2018 brought a mix of thrilling travel experiences and some tough moments.
Food poisoning was a common theme.
On Instagram, it might seem like everything was perfect, but that's just a slice of reality. The truth is, long-term travel can be messy and unpredictable.
This year tested me, almost as much as being stuck in Austin traffic in August with a broken air conditioner.
It's been a decade since my inaugural long-term trip to Australia ignited my wanderlust. This past year felt reminiscent of that first adventure. Both were incredible, yet filled with some of my lowest points. I've started to see this rollercoaster as part of the travel journey. (Self-publishing was an equally challenging ride that pushed my limits.)
After years of exploring, I've learned that real adventure often means feeling lost and questioning your choices. Nothing makes you reflect on your decisions like an unexpected round of food poisoning just before a 33-hour trip back to the U.S. from Mongolia. Trust me on that. (Even with the food troubles, Mongolia was the highlight of my year.)
This was my first year fully freelancing while traveling. Previously, I relied entirely on savings during my journeys.
Financially, 2018 wasn't great. Two significant freelance contracts fell through early in January due to unavoidable circumstances. In March, I returned to Texas from Chile for a canceled photo shoot. I earned only $15,000 this year, living off savings and dedicating much time to my book. Many times, I considered selling my camera to find a different path. Recent stock market declines and recession fears left me anxious. (I still carry memories from the 2008 recession that changed everything.)
This year also brought loss; I said goodbye to my uncle and two friends. Their passing served as a poignant reminder of life's fragility and why I chose the freelance path. It offers the freedom to travel beyond two-week vacations, to spend more time crafting with my dad, and to explore new places. I spent winter visiting family, reconnecting with friends, and adding new stamps to my passport—all while juggling work.
The year's highlights made the challenges worthwhile—snorkeling with penguins in the Galapagos, enjoying tango nights in Buenos Aires, and riding camels in the Gobi Desert. Plus, I interviewed one of my travel inspirations. I captured an epic gnome photo on Easter Island.
I'm incredibly thankful for all the encouragement I've received regarding my book project. Writing a book is an intense and revealing journey. Your support means the world to me.
Don't worry—I'm not slowing down anytime soon. I've already planned some thrilling adventures and major work projects for 2019. I'll kick off the new year in Vietnam!
To celebrate 2018's experiences, here's a collection of my favorite photos and blog posts to inspire your travels in the upcoming year:
Top Travel Photos from 2018
A long exposure of Havasu Falls at sunrise, Havasupai, Arizona.
Havasu Falls is one of my all-time favorite hikes and photography spots. This stunning blue-green waterfall is found in the Grand Canyon at the Havasupai Indian Reservation in Arizona. Although the 10-mile hike was manageable, securing a permit was the biggest challenge. (I cover all the details about the hike here!)
I woke up early to capture this long exposure shot, creating a silky water effect. My friends helped snap a photo of me by the falls.
Buenos Aires
The view from Palacio Barolo at sunset in Buenos Aires.
No city captivates quite like Buenos Aires. It combines Latin flair with a touch of European elegance and a hint of third-world charm. Its streets are dotted with stunning European-style buildings, quaint cafes, and lush parks. The food scene, featuring steak, wine, empanadas, and ice cream, is a highlight. This city will always hold a special place in my heart.
I fell in love during my first visit in 2015. Last January, I returned for a month to work on my book and escape winter in the U.S. Check out my guide for planning your trip!
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
A marine iguana on Espanola Island in the Galapagos. The wildlife is incredibly approachable here.
Snorkeling with penguins in the Galapagos was a highlight of my four-month South America adventure. Despite tourism, it remains one of the world's most pristine environments, ideal for wildlife photography. (I got a last-minute deal that made the trip more affordable.) This experience sparked thoughts on eco-friendly travel. For more photos, check out my Galapagos post.
Easter Island
Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater, supplied stones for the moai statues.
Those four days were flawless—beautiful skies, music playing, and breathtaking views of steep cliffs adorned with moai statues overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
This remote island is among the most unique places on Earth, located 2,290 miles from mainland Chile and just 14 miles wide, with extinct volcanoes at each end. It's the definition of isolation. (For budget tips, check out this post.)
Uruguay
The lighthouse in Punta del Este, a charming beach town in Uruguay.
Uruguay is often overshadowed by its flashy neighbors, Argentina and Brazil, yet it offers safety, stability, and charming colonial towns. It's accessible with direct flights from the U.S. Even better, the 18-20% VAT is waived for foreign credit card purchases, making it a budget-friendly destination. Discover why you should visit Uruguay.
A field of traditional Mongolian gers near Tsenkher Hot Springs, Central Mongolia.
Mongolia stole the show this year. I spent two weeks exploring in a blue Russian van named Boris, watching as paved roads turned to dirt, transforming the landscape from green forests to the Gobi Desert. I even enjoyed traffic jams caused by herds of camels. Mongolia far surpassed my expectations. (Check out my Mongolia blog post!)
Prague & Southern Bohemia, Czech Republic
A short hike led to this breathtaking view of Kasperk Castle in Southern Bohemia.
My love for llamas matches my affection for castles. The Czech Republic was my introduction to Eastern Europe. I led a photo trip there for National Geographic this summer, and everything was incredible—the food, the scenery, and the photographic opportunities. I hope to return to Eastern Europe for a more extended trip next year.
Macau
In October, I spent a week in Hong Kong and took a day trip to Macau. My goal was to skip the casinos. Instead, I found a decaying Portuguese settlement filled with charming old buildings and delicious egg tarts. My favorite spot was Mandarin's House, an expansive historic home with circular doorways and a picturesque courtyard.
England
This photo captures the viewfinder of a Hasselblad film camera, taken with my iPhone during my summer visit to Northern England.
My passion for travel and photography began while studying abroad in England. I returned this summer to visit a close friend near the coast. Her dad kindly lent me his Hasselblad, a fully manual camera, which I took on a cliff walk in Saltburn by the Sea, capturing this view through the viewfinder.
Thailand
Monks walk through the courtyard at Wat Sisaket, my favorite temple in Bangkok.
I'm back in Thailand and it feels like home. After over five years since my last visit, it's comforting to return. I've spent a decade straddling the line between America and Asia, trying to find where I belong. I love Asia but struggled to make a living there beyond teaching English, so I kept returning to the U.S. Ironically, my career now ties me to America, requiring flights back for work. I'm exploring ways to spend part of the winter in Thailand—after all, winter is a choice, and I prefer flip-flops. For more on Asia, check out my guide to Southeast Asia and my favorite spots in Thailand!
