Hi, my name is Laura. I grew up in New Jersey but no matter where I am or where I go, I’ll always be a Jersey girl at heart. I did the whole college thing you’re “supposed” to do after high school and got my BA degree in forensic psychology, so you can imagine I have a good chunk of post college debt. I travel as much as I can while working my ass off, utilizing my vacation days wisely and finding cheap ways to travel around the world.
I had my first taste of solo international travel in 2007 and I’ve been hooked ever since. I struggled with anxiety for quite a few years and it held me back from doing things I loved. Traveling was my cure. It was a different kind of anxiety; a rush of not knowing where I was and people didn’t know who I was and being in a completely foreign land. I relished in meeting new people and learning about their culture and traditions. 14 countries around the world molded me into who I am today. (And counting).
I am very open about my experiences both the good and bad. Travel blogging sometimes portrays a facade where the raw, vulnerable moments get lost.
Traveling is not always sunshine and rainbows, but those are the moments I treasure the most because I grow from those experiences and sometimes shit needs to hit the fan for you to learn valuable lessons. My purpose is to share my experiences and ways you can travel the world on a budget.
When were you first bit by the travel bug?
Probably when I was a baby. I used to travel to Canada with my dad and brother every summer to stay in a cabin on a lake and go fishing. I did that until I was about 18 or 19 years old. I looked forward to that trip ever year.
Even as a young kid, I enjoyed being away from the world to be surrounded by nature with my family. It was and still is a special place to me.
What’s your travel style? Why do you prefer this style of travel?
I don’t necessarily have a travel style but I do like to travel slow. I want to travel like a local, whether that’s going to local restaurants, bars, etc.
I want to experience a country, meet people and do things you can’t find in a guide book. I’m also an adventurer with an adrenaline-seeking side too.
How do you fund your travels?
I work my ass off and live simply. I don’t need materialistic items which was never my thing anyway, but it definitely saves you a lot of money.
I save my money as much as I can and travel saving more money by using SkyScanner.
What first inspired you to start Traveling Jersey Girl?
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I always travel with a journal that I write my experiences daily, even if I’m drunk. (Makes it more fun to read later)
After writing for a few years, I wanted other people to read about my experiences and get inspired to see the world.
What’s been your most popular blog post? Why do you think this blog post resonated with your audience?
My post about how I became an Italian citizen has been my most popular. I think it’s resonated with people because who wouldn’t want to be an EU citizen? It enables you to work and live there without worrying about a visa, at least that’s the main reasons why I got it.
But in all seriousness, it’s frustrating to get so I think a lot people are lost like I was and need information. It took me 5-6 years to become a citizen but it was worth it. People email me a lot about their current situation, which I’m more than happy to answer because I know how frustrating it can be and it’s nice to know someone who already went through it to lead you in the right direction.
What’s been your favorite destination city and why?
So hard to choose one city but I can say my favorite country has been Costa Rica. I could live there.
It was gorgeous, the people are friendly and the food is DELICIOUS!
What picture have you taken during your travels that you’d consider to be your favorite and why?
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I love landscapes shots that I’ve taken. I tend to forget to take pictures of myself most of the time. I truly believe it’s not about the pictures you take, it’s about what you’re experiencing.
Since I write all my experiences down, I don’t constantly document with pictures. I’d rather be in the moment and write about it later.
Have you eaten anything during your travels that absolutely blew your mind? What was it and where?
I was sick when I arrived to Costa Rica, the night before I caught a bug and knocked me on my ass but I refused to cancel my trip. Traveling with a fever was not fun. I was driving with my friend and we saw a fruit stand on the side of the road.
In Costa Rica, they called them Lychees, I think they have other names but I don’t know. They are furry looking red fruit. I had one and it was the best thing I ever ate. Probably because I was sick so anything fresh like that tasted amazing. I was addicted to them. Anytime I saw them, I’d buy 1 kilo but slowly I felt better. I found out they are good for the immune system so it was a win win!
Tell us about one of your greatest experiences during your travels.
Oh man, so many. But something happened recently on the plane when I was traveling to Israel. My seat got changed to the exit row in the front and I sat next to these two ladies who were super friendly. We had comfy blankets and our chairs went back a lot. We covered ourselves with blankets, leaned back, looked at each other and started laughing. One of the women said this may be better than 1st class.
I had a deep conversation with one of the women about traveling, life and being a free spirit. It lifted my spirits and I’ll never forget her infectious laugh and smile.
Tell us about one of your worst experiences during your travels.
Definitely when I was attacked in Pisa, Italy. Read for yourself.
What has surprised you the most about traveling?
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How much we are all the same.
We may have different cultures, languages, clothes, food etc. But we are all the same at the end of the day. And it’s beautiful.
What’s one thing you seek out in every city you visit no matter what?
I try to go wherever the locals go. If it’s packed with locals then it’s probably good.
Do you have a favorite travel hack or best piece of travel advice?
Skyscanner is your new best friend. I’ve saved tons of money finding cheap flights on their website.
Also travel during low season, flights are usually cheaper and there’s less people which means the touristy areas will be less crowded and it’s more enjoyable.
Any future travel plans?
I recently just came back from an 11 day trip in Israel but as for now, no. But I’m spontaneous so that could change tomorrow. Image may be NSFW.
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Favorite travel quote?
“I can’t think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.” -Bill Bryson
What has travel taught you?
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Travel has taught and continues to teach me a deep understanding for other people and cultures. The more I travel, the more I see how similar we are. I leave a piece of me everywhere I go and what I gain in return changes me and helps me grow.
Special thanks to Laura of Traveling Jersey Girl for taking part in our Good Travel Interview series. Leave a comment below with your thoughts on the interview.
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