2012 Was an Extreme Year!

I moved from Seattle to San Francisco, traveled across 30 new cities, on 50 flights, to 7 new countries and entered a new phase in my professional career.

This video is a glimpse into the moments, experiences, and people that made my 2012 so memorable!

Thank to you to everyone for the memories!

I look forward to making an EPIC 2013!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSFdwOvDjPg

It will be the first time in 3 yrs that I will be traveling to Europe.

Since I left Paris in 2009, I have ventured off into other continents - Africa, Oceania, South America, & Asia – and have put off my return for a special occasion.

I will be returning to Europe to attend the wedding of 2 of my closest friends that I lived with in Paris.

The wedding will take place in Romania. While I’m there, I’ll also be visiting friends in various Eastern Countries that I have not traveled to before.

In 18 days I will be visiting the following countries:

1. Serbia
2. Romania
3. Turkey
4. Azerbaijan
5. Austria
6. Croatia
7. Montenegro

I am very excited for my return.

While I will not be going to Paris, I will be reuniting with close friends that I’ve missed dearly. This reunion will be bittersweet as we have not seen each-other in over 3yrs.

I look forward to this experience and the reunion of a life time!

One of the last photos we took together in Paris...

So how does one find balance in a 12hr work day?

It’s simple – you don’t!

I recently moved back to California for a phenomenal work opportunity as a Campaign Manager.

The role is a great career opportunity and I love the challenge but the working hours have posed a strain on my work- life balance philosophy.  The last few weeks I’ve found myself working 12+ hrs.

It’s something I feel North Americans struggle with – we aspire to be successful at our jobs, make lots of money, and climb the corporate ladder, but in doing so we lose sight of the work to live philosophy and instead end up living to work.

Over the next few weeks I would like to find balance again and plan to do so by doing the following:

1. Take Breaks: I will spend 5 mins stretching or walking once every 2 hrs.
2. Work out: I will work out at least 3x a week.
3. Travel: I will travel outside of San Francisco at least once a month.
4. Write: I will try and improve my writing skills and post at least once a week.
5. Videos: I will try and improve my videography skills and will work on making travel videos.

Have you ever struggled with work life balance?

If so, what have you done to try and improve it?

It’s exactly 2 yrs. to this day that I hopped on a plane to live and work in Seattle!

I moved to Seattle April of 2010, for an opportunity to work with Microsoft through an organization called Teleion Consulting, LLC.

As a Campaign Execution Manager with the organization, I over saw worldwide campaign deployments and billateral communications under Bing!

It was a great experience that enabled me to develop my management and international communications skills. I also learned html and how to use the integrated marketing tool ExactTarget.

During my time in Seattle I discovered some pretty amazing things that changed my life!

• Crossfit
• Travel Blogging Community
• Seattle Happy Hours
• The Great Outdoors

 –> Crossfit <–

Outside of work I discovered Crossfit!

CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning program. Crossfit has a phenomenal community of  well-rounded, hard working, charismatic people who have impacted me in ways I can’t explain through words! I started Crossfitting at Urban Crossfit and have crossfited all over California, Indiana, Hong Kong, and Thailand.

–> Travel Blog Community<–

In Seattle I discovered a group of people that shared my love and passion for travel!

Travel organizations I am involved with in Seattle are Travel Massive Seattle, Seattle Happy Hour Group, MeetPlanGo, & Tripping.

 –> Happy Hours <–

Best Seattle Happy Hour Spots!

 - Jai Thai (Capitol Hill)

- One Million Unmarked Bills (Fremont)

-Wann-Izakaya (Belltown)

–>Outdoors <–

Living in Seattle I developed an appreciation for sunshine and good weather

Any chance I had to be out doors I took it! I ran, biked, hiked, and enjoyed boat rides, kayaking, and sailing on the waters of Lake Union, Lake Washington and the Pudget Sound.

Great outdoor places to enjoy in Seattle are:

• Golden Gardens
• Discovery Park
• Arboretum
• Kerry Park
• Gas Works 

 I’m so thankful for Seattle and the people and experiences that have changed me in ways I never thought possible!

In the words of Seneca, “Travel and change of place, impart new vigor to the mind” – my experience in Seattle was more than just a new vigor, it changed how I will live my life moving forward!

This month exciting FREE Events are happening in Seattle!

Mark You’re Calendars for …

• Meet, Plan, Go! on Thursday March 8th
• TravelMassive Seattle MeetUp #2 on Wednesday March 14th
• AdventureDrinks MeetUp on Thursday March 15th

Meet, Plan, Go! Seattle is bringing a comunity of travel addicts and career break enthusiasts together! Click on the image below to Sign Up – spots are filling fast!

Event: Meet Plan Go! Meet Up

When: Thursday March 8th | 6-8pm

Location: Greenwood Branch – Seattle Public Library

Address: 8016 Greenwood Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98103

Twitter: @MeetPlanGo

TravelMassive Seattle’s MeetUp #2 is ON!

Come join us at Barca in Capitol Hill on Wed., March 14th for some Travel network madness – we’re expecting over 100 people! So come join the Travel Party! Click on the image below to sign-up!

Event is Free and sponsored by awesome travel companies like Google Travel, Expedia and Tripping!

Event: TravelMassive Seattle!

When: Wed. March 14th | 6-10pm

Location: Barca in Capitol Hill

Address: 1510 11th Avenue  Seattle, WA 98122

Twitter: @travelmassive

Contact: Tina Rozul | tinatravels@christinarozul.com

Adventure Drinks is having its monthly Adventure Travel MeetUp!

Come mix and mingle with some of the most Adventurous travel and outdoor industry professionals in the Northwest!

Event: Seattle Adventure Drinks

When: Thursday, March 15 | 5:30-8pm

Location: Fremont Brewing Company

Address: 3409 Woodland Park Avenue North Seattle, WA 98103

Twitter: @AdventureDrinks

Hope to See some of you at one of the events! Happy Travels!

-Tina the TightropeTraveler

Dealing with reintegration after an extended international trip has and always will be one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced in my life.

I have returned to a place that I once called home, to a familiar place that no longer offers the same comfort it once did and I’m having a difficult time dealing with it.

For the last 2 months – over the course of 50 days and airborne in 14 flights, while exploring 6 new countries – I had the opportunity to travel across Southeast Asia (Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, & Cambodia) and put my ability to balance work and life to the test.

It was an incredible life changing experience filled with unforgettable moments, cultural awakenings and 24-hr work days; I am fortunate to have such an experience in my mid 20’s.

Looking back while I was preparing to leave seemed like such an unbeatable task; traveling across foreign places offered so much enlightenment, but then returning seems to have the least guidance attached when it probably is the most difficult phase of the entire process.

I have adapted to my life here enough to function and live a regular life, but I realize that I have changed. No longer do I fit nicely into the surroundings I once did and the concoctions of emotions make me nostalgic for the people and places abroad that made me feel so alive!

While I know reintegration is a process, and there will be both better and not-so-good days ahead, I’m still adjusting. All of the adjustment, no matter how awkward and painful can bring some good, and some growth. I look forward to the growing process in 2012.

Have you ever experienced reintegration?

How did you deal with it?

I am on a mission to show the world that living a Balanced Lifestyle is possible, but only if you try and put in the effort to make it work.

Enjoying the Sunset over Bali while Working Remotely

Over the course of the next 2 months I will be putting my Work-Life Balance to the test as I work remotely while traveling across South East Asia.

While many think I’m crazy trying to juggle a full-time job on the road, I find the challenge stimulating and a great learning experience.

I will admit, trying to fit your average 9-5 work day is not easy, but with extra effort and good wifi connection it can be done

Below are key points I’ve learned while trying to live a balanced life working and traveling:

• Stay connected!

Having internet connection is essential to my job. While there is usually wifi in the locations I have traveled to, internet connection can be slow or inconsistant at times. During times like these my internet USB key has saved the day! Having an internet USB is a good back up to have if you would like to stay connected 24/7.

Connect to the internet with a portable Wifi-USB

• Rest.

I work on Pacific Standard Time (PST), but I’m currently traveling on APAC Time where the time difference can be anywhere from 13-15hrs difference depending on the country and location. Having to work with different time zones is difficult because it can ruin your sleeping pattern. While I’ve only been traveling for 15days the average amount of hours I sleep is 3-4hrs a night. It helps to take naps and rest in the middle of the day, to recharge batteries.

Resting while waiting for the Metro

• Capture the Moments.

 The chance to balance work and travel, only happens once in a lifetime and I want to capture every moment of it! It’s good to take lots of pictures and videos to capture these moments where travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind! (Tip: upload pictures to your computer after each day so you have copies of photos backed up)

• Workout on the Road.

While working on the road it is important to get a daily dose of body movement in. Whether its a jog on the beach or swim in the pool, its good to get some type of exercise in.

Working out at Crossfit in HK

• Recap.

At the end of each day its good write down a recap of the things you did that day. I like to write a list of things that made my day, like foods, songs, places, & moments, so when I look back I can refer to my list and remember all the cool things that made that day unique.

Write a recap of your day.

 Do you have any tips on How to Work and Travel While on the Road?

Happy Travels!

-Tightrope Traveler 

What would you do with 2 Tickets to Anywhere in the World?
 
I never thought even in my wildest dreams I would have the chance to answer this question.

But on the afternoon of Oct. 1st, I got the call from Tripping and was informed that I had just won the photo contest and 2 tickets to anywhere in the world!

The first thing that came to my mind was “HOLY $%^@*#!”

After the news sunk in, I took in a deep breath and began having flashes of the people who supported me run through my mind. Typically, the next thing my mind would focus on is places, sites, and world monuments I could choose from. Instead, I started to think about my mom.

Throughout my life, I’ve always followed my heart and passion for what I want to do, but I’ve only been able to do so because of the love and support of my parents. While trying to win Tripping’s 2 Ticket to Anywhere contest, I counted on the one person that always believed and supported me: my mom.

In addition to voting for my photo daily, she rounded up groups of her friends to vote with her. She even taught my grandparents how to use the computer so that they could vote. She reached out to long-lost family members and somehow got them to vote everyday as well. My mom is such a super woman and I’m so thankful for everything she has done.

Although I’ve always taken advantage of every opportunity to travel and explore the world – 6 continents and 30 countries to date – I did not want to accept the prize just to add a +1 to my list of countries visited.  I wanted to give the opportunity to travel to my parents, especially my mom.

“You live a very different life from when I was your age…” are what my parents and grandparents remind me.

When I first started to travel, they were bewildered by my choice to explore the world rather than walk down the traditional lifestyle path that most people my age generally chose.

Cultural and personal development or the corporate ladder? Cultural and personal development.

Save money for a new car or next trip? Trip please!

Find a job locally or internationally? My work abroad year in Paris was one of the best experiences of my life!

It took awhile but my parents began to understand the decisions I was making and their bewilderedness turned into fascination and inspiration towards my ambitions to live life to its fullest through travel. They even thought about traveling more themselves. Unfortunately, time, financial and family obligations have prevented them from doing so.

In recent years, I’ve wanted to give back to my parents for their love and support.
Thanks to Tripping and all of the amazing support of my family, friends and the travel community, I will finally be able to give my parents the same opportunity they’ve always given me.  I will take them on a journey with me to Anywhere in the World!

The next step is to determine where we will travel.

For two people who haven’t traveled internationally in a while, you can imagine the difficulty of this decision. For me, it doesn’t really matter where we go. The most important thing is being able to share this experience with my parents.

If you had a ticket to anywhere in the world, where would you go?

My heart is beating faster, stronger…I can feel the vibrations of my heart beat in my throat. My stomach feels like it’s tied in a knot and my mind is overwhelmed with maps, flight schedules, and over-thought plans.
While there is nothing in the world I love more than traveling, lately I’ve become overwhelmed with travel anxiety. 

  
I’ve embarked on countless trips for both personal and professional reasons, but for the first time in a long time, at least since my move to Paris, I start getting this uneasy feeling as I begin to plan for my 2-month trip to South East Asia.

Why the anxiety? 

As much as I’ve traveled, this trip will be the first time I’m traveling solo through a foreign continent.  It is significant for me because it’ll be a new challenge for me to find a balance between my personal and professional lifestyles and goals.  Although working abroad is still unconventional for most Americans my age, I believe that this trip comes at the most opportune time and is an ambition I’ve pursued for years.

Attempting to ease my anxiety, I started Googling some antedote and came across Matador Network’s “8 Ways to Manage Pre-Trip Anxiety.” Number one on this list is the link to my favorite travel blog post, “The 50 Most Inspiring Travel Quotes.”  As I read through the quotes, they reminded me of why I want to go on this trip – to show the world that living a travel/work lifestyle is possible if you are work hard at it and to prove that dreams can only become reality when you try.
 
And so, I’d like to end this post with one of my favorite travel quotes of all time…
 
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

– Mark Twain

Has any one ever gone through travel anxiety?
If so, how did you deal with it?

There was a time I traveled internationally every other weekend.  Over the course of 10 months I managed to travel to 18 European countries!

A flight to Portugal one weekend, train rides from Greece to Turkey the next. Country hopping became a monthly excursion – Spain one week, Eastern Europe the next, I was living a travelers dream at the age of 22.

So how did I manage to cover an insane amount of countries in less than a year?

3 Key Things:

• I set a goal
• I had a home-base in Paris
• I budgeted

The Goal:

I wanted to make the most of my time living abroad and so I set the goal of visiting 17 new European countries in one year. When I told people about my goal – I was laughed at and told it was impossible. A European friend told me “I’ve lived in Europe for 26 years and not even I have seen that many European countries!” Despite the odds, I set my goal and stuck to it!

My Paris Home-base:

For almost a year, I called Paris – the renowned City of Lights – home. Situated in the heart of Western Europe, Paris was an easy hub to fly in and out of during travels. I became enchanted with the city as each arrondissement was like discovering a new secret garden – a piece of history, culture, and beauty existed in every twist and turn. Evening runs past the Notre Dame, weekend picnics at Champ des Mars, and Eiffel Tower jumping photos were just some of the amazing activities that filled my week. However, it wasn’t all glitz and glamour during my stay. I lived on a budget.

Stretching 500 CZK which is about $30 USD (1 CZK = 0.0617 USD)

Living on a Budget:

Living in Paris was not cheap. Rent alone was ½ of my monthly salary so I had to find ways to get the most bang for my buck! I shared a one bedroom apartment with 3 people, enjoyed picnics in the park, took public transportation and did NOT shop along Champs-Élysées!

Every first Sunday of the month, I enjoyed Free-Museum days with friends, pre-drank before going out to parties, and shopped at local markets for the cheapest and freshest produce. I lived life simply and I was happy. Life was good!

Woohoo! - 18 Countries in 10 Months!

10 Months after setting my goal – I traveled to a total of 18 countries! 

I did it! I defied the odds by living on a budget and staying true to my goal and not only did I reach it – I frick’n surpassed it! Woot Woot! My travel addiction intensifies beyond what I’d ever imagined!

The countries I visited:

1. France - Lived in Paris and explored parts of South of France around Frejus
2. Germany - Experienced Oktoberfest in Munich
3. Spain -  Traveled for work and leisure, got to see Barcelona and Madrid, discovered a love for Paella!
4. Belgium - Explored Brussels and Bruges mulitple times, still hands down the best beer, frites, and chocolates I’ve ever had in my life!
5. Netherlands - Amsterdam of course!
6. Denmark - Saw more of the Copenhagen Microsoft office then the city itself but nonetheless a great trip!
7. Portugal - Amazed by the city of Lisbon –  the food, culture, wine and sounds of Fado blew me away!
8. Ireland - Celebrated St. Patricks Day the Irish way, the most green and beer drinking I’ve ever experienced in my life!
9. United Kingdom - 3 words – Stonehenge, London, AMAZING – so much to see and do despite the crappy weather!
10. Switzerland – Blessed with its swiss Alps, watches, and chocolates, I got to explore the friendly clean city of Zurich
11. Italy – Every city here is blessed with a unique beauty and culture, visited Venice, Rome, and Verona
12. Vatican City - Yes Vatican City is considered its own Country, disagree? Read on…
13. Austria – I was able to visit this beautiful and historical country twice. The music, theatre and opera filled city of Vienna will enchant you.
14. Czech Republic – The unique personalities and cultures of it’s capital city, Prague is what bring this country to life! From the Old to New Town, its Astronomical Clock, and the beauty of its Prague castle – there is never a dull moment!
15. Hungary -  The  interesting city of Budapest will seem as if you’ve time traveled with its 80′s vibe.   A must do is a trolly ride along the river and/or cultural bath.
16. Slovakia – A country so small you can experience it one day. Exploring the capital Bratislava, tracings of our century’s wars can be found & stories of the past discovered through conversations with locals.
17. Greece - If you want to experience the best summer of your life, go to Greece!  Island hopping, ouzo drinking and greek family dinners are MUST DOs here in this fabulous country!
18. Turkey – Istanbul will blow you away as its fusion of smells, tastes, culture mix of East and West, grand mosques, museums, churches, palaces, bazaars are all to overwhelming to express through words. You just have to experience this city for yourself!

The After Effects of Neverending Travels