PRIYA MAREEDU – The wild Indian girl living the van life in Seattle

Not content with the trappings of life’s status quo, she left the security of her 9-5 job behind to pursue modelling full-time. Despite signing with Seattle’s top agency and shooting campaigns for Fortune-500 companies and boutiques alike, her heart begged for something more. Priya’s longing led to wild places within which she could shoot—yielding a unique juxtaposition of beauty and grace contrasted by rugged open spaces. There she discovered the means to create scenes that were dynamic and captivating, though the experiences were lacking. She hungered for more depth: a richness of experience that could only be found while fully engaged in the outdoors. So began her transition into the adventure lifestyle space.

Priya brings years of expertise and modelling experience, combined with an insatiable thirst for personal growth to her outdoor clients—yielding results that are as authentic as they are dynamic and poised. Meanwhile, Priya lends her voice as a champion for women and ethnic minorities in the outdoors with her message of self-empowerment through adventure.

Here is Priya Mareedu in a conversation with GOGO Magazine.

1) How did your journey as a Travel Blogger begin?

I wanted to be more than what society said I could be. I wanted to see more of the world, I wanted to experience more cultures and just be a better human. So I started travelling and now I am in the outdoors and love every second of it. 

2) Who has been your inspiration?

Biggest inspirations are my parents. Leaving India and the comforts of home there, they decided to risk it all and move across the world to have a better life. 

3) When did you finally realize to go on a forever vacation?

The poor assumption as I am constantly working. I travel a lot but I think what a lot of people don’t see is the work I have to do to be able to do that. Instagram isn’t everything so don’t let it fool you. 

4) What do you prefer? Travelling alone or with a group?

I travel with my boyfriend, @michalematti 

5) What is the one most beautiful thing about being a full-time traveller?

Being able to see other cultures. 

6) Suggest the three best destinations for travelling solo. 

Iceland and New Zealand are the world’s safest places. Strongly suggest travelling there. But I do want to clarify that I never travel alone. That’s not something I claim or will ever claim. I like travelling with my significant other. 

7) Tell us something about your Van. 

Check out the van tour here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CRUHsbnprCY/

8) How did you end up being a nomad? 

I quit my job and dropped out of school at 24. I think that’s when I became the best version of myself. 

9) Suggest three tips for the young travel blogger. 

Save money before you set out on your adventure. Don’t be afraid to try new foods. Push yourself past your comfort zone, that’s the only way you become a new person.

10) How was life in quarantine?

There is a silver lining to every situation mine is that I reconnected with my family, found the love of my life. I know I am lucky to say that so I am very grateful. 

WEBSITE: www.thewildindiangirl.com

INSTAGRAM: @thewildindiangirl

FACEBOOK: Priya Mareedu

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