Welcome to Southwest Gal, your go-to guide for all things travel in the beautiful American Southwest.
I’m Sabrina, a travel blogger and Air Force Wife who’s fallen head over heels for the stunning landscapes and interesting cultures of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado.
Btw: I know that some people have different definitions of the Southwest (some count Texas instead of Colorado) – but these are the states I will be focussing on in this blog.
I want to take this space to introduce myself and my travel experiences here a little so you can get to know me a bit better!
About Sabrina
I am 30 years old and was born and raised in Austria. I worked there as a corporate lawyer for a while – before falling madly in love with a fighter pilot from the Netherlands.
Long story short – I quit my job and moved to the Netherlands with him. In the last couple of years, I have made travel blogging my full-time job and mostly explored the Dutch Caribbean and Europe. You can read all about my adventures on shadesofsummr.com (Note: Shadesofsummr is now run and owned by my husband).
In 2023, we got offered the chance to move to Holloman AFB, New Mexico – where my husband is now serving as a permanent point of contact for the Dutch Air Force.
Sadly, this move meant that I had to give up working once more. But I am not one to fret; instead, I have found a new passion for exploring the Southwest USA with my drone.
Obviously, I still love sharing all my insider tips and finds and building a community of like-minded people – so I have created Southwest Gal as a hobby page.
What You Can Expect Here
As I mentioned before, I am exploring the Southwest US full-time – and I have a lot of knowledge to share. I will be focussing on the states of New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado.
I want you to get a bit of a feel for what you can find on this page:
✔️ Insider Tips: Local secrets and must-visit spots you won’t find in the guidebooks. I talk to locals all the time and have many friends in the area (a perk of being a MILSO).
✔️ Hidden Gems: Off-the-beaten-path destinations and unique experiences. But of course, I’ll also visit some all-time favorites.
✔️ Slow-paced itineraries: Enjoyable and stress-free travel plans. I don’t do rushed itineraries – we explore in peace.
✔️ Instagrammable Locations: Picture-perfect spots for your travel photos. I don’t just travel for the photos – but I am a big believer in having beautiful travel memories all around my house.
✔️ Hotels and Restaurants: Luxe experiences that won’t break the bank. I don’t do budget travel – but I also don’t believe in overpaying for a little luxury.
✔️ Cultural Insights: The Southwest has so much interesting history and culture – and I’ll help you explore it with authenticity!
✔️ Travel Hacks: Practical advice to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
My Core-Values
At Southwest Gal, I believe in making travel meaningful and responsible. Here are the core values that guide my adventures:
- Respecting Nature and Animals: I cherish the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Southwest. My travels aim to leave no trace and protect the natural beauty for future generations.
- Respecting Locals: I honor the cultures and communities I visit. Building genuine connections and learning from locals is at the heart of my travels.
- Being Kind: Kindness goes a long way. From fellow travelers to local residents, I believe in spreading positivity and goodwill wherever I go.
- Not Rushing Experiences: I embrace the art of slow travel. Taking my time to truly experience each destination enriches my journeys and creates lasting memories.
- Having Fun: Joy and adventure are essential to travel. I always find ways to have fun and make the most of every adventure.
- Protecting Mental Health: Travel should be a source of joy and relaxation. I prioritize mental well-being by balancing adventure with self-care.
Who Will Love Southwest Gal
Southwest Gal is perfect for girls (and couples) aged 25 to 40 who are eager to explore the American Southwest with a touch of style and affordable luxury.
If you’re into discovering Instagrammable places, staying at fancy retreats, enjoying stunning but manageable hikes, and dining at chic restaurants, you’ll feel right at home here.
My blog is all about finding those hidden gems and unique experiences that combine elegance and adventure, without breaking the bank.
While I create Instagrammable journeys, I also value authentic travel experiences, ensuring our adventures are meaningful and not just superficial.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a fun trip with friends, Southwest Gal will guide you to the best spots for an unforgettable journey.
How To Contact Me
I would love to hear from you! Whether you need some help planning your trip or have questions about my itineraries – I am here to help. Of course, I also just love to connect on my socials with y’all and hear about your experiences.
Here are a couple of ways to contact me:
- E-Mail: [email protected].
- Facebook: Southwest Gal
- Pinterest: Southwest Gal
- Instagram: Drone By Sabrina
- Youtube: RDNT Drones
