Below is a collection of the questions that are most frequently asked on the Suitcase And I Instagram account 🙂 Make sure to check out the About Page for more info about Suitcase And I!
Why is your blog called ‘Suitcase And I’?
After applying for an overseas study exchange I started the process of selling my possessions to help finance my travels. The goal was to be able to fit everything I owned into one bag before I left so that it was just my ‘Suitcase And I’
How do you afford to travel?
I personally finance all my travels unless I am on a sponsored trip. Sponsorship means I am being paid by a tour company, tourism board, hotel etc. to travel on their behalf to create content. If I have been sponsored this will be flagged in the article or post (in compliance with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Guidelines).
Specifically, how did you save for your travels?
To finance my travels I worked 10-20 hours a week part-time during high school and then worked full time on top of full-time studies during my first three years of university. I then began my communications career and have since worked in London, Paris and NYC. I utilize my PTO (annual leave) and public holidays for travel. More on my first communications role below…
The opportunity of a lifetime
Out of 26,907 applicants worldwide I was selected to be the ‘AXA Great Global Adventurer’. This was a contract to travel the world and complete two placements in cities of my choice. I chose to move to NYC for my first placement and Paris for my second. Over the course of the year I travelled to all 7 continents and 31 countries.
7 continents and 100+ Countries: Where exactly have you traveled?
In 2015 I moved to London for a study exchange and traveled to –
Spain, Hungary, Morocco, Romania, Scotland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, USA, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Vatican City, England, Monaco, Switzerland, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, USA, and Egypt.
In 2016 I moved to New York City and traveled to –
Iceland, Turkey, France, UK, Canada, South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Morocco, and Spain.
In 2017 I moved to Paris traveled to –
Peru, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Antarctica, France, UK, Turkey, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Australia (my home), New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Malaysia.
In 2018 I moved back to London and traveled to –
Jordan, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Faroe Islands, Malta, Israel, and Cyprus.
I also visited (again): Egypt, Spain, Switzerland, Croatia, UK, Netherlands, Portugal, Australia and Norway.
In 2019 I stayed based in London and traveled to –
South Korea, China, Japan, India, Oman, UAE, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Bonaire, Curacao, Grenada, Dominica, St Thomas, Grand Turk, St Lucia, Barbados, Antigua, Mexico.
I also visited (again): Spain, Norway, Italy, Australia, USA
In 2020 I moved to Auckland and (pre-COVID) I traveled to –
Cuba, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and New Zealand
In 2021 I moved back to NYC and travelled to –
Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Mauritius
USA: Nevada, California, New York, Maine, Colorado
In 2022 I am living in NYC and have travelled to –
Dominican Republic, Venezuala, Suriname, Guyana, French Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Vincent & Grenadines, and Jamaica
USA: Utah, Arizona, D.C., Hawaii, Illinois, Vermont, Louisiana, Texas
What is your favorite destination?
Antarctica! In terms of a city though, nothing beats London… NYC is pretty close though ;D
Who do you travel with?
I have travelled to over 70 countries solo! It’s only in the past couple of years I’ve been lucky enough to be joined by my partner. I met Jayden while backpacking solo through Morocco 🙂
Who takes your photos if you travel solo?
I use a lightweight collapsible Manfrotto tripod and remote control. I use this method 98% of the time as it is the fail-safe way to get the shots I want. If using my tripod is not possible, I ask another person if they would mind taking a photo of me. Finally, if I’m traveling with Jayden or friends I ask them 🙂 Check out How To Take Photos When Traveling Solo for a detailed article on how I get my shots!
What Camera do you use?
I use a Sony a7iii with an 24-104mm lens, iPhone 13, and my DJI Mavic Pro for content on my YouTube Channel.
If you have any other questions feel free to contact me via social media!
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