I still remember the moment I first felt the pull of the open road. It wasn’t just about seeing new places—it was about the transformation that comes with travel, the lessons that can’t be learned in a classroom, and the personal growth that only happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Over the years, I’ve turned my love for travel into something more: a way to guide and empower others through their own journeys. That’s why I created TravelCoachKayla—to help you navigate the world with confidence and excitement.
From Teacher to Techie to Travel Coach
My journey started in 2011 as a teacher in South Korea. I was just a girl from Texas, fresh out of college, when I had the idea: I want to live in another part of the world for just one year. I can do anything for one year. But one year quickly turned into two, then five, and now, 14 years later, I’m still traveling.
For over a decade, I taught elementary students around the world, immersing myself in different cultures, languages, and ways of life. My teaching journey brought me from the US to South Korea to Oman, Egypt, Armenia, and Urkain. The lifestyle as an international teacher allowed me to live in multiple countries, exposing me to the joys and challenges of long-term travel. I quickly learned that travel is about more than just planning an itinerary—it’s about embracing new perspectives, adapting to the unexpected, and growing as a person – and boy did I have a lot of growing to do!
But in 2022, everything changed. My husband and I were living in Ukraine when the war with Russia broke out, forcing us to flee. Instead of continuing my teaching career, I made the difficult decision to pivot into coding, hoping to build a new remote career while we embraced the digital nomad lifestyle with our two cats.
We started our journey in Montenegro, making our way through Europe and eventually across the Caribbean. From there, we returned to Europe for a while before embarking on a road-tripping adventure with our cats through South America. It was an intense, rewarding, and at times grueling experience. Learning to code was a real struggle for me—I never became a successful programmer, but I did gain valuable skills that have shaped the way I work today. It’s allowed me comfort in creating websites and blogs for my business. During this time, my husband, a translator, kept us afloat financially while I studied and worked toward a new path.
After over a year in Central and South America, we’re soon heading back to Europe, and my career has taken another shift. I now specialize in teaching students with reading difficulties and dyslexia—a passion that aligns with my background in literacy. Alongside this, I take on various side projects to make ends meet, embracing the flexibility and resourcefulness that come with a nomadic lifestyle.
And now, our biggest adventure yet is about to begin—we have a baby on the way! As we prepare for this new chapter, we’re figuring out how to navigate travel and work while growing our family. It’s an exciting, daunting, and beautiful transition, and I can’t wait to share what we learn along the way.
The Reality of Life on the Road
Travel isn’t always easy. I’ve faced my fair share of struggles, from navigating language barriers and visa issues to feeling the loneliness that sometimes accompanies solo travel. And then, of course, there’s traveling with my two cats—an adventure in itself! Figuring out pet-friendly accommodations, dealing with airport regulations, and ensuring their comfort while constantly on the move has been a challenge, but one that has made my journeys even more rewarding.
Despite the difficulties, every challenge has reinforced my belief in the power of travel to change lives. It’s taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of finding a sense of home wherever I am.
How I Can Help You
As a travel coach, my goal is to help you experience the world in a way that aligns with your lifestyle, passions, and goals. Whether you’re a first-time traveler, an educator looking to teach abroad, or someone eager to turn travel into a way of life, I can provide the tools, insights, and encouragement you need. Here’s what you can expect from TravelCoachKayla:
- Personalized Travel Planning: Get customized travel tips based on your needs, interests, and budget.
- Guidance for Digital Nomads & Educators: Learn how to transition into a remote lifestyle while maintaining financial stability and career growth.
- Support for Pet Travel: Find out how to navigate the challenges of traveling with furry companions.
- Mindset & Confidence Coaching: Overcome travel anxiety and embrace new experiences with ease.
The Road Ahead
Starting this blog is just the beginning. I want this space to be a source of inspiration, practical advice, and community for travelers at every stage of their journey. In future posts, I’ll share personal stories, travel hacks, destination guides, and insights on how to make travel a sustainable part of your life.
If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling more but didn’t know where to start, I’m here to help. Let’s embark on this adventure together—one step, one trip, and one transformative experience at a time.
Are you ready to take the leap? Let me know what travel questions you have, and I’ll be happy to answer them in future posts!