Alexis Mills

Hi, I’m Alexis a 24 year old currently living in Southern California. I fell in love with traveling at a young age and always dreamt of seeing the world. I did my best to make the most out of every travel opportunity, but my dream really started to come true when I took a leap of faith to backpack 7 European countries alone after graduating college. Even though I traveled extensively across the U.S. before my Europe trip, this is when I expanded my views of the world and realized how much travel has to offer.

While, I am not currently making trips for months at a time, I still make travel part of my regular life. Living in California makes weekend trips simple because of the amount of amazing places to visit making it such a great state to explore. I know my traveling experiences and lifestyle have just begun and I look forward to keep learning and growing from the world around me.

TPM: What kind of traveler are you?

AM: I would say I am an open-minded, ever changing traveler. Each trip I take is unique because of the people I am with and the location I’m going. Sometimes I am touristy and visit the main attractions and sites but, I also love getting off the beaten path as well. I’ve had luxurious trips where I was treated to high-class hotels and 5 star meals, but also budget-friendly trips where I stayed in hostels sharing a hotel room with 10 other female travelers.

TPM: Why did you decide to start working as a freelance travel/lifestyle writer, blogger and content marketer?

AM: During college, I wrote for different websites, the college newspaper, copy for social media campaigns, so I wanted to continue that journey after I graduated. I love to create, expand my perspective, and reflect all the jumble in my head into something meaningful on paper. Being a freelance travel and lifestyle writer opens up that world to express my inner world interpretations of the outside world.

TPM: Who is your travel inspiration?

AM: I haven’t had a specific person who is my travel inspiration, but full-time travel bloggers is an occupation that definitely influences me. The fact that people get paid and can sustain life by traveling the world and writing about their experiences blows my mind. I have to say though, my dad is my biggest inspiration in this aspect because when everyone else was calling me crazy to go backpacking alone across 7 countries he was the one telling me to book it. His belief in me to follow what my heart gave me courage and confidence to take the leap.

TPM: Where in the world is your favorite place to visit? Why?

AM: I always have the toughest time with this question because I’m indecisive and I’ve visited so many places that I've fell in love with. Some of my favorites so far are: San Francisco, Amsterdam, Paris, and Southern Italy. Each place has something so unique to offer that it makes picking just one place so difficult.

TPM: What do you think is the biggest sacrifice you have done for the sake of traveling?

AM: Money is the biggest sacrifice because it can get overwhelming how much everything costs in life including traveling. But, traveling is what I enjoy spending my money on and it is how I choose to spend my money.

TPM: How many countries have you visited?

AM: I’ve visited 9 countries and 14 states in America.

TPM: Have you had any scary moments while on your travels?

AM: Yes, a few. I will share the one that shook me most to my core. I was in Paris walking along the Eiffel Tower with a travel buddy I met the day before. We were in Paris when they were hosting the EuroCup, so they had extra security all around the city, which was a little intimidating. But, while we were walking I noticed a line of police men and women all lined up blocking the street and taking steps forward in unison. One of the policemen gripped tightly onto his baton as if he was ready for battle. There was a group of African men who were selling trinkets to tourists that were all huddled in the center of the street and walking towards the police. All of a sudden, one of the African men bolted pass the police and horror struck. In every direction police were chasing, beating, punching, and choking them. It was one of those moments where I couldn’t believe what my eyes were seeing, as if I was watching a movie play before my eyes. One black man was foaming from his mouth, seizing shaking on the concrete. My eyes were glued, but we turned the corner to attempt to get somewhere safe.

TPM: Where is your next travel destination going to be? Why?

AM: I just booked a spontaneous trip last night to go visit one of my dearest friends who lives in the mountains surrounding Denver in two weeks. I haven’t seen her for a year now, I have been saying I would make the trip for two years, so it’s definitely overdue! I cherish my close friendships and no matter where life takes us, it’s a priority of mine to keep in contact.

TPM: How has travel changed you?

AM: Travel has changed my view of the world, opened up my eyes to how much is really out there. Once this reality first hit me the world felt so overwhelming that it humbled me. Travel has given me a thirst for life and constantly wanting to experience the world around me. Travel has given me the best education I could’ve hoped for.

TPM: What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about traveling while working in freelance?

AM: Make sure you can support yourself. I have a full-time, remote job along with doing freelance work because right now that is what is realistic for me. Freelancing is something fun for me to do on the side, instead of relying on it to support me. If you are going to be writing about your travels for your freelance work, be authentic and disciplined.

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