@amanda_wanders
What inspired your passion for travel?
Quite honestly, I feel like I was just born with it, Maybelline-style. It is something I’ve always loved. I watched so much Discovery Channel and Animal Planet growing up that I felt like I knew places before I ever visited them. And that I wanted to gain magical experiences like the ones I watched on those channels.
What was the first destination you ever visited?
My first trip outside of the US was to Mexico.
In your opinion what is the best way to experience a new place?
With people you love. But also through the food!
What’s the best meal you’ve had on your travels?
Ohhh wow so many good options here. Probably this massive garlic seafood plate in Phuket, Thailand, followed by a second massive seafood plate down the street. Full on hobbit-style double dinner.
What are 3 things we’d always find in your carry on?
My Sony a6300 camera, a hyaluronic acid serum, and my memory foam travel pillow.
Aisle or Window seat?
Window, every time. I’m that person taking pictures with my phone every flight.
What’s the longest flight you’ve been on and what are some long-haul flight tips you can offer our readers?
The Detroit > Seoul leg of my Thailand flight, or the San Francisco > Sydney leg of my Australia flight. Dress in comfortable layers because temperatures shift everywhere you go, bring melatonin or whatever sleep aid works for you, a pair of corded backup headphones (particularly if you use AirPods or wireless headphones), and an extra power source in case your plane doesn’t have ones that function. I’ve been burned too many times if you can’t tell, ha.
What is one country you think everyone should visit and why?
I’m not sure if it’s a specific country or if it’s that I think every person should experience culture shock in some way. Every person should be taken completely out of their comfort zone and see how others’ live their lives opposite them. But if we’re limited to just a single country, I’m going to go with either Australia or the USA because they’re both massive with so many different cultures and landscapes; there is something for any type of traveler.
What are some tips and tricks you can offer our readers on capturing the best travel photos?
I always offer to take a photo for other tourists who are taking selfies in front of whatever gorgeous place you’re visiting. These are often couples or friends that would love a photo taken together. While this is just a nice thing I like to do for people (because I love having good photos with my people), these people 90% of the time ask to return the favor. You can say, “Oh sure that’d be great! See how I took the photo of you? Just like that would be perfect, thank you so much!” and voila, you’ve not only made someone else happy with photos, but gotten yours as well.
What has been your greatest life adventure so far?
I studied abroad in Spain in college where I knew absolutely no one. The friends I made there and the memories I will cherish forever. Well, the ones that aren’t a little fuzzy from all the sangria. 😉
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