Celebrity Travel Addicts: Kristin Addis of Be My Travel Muse

How did your passion for travel get started?

Hard to say. I feel like it was innate. As a kid I had such a curiosity for other places and cultures. I loved history, art, and games like the Amazon Trail and Civilization? Who remembers those?

How many days/weeks are you traveling in any given year? What are the types of places you like to visit?

Gosh, a lot. I travel 80% of the year but am looking at cutting that down! I love all places, but am especially drawn to nature.

Your YouTube channel and travel blog, Be My Travel Muse, are all about inspiring others to seek out unique travel experiences around the world. What sets Be My Travel Muse apart?

I think it’s the passion and community. It’s not just a bunch of tips, it’s writing and videos that are fun, like you’re hanging out with a friend, even though sometimes I’m tackling tricky subjects and take such a hard stance on women’s rights and being a responsible tourist. 

You’re from southern California. What makes the area such a great travel destination? What should travelers do when they visit?

Everything. There’s so much in California from gorgeous deserts and coastline to mountains and the tallest trees in the world. I still think it’s the greatest place on Earth. 

One of the many unique experiences you’ve had in your travels is the 10 days you spent as a Buddhist nun in Thailand. Can you tell us more about that experience?

Meditating in silence for 10 days is intense. You’ll never get to know your own mind better than when you’re subjected to it for that long without any distractions allowed. I love how it breaks me down and takes me to the edge, but also teaches me how to be gentle with myself. I think everyone should do it. 

What do you want audiences to gain and learn from your work?

That it’s never too late or too early to live out a dream, and if they want to travel the world solo, there’a no reason why a woman can’t do it. I don’t have special qualities that make me a good solo female traveler. I make it as simple and approachable as possible with my writing and my guidebook for solo female travelers.

What are the top three destinations you’ve visited?

That’s hard and my mind is always changing, but right now it’s Mozambique for the vibe and beaches, South Africa for the beauty and culture, and I’m rediscovering the incredible variety and beauty of the USA. 

How many countries have you visited so far?

Nearly 60

What is your favorite international airport?

Changi in Singapore for sure.

Who is your favorite travel companion?

Honestly, myself! I love being able to make the decisions and meet people and do it all spontaneously. Solo traveling is amazing. 

What is the most exotic place your career has taken you?

I feel like anywhere can be exotic, but freediving with humpback whales in Tonga is one of the more unique things I’ve done. 

What is your best bit of travel advice for someone who wants to, or is about to, embark on a life of travel?

Maybe a lifetime is a lot to bite off at once. Start small if you want and need to. Take things day by day and allow yourself to change your mind and always travel inwardly too.

Where are you headed next?

Tahiti for more whale swimming and shark diving. I can’t wait!

Bio

Kristin Addis is the solo female traveler behind BeMyTravelMuse.com, a website for off the beaten path adventures. A native Californian and former investment banker, she sold off her old life in 2012 with a one-way ticket. She’s traveled the world alone since then, hitchhiking in China, sleeping in a tent for over a month in Africa, and building a travel brand that millions of people use each year. She was selected by USA Today as a top vagabonding blogger and has been featured in Business Insider, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and BuzzFeed, among others.

Learn more about Kristin Addis and her travels by checking out her website, YouTube, and Instagram!