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Samoa Islands Key Travel Information

Alyssa Ramos

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samoa island travel info mylifesamovie.com

If you’re looking for a true hidden gem and bucketlist destination, use my Samoa Islands key travel information to book this trip!

Not to be confused with American Samoa which is just next door, independent Samoa is not Westernized, which allows it to retain its cultural charm. Similar in appearance to Hawaii, yet lacking the heavy touristic presence, Samoa Islands is sure to impress, especially when you see the famous Samoa Trench!

So here’s some key travel information to get you started, but please check out my extensive itinerary for a travel planning guide!

General Info About Samoa Islands

Samoa Islands map mylifesamovie.com

Where is Samoa Islands: In the South Pacific Ocean, 3.5 hours from New Zealand, 9 hours from Los Angeles

How to get there: Your best bet is booking a flight to Auckland then connecting to Samoa

Visa Info: None required but you MUST show proof of an ongoing flight OUT of New Zealand if you fly there before or after.

Language: Samoan and English (everyone speaks English)

Key Phrases to Know: “Talofa” pronounced “tah-low-far”: Hello

People: Samoan, some New Zealand

Population: About 197,000

Religion: Christian, some Methodist, Catholic, and Mormon 

    NOTE! Many shops/restaurants are not open Sundays due to religious observance and alcohol is not sold either!

Currency: Tala

Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 2.64 WST

Typical Costs

samoa islands key travel information mylifesamovie.com

Tipping: Not expected but always appreciated

Average Costs: $5-20 Tala to visit waterfalls, $20-50 Tala to rent beach falas, $10-17 Tala for wine, $10-50 tala for food

Groceries/Alcohol: If you’re trying to save money on eating/drinking out, you can go to one of the many grocery markets in Apia. We went to Trader Jack’s and it had a pretty decent wine selection, as well as most of your typical groceries.

Where to Stay

Areas to stay in: There are two islands, Upolo and Savai’i, with Upolo being the more popular one although locals will insist you check out Savai’i!

I only had time to do Upolo (and it took a week) so I can only give info for there. Apia is the main town in Upolo, but there isn’t much nature to see there. On the contrary, if you stay somewhere more South, there’s beautiful nature, but not many stores or restaurants.

I stayed outside of Apia the whole time and loved it, but also had a restaurant/bar onsite of where I was staying.

Upolo Samoa Islands map mylifesamovie.com

Where I stayed:  Coconuts Beach Club Resort and Spa: This was probably the nicest place I got to stay at (full disclosure, it was sponsored!) and definitely worth splurging on if you’re looking for luxury or a romantic escape. The food was exquisite and rooms were five star, and the entire property just made me feel like I was fully emerged in nature.

   samoa islands key travel information mylifesamovie.com

I also really loved the fact that you could see and swim with turtles every day! They come during high tide to eat the sea grass just off the shore of Coconuts, and you can watch them from a deck above, or use the free snorkel equipment to swim with them!

Saletoga Sands: This place seemed to be popular for younger groups of people and families. It has some budget-level options as well as private cabanas.

samoa island 7 day itinerary mylifesamovie.com
This pic was for a sponsored post with an underwear brand, I swear I’m not trying to show you pics of me in my undies haha

We also found a pretty cool Treehouse Airbnb in the middle of the island! It was really cool and cozy, but we definitely got a little stir crazy at night when there wasn’t much to do and nothing else around!

How to Get Around

samoa islands key travel information mylifesamovie.com
We rented a car to get around to all the various waterfalls and sights

How to get around: Rent a car to get the most out of your visit! You can explore on your own using my in-depth 6 Day Samoa Self Tour Itinerary, rather than paying a lot more for a tour and being on someone else’s schedule. Cars cost around $40 USD per day and you can pick up and drop off at the airport.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to drive on the left side of the road (and the driver’s seat is on the right side of the vehicle!). Drive no faster than 50km max on the island, and be careful with gravel or wet roads.

CAUTION: There are many animals and people who walk/congregate on the sides of the road! Slow down when approaching them, and try to stay towards the center of the road if there’s no oncoming cars. Also, locals tend to always drive in the middle of the road until they approach you, kind of like a game of Chicken…you’re always better off just moving over for them to pass you.

Also — EVERYONE waves, so be sure to wave at everyone you pass 🙂

Other Useful Information for Samoa Islands

samoa islands key travel information mylifesamovie.com


Signature food to try: ALLLLLLL the raw fish! From regular Sashimi to the local favorite called Oka, which is diced tuna in coconut milk!

Safety: Samoa is extremely safe. The only cautions I have are with driving, and making sure you’re smart when it comes to playing in waterfalls or near cliffs! There’s a lot of very tall waterfalls that have no one guarding them or restricting access! Don’t be reckless with going too close to the edge or jumping off! I always recommend travel insurance as well (coming from the girl who has flipped in two vehicles abroad!)

Pests and Predators: Tons of mosquitos! There’s a few other scary looking bugs but they won’t harm you unless you mess with them. There’s also a lot of dogs, and a good chance one will run up to you at some point but don’t be afraid! They’re mostly all friendly!

Top Highlights to See on Upolo

samoa islands key travel information mylifesamovie.com

Here’s a brief list of all the spots I went to that I would deem visit-worthy! You can get full details on all of them on my 7 Day Samoa Self Tour Itinerary!

  • To Sua Ocean Trench
  • Togiogiga Waterfall
  • Vavau Beach
  • Sliding Rocks Waterfall
  • Lalomanu Beach
  • Turtle Snorkeling at Coconut’s
  • FiaFia Show at Sliema
  • Fuipisia Falls
  • Togiogiga Falls
  • Apia Craft and Food Market
  • Live Music and Dinner

travel gear for here

Key Items to Bring: To be completely honest, I didn’t pack much for this week-long trip, and ended up only wearing about three outfits (but A LOT of swim suits). So this list is comprised of the items I actually used, and also ones I ended up needing to buy!

  • Mineral Based Sunscreen
  • Insect Repellent
  • Quick Dry Towel
  • Waterproof Sandals
  • Swimsuits
  • Cover Ups
  • Sunglasses
  • Hats
  • Travel Backpack
  • Spare Batteries
  • Universal Adapter 
  • Moisturizing Hair Conditioner
  • Healing/Repairing Skin Cream or Oil
  • GoPro
  • Selfie Stick
  • Drone
  • Sony
If you're thinking of making the bucketlist trip to Samoa Islands, here is all of the key travel information to get there! From currency and what costs are like in Samoa Islands, to best ways to get around the island and where to stay!

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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!

@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
  • When he suspiciously asks why I didn’t answer the phone all day and I was literally scaling a mountain in Kosovo with my adventure bestie. 🧗‍♀️ 😁

I had no idea we were doing a Via Ferrata on our first day of the girls’ trip, and was actually scared, but it ended up being really fun!

If you’re up for an adventure, it’s in Peja, a beautiful mountain area! All of my travel tips are on my website, mylifesamovie.com !

Follow me @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world, for unique destinations, extreme adventures, and actual useful information!
  • Orca swimming in La Ventana, Mexico has been SUSPENDED indefinitely, but there’s more to it than you might think, so keep reading, or comment “orcas” and I’ll send you the full information about the update, future prospects, and these Sea Safari tours in general.

I know some people will automatically blame influencers for posting about swimming with orcas here (we’re used to it), but please keep in mind that many of us were posting the rules and regulations and urging people to be responsible and also that there was never an official “orca tour”, it’s always been a general Sea Safari, and seeing an orca is never guaranteed or promised.

Anyway, before the 1 year trial, there was allegedly complete chaos, with over 35 boats chasing pods and no regulations about how many boats can be near them at a time or how many swimmers and how long they could be in the water.

The trial period enforced those rules, limiting the number of boats and swimmers and how long each boat can be near the orcas. Many people listened, many did not. So that is now what the authorities are evaluating, to determine if they will continue to allow it or permanently ban it.

All of my posts had clear disclaimers about the rules and how to be a responsible traveler here, and I purposely required that people personally email me for info about the tour to make sure they understood the rules, including that there is no “orca tour” but most people still  specifically asked for that. 

In my opinion, after doing this experience, I don’t really think just anyone should be able to do it or run the tours…so many people just don’t listen or respect rules, and it is dangerous for the animals and themselves.

If they do allow it in the future I think it should be mandatory that a certified marine biologist is onboard most boats, that boats and captains have specific training and certifications, and that tourists have to pay an addition environmental fee so the gov can hire more people to monitor and enforce regulations. Also a smaller amount of spots allowed per day.

I don’t think observing orcas should be completely banned, otherwise people will just continue to go see them
  • Ferragosto is one of the biggest holidays in Italy, every year on August 15th! So definitely don’t come here that day unless you want to experience local celebrations in the form of beach or boat days, and massive feasts with lots of wine! 

Many people celebrate with family at home or at restaurants, so make reservations in advance, and wear your feast-fit 😮‍💨😬

Same applies for boat trip reservations and the beaches that require permits in advance!

This is my 3rd summer living in Sardinia and I put all the tips on my Sardinia Travel Guide on my website! Just comment “Sardinia” and I’ll send it to you!

((Transparency — I actually don’t recommend coming here in August at all because it’s the most hot and crowded month, but if that’s your vibe, you’ll love Ferragosto!))

Have you heard of this famous Italian holiday? Can you name any of the dishes in the vid? 😁

————-
Sardinia , Sardegna, European Summer, Summer in Italy, Italy, Italy travel tips, living in Italy, life in Italy, Mylifesatravelmovie, mylifeisatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
  • Ferragosto is one of the biggest holidays in Italy, every year on August 15th! So definitely don’t come here that day unless you want to experience local celebrations in the form of beach or boat days, and massive feasts with lots of wine! 

Many people celebrate with family at home or at restaurants, so make reservations in advance, and wear your feast-fit 😮‍💨😬

Same applies for boat trip reservations and the beaches that require permits in advance!

This is my 3rd summer living in Sardinia and I put all the tips on my Sardinia Travel Guide on my website! Just comment “Sardinia” and I’ll send it to you!

((Transparency — I actually don’t recommend coming here in August at all because it’s the most hot and crowded month, but if that’s your vibe, you’ll love Ferragosto!))

Have you heard of this famous Italian holiday? Can you name any of the dishes in the vid? 😁

————-
Sardinia , Sardegna, European Summer, Summer in Italy, Italy, Italy travel tips, living in Italy, life in Italy, Mylifesatravelmovie, mylifeisatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
  • You cannot go within 15 feet of animals in Antarctica. But if THEY come up to you…well…what can you do?? 😬

I’ve been to Antarctica 4 times and this was a rare occasion when a penguin suddenly waddle-ran right up to me! It took a lot of willpower not to try and bend down to get closer, but I knew to just stay still and let it observe until it walked away!

Other animals you can see in Antarctica are humpbacks, leopard seals, and Orcas!

LMK if you have any questions about Antarctica!

———-

For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo travel women in the world! I’ve been to 150 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration!
  • My therapist said I’m a workaholic with ADHD and to find a hobby where I can’t use my phone or laptop that will also keep me captivated for hours, so behold! My new hobby of shark diving! 🦈💖

Unlike regular diving, snorkeling, or swimming, you must always be highly alert, ready to respond, and on the go if you want to try to keep up with them! 

The ultimate workaholic-ADHD-adventurer’s dream hobby, do you agree?

[DISCLAIMER] Yes sharks can be dangerous, but only when provoked or taunted with food. I have extensive experience around sharks and apex predators, and a degree in animal science, all of which I use to promote positive awareness and protection for sharks and other misunderstood animals! 

Happy Shark Week!

————-

For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo female travelers in the world! I’ve been to 146 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration! 

Mylifesatravelmovie, mylifesatravelmovie, OG travel influencers, shark week
  • Before the term “influencer” or “content creator” existed, I was one of the original travel bloggers, unknowingly helping pioneer what is now a multibillion dollar Creator Industry.

I helped transform solo female travel from taboo to trendy, and taught thousands of people how to work remotely and build a brand.

I’ve done so much more than just create content, although hardly anyone sees the behind the scenes. And it’s been 14 years that I’ve owned the title of travel bloggers/influencer so…

Allow me to re-introduce myself.

I am Alyssa Ramos, the founder of My Life’s a Travel Movie brand, one of the very first travel “influencers” and one of the pioneers of the creator industry, of normalizing solo female travel today, of influencer-hosted group trips, and of getting paid to travel via social media!

I started my blog in 2012, then started using social media to promote it in 2014, earning me the title of “influencer”but what was never fully seen was the entrepreneur behind it who helped create an entire new industry with no money and when hardly anyone believed it would work.

Soon after I became one of the first travel blogger/influencers to make a full time living from it, I was asked to speak at conferences, interviewed in the press, and I was one of the very first people to make the courses about how it’s done (they didn’t exist when I started!)

I had a big dream to get paid to travel the world, and to normalize solo female travel, and once I succeeded, I kept going.

Today I am not only a travel influencer, but also a humanitarian, animal activist, a trailblazer, an author, speaker, writer, entrepreneur and…one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world.

So far I’ve been to over 150 countries (off the 197 list), all 7 continents (Antarctica 4x), and I average 20 countries per year.

Now I’m going bigger. I’m launching a travel show, more speaker events, writing another book, and I’ve started the Travel Tribe Foundation to give back through my group trips.

Thank you everyone who has been here with me for so long, and welcome to anyone new!

To follow along with my updates, please comment “travel
  • Before the term “influencer” or “content creator” existed, I was one of the original travel bloggers, unknowingly helping pioneer what is now a multibillion dollar Creator Industry.

I helped transform solo female travel from taboo to trendy, and taught thousands of people how to work remotely and build a brand.

I’ve done so much more than just create content, although hardly anyone sees the behind the scenes. And it’s been 14 years that I’ve owned the title of travel bloggers/influencer so…

Allow me to re-introduce myself.

I am Alyssa Ramos, the founder of My Life’s a Travel Movie brand, one of the very first travel “influencers” and one of the pioneers of the creator industry, of normalizing solo female travel today, of influencer-hosted group trips, and of getting paid to travel via social media!

I started my blog in 2012, then started using social media to promote it in 2014, earning me the title of “influencer”but what was never fully seen was the entrepreneur behind it who helped create an entire new industry with no money and when hardly anyone believed it would work.

Soon after I became one of the first travel blogger/influencers to make a full time living from it, I was asked to speak at conferences, interviewed in the press, and I was one of the very first people to make the courses about how it’s done (they didn’t exist when I started!)

I had a big dream to get paid to travel the world, and to normalize solo female travel, and once I succeeded, I kept going.

Today I am not only a travel influencer, but also a humanitarian, animal activist, a trailblazer, an author, speaker, writer, entrepreneur and…one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world.

So far I’ve been to over 150 countries (off the 197 list), all 7 continents (Antarctica 4x), and I average 20 countries per year.

Now I’m going bigger. I’m launching a travel show, more speaker events, writing another book, and I’ve started the Travel Tribe Foundation to give back through my group trips.

Thank you everyone who has been here with me for so long, and welcome to anyone new!

To follow along with my updates, please comment “travel
  • I thought I was going to shipwreck trying to get to an existing shipwreck in the Solomon Islands…and I was traveling solo with just a fisherman driving me on his small boat. 😳

But! We made it, even with a massive storm approaching, and I experienced one of the most incredible “my life’s a travel movie” moments in my 12 years of continuous solo traveling!!

I truly felt like I was in a movie! The ship is an old cruise ship that hit rocks and slowly sank as it washed ashore on Roderick’s Bay. It’s only half sunk, so you can swim around it (it’s super creepy and dangerous, don’t do it alone), and since it’s completely unregulated, you can also climb it and zip line into the water (also dangerous, can’t recommend)

The angle of the ship also created one of the most vibrant marine sanctuaries I’ve seen in a while, with lots of actual colorful coral and fish (including clown fish!)

I went to Solomon Islands after my second trip to Papua New Guinea, on my quest to slow solo travel to every country in the world.

Would I go back to the shipwreck? Probably not. That boat ride was terrifying. But I’d go back to see more of the islands in the Solomon’s, there’s so many!

Would you brave the ride to get to this shipwreck?

For any fellow extreme adventurers, my Solomon Islands travel tips and itinerary is on my website linked in bio!

———————-

For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo female travelers  in the world! I’ve been to 146 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration!
When he suspiciously asks why I didn’t answer the phone all day and I was literally scaling a mountain in Kosovo with my adventure bestie. 🧗‍♀️ 😁 I had no idea we were doing a Via Ferrata on our first day of the girls’ trip, and was actually scared, but it ended up being really fun! If you’re up for an adventure, it’s in Peja, a beautiful mountain area! All of my travel tips are on my website, mylifesamovie.com ! Follow me @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world, for unique destinations, extreme adventures, and actual useful information!
3 days ago
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Orca swimming in La Ventana, Mexico has been SUSPENDED indefinitely, but there’s more to it than you might think, so keep reading, or comment “orcas” and I’ll send you the full information about the update, future prospects, and these Sea Safari tours in general. I know some people will automatically blame influencers for posting about swimming with orcas here (we’re used to it), but please keep in mind that many of us were posting the rules and regulations and urging people to be responsible and also that there was never an official “orca tour”, it’s always been a general Sea Safari, and seeing an orca is never guaranteed or promised. Anyway, before the 1 year trial, there was allegedly complete chaos, with over 35 boats chasing pods and no regulations about how many boats can be near them at a time or how many swimmers and how long they could be in the water. The trial period enforced those rules, limiting the number of boats and swimmers and how long each boat can be near the orcas. Many people listened, many did not. So that is now what the authorities are evaluating, to determine if they will continue to allow it or permanently ban it. All of my posts had clear disclaimers about the rules and how to be a responsible traveler here, and I purposely required that people personally email me for info about the tour to make sure they understood the rules, including that there is no “orca tour” but most people still specifically asked for that. In my opinion, after doing this experience, I don’t really think just anyone should be able to do it or run the tours…so many people just don’t listen or respect rules, and it is dangerous for the animals and themselves. If they do allow it in the future I think it should be mandatory that a certified marine biologist is onboard most boats, that boats and captains have specific training and certifications, and that tourists have to pay an addition environmental fee so the gov can hire more people to monitor and enforce regulations. Also a smaller amount of spots allowed per day. I don’t think observing orcas should be completely banned, otherwise people will just continue to go see them
5 days ago
1,477133
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2/9
Ferragosto is one of the biggest holidays in Italy, every year on August 15th! So definitely don’t come here that day unless you want to experience local celebrations in the form of beach or boat days, and massive feasts with lots of wine! Many people celebrate with family at home or at restaurants, so make reservations in advance, and wear your feast-fit 😮‍💨😬 Same applies for boat trip reservations and the beaches that require permits in advance! This is my 3rd summer living in Sardinia and I put all the tips on my Sardinia Travel Guide on my website! Just comment “Sardinia” and I’ll send it to you! ((Transparency — I actually don’t recommend coming here in August at all because it’s the most hot and crowded month, but if that’s your vibe, you’ll love Ferragosto!)) Have you heard of this famous Italian holiday? Can you name any of the dishes in the vid? 😁 ————- Sardinia , Sardegna, European Summer, Summer in Italy, Italy, Italy travel tips, living in Italy, life in Italy, Mylifesatravelmovie, mylifeisatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
5 days ago
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View on Instagram |
3/9
Ferragosto is one of the biggest holidays in Italy, every year on August 15th! So definitely don’t come here that day unless you want to experience local celebrations in the form of beach or boat days, and massive feasts with lots of wine! Many people celebrate with family at home or at restaurants, so make reservations in advance, and wear your feast-fit 😮‍💨😬 Same applies for boat trip reservations and the beaches that require permits in advance! This is my 3rd summer living in Sardinia and I put all the tips on my Sardinia Travel Guide on my website! Just comment “Sardinia” and I’ll send it to you! ((Transparency — I actually don’t recommend coming here in August at all because it’s the most hot and crowded month, but if that’s your vibe, you’ll love Ferragosto!)) Have you heard of this famous Italian holiday? Can you name any of the dishes in the vid? 😁 ————- Sardinia , Sardegna, European Summer, Summer in Italy, Italy, Italy travel tips, living in Italy, life in Italy, Mylifesatravelmovie, mylifeisatravelmovie, Alyssa Ramos
5 days ago
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You cannot go within 15 feet of animals in Antarctica. But if THEY come up to you…well…what can you do?? 😬 I’ve been to Antarctica 4 times and this was a rare occasion when a penguin suddenly waddle-ran right up to me! It took a lot of willpower not to try and bend down to get closer, but I knew to just stay still and let it observe until it walked away! Other animals you can see in Antarctica are humpbacks, leopard seals, and Orcas! LMK if you have any questions about Antarctica! ———- For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo travel women in the world! I’ve been to 150 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration!
3 weeks ago
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My therapist said I’m a workaholic with ADHD and to find a hobby where I can’t use my phone or laptop that will also keep me captivated for hours, so behold! My new hobby of shark diving! 🦈💖 Unlike regular diving, snorkeling, or swimming, you must always be highly alert, ready to respond, and on the go if you want to try to keep up with them! The ultimate workaholic-ADHD-adventurer’s dream hobby, do you agree? [DISCLAIMER] Yes sharks can be dangerous, but only when provoked or taunted with food. I have extensive experience around sharks and apex predators, and a degree in animal science, all of which I use to promote positive awareness and protection for sharks and other misunderstood animals! Happy Shark Week! ————- For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo female travelers in the world! I’ve been to 146 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration! Mylifesatravelmovie, mylifesatravelmovie, OG travel influencers, shark week
3 weeks ago
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Before the term “influencer” or “content creator” existed, I was one of the original travel bloggers, unknowingly helping pioneer what is now a multibillion dollar Creator Industry. I helped transform solo female travel from taboo to trendy, and taught thousands of people how to work remotely and build a brand. I’ve done so much more than just create content, although hardly anyone sees the behind the scenes. And it’s been 14 years that I’ve owned the title of travel bloggers/influencer so… Allow me to re-introduce myself. I am Alyssa Ramos, the founder of My Life’s a Travel Movie brand, one of the very first travel “influencers” and one of the pioneers of the creator industry, of normalizing solo female travel today, of influencer-hosted group trips, and of getting paid to travel via social media! I started my blog in 2012, then started using social media to promote it in 2014, earning me the title of “influencer”but what was never fully seen was the entrepreneur behind it who helped create an entire new industry with no money and when hardly anyone believed it would work. Soon after I became one of the first travel blogger/influencers to make a full time living from it, I was asked to speak at conferences, interviewed in the press, and I was one of the very first people to make the courses about how it’s done (they didn’t exist when I started!) I had a big dream to get paid to travel the world, and to normalize solo female travel, and once I succeeded, I kept going. Today I am not only a travel influencer, but also a humanitarian, animal activist, a trailblazer, an author, speaker, writer, entrepreneur and…one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world. So far I’ve been to over 150 countries (off the 197 list), all 7 continents (Antarctica 4x), and I average 20 countries per year. Now I’m going bigger. I’m launching a travel show, more speaker events, writing another book, and I’ve started the Travel Tribe Foundation to give back through my group trips. Thank you everyone who has been here with me for so long, and welcome to anyone new! To follow along with my updates, please comment “travel
4 weeks ago
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View on Instagram |
7/9
Before the term “influencer” or “content creator” existed, I was one of the original travel bloggers, unknowingly helping pioneer what is now a multibillion dollar Creator Industry. I helped transform solo female travel from taboo to trendy, and taught thousands of people how to work remotely and build a brand. I’ve done so much more than just create content, although hardly anyone sees the behind the scenes. And it’s been 14 years that I’ve owned the title of travel bloggers/influencer so… Allow me to re-introduce myself. I am Alyssa Ramos, the founder of My Life’s a Travel Movie brand, one of the very first travel “influencers” and one of the pioneers of the creator industry, of normalizing solo female travel today, of influencer-hosted group trips, and of getting paid to travel via social media! I started my blog in 2012, then started using social media to promote it in 2014, earning me the title of “influencer”but what was never fully seen was the entrepreneur behind it who helped create an entire new industry with no money and when hardly anyone believed it would work. Soon after I became one of the first travel blogger/influencers to make a full time living from it, I was asked to speak at conferences, interviewed in the press, and I was one of the very first people to make the courses about how it’s done (they didn’t exist when I started!) I had a big dream to get paid to travel the world, and to normalize solo female travel, and once I succeeded, I kept going. Today I am not only a travel influencer, but also a humanitarian, animal activist, a trailblazer, an author, speaker, writer, entrepreneur and…one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world. So far I’ve been to over 150 countries (off the 197 list), all 7 continents (Antarctica 4x), and I average 20 countries per year. Now I’m going bigger. I’m launching a travel show, more speaker events, writing another book, and I’ve started the Travel Tribe Foundation to give back through my group trips. Thank you everyone who has been here with me for so long, and welcome to anyone new! To follow along with my updates, please comment “travel
4 weeks ago
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I thought I was going to shipwreck trying to get to an existing shipwreck in the Solomon Islands…and I was traveling solo with just a fisherman driving me on his small boat. 😳 But! We made it, even with a massive storm approaching, and I experienced one of the most incredible “my life’s a travel movie” moments in my 12 years of continuous solo traveling!! I truly felt like I was in a movie! The ship is an old cruise ship that hit rocks and slowly sank as it washed ashore on Roderick’s Bay. It’s only half sunk, so you can swim around it (it’s super creepy and dangerous, don’t do it alone), and since it’s completely unregulated, you can also climb it and zip line into the water (also dangerous, can’t recommend) The angle of the ship also created one of the most vibrant marine sanctuaries I’ve seen in a while, with lots of actual colorful coral and fish (including clown fish!) I went to Solomon Islands after my second trip to Papua New Guinea, on my quest to slow solo travel to every country in the world. Would I go back to the shipwreck? Probably not. That boat ride was terrifying. But I’d go back to see more of the islands in the Solomon’s, there’s so many! Would you brave the ride to get to this shipwreck? For any fellow extreme adventurers, my Solomon Islands travel tips and itinerary is on my website linked in bio! ———————- For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo female travelers in the world! I’ve been to 146 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration!
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