Meet Mandi, a free-spirited traveler who broke away from the norms of society and started creating her own path.
I was born and raised in LA, the extent of my traveling growing up was a day trip to the beach. I grew up living pay check to pay check and never could I ever dream that one day travel would be my future.
What inspired/inspires you to travel?
Right before the summer of 2005 I was living a hum drum life. Working with people I didn’t like, in a job I hated. I was stuck and didn’t even know it at the time. Long story (that you can read about on my blog), but I happened upon an extra plane ticket, used it to go to Portland Oregon, met amazing people and had the time of my life. I came back home a completely different person and that’s when I realized there is a whole world out there that I want to see and amazing people who I want to meet.
Where is your favorite destination to date?
I am starting small, so I haven’t traveled abroad yet, as of now I would have to say Portland will always hold a very special place in my heart. I fell in love with the people and the wackiness of the whole city.
How do you prefer to travel? Solo or With a group? Why?
SOLO!!! I get to do what I want, when I want! Plus, I love wandering around new locations on my own. There is something about getting wonderfully lost in a foreign place all alone. Now that is heaven!
Do you think there is a difference traveling as a woman?
#YUP– Society wants us to think that women are helpless and shouldn’t travel on their own. Instead they should be having babies behind a white picket fence while their husband goes to work and makes the 9-5 money. This is 2016 people! Do you think the news is gonna do a story on a 32-year-old man who traveled abroad by himself and wandered into some trouble? Nope! But if that 32 year old was a woman…well then STOP THE PRESSES! Why is she alone? She shouldn’t be traveling alone, what is wrong with her? Does she think she’s invincible? She must be stupid! Do yourself a favor and don’t watch the news folks or read those stupid headlines that say “American woman killed in Moscow while couch surfing.” *insert rolling eye emoji here*
How do you plan your trips?
I usually have one main location that I know I want to hit and then I couchsurf around. I only stay in a hotel if I need a day or two just to myself, to take a breather. Other then that I am couchsurfing my little ass off!
When is your next one?
I am currently wandering around the East Coast until November and then I am gonna go see REAL WINTER WEATHER. Being from LA, winter to me is 3 random rainy days somewhere between November and January. I wanna see a white Christmas gosh darn it!
Any advice you would like to give to your fellow travelers?
GO! Travel! Do it! I promise you it’s worth it!
Want to learn more about Mandi?
Website/Blog: Hardly Grown Up
Instagram: @MandiWanders
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