Hi, I’m Gaelle!
Avid traveler by day and a writer by night. Born in rainy Belgium, raised in the United States, and having lived in more than six countries before graduating university, I’ve spent much of my life moving between places, never quite staying still long enough to put down roots or where to call home. Travel has shaped so much of who I am that navigating new places, cultures, and relationships has become an all-too familiar comfort. Somewhere along the way, exploring the world became a kind of home in itself.
In 2022, after being unexpectedly laid off from my corporate job and finishing a master’s degree I thought would make everyone proud, I found myself questioning what I wanted out of life. So, in a burst of bravery (and what some might call manic spontaneity), I sold everything I owned, packed away few remaining belongings at my parents’ house in suburban New Jersey, and set off on an 18-month solo backpacking trip through Asia.
Without a return date or a plan to settle back into my old life, I had the time to slow down and experience different things I had always been curious to try: pottery, regenerative farming, teaching, yoga and dance, and of course, travel writing.
Having now visited over 50 countries, I still get most excited about discovering how people live, what matters to them, and how communities support one another.
Mission
I started this blog to share the kind of travel advice I look for myself: detailed, honest, first-hand guides that help me plan a trip beyond the checklist.
I write about destinations I’ve explored, the cafés and food joints I love, the hidden corners worth seeking out, the practical details that make travel easier, and the experiences I’d recommend to a friend. I want this blog to be genuinely useful. I put time into writing and sharing what I learn firsthand, so you can spend less time researching and more time making the most of your trip.
Beyond travel guides and itineraries, I research local NGOs, grassroots initiatives, and community-led projects to help travelers find meaningful ways to support the places they visit. With an academic and professional background in development and humanitarian work, this is an important element of what I want this blog to be about. I don’t think we need to change the world every time we travel, but I do think we should pay attention to the impact we have and the little things we can do to help local communities.
Whether you’re planning your first solo adventure, looking for a different side of a familiar destination, or trying to travel a little more thoughtfully, you’ll find something here that helps you along the way.