This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
On my way to Antarctica
I love to travel because…it’s where I feel at most, home away from home. I love the constant change of pace and not knowing what each new place will bring. The people are always fun to observe, dance with, and chat with to learn more about their experiences and culture.
My number one travel activity is…being. Activities are always a fun engagement, but my favorite thing to do while traveling is simply being present and enjoying the moment. Sometimes, I don’t do anything at all, and I feel at peace in totality.
I come from…the beautiful and mountainous west coast and don’t know if I’ll ever leave after leaving for more than half my life. It feels incredible to be back, and I never dread returning home from my extended travels because home is my other happy place.
I work as a…techie. Though my degrees are unrelated, I started my tech career in college and have stayed in tech ever since. I enjoy the challenges and experiences the tech world brings. I’m at peace with it.
The best place I’ve been is…Wow, this is tough. I still haven’t visited some of my top spots, but so far, my favorite is the middle east. I was always scared to visit this region, but it became my favorite.
In my spare time, I like to…read, hang out (with dogs, family, and friends), work out, explore new places and activities, write, work, and goof off.
My top travel tip is…travel as lightly as possible and be willing to let go of things. You will lose things, and things will get taken away, but learning the art of detachment is one of the most powerful things you can take with you everywhere on your travels.
If I could live somewhere else, I’d live in…Probably the middle east. I’ve never felt more at peace anywhere except where I live. Europe is excellent, and I enjoy the greenery. That would be the second option. But as I explore more places, this is likely to change.
My favorite way to travel is…minimally. And when I can, I will use someone else’s checked bags for things I want but am willing to lose.
Three lessons I’ve learned from traveling are…
Detachment is essential. I’ve lost and broken things. I’ve had things taken away at airports. I simply let them take whatever they “deem necessary” and move forward. It’s never an actual loss. The most important thing we possess is our minds, and this no one can ever take away from us.
Be flexible and open-minded when things don’t go as planned. I had a minor food poisoning right before I went sand-duning and camel riding in the middle east. I never take pharmaceuticals, but my friend recommended I partake, and I took it and immediately felt better. I’m glad I took the medication because that was one of the most fun experiences of my life. Another example: I had the opportunity to go to Antarctica but chose to go to China instead. There are no regrets here, but looking back, choosing Antarctica would have been a stellar option as well, but I was more concerned with getting relevant credits applied while completing the study abroad.
Itineraries can be made on the fly. You don’t have to plan your trips. My two longest and most extensive trips were both unplanned. I often decided where I was going the next day, and both trips included ten or more countries. Being spontaneous has taught me to be more flexible in all aspects of my life.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.