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Hello, I’m Alana, Welcome to New Travel Adventure and thanks for visiting my Florida travel blog- your front-row seat to my journey across America’s diverse landscapes, hidden gems, and breathtaking destinations. Browse some of my favorite travel moments in the photo gallery.
From Florida’s Shores to the Open Road
I’m Alana, a photographer and travel enthusiast born and raised in Florida’s beautiful Panhandle. With sand perpetually between my toes and saltwater in my veins, I grew up with the Gulf of Mexico as my backyard. Those turquoise waters and sugar-white beaches shaped my eye for beauty, but they also sparked an insatiable curiosity about what lies beyond the horizon.
What started as a passion project during my years of high school has now evolved into a full-blown adventure with my Florida travel blog . Armed with my trusty Canon camera, a well-worn journal, and an overambitious bucket list, I’m documenting my journey as I traverse the United States (and soon, the world). Those initial weekend trips to neighboring states ignited something in me I couldn’t ignore – a deep desire to capture America’s beauty through my lens and share these experiences with fellow travelers.
Growing up in the Panhandle gave me the perfect home base to explore Florida’s treasures – from the white sands of Pensacola Beach to the crystal-clear waters of Silver Springs, the magical realm of Orlando, and the natural beauty of Ocala. Over the years, I’ve ventured beyond my home state to discover the southern charm of New Orleans, the mountain magic of Gatlinburg, the coastal allure of Myrtle Beach, and the urban energy of Atlanta and Dallas. Each place has its own story, its own flavor, and its own unique light that challenges and inspires my photography. If you’re planning your own visit, I recommend exploring tips on Visit Pensacola — they’ve got a great guide to the area.
My Travel Philosophy
There’s something magical about experiencing a destination with fresh eyes. Whether it’s witnessing the fiery explosion of New England’s fall foliage, standing in awe beneath the towering redwoods of California, exploring the vibrant streets of New Orleans, or finding solitude along the Oregon coast – each place has its own rhythm and story to tell.
I believe travel is about more than just collecting passport stamps or Instagram photos. It’s about connection – to places, to people, and to yourself. It’s about those unexpected moments that take your breath away and change how you see the world.
As I pursue my passion for photography, my Florida travel blog will serve as both my creative outlet and my classroom. Each destination teaches me something new about photography, storytelling, and myself.
What You’ll Find Here
My Florida travel blog isn’t just a collection of pretty pictures (though there will be plenty of those!). Here’s what you can expect from New Travel Adventure:
Destination Guides
From hidden gems in well-traveled cities to off-the-beaten-path locations, in my Florida travel blog, I’ll share detailed guides based on my firsthand experiences. I’ll cover the best times to visit, local transportation tips, and how to experience a place like a local rather than a tourist.
Photography Tips & Tutorials
As someone who views the world through a camera lens, I’ll share techniques for capturing stunning travel moments, equipment recommendations for different environments, and post-processing tips to make your travel photos shine. After taking photography classes, I’ve continued to develop my skills through both formal education and countless hours of practice. I shoot primarily with my Canon camera, but I’m also a huge advocate for smartphone photography with my Samsung Galaxy Ultra, proving that incredible travel memories can be captured with the device in your pocket.
Budget-Friendly Travel Strategies
With my Florida Travel Blog, I’m navigating this adventure on a realistic budget, balancing occasional splurges with money-saving strategies. I’ll be transparent about costs, share my favorite travel hacking techniques, and demonstrate how amazing travel experiences don’t need to break the bank.
Accommodation Reviews
From boutique hostels to unique Airbnb’s to occasional luxury stays, I’ll provide honest reviews of where I rest my head, focusing on value, location, and those special touches that make a place memorable.
Travel Gear & Accessory Reviews
Only the essentials make it into my backpack, so when I recommend travel gear in my Florida travel blog, you can trust it’s been thoroughly road-tested across different environments. From the perfect travel backpack to the best camera accessories for travelers, I’ll share what works and what doesn’t.
Cultural Experiences & Food Adventures
Beyond the landscapes, I’m fascinated by local traditions, regional cuisines, and the people who make each destination unique. These human connections often become the heart of my travel stories.
Core Travel Values
As I travel, I hold these principles close:
- Responsible tourism that respects both natural environments and local communities
- Authentic experiences over perfectly curated photo opportunities
- Slow travel when possible, truly immersing myself in a place
- Embracing spontaneity while still being prepared
- Supporting local businesses and contributing positively to the places I visit
- Connecting with fellow travelers and sharing stories along the way
What’s Next on the Horizon
I’m currently planning a trip through Tennessee, where I’ll be exploring everything from the Murder & Mayhem Haunted History Walking Tour in Chattanooga, to Nashville to see if I can discover the next great Country artist while visiting showcases at the local establishments. From there, I think I’ll make my way over to Texas or maybe all the way to the grand canyon and all the stops in between. Lets play this by ear and have some fun.
And next year? I’ve got my sights set on my first European adventure, starting with Portugal and Spain, or I may head to Tokyo Japan and then Seoul South Korea. I can’t wait to share those experiences with you!
The Story Behind the Blog
New Travel Adventure began as a simple portfolio site for my travel photography during my senior year of high school. Three years later, it’s evolved into a comprehensive travel resource that I pour my heart into between adventures. What started as a creative outlet has now become my passion project and hopefully, my future career.
I’ve been fortunate enough to explore diverse corners of the American South and beyond—from the bustling streets of Minneapolis to the coastal charm of Biloxi, from the college town energy of Tuscaloosa to the shopping havens of Foley, AL. and Charlotte, NC. Each destination has taught me something new about travel, photography, and storytelling.
My goal is to inspire others to step outside their comfort zones while providing practical advice that makes travel more accessible for everyone. Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or your fiftieth adventure, I hope you’ll find something valuable here.
Join the Adventure
I’m so excited to have you along for this journey! Make yourself at home here, explore my recent posts, and consider subscribing for updates. I’d love to hear about your own travel experiences or answer any questions you might have.
Whether you’re a fellow young traveler finding your way in the world, a seasoned globetrotter with wisdom to share, or someone dreaming of future adventures from your living room couch—welcome. This space is for all of us.
The road is calling, and I have so many stories to tell.
Adventure awaits,
Alana
P.S. What destination is at the top of your bucket list? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about your dream travels and maybe get some inspiration for my own future adventures!
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