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Easy Grand Canyon Planning Guide in 2021

Alyssa Ramos

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If you’re looking to plan a last minute Grand Canyon trip this Fall, this guide is all you need to know! From best photo spots to all your options for last minute accomodation!

Before I begin, you should know that the Grand Canyon and many of the US National Parks are very popular right now due to the increase in domestic travel. Although Fall usually isn’t a busy season, there is a chance it will be crowded and many places will be booked, but it’s not impossible to make it happen!

That being said, please also be advised that traveling during the pandemic is to be done at your own risk. You should always keep a safe distance from others, wear a mask, and wash your hands frequently!

Thinking of doing a longer roadtrip? Check out my most shared post: 10 Best Stops on an Arizona/Utah Roadtrip!

Another Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Hotels.com, but all information and tips are my own!

South Rim VS. North Rim

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the part that is the most visited. It’s also the easiest to access, walk, and explore. It is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Currently the only entrance into and out of Grand Canyon National Park is through the South Rim.

For the adventurous souls, the North Rim is a lot harder to access and a lot higher in elevation (7000 feet above sea level). Right now there are only day-trips permitted to the North Rim. It is also closed from December to May due to weather hazards.

AKA, you’ll want to go to the South Rim.

How to Get to the Grand Canyon (South Rim)

How to get to the Grand Canyon

How you get to the Grand Canyon will of course depend on where you’re coming from! I started in Los Angeles, drove to Vegas, then drove straight East to the Grand Canyon.

If you’re not already in the Pacific Coast or Midwest, you may need to fly to a nearby city to rent a car and drive over. I would suggest either Flagstaff, Arizona or Las Vegas.

Once you’re in the area, simply follow your GPS to the park and then decide if you want to attempt parking in it or take the free shuttle.

Where to Park

where to park at the grand canyon

As I mentioned, you can try to park inside of the National Park, especially in low season (November-February). But if you go in high season, or if the parking is full, you can easily park farther away and take the free shuttle.

Checkj the Free Shuttle Bus schedule for times and more information. You’ll park and board it in the Grand Canyon Village Area.

How to Buy Your Park Pass

I would highly suggest buying your digital park entrance pass online before you go to the Grand Canyon!

It’s only $35 per vehicle and valid for 7 days! It also covers everyone traveling in the vehicle! There is limited connectivity at the Grand Canyon so be sure to download it BEFORE you set off!

The entrance fee is also waived on the following days! :

  • Jan 20, 2020: Martin Luther King, Jr Day
  • Apr 18, 2020: First Day of National Park Week / National Junior Ranger Day
  • Aug 5, 2020: Great American Outdoors Act Commemoration
  • Aug 25, 2020: National Park Service Anniversary
  • Sep 26, 2020: National Public Lands Day
  • Nov 11, 2020: Veterans Day

Where to Stay In / Near the Grand Canyon

camping in the grand canyon national park

You have a few options for accommodation. Well, depending on how last minute you plan, and the season! As I mentioned before, Fall is low-season, so you should be able to snag a nice lodge for a good deal!

If you’re looking for a lodge, try first to look in Grand Canyon Village. It’s closer to the entrance of the park, and it also has the free shuttle to the entrance! There’s also a few RV/camping parks there.

Otherwise try Tusayan, which is just south of Grand Canyon Village!

If you’d like to camp in a tent inside the park, you can search for spots, make a reservation and buy a pass here. (Note: these are very hard to get and usually must be done in advance).

Best Photo Spots in the Grand Canyon (South Rim)

best photo spots in the grand canyon

As you can probably imagine, there is a never-ending list of “best photo spots in the Grand Canyon”! If you just walk along the South Rim Trail (or take the free shuttle) you will get to all of them in a few hours! Take your time, plan to stay the whole day, and bring plenty of water!

Here’s some of the best viewpoints, that I have also labeled on the map below! Feel free to screenshot or download it to use for when you’re there!

  • Mather Point
  • Yavapai Point
  • Lipan Point
  • Maricopa Point

If you’re going to be in the Grand Canyon area, be sure to check out some of my other top-read blog posts below!

Don’t forget! Sharing is caring! If you found this post helpful, PLEASE pin it on Pinterest or share it on social media!! <3

Last minute Grand Canyon guide for Fall 2020, for all of you wanderlusters itching to do some epic travels with the limited options this year! Includes which areas to look for accommodation, and of course, the best photo spots! (Including a downloadable map!) Don't forget to also check my viral post on the 10 Best Stops on an Arizona/Utah Roadtrip if you're heading to the Grand Canyon!

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Alyssa Ramos is one of the first original travel blogger/influencers who helped normalize solo female travel. She’s been to 146 countries so far, plus Antarctica 4x, and all of her tips are on this blog!

More about me
@mylifesatravelmovie
Alyssa Ramos | Most Traveled Women

@mylifesatravelmovie

One of the World’s Most Traveled Women 146 countries (solo, so far) • 7 Continents Expert • Activist • Entrepreneur GroupTrips: @mylifesatraveltribe
  • Finally beat the budget airlines game!! This is for everyone who has ever gotten excited for a $20 flight in the EU, only to end up paying double for even a carryon! [Comment “travel” and I’ll DM you the link to my packing tutorial and all of these products!] For everyone who has tried to layer on as much as possible when they’re weighing bags, and who has had a mini melt down when they ask to place your bag in the measuring bin! I present to you, my top travel packing hacks as a full time travel professional: 1. Travel compression bags (now with portable pump) 2. Foldable toiletry bag with bare minimum necessities 3. Bags that sneakily expand 4. Convertible shoes This is all I packed for a 6 day trip to Venice, Mallorca, and a black tie wedding in Alicante! And if I can do it, so can you, becaaauussee I’m a former live-out-of-giant-suitcase gal from my decade as a nomad, but now with a home base in Italy (and Mexico), I’ve adapted to “bring as little as possible since you go back home”, both for convenience and to avoid thousands of dollars in baggage fees each year! Do you think you could manage with a personal item only?? Are you a checked bag person or carry on only?
  • T-minus 2 weeks till I return to the ‘Stan’s of Central Asia, but instead of solo, this time with 16 brave adventurous souls from our Travel Tribe Group Adventures Community! After exploring and navigating logistics alone, I’ve put together a custom, logistically-chaotic, yet adventure packed, luxe-comfort route and itinerary that has probably been one of the most difficult to coordinate for a group! 😁😂 Manifesting a smooth and safe journey for us all! Including my little pre-adventure in the mountains of Pakistan, and hopefully a quick trip to Azerbaijan beforehand! Our 2027 Fall Stan’s trip is sold out with waitlist available and we are working on adding another trip in the Spring! Be sure to follow @mylifesatraveltribe and fill out the form on the bio to get notified! Anyone wanna come??
  • The only times you don’t need an eSIM while traveling are when you literally cannot be holding a phone 😂 For all other times, easily download an eSIM like AloSIM which are really affordable at just a few dollars per day or less versus the typical $10 for international roaming! Use “TRAVELMOVIE15” for an extra 15% off! How do you stay connected abroad?
  • Traveling was not a possibility for me when I was younger, yet now I’ve reached my 150th country (out of the 197 list which includes Kosovo)!! It has taken me 12 years, I’ve done most of them solo, and many have been collaborations that I received or pitched, but anything else, including most flights was solely paid for by myself, and here’s how I did it: (But first! Comment “TRAVEL” and I’ll send you links to my tips for making money while traveling, how to play flight roulette, and also this Balkans roadtrip itinerary!) 14 years ago - I started my blog but it didn’t make much money for a couple years. I used my only money and a credit card to take my first trip. I was one of the first people to pitch the concept of “free trips in exchange for social media posts” and I sent hundreds of them, always landing at least one, but there was still so much to see! With the money I earned from my blog, paid posts, and my writing for other platforms, I’d go travel but I’d play what I called “flight roulette”, where I pick “anywhere” as the destination, and choose the cheapest flight to somewhere I hadn’t been yet! As my business grew, I needed to repeat many countries each time year, and now I still travel to an average of 25 countries per year as a traveler-by-trade (influencer/entrepreneur), with the goal of 5-10 new ones each year. I never thought I’d reach all 197 countries…but now that there’s only 47 left…do I attempt it?!?! You can see all the countries I’ve been to and written about on my blog using the clickable map on the home page of mylifesamovie.com, or the menu that’s categorized by destination! As for making money to travel - I have a lot of posts on that and also a course, which teaches techniques for everyone, not just those wanting to be a creator! And for anyone who DOES want to be a creator or group trip host — my biggest advice is to find a niche personal to you, find your specific audience who can relate, and don’t just copy other people’s techniques, create new ones and stand out! Originality is admirable!! 😁 Thank you everyone who has stayed on this looonnggg journey with me! I can’t
  • Haters gunna hate, trolls gunna troll, and adventurers gunna adventure. Don’t hate the influencer, hate the fact that there’s a lot of people who like to do similar things as them. 😂 If adrenaline activities in rare, far, unique destinations is also your passion, comment “Tribe” and I’ll send you our line up for 2027/28 and how to get first dibs notifications! Also, this is why we require liability waivers on our group trips 🤪😬 however this activity was very well coordinated, had 4 professional guides and safety guards, and is a well-known activity in Victoria Falls! Follow @mylifesatravelmovie (one of the world’s most experienced solo female travelers) for extreme adventures and unique experiences in over 150 countries, and @mylifesatraveltribe to join on one of the adventures!
  • The only reasons you should NOT get an eSIM are if you enjoy searching for wifi, paying more for roaming, or you really want to disconnect 😜 But if you want to make your trip easier, just download an app like @alosim_app and get an affordable data plan, install it in seconds, and then it'll activate as soon as you arrive! No sketchy airport wifi required. Comment "esim" and I'll send you my step by step guide for how to use one, and you can also use TRAVELMOVIE for an extra discount! Note: your phone must be unlocked to use an eSIM!
  • The only reasons you should NOT get an eSIM are if you enjoy searching for wifi, paying more for roaming, or you really want to disconnect 😜 But if you want to make your trip easier, just download an app like @alosim_app and get an affordable data plan, install it in seconds, and then it'll activate as soon as you arrive! No sketchy airport wifi required. Comment "esim" and I'll send you my step by step guide for how to use one, and you can also use TRAVELMOVIE for an extra discount! Note: your phone must be unlocked to use an eSIM!
  • Traveled solo in China earlier this year and became slightly obsessed! Out of the now 150 countries I’ve been to, I think it might actually be in my top 10! That’s why I had to add it to our group trips! We are officially 1 year away from our Zhangjiajie - Chongqing - Beijing/Shanghai group adventure with just a few spots left! ***Comment “China” and I’ll send you the trip info, and also an option to see my general blog post about it with tips (but PLZ don’t copy it for business purposes 🙏) If you’re on my level of adventure-obsessed, this is definitely the trip for you! It includes all of my favorite activities I did, like the Skyscraper Rappelling, Cloud Walk and Swing, Motorcycle video shoot, and alllllll the Avatar mountain things! Btw can you tell I’m wearing an “Avatar” outfit doing the zip line in the Avatar Mountains? 🤓 I’ll also be curious to see if we can recreate my Great Wall of China pics with no people from when I was there almost 10 years ago…before people-remover was a basic editing feature!
  • I prefer the word “adventurous”. Would you do this? Read first for context! This is the notorious “Devil’s Pool” at the top of Victoria Falls, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe! I will not tell you it’s not dangerous or that it’s safe, just that the locals have created a safe-as-possible experience here that allows you to swim in this pool due to the steep and wide lip of the falls. So it’s not just a river that ends over the edge, it first goes in a deep pool, which would stop any large object, like a human, from going over the edge. There are ropes involved and also someone is holding onto your foot when you’re at the edge… I’ll show that BTS next! I’ve done this 3 times and it’s definitely a thrill! It’s also freezing and my main fear was the crocodiles and hippos that also live in the Zambezi River! Follow for more unique adventures from 150+ countries of solo female traveling!
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Finally beat the budget airlines game!! This is for everyone who has ever gotten excited for a $20 flight in the EU, only to end up paying double for even a carryon! [Comment “travel” and I’ll DM you the link to my packing tutorial and all of these products!] For everyone who has tried to layer on as much as possible when they’re weighing bags, and who has had a mini melt down when they ask to place your bag in the measuring bin! I present to you, my top travel packing hacks as a full time travel professional: 1. Travel compression bags (now with portable pump) 2. Foldable toiletry bag with bare minimum necessities 3. Bags that sneakily expand 4. Convertible shoes This is all I packed for a 6 day trip to Venice, Mallorca, and a black tie wedding in Alicante! And if I can do it, so can you, becaaauussee I’m a former live-out-of-giant-suitcase gal from my decade as a nomad, but now with a home base in Italy (and Mexico), I’ve adapted to “bring as little as possible since you go back home”, both for convenience and to avoid thousands of dollars in baggage fees each year! Do you think you could manage with a personal item only?? Are you a checked bag person or carry on only?
View Reel on Instagram
@mylifesatravelmovie
@mylifesatravelmovie
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Follow
Finally beat the budget airlines game!! This is for everyone who has ever gotten excited for a $20 flight in the EU, only to end up paying double for even a carryon! [Comment “travel” and I’ll DM you the link to my packing tutorial and all of these products!] For everyone who has tried to layer on as much as possible when they’re weighing bags, and who has had a mini melt down when they ask to place your bag in the measuring bin! I present to you, my top travel packing hacks as a full time travel professional: 1. Travel compression bags (now with portable pump) 2. Foldable toiletry bag with bare minimum necessities 3. Bags that sneakily expand 4. Convertible shoes This is all I packed for a 6 day trip to Venice, Mallorca, and a black tie wedding in Alicante! And if I can do it, so can you, becaaauussee I’m a former live-out-of-giant-suitcase gal from my decade as a nomad, but now with a home base in Italy (and Mexico), I’ve adapted to “bring as little as possible since you go back home”, both for convenience and to avoid thousands of dollars in baggage fees each year! Do you think you could manage with a personal item only?? Are you a checked bag person or carry on only?
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
T-minus 2 weeks till I return to the ‘Stan’s of Central Asia, but instead of solo, this time with 16 brave adventurous souls from our Travel Tribe Group Adventures Community! After exploring and navigating logistics alone, I’ve put together a custom, logistically-chaotic, yet adventure packed, luxe-comfort route and itinerary that has probably been one of the most difficult to coordinate for a group! 😁😂 Manifesting a smooth and safe journey for us all! Including my little pre-adventure in the mountains of Pakistan, and hopefully a quick trip to Azerbaijan beforehand! Our 2027 Fall Stan’s trip is sold out with waitlist available and we are working on adding another trip in the Spring! Be sure to follow @mylifesatraveltribe and fill out the form on the bio to get notified! Anyone wanna come??
T-minus 2 weeks till I return to the ‘Stan’s of Central Asia, but instead of solo, this time with 16 brave adventurous souls from our Travel Tribe Group Adventures Community! After exploring and navigating logistics alone, I’ve put together a custom, logistically-chaotic, yet adventure packed, luxe-comfort route and itinerary that has probably been one of the most difficult to coordinate for a group! 😁😂 Manifesting a smooth and safe journey for us all! Including my little pre-adventure in the mountains of Pakistan, and hopefully a quick trip to Azerbaijan beforehand! Our 2027 Fall Stan’s trip is sold out with waitlist available and we are working on adding another trip in the Spring! Be sure to follow @mylifesatraveltribe and fill out the form on the bio to get notified! Anyone wanna come??
T-minus 2 weeks till I return to the ‘Stan’s of Central Asia, but instead of solo, this time with 16 brave adventurous souls from our Travel Tribe Group Adventures Community! After exploring and navigating logistics alone, I’ve put together a custom, logistically-chaotic, yet adventure packed, luxe-comfort route and itinerary that has probably been one of the most difficult to coordinate for a group! 😁😂 Manifesting a smooth and safe journey for us all! Including my little pre-adventure in the mountains of Pakistan, and hopefully a quick trip to Azerbaijan beforehand! Our 2027 Fall Stan’s trip is sold out with waitlist available and we are working on adding another trip in the Spring! Be sure to follow @mylifesatraveltribe and fill out the form on the bio to get notified! Anyone wanna come??
T-minus 2 weeks till I return to the ‘Stan’s of Central Asia, but instead of solo, this time with 16 brave adventurous souls from our Travel Tribe Group Adventures Community! After exploring and navigating logistics alone, I’ve put together a custom, logistically-chaotic, yet adventure packed, luxe-comfort route and itinerary that has probably been one of the most difficult to coordinate for a group! 😁😂 Manifesting a smooth and safe journey for us all! Including my little pre-adventure in the mountains of Pakistan, and hopefully a quick trip to Azerbaijan beforehand! Our 2027 Fall Stan’s trip is sold out with waitlist available and we are working on adding another trip in the Spring! Be sure to follow @mylifesatraveltribe and fill out the form on the bio to get notified! Anyone wanna come??
T-minus 2 weeks till I return to the ‘Stan’s of Central Asia, but instead of solo, this time with 16 brave adventurous souls from our Travel Tribe Group Adventures Community! After exploring and navigating logistics alone, I’ve put together a custom, logistically-chaotic, yet adventure packed, luxe-comfort route and itinerary that has probably been one of the most difficult to coordinate for a group! 😁😂 Manifesting a smooth and safe journey for us all! Including my little pre-adventure in the mountains of Pakistan, and hopefully a quick trip to Azerbaijan beforehand! Our 2027 Fall Stan’s trip is sold out with waitlist available and we are working on adding another trip in the Spring! Be sure to follow @mylifesatraveltribe and fill out the form on the bio to get notified! Anyone wanna come??
T-minus 2 weeks till I return to the ‘Stan’s of Central Asia, but instead of solo, this time with 16 brave adventurous souls from our Travel Tribe Group Adventures Community! After exploring and navigating logistics alone, I’ve put together a custom, logistically-chaotic, yet adventure packed, luxe-comfort route and itinerary that has probably been one of the most difficult to coordinate for a group! 😁😂 Manifesting a smooth and safe journey for us all! Including my little pre-adventure in the mountains of Pakistan, and hopefully a quick trip to Azerbaijan beforehand! Our 2027 Fall Stan’s trip is sold out with waitlist available and we are working on adding another trip in the Spring! Be sure to follow @mylifesatraveltribe and fill out the form on the bio to get notified! Anyone wanna come??
T-minus 2 weeks till I return to the ‘Stan’s of Central Asia, but instead of solo, this time with 16 brave adventurous souls from our Travel Tribe Group Adventures Community! After exploring and navigating logistics alone, I’ve put together a custom, logistically-chaotic, yet adventure packed, luxe-comfort route and itinerary that has probably been one of the most difficult to coordinate for a group! 😁😂 Manifesting a smooth and safe journey for us all! Including my little pre-adventure in the mountains of Pakistan, and hopefully a quick trip to Azerbaijan beforehand! Our 2027 Fall Stan’s trip is sold out with waitlist available and we are working on adding another trip in the Spring! Be sure to follow @mylifesatraveltribe and fill out the form on the bio to get notified! Anyone wanna come??
T-minus 2 weeks till I return to the ‘Stan’s of Central Asia, but instead of solo, this time with 16 brave adventurous souls from our Travel Tribe Group Adventures Community! After exploring and navigating logistics alone, I’ve put together a custom, logistically-chaotic, yet adventure packed, luxe-comfort route and itinerary that has probably been one of the most difficult to coordinate for a group! 😁😂 Manifesting a smooth and safe journey for us all! Including my little pre-adventure in the mountains of Pakistan, and hopefully a quick trip to Azerbaijan beforehand! Our 2027 Fall Stan’s trip is sold out with waitlist available and we are working on adding another trip in the Spring! Be sure to follow @mylifesatraveltribe and fill out the form on the bio to get notified! Anyone wanna come??
T-minus 2 weeks till I return to the ‘Stan’s of Central Asia, but instead of solo, this time with 16 brave adventurous souls from our Travel Tribe Group Adventures Community! After exploring and navigating logistics alone, I’ve put together a custom, logistically-chaotic, yet adventure packed, luxe-comfort route and itinerary that has probably been one of the most difficult to coordinate for a group! 😁😂 Manifesting a smooth and safe journey for us all! Including my little pre-adventure in the mountains of Pakistan, and hopefully a quick trip to Azerbaijan beforehand! Our 2027 Fall Stan’s trip is sold out with waitlist available and we are working on adding another trip in the Spring! Be sure to follow @mylifesatraveltribe and fill out the form on the bio to get notified! Anyone wanna come??
T-minus 2 weeks till I return to the ‘Stan’s of Central Asia, but instead of solo, this time with 16 brave adventurous souls from our Travel Tribe Group Adventures Community! After exploring and navigating logistics alone, I’ve put together a custom, logistically-chaotic, yet adventure packed, luxe-comfort route and itinerary that has probably been one of the most difficult to coordinate for a group! 😁😂 Manifesting a smooth and safe journey for us all! Including my little pre-adventure in the mountains of Pakistan, and hopefully a quick trip to Azerbaijan beforehand! Our 2027 Fall Stan’s trip is sold out with waitlist available and we are working on adding another trip in the Spring! Be sure to follow @mylifesatraveltribe and fill out the form on the bio to get notified! Anyone wanna come??
@mylifesatravelmovie
@mylifesatravelmovie
•
Follow
T-minus 2 weeks till I return to the ‘Stan’s of Central Asia, but instead of solo, this time with 16 brave adventurous souls from our Travel Tribe Group Adventures Community! After exploring and navigating logistics alone, I’ve put together a custom, logistically-chaotic, yet adventure packed, luxe-comfort route and itinerary that has probably been one of the most difficult to coordinate for a group! 😁😂 Manifesting a smooth and safe journey for us all! Including my little pre-adventure in the mountains of Pakistan, and hopefully a quick trip to Azerbaijan beforehand! Our 2027 Fall Stan’s trip is sold out with waitlist available and we are working on adding another trip in the Spring! Be sure to follow @mylifesatraveltribe and fill out the form on the bio to get notified! Anyone wanna come??
3 days ago
31240
View on Instagram |
2/9
The only times you don’t need an eSIM while traveling are when you literally cannot be holding a phone 😂 For all other times, easily download an eSIM like AloSIM which are really affordable at just a few dollars per day or less versus the typical $10 for international roaming! Use “TRAVELMOVIE15” for an extra 15% off! How do you stay connected abroad?
View Reel on Instagram
@mylifesatravelmovie
@mylifesatravelmovie
•
Follow
The only times you don’t need an eSIM while traveling are when you literally cannot be holding a phone 😂 For all other times, easily download an eSIM like AloSIM which are really affordable at just a few dollars per day or less versus the typical $10 for international roaming! Use “TRAVELMOVIE15” for an extra 15% off! How do you stay connected abroad?
2 weeks ago
50
View on Instagram |
3/9
Traveling was not a possibility for me when I was younger, yet now I’ve reached my 150th country (out of the 197 list which includes Kosovo)!! It has taken me 12 years, I’ve done most of them solo, and many have been collaborations that I received or pitched, but anything else, including most flights was solely paid for by myself, and here’s how I did it: (But first! Comment “TRAVEL” and I’ll send you links to my tips for making money while traveling, how to play flight roulette, and also this Balkans roadtrip itinerary!) 14 years ago - I started my blog but it didn’t make much money for a couple years. I used my only money and a credit card to take my first trip. I was one of the first people to pitch the concept of “free trips in exchange for social media posts” and I sent hundreds of them, always landing at least one, but there was still so much to see! With the money I earned from my blog, paid posts, and my writing for other platforms, I’d go travel but I’d play what I called “flight roulette”, where I pick “anywhere” as the destination, and choose the cheapest flight to somewhere I hadn’t been yet! As my business grew, I needed to repeat many countries each time year, and now I still travel to an average of 25 countries per year as a traveler-by-trade (influencer/entrepreneur), with the goal of 5-10 new ones each year. I never thought I’d reach all 197 countries…but now that there’s only 47 left…do I attempt it?!?! You can see all the countries I’ve been to and written about on my blog using the clickable map on the home page of mylifesamovie.com, or the menu that’s categorized by destination! As for making money to travel - I have a lot of posts on that and also a course, which teaches techniques for everyone, not just those wanting to be a creator! And for anyone who DOES want to be a creator or group trip host — my biggest advice is to find a niche personal to you, find your specific audience who can relate, and don’t just copy other people’s techniques, create new ones and stand out! Originality is admirable!! 😁 Thank you everyone who has stayed on this looonnggg journey with me! I can’t
View Reel on Instagram
@mylifesatravelmovie
@mylifesatravelmovie
•
Follow
Traveling was not a possibility for me when I was younger, yet now I’ve reached my 150th country (out of the 197 list which includes Kosovo)!! It has taken me 12 years, I’ve done most of them solo, and many have been collaborations that I received or pitched, but anything else, including most flights was solely paid for by myself, and here’s how I did it: (But first! Comment “TRAVEL” and I’ll send you links to my tips for making money while traveling, how to play flight roulette, and also this Balkans roadtrip itinerary!) 14 years ago - I started my blog but it didn’t make much money for a couple years. I used my only money and a credit card to take my first trip. I was one of the first people to pitch the concept of “free trips in exchange for social media posts” and I sent hundreds of them, always landing at least one, but there was still so much to see! With the money I earned from my blog, paid posts, and my writing for other platforms, I’d go travel but I’d play what I called “flight roulette”, where I pick “anywhere” as the destination, and choose the cheapest flight to somewhere I hadn’t been yet! As my business grew, I needed to repeat many countries each time year, and now I still travel to an average of 25 countries per year as a traveler-by-trade (influencer/entrepreneur), with the goal of 5-10 new ones each year. I never thought I’d reach all 197 countries…but now that there’s only 47 left…do I attempt it?!?! You can see all the countries I’ve been to and written about on my blog using the clickable map on the home page of mylifesamovie.com, or the menu that’s categorized by destination! As for making money to travel - I have a lot of posts on that and also a course, which teaches techniques for everyone, not just those wanting to be a creator! And for anyone who DOES want to be a creator or group trip host — my biggest advice is to find a niche personal to you, find your specific audience who can relate, and don’t just copy other people’s techniques, create new ones and stand out! Originality is admirable!! 😁 Thank you everyone who has stayed on this looonnggg journey with me! I can’t
2 weeks ago
27939
View on Instagram |
4/9
Haters gunna hate, trolls gunna troll, and adventurers gunna adventure. Don’t hate the influencer, hate the fact that there’s a lot of people who like to do similar things as them. 😂 If adrenaline activities in rare, far, unique destinations is also your passion, comment “Tribe” and I’ll send you our line up for 2027/28 and how to get first dibs notifications! Also, this is why we require liability waivers on our group trips 🤪😬 however this activity was very well coordinated, had 4 professional guides and safety guards, and is a well-known activity in Victoria Falls! Follow @mylifesatravelmovie (one of the world’s most experienced solo female travelers) for extreme adventures and unique experiences in over 150 countries, and @mylifesatraveltribe to join on one of the adventures!
View Reel on Instagram
@mylifesatravelmovie
@mylifesatravelmovie
•
Follow
Haters gunna hate, trolls gunna troll, and adventurers gunna adventure. Don’t hate the influencer, hate the fact that there’s a lot of people who like to do similar things as them. 😂 If adrenaline activities in rare, far, unique destinations is also your passion, comment “Tribe” and I’ll send you our line up for 2027/28 and how to get first dibs notifications! Also, this is why we require liability waivers on our group trips 🤪😬 however this activity was very well coordinated, had 4 professional guides and safety guards, and is a well-known activity in Victoria Falls! Follow @mylifesatravelmovie (one of the world’s most experienced solo female travelers) for extreme adventures and unique experiences in over 150 countries, and @mylifesatraveltribe to join on one of the adventures!
3 weeks ago
45
View on Instagram |
5/9
@mylifesatravelmovie
@mylifesatravelmovie
•
Follow
The only reasons you should NOT get an eSIM are if you enjoy searching for wifi, paying more for roaming, or you really want to disconnect 😜 But if you want to make your trip easier, just download an app like @alosim_app and get an affordable data plan, install it in seconds, and then it'll activate as soon as you arrive! No sketchy airport wifi required. Comment "esim" and I'll send you my step by step guide for how to use one, and you can also use TRAVELMOVIE for an extra discount! Note: your phone must be unlocked to use an eSIM!
3 weeks ago
2
View on Instagram |
6/9
The only reasons you should NOT get an eSIM are if you enjoy searching for wifi, paying more for roaming, or you really want to disconnect 😜 But if you want to make your trip easier, just download an app like @alosim_app and get an affordable data plan, install it in seconds, and then it'll activate as soon as you arrive! No sketchy airport wifi required. Comment "esim" and I'll send you my step by step guide for how to use one, and you can also use TRAVELMOVIE for an extra discount! Note: your phone must be unlocked to use an eSIM!
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@mylifesatravelmovie
@mylifesatravelmovie
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The only reasons you should NOT get an eSIM are if you enjoy searching for wifi, paying more for roaming, or you really want to disconnect 😜 But if you want to make your trip easier, just download an app like @alosim_app and get an affordable data plan, install it in seconds, and then it'll activate as soon as you arrive! No sketchy airport wifi required. Comment "esim" and I'll send you my step by step guide for how to use one, and you can also use TRAVELMOVIE for an extra discount! Note: your phone must be unlocked to use an eSIM!
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Traveled solo in China earlier this year and became slightly obsessed! Out of the now 150 countries I’ve been to, I think it might actually be in my top 10! That’s why I had to add it to our group trips! We are officially 1 year away from our Zhangjiajie - Chongqing - Beijing/Shanghai group adventure with just a few spots left! ***Comment “China” and I’ll send you the trip info, and also an option to see my general blog post about it with tips (but PLZ don’t copy it for business purposes 🙏) If you’re on my level of adventure-obsessed, this is definitely the trip for you! It includes all of my favorite activities I did, like the Skyscraper Rappelling, Cloud Walk and Swing, Motorcycle video shoot, and alllllll the Avatar mountain things! Btw can you tell I’m wearing an “Avatar” outfit doing the zip line in the Avatar Mountains? 🤓 I’ll also be curious to see if we can recreate my Great Wall of China pics with no people from when I was there almost 10 years ago…before people-remover was a basic editing feature!
Traveled solo in China earlier this year and became slightly obsessed! Out of the now 150 countries I’ve been to, I think it might actually be in my top 10! That’s why I had to add it to our group trips! We are officially 1 year away from our Zhangjiajie - Chongqing - Beijing/Shanghai group adventure with just a few spots left! ***Comment “China” and I’ll send you the trip info, and also an option to see my general blog post about it with tips (but PLZ don’t copy it for business purposes 🙏) If you’re on my level of adventure-obsessed, this is definitely the trip for you! It includes all of my favorite activities I did, like the Skyscraper Rappelling, Cloud Walk and Swing, Motorcycle video shoot, and alllllll the Avatar mountain things! Btw can you tell I’m wearing an “Avatar” outfit doing the zip line in the Avatar Mountains? 🤓 I’ll also be curious to see if we can recreate my Great Wall of China pics with no people from when I was there almost 10 years ago…before people-remover was a basic editing feature!
Traveled solo in China earlier this year and became slightly obsessed! Out of the now 150 countries I’ve been to, I think it might actually be in my top 10! That’s why I had to add it to our group trips! We are officially 1 year away from our Zhangjiajie - Chongqing - Beijing/Shanghai group adventure with just a few spots left! ***Comment “China” and I’ll send you the trip info, and also an option to see my general blog post about it with tips (but PLZ don’t copy it for business purposes 🙏) If you’re on my level of adventure-obsessed, this is definitely the trip for you! It includes all of my favorite activities I did, like the Skyscraper Rappelling, Cloud Walk and Swing, Motorcycle video shoot, and alllllll the Avatar mountain things! Btw can you tell I’m wearing an “Avatar” outfit doing the zip line in the Avatar Mountains? 🤓 I’ll also be curious to see if we can recreate my Great Wall of China pics with no people from when I was there almost 10 years ago…before people-remover was a basic editing feature!
Traveled solo in China earlier this year and became slightly obsessed! Out of the now 150 countries I’ve been to, I think it might actually be in my top 10! That’s why I had to add it to our group trips! We are officially 1 year away from our Zhangjiajie - Chongqing - Beijing/Shanghai group adventure with just a few spots left! ***Comment “China” and I’ll send you the trip info, and also an option to see my general blog post about it with tips (but PLZ don’t copy it for business purposes 🙏) If you’re on my level of adventure-obsessed, this is definitely the trip for you! It includes all of my favorite activities I did, like the Skyscraper Rappelling, Cloud Walk and Swing, Motorcycle video shoot, and alllllll the Avatar mountain things! Btw can you tell I’m wearing an “Avatar” outfit doing the zip line in the Avatar Mountains? 🤓 I’ll also be curious to see if we can recreate my Great Wall of China pics with no people from when I was there almost 10 years ago…before people-remover was a basic editing feature!
Traveled solo in China earlier this year and became slightly obsessed! Out of the now 150 countries I’ve been to, I think it might actually be in my top 10! That’s why I had to add it to our group trips! We are officially 1 year away from our Zhangjiajie - Chongqing - Beijing/Shanghai group adventure with just a few spots left! ***Comment “China” and I’ll send you the trip info, and also an option to see my general blog post about it with tips (but PLZ don’t copy it for business purposes 🙏) If you’re on my level of adventure-obsessed, this is definitely the trip for you! It includes all of my favorite activities I did, like the Skyscraper Rappelling, Cloud Walk and Swing, Motorcycle video shoot, and alllllll the Avatar mountain things! Btw can you tell I’m wearing an “Avatar” outfit doing the zip line in the Avatar Mountains? 🤓 I’ll also be curious to see if we can recreate my Great Wall of China pics with no people from when I was there almost 10 years ago…before people-remover was a basic editing feature!
Traveled solo in China earlier this year and became slightly obsessed! Out of the now 150 countries I’ve been to, I think it might actually be in my top 10! That’s why I had to add it to our group trips! We are officially 1 year away from our Zhangjiajie - Chongqing - Beijing/Shanghai group adventure with just a few spots left! ***Comment “China” and I’ll send you the trip info, and also an option to see my general blog post about it with tips (but PLZ don’t copy it for business purposes 🙏) If you’re on my level of adventure-obsessed, this is definitely the trip for you! It includes all of my favorite activities I did, like the Skyscraper Rappelling, Cloud Walk and Swing, Motorcycle video shoot, and alllllll the Avatar mountain things! Btw can you tell I’m wearing an “Avatar” outfit doing the zip line in the Avatar Mountains? 🤓 I’ll also be curious to see if we can recreate my Great Wall of China pics with no people from when I was there almost 10 years ago…before people-remover was a basic editing feature!
Traveled solo in China earlier this year and became slightly obsessed! Out of the now 150 countries I’ve been to, I think it might actually be in my top 10! That’s why I had to add it to our group trips! We are officially 1 year away from our Zhangjiajie - Chongqing - Beijing/Shanghai group adventure with just a few spots left! ***Comment “China” and I’ll send you the trip info, and also an option to see my general blog post about it with tips (but PLZ don’t copy it for business purposes 🙏) If you’re on my level of adventure-obsessed, this is definitely the trip for you! It includes all of my favorite activities I did, like the Skyscraper Rappelling, Cloud Walk and Swing, Motorcycle video shoot, and alllllll the Avatar mountain things! Btw can you tell I’m wearing an “Avatar” outfit doing the zip line in the Avatar Mountains? 🤓 I’ll also be curious to see if we can recreate my Great Wall of China pics with no people from when I was there almost 10 years ago…before people-remover was a basic editing feature!
Traveled solo in China earlier this year and became slightly obsessed! Out of the now 150 countries I’ve been to, I think it might actually be in my top 10! That’s why I had to add it to our group trips! We are officially 1 year away from our Zhangjiajie - Chongqing - Beijing/Shanghai group adventure with just a few spots left! ***Comment “China” and I’ll send you the trip info, and also an option to see my general blog post about it with tips (but PLZ don’t copy it for business purposes 🙏) If you’re on my level of adventure-obsessed, this is definitely the trip for you! It includes all of my favorite activities I did, like the Skyscraper Rappelling, Cloud Walk and Swing, Motorcycle video shoot, and alllllll the Avatar mountain things! Btw can you tell I’m wearing an “Avatar” outfit doing the zip line in the Avatar Mountains? 🤓 I’ll also be curious to see if we can recreate my Great Wall of China pics with no people from when I was there almost 10 years ago…before people-remover was a basic editing feature!
Traveled solo in China earlier this year and became slightly obsessed! Out of the now 150 countries I’ve been to, I think it might actually be in my top 10! That’s why I had to add it to our group trips! We are officially 1 year away from our Zhangjiajie - Chongqing - Beijing/Shanghai group adventure with just a few spots left! ***Comment “China” and I’ll send you the trip info, and also an option to see my general blog post about it with tips (but PLZ don’t copy it for business purposes 🙏) If you’re on my level of adventure-obsessed, this is definitely the trip for you! It includes all of my favorite activities I did, like the Skyscraper Rappelling, Cloud Walk and Swing, Motorcycle video shoot, and alllllll the Avatar mountain things! Btw can you tell I’m wearing an “Avatar” outfit doing the zip line in the Avatar Mountains? 🤓 I’ll also be curious to see if we can recreate my Great Wall of China pics with no people from when I was there almost 10 years ago…before people-remover was a basic editing feature!
Traveled solo in China earlier this year and became slightly obsessed! Out of the now 150 countries I’ve been to, I think it might actually be in my top 10! That’s why I had to add it to our group trips! We are officially 1 year away from our Zhangjiajie - Chongqing - Beijing/Shanghai group adventure with just a few spots left! ***Comment “China” and I’ll send you the trip info, and also an option to see my general blog post about it with tips (but PLZ don’t copy it for business purposes 🙏) If you’re on my level of adventure-obsessed, this is definitely the trip for you! It includes all of my favorite activities I did, like the Skyscraper Rappelling, Cloud Walk and Swing, Motorcycle video shoot, and alllllll the Avatar mountain things! Btw can you tell I’m wearing an “Avatar” outfit doing the zip line in the Avatar Mountains? 🤓 I’ll also be curious to see if we can recreate my Great Wall of China pics with no people from when I was there almost 10 years ago…before people-remover was a basic editing feature!
Traveled solo in China earlier this year and became slightly obsessed! Out of the now 150 countries I’ve been to, I think it might actually be in my top 10! That’s why I had to add it to our group trips! We are officially 1 year away from our Zhangjiajie - Chongqing - Beijing/Shanghai group adventure with just a few spots left! ***Comment “China” and I’ll send you the trip info, and also an option to see my general blog post about it with tips (but PLZ don’t copy it for business purposes 🙏) If you’re on my level of adventure-obsessed, this is definitely the trip for you! It includes all of my favorite activities I did, like the Skyscraper Rappelling, Cloud Walk and Swing, Motorcycle video shoot, and alllllll the Avatar mountain things! Btw can you tell I’m wearing an “Avatar” outfit doing the zip line in the Avatar Mountains? 🤓 I’ll also be curious to see if we can recreate my Great Wall of China pics with no people from when I was there almost 10 years ago…before people-remover was a basic editing feature!
Traveled solo in China earlier this year and became slightly obsessed! Out of the now 150 countries I’ve been to, I think it might actually be in my top 10! That’s why I had to add it to our group trips! We are officially 1 year away from our Zhangjiajie - Chongqing - Beijing/Shanghai group adventure with just a few spots left! ***Comment “China” and I’ll send you the trip info, and also an option to see my general blog post about it with tips (but PLZ don’t copy it for business purposes 🙏) If you’re on my level of adventure-obsessed, this is definitely the trip for you! It includes all of my favorite activities I did, like the Skyscraper Rappelling, Cloud Walk and Swing, Motorcycle video shoot, and alllllll the Avatar mountain things! Btw can you tell I’m wearing an “Avatar” outfit doing the zip line in the Avatar Mountains? 🤓 I’ll also be curious to see if we can recreate my Great Wall of China pics with no people from when I was there almost 10 years ago…before people-remover was a basic editing feature!
Traveled solo in China earlier this year and became slightly obsessed! Out of the now 150 countries I’ve been to, I think it might actually be in my top 10! That’s why I had to add it to our group trips! We are officially 1 year away from our Zhangjiajie - Chongqing - Beijing/Shanghai group adventure with just a few spots left! ***Comment “China” and I’ll send you the trip info, and also an option to see my general blog post about it with tips (but PLZ don’t copy it for business purposes 🙏) If you’re on my level of adventure-obsessed, this is definitely the trip for you! It includes all of my favorite activities I did, like the Skyscraper Rappelling, Cloud Walk and Swing, Motorcycle video shoot, and alllllll the Avatar mountain things! Btw can you tell I’m wearing an “Avatar” outfit doing the zip line in the Avatar Mountains? 🤓 I’ll also be curious to see if we can recreate my Great Wall of China pics with no people from when I was there almost 10 years ago…before people-remover was a basic editing feature!
@mylifesatravelmovie
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Follow
Traveled solo in China earlier this year and became slightly obsessed! Out of the now 150 countries I’ve been to, I think it might actually be in my top 10! That’s why I had to add it to our group trips! We are officially 1 year away from our Zhangjiajie - Chongqing - Beijing/Shanghai group adventure with just a few spots left! ***Comment “China” and I’ll send you the trip info, and also an option to see my general blog post about it with tips (but PLZ don’t copy it for business purposes 🙏) If you’re on my level of adventure-obsessed, this is definitely the trip for you! It includes all of my favorite activities I did, like the Skyscraper Rappelling, Cloud Walk and Swing, Motorcycle video shoot, and alllllll the Avatar mountain things! Btw can you tell I’m wearing an “Avatar” outfit doing the zip line in the Avatar Mountains? 🤓 I’ll also be curious to see if we can recreate my Great Wall of China pics with no people from when I was there almost 10 years ago…before people-remover was a basic editing feature!
3 weeks ago
68383
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8/9
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I prefer the word “adventurous”. Would you do this? Read first for context! This is the notorious “Devil’s Pool” at the top of Victoria Falls, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe! I will not tell you it’s not dangerous or that it’s safe, just that the locals have created a safe-as-possible experience here that allows you to swim in this pool due to the steep and wide lip of the falls. So it’s not just a river that ends over the edge, it first goes in a deep pool, which would stop any large object, like a human, from going over the edge. There are ropes involved and also someone is holding onto your foot when you’re at the edge… I’ll show that BTS next! I’ve done this 3 times and it’s definitely a thrill! It’s also freezing and my main fear was the crocodiles and hippos that also live in the Zambezi River! Follow for more unique adventures from 150+ countries of solo female traveling!
4 weeks ago
82629
View on Instagram |
9/9

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