Travel Crush Tuesday: Emilia
Photo Source: Emilia and Instagram
Welcome to Travel Crush Tuesday!
You know that feeling you get when you're just about to board a plane. It's that same high-energy excitement you had when you were a kid about to enter an amusement park or county fair. The rush of walking down the aisle and throwing your carry-on in the overhead bins is only comparable to the rush you had before getting strapped into your first roller coaster.
This week we interviewed our newest Travel Crush Emilia, who's been chasing the thrill of travel since she was a little girl. Emilia has been to over 20 countries, and counting. Her love of people, cultures, languages and creating new experiences causes her roster of destinations to be ever-growing. Keep reading to get to know Emilia and her travel journey.
Tell us about yourself! Who are you? Where are you from? What do you do? What inspires you to travel?
My Name is Emília. I‘m 26 Years old. I was born in Angola, but I moved to Germany in 2001. I work as an educator in a kindergarten. I love to travel and discover the world. What inspires me to travel is my interest in different people, countries, cultures, languages and traditions. When I was younger, I could not imagine how the world looked outside of the district where my parents lived. But I had family in Europe so I would dream about going to Europe and traveling the world. Also, I have an uncle who traveled to so many different countries and listening to his traveling stories inspired me a lot!!!!
To those wanting to pursue solo travel, what is your advice?
If your travel time is limited, make a plan and create an itinerary to maximize your time abroad. Be sure that you prioritize the destinations and excursions you'd like and do those first. If money is limited, a budget is key! Don't stray away from it. Finally your safety is paramount. Before you book your flight and hotels, ensure your destination is safe. When you arrive at your hotel, ask the receptionists which areas you should be more careful of. Also, always let someone back at home know where you are and where you're going.
What was the most impactful lesson you've learned as a result of travel?
The most impactful lesson I learned due to traveling is that my life in Germany is really good and I‘m blessed to live here. Traveling has been a huge lesson in gratitude. I’m thankful and appreciate life even more. I recognize that not everybody has the chance and opportunity to live freely and to create the life they want, to be Independent and to travel the world.
Having been to over 20 countries, which country was your favorite and why?
Of all the countries I’ve visited so far, I think Indonesia (Bali) is my favorite one. The people there were so kind and respectful, the food was delicious, and we could sleep in very beautiful hotels for a really good price. In the beginning I was speechless because the culture is very different from the Angolan and German cultures. But I was fascinated by the kindness of the people and the whole vibe in general. When we were in Indonesia there were earthquakes and we were really scared, but the locals supported us and told us how to behave.
When it's safe to travel, what is your first destination on your list to visit and why?
When it’s safe to travel again my first destination will be Australia. Australia is so far from where I live and have traveled. In reading travel blogs, I think everything there is so different from what I’ve experienced before and that fascinates me. Last year I wanted to celebrate my birthday in Australia but due to the pandemic I was unable to do so. So, I promised myself I will travel to Australia as soon as possible. Aside from Australia, Colombia and Peru are on my bucket list because of the culture and landscape. When we can travel again, I will visit so many places!!!! No excuses!!!!
Where can folks find you?
You can find me on instagram at @black_german_traveler to see more of my trips!
More #TravelCrushTuesday Featured Women
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Travel Crush Tuesday: Ellee
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.
