We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jami Dale. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jami below.

Jami, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I grew up in Kentucky. My grandparents were farmers, and I spent my childhood fishing and playing sports. In the age of Disney princesses, I always connected to Belle. I loved reading because I could escape to beautiful places around the world. I dreamed of visiting far-off places. “I want much more than this provincial life” kind of stuff. I was, and still am, a little dramatic.

But I’d never met anyone who’d actually done it, so it was more of a daydream than any goal.

As a high school student, my Spanish teacher showed us pictures of her travels in Mexico. I can still picture the little desks lined up in rows. I stared too long and thought, “I’m going to have photos like this one day.”

These memories flashed in my brain as a college student sitting on a dorm room floor, half-joking about studying abroad. A friend and I signed up a few days later.

It was exciting when it was abstract. When it became real, I remember thinking, “Who do you think you are doing this?” I’d never left the country and had only been on a plane once. I applied for school and for visas. I planned my trip to my host mom’s house in Valencia, Spain. I was so clueless that I can’t believe I made it!

I lived for five months in a home with a host mom who couldn’t speak English, took classes from Spanish professors, and traveled.

I still don’t know what gave me the courage to embark on something I was just not prepared for. There were a million questions I just didn’t have the answers to.

But, I had the chance to chase a dream, and I didn’t know if it would ever come again. I was actually pretty sure it wouldn’t.

So, I took the risk and got on the plane. I found my love of travel and experiencing new things. It also taught me that anything that seems impossible can be achieved through a series of small choices; just do the next right thing.

That one day on a dorm room floor changed my life.

Jami, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I fell in love with travel in that study abroad semester, but shortly after I graduated, I was diagnosed with celiac disease. It felt like my travel dreams were done. I could barely live my life as a celiac, so travel seemed impossible.

I had to figure out life first. But then I started to figure out how to travel safely with celiac. It’s more work than I wish it were, but I’ve yet to find a trip I can’t figure out.

A few years ago, I started my travel blog to share itineraries, restaurant guides, and inspiration for celiacs and others who have to eat gluten-free. Tracking down information to travel safely as a celiac is tough. And it’s hard to let every detail go if you’re working with a travel agent.

It’s anxiety-inducing, and I’m really proud of the resources I put out for gluten-free travelers. I love planning trips and researching places to eat. I go to great lengths to find good gluten-free food!

I have a background in teaching and counseling, so I love to share and help! I also believe that pushing gluten-free travel limits will open doors and inspire others.

I love adventures, checking things off my bucket list, and finding the best gluten-free pastries on the planet. I’m also a big fan of the gluten-free travelers who pop into emails or DMs so we can share stories and tips. It’s a fun community.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

There are so many resources I wish I’d had early on.

First, I wish I’d known that it’s okay to try several creative pursuits before you find the one that fits you. I tried countless things to find my creative outlet. I found several that I am not passionate about, and they added stress to my life. As it turns out, I enjoy writing, and travel blogging allows me to use my love of photography without the pressure I felt when I was taking photos for others.

Regarding travel blogging, I wish I’d known that the people you follow will drive where you end up.

I wish I’d found Nina Clapperton of She Knows SEO and Aisha Preece before I started. They provide great information and are my go-to travel blogger resources.

Finally, we all start somewhere. It’s okay to be a beginner. Looking back on your old work shows what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. It’s not a bad thing to want to improve! Allow yourself some grace as you learn and grow.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

“Don’t be a show off” is a big lesson I’ve unlearned.

I remember learning to hide my test scores in elementary school because I was taught that my good grades would make others feel bad. I learned that being outwardly proud of what I’d accomplished was braggy and would be ill-received by others in my life.

Now, I’ve learned to be proud of what I’ve done.

I’ve worked hard to craft a life I love that allows me to pursue something I love. I am lucky to have the opportunity to travel to amazing places and eat delicious gluten-free food that I can’t find at home, and I get to write a blog to help other people do the same!

Now, I look at things differently. I’m trying to show other people what’s possible, not make them feel bad. I try to share more freely now, but I have to remind myself that it’s okay to be excited about something!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.celiactravelpack.com
• Instagram: celiactravelpack

Image Credits

Jami @ Celiac Travel Pack