Where are you from?

I grew up in Southern California, U.S., and I currently still live there.

How long have you been traveling?

I’ve been traveling more frequently the last four years. I didn’t travel outside Southern California (my hometown) much at all during my childhood. In 2020, when I finally paid off my college debts, I started to travel more. But since this also coincided with the pandemic, I did a lot of road trips until the world opened up.

Why did you start this blog?

I wanted a space to share all of the research I do before each trip. I love writing and planning and thought blogging might be a good fit for me. Lo and behold, it was!

Who writes on your blog?

Just me. EVERY post on this blog is written by me based on first-hand experience and my own research. I spend hours crafting each post to make them as helpful as possible. I also take my own original photos (sometimes with the help of a travel partner). I do not use AI to write my posts.

How do you make money? Do you do sponsored posts or work with brands?

At this time, I do not go on sponsored trips or work with brands. I spend my own money to travel and write honestly about my experiences. I do add affiliate links, after the fact, for tours and hotels I liked and recommend. This helps me make a little money at no cost to you. It’s not enough to live off of yet, so I still work full time.

What camera gear do you use?

My starter camera was an Olympus PEN E-PL8, and I used that for years. In 2022, I upgraded to the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, which I love. Both are lightweight, mirrorless cameras, perfect for traveling. The built-in wifi on both cameras makes it super easy to transfer photos on the go. I own four lenses and primarily use two when traveling because they are so lightweight: Panasonic Lumix 25mm f/1.7 and Panasonic Lumix 14mm f/2.5. I also own the Olympus kit lens that came with my first camera as well as a zoom lens, the Olympus 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6.

How many places have you been?

So far, I’ve been to 7/195 countries, 15/50 U.S. states, and 24/63 U.S. national parks.

What’s your favorite destination you’ve been to and why?

My favorite would definitely be Edinburgh, Scotland, a city that surprised and amazed me, and I can’t wait to go back.

Where are you going next?

I have immediate plans to visit more of the U.S. as well as several countries in Europe and Asia.

If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?

Edinburgh, Scotland, or Maui, Hawaii. But I don’t have any plans to move just yet.