2016 unfolded as an incredible journey! I kicked off the year by discovering Nicaragua. A wild 4,100-mile cross-country trip took me from Texas to North Carolina, passing through Arizona and New Mexico. My summer was spent driving the ring road around Iceland, with stops in NYC and Boston to catch up with friends. I finally experienced a concert at Red Rocks in Denver and loved New Mexico so much that I made an 11-hour drive to Albuquerque in October for the hot air balloon festival. While 2016 might not have been as wild as my previous adventures in South America, it was still a fantastic travel year. And there's so much more to look forward to in 2017!
To wrap up the year, here’s a look back at the five most popular posts from 2016!
The greatest challenge in life often revolves around time and money. Having more of one can mean less of the other. To demonstrate that travel doesn’t have to break the bank, I meticulously tracked every dollar and peso spent during my seven-month adventure across Latin America. I dedicated hours to creating graphs and detailing expenses down to postage and laundry. For the full breakdown, check out this post!
Antelope Canyon was a highlight of my summer road trip! For tips on photographing the canyon, visit this article.
Time often stands in the way of travel for many. Drawing from my experiences and interviews with fellow travelers, I’ve identified four key strategies to incorporate more travel into your life. Whether you’re planning a two-week road trip to Yellowstone or a year-long exploration of Asia, here are some tips on finding time for travel!
Americans under 30 can easily obtain one-year Working Holiday visas in Australia and New Zealand!
Years of research on working abroad have unveiled numerous opportunities. I've taught English in Thailand and spent a year in Australia on a work visa. Additionally, I managed summer photography trips for high school students in Asia. I've spoken with many who work abroad and gathered their insights on the best paths to take.
I’ve compiled my findings into a straightforward guide detailing various options for working overseas, complete with links and resources. Check it out here: A Guide to Working Abroad
Skógafoss waterfall in Iceland is famous for the rainbows created by its mist!
Iceland is likely already on your travel bucket list. If it isn’t, my series on Iceland will surely change that! It’s the most stunning place I’ve ever visited. My three-part series covers:
Kerala, India
“You’re so fortunate to travel.”
“I live through your adventures!”
Last January, I penned a personal essay detailing how I manage to travel so frequently. This blog aims to be completely open about my travel experiences. This post is particularly personal. Let me share a little secret—it's not about luck. Read more about The Myth about Travel & Luck!
Clockwise from top left: Merrilee Davis, the traveling granny; Couchsurfing expert Nishant Prasad and his fiancée Isabelle St-Germain; McGuinness family who sold their home to travel for a year; and Kaleena Quarles, who taught English in Korea for two years to fund her round-the-world trip.
The most rewarding aspect of traveling is always the people you meet along the way. I initiated a Travel Tuesday Interview series to share the inspiring stories of remarkable individuals I've encountered during my travels, including the Traveling Granny from Colombia—a 68-year-old woman who has traveled solo for years. In a hostel in Surce, Bolivia, I met a British family of four who sold their home to travel for a year. From Peace Corps volunteers to English teachers in Korea to a couple who left their jobs to travel for a year to expert couchsurfers, I've met individuals who prioritize travel and adventure. They’ve inspired and challenged me, and I hope their stories inspire you too!
Courage is contagious.
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UP NEXT:
Fushimi Inari Shrine near Kyoto, Japan
Japan & Beyond
I’m starting 2017 with a travel guide for Japan and some personal tales from my journeys! Next week, I’ll be road tripping through the Florida Keys, so stay tuned!
