Andrea Robinson is a illustrative graphic designer and logo design specialist living in the Lexington, Kentucky area with her husband Tim. When not working with clients she can be found in her studio painting, outside playing with her two children or planning their next travel adventure or vacation.
Andrea was fortunate to be able to study art and travel around southern Italy while studying for her Bachelor of Fine Art degree. The experience gained her college credit, an art history education and a new love for traveling.
This summer study experience resulted in Andrea being smitten with the travel bug and was the start of a lifelong journey of random travels.
We wanted to learn more about some of the creativity-inspiring places that Andrea has traveled.
A Kentucky sunrise.
The Jones: What inspires you to travel?
Travel is the ultimate sensorial experience; investigating other landscapes and cultures feeds my creative belly. Traveling for me is the ultimate playground — a chance to daydream and investigate a new place using my human senses to their fullest by taking in captivating sights, memorable sounds, and unforgettable fragrances.
Travel energizes me and recharges my creative batteries. Art and travel, I feel are connected and provide inspiration for a layered life. What’s not to love about wandering down a street or peering up at architecture you only read about in a book? When you are in front of the real thing you experience something in an entire new way. Perhaps my travels are also connected to the desire to be one with many cultures and investigating the way others live around the world.
Kayaking in Maine’s Allagash Wilderness Waterway.
Have you always enjoyed travel? What contributed to your love of travel?
Andrea: Yes, but as a child I had only traveled to Daytona Beach, Florida for vacations. Let’s just say my idea of travel was very limited. I now enjoy more than the sand, sun and the Atlantic Ocean. I have experienced places like the Daintree Rainforest, Sydney, Australia, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in Maine, Chicago, historic New Orleans (pre Katrina), and Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
Art like traveling is a journey. The paths traveled may be different but the joy of capturing new experiences along the way can really nourish your soul. I lost my father to a tragic accident at age 12 and as an adult became aware that my art and exploring new places are personal healing practices. Traveling to different destinations feeds my souls desire to connect with people of other cultures.
Ocracoke, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks
What is your favorite destination? Why?
Andrea: Do I really have to pick one? If I were to choose a destination In the USA today I would pick Ocracoke Island or really anywhere on the Outer Banks of North Carolina (also known as OBX.) I can’t believe I just discovered this gem last year but I think this is one Americas best kept secret vacation destinations! It has so much to offer for families. The OBX is rich with natural activities, sports activities of every kind, natural beautiful nationally protected parks full of fun for the entire family sun up to sun down. I love the pace of this place; it has a rhythm of its own.
What about your hometown? if we visit Lexington, Kentucky, what should be on our “must experience” list ?
Andrea: Lexington, Kentucky is unique because there is only one place in the world where you can be fanatical about horses and wildcats at the same time. The Horse Capital of the World, my hometown is surrounded by 450 horse farms and home to the 1,200-acre Kentucky Horse Park, the Thoroughbred Training Center, and the Keeneland Race Course. Also, we are known for the most passionate, loyal college basketball fans our beloved, University of Kentucky Wildcats.
We have a mixture of art galleries, parks, theaters, restaurants, businesses and charming historic neighborhoods like the one I grew up in where a few blocks away is the historic home of the Statesman Henry Clay.
Truly, a very cosmopolitan city for its smallish size and I can’t leave out that we are very close to the birthplace of Bourbon, America’s only native spirit. Plus, if you prefer wine over bourbon there is no shortage of quality young wineries in the area. Did you know that in the late 1700’s Lexington, Kentucky was home to the nation’s first commercial wine growing operation? My favorite local winery is Equus Run Vineyards.
Andrea and her husband enjoy Hayman Island in Australia.
What destination has surprised you the most, either good or bad?
Andrea: The most surprising destination I have had the pleasure of visiting is Hayman Island–one of the White Sunday Islands–located within Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Hayman Resort is a first class five star hotel, featuring true superb customer service, where every detail is perfectly stated. A first class cruise ship will escort you and other guest to the Resort. While on board no detail will be overlook and bubbly will be served during your ride to the serene peaceful retreat in the middle of the most stunning seascapes and white beaches your eyes will ever view.
My only regret is that I haven’t been back and that the reef was too sandy to get a clear view of all the underwater life, coral and fish living in the reef. My husband has promised we will return one day to snorkel the reef.
Why do you think that travel is important?
Andrea: I feel experiencing other landscapes and cultures help us truly understand our purpose and place in this world and as Walt Disney so eloquently illustrated in the popular ride “it’s a small world after all.” Experiencing our “˜small world’ gives our normal daily life perspective.
From your travels, do you have a practice or insight that makes your travel experiences more enjoyable?
Andrea: I have learned that I really do not need to over pack. I now can travel pack for three people in one small suitcase with room left for extra purchases. Plan your attire of mix and match to create more looks. Ladies bring a few good accessories to dress up for dinner or nights out. Limit your shoes to three pair max one for beach, sport or walking and one dressy pair.
Do your homework of things to do before you leave but leave time and room to explore schedule free and stay away from tacky mementos bring back something natural or perhaps something artful.
You can view Andrea’s portfolio of work here, read her small business blog, or connect with her on Twitter.
Read More Traveler Interviews:
- “National parks “;truly special, truly American places. All of them can steal your breath and touch your soul.” A Travel Chat with a Business Owner and a Family Doctor.
- “I never knew I could enjoy life so much without electricity “;” A Travel Chat with a southeastern Missouri Attorney.
- “I love to see new places and experience the beauty, food and people of different regions.” A Travel Chat with a Cruise Industry Insider
- “When I travel, my camera is with me all day.” A Travel Chat with an Art Photographer.
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