We recently connected with Madeline Galanis and have shared our conversation below.

Madeline , appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One of the biggest risks I ever took was during my final year of college when the world was still grappling with the effects of COVID-19. While all of us were still in lockdown, navigating virtual classes and canceled opportunities, I refused to let the pandemic define my experience. I was determined to go abroad for my 500 hour internship, even though my school wasn’t offering support due to travel restrictions.

I took matters into my own hands—securing my own internship, finding an apartment in Spain, and moving there completely on my own. I was the only person in my graduating class who managed to make it happen. It was terrifying at first—I had no safety net, no pre-arranged guidance, and no guarantee that everything would work out. But that experience forced me to grow in ways I never expected. I learned how to adapt, how to navigate a foreign country alone, and most importantly, I proved to myself that I could take control of my own path, even when the odds were against me.

That experience shaped the way I approach life and travel today. It taught me that you don’t always have to follow the “rules” or do what’s expected just because everyone else is. Taking the unconventional route led me to one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life—and that mindset continues to push me forward in every journey I take.

Madeline , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Madeline, most people call me Maddie. I’m an only child who grew up traveling to Greece to visit my family, learning about my grandparents’ lives before they migrated to the U.S. That experience alone shaped my love for travel, giving me a deep appreciation for culture, history, and the connections we make along the way. I’ve always had an artistic mind, allowing me to see travel as more than just a destination—it’s an experience, a story waiting to be told. Alongside my passion for exploring the world, I also work in infectious disease within the epidemiology department. Science has always fascinated me because it’s something you can never stop learning, much like travel. Another love of mine is food—it’s my love language. With both my father and grandfather being chefs, I grew up appreciating how food brings people together, and that’s one of the reasons I find traveling so exciting—embracing new cultures, especially through their cuisine. I’m incredibly proud of pushing myself to create a space where I can share travel tips, hidden gems, and affordable ways to explore the world. I’ve made mistakes along the way—especially with finances—but I use those lessons to help others. One of the biggest things I share with my audience is how utilizing a travel credit card the right way can get you to amazing destinations for practically nothing. I’m beyond grateful for the hotels, companies, and Airbnbs that have collaborated with me, fueling my passion and motivation to continue traveling and inspiring others to do the same.

Creating my travel account has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. It has given me a space to share my love for travel while connecting with others who share the same passion for exploring the world. Through this platform, I’ve learned about incredible experiences I never even knew existed, expanding my own perspective on travel. More importantly, it has allowed me to help others—especially those who may feel intimidated by the idea of traveling—by sharing tips, hidden gems, and ways to make travel more accessible. Seeing people gain the confidence to explore new places because of my advice is what makes this journey so fulfilling.

I take immense pride in my Greek heritage, which has shaped not only my love for travel but also my appreciation for culture, history, and food. From the language to the cuisine, I embrace every aspect of my Greek identity, and I love sharing that with my audience—whether it’s through showcasing hidden gems in Greece, highlighting authentic local experiences, or celebrating the rich history that makes my heritage so special.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most resilient moments of my life came when I moved to Spain for an internship during the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic. With most opportunities on hold and my school unable to provide support, I knew I had to take matters into my own hands. I found an incredible internship with a company that allowed me to work with individuals with mental and physical disabilities—an experience that left a lasting impact on me. Spain became my home for five months, and while the transition wasn’t easy, I pushed through the challenges of living abroad on my own. I navigated new cultures, dealt with language barriers, and adapted to unfamiliar situations. Through it all, I am incredibly grateful for the chance to make a difference and be part of something so meaningful. That experience taught me the true value of resilience—creating opportunities, embracing discomfort, and finding strength in uncertainty.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey of consistency, authenticity, and passion. I started by sharing my personal travel experiences—hidden gems, budget-friendly tips, and the lessons I learned along the way. Rather than just posting beautiful destinations, I focused on storytelling, making my content relatable and informative. Engaging with my audience has been key—I respond to messages, share advice, and genuinely connect with people who love to travel as much as I do. Over time, my dedication paid off, and my content began reaching a wider audience. One of my biggest breakthroughs was when a few of my travel reels gained millions of views, introducing my page to thousands of new followers. Collaborating with hotels, brands, and fellow travelers also helped grow my community, but what truly sets my account apart is my commitment to making travel feel accessible to everyone. Whether it’s showing how to use travel credit cards wisely or highlighting underrated destinations, I love inspiring others to explore the world in a way that fits their lifestyle!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/view/globalgoddess/home
• Instagram: @global_goddess__

Image Credits

Madeline Galanis | @global_goddess__