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Featured Outdoor Blogger of the Month: Christy of Ordinary Traveler
Meet Christy Woodrow, the professional outdoor blogger behind the award-winning blog Ordinary Traveler. She started blogging in 2009 with her partner, Scott Calafiore, to document their travels as well as share their love for photography. Over the past years, Ordinary Traveler has become a go-to website for people who are not just seeking for travel inspiration but also helpful bits of advice and tips on how to balance home life with extreme wanderlust. Its audience kept on growing tremendously, making it one of the most popular travel blogs around.
Christy believes that not everyone wants to quit their job and sell all their possessions to go on an epic adventure. She knows that there are people who love to travel but still want time with the family and home. These types of individuals are what she considers the "ordinary" people. Thus, the name of her travel blog.
Our goal is to inspire others to live an adventurous life, as well as provide trip ideas and helpful travel tips for people with limited vacation time.
1. What made you decide to quit your job and choose to travel the world instead?
About 8 years ago, I took 2-months off to travel to Southeast Asia and Australia which prompted me to start my travel blog. At the time, it was unheard of to make a living as a travel blogger, but 2 years later, I somehow grew the blog into a viable income source. I wasn’t happy with my current career and the blog was my passion so I decided to take the leap and I have never looked back!
2. You have really excellent photography skills! When did you start your passion for travel photography?
Thank you! I’ve been inspired by photography for most of my life and started taking classes in high school (you know, black and white on FILM in a dark room) and my passion for this type of creative expression has never faded. Once digital cameras came out (I’m aging myself here), I took a few digital courses in college, but I never dreamed it would become my job. I love teaching others about photography and plan to start offering photography tours in San Diego, where I’m based. One of the questions I get over and over is “What type of camera is best for travel?” so I wrote an in-depth post on the best travel cameras and how to choose the one that is right for you.
3. After 10 years of exploring the world, what is the greatest life lesson you have learned?
I’m constantly learning life lessons, but travel has definitely taught me patience and compassion. Travel rarely ever goes as planned, so I’ve had to learn how to limit my expectations and to go with the flow when things get tough. I’ve also been humbled by travel. It’s eye-opening to see how other people live around the world. It has taught me that everyone’s life circumstances are different and that we should never judge others based on our own life circumstances.
4. What are your top 5 favorite destinations?
Norway, Cook Islands, Italy, Croatia, and Switzerland. Here are a few travel tips and guides to some of my fave destinations:
How to Travel in Norway on a Budget
Italy Travel Tips: 9 Things You Should Know Before Visiting
Insider’s Guide to Travel in the Cook Islands
5. What advice can you give to those people who love the idea of traveling, but have never took their chance to explore the world yet?
Just take the first step! You don’t even need to travel far to get away. Get in your car and go somewhere for the weekend or take a staycation nearby. It’s not about how far you travel, it’s about stepping outside of your comfort zone and learning something new, talking to strangers, or spending time in nature. You won’t regret it!