The “Bree” behind Breeze Around the World!
Ahoy! I’m Bree and I’ve got a passion for the ocean, travel and, unironically, planning. I am currently an expat in New Zealand, spending as much time exploring the country as possible.
On this blog I focus on outdoor travel, primarily hiking and ocean adventures. Here you’ll find a ton of resources for planning your next backpacking trip or seaside adventure. I write honest, in depth planning articles for the outdoor adventurer.
Where it all began…
Where did my love for all things ocean and travel come from?
I think it all started with the 2006 movie Aquamarine. I think that’s where I first heard do the term “marine biologist” and the idea of moving to Australia. Far away and mystical Australia. I didn’t know if it was even possible for me but I dreamed of one day doing both.
In middle school I put up a big poster on the back of my wall with different travel destinations, both domestic and international.
I finally got my big break at planning a trip when I was 14 and sneakily emailed my grandfather’s travel agent asking about planning a family trip to Chile. My grandpa was born in Santiago and visited Chile every few years… I was set on getting to tag along. This was as much as I was involved in the travel plans, however, because my parents learned of my email thankfully, took over turning them into reality. We spent 2 weeks in Chile and I was in awe the whole time.
My next big travel break happened in college, where I was studying marine science. I knew it was time to make my eight year old dreams a reality. I would study abroad in Perth, Australia.
Unfortunately this was in early 2020 and I eventually got the boot from the country when the U.S. issued a high level travel warning. As brave as I felt traveling solo to Western Australia I wasn’t ready to be there indefinitely with no work visa or support system.
I planned everything about that 2020 trip myself, from navigating visas to housing to getting a bus card. I was devastated to leave early but it lit a fire under me. I can do this!! I can travel!
Where I am now…
Since then I’ve yet to make it back to Australia but I have been fortunate enough to go to several counties ( Sweden, New Zealand, Panama, Colombia, Tonga to name a few) in between the seasonal work I’ve been doing since graduating college in 2021.
For the last few years I’ve worked untraditional “seasonal” jobs in both Alaska and on Catalina Island, CA. I’ve worked in ocean tourism and marine science education, so I know A LOT about the marine ecology of the pacific coast, from California to Alaska.
Working Holiday Visa
Somewhere along the line I learned about the working holiday visa that people under 30 can get to work and live in New Zealand. My dreams of living in Australia shifted to it’s more rainforest covered neighbor.
After saying I was going to do it for over a year (telling people about my plans always kicks me into high gear!), saving up, applying for the visa and finally buying the tickets, I packed my bags at the end of 2024, destined for New Zealand. Now almost halfway through 2025 I am living in Nelson, NZ with my partner (he loved my vision of living abroad and couldn’t wait to join in the adventure), working at a brewery and traveling around the country.
I’ve got my sights set on seeing as much of New Zealand as possible during this one year visa and you can bet the travels won’t stop there.
If outdoor adventure travel is something you do or you want to do, I hope you stick around and get inspired!