Chelsey’s Travel Adventures

To travel the world is a pursuit that captivates the hearts of many, and Chelsey Johnson, the enthusiastic explorer behind Chelsey’s Travels, wholeheartedly shares this passion. With a profound love for adventure, Chelsey has embarked on her own journeys to many places in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean, amassing a treasure trove of experiences and wisdom along the way. Her social media travel channel has evolved into a great resource for both seasoned wanderers and those setting off on their maiden voyage. In this engaging interview, we dive deep into Chelsey’s travel philosophy, her meticulous methods for planning trips, and her knack for packing light yet efficiently. Join us as we uncover Chelsey’s secrets to curating unforgettable and meaningful escapades, all while chronicling her adventures for a global audience.

**As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.** (Any word(s) that are bold and turn green when you hover over them are product links.)

An Interview with Chelsey Johnson from Chelsey’s Travels

Tell me about yourself and your social media travel channel? 

Hello! My name is Chelsey Johnson, and I run a travel page called Chelsey’s Travels. Obviously, I love to travel, and a lot of my friends were suggesting that I should start a travel blog/page because they really enjoy following along and that’s how Chelsey’s Travels was born.

Where can readers find you on social media?

As of right now I’m only on Instagram, and my handle is @Chelseys_Travels

What made you decide to create a travel channel and start sharing information?

My passion for traveling began at a young age, thanks to my parents who would always bring us to different places with them. One of my earliest travel memories is from our trip to Belize when I was only about four years old. I swear I can still taste the tropical fruit punch that they gave kids at the swim up bar in the pool. Ever since then I’ve been hooked, but ironically I hadn’t returned to any tropical destinations until recently.

My focus on The Neat and Cozy House is based on the motto, “Plan, Declutter, Organize”.  Do you think this philosophy can be applied to travel? If so, can you summarize how and then answer my specific questions below?

The motto “Plan, Declutter, Organize” can absolutely be applied to travel. While the actual vacation part is great, it doesn’t just happen magically (I wish!). A lot of work goes into planning the trip, which includes research, budgeting, organizing logistics, making reservations, and so much more. That’s where I would say the ‘Plan’ and ‘Organize’ aspects come in; but equally as important is the “decluttering” part. It can be so easy to become swept up in the dream of an amazing vacation and try to pack as much as you can into your trip, but I always try to look at my plan and actually remove things from the itinerary. I believe in being realistic and taking out things that might be “cluttering” your agenda. The other point I would like to make is that sometimes, as much as we plan things ahead of time, the magic comes in the space between the plans; so I always try to leave a little room in my plan for magic.

Trip Planning:

How do you decide on your travel destinations? What factors influence your choices?

Honestly, sometimes it’s really tough to decide where we’d like to travel next, but there are a few factors that help guide our decision-making process. My partner and I like to travel a lot, but in order to do so you need to be mindful of your spending. So, the first thing we do is look for great deals on flights, hotels, etc. and see if there are any destinations that pique our interest. I have a list of “bucket list” destinations in my phone, and so we like to try to cross one of those off every year, but I also love re-visiting places that I’ve been to before. It’s also important to have a healthy balance and not put too much pressure on yourself to go to some exotic destination if it’s not within your means. For example, in 2021 when there were still restrictions on travel, we were sort of forced to find destinations within Canada, but we embraced the opportunity to explore the country we both grew up in. It’s all about making the most of what you have and what you’re working with. I’m also a big believer in following your gut, and if something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. For example, we were planning a trip to Las Vegas at one point, but my heart was not in it, so we ended up switching it before we had booked anything. Sometimes you feel a pull to a certain place, and it’s important to listen to that call and tune in to where the world wants to take you.

Could you describe your process for researching and planning a trip from scratch?

My process for researching and planning a trip from scratch includes of course first deciding on the destination. As I mentioned, my partner and I like to look for any deals, so we regularly comb through various airline websites to see if there are cheap flights to areas that we’d be interested in visiting. Now cruises are well known for being one of the best value vacations you can find, but I know they’re not for everyone, so I won’t go into detail about planning a cruise because it’s a bit different to planning a land vacation. 

Once we have a destination in mind, we’ll check our work calendars to make sure there are no important events or projects at work that would interfere with the dates. From there we’ll simply book the flights and hotel, and then the fun part starts. Research. Now I might be a bit of a geek because I LOVE the research part of planning a trip, but I’ve recently discovered that with AI tools like chat GPT and others, you can pretty much get a great itinerary created for you by asking it to create a plan for your scheduled city. AI tools can at least help you get a good template started, and from there, you can plan, declutter, and organize the best trip ever.

Do you have a preferred method or platform for finding accommodation and transportation deals?

I personally like to use Kayak for initial research, as well as google flights. Sometimes we will use websites like tripcentral, or expedia, but we will rarely book through third party websites because you can run into a lot of issues if something goes wrong and you need to cancel for some reason. It’s always safer to use those websites to find the good deals, but then try to book directly on the airline or hotel’s website, in my opinion.

How do you strike a balance between popular tourist spots and off-the-beaten-path experiences in your itineraries?

I really like to explore and wander around in new cities, provided that it’s safe to do so of course! So even though it can be so much fun to check out the touristy destinations, I always try to plan time for exploring and being open to plans changing on the fly, because that’s how you can discover some really awesome places. I’m also not shy so I’m comfortable just asking locals places they would recommend we see or check out. 

What role does the local culture and cuisine play in your trip planning?

The local culture and cuisine is definitely important to me, which is why I’ll always be sure to ask locals for their recommendations of what to see and do. And I know it’s not for everyone, but I love visiting museums about the local history and learning as much as I can about the people who live in that area. I think being Native American also gives me a perspective to always look into which Indigenous nation’s territory I’m in and I make a point to learn about that Nation’s history and present activities so I can ensure I’m being respectful to the local Indigenous peoples. 

Itinerary Creation:

How do you go about creating a detailed travel itinerary? Are there any specific tools or apps you use?

I use a lot of different tools to help me create a detailed travel itinerary. Social media is particularly great in this regard, because you can use Instagram, for example, to look up a specific city or town, and see some of the most popular photographs, which will give you ideas for places you might like to visit while there. I also use YouTube and check out other travel vloggers reviews and recommendations, either on an entire city, or just a specific restaurant I’m interested in. Another tool that I mentioned is actually Chat GPT. You can prompt it to give you an itinerary for a specific number of days, including exact locations you would like to visit, and continue refining with other filters until you’re happy with what it’s generated. Another tip is to seek input from your traveling companions if you’re traveling with others. They might have unique insight that helps you to refine your itinerary even further. 

Could you share your approach to balancing activities, sightseeing, relaxation, and exploration in your itineraries?

I have a general rule of thumb, and it’s that I try not to plan more than 3 scheduled activities per day. By scheduled activity I mean anything that you would need to purchase tickets for or make reservations for. The reason I try to plan things this way is because if you try to plan much more than that, the schedule could become too rigid, and does not leave enough room for spontaneity. I also am keenly aware of my own limits when it comes to how long I am comfortable being away from the hotel, how far I’m physically able to walk in one day before I start to get grumpy, and I try to be realistic about balancing down time, fun time, and casual time. 

How do you adapt your itineraries to different types of travelers, such as solo adventurers, families, or couples?

I think it’s important to be aware that if you are traveling solo, especially if you’re a young woman traveling solo, that safety should be your number one priority. I would avoid visiting unsafe areas alone, especially at night and in a foreign country where you might not speak the native language. While I haven’t done a ton of solo travel, I know there are also groups and forums online where solo travelers can meet up. Again just exercise caution and don’t put yourself in a risky situation. 

As for traveling as a couple, my partner and I like to have a little bit of a tradition where every time we travel, we try to find a thermal spa with the hot pools to relax and have a romantic evening. It’s become our thing we do on nearly every trip and it’s fun to be able to compare the different locations we’ve been to, based on their thermal spas. 

When traveling with families, while I can’t really speak to traveling with young children, not having any of my own, I can speak to traveling with parents and in laws. In those cases I always try to find a mix of activities that everyone wants to do, as well as activities where the groups can be broken up, so a boys night where they go to a sporting event of some sort, while the girls see a broadway show or something, is a good way to make sure everyone enjoys the trip equally. 

What’s your strategy for managing unexpected changes or delays during your trips while sticking to your planned itinerary?

I always expect the unexpected, especially while traveling, and I have horror stories about some of the insane situations I’ve been in while traveling. However, most of it has occurred in transit to the destination, and not actually once I’m there. That being said, all I can really say is to be resourceful. If it looks like your flight will be delayed due to bad weather, check your itinerary and start calling any ticketed/reserved activities to see if you can get a refund or rebook on another night. Just remember that something unexpected will always happen, and try to make the most of it. 

How do you ensure that your itineraries cater to diverse interests and travel styles?

As I mostly travel with my partner and he’s the most easy going person in the world, I don’t find that I really have to cater too much to different interests and styles. I will say we are almost the exact opposite when it comes to the culinary experience on vacation. Where I like to immerse myself in the local fare, he really couldn’t care less, and likes to eat as budget consciously as possible. It doesn’t really tend to interfere with our plans, however, because we always hit up the grocery stores so he can stock up on his food for the trip at the very beginning, and after that I can enjoy my restaurants while he either visits with me, or explores parts of the town. 

Packing Methods: 

What’s your philosophy on packing light versus packing for various situations and scenarios?

In most cases, I am a huge proponent of packing light. Normally I can fit everything I will need for a week long trip in just a carry on and a personal item. The one time when I will say I “overpacked” is when I went to Alaska, because the weather there can be so different from day to day, in order to be prepared, I needed to pack essentially summer clothes, AND spring/fall clothes in order to make it work. But for the most part, I believe in packing light, mostly because I’ve traveled so much, that I have it down to an exact science in terms of what I will realistically use, need, and wear. I try to take a very practical approach, and cut out any frills, unless I’ve gotten a free upgrade for more bags.

Could you walk us through your process of deciding what to pack for a trip? Are there any specific essentials you always include?

One of my favorite parts about planning a trip is packing, believe it or not. The number one factor when it comes to deciding what to pack is of course, the weather! 

Step 1: Research the average temperatures of the city you’re visiting during the time of the year that you will be there. 

Step 2: Based on your itinerary, count the number of times you’ll need to wear the following types of outfits: 

• Active/hiking
• Casual (exploring local sites, shopping, etc.)
• Upscale casual (when you know you will want to look nice if you’re going to be taking lots of pictures at a certain attraction)
• Formal/fine dining

Step 3: Tally up the numbers for each different category of outfit, and realistically decide if there are items that can be re-worn a number of times, or mixed and matched across sections. 

Step 4: Pull out the pieces you will need from your wardrobe at least a week in advance, and try them on. Take pictures as this will help you to visualize what your outfits will look like in photographs. 

Step 5: Make any last minute adjustments, and always, always, always, take out at least one bulkier item that you probably don’t need. For me it’s always a hat. I love hats, but they take up so much space in my bag and I never end up wearing them, the poor things.

How do you handle packing for different climates or regions with varying weather conditions?

I always try to do my research beforehand and check the weather in the weeks leading up to my trip, however that being said, I don’t always get it right. Sometimes I end up having to buy something on the trip that I may need and forgot to bring, but I like to plan for that by leaving some room in my luggage, and it serves as a nice memento and reminder of the trip when I wear it again after I get home. I live in an area that experiences all four seasons, so it’s easy to pack as long as I know what the temperature will be. The best tip I can give to someone who lives in a warmer climate and might be traveling to a colder one, is to always pack more layers than you think you’ll need. Always pack a warm jacket, toque/beanie, gloves, and scarf if it’s cold enough to snow.

Are there any packing hacks or tricks you’ve picked up to maximize space and organization in your luggage?

Packing cubes are the best way to maximize space and keep your outfits organized in your luggage. I’m a firm believer in packing cubes! 

How do you balance the desire to have all you need versus the convenience of not overpacking?

As I mentioned, the more you travel, the more familiar you become with understanding what you’ll actually need on a trip versus what you won’t. For example, something I can NEVER forget to bring on any trip is an anti-nausea medication like Gravol or Dramamine. I’m prone to motion sickness, though I’ve gotten better in recent years, and if I don’t have my Gravol, I cannot go on the trip. It just gives me the peace of mind to know that I won’t feel sick on a flight or a cruise as long as I have a small supply of Gravol with me. 

Also it’s important to know what you’re personally comfortable with. For some, they really want to bring their slippers from home because it makes them feel more at ease in the hotel room, whereas I have no problem whatsoever with going without my house slippers while traveling. There’s really no right or wrong way, just your way. 

Travel Hacks:

Could you share a couple of your favorite travel hacks that have helped you navigate airports, transportation, or accommodation more smoothly?

Yes, my number one favourite travel hack is to arrive early to the airport! Not only does it reduce stress of navigating long security lines, but it starts your trip out on a great note… relaxation. Always check your gate, and head straight there once you get through security. You’ll want to ensure that the gate hasn’t changed, and make sure there are no notices or issues with your flight. If there is a delay, it also gives you time to look around the airport, read, or eat if you’re hungry. Arriving early to the airport is my number one tip because that one action alone changes so much. 

As far as transportation and accommodations, again be sure to have a plan in place, and make your hotel reservations well in advance (I’m talking at least one month prior) of your trip. If you’re using public transportation don’t be shy about asking a local how to use it, or where to go if you’re confused. Most airports also have information desks that are willing to help you get to where you need to go after you land. 

How do you manage to capture stunning photographs while traveling? Any photography tips or tricks you’ve learned?

I’ve always loved taking pictures so it’s kind of a hobby of mine. It helps to have an incredible camera, but it’s not necessary. The most important thing to know is how to frame a photo. I tend to use the rule of thirds, which imagines dividing the image into three different columns and three rows, to make a grid with 9 squares. If you’re taking a picture of yourself and others in the shot, tell the person taking the picture to place your feet in the bottom third of the grid. The worst pictures are the ones that are mostly of the ground and not enough of the sky/area around the subject. I try to tell my built-in photographer to take a picture of the background and pretend I’m not in it. It’s not so much that you want a picture of yourself, as much as you want a picture of the scenery with yourself in it. I think framing it that way in the mind can help the photographer, especially if they’re not confident in their picture taking skills. 

Are there any digital tools or apps that you find indispensable for efficient travel, such as language translation or navigation?

To me, a must download for every trip is the airline’s specific app because it can come in so handy with tracking your flight, checking in beforehand, and earning points to use on future trips. 

As far as translation or navigation I don’t really have specific advice for those tools, other than to use Google Translate on your phone, and a GPS system. We find GPS to be the most handy as it doesn’t require a cell phone signal to work. 

What’s one travel hack that you wish you had known when you first started your travel channel journey?

One travel hack I wish I had known when I first started my travel journey is to learn how to be comfortable flying. I was so terrified of flying for so long that I didn’t start to enjoy flying until recently. I have a video on my page about how to overcome your fear of flying, based on what helped me in my experience. But if you can implement techniques that help you overcome that fear, the entire journey can be enjoyable from start to finish; not just the vacation part. 

Travel Advice:

What lessons have you learned from your travel experiences that you think every traveler should know?

I think the number one thing to learn is how to be resourceful. Flights will be canceled at the last minute. Weather will ruin your outdoor plans. But if you can depend on yourself and no one else to have your back, you’ll always be able to make the most out of it no matter what! 

How do you prioritize sustainable and responsible travel practices in your journeys? Any advice for fellow travelers?

It sounds so corny, but I refuse to pay for bottled water, and make sure to always have my reusable water bottle with me. I try to use public transportation as much as I can. I know flying is not the best method of transportation, but I also love trains, and if the journey is less than say 6 hours via train, I’ll take the train every time. It’s also important to be mindful of the area where you’re going, and leave it in BETTER condition than when you arrived, meaning, don’t litter! 

Could you share a memorable travel mishap or unexpected challenge you’ve faced and how you turned it into a valuable learning experience?

Once we were flying from Buffalo to Fort Lauderdale to take a cruise the following day, and we booked a flight later at night the day before. Wouldn’t you know there was a mechanical issue on the aircraft, requiring it to go into the hangar for maintenance, and there we were stranded at the Buffalo airport at 8 o’clock at night, the day before our cruise was scheduled to depart Fort Lauderdale. With no way to make the drive down in time, we ended up going back to our house in Canada and catching a 6 am flight out of Toronto to Fort Lauderdale the next morning. My partner and I only got about 2 hours of sleep that night, and we were completely exhausted by the time we made it onto the cruise ship. But the good thing was, we made it, with help from my dad who valiantly woke up at 2 am to drive us to Toronto. As crazy as that situation was, it was worth it once we got some good sleep, and we ended up having an amazing time on the trip. What we learned from that experience, is that we need to book our flights to depart in the morning on the day prior to any cruise, because once that ship leaves the port, you’ve missed it.

What’s your personal motto or philosophy when it comes to exploring new places and sharing your experiences with your audience on your social media travel channel?

I love the quote “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”

This quote emphasizes the idea that traveling and experiencing different places and cultures is essential for gaining a broader understanding of the world and its diversity. It suggests that by staying in one place and not exploring, you’re limiting your knowledge and perspective, much like only reading one page of a book.

Any last words, pieces of advice you can give the readers?

Traveling can be an amazing, eye opening, life changing experience. And sometimes it’s not. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to feel one way or another. Just try your best to live in the present moment and escape your everyday life for a while.

Here are a few products Chelsey uses while she travels:

***These products are curated by both Chelsey and The Neat and Cozy House and contain affiliate links. If you click on one of the links and make a purchase, I’ll receive a commission. (Any word(s) that are bold and turn green when you hover over them are product links.)

• Downy Wrinkle Release – 3oz Travel Size
• Manual Luggage Scale
• Compression Package Cubes
• Hardshell Carry On Suitcase
• Eye Mask
• Ear Plugs

Let’s finish our adventure …!

I want to thank Chelsey for sharing her insights. Her travel experiences and advice are invaluable for both seasoned travelers and those just starting their journeys. Her focus on planning, organization, and flexibility is a great approach to making the most of any trip. Her commitment to sustainability and responsible travel practices is also commendable.

Her personal motto about the world being a book is truly inspiring and a great reminder of the endless opportunities for exploration and learning through travel.

I’m sure readers will find her travel tips and experiences helpful and motivating for their own adventures. Safe travels, and may she continue to have wonderful journeys to share on Chelsey’s Travels!”