I Started My Page to Document My Travel Adventures - Kesi Irvin (Long Term Travel Expert)

Kesi Irvin is a long-term travel expert. She quit her finance job in NYC and has been traveling around the world for over 5 years, visiting 60+ countries.

1. Tell us about your background and journey as a traveler.

I am an Ivy League grad who left my job on Wall Street with the plan to travel around the world for 1 year. Well, my one year trip turned into a 5+ year nomadic lifestyle, and now I am a full-time traveler who has visited over 60 countries. My favorite part of the world is East and Southern Africa. 

2. What led you to start your page on Instagram, and what is it about?

I started my page to document my travel adventures for my around the world trip. I had no idea I would turn travel into a career, and my Instagram shows adventurous souls how to travel deeper and further without breaking the bank. 

3. What are some challenges or issues you have faced as a female traveler? 

In the grand scheme, there have not been many challenges due to being a female. However, there have been a couple of occasions where men have made me feel uncomfortable either by hitting on me, trying to kiss me, or violating my personal space. 

I am naturally friendly, but there are some instances where I have to turn off my friendliness and become stern so that men do not get the wrong impression. But generally speaking, travel solo as a female has been great. 

4. How and where do you find inspiration to churn out content? 

My Instagram is authentic to me and my experiences. I have spent 5 years traveling all over the world. I had no home and was constantly exploring, so it's been quite easy to create content since I'm documenting my life. 

5. What are some tips you would like to share with the other travelers? 

Don't over plan. A lot of times you can book tours and experiences once you arrive at a destination and it's usually cheaper than booking online. 

Also, if you don't book in advance, you have more flexibility on where to stay and what to do. It can be good to get a feel for a city and talk to some locals before committing to what you want to do. For more tips look at my website: www.kesitoandfro.com 

6. Which places are at the top of your bucket list? 

Socotra, Madagascar, Mongolia, Georgia, and Benin. 

Instagram ID - @kesitoandfro

Kesi Irvin is a long-term travel expert. She quit her finance job in NYC and has been traveling around the world for over 5 years, visiting 60+ countries.

On her blog, www.kesitoandfro.com, she teaches backpackers how to sustain long-term travel, connects travelers with local people and experiences, and inspires travel to less popular places. 

Kesi Irvin

Long Term Travel Expert
https://www.kesitoandfro.com/

Interviewed By - Sandeep Virothu