydreaming about travelling and hope to one day explore all the places I daydream about! I love exploring new places, going for bushwalks, and reading, and I’m passionate about fashion, animals and sustainability.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
It fulfils me. I feel like I’m always yearning for something and when I’m travelling I feel like I’ve found it. I love that feeling of seeing something amazing for the first time
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I look for a mix of iconic sights and things that are off the beaten track. I want to tick of all my bucket list items and also discover and fall in love with things I never would have come across otherwise.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Do your research! The more you know going into something the less likely you are to have an unhappy surprise!
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My phone and tripod!
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Seville. I think about it almost every day.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Again research is a big part of this. Try to know where you’re going and how to get there so you don’t have to stop and ask or not look like you know what you’re doing
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
To wander around! Explore a bit outside of the main attractions!
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Biblioteca – library in Spanish. I just like how it sounds
When and where are you next travelling?
I’m planning my first solo overseas trip to Hungary and Austria!
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 Ana on Instagram.
About you
Hola! I’m Ana, a not-even-a-year digital creator from Barcelona. In real life, I’m a professional musician so I mainly teach the cello and I play in several orchestras and gigs. In the meantime, I travel from 9 to 5! Related to my travels, so far I have visited 53 countries and the only one I’ve left in Europe is Iceland. I can’t wait to be there! I’ve traveled alone and I’ve done hitchhiking many times, it’s something I highly recommend doing it at least once in your life. My Instagram travel account came about as a result of wanting to give a second life to my old pictures taken on my trips. So here I am, trying to catch up on my posts in chronological order of countries visited with the last countries visited in real-time posted in my stories. I wonder if I will ever make it #help
Why do you travel and photograph your journeys?
Since I got my shitty camera at the age of 14 I haven’t stopped taking pictures and this is something that I don’t regret. Capturing the beauty of my travels is essential for me. It’s something that it will stay there forever like a memory. It can also be useful if I ever want to keep track of what I have seen/visited or if at some point I want to sell stock photos, print them, make an album or write a book. Who knows!
What is your favourite thing or item to photograph?
I would say I love to take pictures of everything, but definitely what I really enjoy the most is photographing viewpoints with impressive landscapes. Extra point if there are no crowds around 👌🏻
What’s your go-to travel hack?
I only travel with my phone so it’s easy to keep it safe 😉 Especially because it is small so it can fit in any pocket
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My iPhone 13 mini
What destination are you eager to go back to?
I fell in love with Lofoten Islands in Norway. Definitely it’s a place I would love to go back to one day
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I wouldn’t say it’s something you have to worry about. It depends on the country of course. Having the right contacts, avoiding X areas/neighbors, knowing the rules/restrictions… All of these things help to stay away from problems. Also planning your trip in advance can be useful to know what to expect. So don’t be a deadline lover! The sooner you plan your trip the better you are prepared for everything :))
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
If possible avoid high seasons of tourism and touristic places, go off the beaten path, interact more with locals, learn few words of their language… All of this helps to have a much more enjoyable experience!
What’s your favourite word in another language?
I don’t think I have favorite words but somehow I always end up learning silly ones. Once in Ukraine I learned how to say – I have diarrhea – “U mene srachka” which I actually had 😂
When and where are you next travelling?
By the end of this month, I’ll be on tour for 5-7 months playing in a musical around Europe (mainly in Germany), so my plan is to show you a bit about the cities I’ll be staying at. After the musical is over I might go to Jordan/Iran (April-May) for a visit before spending the high season working in Iceland, the last country I’ve left in Europe! Are you going to miss all of this?
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 Jenn on LinkedIn, Instagram, and her Website.
About you
I was born and raised in Saskatchewan, Canada and spent my summers camping at the lake and my winters building snow forts as a kid. When I got older and started travelling more, I knew I needed to find a job that would give me heaps of time off to travel, and I ended up settling on “geologist,” knowing that I could work FIFO in the mining industry and have half of the year off to do the things I really wanted to do (which basically just travelled, meet new people, eat a LOT of new foods, experience different cultures, and see what the moon looked like on the other side of the world). I ended up landing a fantastic job on 2 weeks in / 2 weeks out roster and found myself with enough time to travel somewhere new whenever I wanted to. As I started travelling more, I began to take photos to share with friends and family back home. The more photos I took, the more I wanted to hone this new skill, but it wasn’t until I moved to Australia and was left waiting for nearly 2 years for my residence (and work) visa to be approved, that I finally found the time to dedicate towards learning, practising and improving my art. Since then, I’ve added registered drone pilots to my list as well and now shoot both aerial and non-aerial images and videos for clients. With travel largely restricted for us here in Australia over the past couple of years, my recent work has focused mainly on South Australia, but I’m looking forward to getting more use out of my passport again and exploring some new international destinations.
Why do you travel and photograph your journeys?
I’ve always had itchy feet, and could never stand to stay in one place for too long; travel has been a natural extension of this. I’m happiest when I’m out exploring and love to learn something new, plus experiencing the cultures, traditions, and foods of a region is always best done on location! 🙂 I’m a creator at heart, and photography is an opportunity to play with light, perspective, and colour to build a picture that I can share with others. I want my photography to give people a glimpse of the experience and magic of being there, I want them to feel connected to these locations even if they aren’t able to be there right now, and ultimately I want to inspire them to go out, explore, discover, and get lost in the moment; whether they’re venturing to the farthest corners of the globe, or walking through their home city.
What is your favourite thing or item to photograph?
The night sky. Space fascinates me, and I love how impossibly small I feel when stargazing. It’s incredible to think about how much we’ve learned about the universe, and how much more we know nothing about at all.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
my biggest tip is to do a little research in advance and make sure you understand local customs and culture, but also just understand how locals go about their daily lives, what are the things that they always do/don’t do – you’ll end up being a more considerate visitor when you’re there, but hopefully, you also won’t stick out like a sore thumb. Scammers and thieves are always on the lookout for people who look unfamiliar or unconfident with their surroundings because those are the people who are less likely to be paying attention to pickpockets, or who can be taken advantage of because they don’t immediately recognize when something’s not right.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My Kobo eReader. I love reading books, but only seem to find time for it when I’m on a plane or sitting on a beach, so my eReader is always with me when I travel. I would miss my phone and camera a lot but have definitely traveled without either in past. But a book? I’ve always got one in my bag.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Too many! I’ve loved nearly every place I’ve visited, but Egypt and Greece would be amazing to go back to. I last visited these countries waaaay back before smartphones were even a thing – I’m sure they’ve changed immensely but there’s still so much I haven’t seen in both of these countries that I would love to back.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Similar to my answer about keeping gear safe – make sure you research where you need to go in advance so that you don’t stand out as more of a target. Then you can pay attention to your surroundings instead of needing to focus on a map. Ask locals who work at your accommodation if they have any recommendations for where is safe / not safe to visit when you’re travelling solo. And just like you would at home, stick to well-lit and heavily-trafficked areas when it’s dark. I’m also a big believer in trusting your intuition – I’m very lucky that I’ve had a few bad experiences while travelling, but the ones I have had always happened when I ignored my gut feelings about a situation.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Ask a local! Seriously! People generally love to talk about their lives and are usually very happy to share what they love best about their home cities and countries. It’s easy enough to find info online before you go, but definitely ask the locals you meet when you’re at a destination to tell you what their favourite foods are, what they love doing on the weekends, or the best way to travel from point A to point B. You might just discover a hidden gem you hadn’t heard of yet!
What’s your favourite word in another language?
not a word, but a phrase in Swahili – poa kichizi kama ndizi ndani ya friji – which means “cool as a banana in the refrigerator.” It’s fun to say, and the visual always makes me smile too. If you climb Kilimanjaro you will definitely be taught this phrase as a response to “how are you doing?”
When and where are you next travelling?
I don’t have any flights booked at the moment, but planning on doing some more travel around South Australia in the near future. Next year I’ve got tentative plans to head to South Africa, but I’m sure there will be one or two more trips in between then and now!
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!
Visit Ewa on Instagram and LinkedIn
About you
My name is Ewa, I’m 23 years old and I’m from Poland. I work remotely and currently live in Barcelona. I love travelling and I do it as often as I can because I know that it opens me up to understanding how many ways one can experience life. Talking to people from another culture and listening to the stories of their everyday life, which are often incomprehensible and illogical to us, shows us that we often live in a bubble of certain impressions, rules, morals…and this is what I love most about travelling. I love piercing this bubble of my cultural perception of the world and finding out that there is no single correct way of life in the world. There are as many of them as there are cultures. At the same time, I enjoy learning foreign languages and photographing nature, so it all works together.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
Above all, to get to know. I love to know. And I want to know how other people live in the other part of the world, what they call a normal breakfast and how abnormal that breakfast is for me. I love to be shocked by what is moral for each culture and what is crossing the border. Their religion, language, culture, history, values, cuisine, and daily life are things I love to discover and compare with my own, Polish. Travelling is great learning by doing, as long as we are open to it and don’t spend the whole trip locked in a hotel room.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I love road trips and trekking and mountains so lots of activities related to that. I like talking to the locals, eating what they eat and trying the activities they do. Sleeping in a tent or meet other travellers in hostels or Couchsurfing is what I am fond of. I also like to get hooked on the culture and art aspect, so I don’t skip museums and art galleries. All these things make a complete, worthwhile trip for me.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
walk a lot so comfortable shoes, not necessarily photogenic and fitting in with Instagram standards. It’s not worth suffering through the whole trip for one photo in which we pretend it’s great when our legs are on fire. It’s good to have a piece of paper with, for example, phone numbers of people close to you. I know people whose phones were stolen somewhere in another country and it was much more problematic to solve this. We have the internet, but it is still easiest to just call someone from a useful phone. Chewing gum on the plane for clogged ears. I don’t know what the medical explanation for this is, but it helps me. If we hitchhike or blablacar, or sleep at someone’s place through couchsurfing for example, it is essential that someone close to us has that person’s details, car registration number or address. You never know! Powerbanks – especially during road trips such as in Iceland where there is no easy access to stations to charge phones. Eat where the locals eat, beautiful tourist eateries don’t always reflect the local food style and prices are certainly inflated. If I was travelling alone and felt unsafe in an area, I carried pepper spray, never used it but felt much safer with that knowledge. And last, something I stick to. If you have a planned trip with a list of attractions and you can spend more than just a few days in a place, there is no point in chasing after just another museum, sculpture or pub. If you feel that warm and homely feeling in a place if you meet wonderful people rich in stories and experiences, stay with them a few days longer. This will certainly give you more than completing the checklist. You will build a bond that can last for years and you will undoubtedly understand more about a culture, country and people by staying for a while among the locals and living with them, rather than running around the attractions designed for tourists. Soak up the place you are in, listen to the people and their stories, explore, taste and try to focus as much as possible on the moment, try to really experience the trip with all your senses.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
You can travel without anything, but super helpful is of course phone, internet, a good app with maps, powerbank and in my case camera. Consider also insurance!
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Iceland without any doubts. Can be also Azores Islands.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I share the information (with my friends or family) about people I live with or travel in that place with. They always know where I will sleep, who I’m going to have a road trip with, which car, number or address. I don’t like parties in general, but even if I wanna go somewhere, I never go alone to a nightclub in a country where the culture is so different. I don’t recommend also night walks in the city, but if I really have a need to go out alone in such a place, I usually don’t dress provocative or sexy. I’m a feminist but in those moments this belief won’t help you (maybe if you’re a karate king you can try). So I used to wear in those situations a comfy sweatsuit, not a mini dress and high heels. Last but not least is respecting local rules. We come to this place as a guest, so I believe that we shouldn’t teach them how to live with an attitude that our way is the best. We can share and exchange experiences, but without understanding deeply the tradition of this place, we can’t criticize others. If you come to the hiper orthodox place where religion regulates everything, women are humble and zero provocative and you decide to have a walk in the city looking like a supermodel, sexy and half-naked, don’t expect respect. Maybe a better option would be doing it in a place with a culture closer to your one. Respect is a clue!
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Surround yourself with locals. If I sleep somewhere in a hostel, on the first morning I always spend at least half an hour talking to the receptionist about the place. I get in and listen. When I go for a coffee in a bar, my conversation usually doesn’t end with ordering a coffee, if there is no queue then I try to find out more. I look for local events, maybe there are holidays or special days in the area. If there are, I’ll definitely go to them. I look for friends, for example through Instagram, if I’m interested in photography, I look for local photographers, I get in touch with them and I go out to eat. If I like sport, I join a local run, a beach volleyball match or do yoga in the park. I just take the initiative and try to build some value into the trip, some kind of bond, and try to get in.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Spanish GRINGO, english HEAVEN or SHALLOW, german LECKERBISSEN and polish LEKKI, WODA
When and where are you next travelling?
April-Poland, May-Iceland, June-Tenerife
Visit Lara on Instagram
About you
I’m a 21 year old Medical Student who loves to travel and experience different cultures.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
It gives me joy and makes me grow as a person.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I like to be around locals and find out more about their life and their culture.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Not having too many plans. I like to let myself go with the flow. I talk to locals and find out where they like to go and then I go there.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My bum bag, I have everything I need in there.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
South Africa
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I listen to my gut. If I get the slightest bad feeling, I get out of the situation. This works with people, hotels, places and all kind of things and has been working really well.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
I just talk to everyone, some people offer to show me places, others have recommendations and hints on where to go and what to do. Also I like to stay in smaller villages, then it’s usually super easy to meet locals and experience their lifestyle.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Empuss – Kimassai for cat
When and where are you next travelling?
Next week, to the bush in Tanzania
Visit Juli Hirata on Instagram
About you
Juli Hirata is a biologist, world citizen and bike traveller. To be in the wilderness is her great pleasure and from this passion she started the project Extremes of Americas, a solo bike ride that started at Prudhoe Bay (Alaska), the north most point of Americas, and is heading the south most point of Americas in the Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. She is visiting the most important national parks and protected areas of the American continent and so far pedalled almost 24.000 kilometres on her bike. Juli is a bike traveller since 2002 and travelled to Brazil, UK, Marroco, Spain and Turkey.
In Americas, she rode her bike and wild camped in 16 countries (USA, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Suriname, Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago, Curacao, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru). From the Caribbean coast to the almost 5.000 meters high Peruvian Andes, she is on her way to the south.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
To travel is for me the most beautiful form of resistance and feminism and my way of being free.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I’m travelling by bike so, my travel mode is in itself an adventure.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
No rush, places and people along the way have their own time and it’s important to respect this “time” to really enjoy the place.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
I can’t travel without my bike. It’s the best way to travel and of being in contact with nature and with myself
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Yes! So many! I loved Mexico, Nicaragua and Costa Rica!
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
It can be a bit cliché but I do trust my gut and instincts, although I almost don’t stay in cities I try always to be aware of my surroundings when at it.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Every place and person has its own time. I always reserve at least a day to “get lost” in the place, walk slowly and have ice cream at the main square observing the locals it always helps me to become a little part of the place.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
I like “Mayu” that in Quechua means “River”
When and where are you next travelling?
I’m in Peru and riding my bike down south to Bolivia
Visit Adais Alejandra on Instagram
About you
I’m a girl from Panama who has become a world citizen by the age of 19. I love to dance, meet new people and share all the fun stories I’ve ever experienced around the globe!
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
I travel to experience the world, to mentally grow, to learn new languages and to shower myself with different cultures to become a well rounded person!
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I mostly go for the most local experiences.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
If you are a student always bring you student Id for discounts! For girls: bring a sport bra or a strapless bra for long flights 😉
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
Power bank, pillow and AirPods
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Turkey and Egypt
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
If I’m traveling by myself I bring a fake ring! I’ve never used it before but just in case I get some unwanted attention 🤷🏾♀️
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Use apps to meet local people! They will show you the actual local experience
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Cheers!
When and where are you next travelling?
I will be visiting London this summer and expect to visit Malaysia and Thailand by end of this year!
Visit Laura Di Stefano on Instagram, Twitter, and her Website
About you
My name is Laura. I’m Italian but I live in the UK since 2014. I first moved to the UK to study for my PhD in History (which I was awarded in 2019). I have had a passion for traveling and photography since I can remember. I always tried to travel as much as I could and also during my PhD I specialised in the study of travel itineraries towards the Middle East written during the Middle Ages (ok the field is much more complicated than this but this is what I usually say to people when asking me about it 😅). As I traveled a lot to complete my studies and my research I decided to document my journeys and share my passion for history. Here I founded The Historian Traveller. I recently became mum of two twins boys (they are now 18-months-old) and because of the pregnancy and some related health problems, I had to pause both my academic career and blogging life (the pandemic played also its role of course). However, now I’m getting better and as the babies are growing up well I’m starting writing/traveling and photographing the world again!
Why do you travel and photograph your journeys?
Despite being a historian, I never loved being behind a desk. I’m quite unusual in this. Indeed, I always preferred being on the ground and touching history with my hands. I’m in constant need of freedom and travel makes me feel free. Photography, on the other side, allows me to freeze that freedom in a concrete way by creating memories I can never forget. It doesn’t matter whether I am or not in the pictures. Every shot has its own moment and story and I am the only narrator of it.
What is your favourite thing or item to photograph?
I love capturing historical architecture when visiting a new place. When I see a palace, a castle or simply the ruins of an ancient abbey I feel the need of telling their, often forgotten, story to the world. I like to photograph places immerse in their natural light and current environment. Particularly, I like to capture the changing of the seasons and show how historical heritage stands the passage of time. Moreover, cityscapes are also among my favourite subjects. Indeed, I love to capture the mixing of new and old architecture. I like to create contrasts but also unique patterns and tones. I prefer bright and bold tones that easily enhance the natural beauty of urban architecture.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Well, I had a couple of accidents along the road (like smashing my old camera in India) or when my new camera was blown together with its tripod by a strong gust of wind in Iceland (but miraculously didn’t break). Or, one of the latest accidents, when I smashed my drone against a wall after it was chased by a group of seagulls (not sure how it still works perfectly 😅). I always try to pay attention but accidents do happen, unfortunately. When I travel to crowded places I always keep the gear on my body (usually in a professional camera backpack). I have also a dry bag for water excursions and various rain covers. I’m honestly terrified of breaking my expensive gears but at the same time, I don’t want to lose photographic opportunities to be excessively meticulous. So, I try to find a balance. However, one of the things I learnt from experience is don’t let touch people who don’t know what they are doing your professional stuff.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
I always carry my Canon camera with me on a trip. I can live without my drone but the camera is my best friend.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Probably Egypt. I spent almost one month there but still have the feeling it’s not enough! Moreover, Cairo is one of my favourite cities in the world.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Well. I always do research on what places I need to avoid in certain destinations and I generally trust my instinct. If something looks shady, it probably is. I try to avoid trouble and get a trusty local contact just in case something goes wrong. However, even if I travelled alone in the past. Now, I travel most of the time with my husband (and also the little ones since last year!).
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Stay with locals! Embrace the culture and don’t be ashamed to ask questions about customs, food or whatever topic you want to know about it. Most of the time people are happy to tell you more about their culture. Sometimes, you have to go a bit out of your comfort zone but this is rewarding. The most important thing is always being respectful of other people cultures and beliefs while learning something new.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
I’m Italian and I love when people say “Buon Viaggio” maybe in English this can be translated as “have a safe trip “ but the meaning is not quite the same. Buon Viaggio is more a good wish for your trip and gives you the promise of an exciting new adventure. Have a safe trip is also a kind of good wish but to my ears it sound like “stay safe something can go wrong”. I prefer the Italian version.
When and where are you next travelling?
I have quite a few trips planned this year. I’m exploring the French Riviera in April and this summer I’m heading back to Sicily to visit my family. Then I will fly to Malta (it’s my second time here) and Jordan (I’m very excited about this last one!).
Visit Breanna Claye on Instagram and LinkedIn
About you
Hello. My name is Breanna Claye, I am 28 years old and I am from Westchester, New York. I work for a startup Hemp Company called Knock On Hemp based in NY. I am responsible for merchandising, content creation and branding. I am passionate about educating and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle through the use of hemp products. Another passion of mine is traveling. Throughout the years, I have met incredible people who have motivated, encourage and inspired me to see more of the world. So far I have been 34 countries and that number will continue.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
I travel because I am curious and I love new experiences. Traveling expands and challenges what you think you know about about other cultures and countries. Traveling encourages you to be open to new experiences and to step outside your comfort zone. I enjoy meeting and learning from different people around the world and building friendships off our differences and similarities. Seeing new cities and countries is always an adventure. I think adventures are experiences that are priceless. Traveling and experiencing new piaces are worth more to me than tangible things.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I believe traveling is an adventure of itself. Within the last couple years I have enjoyed traveling to places that were “less traveled/known” by others and doing road trips. Road trips allowed me to see more of a country, especially smaller towns and cities that I would not have thought to visit.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
The advancement of technology has made traveling a lot easier, especially when visiting countries where you aren’t fluent or familiar with the language. My go to travel hack when I need to translate text is using my iPhone. Apple with their recent updates has built in a few different ways to easily translate text into whatever language you want to read it in. If you are searching for something on the internet and it is in an unfamiliar language, you can highlight the text and there will be an option to translate it into the language you prefer. It also works when you point your iPhone camera at text too. You focus your camera on the text, and a square button with lines inside will appear on the right side of the screen. Once you hit the button and highlight the text it will give you the option to translate! It makes it a lot easier than having to use a 3rd party app for translating.
Another travel hack that I use with my iPhone is utilizing the ESIM function. I am from the United States so it might differ from country to country but my cellular carrier (T-Mobile) allows me to set up an electronic sim with my iPhone leaving the physical sim slot free. When I travel to other countries and want to use a sim from their country to get better cellular service, I am able to use the free sim slot. What is awesome about this is that you are able to toggle back and forth between the two sims and decide which one uses data, which one receives/send text and calls. It has made my life so much easier and I do not have to worry about manually switching sims.
**ESIM feature I believe is available for iPhone X and newer.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
I cannot travel without my AirPods, iPad and a jacket. It is important for me to be able to listen to music anywhere I am and it is rare for to leave the house without them. I travel with my iPad because traveling of itself can be tiring and there are some nights after a long day where I just want to watch a show on one of the many streaming services I have. No matter the climate I always bring a jacket (leather or down jacket or both) because there is always a high chance I’ll be cold. I get cold easily and I rather over pack with a jacket then not have one at all!
What destination are you eager to go back to?
I am eager to get back to Europe! Europe was the first continent I visited and that is where my passion for travel really begun. I love how easy and inexpensive it is to get from country to country in Europe. I have been to may countries in Europe, but I would say I am eager to go back to Spain, Italy and Germany.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Being a female traveler comes with a lot of risk unfortunately, especially when traveling solo. To stay and feel safe when traveling I allow close friends and family access to my location so they can easily see where I am at any moment. I also give my parents the address to the hotel/AirBnB/Apartment I am staying at. I recently purchased an alarm door stopper that I put under my door every night just for extra security and comfort.
It is also very important to be mindful of your surroundings. I am extra observant when I am traveling and try not to walk around at night either.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
The best way to experience a destination like a local is to surround yourself with locals. Go to the restaurants and shops that locals go to. I love staying in Airbnb’s for this reason. I want to be right in the mix of everything and not separated from the people of the country. Facebook is a good resource to use when you want to connect with locals or like minded people. When going to another country, it is easy to search for Facebook groups in the cities you are in. I recently have met friends who use the Bumble BFF feature to find friends, mostly locals to connect with!
What’s your favourite word in another language?
I am currently trying to learn Spanish. I go to a lot of Spanish speaking countries to be around the language to improve my skills. I’d say I have a favorite phrase. It is when you toast before drinking. ” Arriba abajo al centro Pa dentro “
When and where are you next travelling?
Currently I am in Mexico. I bought a one way ticket here and have been here since October 2021. I am in Mexico City and plan on migrating to a beach town eventually. I have no plans so wherever the wind blows, I’ll go too. After Mexico I plan on continuing south into Central America and then South America.
Visit Andrea on Instagram
About you
Intensive care physician, children and animal lover, like to take risks and flow through life
Why do you travel and photograph your journeys?
To relax and open my mind
What is your favourite thing or item to photograph?
Awesome landscapes
What’s your go-to travel hack?
For example, locked backpacks.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My camera, a comfortable cushion for the neck
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Japan
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Being never alone, learning about places I’m visiting before the trip. Asking people who have been there before me
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Going to the food markets, asking taxi drivers where to go
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Chandelier
When and where are you next travelling?
Patagonia
Visit Kallie on Instagram
About you
Hi! I quit my job this year so that I could travel the world full time. Just the typical burnout from the 9-5 and ready to start living the life I’ve been imagining for myself since I was a kid. I’m so stoked to be finally doing it! I love all things nature, so I really care a lot about the environment and animals. Since traveling, I’ve met so many like-minded people, and it’s been so amazing!
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
I want my point of view to be challenged, and I want to be able to form my own opinions about places and cultures instead of just listening to what the media has to say. I feel like traveling is the best way to be humbled, to learn about other cultures and their languages, as well as to try some amazing food 😋 seeing different landscapes and exploring this amazing planet we get to call home is pretty incredible too!
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I see anything as an adventure. I want the out of the ordinary kind of stuff, like showering with a bucket and a cup or sleeping on the floor of a hut in the middle of the desert. But also just walking up to the top of a hill for sunset or listening to street performers in a city. It’s all part of the adventure
What’s your go-to travel hack?
If you’re on a budget, stay in hostels. If you’re not on a budget, stay in hostels! It’s the absolute best way to meet people and connect with other travelers. I’ve met some amazing people who I now consider great friends from all over the world!
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
White noise machine. If you’re in a dorm and something is snoring, or in a noisy city, it’s a lifesaver. Earplugs just don’t cut it sometimes
What destination are you eager to go back to?
I’ve only been to Greece and Egypt so far, and I’m still in Greece 😂 I’m sure I’ll visit both again one day though!
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Make sure your hostel/hotel is less than a mile from the city center if possible. Stick to the main streets, and take self defense classes. In certain places, it is perfectly safe to go out by yourself at night, as well as take public transport at night. Just be overly aware of your surroundings and try to stick around other people. Also find someone to walk behind if you’re walking by yourself in a sketchier area. I also carry a small alarm that is VERY loud when set off, and a flashlight with a very bright strobe that can temporarily blind someone, or at least slow them down for a moment
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Don’t stay for just a day or two. Stick around for a week or more in one city/town. Just wander around without an agenda and without maps
What’s your favourite word in another language?
La, which is ‘no’ in Arabic lol
When and where are you next travelling?
I’m going to Jordan in two days! Two guys I met while traveling have flown to Athens to meet me, and we’ll be going to Jordan together for 10 days, and meeting another guy I met while traveling there as well! Once they leave, I’ll stay behind and volunteer for a month or two so I can really envelop myself in the culture
Visit Katrina on Instagram
About you
I am a travel photographer and army wife based in South Korea, inspiring families to see the beauty in their surroundings and take their children with them on adventure!
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
I travel to create joy and memories for my family while also educating them on the different cultures and foods we are surrounded by. It also invigorates my soul and makes me so happy to see and explore new places!
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I look for adventures that we will look back on in years to come and be so happy we did it! In other words, adventures that are new and exciting, that we’ve never done before or might never get the chance to do again!
What’s your go-to travel hack?
My go to travel hack is to always bring a bottle of water and a snack like a granola bar, even if you don’t have kids because being hungry when you’re exploring is never fun! You want to be hydrated and energized so that you can fully enjoy your travels!
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
Of course, my camera!
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Take me back to Rothenburg in Germany!
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I think this is a great and important question for our female travel influencers! Never post a story or post in real-time. In other words, I never make a post at a destination I am currently at so that followers know where and what time I am at a certain location. You never know who is watching you!
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
My advice is to avoid the tourist traps and head to the local districts off the beaten path! Also, going to a local grocery store and getting things for a picnic at a local park is also a great way to discover the local foods and merch!
What’s your favourite word in another language?
진짜? jinjja? It means “really??” In Korean. I love it and hear it in conversation all the time. Lol
When and where are you next travelling?
That is to be determined at the moment as the country we live in has heavy covid restrictions when it comes to leaving and entering but if there were none it would be the Philippines!
Visit Kayla on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and Website
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!
Visit Beth on Instagram and LinkedIn
About you
Hello, travel bugs! My name is Beth and I’m a midwestern bibulous foodie trotting the globe one adventure at a time. I’ve been traveling since I was a teen but the majority of my biggest adventures didn’t begin until my 30s as my husband and I dedicated ourselves to a life mantra of “fewer things, more experience”. 17 countries, 36 US states, and counting! Travel is my true passion and I love sharing my stories with others who want to see the world. For me travel allows us to connect with others and the earth by learning about other cultures, tasting new foods, and getting lost in the moment.
We are able to travel often due to the flexibility of our careers. I am in real estate so I do not have set hours or PTO and I’m on an amazing team that is able to step in for me when I’m gone. My husband has a corporate gig where he works remotely, he’s been there long enough that he has built up 30 days so PTO a year (that’s a lot for the US ha!). You add in weekends and that allows us to trot the globe often.
When we travel we love a mix of activities. We hike, we eat, we walk around cities, we see all the touristy sites, we go off the beaten path, we do excursions, anything that connects us closer to the country or city we are visiting. Some of our top favorite memories have been bathing with elephants in Thailand, hiking up to Humanty Lake in Peru, wandering the streets of Amsterdam, doing tuk tuk karaoke in Cambodia, kayaking near Seward in Alaska, zip lining in Costa Rica, exploring wine country in Guadalupe Valley Mexico, taking a seaplane to Dry Tortugas in Florida, jumping off a high cliff at 7 Sacred Pools on Maui, drinking German beer at Oktoberfest in Munich, the list goes on!I also happen to be a bonus mom to two young girls and we have had a blast teaching them our values when it comes to travel. We don’t take them on every trip but they do get to adventure along from time to time. I hope they appreciate the different perspectives we try to instill in them and I can’t wait to see where they are inspired to go.
Travel often, friends!! The world would love to see you 🙂
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
I love adventure, learning and getting lost. Travel provides so much inner happiness for me because every memory is mine to keep and I can experience them again whenever I choose.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
Pretty much anything! From hiking to trying new foods, from chatting with locals to site seeing, I love it all!
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Dive into Airbnb research. Some places are more than just lodging, they come with an experience. Some of my favorite parts of our travels have been found on Airbnb through the hosts.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
Packing cubes, foot hammock, deflatable neck pillow, comfortable shoes!
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Thailand will always hold a special place in my heart. South east Asia is the most amazing corner of the world. The people, the culture, the food, the natural beauty, everything is just amazing.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Always be aware of your surroundings. I avoid dressing like a tourist even though it’s probably obvious. I always take my anti theft bag, it looks like a normal bag but opens from the back.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Talk to a local and ask them where to eat. Nothing feels more local than dining with them. It’s hard to avoid touristy areas when you want to go site seeing. But never pass up an opportunity to explore off the beaten path areas as well.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
I’ve honestly never thought about this. But I do learn hello, thank you, how much, where is, toilet, and beer in the language of each country we visit. Think best ways to stay safe but also know your priorities 😉
When and where are you next travelling?
South Africa in January and Guatemala in March!
Visit Lydia on Instagram and her Website
About you
62 years old. Art teacher. love travelling
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
I love to meet people and discover new places. Luxembourg is too small for me.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
city trips, nature
What’s your go-to travel hack?
as a woman just be well organized before leaving for your destination
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
Photo stuff IPad
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Canada
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Just being aware and not having confidence too quickly especially when you travel alone as a woman. Leave always your exact address of the day
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Do like the locals. go to the market walk a lot through the cities, respect traditions and try their food
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Hello
When and where are you next travelling?
Paris Frankfurt
Visit Andreea on Instagram and her Website
About you
I’m a DIY travel enthusiast and blogger from Romania and the owner of andoreia.com, where I write about the destinations I visit.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
I’m a strong believer in the fact that traveling enriches your soul and opens your mind, like nothings else can.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I usually love to visit old towns with a lot of history, but lately I’ve also looked for experiences like watching the Northern Lights, snorkeling or riding a panoramic train in Switzerland.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
I like to plan before my trip what I’ll actually wear everyday. Since I’ve started doing this, packing got way easier and closing my carry-on stopped being a struggle. Besides, it’s actually cheaper to travel with a small suitcase, so another win there.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
Pack-cubes!I love how they keep my stuff compact and well organized inside the suitcase.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
I’m eager to go back to Asia, particularly Thailand or Maldives.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Before every trip I also include a bit of research on safety for the places I’ll be visiting. It’s part of my travel planning and it makes me feel more prepared since I can avoid certain places if I deem them unsafe or be more aware if there’s any high risk of pickpocketing/scam where I’ll be going.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
One way to experience a destination like a local is to book an apartment a bit farther away from the busy center, instead of a well located hotel. Also opt for eating and drinking at the nearby smaller restaurants and pubs.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Fika. I really like the concept behind the word.
When and where are you next travelling?
I’m planning to visit a few Christmas markets at the beginning of December, but it’s still up to debate because of the pandemic situation.
Visit Alison on Instagram
About you
I live in Denver, Colorado and try to get up to the mountains as much as I can. I love hiking, skiing, traveling, and food. I have been married for 10 years and also have a very cute dachshund mix, Walter. I work for a health food company, where I have been for 15 years. I went to school for art and business at the University of Colorado.
I am also an ambassador for a female hiking group across the nation and lead monthly hikes for women. I am currently trying to complete all of the 14ers in Colorado (mountains above 14,000 feet). I am very passionate about the outdoors and living life to the fullest!
Why do you travel and Hike?
Hiking is good for you mentally and physically. I feel better when I hike. Traveling is important because you can learn about other cultures and a lot about yourself!
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Hydrate
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
A good book
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Barcelona
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I do my research on the location and always tell a friend where I am traveling too. If I don’t text back after a set time and day, then my friend knows I am in trouble.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Talk to the locals! I’m also love to stay in an Airbnb or home stay so I can experience it more like a local.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Excursionismo
How has travel changed in your lifetime and how will it change over the next 25 years?
I think technology will continue to change traveling. Everything is so convenient now. There’s even an app for translating now!
When and where are you next travelling?
Moab, Utah for my birthday next month! Austin, Texas for a bachelorette party in January and Mexico City for a friend’s wedding in May!
Visit Krystsina on Instagram and her Website
About you
Hi there:)
I was born in Belarus studied finance, got a master but I always had a feeling this world is bigger than we think and I started to explore and travel getting know people cultures. I moved to Germany at the age of 25 (which is a whole other big adventure ) and started to do what I always dreamed of: be a filmmaker and photographer. I can describe myself as a naive dreamer, who has never lost a dream over the years and as a light, this dream brings me back to my path whenever I feel lost or sad:)
Why do you travel and photograph your journeys?
As an astrology fan, I’d say it’s Saturn who influences the whole horoscope of mines and ascendant in Capricorn, but in simple words, two things are driving forces: fear that time is limited and wish to reach the final goal before time flies away.
This situation I can compare with a climb up the mountain (reach goal) before sunrise (limited time) to capture the magical moment which lasts just 30 min 🥰
What is your favourite thing or item to photograph?
Nature, sunrise, also a video is more magical for me at the moment, emotions
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Super hard unbreakable case and Herschel.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
Camera, Sony a7iii, small rig handles for handheld filmmaking, lense 24-70 2.8
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Ramsau, Iceland, East Switzerland (Säntis) north Teneriffe, Armenia
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I look only for safe park places, paid ones, with lights. When going back down the mountain at night I join a group of people who have girls and boys there to walk together. I talk to locals to ask where is it safe to go. Mostly I’m nature mountains are people are kind and the is no danger.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Talk to locals! Take 20-30 min and talk to older people who live there it’s a treasure what they can say. I also used couch surfing a lot when I started a travel and it was the best way to explore like a local, but be careful and choose people with good references.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Attraversiamo 😅 let’s cross the road In Italian
When and where are you next travelling?
Deciding between Iceland, west France down Pyrenees mountains or Teneriffe and with volcano cloudy landscape
Visit Halle on Instagram and her Website
About you
I’m a full time vanlifer, and I’ve been on the road for over 2 years. I’ve lived in 3 (going on 4) different rigs, and have visited all 50 US states, almost 50 national parks, and 6 countries. I currently travel with my dog, and I am working to incorporate my healing journey into my travel content, since that is what’s fueling much of my travel right now. My first three months on the road, I drove to all 48 connecting US states solo, and then I came home, bought a van, and was ready to go again when I met a boy who I quickly fell in love with. We traveled together for over a year, even driving from Baja, Mexico, to Fairbanks, Alaska this past spring. I recently left Alaska post breakup, to begin healing from heartbreak, and to travel solo again.
Why do you travel and photograph your journeys?
Traveling gives me the opportunity to connect and create with people from around the world which reminds me why I am here. I look for adventures because I live for adventure whether it be climbing waterfalls, hiking through the jungle or climbing a mountain to watch the sunset over the ocean!
What is your favourite thing or item to photograph?
MOUNTAINS. While I was raised in a more desert climate, I’ll always be a mountain girl at heart. Trees come in a close second, especially Redwood or Sequoia trees.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
If you travel in the US, you can camp for free on National Forest or Bureau of Land Management Land almost everywhere in the country. This is how I keep travel costs down!
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
Hiking boots and a good backpack that can hold anything! I want to be able to walk anywhere without worrying if I have the gear to do it.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Hawaii or Mexico! And I actually do have a trip to Hawaii planned, so I can earn my yoga teacher certification this winter! I’m itching to go back to Mexico though! I only saw the Baja peninsula last time and would love to explore the rest of the country.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Follow your gut. It sounds simple, but it’s true. 100% of the situations where I’ve felt sketched out by something (or someone), I’ve chosen to leave and relocate, and immediately felt safer. If you have a feeling something isn’t safe, don’t do it. Your intuition already knows.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
This might be biased, but VANLIFE! Vanlife has actually been the key to experiencing so much as a local. I always end up going places I’ve never even heard of before, or meeting locals while camping. In Mexico, my group and I literally visited towns no one ever goes to, because we had our houses with us and we didn’t have to look for a place to stay!
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Sabai Sabai… it basically means Hakuna Matata in Thai!
When and where are you next travelling?
I travel full time, so I’m actually on my way back to Southern California to see family for a bit and take care of some things for a couple weeks. By November 1, I’ll be moved into Rig #4 and on my way to Utah to see some National Parks!
Visit Brytta on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and her Website
About you
Brytta Byers, founder of Xanadu Yoga is a world traveling yoga instructor who teaches yoga teachers how to travel the world and teach yoga.
Brytta has traveled on all parts of the globe teaching yoga for the past six years. Her latest adventures include being the Yoga Teacher and Marketing Coordinator for Encantada Ocean Cottages in Costa Rica, Yoga Studio Manager for the largest YogaWorks studio in the United States, being the Lead Journalist at Envision Festival, teaching trauma informed yoga in refugee camps in Greece, teaching yoga to underserved communities in Cambodia and teaching SUP Yoga at Boom Festival in Portugal.
When she’s not traveling the world and teaching yoga, you can find her climbing a waterfall, interviewing folks from the yoga and music industries or reading poetry.
Currently, Brytta is living in Costa Rica where she is searching for land to open a yoga hostel. She is certified through LL Studio in New York City and Island Yoga Aruba with Rachel Brathen.
To connect with Brytta in Costa Rica and around the world, give her a follow @xanaduyoga.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
Traveling gives me the opportunity to connect and create with people from around the world which reminds me why I am here. I look for adventures because I live for adventure whether it be climbing waterfalls, hiking through the jungle or climbing a mountain to watch the sunset over the ocean!
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
Mountain climbing, waterfall treks and secret places to watch the sunset. I also enjoy SUP Yoga which is an adventure on its own!
What’s your go-to travel hack?
I am all about being eco friendly. I always have bamboo products on me such as bamboo toothbrushes and eating utensils. I also love saving time and money which is why I book flights through Skyscanner and purchase TSA Pre-Check so I don’t have to wait in line at the airport or unpack my bags. I can just go through airport security with no hassle!
Another favorite travel hack is supporting local women run businesses in the places I travel to. In Costa Rica I have found and worked with a female artist who paints hats, a women run spa that I love and a single mom who gives massages. Supporting women and supporting local is where it’s at in the travel industry as our money goes a long way as it’s supporting real people rather than corporations.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
Osprey Backpacks, Cliff Hiking Boots, Lululemon Yoga Mat, and Bamboo Eating Utensils.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Portugal. My family lives here. I miss them dearly!
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I always email my travel itinerary to my family and close friends before I depart for my next adventure and email my locations, my hosts, phone numbers and emails of where I’m staying / teaching.
I also send a Whatsapp Pin Location anytime I am staying, teaching or eating somewhere new. If I go out at night I always go out and come back with friends. If you live in a rural place such as Costa Rica, creating strong friendships and professional relationships is a must to survive and thrive and saving their contact on Whatsapp is even better! For example, I now have a taxi driver who is my go-to driver as I trust them and have worked with them enough to know I can rely on them to take me somewhere safe rather than getting scammed or taken advantage of by someone I don’t know.
Lastly, TRUST YOUR GUT aka listen to your intuition. It NEVER leads you astray.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Hang out with the locals, learn the language (even when it’s hard), go dancing, eat the delicious local food and Say YES to adventure!
What’s your favourite word in another language?
La vida es bella
When and where are you next travelling?
I’m going to the US for about a month to visit hostels, hang out with friends and snuggle my sweet cat Macha! I will be there in the Fall.
Visit Ramitha on Instagram
About you
I am a travel enthusiast and support female empowerment… I love to explore unique travel destinations and enjoy the food!! I love to combine my fashion trends during my travel and would love to enlighten my followers on travel tips.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
It makes me happy and gives me satisfaction and love to share my experience with fellow travelers
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
Hiking, water sports, surfing
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Plan your trip ahead to save some €, travel light
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My Dslr and drone to capture the amazing moments
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Italy
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I have pepper spray on my hand bag always!
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Do not have a packed itinerary, walk around the city by foot and explore places, I like the trip when it d more on the go and not fully packed
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Amour
When and where are you next travelling?
Copenhagen – sept end
Visit Turku Ekin on Instagram
About you
Lawyer-turned-traveler
My story has become a bit complicated since I finished my internship as a lawyer in Turkey. Till then, everything was going smoothly. I was a very successful and social student who can play violin, sing in multiple school choirs, volunteer in community projects, and travel within the country as much as possible, party with friends, etc. I even graduated from law school with the second highest degree in my faculty.
I didn’t enjoy being a lawyer. I didn’t like my country because of the politics and people’s general mindset. So I ended up in New Zealand on a working holiday visa. Spent one of the most challenging yet rewarding years of my life. I fell in love with an English guy so badly. After dating for 2,5 months, I had to leave him because I didn’t want to give up traveling.
I worked for 6 months in total in different places from warehouses to juice stores, motels to volunteer projects in exchange for food and accommodation. I was hitchhiking sometimes solo sometimes with another solo female traveler from France. Sometimes I was busking with my baglama which is a Turkish folk instrument. I had a hard time finding a job and saving up some money for my return ticket to Turkey. So eventually my mom had to pay for it.
After my experience in New Zealand, It was impossible for me to live in my country and work as a lawyer. Backpacking New Zealand changed me a lot. So I went to Australia to study management for 1 year. I love the country and people very much. So I applied for a second school to study Marketing. In the meantime, I was working as a waitress, house cleaner, babysitter, uber driver… anything really. I also stated to my Youtube Channel which I still put a lot of effort into. After two years of Aussie life and saving up some money, I came back to Turkey to travel around the world for two years with my mom. She also closed her business to make our dreams come true.
But because of the pandemic, the borders were closed and we ended up staying at home for 7 months which was a huge disappointment for me because I didn’t have a plan B.
After 7 months of being unemployed and a miserable time at home, I went to the Balkans and started to travel again. I was back to the game again. Made many videos for Youtube. Did loads of Couchsurfing to save money. Met amazing people along the way and even fell in love with a Serbian guy(well, it didn’t end up well as I was not planning to give up traveling.)
After my Balkan trip for three months, I came back to Turkey and booked a ticket to Tanzania. My mom decided to join me for 5 weeks. Despite the pandemic, we went there and had an amazing time. We had corona but It didn’t affect us so badly, thank god. We did Couchsurfing with mom too to save money and travel like a backpacker!! I always wanted to see my mom with a huge backpack and staying in a Couchsurfing place, meeting locals, eating local food etc. So It was such a funny experience.
After my mom left, I continued my journey around Tanzania alone. Guess what, I fell in love with a Tanzanian guy and extended my visa because of him. So I have been in Tanzania for 8 months now. We moved in together in a very tiny house in a very poor neighborhood. He is doing his internship as a doctor in the hospital. But as we don’t have much money, we live on a budget, wash our clothes by hand, enjoy simple things in life. I kind of gave up traveling for a guy for the first time. I still can’t believe myself. We are planning to get married in December but don’t know which country to live in as we both don’t like our own countries.
As one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, I volunteered in a daycare centre as an English teacher for 3 months. On social media, I collected money for the school, an orphanage, a nearby secondary school and helped so many people and students. It is very hard to express my feelings about that. It was magical.
Oh, by the way, I am 29 years old. And my partner is 25.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
I love seeing how other people live and think, learning about the similarities and the differences between us. Laughing at the same stuff, dancing together, sharing the same food.. I travel to learn more about myself via other cultures and perspectives.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
Socialising with the locals in every way possible. Attending a wedding, visiting a school, staying with locals.. These are all an adventure to me as I am the only one different from the people around. As if you are in another universe.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Don’t forget to smile at people. It opens many doors.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My gopro camera, a frying pan, and leave in conditioner
What destination are you eager to go back to?
I have been to 25 countries so It is hard to choose..New Zealand to do the Milford Sound track! (honeymoon idea 🙂Australia, Melbourne to see my amazing friends againIran to visit more rural areas to experience the culture moreSerbia to see my friends again
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I make sure my phone has an internet and a battery. I download the offline map. I read a lot and watch videos about the city. Depending on the country, I try to be mindful of what I am wearing.
I ask locals. They tell me what to do and what not to do
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Couchsurfing! I have done it in so many countries and It is the best way for me. You don’t have to stay with them, you can use couchsurfing hangout to meet locals and they will tell you where to eat, where to go as a local. Airbnb might work too. Just make sure you ask them to show the local life, not touristic places.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
”Nakupenda” means ”I love you” in Swahili which is the official language of Tanzania
When and where are you next travelling?
As I have been in Tanzania for 8 months now, I am going back to Turkey for a while next week. My partner will come and visit me there in December and after that, we might go to Germany to study. If we have enough money to travel, definitely Colombia is the first country to go in our mind.
Visit Nicole on Instagram
About you
I am a military spouse currently stationed overseas. I live a simple island life filled with walks to the beach, painting art, going to cafes, & exploring new places and always have a bit of wanderlust, so I usually have some kind of trip planned for myself to look forward to.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
I believe it was instilled in me since I was a child, my family was always taking me on trips and growing up I’ve lived in about five different places all over the US and traveled to many places since then. I’m obsessed with experiencing all types of culture, it’s truly fascinating and eye opening. It is said the world is a book and those who do not travel only read one page.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
New experiences that I’ve never heard of or seen before. I love trying all types of foods, seeing all types of fashions, and experiencing all types of traditions.