Drift with Diana (2025)

01/01/2025

grateful for another year on this planet 🌍 🤍
As 2024 comes to an end and 2025 begins, I am reflecting on the year I’ve had. It’s been a challenging year for sure, with some really difficult days. It’s been a year of learning and adapting to new changes in my career, my family and my travels. I haven’t been able to get out as much this year, my only international trip was a girls trip to Toronto for a weekend/concert. Besides that I have been focusing on my new job, my finances and my family which has been a refreshing change for me. It’s not always going to be a big “travel year” for me so learning how to navigate a life where I balance my priorities is important and valuable. I am grateful to say that I have been able to travel to so many places and do some many amazing things and I am excited that this upcoming year will include some more international trips. Here’s a throwback to one of the most exciting places I’ve been able to travel to in my life, Karnak Temple in Luxor, Egypt. This temple has so much history surrounding it and the intricate details in the architecture and art all around this complex is incredibly impressive. The fact that the remains of this great society have lasted through so much time and change in the world is so inspiring. I can’t wait to see what other places I am fortunate enough to visit in 2025. Happy New Year all 🤍

23/12/2024

a year ago I learned the significance behind the phrase “do it scared” and it changed me completely 🤍
I was never the “adrenaline junkie” type of girl. I was afraid of the dark, of heights and of many other things…including dying (like most? 😅). It wasn’t until I started reading and hearing about people, both real and fictional, who were doing crazy things and living such wild adventures that I became interested in those types of activities. I came to understand that my biggest fear was not dying, but dying with regret. I wanted to experience everything the world had to offer and I saw people enjoying things that I felt too scared to do. These weren’t superheroes or anyone extraordinary, they were regular people who dared to push past fear. Once I realized that fear wasn’t a reason to not do something, my whole world opened up. I started traveling alone, visiting places many would be nervous to go to independently, and testing my confidence. I decided to swim with sharks, to get closer to and learn more about my favorite animals, despite the very real fear that comes with entering a predator’s domain (no matter how “safely” you think you’re doing it). And recently, I started doing things to challenge my fears of heights (and ultimately death 🤷🏻‍♀️) like skydiving and bungee jumping. There has never been a moment in any of these situations where I didn’t feel fear. Fear is a natural response to leaving your comfort zone to engage in something potentially dangerous. But the feeling of accomplishing something, of feeling the fear and doing it anyway, has been the greatest self development tool I can find. Because in those moments of fear, like standing 111m off the ground preparing to jump off a bridge with nothing but a rope to save you, you learn that you are capable of enduring so much more than you can imagine…mentally, physically and emotionally. And it empowers you to take on other “scary” things because you know you can do it, even if you’re scared. As far as bungee jumping, I probably wouldn’t do it again but the confidence I gained from pushing through the terror I had at the edge of that bridge made it completely worth it. 🤍

18/12/2024

One of my favorite campsites in Africa ⛺️ 🤍
This was one of our first nights in the Namib desert and I never thought I would enjoy camping in the desert until we spent the night here. I won’t lie, the heat during the day is brutal, setting up our tents after being on the road for hours with minimal air conditioning (African air con was the norm…aka open windows) took all the energy I had. But thankfully this campsite had some nice open air bathrooms and a beautiful little pool where we could cool off. As the sun began to sink below the horizon, we were treated to some of the most amazing stargazing of my life. The air got cooler and we finally were able to take in the surroundings without wanting to hide from the scorching rays of the sun. I loved being in the middle of the desert, with nothing but miles and miles of sand and mountains surrounding us. It felt like we were in another world, able to completely detach from normal life and focus on living in the moment. We had nothing to do but get to know each other and our environment and that is one of the reasons I love going on trips like this. Our guides were so amazing, not only with all their normal responsibilities of keeping us alive and getting us where we need to go, but with spending time and effort to make us incredible meals (shoutout Chef Taffy) and making sure I didn’t have to deal with scorpions or snakes in or around my tent (I owe you my life Chibaba)😂. Also, did you know there were so many scorpions in the desert…or that they GLOW in the dark under UV lights?? 🦂🫣 Remind me to never wear open toed shoes ever again out there. All in all, this is a place I would love to visit again someday. I loved the tranquility of the desert, the stark contrast between day and night and having the opportunity to see these parts of Africa up close and personal in a way only we could, thanks to our overlanding style of travel.

17/12/2024

snorkeling and swimming with wild dolphins…a great day with some regrets 😕🐬🤍
While in Zanzibar with some friends I made during my time volunteering on the mainland of Tanzania, we had the opportunity to go on a tour with a local guide. He took us out on a boat for the day to snorkel in the crystal clear waters, enjoy a fresh beachside lunch and get to see dolphins in the wild. Our guide was great and the boat was so cute, just big enough for us and our snorkel stuff and the snacks. The water was like something I’ve never seen before, it felt like you could see for miles below the surface it was so clear. It truly was such a beautiful way to spend the afternoon. The part of the tour that I came to later regret was when we had the chance to swim with the wild dolphins. There was a pod of dolphins swimming in between the MANY boats. They seemed to be playing in the water at first, jumping in and out and swimming around the area. But as we continued to follow them I realized that all the other boats were doing the same, and we were essentially chasing and corralling the dolphins in order for us (the tourists on all the boats) to get a chance to jump in and see them. Caught up in the moment I was fully enjoying the chance to catch a glimpse and swim alongside these beautiful creatures, but after a little bit we started to feel badly for the dolphins, who were clearly trying to get away. No one was able to touch them (that I know of) but the boats were getting very close and some were even close to running over swimmers in the water while attempting to catch up to the dolphins. While I enjoyed getting to see them, I wouldn’t have done it had I known what it would be like for the dolphins. I try to respect the land, people and culture of a place when I visit and that includes the animals. Very rarely do I partake in an activity that I regret but this one may be the one I would encourage others not to do unless you keep a healthy distance and don’t chase the dolphins, but instead, simply enjoy their presence. Other than that, this was such a beautiful day on the water with friends and a great way to support the local guides🤍

14/12/2024

living the life of luxury in Los Cabos 🤍
During COVID my best friend and I were looking to get away. We found an incredible deal for an all inclusive resort in Cabo San Lucas and decided to book it. Come February of 2022, we finally made it to Mexico. I have never been one to stay at all inclusive resorts, it makes me feel disconnected from the culture and the people of a place, but I have to say I certainly see the appeal. Our resort (Hacienda Encantada) was so beautiful and the pools, restaurants and views were better every day. The staff was so welcoming and accommodating and you truly felt like you were in your own little community there. I can easily see the benefit to choosing a trip like this when your goal is relaxation and enjoying a getaway from life. The sense of adventure that comes with backpacking or “roughing it” is not a thing with this type of travel, but neither is the discomfort and chaos. This is the perfect example of a “vacation” versus “travel”. We did get the chance to get off the resort and do some activities like shark diving and catamaran sailing (we even saw whales!), but all in all it was a restful and enjoyable trip. Mexico itself is such a vast and beautiful country and although I have been to Los Cabos now, I know I still have so much to explore there 🤍

13/12/2024

architectural sightseeing…one of my favorite activities, especially in places like Europe and Italy🤍
It’s an amazing feeling to finally see the buildings you’ve studied for years in person. I began studying architectural history in high school and became so enamored with it that I chose to go to college as an architecture major. After some time in the program I realized that the field of architecture wasn’t something I was interested in doing for a career, but simply something I loved studying, especially the historical architecture around the world. I felt that I was able to learn more about places, cultures and people by studying their buildings since they often reflect the values of the society. While I am no longer in the architectural world, I will always be grateful for the years I spent studying these incredible structures and architects. It has given me another way to explore my surroundings and appreciate the beauty of different places during my travels. This area of the city houses some of the most beautiful buildings, that Florence has become known for, since they command the skyline. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore (often called the Duomo thanks to the large masonry dome that stands atop the cathedral, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi), the Baptistery of St. John which stands in front of the cathedral, and the Ponte Vecchio (the famous bridge that spans the Arno River, home to goldsmith, art and antique shops, which has stood for centuries). These were only some of our stops in the city and my one regret was not getting to see Michelangelo’s statue of David located in the Accademia Gallery. Oh well…guess I have to go back! 🤍

12/12/2024

Lunch in Lucerne 🤍
During my tour of Europe in 2022 with we stopped in Lucerne for an afternoon. It was our first stop in Switzerland and it was such a great introduction to the country. The views of the mountains, the lake and the incredible architecture made our meal feel so magical. Plus, the food (aka the cheese) was to die for, even if it was bit costly. We then spent the rest of the afternoon doing all the touristy things like buying Swiss Army knives, Swiss chocolate and checking out some of the famous monuments in the area such as the Lion of Lucerne. Created in 1820, it is in remembrance of the Swiss guards who were killed in the French Revolution in 1792 and it attracts over a million tourists every year. All in all, Lucerne was a great place to spend the afternoon and although we were on a time crunch and couldn’t stay long, it definitely made an impact. Hopefully I’ll get the chance to return! 🤍

08/12/2024

what is an overlanding tour and is it for you?? 🤔🤍
Overlanding tours are any tour where you travel across a country, continent or large area using ground travel. For our tour with we were traveling across 4 countries in Southern Africa. Since it is such a big area to travel around, many days are spent driving from campsite to campsite and stopping along the way at attractions. Overlanding tours are a popular way to travel in Africa if you’re not interested in flying from city to city. Most overlanding companies travel using big custom trucks or buses, ours was called the Lando. These vehicles are not only modified to be 4x4 so we can get through areas that have no roads, but they’re also built to perfectly accommodate all needs of the trip. There are charging ports and so many storage areas built in for coolers, food storage, tents and camping equipment, tables and chairs, cookware, and of course our personal luggage. Most people bring large backpacks and some companies will require soft sided luggage because it’s easier to fit in the storage areas. On this trip each traveler is more than just a passenger. GAdventures calls these trips “participation trips” where travelers are expected to pitch in and help with the chores and activities that help the trip go smoothly. These responsibilities rotate daily and sometimes you need to make quick repairs to the truck on the road. Although it sounds annoying it actually was nice to get involved and learn how to take care of everything while off grid. Some days we spent upwards of 8-9 hours in the Lando. While we did make frequent stops for bathroom breaks and stretches (sometimes in bushes on the side of the road 🤷🏻‍♀️), it could be uncomfortable if you aren’t good with sitting in a seat on a bumpy ride for hours at a time. But listening to music, reading, snacking and chatting with your fellow travelers/guides made the rides some of the best parts of the trip, especially with such incredible views. While this type of trip may not be for all, it’s definitely worth it because you get to experience the nature, animals and culture so closely (sometimes right in the middle of your campsite 🤯). 🤍

07/12/2024

swimming across international borders? Yes please!🤍
One of our campsites in South Africa was along the Orange River which separates South Africa from Namibia. It was brutally hot that day so the river was a necessity in order to cool off. A few of us floated in the water while some others made the brave trek across the river to step foot in Namibia (illegally? 🤫😂). Other than that, we went kayaking through some rapids, relaxed with some drinks and spent the night getting to know each other. We were about to spend the next several weeks traveling in a bus together across multiple countries so it was definitely needed. And this campsite was such a unique vibe that it kind of made up for the brutal temperatures 😅🤍

04/12/2024

Nothing better than a glass of wine and a view 🤍
Touring the wineries of Stellenbosch was an amazing way to see the landscapes of the Western Cape. I never thought the drive between each winery could be as amazing as the actual stops. The views along the route were breathtaking and it felt like every hour the day kept getting better and better. I did the tour with 3 complete strangers and we had such a great time getting to know each other as well as the area’s history. The funniest part about it all was that I forgot I even signed up for this tour and I was woken up by the hostel staff saying my tour guide was waiting. I panicked and got dressed but it was definitely the best surprise tour ever 😂🤍

03/12/2024

Every once in a while you should do something that would make the 10 year old version of you so happy and proud 🤍
It can be whatever you dreamed of, big or small. For me…sharks and shark week have been a lifelong obsession. Growing up I would watch shark week and one of the most common locations they filmed their specials in was Gaansbai, South Africa. That was the first time I remember thinking I wanted to travel to Africa. So a year ago today, I flew alone to Cape Town and set out to make little Diana proud. I drove several hours with strangers and went shark diving with some marine biologists to learn about the sharks that call Gaansbai home. Definitely a full circle moment for me. 🤍

16/06/2024

let’s talk photography during travel 📸🤍
This photo was taken at the Trevi Fountain in Rome and it was a crazy effort to get the perfect picture with the massive crowd all trying to do the same. Nowadays the world is obsessed with taking pictures, selfie culture is just a way of life. It can seem annoying or obsessive to many people and I completely understand why. It feels like some are interested only in snapping a picture and then storing it away to never be looked at again, a box simply to be checked and not truly appreciated. Many who have traveled with me know that I am all about capturing my travels through photographs. I am always looking for the best photo, the best angle, the best background. It may seem superficial to some but I want to explain my thinking for a moment. I am someone who wants to see and visit many places in the world. I will rarely return to a destination because there’s always so many more I have yet to see. Therefore, each destination, each sight, has importance to me. I want to be able to remember all the places I have been, the things I have done and the people I have met. I want to look back in 50 years at a collection of memories and stories told through photos. With social media today, that can lead me to getting a little carried away, seeing other’s “perfect” photos and wanting the same for myself. But I have started to work on capturing imperfect moments, not caring about the small details so much, not editing every picture to perfection and creating balance between capturing and experiencing the moments. So yes I do have many amazingly posed/edited photos but I also have many amazing moments that were witnessed only by my eyes and ears and heart, and those mean just as much, if not more, to me. 🤍

15/06/2024

What type of traveler are you? 🤔🤍
I think people see other’s travel stories and experiences and immediately assume that there is only 1 type of travel. That you have to be a certain type of person, with a certain budget or interests or abilities in order to truly “travel”. That months long international backpacking trips or solo travel are the only ways you can call yourself a “traveler”. And while I have definitely fallen into those aforementioned categories before, there are so many more styles of travel that I have experienced and think it’s so important to remind others of as well. Yes you can do the extended backpacking trips, but you can also do a short getaway to one place. You can do a budget trip where you bounce from hostel to hostel or you can do a stay at a luxury all inclusive resort. You can fly or road trip or take a cruise. You can explore and do every adrenaline/adventure activity that exists (like swimming at the top of a waterfall with no harness 🫣) or you can simply exist on a beach somewhere. You can get lost in the historic streets of European cities or you can get lost in the woods for hours. The opportunities are endless when it comes to travel so I always have to remind others (and myself sometimes!) that all trips do not have to fit in the same category to count as traveling. If you know who you are and what you enjoy, do you! If you aren’t sure what you’re into yet, do it all! Just remember, as long as you’re out there exploring, you’re a traveler! 🤍

10/06/2024

safari days are the best days 🤍
Unfortunately I am not on safari now, I’m sitting in my car outside of the gym but I was definitely doing some daydreaming on the treadmill of the best moments from safari. I never imagined that it would become one of my favorite activities to do but there’s something so relaxing and enjoyable about being in an open vehicle, the wind rushing through your hair and getting to immerse yourself in nature. When you add to that, the insanely close interactions you are able to have with wildlife (if you’re lucky) it truly does make for the best day. This picture was from my first safari ever in Tanzania and it was the most magical experience. I wasn’t even planning on doing any safaris during my time there since I was volunteering but I’m so glad I made the last minute decision to go. For a girl who has dreamt of visiting Africa for over a decade, it felt like I had come full circle. Since then I have been on several more safaris throughout Africa and it remains one of my top activities to do when traveling 🤍

08/06/2024

canalside in Amsterdam 🤍
I haven’t always been a fan of cities, it was just something I knew about myself. The constant chaos and the overwhelming feeling of being surrounded by giant buildings whose exterior felt more clinical than charming was just something that stopped me from fully enjoying them. Growing up just an hour or two from NYC, I was privileged to be able to experience the benefits of a major city but never felt the urge to spend any more time there than necessary. Even some of the incredible cities I have visited around the world have given me similar feelings. But Amsterdam was the opposite of all that. It’s charming buildings and parks connected by little alleys and canals made me feel so much more relaxed and comfortable than I’ve ever felt in a city. I could’ve spent hours strolling through the streets there which is why it has definitely earned the spot of “favorite city” on my list 🤍

27/03/2024

the first country I ever visited…England 🤍
I have been lucky enough to travel to this country twice, once just to the city of London and the other time I saw more of the countryside. England is such a fantastic place to travel to for many reasons…they speak English, they have a great mix of historical and modern attractions and it’s so close to many other amazing places in the UK/Europe. While this area is known for rainy, gloomy days, both of my experiences have been the opposite…somehow I managed to be there during “unprecedented heat waves” 😅 England has my heart for many reasons but most importantly, many of the friends I have made on my travels are from this area which is perfect because now I have unlimited reasons to continually visit 🤍

22/03/2024

My first solo trip…Costa Rica 🤍 and boy was it CRAZY
I’ll never forget the fear I had when the plane landed in San Jose and I realized that I was alone, in a foreign country, where people spoke a language that I barely understood. It was such a weird feeling. Everyone around me on the plane was happy to be arriving at our destination, feeling relief at the chance to get off the plane and I was so scared I stayed in my seat until almost everyone had left the plane. Thinking back to that moment makes me so proud of my younger self. Even though I put on a brave face for everyone around me and said I wasn’t nervous at all, it was the hardest thing I have ever done. If I hadn’t challenged myself, and made the decision to try traveling solo I would’ve never had the amazing experiences I’ve had over the last 5 years. If I had waited for others to go with me, I wouldn’t have met so many new friends from around the world and learned so much about myself in the process. Best advice I have: do it scared. do it solo🤍

21/03/2024

probably the biggest bucket list check off happened this past year…EGYPT 🤍
Egypt was a culture that I have always been obsessed with learning about. It spanned so much time, was the source of so many mysteries and stories and had so many surviving pieces of architecture, art and wisdom. When I was little I would read stories of people who visited Egypt and I always told myself I would go there at least once in my life to see it all in person. There really isn’t anything like being able to touch and walk through such ancient structures. So blessed and grateful to have been able to visit there so early in my life 🤍

Drift with Diana