Introduction
Why hello there.
I’d like to kick off this blog the way I do every introduction: By telling you a little about myself and what’s led me here.
I am a writer and photographer based in the United States. As of 2023, I’ve explored every corner of North America and been to two other continents: Europe and Oceania/Australia.
I still have a lot of the world to see, but I already know I have found a lifelong companion named travel. Nothing makes me feel as confident as landing somewhere I’ve never been and somehow managing to establish my footing. As a result I have developed a profound passion for going beyond.
So how did I get here?
Where My Journey Began
I was raised in a multicultural family of immigrants whose roots sprout from the Middle East, Italy, and the Philippines. I now recognize that growing up this way was a gift. It meant my “normal” was sitting in rooms where I didn’t always understand the language spoken around me. It meant I witnessed how different foods were made and shared. Most importantly, I saw how people who look differently, think differently, can love and respect each other.
As a first-generation American, I grew up between worlds. This upbringing absolutely influenced my hunger for the unknown. I now understand that I love traveling because it feels like home. I walk the streets of a new place, surrounded by words, smells, and sights I’ve never experienced before and, in some way, I am transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen.
I also have a respect and appreciation for people who look, talk, think, and act differently than I do. I see how much I can learn and grow from spending time in spaces different from the ones I’ve known all along.
In today’s tense and sometimes ignorant environment, we can forget how valuable our differences are to the greater good for all. Without unique perspectives we would never progress.
So much of our internal and external dialogue tempts us to to stay in our bubbles, to cement narratives about those on our periphery. I know first-hand that this holds us back from beautiful experiences.
Hence, This Blog
That’s what’s motivated me to start this blog. In one way, somewhat selfishly, I wanted a box to store all my precious travel memories and daydreams.
In another way, I recognize how valuable my perspective / experiences can be in helping others bridge the gap between their world and someone else's. Afterall, I’ve lived on that border my whole life.
My goal with this blog is to spread the wanderlust that drives so many of my actions. I want to share the tips and tricks I’ve developed throughout my travels, from packing to staying safe in unfamiliar places. My hope is that I can motivate first-time or budding travelers to give travel a try..and inspire seasoned travelers to add more destinations to their passport.
Beyond that, travel can be expensive. There are a lot of logistical fears that may keep someone from taking the leap. Like most people, I don’t have the luxury of traveling full-time. But I do believe that anything is possible with some creative problem-solving. This blog will share how I’ve managed to travel on a lower salary and provide itineraries I’ve personally used to see the most when strapped for time. (As you’ll see, I’m a huge fan of weekend trips.)
So welcome. And stay tuned. I’m looking forward to curating a space where I can relive my greatest adventures and share ideas for how you can develop some of your own.