📍Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk, Palm Beach, Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺
I consider it a personal crime that I spent nearly a month in Sydney and have not yet had any of my new Aus photos grace my feed. [If you recall, my MacBook broke while in Sydney and I lost everything on it, but luckily I had backed up my photos on a hard drive and the latest ones were still on my camera]. So here are some of the very first shots I took in Sydney back on Boxing Day.
Which one is your favorite - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5?
The Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk is an easy 2.2km loop on the northernmost part of Sydney's iconic Palm Beach. I never made it all the way north to Palm Beach back when I lived there, so I was stoked to visit this time around! You can see stories from this day in my “Australia” highlight bubble.
A big shoutout to my legend of a friend @nikki_atkins who let me stay with her family for the holidays and then crash in her Sydney apartment for weeks later. I felt so spoiled by her and her family! Australia wasn't quite in my southeast Asia budget, but having a place to stay allowed me to return to what I consider my home in the Southern Hemisphere, before heading back to Asia (with a pit stop in New Zealand).
As for today, I'm in Hoi An, Vietnam! I decided to extend my visa here as there's so much to explore and I want to travel at a slower pace without missing anything I want to see when I continue north. I’ll also be teaching a yoga and photography workshop next week, so stay tuned for more details! And I will be back to posting stories soon, I've got a big backlog of them for ya! #go4theglobe
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#Sydney #australia #sydneyaustralia #barrenjoey #barrenjoeylighthouse #palmbeach #hiking #womenwhohike #hikingtheglobe #girlslovetravel #downunder #ilovesydney #LoveNSW #sydneysider #australiagram #wandernext #wearetravelgirls
Sunrise through a screen at Angkor Wat 🌅
Do you ever feel like we're all just traveling for that perfect photo for Instagram? 📸 Swipe to see the reality behind this shot with the crowds of people who woke up at 4am to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat. [Photo from Dec. 9, 2019]
Real talk - Sometimes I can get so stressed about getting the "perfect" shot it can spoil the moment. Until I have the shot it's all I can think about, especially while visiting Angkor Wat on my own - despite being in a giant crowd, wondering who should I ask to take a photo for me (tripod was not an option here), while also not wanting to bother anyone. And if I don't get a shot that I'm happy with it can be a mood killer that I have to actively work to get myself out of.
More real talk - the first photo with me was taken after the pink sunrise colors faded but I edited it in @lightroom to reflect the sunrise colors I saw earlier in the morning (from the second photo). I wasn't able to get "the shot” at peak colors, which weighed on me, but later got something I hoped I could work with in editing later.
Despite the chaos around me and my internal stress, I knew I needed a mind frame shift. I began to focus on the beautiful pink hues in the sky and the flower buds on the lily pads bursting open to the first light of day. Swipe to see them!
My camera lens also stopped functioning correctly prior to this in Thailand and Myanmar 🙈 so I had to purchase a replacement (the only @Lumix lens I could find in Siem Reap) the day before because I knew I couldn't go to Angkor Wat without a functioning lens. So the zoom isn't ideal for the flowers (which also stressed me out) but you get the idea 😂
Here's to not getting the "perfect" shot and not letting it ruin your day 😝 #go4theglobe
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#angkorwat #cambodia #siemreap #sunrise #angkorwatsunrise #unesco #girlslovetravel #gltlove #realtalk #visitcambodia #ancienttemple #girlswhowander #southeastasia #backpacker #solofemaletravel #femaletravelblogger #iamtb #wandernext
If only you could smell this Instagram post 💜😜
I have always wanted to visit a lavender field & that wish became a reality in #NewZealand!
On our way to hike in Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park we drove past a lavender field and I literally squealed with excitement. Visiting the lavender field wasn’t a planned stop on our itinerary but the beauty of being on a Small Group Tour with #KiwiExperience is if you have enough people who want to do something, there’s a chance it will happen (like impromptu trips to watch the sunrise or sunset). #EmbraceTheUnexpected
It costs $5 NZD to enter @nzalpinelavender (or a purchase of any of their lavender goods, which are a bit pricey) and is open from December to March!
Have you ever been to a lavender field? 💟
And which shot is your favorite - 1, 2, or 3? 🤗
If only I would’ve known we were going to drive by this field, I would’ve worn a pretty dress 😂 Note to self - always keep a spare dress in your day bag when in New Zealand 😝
📸: @hamisholbridge - @kiwiexperience tour guide, driver, photographer extraordinaire & my new friend
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#lavenderfield #lavender #NZAplineLavender #purenewzealand #SouthIsland #purple #newzealandguide #nztravelreview #newzealandtrip #NZmustdo #ig_NewZealand #sheisnotlost #journeysofgirls #damestravel #gltlove #iamtb
Kia Ora from New Zealand! 🇳🇿 I’m so happy to be back in this beautiful country, exploring new places (like Kaikoura, pictured here) and revisiting some of my favorite spots! 🙌
If you want to see what I’ve been up to, I’ve taken over @KiwiExperience’s stories, so watch them for my latest adventures! Check out the “go4theglobe” story highlight to follow my travels from Wellington to Queenstown and back up to Christchurch on Kiwi Experience’s South Island Small Group Tour 🚌 #sponsored
To be completely honest, after solo traveling for a few months in Southeast Asia on my own, I was initially a little hesitant about joining a group tour. But after the first day (first hour really), I couldn’t be happier that I did! 😄
I made friends instantly and having a local guide the whole time is proving to be like my own kiwi Siri 😜 It’s SO nice to have a week where I don’t have to worry about or spend time planning the logistics of my travel (Where will I sleep tonight? Where will I go tomorrow? How will I get there? No worries!). Transport, accommodation, breakfast and a handful of fun activities are all included in the Small Group Tour with options for more free or paid activities and excursions!
Have you ever taken a group tour? And is New Zealand on your bucket list? This could be the way to travel for you!
Use my code go4theglobe to get 5% off any Small Group Tour with #KiwiExperience! #EmbraceTheUnexpected #go4theglobe
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#newzealand #purenz #southisland #kaikoura #mountains #travelgirls #kiaora #damestravel #gltlove #wearetravelgirls #backpackers #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #destinationnz
Have you ever flown in a hot air balloon? 🎈
This was my first flight - over the temples of Bagan, Myanmar at sunrise. It was a major bucket list experience for me and it did not disappoint! 😍
If you’re curious about the experience, I’ve got a new blog post up covering everything you need to know to make this dream a reality for you too! Click the link in my bio to check it out. The experience itself is expensive but I’ve included budget friendly tips to help offset costs - the air balloon ride is definitely something you want to budget for!
From when to go, to how to get there, to where to stay, to what kind of travel insurance to get and so much more, I’ve got you covered! 🤗
I partnered with my friends at @InsureYonder to make sure I was also covered for this adventure activity in my travel insurance policy! Not only do they find the best travel insurance for your needs, your purchase through Yonder provides a child refugee with food! #sponsored
Also, swipe to see a “behind the scenes” shot of the final photo in the series, with @kiramshort being the best Insta gf on the air balloon! 📸 #go4theglobe
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#hotairballoon #balloonsoverbagan #baganmynamar #myanmar #burma #visitmyanmar #sunrisegram #goprohero #gopromoments #travelwomen #airballoons #citizenfemme #iamtb #femaletravelbloggers #insureyonder #travelinsurance
Swing, swing ✨
If you're looking for a cute beach swing, you'll have your pick of them on Saracen Bay. Saracen Bay is a 2.5km long white sand beach on the island of Koh Rong Samloem in Cambodia. The bay is lined with swings, both on the beach (like the one here) and also in the water (check out the photo I posted two back)🏝
Are you a sucker for a good swing or could you care less? 😝
Always searching for blue skies - reminiscing on this sunny December day in Cambodia. I usually try to escape January rain at home in Seattle but it has been welcomed here in Sydney as the rainy weekend was meant to be good for the bush fires (yay!). 🌧
I leave Australia on Tuesday 😭(as the forecast turns back to blue skies) and as many of you guessed, I'm off to New Zealand! 🤗 But it looks like I'll be welcomed with blue skies there too! ☀️
Here's what on my agenda for the next few weeks, if anyone has a couch for me to crash in Auckland or Queenstown, let me know! I'm also trying to do the Tongariro Crossing late next week with a friend so if anyone wants to join us who has a vehicle, hit me up!
Jan 21 - Auckland, New Zealand 🇳🇿
Jan 26 - Wellington, New Zealand 🇳🇿
Jan 27 - Wellington to Queenstown South Island Tour with @KiwiExperience (I'll be taking over their Instagram stories so make sure to follow along!) 🇳🇿
Feb 2 - Queenstown, New Zealand 🇳🇿
Feb 7 - Back to SE Asia 🇻🇳
I'm excited to go back to this beautiful country for a cool collaboration opportunity! #go4theglobe
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#bluewater #whitesand #beach #cambodia #kohrong #kohrongsamloem #saracenbay #iamtb #backpacker #asiavacations #sheisnotlost #dametraveler #youthgoals #journeysofgirls #surroundmewithwater #islandbreeze #wandernext
As many of you know by now, I'm in Australia. And hopefully even more of you are aware of the terrible state of disaster that Australia is in with insane bushfires.
I am grateful to be safe in Sydney, where the effects I've witnessed have been minimal in the two weeks I've been here so far. There have been some mildly hazy/smokey days, but nothing catastrophic. Last week the sun would shine through the windows casting a beautiful but eery orange/pink glow.
What I've seen in the news here is nothing short of terrifying, and the images/videos/stories I've seen on social media have been even more horrific. Fires are raging out of control across the country and being fought mostly by volunteers. The destruction and loss of lives (human and animal) continues to climb. I love this country and I am so happy to be back, but am heartbroken at the devastation it is facing.
On an uplifting note, it is amazing to see what happens when social media is used to spread awareness and the good that can come from it. Public figures have used their platforms to let the world know what's happening in Aus and raise millions of dollars. People have come together to support what the government has been unable to. Australian comedian @celestebarber has raised over $30 MILLION through a Facebook donation page (!!!) to help with wildfire relief. That's pretty mind blowing.
Something I've learned through travel is that often at the worst of times is when you can see the good in people and kindness of strangers. It's what makes me believe there is more good in this world than evil. Let's keep spreading the good, even if it means sharing the bad. #go4theglobe
If you're looking to educate yourself @helloemilie has a great story recap in her highlights and ways to help. If you're looking fore reputable places to make a donation, consider donating to @redcrossau, @foodbankaus, @salvosau, @nswrfs, @wireswildliferescue
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#travel #buddha #peace #spreadtheword #spreadkindness #travelgirl #yellowdress #iamtb #citizenfemme #girlpowertravel #womenwhoexplore #australiaisburning #australiabushfires
2020 is an open door, what's in store for you? 💙
New decade, new adventures! ✌️
Where's the first place you're traveling to this decade? ✈️
2020 is already filling up fast for me, I'm hoping to leave room for more spontaneity ✨
I have projects lined up that will take me back to some of my favorite countries, while I'm hoping to visit new ones in between 🙌
Any guesses where I head next after Australia? It's not too far from here and somewhere I've been before, but I had a cool opportunity that I decided to jump on! 🌏 #go4theglobe
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#myanmar #views #greenwalls #bagan #visitbagan #bluesky #clouds #mountpoppa #visitmyanmar #burma #adoorable #doorsofinstagram #window #travelgirl #dametraveler #sheisnotlost #backpacker #backpackersintheworld #barefoot #citizenfemme #thewanderingtourist #asiavacations #digitalnomad
Looking back on the last decade... ✨
As a 90's baby, the 10's have been my 20's and they have been crazy! I lived & worked on three continents/countries (US, Spain, & Australia), graduated with a degree in Journalism & Spanish from UW in Seattle, got my then-dream job for the Mariners & MLB.com, joined the corporate world with Microsoft, became a yoga instructor, served as my mom's caregiver for her final months of her life, quit my corporate job to travel around the world full-time, started a travel blog that gave me opportunities to travel even more, fallen in love and had my heart broken a few times, traveled to nearly 50 countries, and met so many incredible people. It hasn't been all rainbows and butterflies, there have been the fair share of storms and snails. But I’m grateful for everyday I wake up 🙌
2019 has been a year of growth and independence! I rang in the New Year in Nashville with family, travelled all over the US, taken international trips to Cuba🇨🇺, Guatemala🇬🇹, Mexico (twice)🇲🇽, and England🏴 , solo road tripped around the Pacific Northwest🇺🇸 and British Columbia🇨🇦, stood by my best friend as she married the love of her life, booked a one-way ticket to SE Asia where I explored Northern Thailand🇹🇭 , Myanmar🇲🇲 and Cambodia🇰🇭 , and am spending the holiday season in Australia🇦🇺!
Thanks to everyone who has been part of my journey! What have been the highlights of your year/decade? ✨ #go4theglobe
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#goldentemple #bluesky #travelgirl #myanmar #mandalay #mahamuni #temple #burma #visitmyanmar #backpacker #solofemaletravel #damestravel #gltlove #iamtb #onewayticket #worldtravel #bestof2019 #newyearseve
Merry Christmas! ❤️✨
I hope you are enjoying the holidays with people you love or somewhere you love, or if you're really lucky, a combination of the two! Although I'm missing my family today I am lucky to be in Sydney, somewhere I once called home, with friends I love!
What are you up to this Christmas? 🎄#go4theglobe
You might have noticed I've been a little off the grid the last few weeks. But my family could rest assured I was okay thanks to travel insurance from @InsureYonder. Whether I was hot air ballooning or learning to drive a scooter in Bagan, Myanmar (pictured) or snorkeling, kayaking, playing beach volleyball and night swimming in the sea with glowing plankton in Koh Rong Samloen, Cambodia, I was covered!
After 50 days of travel in SE Asia, I got sick on my final day (bad timing for Christmas travel). I was lucky to make it safely to my friend's house in Sydney and that it ended up being some sort of 24 hour bug - but I felt secure knowing if I needed to go to a doctor or hospital I would've also been covered. I'm so thankful it didn't come to that and I got to enjoy Christmas!
A big thank you to Yonder for sponsoring my travel insurance, hot air balloon ride and scooter in Bagan! #sponsored
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#sunrise #bagan #airballoons #hotairballoons #sunburst #temples #myanmar #travelgirl #sheisnotlost #iamtb #wandernext #backpacker #magicisreal #solofemaletravel #merrychristmas #christmasabroad #christmasmagic #visitmyanmar #burma #balloonsoverbagan #insureyonder
Hsinbyume Pagoda is a must-see in Myanmar! 🇲🇲✨
When visiting Mandalay, Myanmar, take a half day trip to Mingun. The Mingun ferry leaves once daily at 9am and returns at 12:30pm. The river boat ride is less than an hour long and was a relaxing cruise. I enjoyed soaking up the sun - just make sure to wear sunscreen! ☀️
Check out snaps from this day in my "Myanmar" story highlight! ♥️
👀 Must-See Mingun Sites:
📍Hsinbyume Pagoda (pictured here)
📍Mingun Pahtodawgyi (the unfinished temple)
📍Mingun Bell (second largest bell in the world - the largest is located in Moscow, Russia)
💰Cost: Under $20 for the full-day! Here's the breakdown...
▪️5000 kyat ($3.33 USD) Roundtrip Ferry to Mingun
▪️5000 kyat ($3.33 USD) Mingun Zone Site Fee, includes entrance to all temples
▪️3000 kyat ($1.98 USD) Shared tuktuk truck in Mingun, our driver was very informative and also was a great photographer who knew where to get the best shots of the temples!
▪️12500 kyat ($8.27 USD) Full day tuktuk driver to and from Mingun ferry, this price also included a transport to lunch in Mandalay, a local market, and U Bein Bridge for sunset - I highly recommend @fatty4776!
▪️3500 kyat ($2.31 USD) Lunch at Pan Cherry in Mandalay, a delicious Indian food spot with huge portions and cheap prices
Is Myanmar on your list? ✈️
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#myanmar #burma #HsinbyumePagoda #mingun #whitetemple #yellowdress #bluesky #southeastasia #travelgirl #iamtb #travelblogger #girlslovetravel #backpacker #girlaroundworld #sheisnotlost
“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill ❤️
Cheesy, but true 😝
I met these girls at baggage claim in Mandalay, Myanmar - "Are you guys heading into the city?" (duh, where else would they be going 🙃). That was my pick-up line 😜 I was looking to share a ride for the hour long journey into the city. I got a shared ride in and much more than I could have hoped for 💕 All of us are solo travelers, two of the girls had met in Cambodia, the third in Thailand, the fourth was seated next to them on the flight that we shared.
Here's to my MandaLadies, thanks for putting up with my countless photos! 😆📸 Excited to share some of my favorite shots with you all moving forward.
Where and when did you meet your last great travel friend(s)? Tag them in the comments to say hello 🤗 (I’m sure they’ll be happy to hear from you!)
📍📸: This photo was taken at the top of Mount Popa, which is an extinct volcano outside of Bagan, Myanmar. To reach the top, you'll climb 777 steps barefoot while dodging monkey pee and 💩. Don't wear any sunglasses/glasses or hats here, the monkeys will steal them - but you'll be able to retrieve them if you pay a local to get them back for you 🐒 (we were warned about this but it also happened to my friend haha). Check out some snaps from this day in my story, including the glasses retrieval.
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#travelgirls #girls #hair #temples #views #mountpopa #bagan #myanmar #visitmyanmar #myanmartourism #southeastasia #backpackers #youthgoals #gltlove #wearetravelgirls #solofemaletravel #womentravel #girlslovetravel
