travel bloggers Archives - PlayJunkie PlayJunkie Sun, 13 Sep 2020 13:21:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Travel Blogger Reflects On Traveling During COVID https://playjunkie.com/travel-blogger-reflects-on-traveling-during-covid/ Mon, 14 Sep 2020 06:09:00 +0000 https://playjunkie.com/?p=37874 Travel blogger Brenna Holeman has earned her stripes when it comes to traveling. Having visited over 100 countries over 13 years, many of them solo, she slowly become a full-time blogger and freelancer. Originally from Winnipeg, a city in the Canadian prairies, she has lived in Halifax, Toronto, Copenhagen, Yaroslavl, Edinburgh, Osaka, and London. But like most […]

The post Travel Blogger Reflects On Traveling During COVID appeared first on PlayJunkie.

]]> Travel blogger Brenna Holeman has earned her stripes when it comes to traveling. Having visited over 100 countries over 13 years, many of them solo, she slowly become a full-time blogger and freelancer. Originally from Winnipeg, a city in the Canadian prairies, she has lived in Halifax, Toronto, Copenhagen, Yaroslavl, Edinburgh, Osaka, and London.

But like most of us, 2020 hit Holeman hard. “It’s all so complicated, isn’t it?” she recently wrote in a candid Instagram post. “To travel, or not to travel. One thing’s for sure: the way we travel may not be the same for a very long time.⁣⁣” And so, she found herself back where it all began—Canada.

View this post on Instagram

For a very long time, I was too embarrassed to admit that anything was wrong. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ How could there be anything wrong? I was living in London, one of the most exciting cities on the planet. I was a travel writer, on an airplane every ten days. I had a roof over my head, food in the fridge, and a loving family a phone call away. I was the very epitome of privilege.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ And yet… I was so, so, so sad. I was so lonely. Most mornings, I struggled to get out of bed. I had friends in London, yes, but nobody that was so close I could confide in them with how I was really feeling.⁣ ⁣⁣ I am overwhelmed with how lucky I am to have lived in London for five years, and to have built the career that I did. I remember being thrilled to see Big Ben every single time. I remember lively nights at the local pub, long walks along the Thames, going to art galleries to see paintings by Matisse on a random Tuesday just because I could. I remember incredible restaurants, festivals, architecture, fashion. ⁣ ⁣⁣ But I also remember so much loneliness. Wanting desperately to share the city with someone I truly loved, be that a best friend or a boyfriend or a family member. Today, I understand that there was something wrong. That anxiety plagued me, making me irritable, lethargic, and sad. I was living in the greatest city on the planet, but I didn’t want it anymore. I wanted to feel like I belonged.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Living in Manitoba isn’t perfect. Since moving back to my hometown, I’ve still had bad days, especially with everything that’s been happening (see: pandemic, civil rights, general what-the-hell-is-going-on at any given moment). And even though I still have anxiety sometimes, I’m learning how to deal with it, growing and adapting and reframing as much as possible.⁣⁣ ✨ ⁣⁣ I may not see Big Ben anymore. I may need to see Matisse by looking at the print I have of his in my bedroom. I may not travel the world like I used to. But I’m happy. I’m with people I love, people I share my life with, people who make every day infinitely better. I belong.⁣ ⁣ And for that? Why… I wouldn’t give that up for all the world.⁣ ⁣ 📷 by my mama, when we spent a day picking flowers at @missmilliesflowerfarm 🌸

A post shared by Brenna Holeman (@thisbatteredsuitcase) on

“At the moment I have absolutely zero desire to travel outside of Canada, or even to another province,” says Holeman, adding that the thought of traveling to a higher-risk location or being in close quarters with tourists who haven’t quarantined makes her itch.

Her solution? Travel closer to home. “I was in talks with Travel Manitoba over a year ago that I would spend this summer traveling around this beautiful province, and that is indeed happening. While I’ve already been to Bird River as well as Winnipeg Beach, Pinawa Dam, and Birds Hill Provincial Parks in the past month, I’m soon headed to Brandon, Swan Valley, and Riding Mountain National Park for a Manitoba series with Travel Manitoba.”

According to Holeman, she will be road-tripping and spending time doing what Manitobans do best: hiking, canoeing, fishing, camping, and supporting local businesses.

You can follow her explorations—both locally and internationally—on Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

Where would you go if you could go anywhere?⁣ 🌎🌍🌏⁣ ⁣⁣ I’ve always loved that question, loved the idea of wanderlust taking over, allowing your imagination to run wild. I’d go to Antarctica, or maybe sail around the South Pacific. I’d travel to Madagascar, Uzbekistan, Ghana. I’d spend a few weeks in Suriname and Guyana. I’d head to Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan with my boyfriend, our first big adventure together. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Where would you go if you could go anywhere?⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ The question has a different meaning to me now. Travel itself has a different meaning to me now. What used to excite and inspire now makes me feel nervous, cautious. While the world slowly opens back up, with some people venturing to other countries, provinces, or states, I’m still not comfortable travelling outside of my home province of Manitoba. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ There are many reasons for this, of course: COVID-19 and cost being the two big ones. I spent over a decade working toward this career, and as a travel writer, it’s bittersweet that the thing I love to do most and the way I make my living is now out of reach to me. Even if I did want to use my savings on a big adventure instead of paying my mortgage and bills, I’d worry too much about the health risks and bringing COVID-19 back to my community (for reference, Manitoba had one (!) active case in mid-July, but cases have since skyrocketed due to travel outside the province). ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ It’s all so complicated, isn’t it? To travel, or not to travel. One thing’s for sure: the way we travel may not be the same for a very long time. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I’d still love to go to Antarctica, of course, and Madagascar, too. My list isn’t going anywhere, and I know that one day, I’ll be able to see these places. But for now, my list is much smaller. I dream of wild camping in Nopiming Provincial Park. I dream of being able to see my mum in Toronto, my brother in Vancouver. COVID-19 has devastated the travel industry, but from that, I’ve learned to appreciate what’s closer to home, what’s just around the proverbial corner. ⁣✨⁣ ⁣⁣ Where would you go if you could go anywhere? Are you travelling abroad or inter-province/state yet?

A post shared by Brenna Holeman (@thisbatteredsuitcase) on

View this post on Instagram

Thinking of those misty mornings in Monument Valley ✨☕

A post shared by Brenna Holeman (@thisbatteredsuitcase) on

View this post on Instagram

Sometimes I know a lot about a destination before I get there, sometimes I don’t know anything at all, and sometimes I think I know a bit, only to quickly realise I knew nothing at all. I’m a big believer in learning while travelling; it’s always nice to have a holiday, of course, but when it came to visiting #Mississippi, I was mostly looking forward to learning, to trying to understand even the tip of the iceberg of this state’s history. I knew of the Delta blues, of the passion and soul that came out of this stretch of Mississippi; I had grown up listening to and then studied at university the music of Muddy Waters, Son House, Robert Johnson, BB King, Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon, Bo Diddley, and so many others, and also fell in love with the gospel music of Sam Cooke when I was 19. I even got to see some of these great musicians play while they were alive – Bo Diddley gave me his guitar pick after a show when I was 22 – but to say I “know” the blues, as a white Canadian woman, is wildly inaccurate. It's also impossible to sum up Mississippi by its music alone, as there is so much more to this state’s history and culture than that. Spending time in such noteworthy museums as The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, The BB King Museum, the brand-new Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Museum, and The GRAMMY Museum (just to name a few) is essential when visiting Mississippi, as they showcase the incredible people that have called Mississippi home, incredible people who, through their strength, intelligence, talent, and perseverance have forever changed – and are still changing – the landscape of both the state and the country. In visiting former sharecroppers' homes, and one of the possible graves of Robert Johnson, and driving out across the great expanse of the Delta and beyond, I hope I learned just a tiny bit more about Mississippi, and about who has shaped its history. They say there’s something in the water in Mississippi – something that has created such outstanding talent. I’d say there’s something in it that makes you want to go back, too, that makes you want to learn even more. #visitms #visitmississippi #presstrip

A post shared by Brenna Holeman (@thisbatteredsuitcase) on

View this post on Instagram

🎶 I'm leavvvving, on a jet plane… 🎶 Today I fly "home" to LONDON! 🇬🇧 As you may have noticed, I've been spending a lot more time in Canada lately, but that doesn't mean London won't be a huge part of my life going forward; I still plan on being there for a few months of every year. After spending more than five years of my life there, it really does feel like my second home, and I can't wait to spend the next month hanging out in E2 again (my favourite neighbourhood in the city). •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Honestly, this is the life I have always dreamed of for myself: half the year in Canada, part of the year in Europe, and the rest travelling. It's taken me 15 years to accomplish, but I've never been more excited about being able to grow a business online AND travel ANDDD hang out with my family. If this sounds like bragging, it totally is, my apologies… but I'm feeling all mushy thinking about returning to London (and a few other spots in Europe, too!). •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• What's your dream living situation? Do you like being settled in one place? Would you like to be nomadic, or, like me, something in between? •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• By the way, I have no idea if this photo was taken at sunset or sunrise. It was taken when I travelled to Japan in November and flew across what seemed like a million time zones, hah. I don't even know where in the world I was at this point, which I kind of love. All I knew for sure was that the sky was pink, the mountains seemed endless, and I was doing just fine. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #ichosetowander #liveauthentic #ourplanetdaily #fromtheair #fromabove #landscapelovers #neverstopexploring #mytinyatlas #passionpassport

A post shared by Brenna Holeman (@thisbatteredsuitcase) on

The post Travel Blogger Reflects On Traveling During COVID appeared first on PlayJunkie.

]]> Need Inspiration For Your Next Vacay? Check Out These Travel Influencers https://playjunkie.com/need-inspiration-for-your-next-vacay-check-out-these-travel-influencers/ Fri, 29 Nov 2019 10:09:45 +0000 https://playjunkie.com/?p=30748 The days of researching vacation destinations through guidebooks and on the websites are long gone. If you’re trying to decide what location to visit, all you have to do is scroll through your Instagram page; there are tons of travel influencers who are ready to suggest your next adventure. These are the three we suggest […]

The post Need Inspiration For Your Next Vacay? Check Out These Travel Influencers appeared first on PlayJunkie.

]]> The days of researching vacation destinations through guidebooks and on the websites are long gone. If you’re trying to decide what location to visit, all you have to do is scroll through your Instagram page; there are tons of travel influencers who are ready to suggest your next adventure. These are the three we suggest the following.

Marlina Moreno

Moreno’s Instagram feed is much more than seeing the best vacation spots; her travel is focused on animal conservation. She travels all around the world to bring awareness to animals that are at-risk and how to honor wildlife. Her posts also feature fun animal facts like, “A giraffe’s tongue can grow up to 20 inches long. Crazy right?” In another one of her post she wrote about why she travels, “For me, it’s about chasing moments.”

View this post on Instagram

Just two monkeys reviewing footage in the field 📷🐒. . . ⠀ Now I’m hoping that this photo got your attention because what I really wanted to share is the following: ⠀ Anytime I post content like this I’ll usually get a message or email from someone asking “how they can do the same thing”. And what I always tell people is that one of the best ways to get your foot in the wildlife conservation door is to start by volunteering with CREDIBLE organizations (it’s how I started and how I figured out what my role in the conservation arena would be) and/or to pursue a certification or degree in a related field. ⠀ Sadly, in my experience, this doesn’t seem to be the kind of answer a lot of people want to hear. Perhaps it’s because these things require some level of commitment, effort, and/or sacrifice and some folks are just looking for a quicker way to the front of the line? I really can’t help but feel (based on some people’s reactions to my response) that what they’re really asking is “how can I get that photo opportunity” and they don’t actually have a sincere interest in WORKing in wildlife conservation. ⠀ I’m aware that right now there are a lot of popular accounts out there promoting chillin’/posing with wildlife and making it seem like the new cool, trendy thing to do on social media. And what’s so frustrating about these “influencers” is that they’re out there calling themselves conservationists when in reality they’re just using wildlife for self-promotion, setting a terrible example for their fans, and, in turn, perpetuating the opposite of conservation. ⠀ I guess the point I’m hoping to make is this — if you sincerely care about wildlife and want to work in conservation, awesome, hit me up! Because if you’re willing to put in the time to educate yourself on what is and what isn’t proper conservation and you’re willing to put in the work to get real experience, chances are you’ll be rewarded with awesome moments like the one pictured here. But if all you’re looking to do is pay for a photo opp then I can assure you I’m not the one to ask how to do it. ⠀ Photo by @zandrover.Taken at @freetobewildsanctuary on assignment for @project.conservation.

A post shared by Marlina🦒Mar Gone Wild (@marlinamoreno) on

Anette Richmond

Richmond is the ultimate body-positive travel influencer; she created the #FatGirlsTraveling movement. She proves that you don’t have to look a certain way to be a blogger, you can travel wherever you want regardless of what size you are. We just love the uplifting messages she’s promoting with each post.

View this post on Instagram

Sometimes things have to fall apart before they can come together. ▪ I’m a planner. I always have been. I’m a type A overachiever who is constantly working on finding my chill. And travel has been one of the few things that forces me to slow down and be present. To not constantly be thinking about what’s next. ▪ When I’m stateside I’m usually working and planning my next adventure. This year my official plans were scheduled to begin days after the India trip I’m currently on. I was meant to volunteer with a great company I’d found on Workaway. ▪ Unfortunately that company misled me and I wasn’t made aware of this until just a few days ago. After I’d bought my ticket to Malaysia and created an entire itinerary based on me volunteering for a month in Kuala Lumpur. ▪ Now I’m left with a major decision- do I stick to the plan and stay in Malaysia for a month? Or come up with something completely different? ▪ This feeling of uncertainty is as enthralling as it is overwhelming. All I can do is remain open to opportunity and be positive about possibility. ▪#FatGirlsTraveling #TravelInclusivity

A post shared by Annette 💜 (@fromannettewithlove) on

View this post on Instagram

If you didn’t figure it out from my friends and I “singing” #ArabianNights in my IG Story. I saw @disneyaladdin last night and it was great! ✨ Recreating an animated film that is a childhood staple for so many of us must’ve been difficult. But it measured up in my opinion. ✨ I was happy that the problematic language was removed and that Princess Jasmine was a feminist. I was also happy to see so many beautiful brown faces. They made an effort and it showed. ✨ @willsmith did a fantastic job at making Genie his own in my opinion. It must’ve been difficult to take the place of iconic #RobinWilliams. But Will didn’t disappoint. I appreciated his hip hop twist on the character. It felt authentically him. ✨ The FASHION was great! Loved every single costume! ✨ So many of the scenes reminded me of my recent visit to #Jordan, #WadiRum specifically. So I wasn’t surprised to find out they did shoot a lot of scenes there. ✨#FatGirlsTraveling #TravelInclusivity

A post shared by Annette 💜 (@fromannettewithlove) on

Brock & Chris

This couple shows the glamorous side of traveling, their page has everything from fitness and relationship goals to beauty and fashion inspiration. They even have self-care information as well as their morning routine. If you want to get to know this fabulous couple, be sure to also check their Youtube.

The post Need Inspiration For Your Next Vacay? Check Out These Travel Influencers appeared first on PlayJunkie.

]]> ersion="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> travel bloggers Archives - PlayJunkie PlayJunkie Sun, 13 Sep 2020 13:21:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Travel Blogger Reflects On Traveling During COVID https://playjunkie.com/travel-blogger-reflects-on-traveling-during-covid/ Mon, 14 Sep 2020 06:09:00 +0000 https://playjunkie.com/?p=37874 Travel blogger Brenna Holeman has earned her stripes when it comes to traveling. Having visited over 100 countries over 13 years, many of them solo, she slowly become a full-time blogger and freelancer. Originally from Winnipeg, a city in the Canadian prairies, she has lived in Halifax, Toronto, Copenhagen, Yaroslavl, Edinburgh, Osaka, and London. But like most […]

The post Travel Blogger Reflects On Traveling During COVID appeared first on PlayJunkie.

]]> Travel blogger Brenna Holeman has earned her stripes when it comes to traveling. Having visited over 100 countries over 13 years, many of them solo, she slowly become a full-time blogger and freelancer. Originally from Winnipeg, a city in the Canadian prairies, she has lived in Halifax, Toronto, Copenhagen, Yaroslavl, Edinburgh, Osaka, and London.

But like most of us, 2020 hit Holeman hard. “It’s all so complicated, isn’t it?” she recently wrote in a candid Instagram post. “To travel, or not to travel. One thing’s for sure: the way we travel may not be the same for a very long time.⁣⁣” And so, she found herself back where it all began—Canada.

View this post on Instagram

For a very long time, I was too embarrassed to admit that anything was wrong. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ How could there be anything wrong? I was living in London, one of the most exciting cities on the planet. I was a travel writer, on an airplane every ten days. I had a roof over my head, food in the fridge, and a loving family a phone call away. I was the very epitome of privilege.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ And yet… I was so, so, so sad. I was so lonely. Most mornings, I struggled to get out of bed. I had friends in London, yes, but nobody that was so close I could confide in them with how I was really feeling.⁣ ⁣⁣ I am overwhelmed with how lucky I am to have lived in London for five years, and to have built the career that I did. I remember being thrilled to see Big Ben every single time. I remember lively nights at the local pub, long walks along the Thames, going to art galleries to see paintings by Matisse on a random Tuesday just because I could. I remember incredible restaurants, festivals, architecture, fashion. ⁣ ⁣⁣ But I also remember so much loneliness. Wanting desperately to share the city with someone I truly loved, be that a best friend or a boyfriend or a family member. Today, I understand that there was something wrong. That anxiety plagued me, making me irritable, lethargic, and sad. I was living in the greatest city on the planet, but I didn’t want it anymore. I wanted to feel like I belonged.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Living in Manitoba isn’t perfect. Since moving back to my hometown, I’ve still had bad days, especially with everything that’s been happening (see: pandemic, civil rights, general what-the-hell-is-going-on at any given moment). And even though I still have anxiety sometimes, I’m learning how to deal with it, growing and adapting and reframing as much as possible.⁣⁣ ✨ ⁣⁣ I may not see Big Ben anymore. I may need to see Matisse by looking at the print I have of his in my bedroom. I may not travel the world like I used to. But I’m happy. I’m with people I love, people I share my life with, people who make every day infinitely better. I belong.⁣ ⁣ And for that? Why… I wouldn’t give that up for all the world.⁣ ⁣ 📷 by my mama, when we spent a day picking flowers at @missmilliesflowerfarm 🌸

A post shared by Brenna Holeman (@thisbatteredsuitcase) on

“At the moment I have absolutely zero desire to travel outside of Canada, or even to another province,” says Holeman, adding that the thought of traveling to a higher-risk location or being in close quarters with tourists who haven’t quarantined makes her itch.

Her solution? Travel closer to home. “I was in talks with Travel Manitoba over a year ago that I would spend this summer traveling around this beautiful province, and that is indeed happening. While I’ve already been to Bird River as well as Winnipeg Beach, Pinawa Dam, and Birds Hill Provincial Parks in the past month, I’m soon headed to Brandon, Swan Valley, and Riding Mountain National Park for a Manitoba series with Travel Manitoba.”

According to Holeman, she will be road-tripping and spending time doing what Manitobans do best: hiking, canoeing, fishing, camping, and supporting local businesses.

You can follow her explorations—both locally and internationally—on Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

Where would you go if you could go anywhere?⁣ 🌎🌍🌏⁣ ⁣⁣ I’ve always loved that question, loved the idea of wanderlust taking over, allowing your imagination to run wild. I’d go to Antarctica, or maybe sail around the South Pacific. I’d travel to Madagascar, Uzbekistan, Ghana. I’d spend a few weeks in Suriname and Guyana. I’d head to Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan with my boyfriend, our first big adventure together. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Where would you go if you could go anywhere?⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ The question has a different meaning to me now. Travel itself has a different meaning to me now. What used to excite and inspire now makes me feel nervous, cautious. While the world slowly opens back up, with some people venturing to other countries, provinces, or states, I’m still not comfortable travelling outside of my home province of Manitoba. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ There are many reasons for this, of course: COVID-19 and cost being the two big ones. I spent over a decade working toward this career, and as a travel writer, it’s bittersweet that the thing I love to do most and the way I make my living is now out of reach to me. Even if I did want to use my savings on a big adventure instead of paying my mortgage and bills, I’d worry too much about the health risks and bringing COVID-19 back to my community (for reference, Manitoba had one (!) active case in mid-July, but cases have since skyrocketed due to travel outside the province). ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ It’s all so complicated, isn’t it? To travel, or not to travel. One thing’s for sure: the way we travel may not be the same for a very long time. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I’d still love to go to Antarctica, of course, and Madagascar, too. My list isn’t going anywhere, and I know that one day, I’ll be able to see these places. But for now, my list is much smaller. I dream of wild camping in Nopiming Provincial Park. I dream of being able to see my mum in Toronto, my brother in Vancouver. COVID-19 has devastated the travel industry, but from that, I’ve learned to appreciate what’s closer to home, what’s just around the proverbial corner. ⁣✨⁣ ⁣⁣ Where would you go if you could go anywhere? Are you travelling abroad or inter-province/state yet?

A post shared by Brenna Holeman (@thisbatteredsuitcase) on

View this post on Instagram

Thinking of those misty mornings in Monument Valley ✨☕

A post shared by Brenna Holeman (@thisbatteredsuitcase) on

View this post on Instagram

Sometimes I know a lot about a destination before I get there, sometimes I don’t know anything at all, and sometimes I think I know a bit, only to quickly realise I knew nothing at all. I’m a big believer in learning while travelling; it’s always nice to have a holiday, of course, but when it came to visiting #Mississippi, I was mostly looking forward to learning, to trying to understand even the tip of the iceberg of this state’s history. I knew of the Delta blues, of the passion and soul that came out of this stretch of Mississippi; I had grown up listening to and then studied at university the music of Muddy Waters, Son House, Robert Johnson, BB King, Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon, Bo Diddley, and so many others, and also fell in love with the gospel music of Sam Cooke when I was 19. I even got to see some of these great musicians play while they were alive – Bo Diddley gave me his guitar pick after a show when I was 22 – but to say I “know” the blues, as a white Canadian woman, is wildly inaccurate. It's also impossible to sum up Mississippi by its music alone, as there is so much more to this state’s history and culture than that. Spending time in such noteworthy museums as The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, The BB King Museum, the brand-new Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Museum, and The GRAMMY Museum (just to name a few) is essential when visiting Mississippi, as they showcase the incredible people that have called Mississippi home, incredible people who, through their strength, intelligence, talent, and perseverance have forever changed – and are still changing – the landscape of both the state and the country. In visiting former sharecroppers' homes, and one of the possible graves of Robert Johnson, and driving out across the great expanse of the Delta and beyond, I hope I learned just a tiny bit more about Mississippi, and about who has shaped its history. They say there’s something in the water in Mississippi – something that has created such outstanding talent. I’d say there’s something in it that makes you want to go back, too, that makes you want to learn even more. #visitms #visitmississippi #presstrip

A post shared by Brenna Holeman (@thisbatteredsuitcase) on

View this post on Instagram

🎶 I'm leavvvving, on a jet plane… 🎶 Today I fly "home" to LONDON! 🇬🇧 As you may have noticed, I've been spending a lot more time in Canada lately, but that doesn't mean London won't be a huge part of my life going forward; I still plan on being there for a few months of every year. After spending more than five years of my life there, it really does feel like my second home, and I can't wait to spend the next month hanging out in E2 again (my favourite neighbourhood in the city). •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Honestly, this is the life I have always dreamed of for myself: half the year in Canada, part of the year in Europe, and the rest travelling. It's taken me 15 years to accomplish, but I've never been more excited about being able to grow a business online AND travel ANDDD hang out with my family. If this sounds like bragging, it totally is, my apologies… but I'm feeling all mushy thinking about returning to London (and a few other spots in Europe, too!). •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• What's your dream living situation? Do you like being settled in one place? Would you like to be nomadic, or, like me, something in between? •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• By the way, I have no idea if this photo was taken at sunset or sunrise. It was taken when I travelled to Japan in November and flew across what seemed like a million time zones, hah. I don't even know where in the world I was at this point, which I kind of love. All I knew for sure was that the sky was pink, the mountains seemed endless, and I was doing just fine. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #ichosetowander #liveauthentic #ourplanetdaily #fromtheair #fromabove #landscapelovers #neverstopexploring #mytinyatlas #passionpassport

A post shared by Brenna Holeman (@thisbatteredsuitcase) on

The post Travel Blogger Reflects On Traveling During COVID appeared first on PlayJunkie.

]]> Need Inspiration For Your Next Vacay? Check Out These Travel Influencers https://playjunkie.com/need-inspiration-for-your-next-vacay-check-out-these-travel-influencers/ Fri, 29 Nov 2019 10:09:45 +0000 https://playjunkie.com/?p=30748 The days of researching vacation destinations through guidebooks and on the websites are long gone. If you’re trying to decide what location to visit, all you have to do is scroll through your Instagram page; there are tons of travel influencers who are ready to suggest your next adventure. These are the three we suggest […]

The post Need Inspiration For Your Next Vacay? Check Out These Travel Influencers appeared first on PlayJunkie.

]]> The days of researching vacation destinations through guidebooks and on the websites are long gone. If you’re trying to decide what location to visit, all you have to do is scroll through your Instagram page; there are tons of travel influencers who are ready to suggest your next adventure. These are the three we suggest the following.

Marlina Moreno

Moreno’s Instagram feed is much more than seeing the best vacation spots; her travel is focused on animal conservation. She travels all around the world to bring awareness to animals that are at-risk and how to honor wildlife. Her posts also feature fun animal facts like, “A giraffe’s tongue can grow up to 20 inches long. Crazy right?” In another one of her post she wrote about why she travels, “For me, it’s about chasing moments.”

View this post on Instagram

Just two monkeys reviewing footage in the field 📷🐒. . . ⠀ Now I’m hoping that this photo got your attention because what I really wanted to share is the following: ⠀ Anytime I post content like this I’ll usually get a message or email from someone asking “how they can do the same thing”. And what I always tell people is that one of the best ways to get your foot in the wildlife conservation door is to start by volunteering with CREDIBLE organizations (it’s how I started and how I figured out what my role in the conservation arena would be) and/or to pursue a certification or degree in a related field. ⠀ Sadly, in my experience, this doesn’t seem to be the kind of answer a lot of people want to hear. Perhaps it’s because these things require some level of commitment, effort, and/or sacrifice and some folks are just looking for a quicker way to the front of the line? I really can’t help but feel (based on some people’s reactions to my response) that what they’re really asking is “how can I get that photo opportunity” and they don’t actually have a sincere interest in WORKing in wildlife conservation. ⠀ I’m aware that right now there are a lot of popular accounts out there promoting chillin’/posing with wildlife and making it seem like the new cool, trendy thing to do on social media. And what’s so frustrating about these “influencers” is that they’re out there calling themselves conservationists when in reality they’re just using wildlife for self-promotion, setting a terrible example for their fans, and, in turn, perpetuating the opposite of conservation. ⠀ I guess the point I’m hoping to make is this — if you sincerely care about wildlife and want to work in conservation, awesome, hit me up! Because if you’re willing to put in the time to educate yourself on what is and what isn’t proper conservation and you’re willing to put in the work to get real experience, chances are you’ll be rewarded with awesome moments like the one pictured here. But if all you’re looking to do is pay for a photo opp then I can assure you I’m not the one to ask how to do it. ⠀ Photo by @zandrover.Taken at @freetobewildsanctuary on assignment for @project.conservation.

A post shared by Marlina🦒Mar Gone Wild (@marlinamoreno) on

Anette Richmond

Richmond is the ultimate body-positive travel influencer; she created the #FatGirlsTraveling movement. She proves that you don’t have to look a certain way to be a blogger, you can travel wherever you want regardless of what size you are. We just love the uplifting messages she’s promoting with each post.

View this post on Instagram

Sometimes things have to fall apart before they can come together. ▪ I’m a planner. I always have been. I’m a type A overachiever who is constantly working on finding my chill. And travel has been one of the few things that forces me to slow down and be present. To not constantly be thinking about what’s next. ▪ When I’m stateside I’m usually working and planning my next adventure. This year my official plans were scheduled to begin days after the India trip I’m currently on. I was meant to volunteer with a great company I’d found on Workaway. ▪ Unfortunately that company misled me and I wasn’t made aware of this until just a few days ago. After I’d bought my ticket to Malaysia and created an entire itinerary based on me volunteering for a month in Kuala Lumpur. ▪ Now I’m left with a major decision- do I stick to the plan and stay in Malaysia for a month? Or come up with something completely different? ▪ This feeling of uncertainty is as enthralling as it is overwhelming. All I can do is remain open to opportunity and be positive about possibility. ▪#FatGirlsTraveling #TravelInclusivity

A post shared by Annette 💜 (@fromannettewithlove) on

View this post on Instagram

If you didn’t figure it out from my friends and I “singing” #ArabianNights in my IG Story. I saw @disneyaladdin last night and it was great! ✨ Recreating an animated film that is a childhood staple for so many of us must’ve been difficult. But it measured up in my opinion. ✨ I was happy that the problematic language was removed and that Princess Jasmine was a feminist. I was also happy to see so many beautiful brown faces. They made an effort and it showed. ✨ @willsmith did a fantastic job at making Genie his own in my opinion. It must’ve been difficult to take the place of iconic #RobinWilliams. But Will didn’t disappoint. I appreciated his hip hop twist on the character. It felt authentically him. ✨ The FASHION was great! Loved every single costume! ✨ So many of the scenes reminded me of my recent visit to #Jordan, #WadiRum specifically. So I wasn’t surprised to find out they did shoot a lot of scenes there. ✨#FatGirlsTraveling #TravelInclusivity

A post shared by Annette 💜 (@fromannettewithlove) on

Brock & Chris

This couple shows the glamorous side of traveling, their page has everything from fitness and relationship goals to beauty and fashion inspiration. They even have self-care information as well as their morning routine. If you want to get to know this fabulous couple, be sure to also check their Youtube.

The post Need Inspiration For Your Next Vacay? Check Out These Travel Influencers appeared first on PlayJunkie.

]]>