Yo!
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably just come across Lost With Purpose for the first time. Well, hold on to your seat: your life is about to change forever.
… no, I kid. You can let go of your seat now.
Hitching a ride with a truck driver in Xinjiang, China.
Here’s what’s really up
I’m Alex Reynolds (short for Alexandra), an American girl backpacking hither and thither around the planet. No need for fanfare, I’m just an ordinary twenty-something-year-old who sold everything, left a “real person” job, and decided to travel the world for a while.
My life fits into two backpacks, I am perpetually getting lost, and I dream of one day filling an entire passport. Update: I filled one, it was stressful to replace. New dream: SPACE TRAVEL.
How do I travel and where am I going?
The adventure began when I flew away from the haze of Amsterdam, Netherlands to frosty Tbilisi, Georgia in February 2016.
Ever since, I’ve traveled primarily over land using buses, taxis, trains, rickshaws, boats, horses, and rides from people I meet along the way. And then some.
A dangerously toxic hitchhike in Kazbegi, Georgia.
I travel to places often overlooked by Western tourists in favor of other destinations. Weeks of my life have passed without spotting Whiteus Peopleus, I’ve set foot in countries my government urges me to avoid, and I’ve spent many an hour miming things because it’s my only form of communication.
Though I’ve bopped around on several continents over the last few years, I seem to end up in Asia repeatedly, though I hope to add some more regions to my repertoire sooner rather than later. Not that my intentions really matter; my plans always fail, so I go wherever the wind takes me and there are good people (and good food) to be had.
Looking out over Old Balkh, Afghanistan… right before everything went a little crazy.
So what exactly is my purpose?
Funnily enough, I chose the name “Lost With Purpose” because I’m spacey as hell and always get lost. I might as well enjoy it, right? Hence, my purpose: to enjoy being lost.
… but these days, people ask assuming I have some greater purpose in mind. Admittedly I sometimes let them continue to think the blog name has deeper meaning than “herp derp where am I?”
Though I may float sans purpose, this blog doesn’t. Its original mission was to provide future travelers with useful information. When researching my trip, I struggled to find all of the dirty details I wanted about the places I meant to visit.
“Top 10 Instagram-ready Spots in Country X” lists are all well and good (just kidding, I think they’re wretched), but I’m more interested in things like what women should expect when traveling in Iran, or how to road trip around Saudi Arabia.
I do my best to cover what I find useful, and I’m always down to help others interested in following my footsteps. If you have questions, just ask! But please, for the love of god, don’t ask me to plan a whole itinerary for you.
Being abducted by adorable aunties and small children in Dhaka, Bangladesh
As I wandered along my merry way, another aim took form. I’ve come across so many good people from “forgotten” countries such as Armenia, or from countries suffering from negative reputations in the media such as Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Mission 2.0 is to promote tourism to these countries by sharing peoples’ stories, and showing sides of these countries that the media will never show. The world is far too vast for everyone to end up on the same beaches in Bali or streets in Paris year after year, just sayin’.
The most common question: how do I afford to travel?
I’m no trust fund baby (if only), and I don’t receive financial help from anyone (feel free to sponsor me, O Peoples With Monies). I fund my travels purely through money I saved or earned on my own… though I’d totally take on a sugar daddy as long as they’re down to only see me once a year.
Before my departure, I saved up enough money to travel for a little over a year… and the money stretched much further than I thought it would! These days, I’m doing the “digital nomad” hustle: I make some money from the blog, and freelance along the way so I can TRAVEL 4EVER & EVER extend my voyage indefinitely. Here’s exactly how I do it.
Prancing and dancing in Mechuka, AKA paradise in Arunachal Pradesh state, India
I also save money on the road by defying the expectations of locals and traveling as cheaply as possible.
Grubby hostels and hotels call to me. I’m not above eating bread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Walking an extra mile to find a bus instead of taking a taxi is chill with me… except when it’s literally 45°C outside. I don’t buy souvenirs–sorry family and friends–and I’ve passed on a tourist sight (or twelve) when I thought tickets were too costly.
Hitchhiking along one of the highest paved roads in the world
Basically, I travel hella cheaply in places that are hella cheap. You probably won’t find me wandering in western Europe any time soon, unless I’ve come back to visit family and friends or get shwasted during the Netherlands’ favorite holiday. Asia is much more cost effective. And the food is better.
Who the heck is this dude in half of your posts?
Ah, an interesting question!
At the start of my journey, I traveled with Sebastiaan, a gangly Dutchman/my boyfriend at the time. We traveled and ran the blog together for almost two years, but then broke up while traveling at the end of 2017. Oops!
Never fear, there’s no bitter feels—we’re still friends and he still helps out with the blog from time to time. I’m far too lazy not petty enough to go through and edit him out of all of the posts and pages he wrote, so you’ll just have to deal with the occasional plural pronoun and shot of his face.
Or you can pretend I transform into a European man under the full moon. That’s cool, too.
Frolicking in the Himalayas during the 2017 Royal Highlander Festival in Bhutan
Time to explore some more!
But that’s enough rambling for now. This is a blog, after all–why not check out some of my favorite posts?
My favorite travel stories
- Dirt cheap fares and endless stares (Bangladesh)
- The great divide (Pakistan)
- 1% of a Palitana pilgrimage (India)
- My brush with death in Tajikistan
My favorite photo essays
- Desert trippin’ at the urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (Pakistan)
- Patan Patola, the cloth of kings (India)
- Living it up in Laya at the Royal Highlander Festival (Bhutan)
- You need to visit the World Nomad Games (Kyrgyzstan)
I know you want to know
- How the [email protected]%k do I pay for all this full-time travel?!
- Breaking up on the road
- Caught between worlds: the confusing reality of reverse culture shock
- What I learned after four years of full-time travel
Being very professional *ahem* on the island of Hatiya in Bangladesh
Work with me?
I’m not above a little sweat and toil while on the road! I’ve gotta do what we can to keep the travel train running as long as possible. Feel free to inquire about working with me, collaborating with me, and/or sponsoring me.
Stalk me
If you’re too cool to read through the blog (lazy you), you can also stalk me on my other social media accounts. I’m down with that–it’s the 21st century, after all. Please don’t actually stalk me in real life, that’s not cool.
Alex oh Alex you indeed r living your dream girl. Kudos to you and having glimpses of you in the last 10 years did show me adventurous side of you. I just hope Aman will tether to your adventure and living free………Envious I am not and love you for pursuing your passion. Regards to Sebastian I have yet to meet.
Hi Dev! I think Aman has enough of a bad influence from you to encourage a crazy lifestyle… I expect great things 😉
Hope all is well with you, it’s been too long! Cheers from China! – A
Happy to have found your blog! I am looking forward to reading more of your adventures!
Glad to have you along for the ride!
You are my inspiration!! Looking forward to the other extremities 😀
That’s very nice to hear. Glad to have you along for the ride!
It´s a little bit off topic, but how did you cross to India – did you go overland via the Pakistan – India border? Was there any problem? (Planning to do it, heard it can get difficult…) Thank you! 🙂
No, we had to fly from Afghanistan to India. As long as you have the Pakistan visa already, crossing the border shouldn’t be a problem. Just be aware of the time differences, and make sure you get there early enough to waste time on bureaucratic BS 😉
Our friend The Broke Backpacker put together an article on this border crossing that might be helpful: http://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/wagah-border-crossing/
Really enjoyed your guys’ Kazakhstan posts. I was born in Almaty and never really went to travel around KZ, now I’m thinking I should plan something out!
You really should. You live in a beautiful country!. Cheers.
I really like your writing! It’s rare to find a travel blog that doesn’t mind being different and actually has something to say. -Ivan
Thanks a lot. That’s a great compliment to get. Cheers!
I commented on your Afghan blog/guide yesterday and only today have I gotten around to reading (some) of the rest of your stuff. Inspirational. ILove the quirkiness of your writing! ‘m a little older than you I suspect (know!) and now I’m too old to climb big mountains (I was never that good at it anyway), I’ve started exploring, mostly in Africa but, if plans work out, Afghanistan sometime soon (i do know when but I’m not publicizing it – see, I learn quickly!) Keep travelling – never stop! Looking forward to your book. There will have to be a book right? 🙂
Hiya, and thanks for commenting (again). Truth be told, we suck at climbing mountains too. Yet we try (and fail), because the views are so nice. We’d love to go to Africa one day, but our wallets aren’t big enough at the moment. It’s almost time to start replenishing them. Have fun in Afghanistan (smart move on not publicizing your exact dates). Do let us know if you need any help or are looking for reliable contacts in the country. As for the book, hopefully we can find a ghostwriter 😉 Cheers!
Hey Guys !! You are amazing and Very inspirational — you two will have a long and happy life together.
Are you planning another trip?
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thanks a lot! We’re actually still on a trip 😉
Loved this page and hooked on to your blog and your journey. Never come across someone who does not have western European countries in their travel plans Lol! Also, am from India and thoroughly enjoyed reading about your Indian adventures. Good luck.
That’s great to hear, thanks a lot. Haha, Europe is too costly for us 😉 And yeah we had a great time in India, and will be back soon. Where in India are you from?
hi!
i’m himadri from india , in saudiarabia for a decade now 50 years young and an avid shooter from india
in july i’m leaving for india please guide me for the gear, nikon full frame and sony rx1
HELLO,
I’M ANINDYA FROM INDIA. YOUR PAGE IS SO TOUCHY THAT I IMMEDIATELY FALL IN LOVE WITH IT.I NEED YOUR HELP IN FUTURE. IN YOUR NEXT VISIT TO INDIA,IF YOU WANT I WANT TO MEET with YOU.
HELLO,
I’M ANINDYA FROM INDIA. YOUR PAGE IS SO TOUCHY THAT I IMMEDIATELY FALL IN LOVE WITH IT.I NEED YOUR HELP IN FUTURE.
Hi Alex,
It’s really inspiring! You are literally living what I dreamt of. Thanks for the inspiration. I have to say that ” Your photos are awesome, whoever clicked them, great photographer”.
Thanks Lokesh. I take all my photos, except when I instruct others on how to take the shots of me 😉
I’m inspired by your posts and I’m a schools student
I seen your saving posts ho to save money and I will try asap
Post was too old now its 7 August 2018 ????
I will try to read all posts ????????
I am also a twenty something who has the travel bug. I have been to 106 countries…. none of which are in Central Asia. I am looking at people’s experiences getting Pakistani visas which is how I ended up on your blog. How did you get your Pakistani visa/how long did it take? Also if you want to go “off the tourist path” then I recommend visiting West and Central Africa. I know for a fact Central Africa Republic (was there in July) had about 210 tourists last year and that Equatorial Guinea (Americans are visa free) had less than a hundred. Most West African countries are safe for solo women travelers and get almost no tourists as well (Liberia for example gets a bad rap but is not bad. You will feel worshiped there as an American). My main recommendation for Africa is do couchsurfing/stay with locals. Everything other accommodation is either expensive or miserable. If you want to be off the tourist route in South America go Paraguay. Enjoy!
Very useful and nice write up….
Please stay in touch. Me too a writer.
nothing else but its coooooooool nd fantastic
Hi, I am Talal jamil from Lahore,Pakistan. I am just curious to know that who takes all your photos, these photos are really really good.
Hi my name is Usman Akram from Pakistan
I love your Blogs Photos Stories Or everything
You are most talented girl I have never seen it
So love you so much lost with purpose
Please make a more excellent travel tips or videos
Thank you so much
Love from Pakistan ????????❤
Hi, my name is Riley. I am from Pennsylvania and am doing a research paper partly about your website. I wanted to make sure it was alright. It is just a school paper about travel, writing, and the progression of communication.
Hi ALEX
my name is MARUTHUPANDI from INDIA (TAMIL NADU)
I love your Blogs Photos Stories Or everything
” Your photos are awesome,
I have never seen it
Please make a more excellent travel tips or videos
Please stay in touch. Me too a writer.
❤
You are exceedingly pretty, you wield the pen like a ninja and you have balls girl.
It’s been two years that I’ve been completely obsessed (sounds scary), fascinated and hypnotized by your blog. I just wanted to congratulate you on your artistic work and your absolutely hilarious posts, that made you become my #1 travel inspiration. Namascar !
Will be attempting a 1,700km thru-hike of the Great Himalaya Trail during May-June-July if you are interested, even though we don’t know each other at all!
+ By the way, weird question : What’s you zodiac ? (HA-ha-ha..)
Mathilda
Hey 🙂 ,
Thanks so much for being brave to quit your job, travel, admit you can be a bit introverted (a GD thing in my opinion – what would the world be like if everyone kept babbling all the time and didn’t ponder quietly sometimes to plan the next good step?), write an honest blog, take beautiful pictures that show how beautiful the world and its’ people are (something that it seems pretty much all other media does a crap job of…helping scare most people into accepting they should live in a way they aren’t happy with…and helping increase the number of antidepressants prescribed).
I wish you so, so well on your travels.
Pls keep doing what you feel you’d like to do ; you do great things 🙂 , and the world needs more happy people imo.
I hope I can find such strength and bravery as you did/do.
Warmest & best wishes,
& Thanks for your inspiration! 🙂
One of the best blogs I have come across in real life!
When I see someone has been to Orchha – that’s it, traveller spotted, who diverges from the main track and wanders around (like me).
Well, the thing is Orchha (despite it’s grandeur and stories) is unknown to almost everyone I have talked to (Indians), which was quite unbelievable for me at first, but now I’m used to “I have never heard about this place” reaction whenever I tell anyone about where I want to go.
So, It has been two days and I’m still wandering through your posts, It’s like a treasure I have been looking for unknowingly.
The posts about Manipur (my next stop) are best detailed ones I’ve come across internet yet.
I’ll suggest some more less popular, lesser known places if you ever plan to visit India again.
Hey Alex, a lot of good words are up here already. I am just going to go ahead and add more. Your blog is very genuine. This is the first thing I appreciate about you. There are no dupattas flowing and no filmi posing for the camera. This is happening more often than expected on other famous bloggers who have chosen to cover similar regions as yours. That’s how it should be on a vlog: cut to the point and not worried about trimmings. You are real and raw. Kudos. On top of all of this, your latest video on the critique of Pakistan’s tourism and its focus is entirely justified. I myself have travelled extensively enough in many areas from Baluchistan to Sost and I have genuinely found many, many untethered ends. #PakistanIsNotEasy. That is what should be trending.
really nice to see your travel journey, i love it and surely like to see more .. i am from india but staying at abu dhabi – uae , let me know if you have plan to come this part of world.. bye for now
could you please helpful for being us a solo traveler ?
You are blessed my lady ! All the best with everything you go for and STAY SAFE!
me and my husband run a instablog travel_gourmet_world on insta.
We are planning UZBEK trip next month and loved reading your experience.
THANKYOU!
Just Grate
I am feeling great that you are living your life. Many times I thought the same to travel the world. But something stops me to travel the world. I hope one day I would also travel.
Great work!! Couldn’t read your entire work/blog but would eventually do so.
Sarcastic AF which brings life to all your stories, thanks.
You are an inspiration! Wishing you happy travels! I will commence my explorations in less than one year, moved by the same spirit.
Alex the great Alexander !!
I too want to lost in this world,
But did not had money and passport.
Can you help me by allowing me to help you rest of my life as an assistant.
Note: I AM PLEADING LIKE THIS BECAUSE I KNOW NOTHING TO WORK.!.