My #WhatsYourRaw Adventures Across Continents!

As summer bids us farewell and the cool autumn breeze begins to whisper through the air, I find myself reminiscing over the whirlwind of adventures that filled my days over the past few months. This summer has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I’m thrilled to share my journey with you as part of the #WhatsYourRaw adventure series. From the romantic streets of Paris to the vibrant markets of Southeast Asia, this season has been a tapestry of thrilling experiences, unexpected discoveries, and pure, unfiltered moments that have made me fall in love with the world all over again.

A Weekend in Paris: Music, Friendship, and City Lights

My summer adventures began with a whirlwind weekend in Paris at the beginning of May. This wasn’t just any trip—it was a pilgrimage of sorts, fueled by my love for music and the friendships it’s brought into my life. After hopping on an 11 hour bus from London, I arrived in the City of Light just in time to check into my hostel (The People Marais of course; a super comfy hostel with a great atmosphere - i’ve previously stayed at The People Nation with my boyfriend and we loved it so I wanted to try a new location. )

Paris, in all its romantic splendor, became even more magical as I met up with some wonderful friends I’d connected with at a 5 Seconds of Summer concert in Luxembourg last fall. Our reunion was filled with pastries, coffees, and lots of laughter as we reminisced about our shared love for music and life. Thanks to our local tour guide Andrea, we spent our time exploring corners of Paris that both of us have always wanted to see. Later that night, the concert itself was nothing short of electrifying, and sharing it with friends made it all the more special.

Italy in Mid-May

Just a few weeks later, in mid-May, my adventures took me to Italy. This time, I had the pleasure of sharing the

experience with my amazing friend Al, who flew in from Vancouver, Canada to visit me in London.

From the moment we touched down in Italy, we knew we were in for something extraordinary.

Our journey began in Rome, where history seemed to greet us at every turn. We marveled at the ancient wonders of the city, from the Colosseum to the Roman Forum, and indulged in mouthwatering Italian cuisine. Al and I made it our mission to chill as much as possible, to enjoy the city of Rome with a pack of ciggys and tons of cappuccinos.

From Rome, we traveled south to the Amalfi Coast, where the stunning views and charming coastal towns left us breathless. Sorrento, with its fragrant lemon groves and sweeping vistas, was a tranquil retreat, while the cliffs of Amalfi offered some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes we’d ever seen. Finally, our journey took us to Naples, a city bursting with energy and passion. We explored the bustling streets, savored authentic Neapolitan pizza, and soaked up the vibrant local culture. Every moment of our Italian adventure was filled with joy, discovery, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime.

Rome, Italy

Positano, Italy

Naples, Italy

Journey Through Central Europe: Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, and Split

Our Central European adventure began in Prague, although "brief" doesn’t even begin to describe it. We had just
two hours to explore the city before catching a bus to Vienna. It was a quick but memorable stop—just enough time
to marvel at the spires of the Old Town and feel the pulse of the city’s vibrant energy before we had to move on.

In Vienna, we had a work stay lined up for hotel photography, which turned out to be a unique
blend of business and pleasure. For two nights, we roamed around the city when we could, but
our days were mostly spent within the hotel’s elegant walls, snapping thousands of photos and
videos. Vienna's grand architecture and rich history provided a stunning backdrop for our work,
and even though we were busy, the city’s charm didn’t go unnoticed. Those few moments
we stole away to explore felt like a reward for our hard work.

From Vienna, we hopped on another bus to Bratislava, where we found ourselves in an almost empty hostel. The quietness of the place was a stark contrast to the buzzing cities we’d just come from, but it was a welcome change. We spent our time strolling through the Old Town, admiring its pastel-colored buildings and medieval charm. The pace here was slower, more relaxed, and we indulged in local foods and ice cream, savoring the simple pleasures of travel.

Finally, we made our way to Split, Croatia, the last stop on this whirlwind trip. By the time we arrived, I found myself
in a bed-rot mood, drained from the weeks of constant movement. The heat didn’t help either—most days were too
hot to venture out, so I found myself retreating indoors during the day. But the nights in Split brought new energy.
We explored the empty Diocletian’s Palace after dark, its ancient corridors echoing with history in the stillness of the
night. The highlight was hiking up Marjan Hill for sunrise. As the first light of day washed over the city, it felt like a
reward for enduring the heat and the fatigue—a breathtaking end to our lazy yet unforgettable time in Split.

A Week of Solitude in Essaouira, Morocco

Southeast Asia: A New Beginning

The biggest change of my summer came in June when I made the decision to quit my job in London and
embark on a year-long backpacking adventure through Southeast Asia. It was a leap of faith, but one that I
knew I had to take. So far, it’s been everything I dreamed it would be—and more.

My journey through Southeast Asia began in Thailand, a country that’s as diverse as it is beautiful. I started in
Bangkok, a city that’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. The bustling markets, the street food, the
vibrant nightlife—Bangkok is a city that never sleeps. But it’s also a city of contrasts, where ancient temples

stand side by side with modern skyscrapers, and where the old world and the new coexist in perfect harmony.

From Bangkok, I traveled north to Chiang Mai, a city known for its temples and mountains. Chiang Mai has a

more relaxed vibe than Bangkok, we stayed at a little resort outside Doi Saket and didn’t venture out from
there besides a trip to their evening market. But the highlight of my time in northern Thailand was definitely
the time I spent in Pai and Chiang Rai. Pai is a small town nestled in the mountains, known for its laid-back
atmosphere and stunning scenery. I spent my days hiking Pai Canyon, visiting LOD cave, local rice fields and
getting to know the town. Chiang Rai, on the other hand, is famous for its incredible temples, including the
White Temple and the Blue Temple, which are unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

From Thailand, I made my way to Malaysia, where I’ve been slowly making my way south. My first stop was Kuala Lumpur,

a city that’s as dynamic as it is diverse. The Petronas Towers, the Batu Caves, the bustling streets of Bukit Bintang—
Kuala Lumpur is a city that’s constantly moving.

After the fast pace of KL, I headed to the Cameron Highlands, a lush, green region known for its tea plantations and cool
climate. It was a welcome change of pace, and I spent my day hiking to visit the BOH tea estate and on the way back
stopped at the Butterfly Garden (which personally I wouldn't recommend but it was a great way to waste time).

As I sit here in Penang, reflecting on the past few months, it’s hard to believe that I’m only one month into my year-long

South East Asia trip. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Krabi, and from the historic wonders
of Rome to the quiet corners of Split, this summer has been such an adventure. But as thrilling as it all is, there’s also the
reality of traveling long-term—the unexpected twists and turns that come with the territory. That’s why having SafetyWing’s
Nomad Insurance has been such a game-changer for me.

When I quit my job in London to embark on this journey, I knew I wanted the freedom to go wherever the wind took me. But with that freedom comes a level of unpredictability. I never know where I’m going to end up next—whether it’s a spontaneous weekend trip to Paris for a concert or an unplanned stay in a remote mountain town in Thailand. SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance is designed with this kind of flexibility in mind. It gives me the peace of mind to fully immerse myself in the experience, knowing that I’m covered no matter where I go.

As I look ahead to the next leg of my trip, I’m particularly excited to dive into some thrilling activities that I’ve always wanted to try—snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Southeast Asia, zip-lining through lush jungles, and maybe even trying my hand at some more extreme sports. That’s why I’m also upgrading with SafetyWing’s adventure sports add-on, which covers over 30 adventure sports, including scuba diving, quad biking, and more. Knowing that I’ll be covered during these high-adrenaline experiences means I can push my boundaries and fully embrace the adventurous spirit that inspired this journey in the first place.

Whether I’m navigating the crowded streets of a new city, hiking up a mountain at sunrise, or getting my heart racing with some adventure sports, I can do so knowing that I have reliable coverage backing me up. It’s comforting to know that if anything goes wrong—be it a sudden illness, a mishap during an adventure activity, or even just needing a doctor while I’m in a foreign country—I’m protected. That sense of security allows me to focus on what really matters: capturing the beauty of the world through my lens and sharing these moments with all of you.

So here I am, just one month in, with countless more adventures on the horizon. I’m excited to see where this journey will take me, and I’m grateful to have SafetyWing along for the ride. As I continue exploring, photographing, and living out this dream, I know I can do so with confidence, thanks to the support of a travel insurance plan that’s as flexible and adventurous as I am.

Here’s to the next eleven months of discovery, growth, and unforgettable experiences—and to knowing that no matter where I end up, whether I’m snorkeling off a remote island or zip-lining through a tropical forest, I’m in good hands with SafetyWing.

After the fast pace of Central Europe, I craved something different—something slower, less expensive. And so, I found myself in Essaouira, Morocco, a coastal town that feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of Europe. Essaouira is a place where you can truly disconnect, where the days are slow, and the rhythm of life is dictated by the tides.

Essaouira is a photographer’s dream, with its whitewashed buildings, vibrant markets, and dramatic coastline. I spent my days wandering through the medina, capturing the essence of Moroccan life. The colors, the textures, the people—everything about Essaouira is a feast for the senses. And the sunsets? Absolutely breathtaking. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Atlantic Ocean, I felt a deep sense of peace and contentment.

But Essaouira wasn’t just about photography—it was also about reflection. Traveling solo in a place like this gives you the space to think, to breathe, and to reconnect with yourself. It was exactly what I needed after the chaos of the previous months. I didn’t particularly love the constant verbal harassment you receive as a solo woman here, and the anxiety of having a stalker my first couple days there made me paranoid that he was just outside my door. I ended up leaving a couple days early, ready for the next chapter of my journey.

After exploring the north, I headed south to the islands. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Krabi were my next stops, each offering their own unique slice of paradise. Koh Samui is a mix of everything—beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and luxurious resorts. Koh Phangan, famous for its Full Moon Party, was surprisingly peaceful when the party wasn’t happening, with quiet beaches and yoga retreats. And then there was Krabi, with its dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters. It was the perfect way to end my time in Thailand.