Visit Claire on Instagram.
About you
From Chicago, works in events and got hooked on travel during a college semester abroad in London.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
I think it’s important to expose yourself to new surroundings and people of other cultures. It changes your perspective on life and learning to adapt to things that are unfamiliar challenges you to grow.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I love nature adventures whether it be a boating day or a mountain hike. I also love to experience a city’s public transportation. Whether that be their subway, tram… etc. It gives you a good feel of a city and its local people when you take the subway with them to work.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
I don’t think I have a hack. As embarrassing as it is, I rely on google maps a lot. I can wander away and not have to worry about finding my way back. Although I usually do have a few destinations in mind that I try to route out in advance. I like to do a combo of the touristy stuff and off the beaten path
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My portal phone charger! Between google maps and taking photos, my battery dies quickly.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
I actually try to not repeat destinations. The world is so big with so many places, I try to always go somewhere new. However, I would love to go back to Thailand one day as I feel there was so much more to explore that we didn’t have time for.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
For me, it’s about blending in and not making yourself a target. I never wear fancy clothes or expensive jewelry. I wear crossover bags and keep them in front of me. With taking photos and figuring out your route, it can be easy to get sucked into your phone. But you should always be looking up and around you. Just be aware of your surroundings at all times.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Taking their public transportation and exploring neighborhoods that do not have main attractions in them.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Sausage in French (saucisson), it’s just really fun to say.
When and where are you next travelling?
I usually like to travel in the spring and fall (fewer crowds and better rates). We are aiming for Morocco this spring.
Visit Agnes on Instagram.
About you
Quit my 60 hr+ consulting job to travel and explore beautiful & adventurous destinations
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
Experiences in life are what matter and I love to meet new people, and hear their stories. Already lived in 6 countries and travelled even more. That’s how you keep growing; that’s how you learn.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I’m all in for adrenaline or something that is actually an experience – “not just a pretty photo”. E.g. I’ve just been to Iceland to see the volcano eruption.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
1/ Mastering packing to the fullest (I have no trouble travelling for a week with one carry-on) and 2/ Getting to know locals and using their recommendations – or better yet, travelling with them. I never plan the entire trip in advance; I always leave room for exploring with locals.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My phone to keep in touch with family & friends, no matter which country I am in; and of course to share my experiences via IG. Everything else is dependent on the climate. Recently, I’ve also been carrying around binoculars. It’s more useful than you’d think!
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Norway!
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Puh.. depends on the country. In some countries, it’s helpful to have a man travelling with you. Another helpful thing is having your own driver instead of getting into random “taxis”. This is not always feasible/affordable depending on the country. I always let at least 1 friend know where I am and what my exact itinerary is and make regular check-ins. I know some friends who carry pepper spray with them but that is banned in so many countries, it makes crossing borders hard.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Talk to them! And ask yourself 😉 It helps tremendously to speak the local language at least a little.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
I don’t think I have one…
When and where are you next travelling?
December – Iceland, January – Australia!
Visit Azzah Jailani on Instagram.
About you
Hi, my name is Azzah, and a 22 years old girl from Malaysia. I am currently a final-year student taking chemical engineering. I discovered my passion for travel (particularly solo) and photography while doing my industrial internship in France. As an introvert, I love exploring new cities on my own while being in my own solitude. I truly believe that travelling teaches you a lot of things that you could never possibly get in books and classrooms.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
Just the thought of the number of places I have yet to set foot on, the scrumptious cuisine I have yet to try, and the amazing souls I have yet to cross paths with, makes me never satisfied by staying at one place. I am constantly searching for views that take my breath away. After solo traveling in six countries in Europe, I realize that traveling helps me to get out of my comfort zone and try things I have always been scared to do! It was more or less a self-discovery journey. It reminds me of the quote “Travel far enough, you meet yourself ” and I could not agree more.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
While traveling, I crave for adventures and experiences that I can’t have in my home country like hiking in Switzerland surrounded by a breathtaking turquoise blue lake or ski-ing at the mountain in French Pyrenees. I also love to immerse myself in the culture of the country I’m visiting by trying out their traditional cuisines or staying at local AirBnB.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
My rule of thumb is: Wake up early in the morning to enjoy a new city on my own. Personally, I think cities have a whole different vibe when you stroll around early morning compared to when it gets crowded as more tourists start to explore. As an introvert myself, I often find it overwhelming when I’m surrounded by a lot of people. So, waking up early allows me to explore famous tourist spots without many people around.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My extendable tripod and Bluetooth remote! Definitely a lifesaver.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Interlaken, Switzerland. I went there last summer, and it was excruciatingly gorgeous. I would love to go back during winter to have a different experience.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Never do things that you won’t do in your own home country. For instance, I would always make sure to be at my airbnb by sunset or before it gets dark. Updating close friends and family members about your itinerary would help too so at least someone else have an idea where you might have been in case anything happens. It is also a good idea to do appropriate research of the new city you’re about to visit, eg: how to get around, do’s and don’ts etc. Make sure you download the map of the city so you can always view it offline in case you ran out of cellular data or at a place where the signal is unsatisfactory.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Personally, I love to stay at local Airbnb to experience living as a local in a local neighborhood. Don’t be shy to ask the hotel receptionist for recommendations of places to eat or hang out, trust me they would love to help! Also, what is the point of visiting a new place without trying their cuisines? Be open-minded and give it a try. Who knows you would end up finding your new favourite food?! Learning common phrases in their language would be fun too! Locals appreciate it when you TRY to speak their language.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
There’s this one word that I learnt in my French class which is “copain”. It is basically a term for “boyfriend”. What makes it interesting is how the word was originally formed. In French, “pain” means bread and I guess we all know the French are always on another level when it comes to their bread and pastries. It is a huge part of their culture and means a lot to them. While the word “co-” indicates sharing something with someone. So, the word “copain” could be briefly translated to “someone that I share my bread with”. I personally think that it’s super cute.
When and where are you next travelling?
Since I am now back in Malaysia after completing my internship, my future travel would be around my home country and hopefully Southeast Asia which I never had the chance to explore yet.
Visit Emily on Instagram.
About you
My name is Emily, I’m 25, and live in the beautiful Blue Mountains in Australia. I spend way too much time daydreaming about travelling and hope to one day explore all the places I daydream about! I love exploring new places, going for bushwalks, and reading, and I’m passionate about fashion, animals and sustainability.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
It fulfils me. I feel like I’m always yearning for something and when I’m travelling I feel like I’ve found it. I love that feeling of seeing something amazing for the first time
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I look for a mix of iconic sights and things that are off the beaten track. I want to tick of all my bucket list items and also discover and fall in love with things I never would have come across otherwise.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Do your research! The more you know going into something the less likely you are to have an unhappy surprise!
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My phone and tripod!
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Seville. I think about it almost every day.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Again research is a big part of this. Try to know where you’re going and how to get there so you don’t have to stop and ask or not look like you know what you’re doing
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
To wander around! Explore a bit outside of the main attractions!
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Biblioteca – library in Spanish. I just like how it sounds
When and where are you next travelling?
I’m planning my first solo overseas trip to Hungary and Austria!
Visit Chrystine on Instagram.
About you
Just a girl that loves to travel
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
Yes, traveling without really connecting to nature and the different cultures, for me, is not really traveling
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
Nature, hiking, climbing, diving and explore experience with mostly nature
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Always get to know the place you traveling to a little better before going. Do a little research. Follow influencers that have been to the same destination before for tips
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
Cell phone
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Bali Indonesia
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Like I mentioned before, I do my research ahead of time
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
To stay around them, talk to them, and get to know the cultures better. Explore and try new things.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Bora ( Portuguese from Brasil) means “ let’s go “
When and where are you next travelling?
I’m not sure yet
Visit Ana on Instagram.
About you
Hola! I’m Ana, a not-even-a-year digital creator from Barcelona. In real life, I’m a professional musician so I mainly teach the cello and I play in several orchestras and gigs. In the meantime, I travel from 9 to 5! Related to my travels, so far I have visited 53 countries and the only one I’ve left in Europe is Iceland. I can’t wait to be there! I’ve traveled alone and I’ve done hitchhiking many times, it’s something I highly recommend doing it at least once in your life. My Instagram travel account came about as a result of wanting to give a second life to my old pictures taken on my trips. So here I am, trying to catch up on my posts in chronological order of countries visited with the last countries visited in real-time posted in my stories. I wonder if I will ever make it #help
Why do you travel and photograph your journeys?
Since I got my shitty camera at the age of 14 I haven’t stopped taking pictures and this is something that I don’t regret. Capturing the beauty of my travels is essential for me. It’s something that it will stay there forever like a memory. It can also be useful if I ever want to keep track of what I have seen/visited or if at some point I want to sell stock photos, print them, make an album or write a book. Who knows!
What is your favourite thing or item to photograph?
I would say I love to take pictures of everything, but definitely what I really enjoy the most is photographing viewpoints with impressive landscapes. Extra point if there are no crowds around 👌🏻
What’s your go-to travel hack?
I only travel with my phone so it’s easy to keep it safe 😉 Especially because it is small so it can fit in any pocket
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My iPhone 13 mini
What destination are you eager to go back to?
I fell in love with Lofoten Islands in Norway. Definitely it’s a place I would love to go back to one day
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I wouldn’t say it’s something you have to worry about. It depends on the country of course. Having the right contacts, avoiding X areas/neighbors, knowing the rules/restrictions… All of these things help to stay away from problems. Also planning your trip in advance can be useful to know what to expect. So don’t be a deadline lover! The sooner you plan your trip the better you are prepared for everything :))
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
If possible avoid high seasons of tourism and touristic places, go off the beaten path, interact more with locals, learn few words of their language… All of this helps to have a much more enjoyable experience!
What’s your favourite word in another language?
I don’t think I have favorite words but somehow I always end up learning silly ones. Once in Ukraine I learned how to say – I have diarrhea – “U mene srachka” which I actually had 😂
When and where are you next travelling?
By the end of this month, I’ll be on tour for 5-7 months playing in a musical around Europe (mainly in Germany), so my plan is to show you a bit about the cities I’ll be staying at. After the musical is over I might go to Jordan/Iran (April-May) for a visit before spending the high season working in Iceland, the last country I’ve left in Europe! Are you going to miss all of this?
Visit Aliyah on Instagram.
About you
I fell in love with traveling while I was studying abroad in Newcastle during college. Having a full-time job in the states and trying to travel frequently is definitely not easy but have been able to make it happen.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
To feed my soul and hunger for exploring different cities and enjoying what this beautiful world has to offer.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I love art history and architecture. Strolling through different streets with beautiful architecture is one of my favorite activities. I also love to enjoy beautiful sceneries with a glass of wine.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Google flights calendar!
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My powerbank.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Türkiye, Italy, and Spain.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I’m the worst person to answer this question because I have always been told “Omg, how come you weren’t scared to go to X by yourself or travel solo” But the reality is, the most scared of something you become, the more likely that thing is going to happen to you. I always made sure that I was not traveling solo in an unsafe country.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Asking locals or doing some research before going to that destination.
What’s your favourite word in another language?
Boulangerie
When and where are you next travelling?
Most likely Paris and Vienna in November
Visit Jenn on LinkedIn, Instagram, and her Website.
About you
I was born and raised in Saskatchewan, Canada and spent my summers camping at the lake and my winters building snow forts as a kid. When I got older and started travelling more, I knew I needed to find a job that would give me heaps of time off to travel, and I ended up settling on “geologist,” knowing that I could work FIFO in the mining industry and have half of the year off to do the things I really wanted to do (which basically just travelled, meet new people, eat a LOT of new foods, experience different cultures, and see what the moon looked like on the other side of the world). I ended up landing a fantastic job on 2 weeks in / 2 weeks out roster and found myself with enough time to travel somewhere new whenever I wanted to. As I started travelling more, I began to take photos to share with friends and family back home. The more photos I took, the more I wanted to hone this new skill, but it wasn’t until I moved to Australia and was left waiting for nearly 2 years for my residence (and work) visa to be approved, that I finally found the time to dedicate towards learning, practising and improving my art. Since then, I’ve added registered drone pilots to my list as well and now shoot both aerial and non-aerial images and videos for clients. With travel largely restricted for us here in Australia over the past couple of years, my recent work has focused mainly on South Australia, but I’m looking forward to getting more use out of my passport again and exploring some new international destinations.
Why do you travel and photograph your journeys?
I’ve always had itchy feet, and could never stand to stay in one place for too long; travel has been a natural extension of this. I’m happiest when I’m out exploring and love to learn something new, plus experiencing the cultures, traditions, and foods of a region is always best done on location! 🙂 I’m a creator at heart, and photography is an opportunity to play with light, perspective, and colour to build a picture that I can share with others. I want my photography to give people a glimpse of the experience and magic of being there, I want them to feel connected to these locations even if they aren’t able to be there right now, and ultimately I want to inspire them to go out, explore, discover, and get lost in the moment; whether they’re venturing to the farthest corners of the globe, or walking through their home city.
What is your favourite thing or item to photograph?
The night sky. Space fascinates me, and I love how impossibly small I feel when stargazing. It’s incredible to think about how much we’ve learned about the universe, and how much more we know nothing about at all.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
my biggest tip is to do a little research in advance and make sure you understand local customs and culture, but also just understand how locals go about their daily lives, what are the things that they always do/don’t do – you’ll end up being a more considerate visitor when you’re there, but hopefully, you also won’t stick out like a sore thumb. Scammers and thieves are always on the lookout for people who look unfamiliar or unconfident with their surroundings because those are the people who are less likely to be paying attention to pickpockets, or who can be taken advantage of because they don’t immediately recognize when something’s not right.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My Kobo eReader. I love reading books, but only seem to find time for it when I’m on a plane or sitting on a beach, so my eReader is always with me when I travel. I would miss my phone and camera a lot but have definitely traveled without either in past. But a book? I’ve always got one in my bag.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Too many! I’ve loved nearly every place I’ve visited, but Egypt and Greece would be amazing to go back to. I last visited these countries waaaay back before smartphones were even a thing – I’m sure they’ve changed immensely but there’s still so much I haven’t seen in both of these countries that I would love to back.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Similar to my answer about keeping gear safe – make sure you research where you need to go in advance so that you don’t stand out as more of a target. Then you can pay attention to your surroundings instead of needing to focus on a map. Ask locals who work at your accommodation if they have any recommendations for where is safe / not safe to visit when you’re travelling solo. And just like you would at home, stick to well-lit and heavily-trafficked areas when it’s dark. I’m also a big believer in trusting your intuition – I’m very lucky that I’ve had a few bad experiences while travelling, but the ones I have had always happened when I ignored my gut feelings about a situation.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Ask a local! Seriously! People generally love to talk about their lives and are usually very happy to share what they love best about their home cities and countries. It’s easy enough to find info online before you go, but definitely ask the locals you meet when you’re at a destination to tell you what their favourite foods are, what they love doing on the weekends, or the best way to travel from point A to point B. You might just discover a hidden gem you hadn’t heard of yet!
What’s your favourite word in another language?
not a word, but a phrase in Swahili – poa kichizi kama ndizi ndani ya friji – which means “cool as a banana in the refrigerator.” It’s fun to say, and the visual always makes me smile too. If you climb Kilimanjaro you will definitely be taught this phrase as a response to “how are you doing?”
When and where are you next travelling?
I don’t have any flights booked at the moment, but planning on doing some more travel around South Australia in the near future. Next year I’ve got tentative plans to head to South Africa, but I’m sure there will be one or two more trips in between then and now!
Visit Michelle on Instagram and her Website
About you
My name is Michelle, and I am a professional musician and digital content creator who loves traveling, fashion, and beauty. I love finding unique travel locations, sharing elegant and colorful fashion finds and talking about the latest makeup launches on my Instagram (@michellelondyn) and website, elegantlypetite.com! It is my hope that my writing, photos, and videos help others see more beauty in the world, whether it is in themselves, in others, or in the world around them.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
I love expanding my horizons—both literally and figuratively. There is so much beauty to see in this world, and traveling has helped me to be more present in the moment, soaking in all the new experiences and views. Traveling also allows me to gain new perspectives on life and culture. Plus, it’s so much fun to meet new people and find beautiful new places!
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
I love finding unique, less-traveled spots. During my travels, I enjoy exploring a mix of outdoor activities (lots of hiking and beaches, please!) and city adventures. Also, trying new restaurants and local foods is one of my favorite parts of traveling!
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Get up early! I’m a night owl, so this one is hard for me, but it’s so much less crowded in the mornings, and you often can have locations all to yourself.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
My Béis cosmetic case! It carries all my makeup (and I bring a lot with me!) and keeps everything safe and tidy. Plus, I always have my camera with me so I can document all the beautiful spots I find on the trip.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Ecuador! I just visited for the first time this past May, and there is so much to see! I can’t wait to return and explore more of the country. In the United States, I always love visiting California and look forward to every trip there.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
Thankfully, my husband and I always travel together, but this is something I still think about each time we travel. We plan out each trip in advance and research every location so we know what to expect. I also avoid going out alone at night, and I’m always aware of who’s around me. But my biggest advice is to trust your gut—if something doesn’t feel right, honor that feeling and get somewhere safe.
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
Before traveling, learn at least some phrases in the country’s language, and then, when you arrive, ask locals for their recommendations for places to go and food to try! Also, while I like going to some of the super touristy locations, my favorite spots have ended up being the less traveled areas of the country. If you are in a country where you don’t speak the language fluently, I also highly recommend a local tour guide!
When and where are you next travelling?
I’m staying local for a few months and exploring my home state of Arizona! There’s so much to see in the American Southwest.
Visit Ketti on Instagram and her Website
About you
Hi, I’m Ketti! After toying around with a bunch of different international careers, I’m now a full-time travel and sustainability blogger. I also consider myself a serial ex-pat. Every single job I’ve taken since college, I’ve taken because it allowed me to move to a new country. So I really had no choice but to build my own job that I can take anywhere! But my interest in sustainability came much later than my love for travel, and after completing my Master’s in Sustainable Business and Energy, my passion is combining that knowledge with the travel industry. Because we spend so much money on travel. So spending it better – with companies that are ethical and responsible – is a powerful way to change the world. I grew up in very rural Montana, and now I can honestly say I’m as comfortable sleeping in a tent in the mountains as in a five-star hotel in the city.
Why do you travel and look for adventures?
Because ever since I was a kid, I’ve felt more like myself when I’m traveling than I do staying home. It’s what makes me feel alive.
What kind of adventures do you look for when you travel?
Mountains to climb, new foods to try, and ways to meet people and break out of my comfort zone – sometimes way out.
What’s your go-to travel hack?
Don’t expect things to be the same as they are at home. That may sound obvious, but I see people getting frustrated on their travels all the time for reasons that essentially boil down to, “why doesn’t this work the way I’m used to?” The only point of travel is to see places and experience ways of living that are different from what we know. You have to really make a conscious effort to be open to that, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Got any gear you can’t travel without?
All my favorite plastic-free toiletries, which also make for much easier packing and one less security hassle! Shampoo and conditioner bars, powdered face wash, solid serums, and cosmetics in cardboard packaging.
What destination are you eager to go back to?
Cambodia. I love small countries – I think they’re easier to love because their cultures and politics aren’t as well-known (or at least, not as famous) as the really big, powerful ones. Plus, the places I visited in Cambodia, and the super cheap way I was traveling there made me feel like I was practically living with the locals.
How do you stay safe when you’re travelling?
I have a rule for this, and I definitely have times when I break it. The rule is: “Don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home.” I break it for lots of things – skydiving, trying new kinds of foods, staying in strangers’ homes (homestays and Couchsurfing have been some of my favorite travel memories), and being open to lots of other adventures. But use your common sense, and when your gut is saying, “hmmm I’m not sure about this,” listen. Beyond that, I honestly think that we’re often just as safe traveling as we are at home – we’re just more used to the risks at home, so we don’t notice them. (This is especially true for any fellow Americans reading this – the risk of encountering a mass shooting when you’re not in a war zone is pretty unique to our home country. In that sense, I definitely feel safer abroad.)
What’s the best way to experience a destination like a local?
As I mentioned before, homestays are a powerful travel tool that let you live with locals – it’s far beyond the “local experience” of an Airbnb, which at this point is really just marketing. (I recently wrote a blog post about lots of great Airbnb and Couchsurfing alternative platforms, which you can find here: https://www.tiltedmap.com/airbnb-alternatives-vacation-rentals-homestays/ ) But staying in a local person’s home – even just for a night or two of your trip – helps you really see things from a perspective you never would have even thought of on your own. (I know this because I’ve been shocked by how much I’ve learned every single time I’ve done it – in China, Spain, Italy, France, Poland, Chile, Nicaragua, Guatemala…. the list goes on, and I keep coming back for more!)
What’s your favourite word in another language?
This is a hard question! I’m a huge language nerd, and I speak several languages well enough to get around. (Italian and Spanish fluently, then different levels of French, Portuguese and Mandarin.) One word I love is “beleza,” which literally means “beauty” in Portuguese, but in Brazilian slang it’s used to sort of say, “okay, all good.” I learned it from some of my Capoeira instructors (a Brazilian martial art that I’ve been playing for years) and I just think it’s both so much fun to say, and so lovely to use such a positive word to simply say you agree.
When and where are you next travelling?
I have a busy few months coming up! I’ll be staying in North America for a bit, and visiting Miami, Montreal, Vancouver for some hiking, San Francisco and some organic vineries in Napa Valley, and then likely heading back to Italy for an Italian Christmas, before an extended winter stay in Mexico!