Growing up, I mainly travelled to California to see extended family and explore the state. Over time, I developed a big love for South Lake Tahoe, although I have travelled throughout much of California. I also visited Arizona a few times when I was younger.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve travelled to many more places, whether internationally, nationally, or just on a random road trip. I’ve travelled throughout the western United States, and hopefully one day I’ll continue expanding farther out.
One thing I’ve learned to love while travelling is finding local spots. That can include bars or pubs, restaurants, markets, museums, historical sites, learning centres, zoos, local shops, and plenty more. I’ve always enjoyed going out of my way to learn and try new things, even when they are a little outside of my comfort zone.
When I travel, I’m often drawn to places with history, museums, castles, beautiful scenery, small towns, markets, local spots, and literary locations. This is especially true when I’m somewhere in the United Kingdom or Europe. I love seeing places that have been preserved over time, how the world has changed around them, and how they have adapted along the way. I can enjoy learning about history in a museum just as much as I can from a small paragraph on the back of a local restaurant menu.
Food is another huge part of travelling for me. Trying new food was introduced to me at a young age—possibly through a little bit of gaslighting, but apparently it worked. I’ll try almost anything at least once, and sometimes twice. Food can tell you so much about a place, its culture, and its history, especially when you take the time to learn where it came from.
Travel has become important to me throughout my life because my family taught me the value of experiencing new places. I also just don’t like staying in one place for too long. Travelling gives me the chance to get away, experience somewhere different, and take a break from everyday life. Whether the trip is long or short, it gives me time to explore, relax, and learn something new.
I also think travelling gives people the opportunity to experience the world outside of their normal point of view. There is so much to see and learn outside of the places we are used to, and I think actually being somewhere can teach you things that you would never experience by staying home.
When travelling within the United States, I often find myself visiting friends and family these days. I don’t go somewhere completely new as often as I would like, but I still love finding new places in the mountains or desert, visiting museums, exploring local shops, supporting local artists, and stopping at mom-and-pop businesses. Arizona is one place I return to often so I can visit my best friends and revisit some of my favourite spots.
I also have a long list of places I would still love to see. I hope to continue travelling internationally while I’m young, with a current goal of taking an international trip every couple of years. Even after I eventually visit the countries on my list, there are already places I know I would happily return to.
I don’t think travelling should always be about rushing through as many attractions as possible in two or three days, especially when staying only in a capital city or major tourist area. I would rather take the time to explore, relax, see how local people live, and experience more of what a place actually has to offer.
Over time, I’m sure this page will continue to grow along with the number of places I visit. I also have a separate travel blog where I plan to share more detailed stories and experiences from different trips.