Hi, I’m Carryn, the blogger behind Torn Tackies Travel Blog. I’m a fun-loving, adventurous South African who has hit a midlife crisis (or at least what feels like one!) Work or travel? Or both?!
Tegalalang Rice Terrace in Ubud
The past year few years have been a whirlwind of changes. I made a huge career change in 2017 when I quit my job in marketing management to teach English in Korea. This opened up a whole new world for me, but not only in terms of travel. It made me re-look at the vision I had for my future.
What do I really want to do?
Every aspect of my life is different to what it was a few years back. Does this make me scared, nervous or anxious? No! Actually, the opposite. It has excited, challenged and driven me to keep learning and exploring.
Boryeong Mud Festival in Korea!
How it all started
In 2013, right after I completed my Commerce degree, I resigned from my job and took on the notorious yachting world. After 8 months of grueling work and living out of a suitcase, I decided that the fun and games were over as I needed to get my career started back home.
My next 4 years were spent working in the fast-paced, exciting and stressful marketing world which kept me on my toes, yet never satisfied my urge to travel abroad and start ticking off my ever-growing bucket list.
Kelimutu Lakes in Indonesia
Moving to Korea and the birth of Torn Tackies Travel Blog
Living in Korea changed my perspective on travel. It wasn’t about doing the popular, touristic activities or going to the best parties. It was about making that connection with the country, with the culture, the food and the people. I began to live a minimalist life, and travel in a more authentic way.
I became a better person because of travel.
With this new outlook on travel, I explored the Philippines and camped on the beach in El Nido, dived with manta rays and sharks in Indonesia, lived with the locals in Sri Lanka, summited Mount Kilimanjaro and climbed Island Peak in Nepal.
Standing 6 189m above sea level
And now?
My goal is to encourage people to take that leap of faith, buy that ticket and go on an adventure.
It doesn’t have to be a permanent move, but getting out and experiencing a different country changes your outlook on life.
Maybe you love it. Maybe you don’t. But at least you’ll know you tried.
My guides and itineraries show how you can travel on a budget, and where to go to have a unique experience that you’ll never forget!
Our awesome dive squad!
Reach out to me
If you have any questions about anything, ANYTHING at all, feel free to drop me a message and I’ll gladly assist.
Wow! What a lovely record of your adventures, it makes my feet itch!
Well done Caz, very interesting site and well written entries. Looking forward to more 🙂
Thanks Mbesi! Wow, it’s been forever! Hope everything’s well on your side. Thanks for the great feedback and encouragement. Lots of love xx
Yay!! Super excited for your blog, the stories are amazing and the name is flippen cool. Wishing you all the best Carryn Beard and please, keep on posting.
Ta*
Thanks Phoza! Appreciate the support xx
I love reading your blog. It is excellent….your command of English wonderful. Well done keep going. Auntie Bev
Carryn. Your dad and mom go back to KWT days . Dannielle, my 1st born Just arrived today not sure where she is gonna work but will send her this blog link and follow your news. Her cuzzin Elene also join to teach English in 2 weeks.
Will be great if u give her the do and don’t’s .
Thamks.Take care and safe travels!
C
Only just got the chance to properly read through your blog Ca, and I absolutely love it !!!! Keep it up 🙂 🙂
Hi Carryn,
Any tips for a 45-year old….. no baggage, no commitments no nothing keeping me at a job I hate and I figured some out the box thinking is required? I think I’m passed the yachting stage and the english teaching doesn’t really appeal to me. Have you come around ‘older’ people traveling? I would need to earn a living. Look forward to hearing from you. All the best, Ashleigh
Hi Ashleigh, thanks for reaching out. You’d be surprised just how many people we met that were older than 40, with a similar story to you. I’d advise you to look for Facebook travel groups for people who fit your profile. These groups offer support and advice and I think this would help you take the leap. But yes, lots of older people traveling – married, divorced, single who quit their high profile jobs to live a life on the road. It will be scarey at first but being out of your comfort zone will teach you things you’d never known before. Wish you all the best xx
Carryn I love your blog. It makes me feel I could do a trip out of my comfort zone by following your very clear directions. You explain things do well. Keep on going what you are doing do well. Look forward to your adventures in Aus.
Thanks Aunty Debs – I can’t wait for Aus! Sending lots of love
Lovin’ your photos too!
Thanks Katie!