Author: Olivia Franzman

I frequently run through the same conversations as a full time traveler. When I meet someone new and explain that I have been traveling the world for the last two years, the same kinds of comments come up. “Are you just running away from real life?”“Are you trying to avoid real responsibilities?”“Are you ever going…

Traveling often comes with stress, especially the booking process and the airport experience. I used to dread booking flights, being in airports, and dealing with the costs and logistics that come with travel. It all felt like something you had to push through rather than enjoy. Then I invested in a travel credit card, and…

Have you ever left a trip saying, “I’ll definitely be coming back here”? You probably have. And if you’re anything like me, you probably haven’t actually gone back. Almost every time I visit a new country, I leave feeling so fulfilled and so in love with the experience that those words come out of my…

You can imagine the reaction on most people’s faces when I tell them I’m going to spend a month in El Salvador. A country that was once labeled the murder capital of the world. A place people still associate with gangs, crime, and danger. For many, the image that comes to mind is one shaped…

We all know Central America for destinations like Costa Rica, and more recently Guatemala with its rise in tourism. Some people head to the beaches of Panama, while others stick to the comfort of an all inclusive resort in Mexico. But what if I told you there is a destination right in between all of…

Every place that’s full of adventure, beautiful nature, unique culture, and exciting experiences tends to follow the same pattern when it comes to tourism. Over time, a well worn path develops. A handful of cities, a few must do experiences, and a version of the country that becomes widely known. And while those places are…

Traveling, as I always describe it, is one of the biggest educators and learning experiences. It teaches you so much, far beyond anything I ever learned in school, and often in ways I never expected. These are lessons and skills that stay with you for life, whether you are traveling or not. After nearly two…

After landing in San Salvador, in the small but beautiful country of El Salvador, I headed straight to the beach. I went right to El Tunco, exploring the surf town, walking along the black sand beaches, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the laid back vibe that pulls so many people in. But after about…

Ever heard the saying “quality over quantity”? It applies to so much more than you might think, including travel. When traveling, I’ve come across two very different types of people. Some focus on how many places they can see, how quickly they can move, and how many destinations they can check off their bucket list.…