A few weeks ago, I crossed the number one item off of my bucket list. Twenty-three years of desperate hoping and wishing finally paid off. I GOT TO SEE THE TAJ MAHAL IN PERSON! This was an experience unlike any other that I’ve had. If I had one word to describe this architectural masterpiece, it …
My favorite thing to do when I visit a new country is to try local dishes. It’s my belief that trying local dishes gives you a deeper connection to the country’s culture. I grew up eating North Indian and I rarely had South Indian dishes. When I found out that I was going to Kerala, …
Hotels have been my home for the past two years, and I’ll admit that I’ve become fairly good at finding great ones around the world. When I first started traveling, I usually booked the first hotel that showed up in the search results. I’m shaking my head at that old, impatient Disha. Throughout my years …
After being on the road for so long, packing has become a rather effortless task for me. I’ve been packing the same items over and over again for the past two years, and I feel like I can pack for a long trip in my sleep. However, packing wasn’t always that seamless for me. I …
In my almost two years of traveling, I’ve been able to try several hotel booking websites including Expedia, Agoda, Booking.com and more. I get asked pretty frequently what my favourite loyalty program is and the answer is always Hotels.com. It’s my jam. Before I jump into all the details about the program, I want to …
![I woke up yesterday morning in a little town in New Zealand on a cruise ship. 🛳 We wandered into the tourist office determined to go on a dolphin tour. I’m obsessed with dolphins and it’s so cute that @adventuringamos tries to make all my dolphin dreams come true.🐬 Instead, I saw a skydiving sign and that interested me more. I asked the tour operator about it and he gave me an incredible price. Obviously, I couldn’t resist the offer. So, I went for it. Was I scared? Yes - mainly because I knew that I would become addicted to skydiving. I seriously can’t wait to do it again. There’s just something so freeing and liberating about jumping out of a plane and doing flips in the air.
In the end, you only regret the chances you didn’t take and the experiences you said “no” to. You’re not going to remember the days where you lived within your comfort zone. You’re going to remember the moments where you said “hell yeah” and did the things that terrified you. That’s when you feel most alive and realize how truly amazing life is. Here’s to living life more adventurously and without regrets. 🥂
[Have you stepped out of your comfort zone lately? Tell me all about it!]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/79164092_2503962346591746_5317382015813540883_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=d41283304b847aeb0cb470147d94860f&oe=5E716766)
![I visited Hanoi for the first in February of 2018. It was one of the first places I traveled to. It instantly stole my heart. 😍 I loved everything about this city. The people were welcoming & hospitable. The street food was brilliantly delicious. 🍜 The vibes were funky yet chill. Don’t even get me started on the coffee. 🤤
More than anything, Hanoi inspired me. I can’t quite put my finger on how it did so - but it did. Hanoi made me fall in love with traveling. It inspired me to explore on a deeper level. 🌎 It took away most of the irrational fears I had about traveling. It made me believe in myself. It showed me that I’m capable of discovering this big, incredible world and that the only thing stopping me was me. Hanoi gave me so hope and love. The city just felt magical. I was heartbroken to leave last time. 💔 I truly felt as if I left a part of my soul here when I left.
I craved this city after I left. I thought about it all the time. 💭 I’ve never felt the way I’ve felt in Hanoi in any other city I’ve traveled to besides Cape Town. I always wondered when I would be lucky enough to come back again.
One of the only positives that came from my trip to India was being able to make a stop in Vietnam on the way to our next destination. I was elated when @adventuringamos told me that we were going to Hanoi for two weeks. 🙌🏾 Actually, I cried when he told me that. 😭
On the other hand, I was also slightly nervous to come back. What if I don’t feel that connection with Hanoi anymore? Hanoi helped me evolve into the traveler and person that I am today; what if I’ve grown too much and I don’t like it anymore? As soon as I got to Hanoi, I felt at home. I felt the same joy this time as I did last time. I felt whole again after being here just for a few moments. I leave tomorrow morning and I’m heartbroken again. This city is my second home after Cape Town. It’s where I feel most alive. It’s where I learn to believe in myself a little bit more each time I visit. Hanoi will always have my heart. 💛
[Where have you traveled to that made you feel the way Hanoi makes me feel?]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p640x640/74429172_1382601941920895_1514099353995048470_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=8065be84f05f197c23fcdf5038f4e23b&oe=5E702336)
![Before I started traveling, I said that I had the best years of my life in college. I got to eat pancakes for dinner. I met people I never would have met in the town I grew up in. I felt like a grown-up. The resilience of my liver was also an added bonus. 😜 I thought I had all these life altering self discoveries too. Little did I know back then that my life would go otherwise as planned. In fact, I’m now living a life that I never imagined myself living when I was in college.
As you guys know, I’ve been traveling for two years now. I now look back at these two years as the best years of my life - mainly because I’ve gotten to reinvent myself alongside my best friend @adventuringamos 🥰
I actually laugh now when I think about postgraduate Disha. I thought I had this life thing figured out. I thought I was going to be a big time attorney someday. I thought I was I was going to wear five inch stilettos and walk around an office showing people who was boss. 💃🏽 LOL. When I look back, I’m so thankful that I changed paths in life. There is no way I would be happy trading 60+ hours of my life per week for the freedom and happiness I have today. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for my travels.
As it turns out, I still have a lot to learn about life and myself. The more I travel, the more I fall in love with it - not because of all the amazing places I get to explore or all the yummy foods I get to eat, but mainly because I keep learning more about myself. The more I travel and the further I go, the closer I get to finding myself. I’ve fallen in love with simply being alive. Traveling has allowed me to explore myself on a deeper level. Adventure has been worthwhile to me and it’s the best investment I’ve made in myself. ❤️
[What has been the best investment you’ve made in yourself?]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p640x640/76774059_445685829688619_840954918187912454_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=7525ce04217a4f677852911840a5547c&oe=5E667444)
![I just read on @cnn that the royal family of Jaipur just listed a room from their palace on @airbnb for $8000 a night. They’re the platform’s first royal hosts. ✨
We paid the extra few dollars to see a few exclusive rooms in the palace when we visited a few months ago. I actually got to see the room that’s listed on Airbnb. Spoiler alert - it’s not worth $8000 a night. Princess Diana, Bill Clinton, Oprah and more distinguished guests have stayed in this room. The only reason we paid the extra💰to check out these exclusive rooms is because we got a major discount since we had student IDs. There is no way we would have paid full price for this. Thanks @okstate and @uofoklahoma for giving us so many discounts all over the world. 😂
Jaipur City Palace is one of the top places that every tourist wants to see when visiting India. The architecture is a gorgeous blend of Rajasthani and Mughal influences. It has been the home of the royal family of Jaipur since 1732. 👑 This place is Insta-famous for a reason.
This photo was taken in the Shobha Nivas aka The Hall of Beauty. The walls are adorned with mirrors, gold work and colorful tiles. This was my favorite secret room I got to explore. It was quite delightful getting a glimpse of the private lives of the royals. Of course, your girl asked to meet the current Maharaja if he was around. Obviously, I was met with rejection. Apparently, he was in the UK playing polo. 😜 By the way, this Maharaja is only 21 years old. 😱
[Would you pay the extra money to see secret rooms like this?]
#jaipur #jaipurphotography #citypalacejaipur #indiatravelgram #india_gram #india #rajasthan #traveltheworld #travelphoto #travelgram #travelpics #lovetotravel #instatravel #travelwithme #nomadlife #seetheworld #adventurer #nomadiclifestyle #passportready #traveljunkie #globetrotter #travelmore #travelpassport #travelholic #travelblog #travelforlife #wanderlust #openmyworld #passionpassport #wanderluster](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p640x640/73495480_1191318954387486_3331073762835867718_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=497814600ba214409823dee4bcf51070&oe=5E7459C7)
![Fun fact about me: I HATE hiking. I won’t do it. I have this irrational fear that I’m going to slip, fall and die when I’m hiking down. 😂 If you don’t believe me, ask @adventuringamos about that time we did a little hiking in Kazakhstan. Actually, don’t ask. It’s really embarrassing. 🤣
••••••••••
I’ve always wanted to see Mount Everest, but there’s no way that I was going to hike to make that dream turn into a reality. I muddled on the Internet and found out that you can actually take a scenic flight around Mount Everest. ✈️
••••••••••
You can take this flight via helicopter or fly on a small plane with @buddhaairnepal or @yetiairlines . I obviously chose the small plane option because I’m too cheap to pay for the helicopter. 😜
••••••••••
For those of you wanting to take a scenic flight rather than hike, it’s worth every penny. The views are absolutely stunning. 🏔 You’re even allowed to go in the cockpit to get a better view of Mount Everest. If you’re in Kathmandu, I highly recommend it. They also give you a little certificate at the end stating that you didn’t climb Mount Everest but you touched it with your heart. 🤪
••••••••••
[Is Mount Everest on your bucket list?] #nepal #nepaltravel #nepaltourism #nepalgram #kathmandu #mounteverest #travelgram #travelblogger #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelphoto #lovetotravel #instatravel #travelwithme #travelgoals #travelpage #adventure #keepexploring #traveldeeper #livetotravel #aroundtheglobe #passionfortravel #seetheworld #aroundtheglobe #livetotravel #roamtheworld #shetravels #femmetravel #passionpassport #traveltips](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p640x640/73512681_144237343570686_478535230740719117_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=3ebb775a66249975dbd86edaf069a598&oe=5E7C6A14)
![I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and gratitude this morning. That feeling actually shook me up a little bit. ••••••••••
I woke up early this morning to go to a coffee shop to work. I was the only one there for at least two hours. I sat by the window and just watched life pass by for a while. Kids were headed to school. Adults were headed to work. Shopkeepers were headed to their shops to open up for the day. ••••••••••
Then, I realized that I was sitting at a coffee shop in another country. I know that this realization sounds silly since this has been my life for two years. But, you fall into a routine when traveling. It feels so natural after a while that you don’t think much of it. This morning was different. As I was watching the hustle and bustle of the people on the street, I comprehended yet again the fact that I was disowned by my family five years ago. What then seemed like the end of the world turned out to be a new, beautiful beginning for me. It dawned on me again that I was free. I realized again that my family has no control over me and my life anymore. They’re not holding me back anymore. I’m no longer that little bird in their locked up cage. I took the key away from them for the cage they put me in and freed myself. ••••••••••
I’m free. I kept saying those two words over and over again. I’m free to travel wherever I want. I’m free to live my life with my best friend without constant fear. I’m free to be myself. Yes, I lost my bio family. However, I gained myself. The situation is no longer a loss to me anymore. I’m beyond thankful for this second chance at life. ❤️
••••••••••
[Have you had a new beginning that once felt like a terrifying ending?]
••••••••••
#disowned #selfgrowth #selfgrowthjourney #selfawareness #growthmindset #raiseyourvibe #personaldevelopment #selflove #mindshift #travelgram #traveling #travelblogger #seetheworld #adventure #peru #perutravel #perudestinations #keepexploring #adventureculture #igtravel #borntotravel #travellife #globetrotters #travelinglady #justtravel #lovetotravel #wanderluster #travelbug #femaletravel #girltravel](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/71755521_790899694664017_8908232456677592249_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=e5c733186ff720468346d5f5285e72ec&oe=5E704719)
![I visited Vietnam for the first time two years ago and instantly fell in love. 😍 The people, the food, the scenery - it was all INCREDIBLE. Vietnam is my second favorite country with South Africa being the first. I was so sad to leave last time I was here. I legit had Vietnam withdrawals for a while after I left.
••••••••••
I’m back again and I feel like I’m home. I got to Hanoi yesterday morning and I’ve been eating sooo much yummy food and drinking all the delicious Vietnamese coffee. I had the most phoking delicious bowl of pho for lunch today. Also, it was only $2. 🙌🏾 Dang, it feels good to be back.
••••••••••
[What countries are you excited to visit for the second time?]
••••••••••
#hanoi #hanoivietnam #hanoifood #hanoioldquarter #traveltravel #hanoipho #hanoilife #vietnam #vietnamesefood #travelgram #travelpics #traveldiary #travelblogger #travelbloggerlife #travelgirl #wanderlust #travellife #wanderer #nomad #nomadlife #traveltheworld #seetheworld #adventure #adventurer #keepexploring #destinations #livetotravel #passportready #traveljunkie #globetrotter](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p640x640/76990118_2484222381814071_7675441659019501631_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=ea78607cbad68a5b31fb46d1c454e2fb&oe=5E73CA13)
![There are a lot of new faces around here so I thought I would introduce myself again and give you some small tidbits about myself. ☺️
🌈 My husband @adventuringamos and I sold all of our belongings and hit the road almost two years ago. Life’s too short to have regrets. Our travels have led me to 85 countries and he’s visited 100 countries.
✨My life motto is “work hard, travel harder.”
🐬I’m obsessed with dolphins and elephants. 🐘
❤️South Africa and the Maldives are my two favorite countries.
🍭 People think I’m tall from my photos, but I’m only 4’11”.
I’m going to limit it to five facts because I don’t want to write an autobiography here. I’ll save that for later in my life. 😜
[Tell me something interesting about yourself!]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p640x640/71325785_253747378897691_8971606124372033695_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=c07269b9fab0f1ab91e2419476170417&oe=5E8A6FC2)
![If I had one word to describe the Maldives, it would be luxurious. 💫 It once was this far fetched island we read about where the posh and grand traveled. We didn’t think it was a destination that we could experience so young in our lives. Yet, here we are. It has been on our bucket list for the past three years and we’re finally here living our absolute best lives. Dreams really do come true. ✨
We came here to celebrate a very monumental milestone - @adventuringamos 100th country! We knew that wherever we celebrated this achievement, we wanted it to be AMAZING!
We couldn’t have picked a better place to honor this accomplishment. The @stregismaldives has gone above and beyond to make us feel so special and welcomed every step of the way. 🥰 We’ve traveled all over the Caribbean, Thailand, Philippines, Australia and the Mediterranean. The Maldives outdo any of those islands and beaches we‘ve been to. I think it’s safe to say that we’ve found our forever vacation spot. We can’t wait to come back again!
Zoom in to see some cute fishies! 🐠
[Have you been to the Maldives?]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p640x640/72144665_925725681142617_1475520043167048377_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=e121b383201d0ef030289302336282d9&oe=5E8174AA)
![I always get asked how old I am when I’m traveling. People are always shocked when I say 27 because they think I’m only 20 or 21. It would help if I was a few inches taller. 😂 That’s another story.
The more I travel, the more I’m coming to realize that the things that used to define me don’t really define me anymore... age being one of them.
Instead of my age, this is what defines me now: how many sunsets I’ve seen all over the world, how many lifelong friends I’ve made all over the world, how many challenges I’ve overcome during my travels, how many last minute flights I’ve taken to some unsure places, how many people I’ve communicated with who don’t even speak the same language as me, how many things I’ve done that are outside of my comfort zone, how many lives have touched me and how many I’ve touched (hopefully), and more. That’s what defines me now; not my age. 💃🏽
Side note: I miss Cape Town so much!! ⛰
[What defines you?]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p640x640/69999712_401771803829998_1563877185153529212_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=d75b1e4a8d39668f89704b3fade12957&oe=5E895582)
![You guysss... I marked the number one thing off my bucket list a few days ago! I can’t believe I finally got to see the Taj Mahal in person! One of little five year old Disha’s dreams finally came true. 🤗
But, wait. It wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns. 🦄 🌈 We hired a tour company for a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal. We were told that the driver was going to pick us up at 5am and to be ready in the hotel lobby. We got to the lobby at 4:55am eager to start the day. Well, 5:15 rolls around and the driver still isn’t here. Then, it’s 5:45. 😒 I finally call the tour company to let them know that the driver isn’t here still. I seriously have no idea why I waited so long to call them; I think I was trying to be patient. 🤪 The guy on the phone tells me that the driver is waiting outside for us. We go outside and there’s no driver. I’m freaking out because sunrise is about to happen in a few minutes and my sunrise tour isn’t about to happen. @adventuringamos frantically calls an Uber and we make it to the Taj Mahal with a few minutes to spare before sunrise. I’m having a slight panic attack because I don’t have a guide either. There are sooo many fake guides outside the Taj Mahal who try to lure tourists into their crazy prices. I didn’t have an option. I blindly trusted some guy who said he was a government appointed tour guide. I was sketched out, but I was determined to make this experience happen.
As it turns out, this guide was AMAZING! 😍 He took the most amazing photos of us and he taught us so much about the history of the Taj Mahal. I actually handed him my phone for two hours and he took stellar photos everywhere without me even asking him to. We were told by several people that we snagged the best guide and I totally agree.
I’m so thankful that the initial driver and guide fell through because I wouldn’t have had such an incredible experience.
Seeing the Taj Mahal is definitely my favorite travel memory. ❤️ Also, our guide was insistent that we take some typical tourist photos at the Taj Mahal. LOL.
[Have you been to the Taj Mahal? If so, what was your experience like?]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p640x640/70134824_445601689415478_6241346170081349216_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=2c83589c9251b34f0729414389bf4f78&oe=5E7B495F)
![When we first started traveling, I was kinda terrible at choosing hotels. If the photos looked decent, I booked it.
That method backfired on me in Remini, Italy. 🤪 We checked into what looked like a decent hotel when I was researching it. We walked in the room and were instantly grossed out. It was absolutely horrendous. There were huge holes in the wall. The sheets looked like they hadn’t been washed from the previous 78 guests. There was mold growing everywhere. The owner kept making racist remarks about Americans and Russians. Then, the weirdo wanted to charge us $20 to use the A/C and $10 to use the safe. This isn’t even a fraction of what was wrong with the room. 😤
I learned my lesson after that: be more mindful when booking hotels. Just because the photos look good doesn’t mean it’s going to be a good hotel.
On the contrary, one of my fav hotel stays was at this beautiful wine estate in Stellenbosch. Everything about that stay was perfection. 😍
Click on the link in my bio to read about factors you need to consider before booking any accommodation!
[What is something you always take into consideration before booking your accommodation?]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/71510449_485382055379640_7741683821217941806_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=b8f711b043f538703084b04f60e95595&oe=5E6E0611)
![✖️ITEMS YOU SHOULD NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT✖️
When I first started traveling, I thought I had the packing department allll figured out. 👜 I threw my yummy smelling shampoo and conditioner in my bag along with my toothbrush and a few other toiletries. I figured that’s all I needed to survive. Wrong. 🤦🏽♀️
There were a few items I didn’t pack that I desperately needed. Like Pepto-Bismol. I’ll spare you the details on that one though. 😅
The one thing I NEVER EVER travel without is the jacket you see me wearing in this photo. It has traveled to 80+ countries with me and has endured monsoons and the desert. 🧥
Head over to my bio and tap the link to check out my list of some not so obvious things you should pack no matter where you go.
[What’s something you don’t travel without?]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p640x640/69707153_962012854159532_6954550352750376271_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=0e4b8a816158af08eaaa7214abfe78e7&oe=5E8CBC04)
![✖️HOW TO GET FREE HOTEL STAYS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD FOR FREE✖️
I get asked allll the time how we afford to travel the world and go everywhere that we’ve been. It’s honestly less complicated than you think it is. Aside from eliminating unnecessary costs and booking cheap flights at the right time, we save a bunch of money on hotels. Holla! 🤩
When we first started traveling, we didn’t have status with bigger hotel brands such as @hiltonhotels and @marriotthotels We started off using @hotelsdotcom Their customer service rocks & you get a FREE night after you stay ten nights when them. Who doesn’t like free hotel stays?! 🏨
I wrote a blog post over the weekend highlighting the @hotelsdotcom rewards program and how you can start staying in awesome places for free. Tap the link in my bio! 🤗
[Have you used Hotels.com? What do you think about it?]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p640x640/69173108_2413434548934973_8049255084555952273_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=9161257738c5abc2f86dde777cc66b58&oe=5E787912)
![✖️TRAVELING MORE WHILE HAVING A FULL-TIME JOB✖️
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but it’s totally possible to travel while having a 9-5! ✈️ I used to work with a few people who used their full-time job as an excuse not to travel and it drove me crazy. A lot of people these days have quit their jobs to travel the world. While that sounds romantic and all, it’s not for everyone. If you think you can’t travel much while working a 9-5, think again.
This picture was taken a few years ago on our long weekend getaway to Canada. 🇨🇦 I took Friday and Monday off of work and we had a long weekend to explore the gorgeous Niagara Falls. 🌈 Taking advantage of your weekends to travel is just one way that you can fulfill your travel cravings while holding a full-time job.
Check out the link in my bio because I give you all the secrets to maximizing your travels without quitting your 9-5! 💫 [Do you travel much while you work full time? If so, where all have you been?]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/68773712_428147141128008_5784090292947777110_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=ae0228831d8a1fc2568d05b5a355ae12&oe=5E6DBDA8)