1. Why did you decide to create this website?
I created this website as a way to offer travel tips and hacks for friends who consistently ask for my recommendations when traveling to a place I’ve previously lived, or previously visited.
2. What can readers expect from Wanderlust Let’s Go?
You can read more on that here.
3. Where did the name come from?
“Let’s go” is an expression my husband has always used as a way to show excitement, typically when watching his favorite sports teams. After meeting him, his use of “let’s go!” stemmed from just excitement for sports highlights to everyday life. Wanderlust is self-explanatory – I have a passion for travel and I love wandering to new places. I paired it with “let’s go!” as a way to both express my excitement for travel and because with the tips I provide you literally need to just go once you read one of my articles.
4. Why are you passionate about travel?
I am passionate about travel because it opens my eyes to a world beyond my own. It humbles me. It invigorates me. It teaches me that people can be and live so differently than me, but we still share commonalities. I love meeting people from other places and having friends in different parts of the world. I also love nature and every place I visit, nature is so different, yet still so beautiful – just like the people I encounter.
5. What are the top three places you’ve ever been to and why?
Hands down – Kauai, Hawaii, I love the lush landscapes and feel a strong connection to the people and culture there. In another life I was born into a Polynesian family. Milos, Greece – the beaches are incredible, the food spectacular, and the lifestyle calm and laid back. Paris, France – I studied French in high school and college and when I visited Paris for the first time it was like seeing my textbook come to life. I love the French language (I wish I could speak more eloquently and fluently), and nothing is more magical than the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night.
6. What is one of your favorite U.S. cities and why?
One of my favorite U.S cities is New York City. There’s just something about the Big Apple that invigorates me. Not only is it a fun city that offers countless things to do and see, but it also is a city made up of go-getters and dreamers trying to make a living out of something they love. I also love how kind New Yorkers are. If you care to listen, most will share with you their stories on how they ended up in New York. Another one of my favorite cities is San Francisco – it’s filled to the brim with culture and diversity and weirdos. I also love a great viewpoint and there are tons of gorgeous vantage points in SF.
7. When you’re not running this blog, what do you do and what is your professional background?
I have worked in corporate America for the last 5+ years as a digital marketing savant. I run the digital strategy for two teams within CIEE, but before that I was doing media buying and advertising for big consumer brands like Nike and Bloomin’ Brands at few major ad agencies.
8. What are some of your go-to travel tips?
Preparation is key! All of the best trips I’ve been on are those that I’ve prepared well for. It also pays to stay organized both in your travel itinerary docs and in your packing!
9. Are you an over packer?
I try not to be! The most rewarding thing to me is packing exactly for what I need. I also try to save a little space in my bag for souvenirs. I tend to always come home with more than I came with so I can’t overpack.
10. Describe your ideal “staycation”?
My ideal staycation would definitely involve brunch at a new spot I have never tried. Brunch is my favorite meal on the weekends! My staycation would also include a walk around a big park with my pup Charlotte Barkley with my camera in tow since I love taking photos outside, and maybe end it with a show – a musical, comedy show, or a trip to the movie theater. I’d top the night off with some ice cream or gelato!
11. Name all of the places you’ve lived.
I grew up in Charlotte, NC, and that city has my heart!
I went to college in Provo, UT and worked there for one year post grad.
I moved to Raleigh, NC for a job opportunity, and to be closer to my family but was only there for 15 months before my husband’s company got acquired which relocated us to Seattle, WA. Though I loved living in Seattle, I didn’t love the drear or gloom and after nearly three years there, we relocated to Boston, MA where we are now!
12. Apart from travel, what do you like to do for fun?
I love fitness and actually am a cardio dance instructor on the side! I love trying out new fitness classes because I believe working out shouldn’t always feel like a chore. I also love spending time with friends and hosting them at my house! I also really love Netflix/Hulu and reading. My favorite is true crime.
13. What are some of your travel-related recommendations to follow on social media?
I love Instagram’s “save feature” and if I find a place I want to visit I save it for later. I also follow down-to-earth travel bloggers, and I’ve actually discovered them through Pinterest! Some of my favorites are Renee Roaming and Our Travel Passport. I also think Travel & Leisure, Scott’s Cheap Flights (email subscription), and Travel Zoo are great resources when planning travel.
15. What’s your approach to going to a country where you don’t know the language?
Google translate! How did people survive without this?! I also find it helpful to speak with your hands – there’s a lot you can communicate nonverbally. I also find it helpful to learn a few key phrases beforehand if you’re really feeling stressed about it.
16. How do you afford to travel as much as you do?
I feel like I could probably write an entire blog post about this. Recently something I found that has worked for me is saving $100 per paycheck that automatically gets transferred into my travel savings account. I’m saving without even realizing it because I treat the $200 like a monthly expense. I also do a lot of side jobs (Rover, Cardio Dance instructing, etc.) and deposit any additional income from those jobs straight into my travel account. I tend to go on a handful of trips sans my husband and I use all my personal travel savings for those trips! I also always input my frequent flier numbers and try to travel with the same few airlines so I can get free flights in the future! It’s free and does not affect your credit score at all.
More Questions?
If you have any more questions about me, or travel tips – feel free to comment below or send a message to me on Instagram! I love getting to know all of you!
