Mollie Cohen

https://www.AnAubergineDream.blogspot.com

Age: 20

Hometown: Stony Brook, NY

Quote: “My friends are extremely supportive and excited for me. They love to hear my stories and are happy to see me doing what I love.”

How did you find out about Vagabonding, and how did you find it useful? I took a solo road trip to California in 2009 that lasted about three months. During this time I was introduced to the book Vagabonding and ever since, used it for the helpful resourses it provided. I also found it motivating and helped me believe that what I am and was doing is right.

What is your job or source of travel funding for this journey? I am an experienced Body Piercer. Since I returned from my last road trip I have been saving for this! Working 30-50 hour weeks for the past 9 months will fund this trip.

Do you plan to work on the road? YES! I have been lucky enough to find a few guest spots at Tattoo and Body Piercing shops across the US. During my last road trip I did not work and simply enjoyed other things. Working will lead to many different experiences for me, possibly open the door for more opportunities and allow me to travel for more extended time.

What was the reaction of your friends/family/colleagues as you planned your trip? Initally for everyone it was a complete surprise. Overall my family is upset for me to leave but are slowly beginning to accept that this is becoming a lifestyle for me. My friends are extremely supportive and excited for me. They love to hear my stories and are happy to see me doing what I love. And one of the few people who truly understand what I am doing is one of my co-workers who also fully supports me.

Any tips or lessons learned from the travel-preparation process? One suggestion I have for preparing to travel on the road would be to make sure everything you are going to need for breaks is easily accessable in the car. This way when you make a stop you don’t spend an hour searching through luggage for things you may want or need…

How long do you hope to spend on the road? I hope to spend at least 6 months. I have a budget and am working on becoming a minimalist but depending on my work and existing finances it may be more or less.

Which destinations do you hope to visit? I am driving and will be visiting many places. A few that I hope will definitly work out are Hawaii, I plan on volunteering through WWOOF on an organic farm. I also would love to revisit Colorado on the way home.

Which experiences are you most looking forward to? I am looking forward to body piercing and giving that experience to people across the US. How many vegan resturants/cafes I can find along the way! The amazing people I will meet and share experiences with through couchsurfing, skydiving in beautiful places all around the US! And last of all Volunteering in Hawaii!

What are you packing for the journey? Things used for work , minimal clothing, a sleeping bag, lap top, Ipod, GPS, digital camera and a large amount of Cliff Bars for the road!

Do you have any worries or concerns about the journey? I am worried about how well my car is going to hold up, being almost 10 years old and over 130,000miles. Also what direction I will take if something happens and I cant afford to fix it. I also get home sick very quickly but will have to overcome that!

How can we best follow your adventures?
Blog – www.AnAubergineDream.blogspot.com
Myspace – www.myspace.com/mopinkizzle
YouTube – ID – AnAubergineDream

Are you a Vagabonding reader planning, in the middle of, or returning from a journey? Would you like your travel blog or website to be featured on Vagabonding Case Studies? If so, drop us a line at casestudies@vagabonding.net and tell us a little about yourself.