Shaira, Author at Travel with Jane

My name is Sylwia, and I am a travel blogger. I am from Poland, but I currently live in the U.S., where I work professionally as a data manager. I travel as much as I can outside of my 9-5 job, sharing all my travel adventures (including guides, itineraries, and tips) on my blog at curiouswanderess.com.

Why do you travel and look for adventures?

Traveling makes me feel alive. It pushes me out of my comfort zone and inspires me to see, taste, and try new things. Travel lets me immerse myself in culture, history, geography, religion, and languages… you name it. Years of travel and living abroad have not only given me an appreciation of my own culture but have also deepened my understanding and respect for other points of view and ways of life.

What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?

I predominantly look for outdoor adventures. Nature is the place where I relax and feel the freest. I find it refreshing to get away from a computer screen and just get lost in the wilderness. If I am not hiking, I enjoy learning. When I go somewhere, I love to experience the culture and learn about its past. Natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture are what I seek the most.

What’s your go-to travel hack?

As an introvert, I prefer to avoid crowds, so I try to visit popular tourist spots early in the morning. It happens to be the best time of day for photographs, and I can enjoy having the place to myself. I also prefer to travel in shoulder seasons, as destinations are more affordable and there are fewer tourists.

Got any gear you can’t travel without?

Part of traveling for me is capturing memories. I do not travel anywhere without my camera equipment: my camera, lenses, tripod, and remote shutter release for taking pictures of myself. Recently, I got a Brevitē backpack that is slowly becoming my favorite backpack for both hiking and city exploration. They come in many colors, and their casual look means they won’t attract attention, making them perfect camera backpacks. For solo hiking, I always bring a satellite communicator in case of emergency, especially considering that you typically get a spotty signal outdoors. Finally, I always get travel insurance. Life happens, and you never know when you’ll need it.

What destination are you eager to go back to?

Peru has been one of my favorite travel destinations so far. I got to experience small mountain towns, big cities, the rainforest, and treks through the mountains. Peru is a diverse country with lots of unique experiences

How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?

There are a lot of things to keep in mind when you plan your trip. I start by doing research and becoming familiar with the place I’m about to visit, including any possible scams. I want to make sure I respect the culture by acting and dressing appropriately without drawing attention to myself. I travel with copies of my important documents, let my family know my itinerary, and check with them often. I typically travel with little to no cash and withdraw money from an ATM when I get to my destination, or I just use a card if that is an option. Other than that, I am always aware of my surroundings and trust my gut, especially if I’m travelling solo, as I know that no one is watching over me but myself.

What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?

Ask a local. I always ask for recommendations at places I stay. One of my favorite accommodation types is Airbnb, which I have found to be a great way to connect with locals and stay in less touristy parts of town. My hosts usually ask about my travel purpose and interests in advance. Sometimes, they even put together a binder with recommendations for restaurants and things to do in the area. I also seek out recommendations from servers at coffee shops and restaurants as well as Uber drivers.

What’s your favourite word in another language?

One of the first foreign phrases I learned growing up was the Latin carpe diem, which means “seize the day.” For me, travel is the best way to seize the day.

When and where are you next travelling?

I am still figuring out my 2023 travel plans, but they will definitely involve the U.S. and Europe this year. I am eager to revisit the Pacific Northwest and across some new national parks off my list.

Visit Aoi Kuwabara on Instagram.

About you

I’m Aoi from Japan Tokyo. Lived in Sweden for 2 years. Love traveling and exploring new things

Why do you travel and look for adventures?

Love to experience new things, and love to talk to many people who have different though from me

What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?

Trying to feel each country’s tradition/culture. Talk to local people and experience special things that normal travelers can’t experience

What’s your go-to travel hack?

Not planning a lot and connecting with local people

Got any gear you can’t travel without?

Camera

What destination are you eager to go back to?

Ethiopia

How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?

Don’t wear expensive things (like necklaces and some stuff)

What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?

Be friends with local people (but trustworthy ones!!) and try to do everything!

What’s your favourite word in another language?

Thank you (in each countries language)

When and where are you next travelling?

Maybe in March, Egypt, or somewhere around Egypt

Visit Marie on Instagram.

About you

I’m a 30-year-old veterinarian who has lived in Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, and now, America. I love all kinds of travel, whether it’s luxury travel or a cabin stay in a national park. However, I will admit I have a real soft spot for outdoor adventures and unique hotel stays (ie riads, glamping, igloos, tiny homes).

Why do you travel and look for adventures?

I make traveling a priority in my life because I’ve realized how important it is for my mental health, especially in the veterinary industry where compassion fatigue and burnout are very real causes of a diminished workforce (read: vet and vet tech shortage), which further amplifies the stress on the remaining workers in the industry.

Traveling also helps me appreciate what I have. It’s a great way to shift your mindset and help you practice gratitude.

What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?

Anything outdoors that makes me feel like I am reconnecting with nature because I’ve spent so much of my life in big cities (ie glaciers, deserts, mountains, oceans). I also don’t mind extreme temperatures, the more extreme the better because I want to get out of my comfort zone and experience things that I can’t at home.

What’s your go-to travel hack?

Get a travel wallet. I have one that has multiple pockets for different currencies, a passport holder, a bunch of card slots, and a pen holder so you always have something to write with. I never worry about where my passport has gone and the pen has come in handy so many times (you know you’re going to have to fill out a customs form at the airport).

Got any gear you can’t travel without?

My iPhone (with a data plan for the country I’m in)

What destination are you eager to go back to?

Japan. The food is amazing and the culture is so unique and beautiful. It’s metropolitan but also has some of the prettiest hikes and ski resorts.

How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?

1) Have a prepaid data plan on your phone so that you can always be in contact with your family and Google a map if you’re lost.

2) Don’t make it well known that you’re a solo traveler

3) Listen to your gut feelings. If you’re getting bad vibes, get out of there

What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?

Find a local to hang out with! There are plenty of apps nowadays for people to meet friends and hang out together.

What’s your favourite word in another language?

mitarashi dango – I don’t have a favourite word but this is the name of my favourite sweet and savoury Japanese dessert

When and where are you next travelling?

I hope to see more of the National Parks in America. I’m planning a trip to Arches National Park in Utah next spring. I’m also heading to Europe in the summer (exact itinerary TBD)

Visit Mikayla Hiebert on Instagram.

About you

My name is Mikayla I am 24 years old and have just started my solo traveling journey this year. With the pandemic ending and everything aligning in my life I felt it was the perfect time to start venturing out of my comfort zone. I am an aspiring landscape photographer. What better place for landscape photos than Iceland!? So that’s where I started. On my very first solo trip, I went on and took so many photos, 2 months later I am still looking through them. I think getting out of your comfort zone is a big deal and more people should explore that. Whatever that means for them. I have a dream of building out my own tiny home on wheels so I can keep exploring this wonderful world and continue to grow outside of my comfort zones.

Why do you travel and photograph your journeys?

Photography is such an amazing art form that can capture a moment in time. Not all art forms can do that. I think it’s original and creative. I could capture a single tree and when I look back I remember exactly how I felt at that moment. Almost like an emotional time machine. Travel photography gives me more experiences and more memories to capture so I can look back and always get transported back in time to those moments.

What is your favourite thing or item to photograph?

Nature. Landscape. Anything in its natural state. I find it beautiful to be able to capture an image and over time you can see the difference or similarities that may have occurred.

What’s your go-to travel hack?

Go to travel hack is to just be prepared for anything. Make sure you look at the weather that day and always have a plan B. I like to make sure I have tons of waterproof gear if it’s going to be raining so that I can still go out and do what I love.

Got any gear you can’t travel without?

My obvious answer would be my camera/ cell phone (I take photos with my phone a lot ) But to think outside the box I would say I would be lost without my favorite pair of hiking boots.

What destination are you eager to go back to?

I would love to go back to New York City so I can skip the touristy things and focus on capturing real time photos of buildings or people. The architecture in that city is incredible.

How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?

The biggest thing I do is trust my gut. I walk alone everywhere and if my gut tells me that this path doesn’t feel right, I will turn and take an extra 20 minutes just for my own peace of mind. More materialistic things to keep me feeling safe, I have a pocket knife on me as well as I always tell someone back home where I will be and at what times. This ensures that if they don’t hear from me a few hours after they should have, they know something happened.

What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?

Food! The answer is always food. You need to go to the local restaurants and try local foods. Nothing bonds people together like drooling over the same tastes. Also, I like traveling during the off seasons so that there are fewer tourists and more locals on the streets. Don’t be shy, start conversations with the locals and they might just show you around!

What’s your favourite word in another language?

Bueno dias – good morning in Spanish. Currently planning a trip to Mexico so I am learning the language. Good Morning is beautiful in any language, because any morning you get to wake up, is a good one.

When and where are you next travelling?

Planning a trip to Mexico this summer! Bringing a few of my friends along for the experience. It will be extra specials to share with others.

Visit Cindy Christella on her LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About you

Travel experience led me to explore work and opportunities in international education and the Australian immigration industry and creativity in capturing new things.

Why do you travel and photograph your journeys?

I always tell others: “Why do you travel and photograph? So that I can come back and I can see the place I came from with new eyes, perspective, and extra colours. And I see myself differently, too. Coming back to where I started is not the same as never leaving.”

What is your favourite thing or item to photograph?

I like nature, cute creatures, and unique architecture.

What’s your go-to travel hack?

Stop rushing.

Got any gear you can’t travel without?

Phone.

What destination are you eager to go back to?

Japan and Indonesia.

How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?

Be polite and follow the local norms. Help others when you can.

What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?

Stay in one place as long as you can. Learn the local language and make friends.

What’s your favourite word in another language?

Thank you.

When and where are you next travelling?

December 2022 – USA