About

Exploring different countries and cultures has become my way of life. From wandering through bustling city streets to finding serenity in untouched landscapes, every journey teaches me something new about the world—and myself.

But let’s be honest: traveling isn’t always smooth sailing. There are challenges, surprises, and countless lessons along the way. That’s what makes the adventure so extraordinary.

Through this blog, I hope to inspire you to chase your wanderlust, book that solo trip, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re dreaming of distant lands or looking for tips to make it happen, I’m here to share my stories, insights, and the beauty I’ve discovered along the way.

Let’s explore the world together—your next adventure is just a click away!

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Let me ask you this:

What’s stopping you from chasing your travel dreams right now?
Are you waiting for the “perfect” moment? Trust me, I’ve been there too—standing on the edge of possibility, weighed down by “what ifs” and excuses.
But here’s the thing: the perfect moment doesn’t exist. The time to start exploring, discovering, and living boldly is now.
What if you booked that solo trip you’ve been daydreaming about?
What if you explored a new culture that changed the way you see the world?
What if you stopped waiting and started creating a life full of unforgettable adventures?
You have the power to make it happen. You don’t need permission—just a spark of courage and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
And I’m here to inspire, guide, and cheer you on every step of the way. Let’s make those “what ifs” a reality, together. 😊

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Emma’s World of Adventure

At Emma Collins Travels, you’ll find an honest, heartfelt look into the life of a solo traveler—sharing everything from awe-inspiring destinations to practical tips and those inevitable “oops” moments along the way.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler looking for guidance, a seasoned wanderer seeking fresh inspiration, or someone dreaming of a life where travel isn’t just a vacation but a lifestyle, this is your space to explore, connect, and grow.
Dive into stories that go beyond postcards and picture-perfect moments, with real talk about solo travel, embracing new cultures, and navigating the unexpected. It’s all about finding the beauty in every journey, #BeyondTheMap.
And for those dreaming of turning their passion for travel into something more, you’ll discover tips, tricks, and resources to help you start your own adventure—whether it’s creating unforgettable memories or building a travel blog to share your unique story with the world.
Here’s to curiosity, courage, and the adventures waiting just around the corner!

My Story

The Short Version

Once upon a time, there was a young woman named Emma Collins who believed that life had more to offer than a 9-to-5 grind, a rigid routine, and a couple of vacation weeks each year. Society told her this was the recipe for a “successful” life, but her heart said otherwise.
Emma craved adventure, freedom, and the chance to experience the world on her own terms. So, despite the doubts of friends and family, she packed her bags, left her corporate desk behind, and set off on a journey to live life differently.
What started as a solo trip soon turned into a lifestyle. Emma built a life where every day felt like an adventure, her office was wherever her feet landed, and her work was a reflection of her greatest passion: exploring the world and sharing its beauty with others.
She traded spreadsheets for sunsets, meetings for mountain treks, and found fulfillment in every step of the journey. Now, she’s here to inspire you to follow your own path, no matter how unconventional it may seem.
And yes, she’s living happily ever after—wherever her passport takes her next. The end (or maybe just the beginning).

The Longer Version

Have you ever felt like the “right path” just wasn’t the right one for you?
Yeah, I’ve been there.
I was born and raised in New York, where I worked as a certified sightseeing guide, and traveled whenever I could. My adventures started with Caribbean cruises and North American road trips, but I was always hungry for more.
In 2017, I graduated with a BA/MA in Communication & Rhetoric from the State University of Albany, with hopes of jumping into nonprofit communications. At that time, I’d already begun to explore the world: studying abroad in Australia, backpacking solo across Europe, living with a family in Ghana, hiking through China, and teaching English in Thailand. These travels shaped my perspective in ways that I couldn’t ignore.
But here’s the kicker: I realized that I couldn’t give up the freedom travel gave me. The world was my classroom, and no office job could replicate that sense of living fully.
After graduation, I took a “real” job, but the reality didn’t match my dreams. They wouldn’t give me time off to travel until I had been there six months. And when I finally got time off, it was only two weeks a year—nowhere near enough for the kind of travel I loved. I was passionate about slow travel—really immersing myself in a place—and I quickly realized my office job wasn’t the right fit. The job felt like a cage, and I yearned to live on my own terms.
So, I made a decision. It wasn’t an easy one, and it definitely wasn’t supported by everyone around me. But I didn’t care. I was determined to follow my heart.
I quit my job, started waitressing full-time, and worked overtime to pay off my bills. This gave me the flexibility to travel whenever the urge struck.
Then, one day, while searching for a way to combine my love for travel and writing, I stumbled upon a travel writing class. Funny enough, I teach a few of those myself now! It was there that I realized it wasn’t a dream—it was possible to combine what I loved and make a living doing it.
Now, I split my time between New York City and the road. I travel somewhere new almost every month, and although I’ve been lucky enough to tick off many items from my bucket list, there are still things that make me nervous and excited. But one thing I’ve learned is that you can’t be afraid to take that first step. Once you move toward your dreams, the next step will follow.
Life is an adventure, and I intend to experience it to the fullest. And I want you to do the same.
I see too many people stuck in jobs they don’t love, living lives that don’t truly fulfill them. Even if you’re not ready to take the plunge into full-time travel, there are countless ways you can enrich your life by exploring new places, learning from different cultures, and simply embracing the unknown.
So, come explore with me! Check out the blog, get inspired, and start planning your own unforgettable journey.
Happy trails!