About

Hi there! I’m Carina, but you might know me as One Girl and the Big World—the name behind my travel blog and online presence. I’m a 28-year-old adventurer from Ottawa, Canada, with a passion for exploring the world and sharing stories of the incredible places I’ve visited.

I hold a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Arts with a Minor in English from the University of Ottawa, a degree that has helped hone my technical writing and communication skills. This foundation has enabled me to craft engaging, detail-oriented content, whether it’s for blog posts, collaborative projects, or promotional campaigns. Beyond this, I have also earned certificates in culinary arts, office administration, music industry arts, and human resources—an eclectic mix that mirrors my love for exploring new passions and experiences.

My journey as a traveller started in 2018, and since then, I’ve been on an incredible adventure that has taken me across the globe.

My Travel Story

Europe: Where It All Began

In the summer of 2018, I was officially hit by the travel bug when I set off on a three-month solo backpacking adventure through Europe. It was a whirlwind of new experiences, new friendships, and unforgettable memories. And staying in hostels for the first time was a revelation—I loved meeting fellow travellers and going on spontaneous day trips together.

Some of my most cherished moments include taking a pasta-making class in Rome, attending Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in Windsor, getting locked in a Dublin bar overnight and sharing drinks with locals, and reconnecting with my distant relatives in Chieti, my grandparents’ hometown. I even spent a month in Paris, practicing my French, taking art classes, and exploring just about every landmark and museum throughout the city.

Europe was where my love for travel truly began, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Canada’s East Coast: Discovering Home

In 2019, I had the chance to explore the East Coast of Canada while living in Moncton, New Brunswick, as part of the Explore Program. This 5-week long initiative allowed me to immerse myself in Acadian French culture and language while enjoying the region’s natural beauty and warmth.

And I didn’t stop there—I visited many other cities like Charlottetown, Halifax, and Saint John, each destination offering its own charm and unforgettable experiences. The East Coast was a reminder of how much beauty there is in my own backyard.

South Korea: A Reunion and New Discoveries

In September 2023, I traveled to South Korea to visit one of my best friends from university, and it quickly became one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Together, we explored the vibrant streets of Busan, relaxed on beautiful sandy beaches during the day, and discovered many gems like the incredible Haedong Yonggung Temple.

After our reunion, I travelled solo for the rest of my trip. While in Seoul, one of my favourite memories was meeting locals and other travellers in the Hongdae club district, where we sang karaoke, ate delicious food, and bar-hopped late into the night. We were quite the crew with Travellers from England, the United States, Mexico, Tunisia, and Canada.

Another unforgettable night was spent at the famous Han River with my newly-made hostel friend from Singapore. We indulged in the beloved Korean pairing of fried chicken and beer, known locally as maekju (맥주), which was the perfect way to unwind while enjoying the beautiful riverside views. It felt like something straight out of a K-drama—simple, yet perfect.

Exploring Closer to Home

More recently, I’ve been exploring incredible destinations closer to home.

In New York City, I rang in 2024 with one of my best friends, and we had an unforgettable night discovering a hidden speakeasy inside a Five Guys. It was one of those unexpected adventures that made the evening even more memorable. During our time there, I also visited The Met for the first time, marveling at its incredible collection of art from across the world. The city’s energy and culture made every moment feel larger than life. I loved the city so much, I even went back again in March.

I spent my 2024 summer in Vancouver with two of my best friends, all of us from different cities in Canada—Ottawa, Toronto, and Winnipeg. It was a girls’ trip filled with adventure, from hiking the stunning mountains to relaxing on the city’s beautiful beaches. Vancouver’s natural beauty was the perfect backdrop for an outstanding girls’ trip.

In Minneapolis, I stepped into another era at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, even dressing as a peasant for the full experience. I also played a game of Viking kubb, a traditional Scandinavian game, and won! After my time in Minneapolis, I took a short Amtrak train ride to Chicago city for a few days.

In Chicago, I had to try the famous deep-dish pizza—and it was everything I imagined and more. Afterward, I brought some back to my hostel where I shared a few slices with fellow hungry travellers who quickly became friends. It was a great way to connect, and the pizza definitely sparked some fun conversations.

My Passion for Photography

When I’m not travelling, you’ll often find me behind a camera, capturing the beauty of the places I visit. My Instagram, @onegirlandthebigworld, is a visual diary of my adventures. From sunsets in Paris to cityscapes in Chicago, I love sharing my journey through my lens. You can also find me on BlueSky, where I share regular updates, blog posts, and travel inspiration.

Collaborations

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing people and brands to help promote their incredible work, including:

  • Sorella’s Cookies: I worked with this local Ottawa cookie company to help promote their beautifully crafted sugar cookies. Sorella’s Cookies creates custom treats for weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, and more, making every event extra special with their artistic and delicious designs.

Each collaboration has been a special opportunity to support and share the stories of businesses and creators who are doing amazing things for their community.

Work With Me

I’m always open to collaborating with brands, creators, and businesses that align with my passion for travel, culture, and community. If you have a project or opportunity you’d like to discuss, feel free to reach out! Whether it’s sponsored content, promotions, or creative partnerships, I’d love to work together to share meaningful stories and experiences with my audience.

Who is behind One Girl and the Big World?

I’m Carina, a passionate traveller and writer who loves exploring new places, connecting with cultures, and sharing authentic travel experiences. My goal is to inspire others to embrace the adventure of travel and see the world through fresh eyes.

What kind of content can I find on your blog?

On One Girl and the Big World, you’ll find:

  • In-depth travel guides and itineraries
  • Personal travel stories and reflections
  • Tips for budget-friendly and sustainable travel
  • Reviews of destinations, accommodations, and activities
  • Travel photography that captures the essence of the journey
How do you choose the destinations you feature?

I focus on destinations that inspire curiosity and cultural connection. While I love visiting iconic spots, I also strive to uncover hidden gems and lesser-known places that offer unique experiences for my readers.

Can I work with you or collaborate on a project?

Absolutely! I’m always excited to partner with tourism boards, brands, and fellow travellers. Check out my Work With Me page for details on how we can collaborate.

Do you accept guest posts or collaborations with other bloggers?

While my blog primarily focuses on my own experiences, I’m open to meaningful collaborations with like-minded bloggers. Feel free to reach out through my Contact Us page to discuss your ideas!

How can I invite you to a press tour or media trip?

I’d be thrilled to join your press tour or media trip to help showcase your destination or experience to my engaged audience. Please send the details of your invitation, including dates, itinerary, and objectives, to onegirlandthebigworld@gmail.com. I’ll get back to you promptly to discuss how we can collaborate effectively.

How do you make money from One Girl and the Big World?

I earn income through a combination of:

Affiliate links: When readers click on affiliate links in my posts and make a purchase or booking, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to them.Google

Google AdSense: Display ads on my website generate revenue based on views and clicks.

Sponsored content and collaborations: Occasionally, I partner with brands, tourism boards, and PR agencies to create content.

Testimonials

“Amazing work!”

One Girl and the Big World has been like having a personal mentor guiding me through the wonders of travel with insightful advice and inspiring stories! Amazing work!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

— Sandra G.

“Outstanding blog.”

Thanks to One Girl and the Big World, I’ve rediscovered the joy of solo travel and embraced the beauty of the unknown! A truly outstanding blog.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

— Sherry V.

Travel Bucket List:

  • Hong Kong, China
  • Shanghai, China
  • Kyoto, Japan
  • Tokyo, Japan
  • Bangkok, Thailand
  • Singapore, Singapore
  • Kolkata, India
  • Mumbai, India
  • New Delhi, India
  • Melbourne, Australia
  • Sydney, Australia
  • Florida, USA
  • San Francisco, USA
  • Nashville, USA
  • Las Vegas, USA
  • Los Angeles, USA
  • Chicago, USA
  • Detroit, USA
  • Minneapolis, USA
  • New York City, USA
  • Howth, Ireland
  • Galway, Ireland
  • Dublin, Ireland
  • Milano, Italy
  • Chieti, Italy
  • Cinque Terre, Italy
  • Firenze, Italy
  • Pisa, Italy
  • Genoa, Italy
  • Roma, Italy
  • Venezia, Italy
  • Paris, France
  • Nice, France
  • Marseilles, France
  • Baths, England
  • Salisbury, England
  • London, England
  • Busan, South Korea
  • Incheon, South Korea
  • Seoul, South Korea
  • Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • Banff, AB, Canada
  • Calgary, AB, Canada
  • Winnipeg, MB, Canada
  • Riding Mountain, MB, Canada
  • Toronto, ON, Canada
  • Niagara Falls, ON, Canada
  • Kingston, ON, Canada
  • Montreal, QC, Canada
  • Quebec City, QC, Canada
  • Moncton, NB, Canada
  • Saint John, NB, Canada
  • Peggy’s Cove, NS, Canada
  • Halifax, NS, Canada
  • Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
  • Summerside, PEI, Canada
  • and more…

One Girl and the Big World is a travel blog dedicated to sharing inspiring adventures, practical tips, and unique experiences from around the globe—all available for free to readers.

The site is a passion project committed to bringing fresh content to travel enthusiasts everywhere. Donations are welcome to keep the blog running smoothly and cover the maintenance costs. Every contribution, whether big or small, directly supports the continuation of this journey, ensuring that the blog remains a valuable resource for fellow travellers.

Thank you for being a part of this global adventure!

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