Mandy
Adventurous, spirited, and a true lover of life, I’m Mandy—your guide to the world’s wonders. With a camera in hand and a desire to explore, I live each day to its fullest, knowing tomorrow is never promised. I’ve traveled to over 60 countries and have had so many unforgettable experiences. I’m always anxious to book my next trip. From wild safaris to breathtaking nature hikes, join me as we discover the globe’s treasures together.
Living on three continents has allowed me to explore so many amazing destinations! My travels focus on capturing beauty, whether it’s a pristine beach or a vibrant temple. Let’s uncover the world’s most picturesque and memorable adventures. I’m always ready to embrace new experiences!
Born in Pennsylvania and raised in North Carolina, my childhood travels were limited to the East Coast of the United States. I grew up believing that international travel was a luxury only the affluent could afford, with family vacations primarily to nearby beaches. This perception dramatically shifted after an eye-opening trip to Europe when I was in college. During this trip, amidst the backdrop of iconic landmarks in England, France, Germany, and Belgium, my then-boyfriend, now husband, proposed to me at the top of the Eiffel Tower—a moment that not only marked the beginning of our lifelong journey together but also the start of my international adventures.
Following our engagement, my husband’s military orders relocated us to England, a move that turned out to be the gateway to nearly six years of constant travel. Living in Europe debunked my earlier belief that travel was prohibitively expensive, as I discovered I could fly to numerous destinations for as little as $10 with budget airlines like RyanAir. This realization transformed my approach to travel from a rare indulgence to almost an addiction, enabling me to explore almost 50 countries during our time in England.
Our journey didn’t stop in Europe. When we received orders to move to South Korea during the Covid pandemic, it marked my first venture into Asia. This new chapter continued to expand my world view and travel experience, providing opportunities not just for sightseeing but also for a deeper understanding of diverse cultures. The military lifestyle has been a blessing, offering us the chance to traverse the globe extensively. Whether traveling with my husband or on solo trips, each journey has been a step in fulfilling a once unimaginable dream. Travel, for me, has evolved from a simple hobby into a comprehensive lifestyle, deeply engrained in who I am and how I see the world.
Travel for me is not just about seeing new places, but truly engaging with the world. It’s about embracing cultures that make each destination unique and discovering the beauty that lies in both bustling cities and peaceful landscapes. My adventures have ranged from adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving in Spain and bungee jumping in Zambia and Switzerland to peaceful moments snorkeling in crystal clear waters in Bali.
I value the essence of cultural immersion. Whether it’s learning to cook traditional dishes in a cooking class in Thailand, participating in a Maori dinner show in New Zealand, or witnessing a Masai tribal wedding in Tanzania, each activity enriches my understanding and appreciation of diverse ways of life. Traveling on a budget has taught me to treasure experiences over luxury, finding richness in the authenticity of simple, unplanned encounters. Solo journeys, in particular, offer a unique kind of peace and introspection—moments where I’m truly able to soak in my surroundings, reflect, and grow. Through these travels, I’ve learned that stepping out of my comfort zone is not just about physical relocation, but about opening my heart and mind to the wonders of the world.
My journey began with an unforgettable trip to England, France, Belgium, and Germany. The highlight? A romantic proposal from my now-husband atop the Eiffel Tower, marking the start of both our lifelong commitment and travel adventures.
We moved to England, opening the door to extensive travel across Europe. This move was not just a relocation; it was the start of a deep dive into diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories that Europe had to offer.
My relocation to South Korea marked my first time living and traveling extensively in Asia. This move not only expanded my geographical horizons but also deepened my appreciation for diverse cultural experiences.
Currently, I am on a mission to see as much of the world as possible. I'm endlessly grateful for the experiences and lessons learned along the way. Thank you for joining me on this incredible adventure and stay tuned for more travels!
My goal? To inspire you to explore beyond your backyard and help you craft perfect itineraries for your adventures. My travel guides are packed with personal insights and tips on must-visit spots, ensuring you never miss out on the world’s hidden gems.
Teaching first and fourth grades in England, I intertwined my love for travel with education, creating a classroom without walls. My passion for teaching, particularly math, always drove me to find creative ways to connect curriculum with real-life experiences. Whether integrating the heights of monuments around the world into a lesson on place value or sharing my travel experiences to spark excitement in my students, I sought to make learning engaging and meaningful.
During summer breaks, I immersed myself in diverse communities, teaching children from different cultures and backgrounds. Volunteering in Zambia, Tanzania, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka further solidified my belief in the power of education and travel to transform lives. It was a deeply rewarding experience, merging my love of travel with my dedication to teaching. I’m proud to be a volunteer with the organization IVHQ (International Volunteer HQ), which has allowed me to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world. If you’re interested in volunteering, you can use my discount code F294F for a special offer.
However, upon moving to South Korea, I decided to transition away from the classroom and focus on my business in curriculum development. While I miss the direct interaction with students, I’ve found immense satisfaction in creating resources that can impact students globally. My commitment to education hasn’t diminished; in fact, it’s taken on new forms. For instance, in Vietnam, some kids approached me to practice their English, and I gladly paused to engage with them. This interaction reminded me of the joy that teaching brings, even outside formal settings.
Now, through my store on TPT, I provide educators with tools to engage and inspire their students, proving that teaching extends far beyond the confines of a traditional classroom. This endeavor has also become a great source of passive income, enabling me to afford my travels and continue exploring the world. If you’re a teacher or want resources for your kids, go check out my store!
Currently, I’ve been fortunate to explore over 60 countries across 5 continents, and I’m on a mission to visit all 7 continents. Additionally, I’m aiming to travel to all 50 states of the USA. It’s my goal to journey to as many countries in the world as I can. Did you know there are more people who have been to space than have traveled to every country in the world?
I hope to encourage others to dream big and travel. The world is full of wonders waiting to be discovered, and I believe that travel is one of the best ways to expand our horizons and enrich our lives. I hope I never stop traveling, as there’s so much of the world left to see and not enough time to see it all. I’m so excited to be on this incredible journey of exploration and adventure!
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Got questions or want to work with me? Drop me a message via the contact form or connect with me on Instagram at @mandytravelstheworld. If we’re ever in the same place, don’t hesitate to say hi!
