Traveler Spotlight: Amanda D.

Amanda D.

Amanda & I have mutual friends, that brought us together the past few years. She owns her own photography company, and recently got into non-profit work on her last trip. Here is what she had to say!

What’s your name and tell us a little bit about you

“My name is Amanda D. and I am a 23 year old Portrait Photographer. I am married to the love of my life Zachary and we have 3 dogs, A.K.A “THE FURRIES”. We have Maddie who is a Border collie , Deke who is a Chocolate lab and Dutch Who is a yellow lab! I love to travel and being out doors. Life is for adventures right? I love meeting new people even if it is for 5 minutes! I started photography about 2 years ago and let me tell you, I never thought I would love it so much! It was my dream that I never knew I wanted!”

How many countries have you traveled to?

“I have been to 3 countries. Mexico, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic”

What’s your favorite mode of travel?

“I love road trips!! and walking around once I am in my travel destination. Most likely we will fly to our destination and I HATE flying. I get really bad anxiety but just give me a xanax or a couple drinks and I will survive.” 

What’s your dream travel destination?

“My dream travel destination is Ireland. I have heard it is so green and beautiful plus who doesn’t want to go to and Irish pub IN IRELAND????”

How has traveling helped you manage a healthy mentality?

“Traveling is good for the soul. Life is so busy and can be super chaotic and stressful. Every one needs time to relax and unwind even if it is just for a weekend! Plus different cultures really opens your mind up and you gain different perspectives on life.”

What are some ways you use travel as a coping mechanism?

” I can get really frustrated at my full time job and I use our getaways as my breather. I can step back and calm down and let all the stupid things I was frustrated go, because they really don’t matter”

How do you choose who you travel with? Does it impact your trip?

“I travel with my Hubby, Zach. He is my forever travel Buddy. It is so wonderful to get to see the world with the person you love the most”

Do you have a favorite destination?

“So far Costa Rica is my favorite travel destination!” 

When you travel do you make more friends than when you are at home?

“Zach and I always seem to meet people on our trips which is so fun! We always seem to meet people back home too though.”

How has anxiety or depression affected your travels negatively?

“Anxiety definitely plays a role negatively because I hate flying and I get super anxious and I shake and I stress about flying a week before our flight haha”

How has anxiety or depression affected your travels positively?

“Positively I think the more I travel and push my anxiety with flying I can overcome it. At least that is my hope!”

Do you feel that traveling is a coping mechanism for a lot of people? 

“Everyone is different but I believe traveling really is a great way to relieve stress”

Whats one thing you can not travel without?

“MUSIC!”

Whats your number one travel tip for our fellow travelers out there?

“Packing lists!! packing lists are a complete life savor for me and Zach whether he admits that or not.”

Contact Amanda!

You can reach Amanda on her Website, Instagram (@a.d._photos) , Facebook, or via email. Feel Free to comment questions for her on this post!