It’s March 7th, 2024, and I’m sitting on my friend’s couch in San Francisco, eagerly waiting for it to be time to head to the airport. Tonight, I will take my longest flight ever—14 hours direct to Brisbane, Australia, where I’ll stay for just 24 hours. Crazy? Probably. But “crazy” often marks the start of a great story.
About 6 months ago, I decided I wanted to travel to Asia for two reasons: I’ve never been, and there are so many places I want to see; and, I aim to create a travel content portfolio so compelling that I’m guaranteed paid stays at hotels to create content for them upon my return. I pitched the idea to my travel-loving friends, and while some showed interest, most concluded it wasn’t the right time for them. Fortunately, my best friend from college, Zane, would be finishing a trip in Australia around when I planned to start in Asia. He was “so close” he could join me for the journey’s onset. So, I got to planning. Kind of…
Growing up, I was the epitome of Type A—everything needed to be planned and organized perfectly, or I’d melt down. But in recent years, I’ve embraced a more “go with the flow” approach, significantly impacting my life. This mindset shift has led to some of my most incredible adventures, from spending 3 months in Europe with a model I barely knew, who’s now a permanent part of my life, to impulsively tripping to Greece, making lifelong friends. With this trip, I planned the essentials and left the rest to unfold in real-time.
I booked a $450 flight from San Francisco to Singapore, planning to spend 2 days alone in Singapore before meeting Zane in Surabaya, Indonesia. We had flights, rooms, and a sunrise hiking tour of Mt. Bromo volcano lined up, followed by exploring Bali and other Indonesian islands. But then, everything changed.
Zane’s message, “Hear me out,” signaled our plans were about to be tossed aside for an unexpected opportunity—attending a pop-up show by one of my favorite DJs, Fred Again, in Brisbane. The alignment of circumstances felt like destiny. Despite never traveling so far for a music set, the decision felt right. So, I booked a flight to Brisbane using miles, ready to meet Zane and another friend for an adventure at the Steve Irwin Zoo and the DJ set, embracing a connection to Steve Irwin shaped by my own encounter with a stingray.
Is jetting off to Australia for only 24 hours crazy? Maybe.
Is venturing solo through Southeast Asia for 3 months even crazier? Possibly.
But that’s the beauty of it. I’m chasing my dream, stepping far out of my comfort zone, and embracing every bit of this thrilling journey. The unexpected cancellation of our volcano hike and the non-refundable hotel room are just part of the adventure, reminding me to stay flexible and positive, no matter what.
I’m on the brink of a journey that promises new stories, adventures, and life lessons. This is more than a trip; it’s a leap into creating a life where my passion and profession intersect. And as I prepare to embark on this new chapter, I’m reminded of the power of saying “yes,” embracing spontaneity, and trusting in my ability to navigate whatever comes my way.
I’m excited for this new beginning.