We recently connected with Christy Woodrow and have shared our conversation below.
Christy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I still sometimes wonder if I’ve truly found my calling. There’s so much in this world that inspires me, so many paths I want to explore, that it’s easy to get distracted or question what really defines my purpose.
But now, well into my 40s, I’ve started to see a clear pattern emerge. No matter how my work has evolved or what new directions I’ve explored, there’s one thing I always come back to: sharing travel and stories with others. Not just showing people beautiful places, but actually helping them plan trips that matter to them.
I’ve been running my own travel business for over 15 years, and it’s changed dramatically during that time. What I’ve come to understand is that my purpose isn’t really about any specific job title or role. It’s about the impact I can have when I connect people to experiences that broaden their perspectives and create lasting memories.
My blog, Ordinary Traveler, started in 2010 as just a way to document my own adventures. But it grew into something bigger — a platform that shows “ordinary” people how to weave adventure into their real lives, even when they have careers, families, and mortgages to think about.
My friends have always called me the “adventure curator,” and that title has stuck for good reason. When I’m second-guessing myself or wondering about my purpose, it reminds me of something important: my role isn’t to be the person having all the adventures. It’s to be the person who helps others discover their own. Every trip I help someone plan, every story I share that sparks someone’s curiosity — that’s where I find my purpose. It’s in opening doors to the world for other people.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Over the past 15 years, I’ve been fortunate to share my travels and photography with audiences worldwide, and my work has been featured in National Geographic Traveler, Forbes, Lonely Planet, and more. What excites me most about what I do is the blend of storytelling and practical travel guidance — helping people not only see the world but actually plan meaningful trips of their own.
What makes my approach unique is that I’ve walked in my clients’ shoes. I understand the challenges of balancing wanderlust with real-life responsibilities, which allows me to create travel experiences that actually fit people’s lives rather than requiring them to completely upend their routines.
Right now, I’m focused on three main areas: planning tailored trips as a travel advisor, offering portrait photography sessions in some of the world’s most stunning locations, and working with hotels and brands through full-service photography and videography packages that help them capture and share compelling stories. Each of these allows me to combine my passion for travel with my skills in storytelling and visual communication, creating experiences and content that truly resonates with people.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three things have really shaped my journey: getting solid with the technical side, staying endlessly curious, and learning to roll with the punches.
I got serious about photography early on, taking classes in high school and college because I knew that really understanding my camera and keeping up with changing technology would be non-negotiable. But technical skills alone don’t make compelling work. What’s kept me engaged all these years is genuine curiosity — always wanting to explore new places, try different approaches to storytelling, and ask “what if?” when planning a shoot or a trip.
The third piece, adaptability, might be the most important. This industry changes constantly. Social media algorithms shift, travel restrictions come and go, client needs evolve, technology advances. I’ve learned that fighting these changes is exhausting and counterproductive. Instead, I try to see them as opportunities to grow in directions I might not have considered otherwise.
For anyone starting out, my biggest advice is to invest in learning your craft inside and out, but don’t stop there. Stay genuinely curious about the world around you and be willing to pivot when things change — because they will. The photographers and travel professionals who last aren’t necessarily the most talented; they’re the ones who can adapt their passion into something sustainable over the long haul. Your willingness to evolve is what turns a hobby into a career that can weather whatever comes next.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! I’m always looking for opportunities to work with people and brands who share my passion for authentic storytelling and creating content that actually moves people.
On the brand side, I love partnering with hotels, resorts, destinations, and travel companies that want to showcase their offerings in a way that feels genuine rather than overly polished or staged. I’m drawn to places and brands that have real stories to tell — whether that’s a boutique hotel with incredible design, a destination working to highlight local culture, or a travel company doing something innovative in the space.
I’m equally excited about collaborating with other creators, writers, and travel professionals. Some of my favorite projects have come from teaming up with people who bring different perspectives and skills to the table. Whether it’s a writer who needs visuals for a story, a fellow photographer looking to tackle a bigger project together, or a travel advisor wanting to create content for their clients, I’m always open to creative partnerships.
On a more personal note, I’m also offering portrait sessions here in the San Diego area. If you’ve been wanting professional photos that capture who you are — whether for personal use, your business, or just because — I’d love to chat about creating something special for you.
The easiest way to reach me is through my website at Ordinary Traveler, or you can email me directly. I respond to everyone personally, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have an idea brewing or just want to explore what we might create together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ordinarytraveler.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ordinarytraveler/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ordinarytraveler
- Other: https://christywoodrow.com/
Image Credits
All photos by Christy Woodrow at Ordinary Traveler
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
