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Hey hey hey!

If you’ve made it here you must have stumbled upon Intentional Detours for the first time. And no, this blog isn’t about those pesky orange road signs that pop up during those ever so inconvenient construction projects.

But who am I?

I’m Samantha, a 20-something American girl set on seeing the lesser-visited parts of the world with my backpack and my tent. My upbringing in the northeast corner of the US was comfortable, but I always dreamed of far-off places and cultures different from my own. I’m addicted to The Cheesecake Factory’s cheesecakes, refuse to accept that the species I love so dearly are also deadly (Hippopotamuses are adorable- this IS an indisputable fact folks), and I aspire to trek to every alpine lake in Northern Pakistan.

After spending the past 5 years in Miami for university, with some adventures sprinkled throughout, I’ve decided to take an indefinite detour through the lands that have called to me since I was 9 years old. Namely Pakistan and India, but also lands beyond. While seeing all 192 countries would be a grand accomplishment, for now my sights and plans revolve around what I consider the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. South and Central Asia- so just about as opposite from the USA as one could possibly get without heading up to space.

My first adventures out of good ol’ America took me to Ecuador, Europe, some of the Gulf countries and of course, Southeast Asia in 2018. With each trip, I became more and more fond of places with the greatest amount of nature (I think I’m a reformed city lover) and the least amount of tourists. While some hotspots are too good to be missed (Taj Mahal, I’m looking at you here!) my current travel goals center around places and people far removed from the heavily trodden tracks of those that have come before me. The less western, the better.

And what is Intentional Detours?

My mission is simple: I want to show others that longterm travel does not have to be an expensive luxury that the majority assume it to be, and that it IS something many people can afford to do if they prioritize it. Although I could never spend a month in Aruba, a favorite traveling destination of east-coast Americans- but South Asia?

A completely different story. And that’s why I plan to focus on providing all the need-to-knows about our planet’s lesser-known corners (which just so happen to be the best, in my humble opinion.)

Prior to starting this nomadic life, I received my BS in Psychology, reminiscent of my previous goal of becoming a psychologist. But it seemed to make sense in a way that I would eventually fall back into my earliest interest: writing.

While I unequivocally recognize the privilege long-term travel represents, I want to show those who may be interested, but may be on the fence in fear delaying a corporate career or that it is possible -and oh, so worth it- to travel after high school, college or any other point they see fit.

But while encouraging people to travel is well and good, what is paramount is showing how to travel immersively. As much as I love the snow-capped Himalayas and ocean-dipped sunsets, the real reason I travel is for the people I’m lucky enough to meet along the way. As guests in foreign lands, we must behave as such. I hope by sharing individuals’ stories and getting to know them, I can paint pictures of places that are far more meaningful, (and important), than just landscapes and ancient buildings.

And by giving a raw glimpse into what backpacking in far-out lands really is, I hope that some of you reading this might just decide to try it out for yourselves. And if you get stuck, don’t worry- my inbox is just a click away!

Where have you been so far?

After heading out of the US on May 19, 2019, I was able to stick to our budget as I overland-ed through India and Pakistan. Coronavirus seriously postponed my 2020 travel plans, but on April 8th, 2021 after receiving my vaccine, I once again returned to Pakistan (alone) my favorite place in the world!

So far I’ve been lucky enough to…

• Hitchhike through Pakistan’s unexplored Yarkhun Valley
• Embark on the Gaumukh Trek in India
• Savor delicious Amritsar street food
• Fall in love with all the things to do in Lahore
• Marvel at the monstrosity of Spiti Valley’s peaks
• Trek and chill in Parvati Valley

… and so much more!

But how do you pay for this?

And this, my friends is the million-dollar question. When 99% of the modern world thinks of travel, they think big. They think luxury- “If I’m traveling, I must have the absolute best of everything or what’s the point, right?” WRONG. If I thought this way, I would still have a blank passport right now.

The key to long-term travel for those of us that don’t have unlimited trust funds is to travel in super cheap countries (by western standards, that is) and whilst in said super-cheap-countries, to live as close to the local standards as possible. Think: street food and accommodations that have seen far better days.

Now of course, we all know that even the cheapest of trips still require some cash to keep you afloat. Throughout my university years, I’ve worked multiple jobs and side hustles to stack this coin! But a few first-world sacrifices go a long way in the money-saving game, and my goal is to make what I have last as long as humanly possible- by traveling on a ~ $10/ day budget. (the ~ is for when my foodie tendencies take over)

Do you travel alone?

Yes! Usually I don’t end up actually staying alone for too long, but I would still categorize myself as a solo female traveler. Though in the past I’ve traveled with a fellow American, as well as friends I’ve met on the road!

Want more?

If you still find yourself with any lingering wonders, feel free to contact me or peruse one of my other social media accounts. (If you’d like to share some food recommendations that’s happily accepted, too.)