Starting is the hardest part. I think that holds true for a lot of things in life. Starting a term paper. Starting a job. Starting a reality TV show application. Starting an adventure overseas. Starting a blog. It’s the unknown that scares people. But fear is for people who don’t get out much, and me, I’ve learned to get out much.
It’s taken me over a year to start a blog. And for the record, I loathe the word ‘blog.’ I’d call it something different, but at that point it becomes unclear of what exactly ‘it’ is. So we’re just going to call a spade a spade, and thus, a blog a blog. I moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in September of 2013 with 2 1/2 bags and my high-school level spanish knowledge. Note to self: should’ve studied harder. My Fort Smith, Arkansas, education is top-notch but nothing challenges your Spanish III skills quite like landing at EZE in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Over the past 10 months I’ve been managing a marketing team at a luxury hospitality company with destinations all over the Americas. Think Airbnb’s chicer, older sister with an on-the-ground concierge and party-time Clubhouses to schmooze at once the sun goes down. Not a bad gig, but I’ve lusted after the stunning rental properties for so long now that nothing less than a 3-story penthouse will do. I’m screwed. It’s also given me perspective on working with different cultures and people, maneuvering language barriers, and helping to achieve success for a start-up company I truly believe in, something that I enjoy waking up for every day. I consider this “blog” a segue into that same happiness.
The luxury travel industry is changing. It’s highly subjective and constantly evolving, but I do know the good stuff when I see it. I also know that I do my own research, I write my own words, I take my own pictures, and I form my own opinions. My own experiences that are shown on this “blog” will hopefully inspire YOU, the reader, to do something different and authentic with so much of my insider knowledge you won’t know what to do with yourself. See what The Road Les Traveled holds.
This blog rocks. I’ve been reading it all day and I love it! Your posts are down to earth & your photos are breathtaking. I aspire to travel the world much like you and, I too have a bucket list i’m hoping to complete. I just can’t get enough of your pictures, I envy all of the charming places you’ve captured. Have you always been into photography and do you have a photo bucket list?
-Taylor
So happy you like it! To answer your question – no, I haven’t always been into photography. I’ve always liked taking pictures on my iPhone, but it wasn’t until I moved to Buenos Aires a year ago that my boyfriend and I bought a camera and started taking a few classes to learn how to use it. It was the best decision I ever made! I think my photo bucket list probably mirrors my destination bucket list – top of the list is Antarctica!
Excited to see the stories that unfold on this blog! Hello from Seattle!
Hey Natalie, thanks for reading!
Love this blog! I find your travel and career so inspiring! As a college student who loves to travel and is interested in a career in marketing, I am wondering how you got into this field or if you have any advice on how to get involved in the luxury hospitality industry?
Hi Madison – Thanks for the message! I managed a marketing team for a luxury hospitality company in Buenos Aires, so that was a way in which I gained a lot of my experience. A travel-related job whether it be in hotels, airlines or travel PR is another segue. Everyone’s path is different and I wish you all the best!
I love writing and traveling, also grew up in Arkansas. You’re a huge inspiration and most definitely my role model! Cant wait to keep up with your adventures and hopefully start some of my own!
<3 Rainey