Hey there! I’m Michele (pronounced Mikele) 🌎 I’ve been backpacking across the world and there’s just one independent country left for me to visit! It was never the plan to visit every country, I've been traveling extensively for over 17 years now, and it just turned out that way. I'm not a fan of just setting foot in a country, but I'm not a slow traveler either. Road trips are my favorite way to travel. You get to see a lot, can stop wherever you like, and it's easier to reach remote or less accessible places. Right now, my travels are mostly centered around nature and wildlife. I feel most alive when I’m outdoors, hiking through mountains,chasing waterfalls, camping under the stars, waking up with the sound of birds, and exploring places where nature still sets the rhythm of the day. I’m especially drawn to forests, remote landscapes, national parks, and any adventure that involves walking long distances with a backpack and sleeping close to the earth. Wildlife encounters (is my favorite), hidden trails, swimming in natural pools, campfires, and simple living are what inspire me most at this stage of my journey. If you love the outdoors, enjoy swapping hiking stories, or know beautiful hidden spots in nature, we’ll probably get along very well 😊 For me, travel is all about the thrill of the unknown and diving into new cultures. I love crossing land borders over hopping on planes, staying with locals on Couchsurfing instead stay lonely in hotels, and getting lost in nature more than sticking to city streets. You’ll find me trekking and climbing rather than bar-hopping, savoring street food instead of fancy restaurants, and searching out hidden gems over crowded tourist spots.... A few things to know about me: I don’t smoke 🚭 I only accept friend requests from people I’ve met before Catch me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/michele_el_viajero_loco If you’re as passionate about adventure as I am, you’re in the right place! 🧭 Let’s get out there and explore the world! PHILOSOPHY Many people stay in unhappy situations because they’re used to a life that feels safe and predictable. They think this brings them peace, but nothing dulls our natural curiosity and adventurous spirit more than a life without change. When we’re stuck in a routine, time seems to fly by unnoticed, the days blending into each other. But when we’re constantly trying new things and exploring the unknown, time almost seems to slow down. Looking back, a period full of new experiences feels richer and longer than one spent just going through the motions. Real joy comes from breaking out of that routine and welcoming the thrill of a new horizon each day, with a different sun rising every morning. My text, inspired by Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild