About me

Hi, I’m Elena—a small-town girl from near Cologne, Germany, with an ever-growing passport stamp collection.

Back in 2014, I moved to New Zealand for an internship in the tourism world and caught the travel bug. Who knew that moving to the other side of the planet would spark a love for solo travelling, starting with weekend trips and layover adventures en route to New Zealand.

Since then, I’ve backpacked solo through Australia on a working holiday visa, wandered through 40 countries, and set foot on every continent except Antarctica (one day!). These days I’m based in Berlin, still exploring the world—just now with a travel partner in crime by my side and a preference for private rooms over hostel bunks.

Together we’ve been soaking up the beauty of what’s close to home—sweating it out in saunas followed by freezing cold plunges in the Nordics, escaping to a quiet forest weekend in Estonia, and even hiking one of the most active volcanoes in the world on Stromboli island. We’ve sipped wine and gone on safaris in South Africa, and in Brazil we swapped hiking boots for flip-flops, lazing on Rio de Janeiro’s beaches and swimming alongside sea turtles on Ilha Grande.

I hope you find some inspiration to wander a little beyond, too.

Whether you’re planning your first solo escape or your next couple’s getaway,

Wandering Beyond is where I share those adventures—tips, stories, and the little moments that make travel so addictive.

Along the way, you’ll see a mix of stays that match how I travel: everything from budget-friendly hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and cozy Airbnbs to the occasional splurge.

And because no adventure is complete without good food, I love keeping it local and affordable: street food on plastic chairs and coffee in cozy cafés. But once in a while, I’ll indulge in a casual fine-dining experience to make the trip feel extra special.