I've been working as a freelance writer for the last five years, albeit not yet full time. What I've learned is that writing is, in the words of Lean In, not a ladder, but a jungle gym. There's no direct path to where you want to be, no perfect job or internship that opens doors. You make … [Read more...] about How to Thrive as a Freelance Writer
travel
What I Learned in College
My degree is a Bachelor's in Political Science from the College of Charleston, currently framed and leaned against my closet door, gathering dust since 2010. I'm frequently asked why I got that degree and by some, why I wasted my parents' money on a degree I wasn't even going to use. I sometimes … [Read more...] about What I Learned in College
Experiences Worth Having in Southeast Asia
I've talked about plenty of things I don't think are worth it in Southeast Asia, namely things that other people think are fun that I'm not overly interested in. The Full Moon Party. Elephant rides. Tubing in Vang Vieng. Selfies with tigers at Tiger Temple. Shooting off guns in Vietnam. Halong … [Read more...] about Experiences Worth Having in Southeast Asia
Keeping Your Sanity on Budget Airlines
Flying on budget airlines can save you plenty of money, but can make you want to rip your hair out from all the extra fees and nonsense that go along with it. In my years of being a budget traveler, I've flown Ryanair in Europe, JetStar in Australia and Asia, AirAsia in Asia and Spirit in the United … [Read more...] about Keeping Your Sanity on Budget Airlines
Can You Have Roots and Wings?
Something I've struggled with for as long as I've been traveling is having it all: both a close relationship with my friends and family and the thick skin required to travel the world solo. I find myself justifying my extended jaunts because "no one really notices when I'm not there" and that … [Read more...] about Can You Have Roots and Wings?