While scrolling through photos on Instagram tagged with “rockflowerpaper,” we ran into a breathtaking travel account called womantakesworld.
If you’ve ever wanted to travel vicariously through beautiful images and inspirational captions, Gretchen is a must-follow -- with over 82K other followers who agree!
We love her relaxed yet chic style, and we always look forward to her next destination. It is such a treat to be included in her adventures when she wears rockflowerpaper, and we asked if we could get to know her a little better and share her story with you.
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your Instagram/blog life.
I am a Los Angeles-based travel and lifestyle social media influencer.
I circle the globe promoting scenic destinations, bespoke adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences, luxurious hotels and helpful travel products.
I have actively explored over 60 countries and strive to redefine my followers’ notion of what is possible through travel.
My goal is to inspire other women to go out and create a journey of a lifetime. #WomanTakesWorld
2. We can’t decide what we love more about your Instagram feed: your amazing travel destinations or your beautiful style. Which bit first: the travel bug or the fashion bug?
Thank you! I’ve had both since I was a young girl, and they certainly inform one another. I love planning for trips and wardrobe is a big part of that. I think about the culture, the weather, the scenery and activities I’ll be doing. And I always leave room in my suitcases because I’m constantly looking for new pieces during my travels.
3. How/where did you find your first rockflowerpaper piece?
I was staying at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne and stopped in my tracks when I saw the Rigas Ocean Kaftan on display in the lobby shop. That’s how I discovered rockflowerpaper! I bought it immediately and wore it the entire time I was in Miami. Perfect from the pool to the spa and then lunch at Dune Burgers on the Beach.
4. What has been your favorite or most memorable travel experience so far?
Each trip has been important to me. I owe so much to travel. I am more brave, open minded, patient, and grateful because I get to experience the beauty of this world. If I had to pick one, it would be my first African safari. I’ll never forget the thrill of being so far from home and outside of my comfort zone. Being up close and personal with some of Mother Nature’s most beautiful and exotic creatures in their natural habitat really set my soul on my fire.
5. Do you have 3 top tips for people planning their next trip?
1. Travel Insurance is a must.
I have survived a number of natural disasters and been med vac’ed while abroad twice. I’ve also gotten the flu days before I planned to leave for a trip and had to cancel at the last minute. Travel insurance helped cover the costs for all of these unplanned expenses not to mention all the cancelled flights and lost/damaged items I’ve incurred along the way.
2. Try the local food.
Food is a reflection of the people who eat it. There’s no better (or yummy) way to understand a culture than through its food.
3. Learn a few words of the language in countries you’ll be visiting.
It really goes a long way with the locals. And if that’s not your thing, remember all people smile in the same language.
6. What are 5 items that you absolutely can’t travel without?
Phone + Charger
Sunglasses
Chapstick
Passport
7. What destination are you looking most forward to next?
This September, I’m heading to Fiji for the first time. I’ve dreamed of visiting the reefs, rainforests, beaches and waterfalls there since I was a young girl. I’m happiest and most relaxed in the tropics, and am looking forward to kicking back in some beautiful sarongs and kaftans.
Don't forget to follow Gretchen/womantakesworld on Instagram, and if her amazing photos and adventures inspire some of your own, use hashtag #womantakesworld.
