Why is your blog called ‘Suitcase And I’?
After receiving a scholarship for a London study exchange I started the process of selling and donating my possessions. The goal was to fit everything I owned into one bag before I left so that it was just my ‘Suitcase And I’
How do you afford to travel?
I personally finance all my travels unless I am on a sponsored trip. Sponsorship means I am being paid by a tour company, tourism board, hotel etc. to travel on their behalf to create content.
How did you save for your travels?
To finance my travels I worked 10-20 hours a week part-time during high school and then worked full time on top of full-time studies during my first three years of university. I then began my communications career and have since worked in London, Paris and NYC.
The opportunity of a lifetime
Out of 26,907 applicants worldwide I was selected to be the ‘AXA Great Global Adventurer’. This was a contract to travel the world and complete two placements in cities of my choice. I chose to move to NYC for my first placement and Paris for my second. Over the course of the year I travelled to all 7 continents and 31 countries.
7 continents and 100+ Countries
In 2015 I moved to London for a study exchange and traveled to –
Spain, Hungary, Morocco, Romania, Scotland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, USA, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Vatican City, England, Monaco, Switzerland, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, USA, and Egypt.
In 2016 I moved to New York City and traveled to –
Iceland, Turkey, France, UK, Canada, South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Morocco, and Spain.
In 2017 I moved to Paris traveled to –
Peru, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Antarctica, France, UK, Turkey, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Australia (my home), New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Malaysia.
In 2018 I moved back to London and traveled to –
Jordan, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Faroe Islands, Malta, Israel, and Cyprus.
I also visited (again): Egypt, Spain, Switzerland, Croatia, UK, Netherlands, Portugal, Australia and Norway.
In 2019 I stayed based in London and traveled to –
South Korea, China, Japan, India, Oman, UAE, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Bonaire, Curacao, Grenada, Dominica, St Thomas, Grand Turk, St Lucia, Barbados, Antigua, Mexico.
I also visited (again): Spain, Norway, Italy, Australia, USA
In 2020 I moved to Auckland and (pre-COVID) I traveled to –
Cuba, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and New Zealand
In 2021 I moved back to NYC and travelled to –
Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Mauritius
USA: Nevada, California, New York, Maine, Colorado
In 2022 I am living in NYC and have travelled to –
Dominican Republic, Venezuala, Suriname, Guyana, French Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Vincent & Grenadines, and Jamaica
USA: Utah, Arizona, D.C., Hawaii, Illinois, Vermont, Louisiana, Texas
What is your favorite destination?
Antarctica! In terms of a city though, nothing beats London… NYC is pretty close though ;D
Who takes your photos if you travel solo?
I use a lightweight collapsible Manfrotto tripod and remote control. Check out How To Take Photos When Traveling Solo.
What camera do you use?
I use a Sony a7iii with an 24-104mm lens, iPhone 13, and my DJI Mavic Pro for content on my YouTube Channel.
If you have any other questions feel free to contact me via social media!
Instagram // TikTok