Back in December 2010, I was juggling two jobs—serving tables and folding clothes—earning about $20K/year while dreaming of a life filled with travel. Fast forward a decade, and I’m freelancing and exploring the globe full-time from my current base in Chiang Mai, Thailand. (I still can’t understand those who prefer cold weather.)
People often tell me I’m “lucky” for my travels, but I disagree. My journey stems from hard work, persistence, and right timing. The last two years proved this, as they were challenging despite how they may appear on Instagram.
While 2018 was chaotic with its ups and downs, including food poisoning, thankfully, 2019 brought more stability.
The year kicked off in damp Da Nang, Vietnam, as I awaited the end of a late-season typhoon. Ironically, my planned trip to the Philippines was canceled due to another typhoon. Once the rain subsided in Vietnam, life improved, despite a few amusing mishaps in Bali shortly after.
After Vietnam, I returned to Australia—my first visit since living there from 2008-2009. This trip reignited my passion for traveling. Other memorable moments included hiking in Utah, capturing whales in Southeast Alaska throughout the summer, and indulging in egg tarts in Portugal. I also spent time with my parents, building furniture and remodeling a bathroom. A significant highlight was interviewing travel writer Pico Iyer for a piece I wrote for AFAR.
My first self-published book, Good With Money, celebrated its one-year anniversary! I’m humbled by the positive press it has received, including features in Forbes and The Washington Post, along with an interview on the Extra Pack of Peanuts podcast. Thank you for the support! (Your feedback on the book is welcomed at info@savinghunt.com)
2018 was draining—physically, mentally, and financially. It was my first year freelancing full-time, requiring considerable effort. I made only $15K due to last-minute project cancellations, but I’m thrilled to share that I tripled my income in 2019 and replenished my savings! I value transparency, which is why I’m open about my finances.
Now, let’s explore my adventures from 2019 and some of my favorite moments!
Portugal
Portugal had been on my travel wishlist for years. I turned down work projects to spend a month exploring the country in the fall. The goal was to connect with friends in Lisbon from Colombia and travel with two best friends who joined me.
Two unforgettable memories include hiking a stunning trail on Madeira island with Rolando and Becky and paddle boarding to the famous Benagil Cave, where I hilariously got tossed by waves while trying to keep my camera dry. I fell in love with Portugal—the egg tarts, green wine, and breathtaking views from castles and lighthouses.
In Vietnam, my aim was simple: travel slowly from Da Nang to southern beaches over a month. I spent the initial week waiting for the remnants of a late-season typhoon. (My planned trip to the Philippines was similarly affected.) A highlight was meeting incredible people along the way! Hoi An and Mui Ne stood out, along with the craft beer scene in Ho Chi Minh. For more insights, check out my photo guide to Vietnam and how to reach the Cu Chi Tunnels via public transport.
Bali
In Bali, I had an eye-opening realization: my life resembles a Wes Anderson film filled with quirky, hilarious moments in beautiful settings. My week there was filled with absurd experiences, such as battling bed bugs and nearly breaking my leg in a hole. For more details, see my post on Misadventures in Bali. Despite the chaos, Bali was visually stunning with its unique blend of Angkor-style temples and Hinduism, distinct from those I remembered from my time in India.
Alaska
Alaska was a wildlife paradise—home to orcas, humpbacks, and bears. I spent about seven weeks in Southeast Alaska as a photo instructor for Lindblad/National Geographic Expeditions. Tracy Arm, with twin glaciers, and ice-filled LeConte Bay were my favorite destinations. Narrowing down my top photos from the thousands taken was a challenge.
This summer, Alaska faced a heatwave—a stark reminder of climate change's impact. Typically rainy weather was replaced by sunny days in the 70s-80s, which was detrimental to the temperate rainforests that depend on a wet climate.
Olympic National Park
Since my trip to Alaska required a Seattle connection, I flew in a week early to catch up with friends and discover the Seattle area. I borrowed a friend's car and got up at 5 a.m. to explore Olympic National Park and its Hoh Rainforest, showcasing a vibrant array of greens—truly inspiring!
Chiang Mai & Lantern Festival
Choosing winter wisely, I rented an apartment in Chiang Mai for the past two years. This place feels like home—I worked here running photo trips and teaching English during 2009-2013. Last year, I missed the famous Yee Peng Festival, held every year during the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in November). This year, I made sure to be present. It was a bit chaotic but absolutely worthwhile!
Utah Hiking Trip
For the last three years, I’ve joined friends for annual hiking trips across the Southwestern U.S. Each year, we explore a different location; last year featured Havasu Falls, while this year focused on Zion, Capital Reef, and Bryce Canyon. Climate change impacted our plans in Zion, as several trails were closed due to landslides or flooding from snowmelt during our May visit. Although we missed some trails, we did hike the iconic Angel’s Landing, capturing an epic image of Rolando!
Tasmania
Even after living in Australia for a year, I still hadn’t explored all of it. This year, I returned for a nostalgic visit to a beautiful place that marked one of the toughest years of my life. (More on that in this post!) After visiting friends in Sydney and Melbourne, I ventured to Tasmania for the first time. Renting a car allowed me to explore—my first experience driving on the left! A highlight was the art-centric MONA Museum, the largest privately-funded museum in the Southern Hemisphere. Normally, I skip museums unless they're world-class, but MONA was quirky and entertaining. I even rushed back to grab my camera for a captivating installation in one of the cafes!
Cornwall, England
I decided to extend a two-hour layover in England into a week on my way to Portugal. Despite visiting in 2018, I couldn’t resist another trip. My former housemate, Rosey, invited me to Cornwall, the rugged southwestern tip of the country. It was my first time in Cornwall, which quickly became one of my favorite regions of England.
Texas
I spent around three months in Texas working on various projects. Whether in a new place or somewhere familiar, I always make time to explore. I visited towns like Llano, Brenham, and Elgin, and indulged in some fantastic BBQ. One standout was Snow’s BBQ, recognized as one of the best in Texas, with their 80-year-old pit master, Tootsie. Of course, my visit to Peeka Ranch—an alpaca farm—was a highlight. If I ever stop traveling, I might start my own alpaca farm!
If you've followed my journey, you know about Alfred, my globe-trotting gnome. He’s traveled with me to six continents over the past 11 years. Here’s a recap of Alfred’s adventures and the best shots from 2019! (You can check out all his escapades here!)
I'd love your input!
What kind of content would you like to see more of? I have some exciting plans for 2020 but want your feedback. Let me know what you enjoy and how I can improve! Thanks for your support, and here’s to a fantastic 2020!
