I was 19 years old when I first travelled overseas. My mom took my sister and I on a girl’s trip to Italy, which (not to be dramatic) changed my life. There was something so magical, so deeply enchanting about experiencing a lifestyle that is vastly different from what you have always known. It awakened a part of me that I never knew existed: a longing to see the world for myself.
The following year while I was attending Syracuse University, I decided to study abroad in London. During my four months there, I visited 11 European countries, and my eagerness to explore skyrocketed after that. I decided to make travel a priority, and my new personal goal was to always have my next big adventure planned.
20+ countries and multiple trips to Italy later, I’m thrilled to have the privilege of helping others experience the country where my passion began. So, whether you’re a seasoned traveller, or planning your first big journey, I can’t wait to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
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Q&A with Leah
What’s the best local dish you’ve tasted?
The best local dish I’ve tasted is pizza fritta (fried pizza) in Naples. It’s a true street food staple, crispy on the outside, warm and airy on the inside, and can have endless filling options. My favourite way to describe it is if a pizza and an empanada had a baby. It’s indulgent but not heavy and somehow tastes better when you’re standing on the busy streets of Naples, just as the locals do. My favourite is the classic way, stuffed with tomato sauce and mozzarella, but you truly cannot go wrong with any kind of pizza fritta.
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
Days before my time studying in London, I decided to sign up for a half marathon on a whim. I’d never run more than 8 km (5 miles) consecutively before, but I figured it would be a nice opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I spent the following months doing long runs through each new country I visited (which ended up becoming my favourite way to explore new places), but nothing compared to the feeling of race day. The amount of support that I experienced that day from complete strangers still makes me tear up whenever I think about it. It reminded me that although everybody comes from different backgrounds and entirely different parts of the world, humans are not as different as you may think.
Where would you love to travel next?
I would love to travel to Syracuse, Sicily next. I’m a proud alumna of Syracuse University, which gets its English translation from Siracusa. My college friends and I have been dreaming of visiting here together for as long as I can remember, not just because of the name, but also because of its beautiful coastal location along the Mediterranean.