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Photo Source: Mia Berry and Instagram
We know the last month or so has been challenging and given stress and angst of being inside we wanted to inspire and give a taste of what will come again. So we're highlighting some of the most beautiful, interesting, and unique travelers in our community. Their photos hopefully give us a little taste of that travel lifestyle we love and encouragement that once the world heals, we can go out there again and explore.
This week's featured crush is Mia Berry, and a 23-year-old budget traveler and second grade teacher. Mia has had a huge passion for inexpensive solo travel since her first solo trip to Europe in 2015 after graduating high school. She loves to plan and take solo trips all over the world on a budget to see the most amazing places.
Get to know Mia and hear some of her best budget travel tips below.
What’s your best budget-friendly travel tip?
My best budget-friendly travel tip is to scour the internet for the best flight deals, using third-party websites like Skyscanner and Expedia, and playing around with dates, one-way and round-trip tickets, and nearby airports! I also love cheap flight notification apps, like Secret Flying, which show amazing flight deals daily from your own airports!
What’s been your favorite place you've traveled to?
My favorite place I’ve been to is such a hard question to answer, but I would have to say Hong Kong! Hong Kong is such a culturally rich country with a fast-paced Asian style combined with Western colonial influence. It’s the most stunning country for architecture imaginable and every neighborhood and street has something new to explore. The market shopping is unreal and so exciting! My family lives there and my mother grew up there, so whenever I go, I really get that local, authentic feeling. I couldn’t recommend Hong Kong enough!
Where are you most excited to visit?
I am most excited to visit Cappadocia, Turkey to see the incredible hot air balloons, and I’m looking forward to planning a trip to the Galápagos Islands with my sister to fulfill her childhood dreams!
What was your experience like the first time you traveled abroad?
My first trip abroad was the first time I ever really felt like an adult because I had just graduated high school and I was excited for college, but I hadn’t really lived. I spent a month exploring Europe, finding my way around 6 countries, meeting up with international friends, and really pushing myself. I even did the whole trip in a carry-on sized backpack! It proved to me that I could do anything I set my mind to as long as I was willing to give it my all!
What do you love most about traveling?
My favorite aspect of traveling is being exposed to different cultures. I am always fascinated with local customs and experiences when I travel and I do my best to really get an authentic experience. I go to small restaurants, do excursions led by locals, and use public transport to get around as if I really lived there.
How would you describe your travel style?
My travel style would definitely be ‘ballin on a budget!’ I find that I can have so much more fun on a trip when I feel like I’ve spent my money thoughtfully. I’ll almost always only bring a carryon, so that means I have to consider how much I can pack and choose my clothes, shoes, and accessories carefully! It turns packing into a game of not taking too much while also getting to showcase my personal style and be ready for all the photos I want to take!
What’s your #1 travel hack?
My #1 travel hack is to just take a carry-on! If it’s a short trip or you’re going to a warm climate, everything is so much easier with a carry-on. You don’t have to check it, it stays with you for peace of mind, and it helps stop you from overpacking. I know it’s annoying with the liquid restrictions, but I’d rather buy a disposable liquid at my destination and save the $$$ for a checked bag. I’ve transitioned to a carry-on suitcase these days, but my E-bag Weekender Convertible Junior I bought back in 2015 for my very first budget trip is still the perfect size for even European budget airline restrictions. When in doubt, just take a carryon!
Where to Find Mia
Check out Mia's Instagram.
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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