FAQ

what the faq???

Where are you from?

Born & raised in Houston, Texas.

How old are you?

25 years old, born on December 31 - Capricorn & NYE baby!

Did you graduate from University?

Yes, I graduated from Texas A&M University(WHOOP!) with a bachelors in Business Management and a specialization in Human Resources. I worked in Human Resources for nearly 2 years at a for a Fortune 500 corporation.

When did you start traveling?

I didn’t travel internationally until I was a sophomore in college, but I’ve always been a curious person. I think my mother fostered that in me. In middle school, my mom began sending me away to summer camps in Texas. I wasn’t fully aware then, but this sparked a desire in me to seek out meaningful experiences - both near and far. When I was college I applied to a study abroad program in Panama that I couldn’t afford. Somehow I got accepted and I worked multiple jobs to make it happen. During this trip, I fell in love with cultural exchange that international travel fosters. From there on out, I knew that I had to see more of the world and meet more of its people. I made it my mission to become a world traveler.

Why did you create a travel blog?

After study abroad trips in India, South Africa, and Panama, I began to reflect on how these trips changed me. Through experience, I learned how beneficial travel was - mentally, physically, and even spiritually. I knew I couldn’t keep this to myself, so I started a travel blog to encourage people to get out & see the world. I hoped that they would fall in love with the world just like I did.

Why did you quit your job to travel?

Yes, I’m one of those people. Unfortunately, I was extremely unhappy in my job after graduating college. While I was grateful to have a job at a great company, I wasn't’ being challenged in anyway. Everything about it felt wrong - my physical & mental health was suffering. I eventually wanted to do some sort of gap-year or form of long-term travel. I’m young, I had savings, 401k, etc. I imagined I’d want to settle in my late twenties, so what better time than now? Well, it wasn’t quite that easy. While I was working, I set a goal to save up so that I could travel long term. After nearly two years, I quit.

How do you afford to travel?

Okay, this is a long one.

I couldn’t afford to travel for the longest. It seemed so out of reach - like something only wealthy families did. I didn’t know a world traveler that looked like me. I would have never predicted that I’d get the chance to see the world in the way that I have.

When I applied for a study abroad program my sophomore year, I had no idea how I would afford it. My parents could not afford to help me. Thankfully, I received a scholarship due to my GPA. The remainder was paid with my job at the business school. I saved up every dime. I wanted to more study abroad programs, so I worked 2-3 additional jobs at a time while attending school to pay for them.

After graduating college, I was earning a corporate salary that allowed me enough money to pay for all me needs and also extra desires. Even still, I made sacrifices to maintain a lifestyle of travel - moved in with a roommate to cut living expenses in half, keeping my old car to avoid a car note, only shopping for items that were on sale, watching my food budget(kids meals, happy hours, etc.) no pampering (nails, lashes, hair). These sacrifices made it possible for me to travel during my time off while also saving.

I knew that I’d eventually want to travel without a 2-week time limit. I began researching the costs of traveling long-term. I found that I could travel in certain regions of Latin America, Southeast Asia, and even parts of Europe month-to-month for a portion of my monthly living expenses in the US. I saved my money with this in mind, knowing I’d eventually take off to travel long-term. I made the necessary arrangements, sold most of my belongings, and bought a one-way ticket to Mexico. At this point, I began doing whatever it took to stretch my savings - staying in hostels, learning how to get the best flight deals, shopping at local markets, sticking to affordable locations, and even couch-surfing. So, I am currently traveling full time & sharing those stories here.

Read how I afford to travel without being rich HERE.

Do you TRavel solo? Do you recommend it?

Yes, most of my travels are solo. It’s now my favorite way to travel, because it suits my personality so well. I’m highly introspective, so it’s been a wonderful experience for me. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to reflect, step outside of their comfort zone, meet new people, and challenge themselves. Check out my resources for solo travel HERE.

What camera do you use? Who takes your photos if you travel solo?

Gave up my big ol’ DSLR for a Sony a6000. I also use my iPhone 7 plus. I ask whoever is around to take my photos. When I’m traveling solo, I constantly meet people. I’m only alone about 25% of the time because of this. I’ll ask people I meet or complete strangers. I have in mind what I want the picture to look like beforehand - the angle, my pose, etc. Because of this, it only takes a few minutes to get the shots I want/need. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. There are plenty of places I leave without photos of myself and I’ve learned to be okay with that. Sometimes I get lucky though!

You can read my in depth guide to taking beautiful while traveling solo HERE.

You can also find the camera I use or any of the other items I pack HERE

I want to travel, but I have no idea where to start?

Honestly, you’re in the perfect spot. Not because this is my blog, but simply because it all starts with visualization. You may not have friends or family who travel, so the best thing you can do for yourself is surround yourself with those who are living a similar lifestyle to the one you desire - even if it’s online. Seeing others who were the same age or background living the life of their dreams online made me feel as if I could one day do the same. We’re all human right? It made travel feel more attainable.

You can start HERE.

Happy Travels!

xx Ciara