Trvl-Porter-Travel-Inspiration-Rachel-Firchau

We've been reflecting on our brand's journey and there is one highlight we love the most – our stylish travelers. Since the beginning, we have had tremendous support from some wonderful ladies. These women have a few things in common. Their passion for traveling the world in style and making a difference with their talents. We have loved styling their rental vacation outfits. As they continue to share their journey and style with us, we can’t help but draw some mega travel inspiration.

We want to use our platform to inspire future travel (post-COVID) and spark wanderlust in each one of you. This month we’re featuring travel blogger Rachel-Jean Firchau!

Traveler Spotlight: Rachel-Jean Firchau

Rachel is a travel marketer and blogger from Hawaii. Her blog, Rachel Off Duty, empowers adventurous and ambition-driven women to travel the world, even if they have a career. Now based in Southern California, Rachel works full-time in digital advertising by day, runs her blog and other side hustles by night, and travels 1-3 times a month, all with the overarching goal of inspiring other women to create a lifestyle they’re crazy about.

Our favorite Trvl Porter vacation outfit Rachel wore to Monte Carlo was a feminine, bright yellow strapless dress by C/meo Collective.

What is your favorite destination you have traveled to and what made you fall in love with it?

I tend to find something unique and endearing about nearly every place I visit, even small towns in the middle of nowhere, but my favorite destinations are the ones I can actually picture myself living in. I always enjoy daydreaming about what my alternate reality would look like if I was commuting in Paris, grabbing drinks with friends in New York, or working remotely at a cafe in Bali. It's a fun way for me to escape and focus more closely on the way of life in each destination I visit, beyond the attractions and 'must-sees' (which are also great, don't get me wrong!).

To that end, some of the countries I've fallen most deeply in love with to-date have been Australia, Scotland, Portugal, and Mexico. Other places I've enjoyed visiting that are high on my list for vacationing are the Philippines, Croatia, and Italy. Also – I'm a HUGE fan of road trips and national parks back home, especially in California. I love living in a place that allows me to drive a few hours and be in places like Joshua Tree, or Yosemite. There's just so much to see, I'm really enamored by it all and usually find something to love, one way or another.

What was the travel destination that sparked your wanderlust?

I think my itch was first scratched thanks to the Philippines, where my mom is from. Growing up, I would visit family in Manila and Bicol nearly every other year throughout my childhood, and got very used to taking long-haul flights from Hawaii (where I was born and raised). Being in Hawaii, far from literally everything else, I think you grow up with a natural curiosity about what else is out there, and I knew at a young age I wanted to move to a big city and use that as a launching-off point to see the rest of the world.

What city (or combination of cities) do you think reflects your personal style?

That's such an interesting question! I would say it's probably a random assortment of inspiration across Sydney, Stockholm, Los Angeles, and Bali.

Where are your top three places to travel after the pandemic subsides?

Australia (I've been dying to go back – it's where my dad's side of my family is from, and there's so much of the massive country I've yet to see), Peru (which was originally on my agenda for 2020), and hmm, maybe Portugal!

Do you have any interesting traveling hacks, which is generally not known by people?

I travel with earplugs and an eye mask so I can make the best of nearly any sleeping situation (I'm no stranger to hostels).

Also, I am the self-proclaimed champion of maximizing travel while working full-time. Taking frequent long weekends, working remotely when I want to explore someplace new without using vacation days, and planning bleisure (business + leisure) trips around my work travel are just some of the ways I extend the opportunities I have to explore the world while keeping my career in check.

What are some of your best travel packing tips?

Use packing cubes (one for your outfits, one for your underwear/scarves/accessories, one for your swimsuits, and even one for your charging cables). Also, while I could care less about the suitcases I use, I invest in a nice carry on bag so that I can organize all of my in-flight essentials. A bag or purse with a separate compartment for shoes, my laptop, and my passport help keep me sane when I'm getting from A to B!

Another fun tip – always bring a small foldable tote with you tucked away in your carry on if you plan on bringing sun hats with you. I always wear my hat to the airport, and then whip out my tote after I get through TSA to stash it in when I no longer want to wear it. Way easier than trying to shove your hat in your suitcase!