About Me
Hi there, I'm happy you're here! I'm Meredith Chadwick, and welcome to my travel blog, Away With Meredith.
My mission
I hope I can bring some magic back into your life!
I created Away With Meredith to inspire women to travel solo and rekindle their sense of wonder and adventure. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to travel and explore different cultures, and I'm passionate about helping you plan unforgettable trips that will stay with you for a lifetime.
For me, travel is more than just a list of places to check off from your bucket list. It's about truly immersing yourself in the beauty and vibrant culture of a destination. And that's where my love of photography comes in - it allows you to stay connected to the culture, the people, and the landscapes that you encountered, long after you've returned home.
At the heart of what I do is a love of beauty. Beauty in all its forms feeds my soul and makes me feel alive - something we all deserve to feel more of. I believe the world is full of wondrous and captivating sights, and that immersing yourself in these experiences is one of the most genuinely fulfilling things I know.
So whether you're wandering the cobblestone streets of Paris or discovering the buzzing markets of Morocco, I want to encourage you to explore the world in a way that feels authentic, meaningful, and unforgettable.
My story
I fought the cliche as an American girl in Paris for almost five years. Officially, I moved there to study photography and graphic design (which I love), but really I always wanted to live in Paris. Shh… don’t tell the French visa office.
As a kid, I dreamed of poodles and berets and an infinite supply of baguettes. And while the poodles and berets might be a stretch, I’m happy to report I had a steady stream of bread in my life.
I spent my free time capturing the city through my lens, wandering through art museums, or taking an evening stroll in the City of Lights. Admittedly, I had it good.
It was a childhood dream come true to live in Paris!
So far I've been to...
countries
Where I Have Been and Lived (current)
A bit more walking than I bargained for on a camping adventure in Étretat, France.
After four years, I finally got my BFA in graphic design. Nowadays, I'm putting my visual art skills to good use by documenting my true passion: travel!
I have a slightly impulsive, fervent nature that I attempt to balance with (usually) well-researched travel plans.
That said, there’s always the occasional mishap. I guess that makes for a better story, anyway.
I had the luxury of getting a taste for travel early in life.
My first big solo adventure was when I dropped out of high school (I still graduated, I swear!) and moved to rural Thailand for a cultural immersion program.
I lived with a host family, attended a local school, and even learned some Thai. I kept a blog for the year to loop in my family and friends stateside. I’d like to polish up those old blog posts and add them to Away With Meredith. A great story is timeless, and some of my Thailand experiences are pretty nuts. Years later, part of me still wonders how I survived, but I’m better for it and I had the time of my life.
Living it up on Koh Poda after a challenging year of cultural immersion in Thailand. I was grateful for the opportunity to just be a tourist!
A few months into exchange I had to apply to colleges.
I was not ready to give up living abroad, so my final choice of university was entirely based on the fact that it’s in Paris. No regrets.
My life in Paris was everything I hoped it would be. Paris really is as magical as everyone says it is, and I’m proud to know the city as a local. After five years, I said a bittersweet "au revoir" to Paris, returning to my hometown in the US.
It was strange to leave a city I've always dreamed of living in and have grown to love so deeply. I mean, I know the streets of Paris better than those of my hometown! But the truth is, I was ready for a new adventure. I never want to stay in one place for too long, get too comfortable, and stop exploring.
Being touristy by the Eiffel Tower.
So far I've been to...
US states
States I Have Visited (current)
Since my move back to the states, I’ve visited countless new US cities as part of my position as a college admissions counselor.
I spent an extended period of time out west this fall and absolutely fell in love with the landscapes of Arizona and the hazy mountain views of Seattle. I also spent a week in Mexico! For now, I’m looking forward to continuing my adventures (slightly) closer to home.
Exploring Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles.
A few places high on my future travel list...
- Cappadocia, Turkey
- Egypt
- Indonesia
- Australia
- Hawaii, USA
- India
Away With Meredith features solo travel-focused guides, itineraries, tips, and all things travel photography.
As a visual person, I find inspiration from photography, which is why I love sharing my own photos in each post.
A day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, Morocco.
I try to maintain a child-like sense of curiosity (which occasionally gets me in trouble), and I find myself happiest when I’m easily amazed. I hope I can inspire you to travel more and add some wonder to your life.
Ready to start exploring? Start by checking out the blog and don't forget to follow me on social media to join me on my real-time adventures! You'll mostly find me on Instagram.
Instagram | Pinterest | X | Facebook
Like most of us, I'm just winging it, but I'd be thrilled to have you along for the ride. Nice meeting you!
<3, Meredith
Nice to meet you!
