Travel Crush Tuesday: Summer
Photo Source: Summer and Instagram
Welcome to Travel Crush Tuesday!
This Tuesday we welcome British Babe, Summer, to our long list of Travel Crushes! The theme for this interview is live life and Summer is definitely doing that to the fullest! Summer shared with us her meandering career journey that has led to her newest entrepreneurial endeavors. Let's just say, we think her travel business is exactly what you all have been looking for. She didn't stop there! Summer also let us in on a few of her travel stories and the destinations she's got her sights set on. We can't give it all away here, so get to reading!
Tell us about yourself! Who are you? Where are you from? What do you do? What inspires you to travel?
My name is Summer Moanna Crosse, and I was born and raised in London. Both of my parents are avid travelers who aided to spark my obsession with travel from a young age. At the age of 6 I was homeschooled by my mum for a year whilst she took me traveling around the world. At the age of 14 I attended a private boarding school in Hertfordshire on a scholarship, opening my eyes essentially to how 'the other half live'. I would say that both of these experiences have really shaped me to be the person that I am today. Since leaving school, I have completed 3 degrees, worked as an assistant celebrity stylist, primary school teacher, and in Fashion PR. My love for the fashion world has also motivated me to launch my own small business in homeware and apparel, and my love for travel has lead me to launch my own travel brand, which should be live in the next couple of months.
What is the most underrated destination you've been to and why should people jump at the chance to go?
I don't know if underrated is the word I would use, but India is definitely a love it or hate it place to visit. People come away with very mixed opinions of India, because of the poverty, the rubbish and the overpopulated cities. However, it is such an eye opening travel destination, and I think it is an experience that every traveller should have. If I am being honest, during my 6 weeks out there, there were definitely moments where I was ready to leave. However in hindsight, it is a country that I don't think I will ever be finished exploring. There is so much to be seen and so much culture to offer, I miss it.
What was your craziest travel experience?
I went to Iceland a few years back, with huge goals that were massively unattainable. I thought I could drive the whole of Iceland in a weekend. Drive through the night and explore during the day, some how squeezing in time to sleep and eat. Needless to say, the weather was awful. We began driving on their highway on the first night, facing torrential rain, super speed wind, and major fog, in the pitch black darkness, on what felt like the side of a sheer drop. After an hour or so we saw a parking lot in the middle of nowhere so decided to pull over. We ended up sleeping in the car for the night, with winds literally shaking the car to the extreme! It was terrifying, and I thought we were going to take off!
What was your biggest life lesson learned as a result of travel?
Don't wait for others! This is one thing that holds many people back, even myself for a time! I used to be so scared to travel alone, and that is why I think group trips are so successful. Personally I could never afford them, which is why I am looking to cater my group trips to people with a smaller budget. I want to encourage people to take the bull by the horns and go after life, because it is way too short! Most people work 5/7 days a week and take no time to really live, because they are waiting for their friends to all 'live' on the same schedule. This ultimately holds you back. I think the ability to put yourself in uncomfortable positions, ultimately helps you to grow as a person.
If you had a plane ticket to go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Jamaica/St Lucia! These two countries make up half of my heritage and yet I know nothing about them. Recently I have taken a really big interest in learning more about that side of my family, and contacting those members. I would love to go back to where my grandparents are from and learn more about their culture before coming to the UK.
Where else can folks find you?
I have a TikTok account (@summer.moanna) but I am definitely more active on IG.
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