This month, in our travel profile series, allow us to introduce you to Laura.

Laura, is a fellow Aussie, whom I met while we were travelling through the Balkans in 2017. Since then, Laura has continued to travel the world and is currently living the dream in Costa Rica working as a digital nomad. What an exotic life! You can check out her adventures on Instagram at Laura_Bailie

Let me introduce you to Laura…

My name is Laura, I am a 25 year old Australian who is currently working remotely as a digital nomad as I solo backpack travel Latin America. I own my own business online as an Occupational Therapist, providing care to people who live with disabilities in Australia via telehealth. I have travelled to 43 countries thus far!!!! My last trip prior to the current trip I am on was exploring my own backyard, I flew to Uluru (the centre of Australia) with a close friend to explore the beauty of Australia's central desert and learn about the Aboriginal culture and history. My next travel destination on this current journey is Ecuador, I am extra excited for this country as I will be meeting my parents who are flying over to visit me! It has been over 8 months since I have seen them last, so I am absolutely over the moon to get to see them again. 

Lets go to the questions…

Why do you travel?

I adore exploring the beauty of the world, meeting like-minded- fun- creative and genuine people, trying all the incredible local cuisines and getting to learn about different cultures. Travelling pushes me out of my comfort zone, allows me to learn more about myself and really feel like I am exploring and enjoying the beauty in life. 

Tell us your favourite: place to visit, mode of transport and source to get travel info.

This is SUCH a tough question! If I had to pick overall, I would state Central America, I am certainly biased as this is where I am currently travelling. However, this area of the world is incredibly beautiful, the food is so exquisite, the people are friendly, there is such depth in culture and there is so much variety in what you can explore (beaches, mountains, volcanos, ruins, jungles - you name it!). 

Favourite mode of transport is probably tuk-tuks, I always find the drivers so friendly to talk to, give you great local tips and you get to look out to the side and see all the local nature and communities as you drive to get a true feel of where you are. 

Hahaha, I will be honest and admit, currently my favourite source is Tik Tok. I love getting to see videos of the locations, here travellers hot tips and have the ease of the platform to search exactly what I am looking for. Whether it be the best local restaurants, where to stay or activities of the place, Tik Tok always has the answer.  

What is your favourite travel memory?

I forever hold such a fond memory of visiting the Taj Mahal with my family. That day I wore an Indian Sari, which felt so incredible to connect to the Indian culture through their local dress. We visited at sunset, the way the Taj Mahal was lit up was truly magical. That night, my brother, dad and myself went and gate-crashed an Indian wedding at our hotel. We spent the whole night dancing to Indian Bollywood music and parting with the locals - so much fun! 

What's the most important thing you've learned while travelling?
Do not stress the small stuff. It sounds so cliche, but when travelling there are always hiccups along the way that can become stressful or feel overwhelming in the moment. Travelling allows you to realise that no matter the stressful situation, everything will work out fine and you will have a great story to tell at the end of it. It helps build your stress tolerance and have a more 'go with the flow' mindset. 

Who would you love to sit next to on your next flight?

 MY BEST FRIEND! My best friend Claudia is the one person I continually find myself day-dreaming about being with me on my travel journeys. We always travel so well together, have the most incredible time and she is the one person I truly feel myself around. I wish she could be with me so badly :(

What's your best money-saving tip to travel?

Book flights in in-cognito mode to avoid price increases! and where feasible, cook for yourself as constantly eating out can really add up quickly.

How do you deal with the post-holiday blues?
Have another holiday booked ;) 

What's one thing you like to do in every place you visit?
Talk to the locals. I love getting to hear local tips, learn about their culture and get to connect with such kind and welcoming souls. 

Travelling can leave a big environmental footprint, how do you minimise yours?

What a great question! Where I can, I try to hand-wash washing, walk to places that are feasible, use refillable water bottles and of course use as minimal plastic as possible. 

Plan an around the world trip for us, stopping in one city only on each continent.

North America - Antigua, GUATEMALA- oh what an incredible country and cute colloquial town, I truly feel Guatemala has my whole heart, I'd recommend it to anyone!

South America - Cartagena, COLOMBIA - I am set to visit here in June this year and I cannot wait. I have never explored South America myself, but I always hear from travellers that Colombia is INCREDIBLE! The music, the salsa dancing, the lively parties, beautiful landscapes, incredible food - what more could you want!

Europe - Edinburgh, SCOTLAND - I absolutely adore Edinburgh, however only in summer ;). Such a charming city. I recommend going to the meadows on a sunny day with some snacks and drinks with friends!

Africa - Chefchaouen, MOROCCO - This stunning little town, completely painted blue in the Rif mountains is so magical. I loved my time visiting Chefchaouen and would recommend to anyone travelling to Morocco. 

Asia - Bali, INDONESIA - I have fond memories of my best friend and my girls trip here for our 21st birthdays. It is such a fun travel destinations for friends or with your partner. It is so cheap, has stunning scenery and has such a lively atmosphere. 

Oceania - Broome, AUSTRALIA - Broome is a small town located in the top west of Aus. With its stunning red rock and white sandy beaches, it is such a picturesque place.     

Antarctica - Antarctic Peninsula - I haven't been myself, but think it would be amazing to see the icebergs, vast expanses of snow, the incredible wildlife of seals, penguins and if you're lucky polar bears. 

Thank you, Laura, for generously sharing your travel experiences and insightful tips. Your perspective on the beauty of life through travel resonates deeply. Couldn't have said it better myself! Connecting with kind and wonderful souls is one of the most enriching aspects of travel. It's incredible the people we have the privilege to meet on our journeys. Sending you endless wanderlust and smooth travels on your digital nomad journey!

To read past traveller profiles; click here.

Each month an enthusiastic traveller will share with us their personal stories from their adventures around the world. If you would like to be featured in the upcoming months then please drop us a note below…