Kristi and I met back in our days of Architecture School at UL Lafayette. While Kristi continues to practice architectural design, her main focus is pursuing her passion for world travel through her platform, Coordinates of Her. Kristi is a truly inspiring person and I am so excited for her to share about her travel adventures and how Coordinates of Her began.
WHAT YOU WILL HEAR IN THIS PODCAST:
- What is Coordinates of Her?
- What sparked the love for travel?
- What are a few photography tips while traveling?
- Sharing travel experiences on Social Media
- How to balance travel and home life?
- What are some lessons learned while traveling?
- What are a few tips for those looking to travel?
What is Coordinates of Her?
Since the age of 14, her dream has always been to create a platform to share pictures and different stories of her travels. Kristi’s goal with this platform was to inspire others to travel and see the world. She helps others by providing tips and advice she has learned through her own travels. Coordinates of Her is the website Kristi has always dreamed of creating is now her full time focus.
Since traveling to Guatemala when she was 14 years old and experiencing an overwhelming feeling of being alive she knew that travel was her passion. Kristi has traveled to hundreds of places, recognizing that travel makes you realize how small you are. It’s so humbling.
Photography Tips while Traveling?
Since cultures are so different everywhere she goes, Kristi uses her iPhone or small camera for photos. This also helps when you are in a city where you are walking a lot; carrying a heavy camera isn’t exactly ideal. Even areas that are unsafe, its best to carry as little with you as possible. Plus, when you blend in with your surroundings, you get the best shot!
Although photographing for Coordinates of Her is the main goal goal, Kristi does make it a point to put away her camera at times to avoid taking away from the overall experience. Don’t ever forget when you’re traveling to just enjoy the moment. The memories and feelings are what you will have forever.
Kristi never posts to her website or social media while she is traveling, which really helps her enjoy every little moment. Or even if you go in with a plan that day… for example, I want three photos today at this, this, and this spot. Then you’re not worrying about getting the perfect shot to share on social media – I’ve really found that this helps!
Sharing travels with others?
Kristi never expected social media to be the main platform for sharing her stories. She always envisioned just a website because it is easiest way to communicate her full story with readers. However, over the years her social media presence has grown.
Although I think we can all relate to the idea that social media can be draining with having to constantly share and be vulnerable to your followers; Kristi is inspired by seeing what other people are doing and what is going on in their lives!
How does traveling so often effect your life?
Kristi travels at least one or twice a month. But, when she is home she is relaxing in her PJs – I would be too! With traveling so much out of the year, it can be taxing on your relationships with friends and family. This is especially tough while traveling in a different time zone or somewhere without service or Wi-Fi. However, it is so important to make that effort to be present in your friends and families lives! This can really help to prevent the feeling of being isolated while working. Although, sometimes it does take a lot of effort, the grace of a great network of people and Amazon Prime, you can maintain those relationships!
Lessons learned while traveling?
Above all, when traveling you have to go with the flow. Nothing ever seems to go how you plan when you travel.Whether you’ve left gear in an airport, lost your passport, missed flights, or anything else…you just have to go with it. You an always make an attempt to try to me more structured, but ultimately its best to just enjoy the ride no matter what happens.
Advice for those looking to travel?
- Be in a good rewards program. Getting points with credit cards is huge! Kristi highly recommends AMEX because they do a great job of protecting the client while traveling. AMEX is also partnered with Delta and Airbnb.
- Decide the things in life you are willing to sacrifice. Traveling is expensive and can be time consuming, so save money in order to afford to do what you love. You have to completely change your priorities in order to devote yourself to your mission and doing what you love!
CONNECTING:
Website: www.coordinatesofher.com
Instagram: @coordinatesofher
SPONSORS:
Showit – User-Friendly Web Design Platform: Use code MAGIC for 10% off your subscription!
Black River Imaging – High Quality Online Print Site: Use code MAGIC for 20% off your order!
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