Martha Lueders

Can you spot it? 😋 As many of you have guessed, I’m in the Caribbean! ☀️I’ve been roadtripping in the beautiful Dominican Republic! I always falsely believe that this island was nothing more than beaches, resorts and maybe the occasion zipline. 🏝 I’ve definitely been proven wrong! Feast your eyes on the captivating Dunes of Bani! Wanna see the view over the crest of the dunes? Stay tuned 😉 . . . . . . #visitdr #visitrepublicadominica #visitdominicanrepublic #visitcaribbean #islandgetaway #quirkydr #roadtripDR #ipulledoverforthis #postcardsfromaroundtheworld #wanderlust #beachvacay #margaritasfordays #hiddengems #sanddunes #dunesofbani #idhikethat #travelwriter

Perspective. I could run circles around myself by how often I overthink. I’m always questioning whether to trust my gut or if I should dive head first without any worries. Sometimes a different perspective can help alleviate any of those fears or granules of self doubt I might have. I don’t want to doubt myself anymore. So here’s to granting myself permission to have a clear mind and go after what I truly want in life. 💘 . . . . . . #tallinngram #tallinn_city #tallinna #visitestonia #wanderlust #catchflights #europe #travelwriter #cityscape #architecture #getaway #solotravel #wander #getlost #travelphotography #hiddengems

I feel like a snowman! ☃️ It’s still pretty chilly in MN, so I’m desperate for a beach vacay ASAP! Globetrotters, what sandy destinations do you recommend? 🏝 Thank you from one really frozen Midwestern gal! 🥶 . . . . . . #visitmn #visitminnesota #onlyinmn #mncommunity #minnstagrammers #bestofminnesota #exploremn #wanderlust #ipulledoverforthis #icecastle #roadtrip #quirkymn #travelwriter #womenwhotravel #solotravel #adventure #getlost #localrecommendation #travellocal

Traveling is leaving a bread crumb trail for yourself. Each memory is a morsel reminding you of the sunsets you've enjoyed and the somersault of emotions you've endured on the road. Puerto Rico was the start of my bread crumb trail for me. It's one of my first solo vacations where I fumbled in a foreign tongue and was unsure of what exactly I was ordering on the menu. I fell in love with mofongo and embraced my sea-salt infused hair. Snorkeling became my favorite why to tan my backside, and I perfected my surf. Puerto Rico was the first place I truly allowed myself to be vulnerable and fall in love with a destination enough to call it home. It pains me to see my favorite island suffering. First, from Hurricane Maria and now from the numerous earthquakes. Yet, I know the islanders who I call kin are resilient. Many are accustomed to long power outages and witnessing their homes suffer damage. This morsel reminds me of how much I admire Puerto Rico. Even after weathering disaster after disaster, they always find a way to break through and still lead vibrant, loving lives. This photo that could show all the trials and tribulations the islanders have suffered over hundreds of years, yet it is filled with hope and perseverance. Stay strong, PR! #puertorico_world #puertoricogram #puertorico_greatshots #puertoricobeach #puertoricoplaces #puertoricoholic #wanderlust #catchflights #travelwriter #getlost #ipulledoverforthis #goexplore #solotravel #wanderer #femalesolotraveler #postcardsfromaroundtheworld #traveldeeper #passportready

Math has never been my strong suit. But, that’s not why I neglect quantifying my travels into miles jetted or pictures snapped. Yet, it would be silly of me, in the dawn of a new era, not to reflect on what I’ll do with the 525,600 minutes I’ve been gifted in 2020. (My inner theatre nerd is fangirling — give me a sec) 😂 Each year, we all basically construct a to-do list of all the work we need to accomplish in the New Year and disguise them as “resolutions.” Resolutions are a hot, sexy buzzword which creates this delusion that we have our shit together. In reality, I fucking don’t. But even this hot mess can appreciate all the breakthroughs I’ve finally discovered in the last 12 months. 2019 was a year of a lot of emotional work and break throughout for me. I learned how to be a solid foundation for myself, not just for others. I spoiled myself with no questions asked. I prioritized my health and carved a little oasis around me that helps keep me recharged and invigorated for whatever comes next. I said no more often. I forgave myself for pain I endured and was still harboring. I treasured my worth. 2019 gave me the ability to admire myself and find grace in being less than perfect. But I still have a lot of work left. I want to fall in love with my flaws like their poetry. I want to date myself more often (especially go to more operas.) I want to strike this perfect balance of hustling but also finding peace. I want to send more cards and handwritten notes. Like every year, I want to be incandescently happy. 💖 What are you hoping to achieve in 2020? How have you improved in 2019? . . . . . . #newyear #resolutions #liveriga #latvia #riga #wanderlust #WITSRiga #europe #travel #postcardsfromtheworld #ipulledoverforthis #getlost #cityspace #sunset #travelphotography #naturegram #solotravel #femalesolotraveler

Tallinn in love with Estonia! 😍 Excuse my bad puns, but in this urgent news announcement I need to say how much I love Tallinn, Estonia!! I’ve been exploring the city for a couple of days now, and I must say, Tallinn definitely looks fab in autumn. I’ll be gallivanting across the Baltic countryside for the next two weeks or so, so stayed tuned for all the upcoming shenanigans. 😉 . . . . . . #tallinngram #tallinn_city #tallinna #visitestonia #wanderlust #catchflights #europe #travelwriter #getlost #goexplore #cityscape #getaway #solotravel #wander #travelphotography

Metamorphosis. When autumn begins, I’m filled with such vigor and excitement for new beginnings. 🌾 After publishing a raw and emotional blog post this weekend, you all have floored me. The number of encouraging messages and thank yous I received for speaking my truth has brought tears to my eyes again and again. It’s this sort of community that makes me feel so cherished and celebrated. We rejoice in our differences, yet band together to spur change. Thank you to all of you who took the time to read my newest blog posts (link in bio). All I ask is that you take the time to familiarize yourself with creators who dare to speak out and ask for change. Lift up their messages and talk about important issues. We will no longer remain silent! 💗

🖕 Clothed or not, my opinion matters. 🖕 Ladies, how many times has your intelligence been questioned because of your appearance? Whether that's because your skirt was "too short" or hair wasn't "professional" enough or whether you didn't "look feminine enough"? I'm guessing it's more times than you can count. Society is constantly trying to police our bodies and how we present them. Instead of celebrating the diversity of our bodies, society tries to force us into this constrictive mold that only deems some bodies beautiful and worthwhile. More often than not, it's men policing our bodies. Who frankly, shouldn't have a fucking say. (YUP, I SAID IT). Recently, there were two male travel bloggers who claimed (at a travel conference, mind you) that female travel bloggers who wear bikinis are taken less seriously. That these travel influences are representations of "softcore porn." These comments enforce the notion that a woman's brilliance is determined by her appearance. Now, I know that I don't have to school many of you ladies on how archaic that train of thought is, but apparently, these men have been tone-deaf when the women around them have been speaking up. Excuse me, dudes, where you present for the #MetToo and #TimesUp talks as of late? Apparently not. These comments made it glaringly obvious that we need to do better. The #travelblogging industry needs to be more inclusive. Instead of letting white, middle-age men dominate the field by presenting at travel conferences let's aim for more diversity. Also, let's protect womxn at travel conferences when misogyny like this takes place. I can't tell you the number of inappropriate advances I've received at travel conferences (blog post to come soon). Travel blogging is no longer a boy's club. At these travel conferences, I want to feel empowered, inspired and safe, not as if my opinion doesn't matter. BECAUSE IT DOES. My appearance has no effect on my credibility. In fact, I don't need to cater to your ideals. Stop oversexualizing my body and instead take a seat and fucking listen. Your time has come and gone. It's time that you listen to the brilliant, bikini-clad women around you.

When it comes to furthering my education, travel has been my masters and Ph. D program. 📚 Traveling has exposed me to topics that I hardly knew I had an interest in. #Architecture was one of those subjects. During my trip to #Czech, I got a crash course in the numerous architectural styles that grace the beautiful metropolises and quaint villages. One of my favorite styles was this Renaissance-style where a mural is painted on the exterior of the house. These facades tell a detailed story. 🖋 The Painted House is a 16th-century piece of art. It's a protected UNESCO site the small city of Třebíč just off the city's #OldTown #Square. This city will always serve as a memorable pit stop on my European getaway. . . . . . . #czechitout #visitcz #czechrepublic #czechia #czechtourism #czech_world #travelczech #tbexostrava2018 #wanderlust #girlsborntravel #cityscape #travelwriter #travelholic #passportready #ipulledoverforthis #views😍 #historic #solotravel #girlslovetravel #getlost #culturetrip #UNESCO #goexplorecapture #postcardsfromaroundtheworld #traveldeeper #beautifulplacestovisit

Birthday month is so much more than an extra/over the top way to garner attention. It’s not even remotely close to that. 🎉 It’s ushering in a new year and era of self-love and appreciation. Empower yourself like you support and cherish others. 💐 Don’t forget to date yourself. Treat yourself to Merlot; get a massage; indulge in a solo candle-lit dinner. Remind yourself daily that you are worthy. 💁‍♀️ One day of spoiling in a single calendar year is not enough. Be your biggest cheerleader. Don’t be afraid to love yourself. 💖. . . . . . #czechitout #visitcz #czechrepublic #czechia #czechtourism #czech_world #travelczech #tbexostrava2018 #Praha #prague #wanderlust #girlsborntravel #cityscape #architecture #sunset #travelwriter #travelholic #passportready #ipulledoverforthis #views😍 #oldtown #historic #solotravel #girlslovetravel #getlost #culturetrip

I’m all about the details. Part of the reason I love photography is because a single snapshot can capture those minuscule, intimate details. I love this photo of Gullfoss (Golden Falls) in Iceland. It was a cold November day and the sun was setting. It was freezing. You could see the water spray off the waterfalls as it splashed on the rocks below. This photo transports me back to the moment. The only thing that’s missing is the wind howling through my curls. . . . . . . #touriceland #icleand #islandia #beautifuliceland #turfhouse #ringroad #turfhousesoficeland #icelandroadtrip #icelandlove #icelandsecret #unlimitediceland #icelandwithaview #lostiniceland #inspiredbyiceland #goldencircle #southcoasticeland #ipulledoverforthis #ringroadroadtrip #travelholic #wanderlust #nature #getlost #goexplore #outdoors #waterfalls #sunset #views😍