When I was just one year old, I was already on a flight to the Dominican Republic. My parents have always loved to travel, and growing up, I was lucky enough to be part a of that. Travel was normal for us. Holidays every year, new places… it was in my life from a young age.
But it wasn’t until later, when I started traveling with friends, that I really picked it up for myself. I became the planner when on a trip with friends. I loved putting together the full itinerary—flights, accommodation, activities, even where we’d eat. I was the one with all the Google Maps pins saved. I needed everything to be clear, efficient, and, in my mind, the “right way” to travel.
I started going on trips around age 17, and for a while, I usually stuck to the typical route. Tourist attractions, go-to spots, trendy restaurants. The kind of trips where you come home with photos that look just like everyone else’s. And honestly, I enjoyed it. But something was missing—I just didn’t know it yet.
Things really started to shift when I began traveling solo—first during my internship in Barcelona. It was my first time living abroad completely on my own, and that independence changed the way I experienced travel. I had to rely on myself, made my own choices, and figure things out without a set plan or familiar routine. While I was in Barcelona, I met Jona, during our internship, which would eventually lead me to join the Localxperience.
Exactly one year after, I did another internship abroad—this time in Mauritius. That experience pushed the shift even further. It was a totally different culture and environment, and again, I was on my own. The more I traveled solo, the more I found value in the unplanned moments, the offbeat places, and the connections that don’t show up on any itinerary. Each trip pushed me away from the polished, tourist-style travel I used to plan—and closer to something real.
That was the beginning of a mindset shift. I started to realize how much more fulfilling travel could be when you step outside the tourist checklist and your own comfort zone. The things I used to prioritize—comfort, convenience, polished experiences—began to feel less important. I started choosing real over perfect. Local spots over luxury hotels. A backpack over a suitcase.
Looking back, 30+ countries later, it’s wild to think how much my view on travel has changed. I used to think success meant getting everything right on paper. Now, I think it’s about how connected you feel to the place, the people, the moment.
Joining Localxperience wasn’t just a new job or opportunity—it was a turning point. It helped me realize that the best kind of travel doesn’t come with a five-star rating. It comes with stories, connection, and growth.
And honestly? I’m never going back to the old way.