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Photo Source: Lashoy and Instagram
Eager to create unique and lasting memories, Lashoy chose off-the-beaten-path adventures. Whether solo or making new friends, our Travel Crush does not shy away from exploring the world around her and is excited to share with you why you shouldn't either.
Tell us about yourself! Who are you? Where are you from? What do you do? What inspires you to travel?
I'm a girl who wears many hats. While I'm a travel consultant, I'm also a certified English teacher, graphic designer, video editor, and product photographer. Born in Westmoreland, Jamaica, I am a vibrant individual proud to share my island adventures with other travel lovers.
My favorite travel quote is "Travel. Your money will return. Your time won't." It is a fact that money comes and goes. Literally, because we will never be able to truly relive each second that passes by, I truly aim to make spectacular, meaningful memories while I can. Additionally, traveling has forced me to grow in unbelievable ways. Travel has undoubtedly taught me gratitude and appreciation. I've been privileged to interact with people from all walks of life. It is incredible how I've garnered a wealth of information as they share their cultural and historical background information with me. This fuels deep respect for others and reminds me how much of a speck I am in this vast universe. I've been uprooted from my comfort zone as I have seen how I have significantly grown as a global citizen.
Many people have asked where I got my love for traveling. I honestly think I got my mother's travel genes. She often told me stories of the days she would grab her road map and hop on a bike taxi just to find places on the island she didn't know. I remember tagging along with her to many sites in my earlier years as she would never leave me behind. My love for discovery and adventure grew from there. I vividly remember my mother bringing me to a popular hotel in St. Ann, Jamaica. She turned her back for a few minutes to see me waving, "bye, mommy!" from a glass bottom boat. Clearly, I was thrilled because it was a grand adventure; I was only six years old, and all I saw was the deep, blue sea and a boat that represented a grand adventure. Of course, she was distraught when I returned. Still, I would never trade that experience for the world because that was where my spark for solo adventures was truly ignited. From venturing into island caves to discovering hidden waterfalls to ziplining through the hills, I'm ready to tackle a variety of travel scenarios whether I have company or not.
What's the best thing about island living?
Not many people worldwide have the opportunity to wake up and genuinely enjoy their country. Living in Jamaica offers many experiences, and I am a proud island girl. We truly appreciate the ability to have the choice to trek through the hills of the Blue Mountains in the East and dive into the crystal clear waters of Negril in the West. We have so many breathtaking island gems that attract tons of tourists each year, and there are still far more undiscovered.
For us, it is also a blessing to be able to wave to a neighbor who invites you over to pick coconuts or hear a knock on your door and open it to see a bag filled with green bananas, breadfruits, or yam for you to cook on your verandah. We can also pick fruits from fruit trees in our various communities and get fresh water from the many springs daily.
Additionally, our Jamaican culture is something that is a whole vibe! We are internationally known for our music, food, history, and people. Despite the odds, Jamaicans are easygoing people who believe in having a good time and supporting each other when it truly matters.
What is your best-kept travel hack as a Travel Consultant?
I encourage anyone to upload all travel-related documents to Google Drive, iCloud Drive, or other cloud-based storage platforms. Scan your passport, plane tickets, international/local driver's license, and any other important document that may be needed as you go on your adventures. There are times when persons may be conducting business on your behalf, or a place of business may require something that you may not physically have at the moment. Sometimes, random things pop up while you are on the go. It is so convenient to whip out your mobile device and either display proof of document ownership or quickly email it to whoever is requesting it. It has saved me so many times and has allowed me to access opportunities faster than others. It is best to have copies of essential documents saved to your mobile device in case you cannot access mobile data or WiFi services.
Share with us your most adventurous travel experience. Would you recommend it to others? Why?
My most adventurous travel experience was venturing into a pitch black cave in Oxford, Manchester, with a fellow Jamaican travel content creator. Some caves across the island are renovated to accommodate tourists, but this cave was untouched. We heard about it and decided to check it out for ourselves. With two knapsacks, safety gear, and flashlights, we explored this massive cave with markings and evidence of few visitors. I was not accustomed to seeing bats at a close range, and it was a new experience to have them staring as we ventured into their natural habitat. Our cellular reception went out at some point, so we were on our own. However, we stuck together and made it to the end of the cave trail and back in a little less than 3 hours. I slipped twice along the way and earned a faded scar to prove it, but I thoroughly enjoyed the thrill.
As female travelers, we are expected to stick to Travel's luxurious and glorious side. I plan to change the narrative. Occasionally, you will find me enjoying the amenities and views of a hotel or villa; however, I also enjoy outdoor adventures such as ziplining, cave explorations, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, discovering rivers, and climbing waterfalls. I recommend people step outside of a resort's comfort zone once in a while to truly enjoy a country. If you like to tackle exciting outdoor adventures, then cave explorations may be something you can try.
If you had a plane ticket to go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would definitely go to Greece! I love Grecian history, and it has been a lifelong dream to travel there. I love seeing other travelers post their adventures at popular spots such as Mykonos, Santorini, and even the off-beaten paths in Karpathos.
Where else can folks find you?6. Where can folks find you other than Instagram?
Email capturedbyshoy@gmail.com if you need assistance with travel planning to Jamaican destinations. I’ll definitely connect you to the best tour guides and local attractions for the duration of your stay. Additionally, I started a YouTube channel quite recently so folks can feel free to subscribe @Captured by Shoy and look out for upcoming travel content. I am also on Tiktok as @capturedbyshoy.
Here are some more of our favorite travelers and their gorgeous shots.
Ready to keep your hair looking fabulous on the go? We know that traveling can be a bit rough on the hair, especially when you're hopping between different climates and accommodations. So, what’s the best way to protect your hair while you’re catching some Zs?
Let's dive into the great debate: silk pillowcases vs. bonnets.
We’ll break down the pros and cons, spill some tea on the public bonnet debate, and help you decide which is the best for your next adventure.
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