The “Passport to People” interview series features inspiring, creative souls I’ve met while traveling.

Meet Livja Jaho, an Albanian girl living in Boston and working as a freelancing videographer and editor on Liv Jaho.com.

I met Liv during college at UMass Boston and immediately thought to myself, “this girl is going places.” And indeed, she has fulfilled that prophecy in every sense of the phrase: she’s followed her bliss and is now working as digital media editor while going to school and still making time to see the world. I’ve enjoyed all her snack-sized videos that she’s posted on instagram chronicling travels to Denmark, Arizona, and Paris, and that’s only scratching the surface of where she’s left her mark. She’s also been on the blog before to share her nena’s recipe for Kulaç, Albanian soda bread, proud to showcase her Albanian heritage to the world. Nowadays, she’s busy doing freelance videography under her startup, “Storytelling With A Soul.” For the second time around, I’m welcoming back the joyful spirit that is Livja Jaho to share a little bit of her travel persona.

Hello Liv! It’s nice to catch up again after all these years. You’ve been busy with your travels… what’s the key to planning a successful trip?

Have at least two major things you want to do or see for every day of your trip, then “wing” the rest! Do not over-plan but def don’t under-plan.

Where is your go to place for travel inspiration?

Instagram! I don’t have ONE place I go to for travel inspiration, but I follow some really cool people on IG so I get inspired from the places they travel to.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I love not being tied down in routine and feeling like life is a big adventure where anything is possible. Traveling makes my heart feel really full and light at the same time.

What’s a song that puts you in the traveling mood?

“Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root.

Now onto my favorite question: You, unfortunately, have been condemned to die. But fortunately, you get to have any meal in the world before you go. What is your menu?

Two large lobsters, a Ceasar side salad and bowl of spicy hot ramen (With the most-refreshing glass of Coca Cola on ice).

What’s your best travel-related investment?

Every plane ticket I’ve ever bought was an investment in my personal growth.

How do you cheer yourself up on a bad day?

If I’m stressed/anxious and need to relax listen to Louise Hay’s affirmations on YouTube, she has a great one to listen to before bed and right when you wake up. She makes you feel totally loved and relaxed. I’d I need cheering up because I am sad I reach out to a friend and chat, that always helps. Things aren’t as serious as we make them out to be.

What’s your in-flight essential?

Face mist, cleanser and moisturizing cream.

What’s a true hidden gem you’ve stumbled upon?

Joe The Juice (not a hidden gem at all, but they haven’t made their way to every US state yet!) I was introduced to them in Reykjavik airport and always top buy for a fresh veggie juice after my connecting flights. #WOWairlines

Best foreign curse word you know?

Esh (It means “Donkey” in Armenian)

Here are some photos of Livja on her travels…

You have just won a trip around the world! List twelve cities on your flight path.

Positano, Chefchaouen, Havana, Reykjavik, Rome, Jerusalem, Cape Town, Budapest, Hanoi, Stockholm, Istanbul, Beijing.

What is a good place to travel to but you would never want to live there?

I loved Arizona. The Grand Canyon is epic and beautiful and worth multiple trips. Sedona is totally magical. But I could never live in Arizona, I am a Northeastern kind of girl.

Do-it-yourself or pre-packaged experiences?

Do-it-myself or have my friends do it themselves and I tag along ;)!

Memorable advice from a stranger?

“Have lots of babies.” Advice on my 25th birthday from a nice Hasidic Jewish Man I met in Montreal.

Who is your travel hero?

I would definitely want Anthony Bourdain’s job, any day! Let him know I can jump in if he needs sick day!

Be sure to check out her website and social media!

Website \\ www.livjaho.com
Instagram \\ @livjaho
Facebook \\ @Storytelling With Soul