Hello! I’m Liv :)

I'm a traveler, storyteller, artist, and the creator of Dear Anxious Traveler.

If there's one thing I hope people take away from this website, it's this:

You don't have to be fearless to see the world.

For much of my life, anxiety dictated what I did and where I went. Even everyday things, such as walking into a grocery store alone or coughing in a quiet room. It felt overwhelming because I was terrified of drawing attention to myself.

Travel wasn't any different.

I still get anxious before trips. I still have moments where I question whether I should have booked the flight. Sometimes I spend an entire day in my hotel room because my mind and body need a break before I can head back out.

Every flight home leaves me telling myself that I have seen enough and don’t have to keep going to new places.

But I've also learned something I never thought was possible:

Anxiety and adventure can exist together.

Today, I travel throughout the United States and around the world, sometimes even solo, not because my anxiety disappeared, but because I've learned how to travel alongside it.

That's why I created Dear Anxious Traveler.

I am not here to pretend that every trip is perfect. It's a place for honest conversations about what it's really like to explore the world while living with anxiety. I'll share the excitement, the setbacks, the panic, the recovery days, and the incredible moments that remind me why I keep going.

My hope is that when you read my stories, you'll realize you aren't the only one who feels nervous about traveling—and that maybe your dream trip is more possible than you think.

What You'll Find Here

Along the way, you'll also find:

  • honest destination guides

  • practical itineraries

  • budget-friendly travel tips

  • photography from my adventures

  • artwork inspired by the places I've explored

  • reflections on creativity, personal growth, and stepping outside your comfort zone

I love traveling on a budget. You'll usually find me staying in hostels, navigating cities by public transportation, wandering neighborhoods instead of checking off attractions, and searching for experiences that help me better understand a place and its people.

Originally from a small town in Ohio, I've always found inspiration in the world around me. Whether I'm painting, journaling, throwing clay, or writing stories, travel continues to shape the way I create.

Where I’m Traveling Next

Although many of my travels have been throughout the United States, Europe, and a touch of Asia, my dream is to continue exploring even more of Asia, Africa, and South America.

My top bucket-list destinations:

  • Kyrgyzstan

  • South Korea

  • Peru

  • Argentina

  • Rwanda

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Beyond the Blog

In addition to this blog, my husband and I run Inkvine Co., a small creative shop featuring artwork inspired by travel, nature, and storytelling.

We create:

  • postcards

  • greeting cards

  • art prints

  • other paper goods

You can explore our work at inkvineco.com.

Thanks for Being Here

Whether you're planning your first trip, looking for practical travel advice, or simply hoping to find someone who understands what it's like to travel with anxiety, I'm so glad you're here.

I hope this little corner of the internet reminds you that you don't have to wait until you're fearless to start exploring.

Let’s create and explore together.

— Liv

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Contact me!

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