September 28, 2021
Interview with Isabella from Boundless Roads
How Isabella's travels and blog changed due to the pandemic
- What was hardest logistically and emotionally?
- Did you get caught in lockdown?
- Did you continue posting?
- Tell us about your most memorable experience.
- Did you travel around your own country?
- Did you take up any new hobbies?
- What do you miss the most?
- Do you have any new adventures planned?
- How'd you deal with the uncertainty?
- Is there anything else you'd like to share?
When it came to traveling during the pandemic, what was the hardest thing logistically? What was the hardest emotionally?
Both are connected. Logistically it was and it still is really a headache to understand the requirements for entering a country and the restrictions applied, which has now become part of the overall planning. Emotionally, it's is about the anxiety generated by the chances of getting a positive test which would mess up all your plans, the restrictions applied and the feeling that we are somewhat limited not only by the virus itself but by the governments' impositions which do not always make sense.
Did you get caught in a lockdown anywhere? If so, how did it go? What helped you get through it?
When it started in Mexico it was March 2020 and I was in La Paz, Baja California. I had rented a home where I was planning to stay through the summer and enjoy La Paz in my free time. Then, restrictions came, I was scared because I didn't understand what was actually going on.
But I locked myself in even before the lockdown was imposed in the region. I thought it was going to last a few weeks but I was wrong. I was afraid of catching it and at the same time, it was hard to stay locked in a home far away from family and friends. I couldn't even go to the beach or take walks in the open air. Everything was closed. So depressing.
On top of that, I was also let go from my online job which in the end resulted in a blessing because it gave me the time to continue working on my blog, which is now my full-time job. Constant WhatsApp and Zoom calls with friends and family helped me go through this and also a good dose of Netflix. But also the fact that I was finally working full time on my blog was really exciting.
But I locked myself in even before the lockdown was imposed in the region. I thought it was going to last a few weeks but I was wrong. I was afraid of catching it and at the same time, it was hard to stay locked in a home far away from family and friends. I couldn't even go to the beach or take walks in the open air. Everything was closed. So depressing.
On top of that, I was also let go from my online job which in the end resulted in a blessing because it gave me the time to continue working on my blog, which is now my full-time job. Constant WhatsApp and Zoom calls with friends and family helped me go through this and also a good dose of Netflix. But also the fact that I was finally working full time on my blog was really exciting.
Did you continue blogging and posting on social media during the pandemic? How did the situation affect your blog?
Well, like I mentioned before, since I lost my job I decided to work full time on the blog. The idea was to make it successful by the time people would start traveling again. And that's what happened. I am not a big fan of social media but kept posting old photos on IG and stories. Just to keep the communication going.
If you kept traveling during the pandemic, tell us about your most memorable experience. Was there a new type of travel that you fell in love with? Were there any experiences that you had that you would not have otherwise?
Well, I am on the road all the time. So when they reopened the airport in La Paz, I managed to get on a flight and traveled around the Yucatan peninsula where I was housesitting. Then when Guatemala opened its borders I went to Antigua where I was also housesitting for a few months several times switching between two homes. During one break when they didn't need me I went to NYC for 3 weeks. I was lucky to have a friend who hosted me and I had the time of my life. It really felt like we were back to normal again, people walking on the street and gathering with no masks, restaurants and cafes opened, museums, parks. It was great!
With many borders closed, a lot of people traveled around their own countries. Is this something that you also did?
Well, I have two countries, one is Italy where I am from and the other is Mexico where I am resident. I was in Mexico when the pandemic started but then I traveled a bit to Guatemala and USA. I haven't gone back to Italy but I am planning to go back next month.
Did you take up any new hobbies while you were unable to travel?
Yes, I took a lot of classes of digital art, which I still do.
What's the thing about traveling that hasn't come back yet that you miss the most?
The freedom to just get on a plane and visit a place without worrying about restrictions and masks wearing.
Do you have any grand adventures planned next?
Yes I do. In January I will resume my travels in South America starting from Colombia moving south. I am excited.
Being a traveler, you often deal with uncertain situations and new experiences. Do you think this prepared you to handle the pandemic better than most?
I have never thought about it in this way, but probably it did. Although it's still hard to digest and accept, I am used to changes and I believe I have a special ability to adapt to change for the best. Whatever happens, I don't want to be a victim so I try to make the most of the situation.
Do you have anything else you would like to tell readers or any optimistic thoughts for the future of travel?
Don't let fear get in your way. This virus is going to stay, no matter what you do. It's really up to you to decide whether you want to live in fear and anxiety or embrace it and move on and continue to live the life you want in the best possible way including traveling, with an open mind and a compassionate heart.
