Photo Source: Bea and Instagram
You can count countries and continents or cities and states. You can enjoy the fascinating scenery in your backyard or amass passport stamps. When it comes to travel, there is no right or wrong approach. Meet Bea; she loves to travel both domestically and abroad and blogs about her experiences.
1. Tell us about yourself! Who are you? Where are you from? What do you do? What inspires you to travel?
My name is Bea, and I'm from Chicago. I work 9-5 by day in the finance industry. I love exploring my city and traveling when I'm not working. I got the travel bug when I visited China the summer before my senior year of college. I fell in love with Beijing's different culture, language, people, and traditions. I wanted to experience that feeling of not knowing and discovering other countries after I traveled to China. Every day I dream about my next trip, wherever that may be. Having the drive to save money so I have something to look forward to during a quarterly trip, inspires me to travel.
2. What are your favorite aspects of domestic vs. international travel?
Domestic travel is something we can all do, even if it's in our own city. You don't need a passport for domestic travel, and there's a lot to explore. I love the fact you can do a road trip a lot of times with domestic travel. I want to take more road trips. I feel like I've traveled more internationally than I have domestically, funny enough. I am making an effort to try to discover more places in the US. Internationally, I love to try authentic dishes custom to people in the country I'm traveling to. Chinese food in the US does not compare to that of the food made in China. The variety alone is not the same. I can't easily find my favorite, unique dishes I once ate in China, so I have to go back for that food. It's so interesting to hear the languages spoken in another country. It intrigues me, and I feel happy to be in an unfamiliar place. The people in other countries are fun to meet, and it's cool to watch and see how they interact with you because they are just as curious about you as you are about them.
I prefer international travel. I love to travel outside of the US. I like to see how other people live, learn about their traditions, experience their food, and take in their nature. I enjoy learning about different cultures. I was an International Studies major after all!
4. What did you miss most about international travel after taking a COVID-induced hiatus?
I missed planning trips! I am a huge planner and love to organize trips for myself and my friends. Having no clear direction on when we could travel again and where we could go was a tough time for me. We didn't know when the end of COVID would be, and I was feeling lost without travel. Thankfully, I felt motivated to create an outlet for myself and reminisce about my international trips. I also found comfort in exploring my city more, which is why I finally started Busy Bea Travels.
5. What are you looking forward to most on your next trip?
I'm looking forward to doing something outside my comfort zone that I wouldn't typically do. Something like zip line, parasailing, or just traveling solo. I'm always looking for my next adventure. One of my goals is to travel to all 7 continents. I'm excited I'm on my way to completing that goal, hopefully within the next 5 years.
Where else can folks find you?
People can find me on Tiktok, Facebook, and Youtube at Busy Bea Travels! Follow me for recommendations on places to go in Chicago and beyond!
Here are some more of our favorite travelers and their gorgeous shots.
Ellee is in the building - and this week she's showing us what it means to be a globe trotting Travel Crush. This native New Yorker has climbed the pyramids of Egypt, took her whole life in her hands on the swings in Bali, and she's still pumped for more challenging, new adventures. Read on for her tips on having magical experiences without breaking the bank, her favorite hack for buying cheap flights, and how she stays in villas without the hefty price tag.
BlackTravelBox® hair and skincare products are made for life on the go, with travel friendly packaging and formulations that make packing, carrying (on), and using them simple and easy.
Unbox the beauty of being you.™
Got questions or comments?
Drop us a line: 411@theblacktravelbox.com.
The Black Travel Box, LLC
4800 Dahlia Street, Denver, CO 80216