Olivia is a free, fresh spirit — only 26, Brazilian, and already experienced in travelling solo, living abroad, and reinventing herself multiple times.
She chooses freedom over certainty, exploration over comfort, and personal growth over stability. Through this interview, you will discover her journey, volunteering experiences, travel advices, and inspiration for living freely.
How I Met Olivia
I met Olivia in a funny, unexpected way in Kathmandu during a volunteering experience. We were both working in a farm and living with a Nepali family. She arrived the night before I was supposed to leave for a three-week solo trip. We had just one conversation… and she asked me if I could stay one more week so we could volunteer together.
Normally, I would have said no — but my gut said yes.
That simple yes changed everything.
We connected instantly, shared a beautiful week, supported each other, and discovered Kathmandu together.
She encouraged me to create more content, show my face more, and inspired me to try the digital nomad journey. She is also the incredible person who built this website!
Months later, we’re still in touch, updating each other, laughing about life, and collaborating on this website.
That’s why I chose Olivia for this interview — to share her story, her journey, and her mindset with you.
Olivia’s Story & Advice on Travel and Life
1. Hi Olivia! Can you introduce yourself to the readers? Who are you, where are you from, and what defines you? Tell us a bit about your life.
Hi everyone! It’s so good to talk to you.
Cami, you’re incredible, meeting you was such a gift!
Well, I love reading, writing, creating, listening to people tell interesting stories, being in nature, spending time with animals, sunbathing, all the mysteries of humanity… But out of all my passions, traveling is the biggest and the best of them.
I always say that nothing in life gives me more joy than arriving somewhere completely different from anything I’ve ever known. The feeling of euphoria I have is so intense that it feels like my body fills with love and is about to explode with happiness. It’s absolutely addictive.
I’m 26 years old, and I’ve been traveling the world for almost four years now. I moved alone to Portugal at 19 to graduate in Archeology, and now I’m preparing for a Master’s in Travel Journalism, something I’m really excited to start!
2. What made you take this leap into such a free and independent life? Was it one defining moment or a gradual transition?
Ever since I was a child, I said that my biggest dream was to travel the world. When the opportunity to study abroad came up, I went. And when I had a break from university and could go on my first backpacking trip… I went again. And then I never stopped, it’s been over three years on the road.
It was a natural transition. My whole life I directed everything toward this dream. I always knew that traveling the world was the one non-negotiable part of my story.
3. You lived in Portugal for a while — how was that experience? What did you love, what was challenging, and what advice would you give to someone who wants to move there?
Since the moment I arrived, I never completely identified with Portugal. It’s a beautiful country, truly impressive, but the food, the culture, the customs… I never felt like I belonged. I did my degree there and always knew my time would be limited. My advice for anyone thinking about moving there is simple: if your heart gets excited about the idea, then you’re on the right path. I wouldn’t do anything differently, when I went, it was exactly what my heart was asking for.
4. You’ve done different volunteer exchanges, including through Worldpackers. Which ones were your favorites? Do you recommend this experience to others?
I’ve done 15 volunteer exchanges! My favorite was in Turkey, in 2022, in a treehouse village in the mountains, just 10 minutes from the beach, archaeological sites, and mountains that literally release flames. The vibe of that place was indescribable.
The funniest coincidence is that the other three volunteers were Brazilian too. It was December, low season, none of us knew each other… and we had the time of our lives.
I always recommend it! If you want to meet new people, live different experiences every single day, and have as much fun as possible, just go.
5. You traveled solo across Asia — how did you feel in terms of safety? What was your favorite place on that trip?
I’m from Brazil, so my perception of safety is different. I feel very safe almost everywhere in the world, except in my own country. It’s sad, but it’s true. In Brazil, violence is a reality completely out of our control.
In Asia, I felt super safe. I wasn’t afraid of theft at any moment. In India the stares from men would irritate me, but it was more anger than fear.
On this trip through Asia, I visited India, Nepal, and Thailand. They’re completely different countries, with completely different vibes. But I think the place I connected with the most was Thailand, the Thai people, the landscapes, and the food completely won me over.
6. What advice would you give to women who want to start traveling solo but still feel scared or insecure?
Fear is a normal part of life, you should have fear, or better, precaution. But don’t surrender to it. Don’t let it be bigger than you, because it isn’t.
The world is so much better than you think (or than what people have told you).
Life is only one, are you really going to let fear stop you from living your dream?
We, women, are conditioned to fear (men too, but differently). We’re pressured by patriarchy, seen as fragile, unprotected, incapable.
So, as a woman who has been traveling alone for a long time, I can tell you with full certainty: you are much stronger than you think. You can literally do anything you want.
We live 70 years in billions of years of this planet’s history… let’s be happy.
7. For someone visiting Brazil for the first time, which cities or regions would you recommend?
It’s cliché, but go to Rio de Janeiro! Not because it’s the only amazing place, but because it’s simply… magical. The city has a soul! It’s indescribable, just go and feel it.
The Northeast is a paradise, islands like Fernando de Noronha have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We have the Amazon, the lungs of the planet, the Waterfalls, the stunning mountains of Minas Gerais with their mysterious stories, valleys, forests, and breathtaking nature. And, of course, a very welcoming people.
Brazil is huge. With time and curiosity, you’ll find incredible places. I myself have only been to 6 out of 27 states! Hahaha.
8. Tell us more about your life as a digital nomad. What jobs or skills support your travels, and what has been the most challenging part of this lifestyle? Is it easy? Or have there been difficult moments?
I work, and have worked, with many things. I have passive income with Worldpackers because I’m an affiliate, and when I travel I create content for them. I also have an initial project with a Brazilian TV channel, to make short travel videos.
I’ve done freelance writing for blogs and, since I created my own blog, I started helping people close to me, like Cami. When I need to save money faster, I use to work for a few months in Portugal, usually in hostels, my area of experience. One day, I want to have my own treehouse hostel.
And yes, I’ve had many difficult moments! Hahaha. I always say that after a while, traveling becomes normal life. Even when you live amazing things every day, problems pile up just the same. I learned the hard way that taking a break, going back to your roots, and resting is the most effective way to get back on track.
9. What realistic advice would you give to someone who wants to try the digital nomad life — financially, emotionally, or in practice?
Giving up is not an option.
The path will never be clear. Not knowing what you’re doing is part of the process. Nobody who succeeded or dared to do anything knew exactly what they were doing at the beginning, trial and error is part of the journey.
Train your mind to silence the voices that tell you you’re not capable. If no one in your life can show you your true, powerful potential, then be that voice for yourself.
10. What are your next projects — travel plans, work goals, or personal dreams you’d like to share?
I’m moving for 1 year to Barcelona for a Master’s in Travel Journalism!
This year I started a YouTube series called Archaeological Mysteries Around the World, and my excitement for this project showed me a path. That’s why I chose this degree. Life takes the turns it needs to take, and I’m just following the flow of what makes my heart vibrate!
More about Olivia
Thank you so much, Olivia, for sharing your story, your experiences, and your tips.
I’m grateful for our connection, our week in Nepal, and all the moments that followed — including collaborating on this website.
I know we’ll meet again somewhere in the world. I wish you the best for your next adventures and projects!
If you want to follow Olivia’s adventures or need support to build your own website (I’m really happy with mine!), here are her platforms:
- https://www.instagram.com/oliviateleva/
- https://www.youtube.com/@OliviaTeLeva
- https://oliviateleva.com/
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