About

Best Adventure Travel Blog - Christy Woodrow

Who is Christy Woodrow?

Hi! I’m Christy Woodrow, a blogger, photographer, travel advisor, and the founder of Ordinary Traveler, an award-winning adventure travel and photography blog created in 2010. I’ve been featured in National Geographic Traveler, Forbes, Business Insider, Fast Company, Lonely Planet, MSN and more. Through my work, I blend storytelling with practical tips, helping travelers balance adventure with everyday life.

Throughout the past 15 years, Ordinary Traveler has grown to become one of the top travel blogs in the world. What began 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.

Whether you’re seeking insider tips for your next California getaway (my home state) or looking for inspiration to plan an epic journey to far-flung destinations, you’ll find a wealth of information and insights here to make your travels extraordinary.

For over 15 years, I’ve been helping people plan unforgettable trips all over the world with personalized itineraries and expert travel advice. While I’m especially known for my Caribbean expertise, I love creating custom travel experiences to just about anywhere. Along with the tips I share here on the blog, I also work one-on-one with travelers to take the stress out of planning.

Leveraging my extensive experience and wide-ranging connections, I offer access to unique accommodations and immersive, off-the-beaten-path adventures, ensuring your journey is truly memorable. Reach out to me for assistance in planning your next trip.

Alongside sharing my adventurous and off-the-beaten-path journeys, I also use this blog to share my personal stories of healing and personal growth. I provide recommendations for those seeking spiritual travel experiences as well as providing travel tips to the destinations I have visited.

So, as you explore this blog, you’ll find a blend of travel inspiration and personal growth narratives to inspire your own journey forward.

Who is Christy Woodrow at Ordinary Traveler

What’s Behind The Name Ordinary Traveler?

When I started Ordinary Traveler in 2010, many of the popular travel blogs were written by permanent, or soon-to-be permanent, nomads. They got a lot of press, which gave the impression that this was the preferred way to travel.

Not everyone wants to quit their job and sell all of their possessions to travel. People who want a family, a home, and an adventurous life are the “ordinary” people I strive to connect with and inspire. That’s the idea behind the name Ordinary Traveler.

During an extended stay in Southeast Asia, I realized I love my home base and community too much to be a permanent nomad, so I have been learning how to live a “normal” life at home while exploring the world as much as possible. (Please see our Work With Us page if you are looking for partnership opportunities.)

I started this blog while I was in a long-term relationship and my partner didn’t have the desire to travel as often as I did. But… that didn’t stop me from traveling all over the world as a solo female. You’ll find plenty of guides for solo female travelers on here including: Greece for solo travelers, Europe for solo female travelers, solo female travel in Canada and more.

In 2018, my life turned upside down after an ayahuasca experience in the mountains of Ecuador.

Christy Woodrow Owner of Ordinary Traveler

Then, in 2021, my partner and I made the difficult decision to bring our 14-year relationship to a close. I am profoundly grateful that we’ve managed to preserve our friendship throughout this transition. After sharing 14 years of life together, it’s undoubtedly been a monumental change in both our lives.

Throughout all of these life changes, there’s been one unwavering constant: my passion for travel, writing, and photography.

Travel has remained a constant source of inspiration for me. It’s been my refuge in times of change and uncertainty, offering a canvas upon which to paint the stories of my life’s chapters.

Most Popular Travel Instagram Photos

How can this site help you?

Ordinary Traveler’s focus is to provide trip ideas for people with limited vacation time and to introduce off-the-beaten-path destinations that you may not find on other travel blogs.

Best Adventure Travel Blog - Christy Woodrow

For as long as I can remember, my close friends have dubbed me the “adventure curator.” It’s a title that’s stuck with me over the years, and whenever I find myself contemplating my purpose in life, it serves as a poignant reminder of the role I play.

Beyond the thrill of exploration and the joy of documenting my travels, there’s a deeper purpose that drives me. It’s the realization that by sharing my journeys, even if only in the virtual realm, I have the privilege of inspiring others to seize life with both hands and savor every moment.

Travel, in all its forms, is a gateway to living life to the fullest. It’s a reminder that our time on this planet is finite, urging us to embrace new experiences, get curious about unfamiliar cultures, and cultivate a sense of wonder. It encourages us to break free from our comfort zones, challenge our boundaries, and discover the boundless potential within ourselves.

On the internet, every day, we are flooded with the truly extraordinary. We are conditioned to believe that “exceptional” is the new normal, which can leave people feeling pretty insecure.

The truth is, you don’t need to be born with extreme talent to do what you love. Don’t let the fear that you are not talented enough stop you from fulfilling your dreams. The trick to living the life of your dreams is dedication and hard work.

Best Adventure Travel Blog - Christy Woodrow

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.

Press Mentions for Ordinary Traveler

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XO,

Christy