Kristen loves to travel. She has found a way to manage a full-time job and even a part-time job, while still having the freedom to go somewhere new every now and then. She funds all her travels and says that it does get expensive, but with helpful travel apps and flight miles she makes it work. She even finds time to give her dogs a great life: they did a two month road-trip of the USA and Canada!
She says that “life is pretty good and Instagram is far from a normal life, but I am still only human – I have flaws and problems of my own. I am not perfect, nor do I aspire to be. I created my Instagram for the sole purpose to inspire people from around the world to love life as much as I do, to be happy on your darkest days, and to see the beauty in everything that the world has to offer.”
You can follow her adventures on Instagram here: @whereiskristen. You can also check out her dogs adventures here: @wherearekristensdogs. Read on to hear more about her travels and adventures!
We absolutely love following your travels and wondering where you are going next! What inspired you to live a life full of travel and adventure?
For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with the world. I love trying new things, meeting new people and exploring new places. A life full of travel was easy for to me to jump into. The only hesitation I had was going at it alone. Once I got over that fear I’ve been unstoppable. Tune in to my Instagram to see where I’m going next; you may even find yourself asking “Where is Kristen?”
Where are you currently located, and where are some of your favorite local spots for adventure?
Im currently located in Miami, Florida, where I was born and raised. Growing up here I had a whole childhood of exploring the city and further. I go paddle boarding at Oleta River State Park, bike ride in Shark Valley and Everglades National Park and I also dive in John Pennycamp, Key Largo. It’s hard to be bored in a place where there is so much to do! I’m finding new things to do all the time, even with a full-time job.
We love that you bring your dogs on so many of your adventures! (They even have their own Instagram account). What advice would you give to people looking to bring their dogs along for their adventures?
Do your research! Always be prepared when traveling with pets, know where you can stay, know of pet friendly places to eat, and just know of animal friendly places in general. There are plenty of apps that I use with all the information I need on the road. Once you get passed all the planning, traveling with a pet is some of the best fun you will ever have. Also, I do not fly my pups anywhere; we drive when we travel together.
What are some of your goals in sharing your adventures, and how do you aim to inspire others to get outside?
Growing up my friends thought I was crazy, talking about going to places on the other side of the world and doing things they couldn’t imagine. This is when I realized that I can make my life as beautiful as I want. Just because certain people feel safe within their limitations has nothing to do with me and my life. I’ve always wanted an extraordinary life: one filled with laughter, adventure and freedom and no one seemed to believe me when I talked about it. Luckily I had the support of my family always giving me the encouragement that I needed to do what I want. I inspire others to be exactly who they want to be, that vision inside your head of who you think you should be is absolutely right. No one has the power to shut down your dreams. If traveling is what you love, then do it. If being home with your family is what you love, then do it. If working hard everyday of your life is what you want, then do it. Do what makes you happy because life is too short to be anything else.
Where are some of your favorite places you have traveled, and why would you recommend them?
I always hate the question “what’s your favorite place to travel;” truth is I have love for every place I’ve gone. Each one had a new beautiful story to share. That being said here is my top 6: Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Italy, Dubai and St. Lucia. I would recommend all of these places.
Where are some of your dream destinations for adventure?
The day I can afford Bora Bora, you can find me there. Adventure comes with my everyday life; I don’t look for it. Something within me keeps repeating “What do you really want to do before you die?” And that’s when the most fun happens.
What are some of the most memorable or funniest stories you have from your adventures?
I have so many great memories from all over the world with so many amazing different people. All of which wouldn’t fit in this post, but to give you some idea on how good life is … I’ve gone skydiving in Dubai, rang in birthdays with people I just met, shared long conversations getting to know random people around the world, climbed mountains and shared experiences that last a lifetime. It’s been really fun so far.
Where is your next big adventure?
I have a few trips lined up for the rest of the year. Bimini in a few days, Oregon in a few weeks, Kentucky in September, Key West in October. I’m thinking of adding Canada in January, and one trip I’ve been waiting for is New Zealand in February. All my adventures are big.
At This Adventure Life we celebrate the lives and stories of the people who live life fearlessly. #livefearlessly