Traveler Spotlight

This week I am going to do an interview of another traveler. I have been traveling with Gracelyn since I was in high school. Although we grew up together, we stay close through discussing our travels and mental health. 

 What’s your name and tell us a little bit about you.
“My name is Gracelyn R,  I live in Germany currently but headed back stateside soon. I work for the army as a preschool teacher and I adore it. I’m addicted to traveling and positivity.  I am a pescatarian and a baller on a budget when I travel.”

How many countries have you traveled to?
“As of the end of the year 2019 I have traveled to roughly 42 countries since 2017. Before that I only explored the 50 states which I’ve been to most but have a few to check off still.”

What’s your favorite mode of travel? (Plane, train, cruise, car, walking, etc.)
“I prefer flying because it’s so much faster. However driving is my favorite because you don’t miss as much, and you really get to appreciate what you see.”

What’s your dream travel destination?
“Bali, Vietnam, Peru and India. I enjoy traveling and I’m thoroughly addicted so pretty much everywhere I haven’t been, I plan to go. ” 

How has traveling helped you manage a healthy mentality?
“It keeps me open minded and grounded. Every time I go somewhere it reminds me of how small and huge the world is. There are so many differences but in the end we’re all human just trying to make it through life. It reminds me to be thankful for what I have. Appreciate what I get to experience and understand what I’m missing in my life.”

What are some ways you use travel as a coping mechanism?
“When I travel my mind, body, and soul feel free. Nothing compares and I truly feel 100% at ease. Often times when I get overwhelmed or stressed I even take short day trips to wherever I can and instantly my happiness is expanded.”

How do you choose who you travel with? Does it impact your trip?
“This is a tough one, I go with whoever is willing to go to these places with me. While I enjoy a majority of the people I have been traveling with, sometimes it isn’t so fun. Not because of the person per say but maybe the style of traveling they like to do.  Everyone is different, some are more adventurous, or want to party all night.  Others only want to relax and see little.  Some are high maintenance and stress on trips. But for the most part I’m pretty easy going and I’m okay with just about anything, as long as it doesn’t negatively impact my energy.”

Do you have a favorite destination?
“I actually really hate this question because I love each place I’ve been

They are all so unique and have specific and special qualities on their own. It almost makes it impossible to decide which is the “favorite.” Not to mention it really depends on who you travel with and what you do. Each person experiences things differently so what could have been wonderful for me might not be the same for you.  But if I had to choose it would be Thailand for Asia, it’s absolutely a must see and not only is the culture incredible it’s decently priced. In Europe I’ve loved Switzerland the most because it reminds me the most of Idaho. I’m more of an outdoors traveler so I prefer nature to cities.”

 
When you travel do you make more friends than when you are at home?
“Um well I’m still working on this. I’m actually really shy around new people and so I have a really tough time making friends. However,  I have made a few friends from traveling and made more friends by traveling with others.” 

How has anxiety or depression affected your travels negatively?

“I experience both. And I don’t like when people say they suffer from it. Because I am alive, I am healthy, I do not suffer only experience, it does not define who I am.  I work everyday to overcome them..and starting by changing your vocabulary and how you say and think things is the first step. Often times I get anxious when things don’t go as planned on a trip, but recently I’ve become more and more okay with the unexpected. However, it had made traveling difficult when my anxiety is at an all time high.  I try meditation and less energy drinks (I’m a sucker for them) to help reenter my self.”

How has anxiety or depression affected your travels positively?

“I experience anxiety and depression more often when I am not traveling. So traveling has helped me find a purpose and composed a majority of my episodes. It also puts me in perspective of what’s important to me and how I will not let these things control my life. 
Do you feel that traveling is a coping mechanism for a lot of people? Does your family or friends use traveling as an escape from reality the same way you do? Or do you feel that they travel for other reasons?

I’m not so sure. I don’t like to speak for other people. But traveling as changed my life and helped me ground myself and my needs. I believe some of my friends can relate to this as well. As for others I worry some people travel just to say they’ve been there or for the pictures.  Not for the true life experience. But to each their own.” 

Whats one thing you can not live without?

“My phone, I have to take photos.”

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

“Don’t buy it. You don’t need it. Save your money. All those trinkets aren’t worth the experience. Stick to memories, like postcards their currency, or magnets. “

If you would like to see more of Gracelyn’s adventures, you can find her on Patreon or on Instagram.