Hi there and welcome to my blog, Away With Maja!

Born and raised in Minneapolis, in the great state of Minnesota, USA, I caught the travel bug way back in 2010 on a high school trip to Spain. In 2011, I left Minneapolis for a small college town and studied History at university, with a minor in Russian Studies.

During university, I had a year of adventure studying abroad in Nottingham, England from 2013-2014. I loved learning more about England and visiting so many interesting places. I also traveled (mainly solo) all over Europe during that year – culminating in a 2-week solo trip to Russia. My study abroad was the most influential year of my life, it opened my eyes in so many ways, and it changed the entire course of my life.

Since my study abroad, travel has completely dominated my life. I am always planning the next adventure, the next trip, and I am definitely happiest when exploring!

In 2016, I moved to England again, this time to the wonderful, historic, and charming city of York. I’ve been in York for over 6 years now! I moved for love and to be with my husband, who I had met studying abroad. Unfortunately, my marriage ended in a very painful way in 2020. I am very grateful that I was granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK in 2021 and I am now a permanent British resident.

Traveling is a part of me – it always has been, and it always will be. While many of my past adventures on the blog were with another person, my adventures now are mine and mine alone. I have always loved solo travel and have found it even more meaningful than ever before in the last year.

I combine full-time work with this travel blog, and have made travel a priority in every part of my life. When I’m not working, I’ll more than likely be out on adventures around Yorkshire, weekend trips throughout the UK, and longer travels all over Europe. By far my favorite region in the world is Eastern Europe, and as of August 2019 I’ve visited every country in that part of the world! I also love hiking and camping, so I share a lot about walks and outdoor adventures on the blog as well. In July 2021, I hiked all 84 miles of the Hadrian’s Wall trail, my first ever long-distance hike!

As an American, I’m in a pretty privileged global position—but living abroad can be tough. I try my best to keep it real on the blog and share lots of insights into my life in the UK as a foreigner, both good and bad.

I’ve created this space to share stories and advice from my travels, and to inspire others to travel as much and as far as possible! This world we live in is a fascinating place and we can learn so much (both about ourselves, and about others!) through travel. I hope you’ll come away with me on my adventures!

You can visit my Work With Me page for more information if you’re interested in working together!

Follow along on social media! I’m pretty active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest 🙂