Travel and I are in that early‑relationship phase; you know, the “I’m obsessed with you but still learning how your Wi‑Fi works” stage. I’m not a full‑time globe‑trotter (yet), but I’ve dipped my toes outside the U.S., wandered through new cities, and discovered that my wanderlust is very real and very persistent. Meanwhile, I’ve spent years working with short‑term rentals, photographing spaces, creating content for hosts, and helping brands and properties show off their best angles.
A Gen‑X Girl With a Passport and a Plan
I’m a proud Gen‑Xer, which means I grew up with paper maps, dial‑up internet, and parents who thought “travel” meant driving three hours to a lake. So yes, I’m making up for lost time.
Now that I’ve started exploring more, I’ve realized something: I crave new experiences like I used to crave mixtapes and Friday‑night Blockbuster runs.
Travel gives me that spark—the “wow, the world is bigger than my inbox” feeling. And even though I’m still building my travel resume, every trip teaches me something new, inspires my creativity, and adds fuel to my content‑creator brain.
Seeing Travel Through a Creator’s Lens
Working in media and content creation means I don’t just visit places — I study them. I experience them. I notice:
- Textures and details that make a space feel alive
- Lighting and angles that tell a story
- Local personality that makes a destination memorable
Travel has become my creative playground. Even a simple weekend getaway turns into a dozen ideas, a camera roll full of “accidental aesthetic shots,” and at least one moment where I say, “Okay, I get why people do this.”
From STRs to Stamps in My Passport
Before I ever boarded a long‑haul flight, I was already deep in the hospitality world—working with short‑term rentals, photographing properties, and helping hosts elevate their guest experience.
That behind‑the‑scenes knowledge has shaped how I travel now. I appreciate:
- A good coffee setup
- Lighting that doesn’t make me look like I’m in a witness protection program
- Beds that don’t feel like medieval punishment devices
- Hosts who understand the power of a well‑placed throw blanket
Traveling after working in STRs is like watching a movie after reading the script—you notice everything.
Learning As I Go (And Laughing Through It)
I’m not pretending to be a world‑class traveler. I’m learning, exploring, and occasionally making rookie mistakes (like packing three pairs of shoes I never wore or trying to “wing it” in a foreign airport, 10/10 do not recommend.)
But that’s the fun of it. Travel keeps me curious. It keeps me humble. It keeps me inspired.
And honestly, it keeps me feeling young — because nothing screams “Gen X forever” like discovering a new city, finding the best local food, and proving to yourself that you can still adapt, explore, and thrive.
