I’m Laura, a 30-something Canadian solo female budget traveler who is addicted to traveling, new adventures and experiences, especially in off the beaten path destinations.
I believe that travel, particularly solo travel, leaving your comfort zone, meeting new people and experiencing different cultures are the best ways to learn.
I was bitten hard by the travel bug when I backpacked Europe in 2006, but once I finished university, I felt the pressure to get a “real” job and do all those boring things that adults are expected to do. Meanwhile, I was unhappy and screaming inside to go traveling again, so a few years ago, I abruptly quit my job to go traveling. Since then, I’ve decided to make travel my priority and I’ve become a serial traveler. And more recently, I started blogging about my travels.
I love exploring off the beaten path countries, which often means developing and “unsafe” countries, but I also enjoy partying in backpacker meccas too. It’s all about balance.
I like to prove and also encourage that traveling to these places, particularly as a solo female traveler, is absolutely possible and enjoyable.
I highly recommend solo travel to anyone and everyone, whether you’re 18 or 80, male or female, introvert or extrovert. Everyone should experience solo travel at least once in their life because you learn an incredible amount of independence, confidence, assertiveness, and you really learn how to read people, which are all essential life skills everyone should learn.
I equally enjoy exploring cities and nature. My favorite things about travel are exploring new places, exploring all the different and unique landscapes, learning so many new things, the nightlife, trying new food and meeting so many amazing and unforgettable people.
I am a backpacker and a budget traveler, which means my money lasts longer so I can travel for a longer period of time and I can travel more frequently. While my blog caters to budget travel, someone who prefers a higher standard of travel will also benefit from my information and experiences.
I have traveled to over 70 countries and to every continent, except for Antarctica.
Aside from travel, I love food, being active, new experiences and adventures, nightlife, being social and meeting new people. And most of all, having fun and enjoying life while doing all this.
I enjoy sharing my adventures from around the world and I hope to inspire others, no matter your age or budget, to travel our amazing world.
Glad to hear you’ve been travelling a lot. I hope to do the same one day.
Go for it!
If time and money permits, I will.
Make it a priority and you’ll make it happen 🙂
It’s always been a priority, it’s slowly coming to me.
I have only been to Asia, hopefully to Europe this August. I also want to travel the whole continent just like you.
Please do! It’ll be the best thing you ever do
I plan on traveling South America, this late summer & for as long as my budget will allow! Did you travel alone? What was your budget like?
I did travel alone! I met a ton of awesome people along the way. Budget is always a very difficult question to answer… which countries are you planning on going to? Overall, my trip was more expensive than expected. Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia are all cheaper, while Brazil, Argentina and Chile are more expensive.
Lovely blog Laura! I look forward to reading more
Thank you!
Looks like you are leading an awesome life of adventure! I’m on a similar journey trying to travel as I figure out what I want to do when I grow up 🙂 Keep it up the posts!
Thank you! If growing up means traveling less, then I’m not interested 😉
Absolutely! I split my time between Japan and Colorado, let me know if you’re ever in either place 😉
Sweet! Japan is definitely on the list
I have the same issue, my job gets in the way of my travels. Sorry you had such a bad time in Rio and the Amazon, Brazil is one of my favorite places. Can’t wait to read about your future travels.
Thanks! Yeah I had a few rough patches in South America, but that’s the way it goes. I would give Brazil another chance. I have a five year tourist visa for Brazil and I definitely intend to use it!
Hello Laura,
This is Brahm’s Tams (Olszynko), the weekly Tuesday drum circle at 3rd Beach Stanley Park, Vancouver.
I wanted to extend my thanks and appreciation for your article https://thetravelinggypsy.com/2014/09/11/vancouver-summer-drum-circle/
We are now entering our 10th year and are so excited for this coming summer!
Would you please consider making a note on the article that any one on facebook can join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/749163751822671/
It is perfect for every one to share beautiful captured moments and comments of our gathering in a day-to-day forum.
Thank you again for including us in what to do in Vancouver.
One Love,
Brahm
Brahmstams@yahoo.com
Will do!
Pingback: Premio Dardos Award Nominee | INCURABLE WANDERLUST
Hey Laura – I’ve nominated you for the Premio Dardos Award. I think your blog is amazing and you have a great perspective on everything. Thanks again for supporting/following my blog. Anyway, the details are on http://rheacollections.com/2015/01/22/premio-dardos-award-nominee/
Aww thanks! I literally just arrived in Africa, so I’ll do what I can when I get access to computer 🙂
Oh no, you enjoy your African adventure. DOn’t even think about getting on a computer hhehe Major travel envy right now! Looking forward to reading about your African tales.
Yay Laura!!! Love ya. Your amazing…..following your dreams…that’s really what it’s all about! Xoxoxox I
Aww thanks! 🙂
Great! Glad to know there are so many of us who think alike! 🙂
I just discovered your blog and am really enjoying reading it! Did you save up money before you quit your job or do you work online or during your travels? I am considering quitting my 9-5 office life next year and am looking for some practical advice. 🙂 Your blog is very inspiring!
Thank you so much! Yes, I did have money saved before I quit and when I come back home in between travels, I work as a waitress, which makes really good cash tips in Canada. I will always support someone to quit to go traveling! You’ll never regret it. Start saving now 🙂 when traveling is all you want to do, you make it a priority to save.
Thanks so much for your tips 🙂 That is helpful to know. I live in Canada also! I have started seriously saving now and am definitely going to make travel a priority.
Oh awesome! You can also work abroad, which is something I have yet to do. But working in the industry is great because you make cash and you can come and go as you please. I just arrived in Israel last night!
That is another option I am also considering. Is the place where you work as a waitress good about allowing you to travel whenever and then come back to work in between? That sounds like a great industry! And wow, that is amazing. Looking forward to reading about your experiences.
It is! I think I lucked out with an extra awesome work place but the industry seems to be pretty easy going about that in general. And it’s good to know when to travel, like in the slow times. I often take off about 3 months in Jan-March when it’s slow at work and also cold and gross at home, so it’s a win-win!
That’s so awesome! I’m definitely going to consider this 🙂 thanks so much for your advice.
No problem! Always happy to help. Let me know if you have any more questions 🙂
You have only but one life live it to the fullest and what better way than to travel and to experience
Good for you for following your dreams. It would be great if more people did that!
Hi Laura,
My name is Anuj Agarwal. I’m Founder of Feedspot.
I would like to personally congratulate you as your THE TRAVELING GYPSY has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 100 Solo Travel Blogs on the web.
http://blog.feedspot.com/solo_travel_blogs/
I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of Top 100 Solo Travel Blogs on the internet and I’m honored to have you as part of this!
Also, you have the honor of displaying the badge on your blog.
Best,
Anuj
Thank you so much!
Hey, where was the picture at the top of the this about page (you in front of the red railing with the blue lake/sea and the islands in the background) taken?
Hey! It was taken in Guatape, a small town near Medellin in Colombia.
Awesome, thanks!
hi Laura,
great respect for your way of life, its very inspiring. I have always dreamt of doing the same but i wander: How do you finance it??
Ruud
Thank you! I work a lot and I make travel a priority, so I’m always saving my money for travel. And I’m a backpacker/budget traveler.
Hello Laura,
You are amazing and how beautifully you explained about your journey and adventure. Really appreciating! Your blogs help me to travelling the world too easy. I think, you should to travel India to explore your journey around the world. one post I really like that is your hostel advice post, I also comment on there, must check it out. I like the way explain your journey. https://www.perfecttravels.com/
Thank You. 🙂
Hello There,
I hope you are doing well!
This is Anny, a passionate writer covering a wide range of topics like health, home improvement, fashion, automotive, environment, businesses, construction and many more.
While surfing the Internet, I just found your website and it looks quite interesting to me. I’ve also read most of your blog pieces and I’d like to contribute a post on your website.
I am emailing you to inquire if you are currently accepting guest posts? I have been following your blog and noticed some of the topics are of great interest to me and relate to the industry I write about.
I would be providing you with unique and specific content to post on your blog with 1000+ words content with high-resolution images which will help you to get target traffic. Please let me know if this sounds good to you so that we can start working together.
And we will contribute blogs regularly on your site. Hope to have a positive response soon from you.
Thanks
Anny
Wanted to know if you’re interested for affiliate marketing
What kind of affiliate marketing?
What kind?
Laura,
As a fellow solo female traveler, I wanted to let you know of our new initiative. As you likely have seen many times in your travels, those of us traveling alone pay too much, too often, with high single supplements and lodging based on “rack rates” (doubles). We have been working to find a solution. On Sept. 15, we are launching a free search tool so that individual travelers can find deals with no (or low) single supplements. Please help us spread the word.
Thanks.
Elizabeth