1. Why do you travel?
I travel because I crave the unfamiliar and unknown! I love to learn about cultures and history and exploring a new place is my favorite thing to do. I’d rather have a plane ticket than anything else money can buy me!
2. What do you think of when you think of a woman traveler?
I think of a passionate, fearless, strong, person with a lot of determination, and A LOT guts! I think people don’t realize that traveling can be really challenging and difficult – it’s not just a holiday all the time! A lot of people dream but never do – I think a woman traveler always does! She find a way to make things happen.
3. What was your favorite travel experience?
My first trip to Africa in 2011 was my favorite travel experience. Within a few minutes of landing on the Serengeti in Tanzania the sun was setting, and I saw a family of giraffes passing in front of a lake that was so full of flamingos it was pink, and I burst into tears! I spent two weeks there visiting local villages, walking with the Maasai, and saw amazing nature and wildlife – I even witnessed a cheetah kill! It was my favorite place I’ve ever been, and truly a trip that changed me. I think about every day of my life.
4. Which place(s) do you want to go next, why?
I haven’t been to South America at all! So Argentina, Peru, and Chile are at the top of my wish list right now. I really want to experience the culture there, explore Patagonia, and of course see Machu Picchu. And I absolutely love history – so Egypt, Jordan, and Israel are also my highest priority!
5. When did you start traveling?
I started traveling when I moved to Paris to study abroad. I was totally alone there, and quickly fell in love with exploring and the feeling of being somewhere foreign. I spent the weekends traveling around France and a few places in Europe. Two years later I moved to London, again without knowing anyone there. So I spent every weekend going around the UK and Europe by myself and that cemented my love for travel and confidence that I could do it. When I moved back to America, I became a full-time traveler when my husband proposed! He’s a magician and he travels the world performing, so being and working with him means a completely nomadic life! We’ve only spent a few months of the last two years in our apartment in New York City, and the rest traveling the world together. It’s a dream job!
6. Who do you prefer traveling with?
My husband is my favorite to travel with because he shares my love for adventure and learning. I think it’s so important to travel with someone who has the same priorities as you. We both really like to dig in deep to the places we go and seek out out-the-box experiences. We spend time before every trip learning about that place so that when we get there we have a greater understand of it and why it’s important, and that adds so much to the whole experience.
7. Why do you enjoy photographing/writing about travel?
I’ve kept a travel journal ever since that first semester I spent abroad. I glued in ticket stubs and all sorts of memorabilia so it’s like a scrapbook! It’s one of my most prized possessions! I switched to a blog eventually because it was easier to share with family and friends. I’ve always enjoyed writing and taking photos, because to be able to go back and read what you wrote brings that moment back to life! I also love it because it makes it easy to share your experiences and tips.
8. What is your favorite souvenir?
When I was in Madagascar a few years ago, a little girl came up to me in on the beach and grabbed my hand! She led me to a bunch of kids and I ended up playing with them all in the ocean for hours and had the most incredible day! When it was time to say goodbye, she gave me a little lemur she had carved out of wood. I keep on my dresser to remind me both to be a generous traveler, and that sometimes you just have to grab someone’s hand and see where they lead you!
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