Towards the end of each year, I begin to feel stir crazy thinking of the travel opportunities in the coming year. I’m raring to go again! Personally, I love new years because with them come new beginnings. I love thinking in terms of possibilities for the future. The new year provides a blank canvas to create the life I desire in the coming months. November & December, although typically less adventurous & more low key compared to … [Read more...] about Feeling Stir Crazy
How traveling shapes my worldview
As I’ve been reflecting on the tragic massacre in Las Vegas, Nevada & the current state of our society, I have felt sad, hurt, angry, & sometimes scared. After hearing about the tragedy, I immediately wanted to fast forward 3 months to January & hop on a plane to Australia. Maintaining hope & faith in this crazy world of gun massacres & natural disasters & political drama has become increasingly difficult. Through … [Read more...] about How traveling shapes my worldview
How to deal with the “not travel blues”
I recently wrote a post about how I deal with the “travel blues” while away from home & out of my comfort zone for months at a time. I wrote about why traveling isn’t always as glamorous as it seems from the lens of a nature-filled instagram account & why, sometimes, even amidst the most captivating adventures in the most magical places, travel blues can arise. Today, I’m writing on a similar topic. Some travelers refer to the topic … [Read more...] about How to deal with the “not travel blues”
How “Adaptability” is truly a strength in my life today
A few weeks ago, I was chatting with a pharmacist friends & she said to me, “I don’t know how you do your job! Isn’t it difficult to constantly learn new pharmacy systems & workflows & jump into new settings all the time?? I don’t think I could do it.” I pride myself on being highly adaptable & flexible when it comes to travel, going with the flow of each new day. But until that conversation with my friend, it had not occurred … [Read more...] about How “Adaptability” is truly a strength in my life today
What is Glamorous to me?
The question “how do you define glamorous?” was recently posed to me. This question threw me for a loop. It’s just an adjective like any other adjective, right? Since the title of my blog is “Glamorous or Not,” I should at least have some idea of what the word means. If I had a nickel for the number of times I’ve heard the words “your life is so glamorous” or a similar phrase… In my search for the true definition of the word, I first … [Read more...] about What is Glamorous to me?
7 Glamorous Steps To Combatting “Travel Blues”
It happens to all of us. It can sneak up on even the most experienced traveler. In the backpacking world, it’s commonly referred to as “the travel blues.” There are a number of reasons a person might experience the travel blues. Perhaps there is a difficult situation at home & it feels as if you have no control over it. Perhaps you are exhausted & overwhelmed from sightseeing & moving around so often & just want to feel … [Read more...] about 7 Glamorous Steps To Combatting “Travel Blues”
How To Cook Like A Minimalist During A 2-3 Day Hike
Planning meals for a multi-day trek can feel like a daunting task. Of course, packing light on the trail is important. You don’t want to end up weighed down by stuff you won’t use. So how do you pack enough food to sustain yourself for 2 - 3 days on the trail? You’ll probably want to eat a lot but how is that possible while still packing light? The focus should be on creating simple, high calorie meals, with just a few ingredients. I … [Read more...] about How To Cook Like A Minimalist During A 2-3 Day Hike
The worst bus ride EVER
The following is an account of my extremely shitty Peruvian bus experience. I don’t have a better word. It was literally shitty... & potentially dangerous. A few weeks ago I decided at the last minute to book a 20 hour, overnight bus from Cusco to Lima. The bus left promptly at 8pm with a 4pm ETA in Lima. During the night & morning, our bus broke down SIX times in the middle of nowhere in the Andes. Each time, it took at least … [Read more...] about The worst bus ride EVER
How I Make Friends As An Introverted Solo Traveler
As an introverted solo traveler, you might believe that it’s difficult to find friends on the road. In fact, many friends & family members ask how I do it because I maintain very close but relatively few friendships at home. I have discovered that by following a few simple steps & intentionally maintaining an aura of openness, I can easily connect & befriend people in all places I go. Making friends on my special … [Read more...] about How I Make Friends As An Introverted Solo Traveler
5 things you should know about hostels in South America
South America is a continent for the adventure traveler. For people who never stay in hostels, it seems to require a certain adventurous spirit to travel in this style. Hostels in Europe typically cater to the younger, “gap-year” crowd who want to party & tick countries off of their list as fast as possible. Hostels in South America cater to the adventurers & outdoor enthusiasts. Hostels, particularly South American hostels, are … [Read more...] about 5 things you should know about hostels in South America
