My Writing Portfolio
I have loved writing for as long as I can remember. The fictional stories I whipped up on a typewriter as a child evolved into essays for school. After years of practice and the addition of a computer, school essays got me into college, where I graduated with two Bachelors degrees- one in English and one in Psychology. All of this prepared me for where I am today- traveling the world as a freelancer and travel blogger. I always knew that I liked to write and take pictures, but being abroad helped me to realize that these weren't just hobbies anymore. They were passions. Living in a foreign land provided new opportunities and experiences on a constant basis, and I had ample subjects for both my writing and my photos. My areas of expertise fall into five categories. The first, Destination Travel, focuses on the 50+ countries I've visited over the course of the past five years. The second, Digital Nomad Life, explores life as a remote worker. The third, Content Creation & Social Media, encompasses topics like DSLR and drone photography as well as Instagram. The fourth, Lifestyle & Dating, touches on a variety of subjects ranging from relationships to meeting new people. The last category, Real Estate, is a byproduct of working for major commercial real estate companies early on in my career.
Writing Portfolio of Lauren Carey
Destination Travel
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Traveling to Zakynthos, Greece in November — Girl Gone Abroad
Thinking about visiting Zakynthos, Greece in November? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting this beautiful island in the off-season.
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10 Photos That Prove Georgetown is the Cutest City in Malaysia
Most people have heard of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia...but how about Georgetown? With beautiful street art around every corner and cafes for days...here are 10 photos that prove its travel worthiness.
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Visiting Banff National Park in May: What to Do & What Not to Do — Girl Gone Abroad
So you’re considering visiting Banff National Park in May? I’m here to tell you the things that I wish I’d known before visiting this Canadian bucket list item- namely that the picture I had in my head of turquoise lakes and boat rides was totally unrealistic! Don’t let this completely deter you, ho
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Capitalizing on Cappadocia: 10 Photos That Prove Winter Is the Best Time to Visit
Known for sprawling landscapes filled with fairy chimneys, an abundance of cave hotels, underground cities and sunrise hot air balloon rides, Cappadocia is a fascinating draw for travelers from all over the world. Avoid the summer rush and visit in the winter!
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Stepping into a Fairytale: Two Days in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany — Girl Gone Abroad
Ready to walk into a fairytale? Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a magical Bavarian town found along Germany’s Romantic Road. Read on for restaurant, accommodation and activity recommendations, as well as photos that look like they were plucked right out of a Disney film.
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How Siem Reap, Cambodia Will Irrevocably Steal Your Heart (And Hopefully Nothing Else...)
I’m here to tell you that Siem Reap, Cambodia deserves a spot on your “must see” list. You will fall in love with the people. The coldest of hearts will find themselves completely wrapped up in their history. You will cherish every morsel of food that you discover. Lastly, you will feel like Lara Croft in Tomb Raider. Every single day.
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5 Destinations You Should Adventure To If You're Alone On The Holidays
The holidays are generally a delightful time of year. That is, until you end up spending them alone. What better way to escape an undesirable holiday season at home than by heading far, far away to a warmer, cheaper country where there are no traces of Christmas trees, holiday sales, menorahs, snowflakes or Santa Claus impostors? Here are five countries to travel to if you're solo this holiday season.
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No Friends, No Tour, No Problem: A Solo Female Traveler's Guide to Machu Picchu
Heading to Machu Picchu solo? Follow this step-by-step guide on how to purchase your tickets, how to get there, where to stay, and more.
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The Cape Town, South Africa Bucket List
If Cape Town, South Africa isn't on your bucket list already, it needs to be. It's a place where city, sea, and mountains collide. A place with wildlife galore, flawless beaches, delicious food, stunning scenery, and so much more. While there are endless things to do in Cape Town, there are a few must-sees that you simply can't miss.
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There's Something About Sintra...
If there’s one place on earth where you think you might find unicorns, Rapunzel, a forest full of singing animals, the fountain of youth or Prince Charming, you’d swear Sintra, Portugal was it.
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San Blas, Panama: 2 Nights of Island Life on a Budget
If you'd love to go off grid for a few days and experience island life in Panama, the San Blas islands are absolutely idyllic. Here's how to visit them on a budget.
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Treat Yo' Self: A Weekend Adventure in Kanchanaburi
If a weekend in Kanchanaburi, Thailand sounds like your cup of tea, you could probably learn a thing or two from my spontaneous solo adventure.
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How to Spend a Day in the Fairytale Land that is Lake Bled, Slovenia — Girl Gone Abroad
As far as tourist destinations go, Slovenia seems to have flown under the radar but is slowly gaining traction with its natural beauty and particularly iconic landmark, Lake Bled. This stunning body of water looks like it's been plucked straight out of a fairytale and placed into real life, and any
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5 REASONS TO GO TO CHEFCHAOUEN, MOROCCO
Have you heard of Chefchaouen? Chances are you have stumbled upon this blue pearl on social media, so here are 5 reasons to visit Chefchaouen, Morocco!
Digital Nomad Life
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8 Things Every Digital Nomad Wants You to Know
Being a digital nomad is a unique way of life that is equal parts amazing and challenging. Here are 8 things everyone should know about us and our nomadic lifestyles.
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Your Vibe Attracts Your (Wifi) Tribe: The Perks of Co-Living & Co-Working
The WiFi Tribe: a community of digital nomads that live, work and travel together. Here are all the reasons why they are worth joining.
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Housesitting: A Guide to Rent-Free Accommodation Around the World
Whether you're looking for a free vacation or rent-free accommodation, housesitting is the answer you've been searching for. I'll tell you where to find great assignments, how to make a stand-out profile, tips and tricks for being an amazing sitter, and more.
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The Digital Nomad Starter Kit
Ah, the life of a digital nomad. It's an exhilarating lifestyle full of adventures, where your office always has a window view and you may even get some sweet ocean air if you so choose. Your entire life fits into a suitcase or double digit liter backpack, and you get to haul its contents all over the globe. In the interest of not breaking your back, packing light is key, and the key to packing light is sticking to the essentials. So. Here is your digital nomad starter kit- a list of items that you should never stray too far away from home without.
Content Creation & Social Media
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10 Hacks Guaranteed to Improve Your Selfie Game
Nailing the perfect selfie...it's more than just a one person job. Our arms only extend so long, natural daylight only comes so often...and so, we all need a little help sometimes. Give these 10 selfie game changers a try!
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Amazing Things You Didn't Know Your DJI Spark Could Do
While the DJI Spark may be the runt of the DJI drone family, don't underestimate this compact quad's magical powers. From feeling like a Jedi with gesture controls, to active tracking, to taking panoramic photos, there's more to this mini-drone than you may think.
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Feelin' Your Feed: Instagram Tips & Tricks From a Travel Blogger
Of the social networks, Instagram is far and away my favorite platform. As a photographer and travel blogger, I find that it is the best way to document my adventures and share my photos. Many users are content to take photos with their phones, pop them into Instagram, do a little in-app editing, and post. I'm not one of them. Here's a little insight into my pre-post process, from Lightroom editing to hashtags to optimal posting times and more.
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How to Pose Like You're #Instafamous
As with anything, posing for a photo and looking natural while doing so takes practice. It also requires some inspiration, and where better to get some than from the girls that are out there killing it? Pick a few favorites, practice them in the comfort of your own space, and then take them out into the world. You'll be #instafamous in no time.
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Keeping Your Photo Game on Point with Adobe Lightroom
From simple image enhancements to dramatic transformations, Adobe Lightroom is a powerful editing program for photographers of all skill levels. It is also much more user friendly than Photoshop. If you're a beginner just getting started, these tutorials, tips and tricks will help you get the Lightroom basics down so that you can step your photo game up a notch!
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The Beginner's Guide to DSLR Camera Shopping
So your smartphone and/or point and shoot isn't cutting it and you're ready to dive into the world of DSLR photography. As a beginner, there's a million different cameras on the market and you have no idea where to start let alone decipher what all of the numbers mean. What should you expect to pay? And how do you even use the darn thing? The answer to these questions and more in this roll.
Lifestyle & Dating
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5 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Before You Move Abroad For An SO
Don't make a move abroad for a significant other without taking these five things into consideration first.
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5 Reasons You'll Never Lose Yourself In A Relationship With An Aries
A person's astrological sign can be an extremely helpful indicator when it comes to dating. If you're dating or thinking about dating an Aries, astrology is the equivalent of a free gift from the universe. Use it. It offers insight into five main attributes that, when combined, explain why dating an Aries is both a challenge and a reward. It's also why you'll never look at love the same way again.
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6 Things You Need To Do Alone At Least Once While In Your 20s
Speaking as someone who moved to a foreign country alone, I consider myself somewhat of an expert when it comes to solo activities. You don't need a friend, boyfriend, spouse, family member or furry animal to enjoy the following six activities solo.
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No Friends, No Problem: 16 Painless Ways to Meet People in Your New City
It doesn't matter if you're 5 or 55- anyone moving to a new city wants to make new friends and they want to do so in the least painful way possible. Luckily, today's technology has made expanding your social circle easier than ever. If you're in the market for a new BFF or ten, give these 16 suggestions a try!
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What It's Like To Travel Across The World For A First Date
Meeting people online these days is pretty standard. We are a Facebooking, Tindering, Couch-surfing generation, after all. While I've done some strange things in my life, including but not limited to going on my fair share of internet-generated dates and moving across the world, I never imagined that Instagram would be the platform to launch an international whirlwind of a romance.
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What To Consider When You're Unsure Of Quitting Your 9-To-5 To Travel
There is no denying the world is smaller than ever. If you're not throwing a coin in Rome's Trevi Fountain or riding a pimped-out tuk-tuk through the crazy streets of Bangkok, chances are, you know someone who is. We are an adventurous generation of …
Real Estate
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4 Reasons to Make Thailand Your Next Home Away from Home
Thailand is an extraordinary country for not only travelers, but potential home buyers as well. Here are four reasons why you should consider making this top travel destination your next home away from home.
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Affordable Beachfront Living in Thailand
It's only fair to assume that luxury beachfront condominiums and hefty price tags go hand in hand. Thailand is here to challenge this assumption. The cost and foreigner-friendly process associated with owning Thai property may be surprising.
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Landmarks and Luxury in Thailand: Ritz Carlton Residences
The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, will be Thailand's tallest building and the city's most prestigious address. This modern landmark has a jagged and pixelated design, optimizing the layouts and views of the residence's ultra-luxurious units.
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Paradise in Phuket: An Oceanfront Villa
Phuket, Thailand has earned a swanky reputation, solidified by an array of multi-million dollar residences. One such residence, a private five-star oceanfront villa, can be found on the island's exclusive Millionaire's Mile.
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Suburbia Meets the City in Bangkok
Bangkok is one of the most beautifully chaotic cities in the world. Amidst this unlikely setting and nestled on a quiet dead-end street, there exists a residential gem — a stunning and spacious designer villa.
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The Best of Thailand: Bangkok's Ultimate Bachelor Pad
Bangkok, Thailand is home to tuk-tuks, temples, street food, and more recently, one of Southeast Asia's most impressive bachelor pads. Located on the 33rd floor of one of the city's most exclusive residences, the condominium is sure to impress.
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Turn Your Real Estate into Revenue: How to Become an Airbnb Host
Today, Airbnb is the online rental platform that is absolutely dominating the vacation rentals market. Those in need of a place to stay can find a variety of unique homes all over the world, with the option to book shared rooms, private rooms, or an entire place. If you're looking to make some extra income and have room to accommodate guests, becoming an Airbnb host may be a great option. Read on for everything you need to know about signing up with Airbnb and hosting your space.