About

About Christy Woodrow & Ordinary Traveler
Hi, I’m Christy Woodrow — the traveler behind Ordinary Traveler.
I created this site in 2010 while working full-time and saving every spare dollar to explore the world. What started as a personal outlet to document trips and share travel advice slowly grew into something much bigger.
Ordinary Traveler is now a travel media brand and content studio, built around the belief that meaningful travel doesn’t have to be complicated or out of reach.
Over the years, I’ve visited 60+ countries and built Ordinary Traveler into a trusted resource for destination guides, hotel reviews, cruise experiences, and visual travel storytelling. My stories are read by millions of travelers each year and shared across platforms including my website, social channels, email newsletters, and partner publications.
My work has been featured in National Geographic Traveler, Forbes, Business Insider, Fast Company, Lonely Planet, MSN, and more. But beyond the press, what lights me up is helping everyday travelers (like you!) discover experiences that feel both meaningful and doable.
Everything I publish is created by firsthand experience. I don’t write about places I haven’t visited or recommend experiences I wouldn’t pay for myself.
If you’re here as a reader, I hope Ordinary Traveler helps you plan trips that feel personal, thoughtful, and unforgettable.
Welcome — I’m glad you’re here.

Why Ordinary Traveler?
When I first started this blog, most of the big names in travel were full-time nomads — people who sold everything and hit the road permanently. That’s great for them, but I realized that lifestyle didn’t fit me (or most people I know).
I wanted a home, a community, and the freedom to travel the world. So I created Ordinary Traveler for those of us who don’t fit neatly into the “quit-your-job-and-travel” narrative — the people who want families, careers, and roots and still crave adventure.
This blog is about showing you that you can live a grounded, “ordinary” life and still have extraordinary adventures.
Please see our Work With Us page if you are looking for partnership opportunities.
Who Is Christy Woodrow?
So, who am I beyond the blog? I’m a California native who’s been traveling for over 25 years — sometimes solo, sometimes with friends, and sometimes with a partner. Each season of my life has looked different, but through it all, one thing has stayed the same: my passion for exploring and sharing what I learn along the way.
Travel has carried me through life’s biggest shifts. In 2018, an ayahuasca experience in the mountains of Ecuador cracked my world wide open. In 2021, my partner of 14 years and I made the difficult decision to part ways. Through change, uncertainty, and new beginnings, travel has always been my refuge — a constant reminder of the beauty, resilience, and wonder that exists in the world.
Alongside travel tips and destination guides, I also share stories of healing and growth because, let’s be honest, travel changes us. It invites us to step out of our comfort zones, see life from new perspectives, and discover more about ourselves than we expected.
What began with Ordinary Traveler as a creative outlet to document my travels and passion for photography has evolved into a platform that inspires others to explore the world — and has even led to my work as a bestselling author and photographer.

Who This Blog Is For
This space is for travelers who:
- Want to make the most of limited vacation time
- Crave unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences
- Prefer clear, practical tips over fluff
- Believe that adventure and everyday life can exist side by side
If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
How This Site Can Help You
Here on Ordinary Traveler, you’ll find:
- Destination guides that go beyond the obvious
- Solo female travel resources (because I’ve been there — a lot!)
- Personal stories and reflections from the road
- Savvy tips for saving money, time, and stress while traveling
- Recommendations for spiritual and healing travel experiences
In addition to this website, I work one-on-one with travelers to design custom itineraries that take the stress out of planning. Whether you’re dreaming of a Caribbean escape, a California road trip, or planning a trip abroad, I’ll help you find unique stays, hidden gems, and meaningful experiences that make your trip truly memorable.

For as long as I can remember, friends have called me the “adventure curator.” It’s a title that’s stuck because, at the heart of it, that’s what I love to do: create experiences that inspire, excite, and remind us that life is meant to be lived fully.
So whether you’re here for a quick travel tip, inspiration for your next big adventure, or just to daydream about the possibilities, welcome. Grab a coffee (or a glass of wine), browse around, and let’s plan something amazing together.
See you out there,
Christy

News Coverage & Published Work of Christy Woodrow
Over the past decade, my journey as a travel writer and photographer has led to my work being featured in numerous print and digital media outlets. Additionally, I’ve had the honor of being invited as a guest on news stations to offer travel insights.
- Published in National Geographic Traveler Magazine, April 2011
- Porthole Magazine – Nov/Dec Issue
- Toque & Canoe – Northern Lights Photo Published November 2017
- MSN Contributor
- British Columbia Photos Published in Denver Life Weddings, Spring/Summer 2014
- Metro UK Feature: Blogger’s Dreamlike Cinderella Photo Series Shows the Magic of Travelling Solo
- Interview on Travel Trolley
- Forbes Christy Woodrow Feature
- Business Insider Christy Woodrow Feature
- Discover Walks News Christy Woodrow Feature
- Daily Mail Christy Woodrow Feature
- Yahoo News
- National Geographic Portland
- National Geographic Kauai
- U.S. News
- Voyage LA Magazine
- Featured as a Caribbean travel expert in Islands Magazine
- Featured as a San Diego expert in AARP
- Bold Journey Feature
Press Mentions for Ordinary Traveler
- Featured on Business Insider as one of the Top 10 Pinterest Accounts to Follow
- Top 15 Adventure Travel Blogs by Sacred Rides
- One of the 20 Must-Read Travel Blogs
- Featured on Sony’s website
- Listed on Twitter’s 40 Most Influential Travel Bloggers
- Listed in the Top 15 Travel Blogs To Inspire You In 2014 And Beyond
- Mentioned often on National Geographic Traveler’s Website August 2011, February 2012, June 2012, November 2012, March 2013, December 2013
- 15 Best Caribbean Travel Blogs by FeedSpot
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Ordinary Traveler is an independent travel media brand founded in 2010.


