Hey dreamers, doers, and those just here for the photos – welcome, and thanks for stopping by!
I’m Bennie, your guide to the highs, lows, and in-betweens of traveling the world. Whether you’re here for inspiration, detailed tips, or just a glimpse into life on the road, I’m thrilled to have you join me.
Let me introduce myself: I was born in Germany in 1999, and my love for travel began during my Au Pair stay in the USA. Originally, I had my heart set on Canada, but the states have much better regulations to protect Au-Pairs and needed much less money saved beforehand.
What started as a practical choice turned into the adventure of a lifetime, sparking a passion for exploring new places, cultures, and experiences.
The idea to start this blog came in late 2024, nearly three years after my time abroad.
The memories, stories, and lessons are still fresh, and I’ve found myself itching to share them with others. But this isn’t just about reliving my past adventures – it’s about giving you practical advice, destination insights, and budgeting tips, all in one convenient place. Whether you’re planning a big trip or just dreaming from your couch, I’ve got you covered.
Here’s the deal: you won’t find perfectly staged photos or influencer-style aesthetics here. My travel style is real, messy, and heartfelt. Think road trips on a shoestring budget, packing hacks that actually work, and honest reviews of must-see destinations. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, you’re in the right place.
When I graduated with a degree in Fashion Design in 2020, the world was… let’s just say, a bit chaotic. I had envisioned a big, celebratory fashion show to cap off my studies, but instead, everything shifted online. Like many, I found myself at a crossroads, and that’s when the idea of becoming an Au Pair took root.
After months of applications, Covid tests, and navigating travel restrictions, I arrived in Colorado in February 2021. It was my first time leaving home, my first long-haul flight, and my first big adventure. Over the next 13 months, I visited 27 states, met incredible people, and learned more about myself than I ever thought possible. My family wasn’t one that traveled often. Our first real trip happened when I was 15, thanks to an inheritance, so diving into this world of travel was a huge leap for me. That’s part of why I want to share these stories now – to help others like me, who are just starting out and unsure where to begin.
There’s the German concept of “Fernweh,” often translated as “wanderlust.” But to me, it means so much more than the simple urge to travel. It’s the aching for distance, the longing to explore, and the pull to experience something far away from home. They say that once you’ve found a home away from home, you’re always torn – but I think it also means having the privilege of calling more than one place in the world home.
So, to satisfy my “travel bug” I’m here writing things down and I am more than happy that you are willing to read along. Let me pull you from your monotony and let’s explore!
So, where do we even start?
Let’s skip over family vacations and school trips. Instead, let me take you back to the beginning of my solo travel adventures.
Picture this: It’s 2021, and I’ve just landed in the United States of America – my first time away from home and my first real flight!
A whirlwind of emotions: saying goodbye to loved ones, sitting nervously in the Customs Office while an officer double-checked my visa, and catching my breath in Colorado’s thin air. It was overwhelming, exhilarating, and unforgettable.
And oh, did it deliver. Colorado became my starting point, but it was just the beginning. Over the next year I fell in love with the thrill of discovering something new every day.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s save those stories for the next post, where I’ll share what it was like to adjust to a brand-new country and see the Rocky Mountains for the very first time.
Stay tuned – you won’t want to miss it!
