I just noticed that I published twenty-eight blog posts without a single introduction! I figured my about-me section would be enough; every blog has one, but they seem so standard and repetitive. Who is the person behind the site? I guess I just really wanted to introduce myself and say hello with a big air hug!
So, hello. My name is Daphne, and welcome to my website.
I created this travel blog to share my experiences and insights from my trips. Over time, I’ve encountered various challenges and successes, and I felt compelled to document them. I aim to create a space where I can express my thoughts and connect with others who may have similar experiences. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire and engage with other people.
My solo travel journey began around eight years ago. I would love to say it was ideal and easy. But, it was tough in the beginning and still today, overwhelming and challenging. Who wouldn’t want a trusted friend nearby for companionship and support?
Nonetheless, I am extremely proud of myself for embarking on this solo journey around our incredible planet.
Sometimes, I look back, and I could kick myself, though!
Like, I missed Beyonce at the Coachella/”Beychella” Music Festival in 2018! How could I miss once-in-a-lifetime events because I was too scared to go alone? Coachella has not had a headliner that I’ve been excited about seeing since. It sucks because I love music festivals and want to attend Coachella one day. Don’t even get me started on all the other events and activities I missed because I didn’t have anyone to go with! I get sad just thinking about it.
Deep, slow breath, whew, let’s move on.
As of December 2024, I have been to 51 countries and 49 states. Alaska is my last state, and I just booked an incredible cruise journey! It’s an eight-day cruise that starts in Anchorage, Alaska, and ends in Vancouver, Canada. Visiting all fifty states is one of my biggest accomplishments and I still find it hard to believe that I’m almost there.
Another deep slow breath.
I’m also very disappointed in myself for starting this blog so late! It’s so much content that I could have produced, and here I am years later. Although I keep journals, notes, and photos of past time trips – I feel so behind. Imagine where this blog could be if I had taken it seriously eight years ago! Even though I was dealing with the challenges of working and school, I should have prioritized maintaining a website or even my Instagram. I was super active on it, too, and just let it go.
To be honest, I was uncomfortable with having expensive gadgets on display while traveling. As a solo, black female traveler, I try to blend in with the locals as much as possible. Having my camera and GoPro out consistently makes me stand out. In the early days, I was afraid of being a target and having anything bad happen to me. I would snap photos at tourist attractions and on group trips, but just walking around with pricey equipment was a no for me. I’m also one of those people who like being in the moment and taking it all in. That’s why my head is so big and round to hold all my great memories.
I am more comfortable with having my camera and other tech out today. I’m almost ten years in and more knowledgeable about things to look out for. I struggle with not having anyone to take my photos, but I just ordered a new wireless remote for my camera and a new spacious backpack for a travel tripod.
I can’t dwell on the past, and I feel like everything happens for a reason. It’s still over 100 countries I want to visit, and there are countless cities that I want to return to! Looking at it from that angle, I don’t feel so bad now.
From the next year, I will be giving this blog my everything – 100% effort. I honestly feel like when I’m an elderly woman with a head full of grey hair in a nursing home, will regret not sharing my travel journey. Even if nothing becomes of this, I can’t at least say that I tried and hopefully positively impacted someone.
So let’s go and Happy Early New Years!
Read more about me here and where I’ve been here.
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