In March 2022, I was laid off from my job in Los Angeles. On paper, my life looked solid. Stable job, comfortable routine, everything I thought I was supposed to want. But it felt flat. I realized I was living a life that looked good from the outside but didn’t actually feel fulfilling.

So I took a leap. I sold most of my things, packed up my life, and left with nothing but 2 backpacks, a camera, and a strong pull toward something different.

That leap turned into Sonderlust. A space born from slowing down, staying curious, and choosing experiences that feel good to live, not just good to post. Travel here isn’t about five-star resorts or scraping by just to say you went. It lives somewhere in between. Thoughtful, culture-rich, food-forward travel that proves meaningful experiences are far more accessible and affordable than most people think.

These days, I split my time between traveling, running Sonderlust, working in content creation and management, and helping people plan trips that actually make sense for their lives. Through this space, I create curated travel guides, destination recommendations, and hands-on planning support rooted in real experience. I focus on what’s worth your time and money, with the goal of helping you travel with more clarity, confidence, and ease.

Hi, I’m Cici!