Who is Brooke vs. the World?
I’m a [late] 20-something traveler from central Illinois on an extended journey to see the world. On my first trip overseas to Italy in 2000, I made a promise to myself to spend a large part of my life experiencing cultures other than my own. I quit my job in late 2007, and have been globetrotting and living abroad ever since!
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- New to the site? Get caught up by reading The Story of Brooke vs. the World.
- Be inspired. Get the low-down on my philosophy: If I Can Travel the World, Anyone Can.
- Girls, be sure to sign up for the Female Travel Underground newsletter to get loads of info on what its like to be a woman on the road. It’s also pretty funny! If you’re trying to pack your bags, have a look at Her Packing List for help.
- Connect with me via Twitter @brookeschoenman or on the official facebook page.
Some people are born travelers. I am one of those people.
I’ve become quite familiar with that nagging urge to move from place to place, and if you’ve been following along with the site, you will probably know that my plans over the past several years have changed quite a bit. I may get bored, tired, or just plain excited and feel the urge to change scenery. Or, I might find a sweet Aussie guy at a hostel in Latvia and head Down Under (which brings us to now).
- I will always have a soft-spot for Italy, but I’ve definitely got a sick obsession with the former USSR. See where I’ve been on the Maps & Itineraries page.
It’s all about the stories.
I prefer to include a piece of me in every blog post, which is why my world travel stories aren’t just the same bland tips you might find elsewhere. My blog tells about a girl living abroad in various parts of the world and all the successes and failures brought about in the process. Through my world travel stories, you can read what it was like to work as an archaeologist in Spain, study Spanish in Central America, study Russian in Kyrgyzstan, teach English in Ukraine and work as a copywriter in Australia.
- Read some of my additional work on the Article Features page.
- Read my work as a regular contributor for OneTravel Blog and as the Sydney Localite on the BBC travel blog.
This is my RTW. This is my blog.
So, here I am, blogging at Brooke vs. the World about my adventures (and life, love, and then some) on a very interesting around-the-world trip. My RTW travel blog will narrate my travels, for as long as they shall continue (I’m setting up residency in Australia, but still movin’ and shakin’ my travel thang). Join along as I wander from country to country, experiencing the world as I have been dreaming about for so long. It should be quite the ride!
- Check out other RTW Travel Blogs as well.
Want to learn even more?
Feel free at anytime to contact me with your questions. If you’re interested in partnering on an upcoming project, do not hesitate to get in touch. I’d be more than happy to toss out ideas and work towards a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Hey! This around the world trip you are doing is crazy!!! I’ve always wanted to do it myself and you’re giving me the inspiration to start seriously considering it. I’ve already driven cross country in the US, and have backpacked Western Europe for a month, but this around the world thing…I’ve always wanted to do that. It is amazing you are actually doing it when most of us are just still talk about it!
I like the idea of phases… plenty of room for modification and unexpected opportunities. And if you run out of loot, just head home, make some more money, and then take off once again.
Hey, just reading about your time in Kiev!!! Sounds like fun. I’ve been thinking about teaching abroad as a way to sort of live locally and yet make some cash to live on. Do you have Facebook? If so, look me up and add me!
Hey email me some time k wat have you been up to!!
hi, Brooke
I am Nick Timoshenko, your student
I just have found your blog. it’s very interesting =) write more!I will be reading you, and will not tell about your blog to another students, because you don’t want to =)
Wow! You have been quite the busy traveller. I’m looking forward to catching up on your rtw travels! Great blog.
Hi.. you have a very interesting blog.
The jobs and places you have been are very interesting. Keep the unique posts coming. Cheers again to your blog!
Hello, Brooke. You’ve just added me on Twitter so I thought I’d pop over and say hello in person. (Er, virtually in person. Or in person, virtually. Or something).
As someone currently ramping up towards nomadism, I’ll be very interested to read through your archives and see how you’re tackling it. So I think I’ll go and do that now.
just stumbled upon your blog from another blog. great adventures!!!
happy new year too!!!
-flip
good luck BROOK!!! your going for your dreams
maybe our paths will cross one day. until then i will keep up with you via cyber travel.
Very coo, Brooke. You get to do what millions of people dream of from their desks everyday. Props.
your sister is in my class!
Just love you, Brooke! I’m an English teacher from Germany, just a little older than you, an adventurerer myself but you’re hard to top! Tomorrow I’ll take material from your blog to my 9th graders, I’m sure you don’t mind that I use your very funny writings to get those teens interested in seeing the world. Good luck to you wherever you go!
I really like your blog! And I love the idea of posting a new photo every day! It will be interesting to follow your travel!
You are what I would’ve done if I could go back. Now we’re traveling around with four kids and loving it… just wish we would have started sooner.
Hi Brooke! It’s good to see fellow adventurers out there! Greetings from southern Chile!
-MN
Hey I love the blog, lots of info. I love the idea of the RTW trip. Who knows where I’ll be in a few years from now. I’m actually planning a two year trip around latin america, but after that is done I’ll see this RTW idea is itching me a bit. lolll, I might consider it. But first South and central america strating next year. Can’t wait.
And keep going and keep working on the blog, it’s great.
Thanks
I’m drawn to travel stories, but not just plain travel blogs. I like that you know to include yourself in these posts instead of just being a removed narrator. Everything is so much better when the writing is good and the emotions are on display. I’m jealous of your travels, natch. I hope you get to travel forever — circling this wonderful globe and having its pieces stick inside your shoes as you carry on and on to the next stop. Cheers!
I understand your dying urge to travel and not being able to stay in one place for too long! Keep doing what you’re doing and dreaming what you’re dreaming
Just stumbled apon your blog and it’s amazing! So much helpful content, I take a few trips each year and this year my goal is to take 12 this year, (12 in ’12). Part of the goal is to spend my time and money wisely to cover as much ground as possible, your blog will be very helpful. Thank you!