My World, My Way – Travel Stories by Joanne Kayser

Why I travel

My family still wonders why I, of all people, am constantly on the move. At some point, something just clicked – and ever since, all I’ve wanted is to get out and explore the world. I love discovering new places and showing people that personal experiences are far more valuable than what you see in the news.

What traveling means to me

Traveling, to me, means meeting fellow travelers, getting to know locals, marveling at breathtaking landscapes, and observing wild animals in their natural habitat – always with the necessary respect, of course.

I love planning my own travel routes, far away from the classic tourist paths. I don’t need to do much – often it’s enough just to be there and enjoy the moment. About every three to four months, the travel bug hits me. I need change, otherwise everyday life becomes too dull.

Experiences I’ll never forget

• My first iceberg in Greenland and a hike across the ice sheet
• Snorkeling with penguins in the Galápagos Islands
• Riding horseback for several days through the middle of nowhere in Kyrgyzstan
• Diving with hammerhead sharks in Japan
• The incredible hospitality in Azerbaijan – I’ve never met people so open and respectful
• A luxury train ride on The Ghan across Australia
• Glacier hikes in Argentina, Canada, and New Zealand
• My very first motorcycle ride – in Malawi!
• My very first safari in Kruger National Park. I was so eager to see a giraffe – and she was actually the last animal I saw on the tour, standing right in front of me before peacefully lying down. Pure goosebumps!

My favorite destination?

I don’t have one – and honestly, I think no one should. Every destination has something unique. I’ve taken wonderful memories from every place I’ve been. Sometimes it’s a special encounter, sometimes the landscape, or simply how I felt in that moment. Even when you visit the same place more than once, you experience it differently each time.

What’s still on my bucket list

There are still a few countries right at the top of my wish list:

The world has so much more to offer – and I’m far from done.