Who is Backpacking Brunette?
I’m Alex Wittman, the brunette backpacker behind this blog (try saying that five times fast).
In May 2014, I set off on a post-graduation backpacking trip around Europe. I tried telling myself I could get the “travel bug” out of my system. I honestly thought when I returned home, I would be ready to “settle down.” But, man, I was wrong.
Planning and then going on that first trip changed everything for me. Somewhere between partying in Amsterdam and getting lost in the winding streets of Venice, I fell in love with traveling. I mean, come on. It’s addicting! I knew then–like I know now–I am happiest when I am exploring new cities, experiencing new cultures and meeting new people.
My Au Pair Days
In the fall of 2014, I spent three months living in a village just outside of Madrid, Spain. I started Backpacking Brunette to document my experience! I worked as an au pair and had the pleasure of living with a truly delightful host family. Au pairing was an opportunity to test out my high school Spanish, immerse myself in a different culture and continue traveling.
Unfortunately, my tourist visa expired in November 2014 thus forcing me to return to the States. I vowed to find a way back to Spain.
Check out: How I Found an Au Pair Job
Spain: Take Two
In September 2016, I moved to Madrid with my boyfriend, Taylor. For two years, we taught English in Madrid public primary schools as part of the North American Language and Culture Assistants program.
My two years in Madrid were better than I ever imagined. I traveled, learned Spanish, made new friends and drank a whole lot of red wine.
Check out: Teach English Abroad: Be a Language Assistant in Spain
A New Adventure
Rather than returning to Spain for a third year, I decided it was time for a new adventure. In October 2017, I moved to Querétaro, Mexico!
I’m here to help adventurous individuals realize their travel dreams regardless of their budget.
Whether you’re researching your next backpacking exploits or preparing to move abroad, you’ve come to the right place for comprehensive guides, practical travel tips and candid insights purposefully crafted to embolden your inner explorer.
Thanks for reading!
