What inspired you to travel?
I have always valued adventure and exploring new places. I have spent most of my post-grad life working and building my career, which has given me invaluable experience in becoming an architect. However, I have always felt that something was missing. While I was in college, I had many opportunities to meet people, explore new places, and try new things, which can be hard to do when you are in the same work routine week after week. Thankfully, I have been able to fit in traveling during my paid time off and have taken multiple trips around the world. These trips have easily been one of the highlights of my 20s! As a young person, I believe that this is the best time to explore the world, meet new people, and see all that life has to offer. I have been able to do all of this during my travels. After thinking about it for a long time, I took the leap of faith and decided to travel long term!
What was your first international trip?
When I was nine, my family traveled to Harbour Island in the Bahamas for our extended family vacation. We stayed at a resort on Pink Sands Beach, one of the best in the Caribbean! Although not too far from the US, it was my first time of many outside the country.
What are your favorite places you have visited?
My absolute favorite place in the world is Santorini, Greece! You need to see the island to believe a place like this can actually be so beautiful. There is something picturesque about having whitewashed houses perched on a cliffside, overlooking the blue waters of the Aegean Sea! My other favorites include Iceland, Scotland’s Isle of Skye, Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu in Peru, Barcelona, London, Edinburgh, and Lisbon!
Who is your favorite architect?
Frank Gehry is my favorite architect and I always make it a point to visit his buildings! This is why you see a lot of pictures of his work on my Instagram. I have a strong sense of imagination and always like to think outside the box with my architectural designs. Frank Gehry “makes the impossible possible” by turning organic sketches, shapes, and sculptures into buildings that you can actually visit. They are fun to explore, as each space takes on a unique form. Additionally, his use of diverse materials makes each project fit in with its local surroundings. Hopefully, I will visit them all someday!
How are you able to afford to travel?
Traveling isn’t as expensive as people might think, especially if you are a solo traveler. When looking for flights, I always check for the cheapest option. I am willing to sacrifice taking a checked bag, picking my seat, and getting complimentary snacks and drinks if it means a cheap plane ticket. When I was living in Miami, I sometimes paid less for a round trip ticket to Europe than I did flying to Boston to visit my family! Additionally, I almost always choose hostels over hotels. Not only does it save money, but it’s the best way to meet people while traveling. I am fine paying for just a bed if it means a great experience in a new place! In addition to all this, I make sure to take full advantage of my credit card points and will use those to treat myself to a business class flight or luxury hotel on occasion!
Did you study abroad in college?
I had the privilege of studying abroad twice while in college! The summer after my freshman year, I went on the “Grand Tour of Europe,” a tour of classical architecture in multiple cities. I visited Paris, Venice, Florence, Rome, Madrid, Rhodes, Mykonos, and Athens! This was my first in-depth trip to Europe, and while I saw a lot, I only scratched the surface. I have since gone back several times to visit the places that I did not get to see on this trip. In addition, I participated in the “Kyoto Open City Studio” in the summer after my junior year. While the trip was mainly based in Kyoto, I also visited Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul, and Tokyo!
Besides architecture, what do you most look forward to when visiting a new place?
I always love seeing natural beauty when I visit a place and definitely rank it high when I plan my next adventures. In addition, I love meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. It is hard to do these things when you are working in the same place for 40 hours a week, as you mainly overlap with the same group of people
Do you prefer to travel solo or with other people?
Many people are surprised when I tell them that I prefer traveling on my own. Although I have had many great trips that I planned with friends and family, it can be really hard to work around everyone’s schedules and agree on places to visit. Also, the beauty of solo travel is that it forces you to get out of your comfort zone and meet other people. At a time in my life where I feel like I have struggled to meet people during my day to day routine, traveling has been one of the best ways to meet like-minded people! Although I show up by myself, I am rarely alone due to everyone I meet.
Where do you hope to travel to next?
I am currently living in Australia on a year-long working holiday visa. This will give me the chance to explore this large and diverse continent while working part-time in order to help fund my travels. I also plan on using Australia as a base to explore New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands! Norway, South Africa, and Patagonia are also high on my never-ending list!
What is one fact about you that people might not expect?
As much as I love traveling, I absolutely hate flying. I am 6′-4″, so it can be really hard for me to fit comfortably in an airplane seat. I also can’t stand sitting near crying babies! Noise-canceling headphones are a must for me when I fly! Since I get motion sickness easily, a turbulent flight can be really difficult for me. Finally, the process of waiting in long lines at airports can be a real nightmare.
Are there any travel bloggers/YouT ubers that have particularly inspired you?
I have been inspired by so many travelers out there that it’s hard to name just a few! However, the following people have definitely inspired me the most:
Where’s Poppy
Lost LeBlanc
Nomadic Matt
The Blonde Abroad
Nonstop Dan