Meet Isabel.
I’m Isabel and I’m a freelance travel writer and travel blogger at Bel Around The World. I work full time at a digital agency specializing in social media. Pulling from my own world travels and lessons, I give tips on Bel Around The World about how to make use of student travel perks and stretch every penny while traveling experientially. 🙂
What inspired/inspires you to travel?
I got inspired when I set off on a one-way ticket to Europe through my school’s international exchange in 2015. This program allows university students to do a semester of classes abroad in any host country. Through exploring Europe on my own for 6 months, I’ve grown to love the idea of exploring the unknown and discovering new places.
Since then, I’ve only taken traveling in my own hands and begun seriously pursuing it, both with my blog and setting time and money aside to do it throughout the year.
Where is your favorite destination to date?
I usually go for scenic destinations since I’m based in a city. My favourite city is New York, beach destination is Maldives, and the best place I’ve been for a road trip is New Zealand!
How do you prefer to travel?
I love experiential traveling – trying new things and pushing my limits. This includes bungee jumping in Phuket, watching hot air balloons at sunrise in Cappadocia and trying out Couchsurfing in Europe.
Solo or With a group? Why?
Everyone should have an experience doing both. I enjoyed solo travel for the freedom it gives and how it opens more doors to making new friends. It’s an experience you will not get so readily if you are traveling with a partner. Traveling alone also builds your resilience and independence – both of which are very essential qualities in a person!
Yet, traveling with a partner or a group injects more fun in the trip. You would dare to do more things than if you were to travel alone, like going to a pub for instance. I wouldn’t dare to visit a pub alone in a foreign country, especially since I’m a girl! Having a companion also means an extra pair of eyes to watch out for you.
Do you think there is a difference traveling as a woman?
It definitely is much more dangerous especially if you’re traveling alone. That said, it can sometimes be easier also – you get accepted by hosts more readily on Couchsurfing and you receive help more readily by passers-by!
How do you plan your trips?
I will Google the places not to be missed for that particular area, and map it on Google Maps. Further to that, I will export it to an app called Maps.me so that I have easy access to it through my phone and offline when I’m on the go! More on this feature in How To Export Your Google Map Itinerary To Your Phone & Use It Offline!
When is your next one?
Bali in April and Hokkaido in May to catch the cherry blossoms.
Any advice you would like to give to your fellow travelers?
Yes! One of it is to be bold and never do anything (or the lack of) you would regret – you may only have that one chance to visit a place or try something foreign. More tips for first-time travelers in this post: 10 Tips For New Travellers.
Want to know more about Isabel?
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