Obligatory classic car portrait in Havana, Cuba
Why do I travel?
I travel because it makes me feel alive. Truly and completely alive.
I recently read Elizabeth Gilbert’s new story in Condé Nast Traveler magazine, and she inspired me to to write about why I travel and will always continue to travel.
To me, every aspect of life abroad is exciting even just walking down the street. Even those little mundane tasks like riding a bus or going to the ATM are an adventure. I am constantly learning new things and meeting amazing people. (I’ve met some of my best friends on the road and couldn’t imagine my life without them.)
I have this theory: The things that scare you are the things you need to do the most. When I feel comfortable, it’s a sign I need to move on to my next challenge in order to continue to grow.
I was not always this outgoing, adventurous or courageous. All of these skills were acquired by wandering around the globe (mostly solo).
I did not even grow up traveling except for weekend beach trips in the summer and that one trip to Disney World in fifth grade. How does a girl from small town South Carolina grow up to be a vagabond?
The biggest travel inspiration in my life is my 76-year-old Aunt Sandra. She and my uncle were always on some amazing adventure when I was growing up. She always had the best stories—the battle with the scorpion in her Amazon hut, scuba diving in Bonaire and river cruises in Russia. Every time, she brought back souvenirs – jewelry, t-shirts and purses. Eight-year-old Anna loved those Aruba t-shirts. I wore them daily with mismatched Bermuda shorts and dreamed of tropical beaches.
I always wanted to be the one with the cool stories. Now, I am the girl with the stories—photographing the Dalai Lama’s teachings at this temple in Northern India, sledding down the side of a volcano in Nicaragua and spending three days on a train across the Australian outback. Everything I do in life is for the story. I was always a journalist at heart. I am in love with the idea of the story, which is also why I have a Master’s degree in photojournalism.
Above all, my aunt always encouraged my adventures and never once said I was crazy. In August of 2014, I called to ask her opinion of the big trip I was planning in Latin America. I told her my timeline, the list of countries I wanted to visit including Cuba and the amount of money in my savings account ($15,000). I explained how I was marketing the trip to magazines and hoped to continue to freelance as I traveled. Then, I asked: “Should I go now or should I wait another year?”
Her response was immediate.
“Go now,” she replied. “I would if I could.”
Then, she made a great point: “You never know what will happen in those countries politically. If the situation changes, they might not be open for travelers for a long time.” Two months later, I was on a one-way flight to Mexico City with no set plans and unlimited freedom.
It wasn’t my first long-term solo trip, and I admit I was still a little scared—scared of running out of money, getting robbed or getting food poisoning again. But, I refused to let fear rule my life or get in the way of my stories.
I challenge you to answer the same question: Why do YOU travel?
COMING UP: Travel Safety 101
