Globetrotters Writer Spotlight

Summary

Maria Hayes, a writer from Southern Michigan, shares her passion for travel, cultural immersion, and her journey towards a nomadic lifestyle, including her transition to freelance writing and aspirations for #vanlife.

Abstract

Maria Hayes introduces herself as a writer who has recently left her office job to pursue her passion for writing and travel. She emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone to foster personal growth and learning through travel. Maria enjoys traveling during the off-season to avoid crowds and engage deeply with local cultures, as evidenced by her two-month couch-surfing experience in Greece. Despite her roots in a small rural town in Michigan, she has lived in various places, including Ann Arbor and Detroit, and is eager to return to the road. Her work now involves running a copywriting business and navigating the freelance world. Maria has a hard time choosing the best place she's visited but cherishes memories from Cape Town and Crete. Her hobbies include gardening, nature walks, yoga, reading, painting, and making eco-friendly products. She advises travelers not to over-plan and to be selective with advice. If she were to live elsewhere, she'd choose Oregon within the U.S. or Eastern Europe. Maria prefers slow and flexible travel, carrying minimal luggage, and has learned that kindness is abundant, packing light is essential, and meaningful connections are inevitable while traveling.

Opinions

Maria believes in the transformative power of travel and its ability to foster growth and learning.
She values authentic cultural experiences over traditional tourist activities, as seen in her preference for off-season travel and couch-surfing.
Maria is adaptable and enjoys a lifestyle that allows for spontaneity and slow travel.
She is environmentally conscious, engaging in activities like gardening and creating homemade eco-friendly products.
Maria is determined to succeed as a freelance writer and values the freedom that comes with her chosen career path.
She has a deep appreciation for the kindness of strangers she meets while traveling.
Her travel philosophy includes minimal planning, flexibility, and an openness to new experiences.
Maria is drawn to the beauty of Oregon and the charm of Eastern Europe, indicating a love for diverse landscapes and cultures.
She cherishes the connections made with both fellow travelers and locals, considering them the highlights of her travels.

When I grow up, I wanna be a Vagabond.

Photo of author at Meteora, Greece

Hi Globetrotters! My name is… Maria Hayes.

I love to travel because… Getting out of our comfort zones is the only way to grow. I’m a lifelong learner who craves adventure and connection. What better way to get this than to travel to a place where you know no one?

My number one travel activity is… Traveling during the off-season and figuring out budget-savvy experiences without the crowds. I like to meet and immerse myself into the culture as much as I can and really get a local’s perspective. Like, when I spent 2 months couch-surfing in Greece during the winter. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

I come from…A small, rural town in Southern Michigan (United States), where the winters scare the fragile away and the summers are home to my vegetable and flower gardens.

I grew up in this small town, in which a huge dichotomy lies: Wealthy conservative Christians and meth addiction… neither of which I identify with. I’ve never really fit in here.

I spent 6 years living in Ann Arbor and another 3 years living in downtown Detroit. While I call my small hometown home again, I am itching to get back on the road, where my nomadic heart is full.

I work as a…writer! Still feels a little weird saying that, to be honest. I quit my job working at an office in October 2022 to pursue my passion as a writer. I have a copywriting business and am currently figuring out this whole freelance thing. I’m determined to make it work because I’ve been dreaming of #vanlife for the past 4 years.

The best place I’ve been is…This is a tough one because so many places hold so many wonderful memories. It’s a toss-up between Cape Town, South Africa, and Crete, Greece.

Author jumping off Bloukran’s Bridge in South Africa -One of the world’s highest commercial Bungy jumps

In my spare time, I like to…Travel (obviously), garden (veggies and flowers), go on nature walks and hikes, do yoga, read, paint, and make homemade/ eco-friendly things like face cream and laundry soap. I’m one of those people who can’t shut their brain off, so I’m constantly finding new hobbies to try. If you ask me this question again in 2 months, I’m sure the list will be different.

My top travel tip is… Don’t over-plan and take everyone’s advice with a grain of salt.

If I could live somewhere else, I’d live in…Oregon if I were to stay in the United States. I went there in September 2020 and fell in love with the state, especially the coast. Outside of the U.S., I would have to say somewhere in Eastern Europe. I have a strange fascination with it and my heart is happy walking along old cobblestone streets.

My favorite way to travel is… Lightly and sloooooow! I’m never in a hurry and I’m pretty go-with-the-flow. I’m sure I’m annoying to a ‘Type A’ personality. 😆

Three lessons I’ve learned from traveling are…

There are more good people in this world than not. Never underestimate kindness.

You don’t need as much as you think. Pack what you think you’ll need/want. Then divide that by half. You can get toiletries in the country you’re going to. If you currently don’t wear/use it every day (or often), you won’t need it there either.

You’re never really alone. Connection with other travelers and locals will be your greatest memories of all the places you go.

Nice to meet you fellow, Vagabonds. Can’t wait to share more travel stories with you!

Globetrotters Writer Spotlight — Maria Hayes

When I grow up, I wanna be a Vagabond.