About A Wandering Turtle

Ever since the travel bug bit me years ago, I haven’t stopped exploring! With over 25 countries across 3 continents under my belt, I’ve backpacked through China, road-tripped Iceland’s Ring Road, slept under the stars at Everest Base Camp, and island-hopped in the Caribbean.

But here’s the thing: I’m all about adventure on a dime. As a seasoned budget traveler, I’ve cracked the code on affordable exploration. Think budget airlines, unique (and safe!) stays, packing light like a pro, and hidden travel hacks that’ll save you serious cash. Plus, I’ll show you how to find those amazing off-the-beaten-path gems and the hole-in-the-wall eateries with the most delicious food.

Solo travel? I got you covered there too! From meeting fellow adventurers to staying safe on the road, I’ll share all my best tips and tricks. Getting lost on a hike to a remote Chinese village, witnessing a meteor shower light up the desert sky, or herding yaks in Tibet – these are just a few of the epic memories I’ve collected. And I truly believe everyone can create their own unforgettable travel stories.

So, are you ready to ditch your comfort zone, conquer your fears, and embark on adventures that will leave you breathless? Let’s wander the world together!

Join me for travel tips, hidden gems, and the inspiration to chase your own travel dreams!

Like most people, I too fantasize about quitting my job to travel the world.

This dream has been living rent free in my head for years. But, I’ve never put much thought into turning it into reality. Fresh out of college, that kind of adventure seemed like a distant fantasy. But then, the world took an unexpected turn, and with it, so did my possibilities.

My company, like many others, adopted a remote work model during the initial lockdown. What started as a temporary two-week solution transformed into a permanent lifestyle change. After several unsuccessful attempts to return to the office environment, my position officially became remote in the summer of 2022.  This newfound flexibility perfectly coincided with the end of my lease. With a heavy heart (but a lighter wallet!), I said goodbye to the Bay Area and headed back to my Southern California roots.

Those rent savings became the fuel for a different kind of adventure. Suddenly, my long-held dream of globetrotting wasn’t just a fantasy; it was a tangible reality. The world awaited, and with a remote job and a travel fund in tow, I was ready to explore it.

Fast forward to 2023, and I’ve managed to save some money and convince my boss to grant me a three-month sabbatical to backpack across Europe. 

Let’s be honest, starting a solo adventure throws you headfirst into a whirlwind of emotions. But guess what? Those jitters dissolve fast as you get swept up in the exhilarating energy of travel. Every day unfolds as a fresh challenge, from deciphering cryptic subway maps to conquering menus in languages you don’t understand. These may be hurdles in the moment, but they quickly transform into cherished victories, fueling your confidence and growth.

Hostels weren’t just a place to crash; they were portals to a global network of friends. These weren’t just bunkmates; they were storytellers from every corner of the earth. Sharing meals, swapping travel tales, and listening to their unique perspectives chipped away at the walls of my sheltered upbringing. The world beyond my American suburb wasn’t just different; it was a kaleidoscope of cultures and experiences waiting to be explored.

This trip wasn’t just about sightseeing (although, let’s be real, those ancient ruins were pretty epic). It was a crash course in personal growth. Stepping outside my comfort zone wasn’t easy, but it opened doors to experiences I never could have imagined. From navigating bustling markets to conquering my fear of heights, I learned the power of embracing the unknown.

Summer beckoned, and with bills to pay, I returned to work, diligently saving for future adventures. My plan was to clock in four months and then embark on another short escape in the fall of 2023. Life, however, rarely follows our plans. Instead of another sabbatical, I found myself on the receiving end of a layoff. Hey, sometimes companies realize they can function even when employees take adventurous breaks (who knew?). This wasn’t entirely unexpected, considering industry-wide layoffs and a dip in our client base that year.

Undeterred, I refused to let this derail my European adventure. With a backpack full of optimism and a revised budget, I hit the road. The trip was nothing short of incredible, filled with new experiences and the chance to reconnect with friends I’d met earlier in the year. While the layoff wasn’t part of the original plan, it did offer an unexpected opportunity to explore Europe on a slightly different timeline. Sometimes, the most rewarding journeys are the ones that take us on surprise detours.

Returning from my travels ignited a passion for sharing my experiences and honing my photography skills. This led me to pursue full-time blogging, a career that allows me to explore the world of content creation, social media management, and SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Every day is a chance to learn and grow, and the sense of fulfillment is unparalleled compared to my previous roles.

Ultimately, we are all just tiny specks of dust in the grand scheme of things. So why not make the most of the time we have?