Today’s tidbit: “The time will pass anyway, you can either spend it creating the life you want or spend it living the life you don’t want. The choice is yours” ― Unknown

It’s been a long time coming. When I returned home from Women in Travel Summit, my first travel conference, the end of March I went to work on my vision. After many hours of hard work I am so excited to share Adjust Your Focus™, which launched yesterday. My vision has grown and so has alyssa setia photography + design (which I won’t be using much any more).

Adjust Your Focus™ is a platform to be creative and where I share my love for photography + design + travel. This is a place to connect and a source for inspiration. I encourage you to follow your dreams + focus on what’s important.

I’d love for you to continue to follow along and share your thoughts! New website and Facebook page

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Today’s tidbit: “Do the things you used to talk about doing but never did. Know when to let go and when to hold on tight. Stop rushing. Don’t be intimidated to say it like it is. Stop apologizing all the time. Learn to say no, so your yes has some oomph. Spend time with the friends who lift you up, and cut loose the ones who bring you down. Stop giving your power away. Be more concerned with being interested than being interesting. Be old enough to appreciate your freedom, and young enough to enjoy it. Finally know who you are.” ― Kristin Armstrong

The end of March, one week after returning from a month overseas, I was on a plane again heading to Boston, MA for the Women in Travel Summit (WITS15), the first and only travel blogging summit by and for women.

Not sure what to expect, and not knowing anyone was intimidating yet exciting. The only option is to break out of that comfort zone and mingle. Within a matter of minutes the space was filled with this incredible positive energy, that continued the whole weekend. It’s hard to explain but it was so refreshing.

It was overwhelming (in the best way possible) being around so many beautiful, adventurous, curious, creative, passionate, and inspirational like-minded women. Travel is in their soul and you could see that passion, that twinkle in their eye when they talk about it.

Be sure to click below to read more. Enjoy!

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Today’s tidbit: “Dare to travel on new paths.” ― Lailah Gifty Akita

So what happened?? Exactly one month full of unforgettable travel, although it feels like I was gone a year+… 3 continents, 3 islands, 5 countries, 13 cities, 5 flights, 4 airlines, 2 train rides, 1 cruise, many bus tours/transfers, thousands of pictures and countless memories! So grateful for this AMAZING adventure with my mom!

I am currently rebranding with a new website coming soon so instead of multiple posts, like I did with my South Africa and Australia trip, I will just be sharing a glance into the month now with much more coming on my new site/blog!

Be sure to click below to read more. Enjoy!

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Today’s tidbit: “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”

My last big trip in 2014 was by myself to Australia for one month. I’m excited to announce that I will be leaving Wednesday (yes, in 2 days!) to head on another international month-long adventure, and the first trip of 2015, with my mom.

Be sure to click below to read more. Enjoy!

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Today’s tidbit: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” ―  Steve Jobs

A new year symbolizes a clean slate; a fresh start. Leaving the past behind and embracing the magic of new beginnings and possibilities. We let go of all regret and failure from the year behind us, and fill our lungs with hope for the future.

I have always enjoyed checking things off a list, turning the page and starting fresh. There is something refreshing about a new day, a new month, a new year. This year however, I have decided instead of making a New Year’s resolution, I will instead make New Year’s Affirmations…

For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. — T.S. Eliot

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

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Today’s tidbit: “It is through living that we discover ourselves, at the same time as we discover the world around us.” ― Henri Cartier-Bresson

Going through thousands of photos trying to narrow down the highlights was both a challenge and also neat to relive it all again. 2014 was a year full of travel, and I’m planning to make 2015 even more so!

Where to in 2014? 5 countries.

USA: Albany & Saratoga, New York + Tampa, Florida + Washington, D.C. + Denver, Colorado
Central America: Cozumel & Costa Maya, Mexico + Belize + Roatan, Honduras
Australia: Perth + Western Australia

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

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Today’s tidbit: “Holidays are about experiences and people, and tuning into what you feel like doing at that moment. Enjoy not having to look at a watch.” ― Evelyn Glennie

December consisted of nights out, get togethers, crafting, decorating and baking. This year my brother, David and I stayed in Maryland with my dad (and Sammy). It was the first year ever not being in New York with my mom/her family. It was also the first year without my grandpa, who passed away one year ago today (1.5.14). With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s good to remember that what is really important is spending time with the people you love.

Sneak peek image:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

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Today’s tidbit: “Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.” ― William Cullen Bryant

Back in November I shared my last blog post from my trip to WA (check it out). I took a little break from blogging but am excited to share a fall post with highlights from September, October & November + Thanksgiving. Working on travel plans for 2015 but while I’m home in the USA I’ve been focusing on being here… enjoying the moment and appreciating now.

Sneak peek image:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

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Today’s tidbit: “There is a kind of magicness about going far away and then coming back all changed.” ― Kate Douglas Wiggin 

Back in June I posted The what if’s or the right now? As I said then, in the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take. Going to Australia alone was a big risk and I certainly had a lot of explaining to do with close friends and family, before and after the trip, but in the end it was my decision. Sometimes you can’t explain it, you just have to go. Just go. I followed my heart and instincts, something I’ve really been trying to listen to this year, and I am SO glad I did.

“Travel brings power and love back into your life.” — Rumi

After 15 blog posts sharing my adventures in WA, here it is… the last post from this trip. Bittersweet.

Sneak peek image:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

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Today’s tidbit: “Through spontaneity we are re-formed into ourselves.” ― Viola Spolin

Last week I shared the first rainy day of an impromptu overnight trip to Margaret River. The following morning the sun was out and we drove through the tall karri forests and explored one of the many caves. Before heading back to Perth in the afternoon we stopped at the most south westerly tip of Australia, and climbed to the top of historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Wonderful little trip!

Sneak peek image:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

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