I met Avril back at the hostel after a full-day of hiking in Santorini. Despite only meeting twice during our stay in Santorini, I was drawn to her energy and warmth, and I could always catch her recounting her day’s adventures and hanging out with fellow travelers in the outdoor long table.

1. How did we meet?

Only the best hostel on one of the best islands in the world! Also known as, Santorini. 

2. Where is home?

Literal answer: Home is Toronto. It’s full of awesome people and food! Deep answer: Home is where the heart is.

3. What drew you to where we met?

Honestly, The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants and Greek salad.

4. Where to next?

Up north to explore the a few of the most beautiful mountains, valleys and gorges Greece has to offer! 

5. Place you’ve always wanted to go?

Hawaii. I want to adopt a dog, rent a car, camp out on the islands and sing Moana songs at the top of my lungs. Oh, and hike all day! 

6.  Odd thing you always travel with?

 An open mind and heart...and a bottomless stomach. 

7. Book or artist suggestion that fits your frame of mind while traveling?

Check out Bahamas, Lawrence and Sabrina Claudio! Zion.T if you’re feeling adventurous.

8. What would you say to those who’ve always been itching to explore but don’t?

I’ve been travelling since I was 5 months old. It has taught me more than anything else in this world. This earth is so large and we’re incredibly fortunate to live in a time where it’s easy to reach East from West in less than 24 hours! Mind blowing!

So, if you can (I know a lot of us are burdened by that student debt), book a ticket to literally ANYWHERE! Whether it be 30 minutes, 4 hours or 22 hours away from home. Go without a plan (because planning can be “ugh”), and explore the sh*t out of this world!

Avril currently works at a software development company in Toronto. She also explores her passion in illustration and graphic design through I M C R E A T I V (go follow @imcreatav on Instagram!), so if you’re ever looking for beautiful graphic design, drop a DM on her account!

Words and photographs by Avril Wu.

Interviewed by Nadia Pritta Wibisono.

Read more Traveler Profiles on Birds of Passage