Whitney Haldeman
This Week in the World: Week 10

Madeira Portugal Travel Guide

madeira portugal travel guide

If you're wondering where is the best place to travel in Portugal, I'm here to tell you about one of my favorite. In a sparkling sea of deep cobalt blue just off the northwest coast of Africa, you'll find Madeira: a rugged island with mountains soaring straight out of the water. If you don't already know its country of origin, based on its geographic positioning you'd likely guess Morocco. But this tiny island is Portuguese through and through. Known for its famous namesake wine and warm, subtropic climate, Madeira is a little slice of heaven that you won't want to miss. 

When my friends Caitlin (Augusta Leigh Photo), Caroline (The Belle Abroad) Chelsea (Passport to Friday) and I started planning our trip to Portugal, I had honestly never even heard of Madeira. But being that I'm always up for an adventure, I naturally said yes without needing a ton of convincing (plus, I trusted my fellow-travel-loving-friends). I quickly learned that the only reason people wouldn't want to plan a trip here is because they still don't know it exists. So if that happens to be the case for you, allow me to introduce you to this island that's bursting with more charm, beauty + experiences than you could ever begin to imagine. 

 

STAY

BELMOND REID'S PALACE

If you're wondering "What are the best hotels in Madeira?" I'd argue you won't find one better than Belmond Reid's Palace. Set in subtropical gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this property has, for more than a century, been the ultimate place to stretch out in the sun and relax- and that’s exactly what we did immediately upon arrival. Not only do they have space to lounge right by the sea, they also have 3 pools with equally spectacular views (we spent time in all these spots to maximize our time at the property!)

belmond reids palace
belmond beach

To keep making the most of all the Belmond Reid’s Palace views, we opted to have breakfast ordered into our room one morning so we could enjoy the beautiful views from another vantage point. We also loved going to the formal dining room for breakfast the other mornings to enjoy the beautiful design and the sprawling buffet. 

Overall, the entire Belmond Reid’s Palace property was impeccable, the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating and I would highly recommend anyone stay here while visiting the island. Our trip wouldn’t have been the same without it!

 

DO

ROAD TRIP AROUND THE ISLAND

There are so many things to do in Madeira, I don't even know where to start! We partnered with Visit Madeira to take a little road trip around the island and explore some other parts other than where we were staying (which was the greater Funchal area). I can’t recommend renting a car and exploring the island enough- we saw some of our favorite bits this way! When planning your itinerary, be sure to include: 

1. PICO DO ARIEIRO

We literally drove through clouds to reach the top of Pico do Arieiro (which, full disclosure, was a bit scary at times!) But the views from the top were well worth any nerves we had to overcome to get there. I felt like we were in a scene from Jurassic Park! The photos (while stunning thanks to Caitlin!) still can't quite do it justice- you just need to experience it for yourself!

PICO DO ARIEIRO MADEIRA PORTUGAL

2. SANTANA

Next, we drove to the quirky small town of Santana, known for it’s charming thatched roof houses. These little guys had so much personality, and it was cool to see a more rural, less touristy part of the island. 

3. SAO JORGE

Finally, we went to Sao Jorge- which had some of the only sea-level beaches (although still no sand) that I saw on the island (Maderia is predominantly a cliffy terrain). We loved exploring all the little villages around the area and couldn't seem to stop admiring all the breathtaking views. 

 

EXPLORE THE CAPITAL: FUNCHAL

We all fell head over heels in love with Old Town Funchal. Cobblestone streets line the ancient alleyways where you can stroll and shop by day, or sit outside + drink Poncha by night (Poncha is the traditional alcoholic drink of the island and made with aguardente de cana- which is distilled alcohol made from sugar cane juice, honey, sugar, lemon rind and usually a fruit juice). This area is simply exploding with charm and definitely a spot you want to allow yourself some time to wander. I'd also recommend coming to this area for dinner- we loved sitting outside and listening to the live music!

 

TASTE MADEIRA PORT WINE AT PAIXÃO DO VINHO

We knew we had to try Madeira wine while on the island. If you’re unfamiliar with this type of wine, it's essentially a fortified wine made on the island. Maderia actually has a long winemaking history, dating back to the Age of Exploration when it was a port of call for ships heading to the New World (or East Indies). They added grape spirits to keep the wines from spoiling. Today, they keep this unique method of winemaking (which involves heating the wine). 

Given it’s unique style + background (and the fact that we all love wine in general) we knew we wanted to do a tasting. We went to Paixão do Vinho, which was an incredible little find. The space had a nice patio where we sat outside, and a robust tasting menu (which included delicious snacks like figs, nuts and a variety of cheeses). The mid-level tasting was our personal favorite as far as wines go. But my favorite part of the night (aside from the delicious wine + food) was how welcoming the owner was. He made a point to go into great detail explaining the wines to us, and even gave us some great recommendations around Madeira. If wine varietals pique your interest, be sure to add this hidden gem to your itinerary while on the island!

madeira port wine
madeira port wine

There's one thing you simply can't come to the island without doing. Boat tours in Madeira are a must, but I especially reommend sailing with On Tales, They took us on a quick tour of the island by boat (which was stunning). But the main objective of our voyage? To see some sea life! This team knows a thing (or twenty) about how to spot wildlife (mostly dolphins and whales). Because of their expertise in locating these creatures, we were able to spot a school of dolphins. But this wasn't just seeing a dolphin or two - the school essentially invited our boat into the center as dozens and dozens of dolphins jumped + danced alongside us. It was magical and felt like the cherry on top of a simply wonderful trip. 

Looking for restaurants with a view in Madeira? Look no further! Located in the historic Fort of São Tiago in Funchal is (arguably) the best restaurant on the island: Restaurante do Forte. Not only do they have a diverse menu brimming with gastronomic specialties, they also offer incredible views of the sea. We loved everything we ate (both the taste and presentation were impeccable!) and all agreed we would gladly eat here over and over again. 

PACK

Madeira seems to be in a perpetual state of late spring/ early summer- which means ideal temperatures and plentiful sunshine. Opt for flowy dresses and any other staples you'd typically pack for a tropical vacation. Shop what we brought in our suitcases here: 

Madeira was an incredible adventure I’ll never forget. If you’re looking for a tropical destination with rich European culture, this is most certainly the spot for you!

 

I’m so thankful for all the incredible experiences we had, and for the time I got to spend with my sweet friends. We all live in different destinations and don’t get to see each other nearly enough, so memories from trips like this are ones I’ll always cherish. Love + miss you gals already! x

 

More about Madeira you still want to know? Let me know in the comments below! 

 

Thanks (as always) for stopping by, and stay tuned for more European adventures I’ll be sharing soon!

xx

Whitney

MADEIRA PORTUGAL

Lisbon Travel Guide

lisbon portugal travel guide

Nestled atop seven iconic hills and boasting panoramic views from over 17 official viewpoints (or miradouros), Lisbon paints an amphitheatrical picture of true urban beauty. But it’s rolling hills aren’t the only highs and lows that the Portuguese capital has seen. For a city that’s endured a catastrophic earthquake, dictatorship, financial crisis + a struggling economy, Lisbon has been catching it's second wind in recent years as it quickly becomes one of Europe’s hottest tourist destinations.

This gem sat atop my list of places to visit for a long while, but the desire became especially palpable after befriending Paula, a delightfully elegant + quintessentially Portuguese woman, on a boat in Croatia last summer. She spoke of her home with great affection and every detail from the cobbled alleyways to the sparkling sea to the vibrant tile façades romanced me (as did her delicious accent). So when Caitlin, Chelsea and I finally decided to pull the trigger on planning Portugal, naturally, she was my first call. 

Thanks to my friend, I had the luxury of being lead through Lisbon by a true, born + raised local. While this city's growing popularity in the tourism world has revealed much that there is to see + do here, Paula's itinerary was brimming with well-kept secrets that haven't yet surfaced to the masses, along with knowledgable tips to survive the city. So settle in (perhaps with a glass of port wine?) and take notes, because this custom-curated itinerary isn't one you'll want to miss. 

 

WHERE TO STAY

CASA BALTHAZAR

If you're wondering where to stay in Lisbon, Paula suggested we stay somewhere downtown. I truly can't say enough wonderful things about Casa Balthazar: the gated compound and small luxury boutique hotel that we got to call home. It was absolutely one of my favorite places I stayed on this particular European tour. The property only has 17 rooms total, which makes for an intimate + secluded oasis in the center of the city's action. Our room had spectacular views over the city (complete with a balcony + jacuzzi), while the interior was chic + contemporary yet luxurious + cozy.

All rooms and suites at Casa Balthazar include: a welcome bottle of wine, Nespresso coffee machine with capsules available, free wifi + cable and breakfast that's included in the price and served in the room. 

 

CASA BALTHAZAR LISBON PORTUGAL

The common areas are also stunning, whether you prefer the indoor lounge near reception or the sparkling outdoor pool. Another thing that impressed me was staff's impeccable attention to detail and how quickly they addressed all our questions and concerns. I loved retreating to this relaxing haven after running around the city all day, and I truly can't imagine not having stayed here. The value of what you get compared to the price tag seems like bank robbery  to me, and I will absolutely stay here again the next time I'm in Lisbon!

 

 

WHAT TO DO

If you're wondering what to do in Lisbon, I can assure you that you won't run out of things to do! But there are a few things you you simply must add to your itinerary: 

 

GET LOST IN THE STREETS + ADMIRE THE ARCHITECTURE

While there are so many actual attractions you need to pencil into your itinerary, be sure to leave yourself some time to get lost in the streets. Lisbon has some of the most beautiful architecture I've ever seen, and I loved wandering with no agenda to simply admire all of it. Some of my favorite areas we got lost in were right by our hotel (Casa Balthazar) and near Castelo de São Jorge.

 

 

BELÉM AREA FOR MUSEUMS + MONUMENTS

 

Along the Rio Tejo, the entire Belém area of Lisbon is bursting with things to see + do. Here you'll find lots of monuments and museums like Padrāo dos Descobrimentos, the Popular Art Museum, Cultural Center of Belem, the Maritime Musuem and dozens of others. One of the most visibly iconic is  Torre de Belém (or the tower of Belém). This was built as a defense system to guard whoever was passing through Rio Tejo. Built in 1520 to resemble a castle (due to it's Muslim architectural influence), this landmark has become one of the most popular attractions in Lisbon, drawing over 700 thousand visitors a year (and now considered a Unesco World Heritage Site).

Some other sights to see along Rio Tejo? Head back toward downtown to see Praça do Comércio (the arch here has fantastic views of the city), Cais do Sodré (an area known for its night life) and Mercado Da Ribeira (an old market turned massive food hall). 

 

 

RIDE THE ICONIC TRAM

A popular highlight of a Lisbon trip is a ride on the 28 tram, largely because of its route. This particular car passes through some of the finest districts (Baixa, Graça, Alfama and Estrela). While most visitors take it to climb to Castelo de São Jorge, a better option (or less crowded one, anyway) is to hop on the No. 12 in Praça da Figueira. Regardless of which route you opt to take, it's a fun option to get around the city if you want a break from taxis. 

 

SUNSET AT CASTELO DE SÃO JORGE

Castelo de São Jorge is exploding with history and offers sweeping views of the city. It was once a royal palace, but today it serves as a permanent exposition that educates on its rich history (admission is only €8,50). It's also home to a variety of unusual animals roaming the grounds, so keep an eye out for peacocks, cats and other fascinating critters. I'd recommend heading up here for sunset (time varies depending on the time of year you visit).

Need more items to fill your itinerary?

MUSEUMS

MAAT- Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia

Museu do Aljube

Museu do Chiado

Museu Nacional do Azulejo

 

DAY TRIPS NEAR LISBON

Sintra

Cascais

Arrábida

 

WHERE (AND WHAT) TO EAT

Before I delve into where to eat or the best restaurants in Lisbon, let's discuss what traditional Portuguese dishes you need to try while visiting. I was quickly immersed in the local cuisine immediately upon my arrival, as Paula invited me in for a home-cooked Portuguese meal. We ate delicious duck rice (followed by many pastéis de nata) and she told me the things I simply must try: 

  • COD: Because of it's proximity to the sea, codfish (bacalhau in Portuguese) is a way of life here. It's traditionally consumed on Christmas Eve, but that doesn't stop the locals from serving it up any old day. There are hundreds of ways to prepare it + I'd suggest trying as many as you can.

  • PASTÉIS DE NATA: These little delicacies (custard tarts) were invented by monks in Lisbon back before the 18th century and can be found all over the city. They will melt in your mouth and are best served with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and cinnamon.

  • CARNE DE PORCO ALENTEJANA: A Portuguese spin on surf + turf, this pork dish is cooked with clams + served with potatoes.

  • ALCATRA: This is essentially an expensive meat cut (think beef so tender you can eat it without a knife). It is especially popular in the Azores archipelago, but can be found all over Lisbon as well.

  • PORTUGUESE WINE: I'll elaborate more on this in my Porto blog (coming soon!) but it's worth discussing here as well. Portugal has been a major wine exporter since the Roman Empire, and there are a few different kinds you should be sure to try: 1. A light + fresh vinho verde (or "green wine). 2. A heavy + meaty red from Duoro Valley and of course (most famously) 3. Port wine, best served with or as dessert.

 

 

MANTEIGARIA FOR PASTÉIS DE NATA

You simply can't visit Lisbon without consuming as many pastéis de nata (traditional Portuguese custard tarts) as you can.  If you hear a bell ring near Praça Luís de Camões, hurry over to Manteigaria because that means a fresh batch just came out of the oven + a line of people will soon form. You'll see these treats all over the city, but the best that I had were from here. 

 

ALTIS BELÉM | CAFETERIA MESSAGE

altis hotels lisbon portugal
altis hotels lisbon portugal
altis hotels lisbon portugal

While in the Belém area, we had an amazing lunch on the patio by Rio Tejo at Cafeteria Message, the restaurant at Altis Belém hotel. This is another stunning property that would be a great place to stay if you prefer to be on the waterfront and close to the action, but not right in the center of downtown. Everything from the pool to the spa to the rooms are chic, modern and luxurious. Even if you don't stay here, you should definitely come for a nice meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar (which boasts beautiful views of the Ponte de Abril 25- the iconic bridge in Lisbon that resembles the Golden Gate). Looking to try a traditional Portuguese dish? Go for the cod!

altis belem hotel lisbon portugal
altis belem hotel lisbon portugal

 

BAIRRO DO AVILLEZ

Paula took Caitlin and I here for dinner on our first night in Lisbon. The room was exploding with energy and seemed to be filled mostly with locals who were trying Joseé Avillez's newest establishment (he also owns several other restaurants in the Chiado area as well- a couple boasting Michelin stars). You can dine in the Taberna for more of a tapas style experience or on the patio for more of a proper sit down meal. We let Paula order for us and simply asked for some traditional Portuguese food. Truth be told, I don't remember all the specific menu items (largely because she ordered and it was all in Portuguese) but I do know that literally everything that touched the table was delicious. Both the cod and picanha especially blew. my. mind. 

 

TIME OUT MARKET

Large local markets are one of my favorite things to find while traveling (you've likely heard me speak of Borough Market in London, Boqueria in Barcelona or Mercato Centrale in Florence to name a few). This food hall fits right in with the others, offering individual vendors who serve everything from custard tarts to sardines to wine to chocolate. Whatever you're in the mood for, there will be plenty of options to choose from (I'd recommend popping in for lunch and trying a few different things!) If you prefer more of a traditional dining experience, some of the top chefs in Lisbon have restaurants here, and next to the food hall is the market where you can pick out fresh fish, fruits and vegetables if you feel like whipping up something yourself back at your flat. 

 

 

Looking for more options than I already listed above? Some other spots worth considering include: 

ROOFTOP DRINKS WITH VIEWS

Limão at H10 Duque de Loulé

Terrace BA at Bairro Alto Hotel

Rooftop Bar at Hotel Mundial

Silk Club

Sky Bar at Tivoli Lisboa

 

DINING

Mercado Da Ribeira

A Cevicheria

Zero Zero Pizzeria

100 Maneiras

Belcanto

 

 

TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF THE CITY

  • VISIT THE FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH: If you're on a budget, you can get free entry to dozen's of the city's museums + monuments (including Torre de Belém, Museu do Azulejo or Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) if you happen to be in town the first Sunday of the month.

  • AVOID TAXI LINES AT THE AIRPORT: I was fortunate enough to have Paula pick me up when I landed, but the line/queue for a taxi was long. To avoid this, take an escalator upstairs to departures where you can easily snag one right away + get to exploring the city sooner.

  • TAXIS (AND UBER) ARE RELIABLE + CHEAP: While on the topic of taxis, we didn't even bother with public transportation (which I usually do to save money) because we realized how easy + cheap it was to take a cab/Uber. Cab prices don't fluctuate much (charges start at €3,25 during the day and only go up to €3,90 at night) but just keep an eye out for Uber surge pricing, which can occasionally impact the price enough to make you opt for a cab.

  • VISIT IN SPRING TO SEE JACARANDA TREES IN BLOOM: One of my favorite things about the time of year we visited (May) was the beautiful Jacaranda blooming in trees everywhere around us. As if Lisbon weren't already vibrant enough, these purple blooms add even more bursts of color to make the city feel even more magical.

 

Lisbon was even more wonderful than I could have ever imagined it would be. In hindsight, I wish I had way more time here than I allocated (you truly need at least 4 days to see and do everything you should), but I have no doubt that I'll be back. Not only was the city bursting with beauty + countless things to do, what made it especially meaningful to me was spending time with the people I was with. Paula, Caitlin + Chelsea are all friends I've made in the last year while traveling in Europe, and it was so cool to come together and celebrate our shared passion in a place as lovely as Lisbon. I can't wait for the next set of memories that come from here. 

Paula + I after lunch on her terrace.

Paula + I after lunch on her terrace.

Still more you want to know about planning a trip to Lisbon? Let me know in the comments below! Stay tuned for more about Portugal on the blog in the coming weeks- I still have two more magical destinations to cover!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

xx

Whitney

 

plan the perfect trip to lisbon portugal
,

How to travel full time

,
HOW TO TRAVEL FULL TIME

Greetings from Paris!  I've been traveling non-stop all over Europe these past six weeks, and finally have some down time today, so I'm parked at my favorite cafe and writing a [long overdue] blog post. But rather than putting together one of the many travel guides I have coming, I wanted to touch on somewhat of a different topic. 

If you’re new around here, I've been traveling almost full time (over 250 days out of the year) for a while now. This nomadic lifestyle of mine seems to yield a lot of questions about how I do it-- and rightfully so! If you would have told me a few years ago I'd be traveling this much, I would have been asking the very same things. So for starters, let’s clear up a few of the misconceptions. 

I'm not a flight attendant.

I don't work for a travel agency. 

I didn’t win the lottery, inherit a small fortune or stumble upon a suitcase full of cash. 

So if none of those apply, how do I travel so much? It’s a bit of a complicated answer, but honestly, it’s likely something you can do too if you're up for being scrappy + getting creative. I've managed to make it work following these guidelines: 

 

1. RENT YOUR HOUSE OUT ON AIRBNB

This is how I first got my start in frequent travel. I was employed by a company in Colorado that flew me out there for a week every month. A friend suggested I rent my place out to make some money while I was gone since I wouldn’t be home anyway. I then realized I could also rent my place out to help pay for vacations I wanted to take as well (even if I didn’t make a profit once I booked flights, at least it would make trips I wanted to take more affordable). You can either rent out your entire house to guests while you’re gone, or you can even just rent out your guest room for people to stay while you’re still there (it’s a fun way to meet new people!) It's worth noting that I have a 1 BR house, so it’s treated more like a hotel room and less like a house party (something to consider if you can sleep more people). 

Lots of people ask me if I’m weary of letting strangers come in my house. Personally, I’ve only found people to be incredibly respectful and wonderful (they usually even leave nice notes or leftover alcohol they purchase!) I've even become friends with some of these fellow travelers who stay at my house and end up giving me recommendations for their cities or getting back in touch when they visit again. 

There are definitely some steps you need to take (I liked this article with some more details about those details). It’s not always the right fit for everyone, but I’d argue it’s a great solution for more of you than you think. Either way, I definitely couldn't be gone the way I am without being an Airbnb host. 

 

Interested in becoming an Airbnb host? It’s easy! Sign up here. 

 

 

2. NEGOTIATE DISCOUNTED RATES BY OFFERING YOUR SERVICES

I first had this lightbulb when a friend asked me what my blog (which I had just been doing for a fun creative outlet) monthly page views were and what I was doing to leverage them. As it turned out, some travel partners (hotels, restaurants, tours, etc.) saw my audience size as significant enough to give me a free stay/ meal/ tour in exchange for coverage of my experience. Keep in mind, I had already been blogging consistently (with no alternative agenda) for about a year to grow my audience. But regardless of your audience size, or if you even have a blog, you can likely find ways to at least negotiate a media rate. Are you a stellar photographer? Or maybe your graphic design skills are out of this world? Whatever your talents, find a way to pitch yourself clearly and concisely.

PRO TIP: Don’t be ambiguous. Get straight to the point when making this request and be clear + concise. “I’d like to offer my photography services in exchange for a media rate during my stay.” Clearly outline the deliverables you’re willing to provide and what you’re asking for in exchange. Put thoughtful consideration into your pitch and link to examples of your past work to show off your capabilities. 

 

 

3. STRATEGIZE YOUR ROUTE TO CUT COSTS

Everyone asks me how I can spend long amounts of time in Europe like the past 6 weeks or the 4+ months I did last summer/fall/winter. “Doesn’t that get expensive?” Clearly, it could. But I’m not charging a stay at Four Seasons to my credit card every night, people. Let’s rewind a bit, shall we? I’m renting my house out while I’m gone to cover my expenses back home. I’m leveraging my skills to negotiate media trades at hotels, restaurants and tours to cover the majority of those costs while I’m abroad. So what costs does that leave? Largely, transportation. Overseas flights (while you can find at very competitive rates) get really expensive really quickly. For me to go all the places I went in Europe this fall/winter (quick refresh in case you forgot), it would have taken several trips had I not stayed abroad for a while. This means I would have spent significantly more money than I had to since I only did one long flight. Flights once you’re already abroad are actually very cheap (I never paid more than €145 and paid as low as €35 for some). Plus, you can easily take trains for a fraction of what domestic flights in the US cost. Regardless of whether or not 5 months is realistic for you, I’d argue if you have a flexible schedule it’s more affordable to go and stay for a while (even a few weeks) rather than booking multiple international flights. 

 

 

 

4. FIND TRAVEL COMPANIONS

By nature, travel is cheaper when you have someone to share costs with. Whether it’s splitting a cab to Charles De Gaulle or half-ing a pizza in Italy, there’s strength in numbers. This factor often is what causes me to build my itinerary a particular way. If I know one friend can come with me from Brussels to Stockholm, I’ll try to find someone else to meet me within a few days of that for a while (and the more you learn to negotiate media trades + get free hotels, the easier it is to get people to say yes to come meet you!) But even if your friends aren’t willing to spend the money or make the trek, you can easily find ways to connect with other travelers while abroad (in fact, I’d highly recommend doing that regardless.)  If you’re looking for ways to meet people abroad, I’ve honestly met so many people through blogging or on Bumble (went on some fun dates this way too!) Some of my favorite travel buddies today are people I met while being abroad and connecting with unfamiliar faces. It’s no longer deemed weird or desperate to meet people in some sort of digital format these days, so put your pride aside and get past that ancient mindset. I’m currently working on a partnership with a brand I really believe in that does this well, so stay tuned for more...

 

 

 

5. FIND OTHER WAYS TO PAY YOURSELF

All of this is all a really long-winded way of explaining how I break even when I travel. So how then do I make money? That’s a very loaded + complicated question that I’m frequently asked. My short answer is simply this: I get creative. Sometimes my livelihood comes from sponsored Instagram or blog posts or affiliate sales from a monetization program I’m a part of. Sometimes it’s consulting businesses on their social media + marketing strategy. Sometimes it’s contributing articles I write for third-party publications to run on their site.  Sometimes it’s people reaching out to me with opportunities and sometimes it’s me cold-calling someone with a pitch idea I have. Regardless of what it is that particular month, it’s honestly never the same. But it always comes with a lot of hard work + hustle (and it absolutely means that some months I still scrape pennies together). 

*Side note: sometimes “paying yourself” is simply finding ways to eliminate costs you normally have. For example, I participate in several mutually-beneficial trade partnerships- for example: promoting my hairdresser Lauren (who is a rock star). I truly believe in her skills and am happy to promote her work. She sees that as advertising, we trade our services and everyone wins. The same principle can be applied to products you'd normally need to purchase (I get lots of my travel gear this way). 

 

 

 

6. know YOUR LONG TERM GOALS

While this may all sound like a piece of cake and something I'd be crazy not to do for the rest of my life, let's be very clear: it isn't all glamorous and it certainly comes with a price tag in multiple areas of your life. 

 

From a financial perspective, I used to have a cushy job with a great paycheck, and some days I really (really) miss the comforts of that. Simple things like health insurance, a 401K match, and the consistency of a paycheck that you always know is coming is nothing to breeze over lightly. 

Aside from finances, I'd be lying if I said this lifestyle doesn't impact your relationships. Being gone means you miss birthdays and weddings and baby showers and everything in between for people that you love. When I am home, I have to choose between seeing lots of people a little bit, or a few people as much as I can (I'd advise the latter - quality > quantity). In addition to how it impacts my friendships, it also means I haven't been able to date anyone seriously- because how could I when I'm never in the same place more than a few days!? (With that said, I'd argue casual dating around the world is incredibly fun for a season if you can still do it...) 

There are other "prices to pay" that come with full time travel.  And because of these, I recognize that this likely won't be my long-term lifestyle if I'm being completely honest. While I will always be a traveler, I recognize some of the other goals I have for my life that I'll eventually want too: seeing more of my friends, starting a family- the list goes on. But this particular way of life I'm currently choosing (while grueling at times) has provided me with a once in a lifetime chance to see the world in a way I never imagined was possible. It’s hands down been the best thing I’ve ever done and I'd recommend it to anyone who is in a position to do the same. 

 

provence lavendar fields

 

 

If you’re in a position to rent out your house, to offer services like photography or consulting not only freelance on the side, but also negotiate media rates— you’re totally eligible to try on full-time travel for a while. And even if you’re not in any of the positions I mentioned above, that doesn’t mean you're not! You may just have to get a bit more creative than what I’ve detailed out. Whatever it looks like for you, I’m a big believer that anything is possible if you’re willing to really chase after it. 

 

My goal with Blonde Atlas first and foremost is to inspire you to live your best life- and I personally believe experiencing the world is one of the very best ways one can do that. But while my appetite for adventure comes with the best intentions, I realize it can look like a glamorized version of life and not my day-to-day reality. 

 

This means you’ll often see when I’m on a yacht in Santorini but not when I’m coming home from a long trip to clean my house up after Airbnb guests have left it. You’ll see when I get spa treatments and 5 course meals at a Four Seasons but not when I’m trying to squeeze a week’s worth of groceries out of Trader Joe’s for $50 while I’m home. 

 

I’m not trying to pretend to be someone I’m not or make myself appear more important than I am. The reality of this life that I’ve chosen is that I simultaneously have to live on a really tight budget, while also getting to do some of the most boujee things of anyone else that I know. It's certainly a life of highs and lows, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world because of the lifestyle I've been able to have. 

 

I’m an open book and more than willing to speak honestly about the reality of my world. To be completely candid, the only reason I don’t speak to it more is because it takes a fair bit of time + energy to detail out posts like these and I technically, I get nothing in return. I don’t write that to sound self-centered or greedy, just trying to give you some perspective into my world. When I put together travel guides, I feel lucky enough to have experienced amazing things in exchange for writing about them. When I put together luggage or packing guides, I have the potential to make commission from affiliate sales. But these kind of posts are really just me providing free information- again, which I’m happy to do! I just have to be a bit more strategic about how often I allocate my time and energy into doing so because there’s a lot more of this going on behind the scenes already. In addition to planning my trips or writing my blog posts or planning my content calendar, I get lots of emails asking for travel recommendations, or how I started my blog or people seeking advice about how to travel more or strategize their business. I try to reply and make an effort to always help people as much as I can (because I'd hope people would do the same for me!) but I have to be realistic about how much of my time + energy can go into information sharing vs. running my business. 

So in conclusion, the point of this long rant is simply to say this: I want to be honest with you about my travels in hopes that you can travel more too + live your best life. I’m happy to provide as much insight as I can to help from what I’ve learned, so if there’s more that you’re curious about, let me know in the comments below! I’ll do my best to answer, either directly or in a future blog post. 

 

Thank you (as always) for stopping by! You reading this is part of the reason I am able to do what I do, and for that I sincerely can't express enough gratitude. 

 

Stay tuned for a lot more travel talk that will be landing on the blog in the coming weeks!

xx

Whitney

FULL TIME TRAVELING
blonde atlas