Michaela

Travel information

I am currently

Description

A LITTLE ABOUT ME 🌞

At the heart of who I am is a genuine love for people. I wholeheartedly believe that one of my purposes in life is to create as many genuine connections as possible, make people feel seen, valued and appreciated, and bring as much happiness as I can into the lives of those I cross paths with. Connecting with others, sharing stories and creating meaningful relationships is what makes me happiest. I find so much fulfilment in making others feel happy, welcome, included and valued, and I believe some of life's most beautiful moments come from the connections we make along the way. I'm naturally curious about people, their stories, different cultures and ways of life, and I'm always inspired by the opportunity to learn something new from those I meet.

For me, travelling is an extension of this passion. It's about immersing myself in different cultures, stepping outside my comfort zone, embracing new experiences and forming genuine connections with people from all walks of life. It's about sharing experiences, exchanging perspectives and finding ways to bring something positive into the places and communities I become part of.

I was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and moved to New Zealand when I was 14. Growing up between two cultures has shaped the way I see the world and given me a deep appreciation for different people, places and ways of living. I still return to South Africa every year, and there's something about its landscapes, people and energy that will always feel like home.

I'm a warm, open-minded and positive person who loves creativity, painting, making things with my hands and spending time outdoors. I'm happiest swimming, being in nature, sharing long conversations, listening to people's stories or simply enjoying the little things in life.

Ultimately, I see travel as an opportunity for connection, growth and meaningful exchange. I'm drawn to Worldpackers because it allows me to experience the world in a more intentional way: becoming part of communities, contributing my time and energy, learning from others and hopefully leaving people and places a little brighter than I found them. For me, it's not just about the places I go, but the people I meet, the relationships I build and the joy we can bring into each other's lives.

Interests

Self development

Pets

Events & social

Culture

Charity work

Books

Plant care

Music

Gardening

Photography

Drawing & painting

Animals

Yoga / Wellness

Outdoor activities

Team sports

Nature

Hiking

Camping

Beach

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Afrikaans: Intermediate

More details about my language interests
I am interested helping teach english if I can?

Find a language partner

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Charity Work

Languages

Eco Projects

Being an elderly companion

Life at a Farmstay

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping around the house

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Some knowledge of:  

Art Projects

Light gardening

Creative DIY projects

Animal Care

Light maintenance

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Able to teach about:  

Hospitality/Tourism

House & pet sitting

More details about your skills

Education
I hold a Bachelor of Business (Management & Marketing) from the University of Auckland, New Zealand

Work experience
I have over 10 years of experience across administrative and customer-facing roles, with a strong background in customer service, events, hospitality, and leadership. My hospitality experience spans management positions within bars, restaurants, and venues, where I have developed strong people-management, multitasking, and organisational skills.

I have a genuine passion for working with people and creating memorable experiences that leave a lasting, positive impression. I thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy building relationships, leading teams, and delivering exceptional customer service. I pride myself on remaining calm, professional, and organised under pressure, while adapting confidently to changing demands and challenges.

I am a fast learner who is hardworking, reliable, adaptable, and always eager to grow. I enjoy getting involved, taking initiative, contributing wherever I can, and being part of a team. I bring a positive, friendly, and proactive attitude to everything I do, and I am always open to embracing new challenges, opportunities, and experiences.

Age

24

What else ...

Travel Experience

I am an enthusiastic and experienced traveller, having spent much of my time exploring different parts of Africa and Europe. I am currently travelling indefinitely, embracing the opportunity to discover new destinations, immerse myself in different cultures, and experience everything the world has to offer.

My biggest motivations for travelling are my love of history, nature, and culture. I am fascinated by discovering the stories behind different places, exploring historical landmarks, and experiencing the natural beauty the world has to offer.

Some of my fondest travel memories come from Egypt and Italy, where I was able to explore fascinating history, culture, and architecture. My time in Zimbabwe was equally unforgettable, particularly witnessing the breathtaking Victoria Falls and experiencing the incredible power and beauty of nature. Botswana was another once-in-a-lifetime experience, where I had the privilege of seeing the Big Five in their natural habitat — something I will always treasure.

Other highlights include spending a night in the Sahara Desert in Morocco, an incredibly special experience, and visiting the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey, where I was fascinated by its remarkable history and architecture.

I love exploring unfamiliar places, embracing new experiences, meeting people from different backgrounds, and learning about the world through travel. For me, travelling is about so much more than visiting new destinations; it's about the people, cultures, history, and unexpected experiences that make each place unique. I am always excited by the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, learn something new, and create lasting memories along the way.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  No

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  Special dietary requirements
  No