Today we’d like to introduce you to Annelise Villiers.
Annelise, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My love of travel stemmed from family adventures. My dad would typically take on the task of planning out a trip and we would head out on the road as a family to explore and visit new destinations. This is where my traveling spirit began.
Shortly after these influential trips, I attended college where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and a Master’s Degree in Marketing. This had encouraged me to use online platforms to connect and create content. During this time, I worked for my alma mater and for a non-profit organization that promoted the arts and cultures, where I would use social media to promote events and connect with individuals.
I decided I should use these online platforms for my own passions, so I created annieinwanderlust.com. I created my blog to share my traveling experiences with others and connect with those who have that adventurous spirit. I also wanted to have a place where I could relive my adventures. I’m hoping this motivates me to continue to travel more and it may inspire others too!
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s not always easy. I’ve tried creating my blog on various platforms and it just didn’t quite look right, so I would have to start over. I was uninspired at times and felt as if I did not have enough travel experience to share my stories. I would think, “Who will read my blog?” To add to that, I also juggle a full-time job.
I began taking it day by day, and I still am! It’s through a few online platforms that my fears began to drift away. The online writing and travel community are so filled with life, understanding and encouraging words, which inspires me every day to keep creating and exploring.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I work full time and travel part-time. I created annieinwanderlust.com to share my travels and relive wonderful memories. I want to use this platform to encourage others to have that same love for travel and adventure. Through blogging my travels, I am able to provide readers with personal stories, travel ideas and tips, and an overall fun environment where they can also share their insight, ideas, and experiences.
There are so many blogs out there and wonderful writers plus adventure seekers everywhere you look, but I am proud of what my blog stands for! It’s a place to relive and share experiences, somewhere I can go to and escape the everyday hustle and bustle. I can always go back to my blog to put a smile on my face and let nostalgia take over. I hope it helps others feel the same way or encourages them to book their next trip or outing!
Is there something we can do as a city to improve the outlook for businesses like yours?
Miami is filled with diversity, it truly has it all. It’s a city built for creatives and adventure seekers. The beauty of blogging is that you can do it from anywhere in the world! But living in Miami gave me some great options as a travel blogger. Since I only take a few trips a year, I am able to also write about the great experiences I have had right in my city or around Florida. Miami has beautiful locations and scenery, great local dining and nightlife; it’s filled with culture and life. I am lucky to call Miami home. I can also enjoy weekend getaways to attractions that are just a few hours away, like Disney World or the various theme parks in Orlando or Tampa. Can’t forget the sunny Gulf Coast near Sarasota and Marco Island, or of course the Florida Keys. So, I don’t always have to book a flight for great experiences and content.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://annieinwanderlust.com/
- Email: annieinwanderlust@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annieinwanderlust/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annieinwanderlust/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/annieinwander
Image Credit:
German Ruiz, Patrick Ramdial, Giselle Rodriguez
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
