Hi. My name is Theresa. I am a logistician, a paper crafter, a cook, a mother, a nerd, a writer, and a lover of books and coffee. I want to leave the world a better place than I found it. In pursuit of that goal, I have been a Peace Corps Volunteer, a tech entrepreneur in West Africa, and now I work for my government abroad. I am currently posted to Jerusalem.
I write about my adventures and those of my globe trotting family as I seek to balance a rewarding career, parenting, and travel.
What inspired/inspires you to travel?
I have lived abroad for over a decade now. My job takes me from country to country, and we can’t help but explore while we’re there. The world is a very big place, and it would be a shame to see only a tiny part of it.
Where is your favorite destination to date?
I don’t know if I have a favorite! I’ve loved living in Jerusalem and exploring Israel and the Palestinian Territories. I loved living in Freetown and Cotonou and DC. I loved visiting Jordan with my parents and kids. Europe’s wonderful to visit (but so so so expensive, compared to many of the other places we’ve lived).
How do you prefer to travel? Solo or with a group? Why? Do you think there is a difference traveling as a woman? How do you plan your trips?
These days, almost all of my travel is with my family. I have two young children and traveling with them opens my eyes to the world in way I’ve never experienced on my own. They see things I don’t notice, and their delight in discovering the world is infectious.
I plan our trips around my children’s capacity to not melt down into total monsters. That means we can do two things per day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a long break in the middle of the day for play, naps, and quiet time. If we plan a physically challenging outdoor activity, usually we do it in the morning, then spend the afternoon relaxing somewhere tranquil.
When is your next one?
We’re moving to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea for my job! I am super excited to spend a few years living in a country I’d otherwise not be likely to visit.
Any advice you would like to give to your fellow travelers?
1) Just do it and go with the flow. Travel never works out as planned. Go ahead. Plan a perfect trip where you see all of the tourist destinations, then take time out to explore a less traveled path. But when life jumps out at you (you miss your bus, your kids melt down, you see a poster for an amazing comedy show or poetry slam), ditch the plan and go for it!
2) Travel with your kids. Solo travel (or travel with other adults) is certainly easier, but traveling with our children has been rewarding in ways we never imagined. Seeing the wonders of the world through their eyes is life affirming, and these experiences will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Want to know more about Theresa?
She Went Wear 