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Words to live by…

Posted on April 5, 2015April 6, 2015 by Chantel @ Voyaging Vagabond

Just a wandering hippie, united with the sea, climbing to see the world, not for the world to see me

-Justin Telles

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QuotePosted in EuropeTagged adventure, backpacking, explore, fun, happy, happyhippy, hippy, knowledge, laugh, life, live, love, postgrad, travel, traveler, twentysomething, vacation, voyagingvagabondLeave a comment

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#AD I'm about to change the travel game for you. . . . You guys know I backpack and my biggest issue? My clothes. Despite packing cubes & rolling everything, because I'm a size US 18 my clothes is bigger. Trying to find cute interchangeable pieces I can wear on nights out, or exploring new cities & when I wander in the outdoors can be a challenge. . . . BUT I have found the answer to all my problems and I have to share it with you. I was approached by the badass female duo Mikayla & Naomi behind @alderapparel to try their open air pants. They wanted to create a product that was cute, functional and inclusive to all kinds of women. So they sent out a survey to 100 diverse women and asked what they needed. The resounding answer was pants and they've been working tirelessly to put together a pair of pants perfect for us ladies that love a little adventure. After multiple trials and much appreciated feedback they're about to release their open air pants (that go up to a 4X) and I was lucky enough to test them out before going out. . . . LEMME TELL YOU GUYS. I'm not joking when I say these are the best pants I've ever worn. 🙏🙌 The modal fabric instantly molded to my skin & it's so breathable. The sweat wicking keeps me cool which is no easy feat on long travel days. Don't even get me started on all the pockets. But the best part? They're CUTE AS HELL. Once I received them, I wore them 3 days in a row. Ideal when I'm hopping busses & metros, backpack in tow. Served lewks when I dressed them up & adhered to every hill I encountered or castle wall I climbed. With sneakers or thrown with a pair of Chelsea boots. The best part?! They roll up SUPER small & barely take up any room in my backpack. I'm 100% sold & they've quickly become my favorite article of clothing out here & I'm already scoping out a second pair. . . . You guys reach out to me & ask what clothes to bring for travel. My answer? These open air pants. First you're supporting a female-owned, sustainable brand set on making the outdoors more inclusive. But you're scoring the best travel pants to keep up with all the stretching, dancing, eating, hiking, and exploring that being on the road brings.

"Fat chicks can't backpack all over the world." . . . Take it from this fat chick, YES 👏 YOU 👏 CAN. 👏 I remember back in 2015 before my first backpacking trip I never saw a backpacker that looked like me. I knew I wanted to do it but I was FILLED with self-doubt. . . . Will I find a backpack with a hip belt that fits around my stomach? Will the chest strap fit over my DD boobs? Am I strong enough to handle it? . . . The first part was easy. Cue the hallelujah chorus when I tell you about @rei. Their staff is some of the most supportive and informative people I've ever dealt with. Before I even tried on backpacks I visited the store more times than I could count. I told them my plans, told them my concerns and they answered each query I had without even a slight moment of judgement. Once I built the confidence to try on packs and the staff knew me by name they spent hours with me, finding one that was perfect for me. All while exuding a calming patience and an eagerness to get me set for my adventure. . . . The second part I had to figure out on my own. Like I said there weren't any plus size people talking about backpacking so I said "screw it" and decided to be my own inspiration. That first trip I went to 14 countries in three months all with 25lbs on my back. THEN decided to come home, get an even smaller pack (@keltybuilt Men's Redwing 44L Backpack in case you're wondering) and I haven't looked back since. My trusty backpack and I have been on countless adventures since. . . . I've hiked to the base of Machu Picchu with it. I've scooted in Thailand with it. I've braved the winters of Chicago with it and sweat through the summers of Australia with it. I can't even look at a suitcase now without wondering where to put everything (I have a deep love for pockets and organizing.) My pack and I have been through a lot. From hitched rides in the back of trucks to more trains than I can count. Sometimes it's hard (especially uphill) and I need to stop and take a break. But the strength is definitely in me and I laugh thinking that I ever doubted myself. Now I couldn't imagine going on a trip without the old gal. . . . 🚨 MESSAGE CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS 🚨

"Better late than pregnant" Steph always says. 🙃 . . . So enjoy our slightly late Valentine's Day post. We've been off wandering castles and running into knights while here in Óbidos. After 8 years of being together, people like to often assume that our relationship is like a fairytale. . . . But if I'm being completely real with you guys the past year has been kind of difficult on Steph, on myself and our relationship. Frequent moves, the uncertainty of our future, my inability to "settle down", trying to figure out our careers, learning what we both need out of this relationship for it to be healthy. GIRL it's been hard as hell and there were some really vulnerable conversations had. But we've moved past our lowest point committed to knowing that we're meant for each other and that these growing pains come with reaching the next stage in our lives. . . . True love is a lot of work, it requires patience, it requires compromise, it requires honesty and it requires putting yourself first emotionally so that you can be a better partner to somebody else. Steph & I got this, because we're both willing to put in the work for our very happy ending. ❤ . . . #lgbtcouple #traveltogether #travelingcouples #coupleswhotravel #lesbiancouple#travelgirl #wearetravelgirls #wearetravelgays #globalgaygirlgang #lesbiansofig #lesbehonest #lgbtinfluencer #lgbtcouple #creativetravelcouple #couplelove #amtb #loveislove #lgbt #lesbians #visitportugal #portugal #obidos #lgbtpride #gaypride #allweneedislove #loveforall #couplegoals #travelcouple #portugaltravel #portugal_places

Happy Galentine's Day Ladies! . . . Keep on pushing past your boundaries, keep stepping out of your comfort zone and keep doin' you. The world deserves more strong women and that strength is in you waiting to come out. . . . I love this trend where women empower other women and applaud each other's success. I'm convinced that we're better when we work together and I hope this trend never goes out of style. 💗 . . . . #fatgirlstraveling #passionpassport #damestravel #sheisnotlost #gltlove #aexme #psootd #plussizetravel #plussizetravelblogger #wanderlust #travelbug #discoverunder5k #chattycaptioncommunity #thecaptionclub #blogandbeyond #createeveryday #createyourlife #curateyourownfeed #streetart #streetartglobe #mural #muralsofinstagram #travelinclusivity #galentinesday #stpete #visitstpete #florida #visitflorida #womensupportingwomen

Can we talk about love for a sec? Man I loveeeeee love. But the thing I love most is giving love. Sometimes I have to stop myself from saying "love you" to people I barely know but that's just how I genuinely feel. I just want to shower the world with love. It feels like such a powerful force inside of me I can't bear to keep it all to myself. I want to give it freely because sometimes people just need to know that they are loved. So in case you need to hear it today, I love you. Unless you're some weird creep who's gonna slide into my DMs with "You're so beautiful." You sir, I do not love. 🙅‍♀️ . . . . #newyork #newyorkcity #nyc #newyork_ig #newyorktravel #dumbo #brooklyn #brooklynlife #fatgirlstraveling #passionpassport #damestravel #sheisnotlost #gltlove #aexme #psootd #plussizetravel #plussizetravelblogger #wanderlust #travelbug #discoverunder5k #chattycaptioncommunity #thecaptionclub #blogandbeyond #createeveryday #createyourlife #curateyourownfeed #streetart #streetartglobe #mural #muralsofinstagram

Yo influencers really be out here wearing an outfit for the gram and then never wearing said outfit again. . . . I'm sorry....what? 🤨 . . . Some of you may know, and some of you may not but when I travel my entire life is an a 47L backpack. Shoutout to @keltybuilt .That's right the entirety of the 7 months I plan to be in Europe, all packed away neatly into my backpack, that I carry on my back. . . . You think I wanna be out here going up these big ass hills with more weight than I really need?!?! Granted the back support on my backpack is top notch but if I can't wear an article in multiple settings, it's not making the cut. So do I want to be in a flowy red dress in Santorini? Low key yessss BUT I can't justify taking up space in my backpack for anything I'm going to wear once. . . . I saw someone talking about this and it really had me thinking. So let me open the discussion to you. What are your thoughts on being a (gasp) *outfit repeater?* I hope some of you caught that Lizzie McGuire reference. Are you wear once for the gram and done or are you that person that can rock an outfit 6 different ways without batting an eye? . . . . . . #fatgirlstraveling #travelinclusivity #plussizetravelblogger #plussizeblogger #plussizeandproud #plussizetravel #femmetravel #thetravelwomen #womenwhotravel #tlpicks #kelty #backpackerstory #backpacker #psfashion #psootd #primark #asos #girlstravel #femaletravel #solofemaletravel #portugal #peniche #visitportugal #sheisnotlost #passionpassport #dametravel #amtb #travelbug #wanderlust

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Sign up and receive notifications on the best places to visit, how to do it on a budget, and of course all of my wild travel experiences that fall in between! I can assure you that it will be the best decision you make today!

Join 723 other followers

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#AD I'm about to change the travel game for you. . . . You guys know I backpack and my biggest issue? My clothes. Despite packing cubes & rolling everything, because I'm a size US 18 my clothes is bigger. Trying to find cute interchangeable pieces I can wear on nights out, or exploring new cities & when I wander in the outdoors can be a challenge. . . . BUT I have found the answer to all my problems and I have to share it with you. I was approached by the badass female duo Mikayla & Naomi behind @alderapparel to try their open air pants. They wanted to create a product that was cute, functional and inclusive to all kinds of women. So they sent out a survey to 100 diverse women and asked what they needed. The resounding answer was pants and they've been working tirelessly to put together a pair of pants perfect for us ladies that love a little adventure. After multiple trials and much appreciated feedback they're about to release their open air pants (that go up to a 4X) and I was lucky enough to test them out before going out. . . . LEMME TELL YOU GUYS. I'm not joking when I say these are the best pants I've ever worn. 🙏🙌 The modal fabric instantly molded to my skin & it's so breathable. The sweat wicking keeps me cool which is no easy feat on long travel days. Don't even get me started on all the pockets. But the best part? They're CUTE AS HELL. Once I received them, I wore them 3 days in a row. Ideal when I'm hopping busses & metros, backpack in tow. Served lewks when I dressed them up & adhered to every hill I encountered or castle wall I climbed. With sneakers or thrown with a pair of Chelsea boots. The best part?! They roll up SUPER small & barely take up any room in my backpack. I'm 100% sold & they've quickly become my favorite article of clothing out here & I'm already scoping out a second pair. . . . You guys reach out to me & ask what clothes to bring for travel. My answer? These open air pants. First you're supporting a female-owned, sustainable brand set on making the outdoors more inclusive. But you're scoring the best travel pants to keep up with all the stretching, dancing, eating, hiking, and exploring that being on the road brings.

"Fat chicks can't backpack all over the world." . . . Take it from this fat chick, YES 👏 YOU 👏 CAN. 👏 I remember back in 2015 before my first backpacking trip I never saw a backpacker that looked like me. I knew I wanted to do it but I was FILLED with self-doubt. . . . Will I find a backpack with a hip belt that fits around my stomach? Will the chest strap fit over my DD boobs? Am I strong enough to handle it? . . . The first part was easy. Cue the hallelujah chorus when I tell you about @rei. Their staff is some of the most supportive and informative people I've ever dealt with. Before I even tried on backpacks I visited the store more times than I could count. I told them my plans, told them my concerns and they answered each query I had without even a slight moment of judgement. Once I built the confidence to try on packs and the staff knew me by name they spent hours with me, finding one that was perfect for me. All while exuding a calming patience and an eagerness to get me set for my adventure. . . . The second part I had to figure out on my own. Like I said there weren't any plus size people talking about backpacking so I said "screw it" and decided to be my own inspiration. That first trip I went to 14 countries in three months all with 25lbs on my back. THEN decided to come home, get an even smaller pack (@keltybuilt Men's Redwing 44L Backpack in case you're wondering) and I haven't looked back since. My trusty backpack and I have been on countless adventures since. . . . I've hiked to the base of Machu Picchu with it. I've scooted in Thailand with it. I've braved the winters of Chicago with it and sweat through the summers of Australia with it. I can't even look at a suitcase now without wondering where to put everything (I have a deep love for pockets and organizing.) My pack and I have been through a lot. From hitched rides in the back of trucks to more trains than I can count. Sometimes it's hard (especially uphill) and I need to stop and take a break. But the strength is definitely in me and I laugh thinking that I ever doubted myself. Now I couldn't imagine going on a trip without the old gal. . . . 🚨 MESSAGE CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS 🚨

"Better late than pregnant" Steph always says. 🙃 . . . So enjoy our slightly late Valentine's Day post. We've been off wandering castles and running into knights while here in Óbidos. After 8 years of being together, people like to often assume that our relationship is like a fairytale. . . . But if I'm being completely real with you guys the past year has been kind of difficult on Steph, on myself and our relationship. Frequent moves, the uncertainty of our future, my inability to "settle down", trying to figure out our careers, learning what we both need out of this relationship for it to be healthy. GIRL it's been hard as hell and there were some really vulnerable conversations had. But we've moved past our lowest point committed to knowing that we're meant for each other and that these growing pains come with reaching the next stage in our lives. . . . True love is a lot of work, it requires patience, it requires compromise, it requires honesty and it requires putting yourself first emotionally so that you can be a better partner to somebody else. Steph & I got this, because we're both willing to put in the work for our very happy ending. ❤ . . . #lgbtcouple #traveltogether #travelingcouples #coupleswhotravel #lesbiancouple#travelgirl #wearetravelgirls #wearetravelgays #globalgaygirlgang #lesbiansofig #lesbehonest #lgbtinfluencer #lgbtcouple #creativetravelcouple #couplelove #amtb #loveislove #lgbt #lesbians #visitportugal #portugal #obidos #lgbtpride #gaypride #allweneedislove #loveforall #couplegoals #travelcouple #portugaltravel #portugal_places

Happy Galentine's Day Ladies! . . . Keep on pushing past your boundaries, keep stepping out of your comfort zone and keep doin' you. The world deserves more strong women and that strength is in you waiting to come out. . . . I love this trend where women empower other women and applaud each other's success. I'm convinced that we're better when we work together and I hope this trend never goes out of style. 💗 . . . . #fatgirlstraveling #passionpassport #damestravel #sheisnotlost #gltlove #aexme #psootd #plussizetravel #plussizetravelblogger #wanderlust #travelbug #discoverunder5k #chattycaptioncommunity #thecaptionclub #blogandbeyond #createeveryday #createyourlife #curateyourownfeed #streetart #streetartglobe #mural #muralsofinstagram #travelinclusivity #galentinesday #stpete #visitstpete #florida #visitflorida #womensupportingwomen

Can we talk about love for a sec? Man I loveeeeee love. But the thing I love most is giving love. Sometimes I have to stop myself from saying "love you" to people I barely know but that's just how I genuinely feel. I just want to shower the world with love. It feels like such a powerful force inside of me I can't bear to keep it all to myself. I want to give it freely because sometimes people just need to know that they are loved. So in case you need to hear it today, I love you. Unless you're some weird creep who's gonna slide into my DMs with "You're so beautiful." You sir, I do not love. 🙅‍♀️ . . . . #newyork #newyorkcity #nyc #newyork_ig #newyorktravel #dumbo #brooklyn #brooklynlife #fatgirlstraveling #passionpassport #damestravel #sheisnotlost #gltlove #aexme #psootd #plussizetravel #plussizetravelblogger #wanderlust #travelbug #discoverunder5k #chattycaptioncommunity #thecaptionclub #blogandbeyond #createeveryday #createyourlife #curateyourownfeed #streetart #streetartglobe #mural #muralsofinstagram

Yo influencers really be out here wearing an outfit for the gram and then never wearing said outfit again. . . . I'm sorry....what? 🤨 . . . Some of you may know, and some of you may not but when I travel my entire life is an a 47L backpack. Shoutout to @keltybuilt .That's right the entirety of the 7 months I plan to be in Europe, all packed away neatly into my backpack, that I carry on my back. . . . You think I wanna be out here going up these big ass hills with more weight than I really need?!?! Granted the back support on my backpack is top notch but if I can't wear an article in multiple settings, it's not making the cut. So do I want to be in a flowy red dress in Santorini? Low key yessss BUT I can't justify taking up space in my backpack for anything I'm going to wear once. . . . I saw someone talking about this and it really had me thinking. So let me open the discussion to you. What are your thoughts on being a (gasp) *outfit repeater?* I hope some of you caught that Lizzie McGuire reference. Are you wear once for the gram and done or are you that person that can rock an outfit 6 different ways without batting an eye? . . . . . . #fatgirlstraveling #travelinclusivity #plussizetravelblogger #plussizeblogger #plussizeandproud #plussizetravel #femmetravel #thetravelwomen #womenwhotravel #tlpicks #kelty #backpackerstory #backpacker #psfashion #psootd #primark #asos #girlstravel #femaletravel #solofemaletravel #portugal #peniche #visitportugal #sheisnotlost #passionpassport #dametravel #amtb #travelbug #wanderlust

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