About Me

Welcome to my Blog!

I guess you would like to know more about the person behind this blog, so here we go.

Index

Who I Am

My name is Laura Alonso Amores. I was born in Madrid (Spain), although I grew up in Toledo, a beautiful city about 75 km (ca. 46.6 miles miles miles) south of Madrid.

I’m a passionate traveller (why would I do this otherwise!), and I’ve been ‘obsessed’ with travelling and discovering new cultures and places since I can remember.

The problem is that I’m always limited by the few days I can take off work, although I always make the most of it. Any days off I’ve got, I use them to go somewhere!

There are many ways of travelling. Some people like going to places without too much planning and seeing ‘how it goes’. Well, that’s not me!

I don’t particularly appreciate wasting my time. I like having things organised so that I can make the most of my limited days off and see as much as possible during those times.

My Story

In 2015, I quit my stable, well-paid job in banking, sold/donated everything I had and moved to the ‘underestimated’ city of Manchester (UK) on my own, without a job, not knowing anyone there or even a place to stay!

No need to mention that everybody thought I had lost my mind. And I don’t blame them because that’s something that most people do in their 20s, so facing 40 and giving up a secure and stable life for nothing was ‘unusual’.

I admit it was a bit irrational, but it felt right, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done!

It’s been over eight years, and I’m still here; I became a British Citizen, and I’m in love with this city. Yes, despite the weather! (There may be something about me that is not right after all.)

What I Do

I work as a ‘Planner’, using my excellent planning and organisational skills.

I have tried many times to work in the “traditional” travel industry because I enjoy organising trips for myself and others almost as much as I enjoy travelling. However, I wasn’t even considered because I don’t have “professional” travel experience.

But I still want to help others plan their trips, so I decided to do it as a hobby and create this Blog.

What Do I Know About Planning?

I have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). I am certified in Management of the Travel Industry by IATA and in Project Management by PMI (Project Management Institute). Moreover, I’ve got various certificates in travel management. As I’ve already mentioned, I make my living planning.

Why You Should Listen to Me

You should listen to me mainly for four reasons: four qualities about me:

Experience: I’ve been to over 50 different countries, some of them more than once. But by visiting, I don’t mean just going to one city or passing by the airport!
Great planner: My most significant limitation to travel has always been how many days I can take on leave (I always need more!). For this reason, good planning has always been an essential part of my trips. I don’t particularly appreciate wasting my time.
Money saver: I know how to adjust the budget depending on where I travel because each destination requires different things. I’ll show you how to go to your dream place, even if you’re on a tight budget.
Nothing stops me: I’ve travelled solo, with friends and my partner. The thing is, I don’t wait for anyone; if I can go somewhere and no one is available to join me, I go on my own! Because I’ve got the only two things you require: a passion for travelling and a passport!