I’m Kelly, a 30-something year old, traveling the world on a teacher’s schedule and shoestring budget.

I figured out a way to make my love of travel fit in with my 9-5 job, making the most out of school breaks, and seeing a lot of the world in a short amount of time.

As of 2020 I have been to over 38 countries. I’ve cruised around Greece, hiked Machu Picchu, bungee jumped in New Zealand, drove in a snow storm in Lithuania, went to a fitness camp in Thailand, and eaten more than my fair share of pasta and gelato in Italy.

I’m a big believer in seeing a lot while traveling, but also scheduling free time to wander a city without a plan-no matter how limited my time in a place may be.

I’m honest in my travel writing that sometimes travel is hard, and it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. My goal is to inspire others to travel, but it is also to be realistic and to prepare people for what they will experience.

Budget plays a big role in my travels. Although, I have graduated from 20-bed dorm room hostels to more modest single room accommodations (still at hostels) , I stay on a strict budget. Saving up for traveling is something I’ve done my whole life, making sacrifices so I can spend time doing what I love.

When I’m not traveling, I’m working as a teacher in the hip city of St. Petersburg, Florida. My city is awesome, and I love showing people just how much there is to do here, from beaches and restaurants to museums and parks.

I grew up in northern Virginia, moving to Florida in 2013 after I graduated with my English degree from Virginia Tech and my master’s in Teaching.

Like most travelers, I had that one trip that changed my life, and I’ve been hooked on traveling ever since.

I thought about studying abroad, and later teaching and living abroad, I even got my TEFL certificate, but it never panned out, and I felt like I missed out on my chance to travel the world.

But life is funny, I ended up doing my own version of a “study abroad” experience, backpacking Europe for a couple of months and then au pairing for a family in Rome in 2014.

Even though I adore traveling, I knew living abroad wasn’t for me. I was too close to my family, and felt like living somewhere was very different from visiting somewhere. I found I had more appreciation for a country when I just visited, as opposed to living there for a longer stretch of time.

My focus in my writing is itineraries and city guides for 10 day or less trips through my 10 day Travel Project. Staying on a budget, but still having magical experiences in a new place is something that I strive for whenever I travel.

Magical experiences can be anything from a cute cafe, to some awesome street art, a cool music venue, or a white water rafting experience. Whatever city or country I go to I always try and have one magical experience.

I also focus on wellness, including visiting weight loss camps, as well as my daily yoga practice. I’m an overweight traveler, but I still love fitness, yoga, and surfing. And I try to encourage everyone to see the world.

CHECK OUT HOW TO TRAVEL WITH A 9-5 JOB!

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EMAIL KELLY@SNAPTRAVELMAGIC.COM