Author name: Vivian Thompson
My name is Vivian Thompson, and I’m a travel writer and explorer based in Los Angeles, California. Travel has been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember, but it truly became my calling when I realized how much the world has to teach beyond what we see in everyday routines. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to more than 70 countries across six continents, and every journey has shaped the way I think, plan, and experience life. What started as curiosity slowly turned into something much deeper - a commitment to understanding places, cultures, and people in a meaningful and practical way.
I don’t see travel as just visiting destinations or checking off famous landmarks. For me, it’s about understanding how things work in different parts of the world - how people live, what they value, how they solve problems, and how I, as a traveler, can move through those spaces respectfully and intelligently. I’ve traveled through busy cities, quiet coastal towns, remote villages, and everything in between. I’ve experienced both comfortable luxury stays and minimalist backpacking trips, and that contrast has taught me how to adapt, plan better, and make smarter decisions regardless of budget or situation.
One thing I’ve learned from traveling extensively is that good planning makes a huge difference. Early in my journeys, I made plenty of mistakes - overpacking, underestimating travel time, booking the wrong accommodations, or simply not understanding local customs well enough. But those experiences became my greatest teachers. Over time, I developed a system that helps me travel more efficiently, save money, and avoid unnecessary stress. Now, I naturally think ahead about itineraries, transportation, safety, and timing without overcomplicating the process. At the same time, I’ve learned to leave room for flexibility because some of the best travel experiences happen when things don’t go exactly as planned.
Traveling solo has also played a big role in shaping who I am. A large portion of my journeys has been on my own, which pushed me to become more independent, observant, and confident in unfamiliar environments. When you’re alone in a new country, you rely on your judgment more than anything else. You learn how to read situations, trust your instincts, and adapt quickly. It’s not always easy, and there have been moments of uncertainty, but those moments helped me grow stronger and more capable. Solo travel also allowed me to connect more deeply with people along the way, because I was more open to conversations and new experiences.
Safety is something I take seriously, especially after spending so much time on the road. I’ve encountered situations that required quick thinking, and those experiences taught me how important it is to stay aware and prepared. I always pay attention to my surroundings, research destinations beforehand, and keep backup plans whenever possible. I believe travel should be exciting, but it should also be responsible. Understanding risks and knowing how to manage them makes a big difference in how confidently you can explore a place.
Another important part of my journey has been learning how to travel smart financially. Not every trip needs to be expensive to be memorable. Over time, I’ve figured out ways to find affordable flights, choose the right accommodations, and spend money where it actually matters. At the same time, I’ve also experienced luxury travel, which gave me a different perspective on comfort and convenience. Having seen both sides, I understand how to balance cost and experience based on individual priorities. I don’t believe in one “right” way to travel- what matters is making choices that fit your goals and situation.
As the world has changed, I’ve also adapted to new ways of traveling, including working remotely while on the move. Managing work and travel at the same time requires discipline, planning, and the right setup, and I’ve spent time figuring out what works best in different environments. From finding reliable internet to staying productive across time zones, it’s a learning process that continues to evolve. This lifestyle has allowed me to extend my travels while staying connected to my work, which has been both challenging and rewarding.
Food has always been one of my favorite parts of traveling. Trying local dishes, understanding how food is prepared, and experiencing different flavors gives a deeper connection to a place. At the same time, I’ve learned to be careful about where and what I eat, especially in unfamiliar environments. Finding the balance between exploration and safety is something that comes with experience, and it’s something I always keep in mind when I travel.
Over the years, I’ve also become more intentional about what I carry with me. I used to pack far more than I needed, but experience taught me that simplicity is more effective. Now, I focus on essentials—items that are practical, durable, and actually useful in real situations. Having the right gear can make travel smoother, but carrying too much can slow you down. It’s all about finding that balance.
Even after visiting more than 70 countries, I don’t feel like I’ve “seen it all.” If anything, traveling has shown me how much more there is to learn. Every place is different, and every trip brings something new. I continue to learn from each experience, whether it’s understanding a new culture, navigating a different system, or simply seeing things from a new perspective.
Through everything I’ve experienced, my goal has become clear: to make travel feel more accessible, practical, and less overwhelming. I know how confusing it can be to plan a trip or step into the unknown for the first time. I’ve been there myself. That’s why I focus on sharing insights that are realistic and based on actual experience, not just theory. Travel doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating - it just requires the right approach.
At the end of the day, travel has changed the way I see the world and myself. It has taught me patience, awareness, adaptability, and respect for different ways of life. And no matter how many places I visit, that sense of curiosity never really goes away. There’s always something new to explore, and I’m always ready for the next journey.
