Gabby Beckford, the globetrotting creator behind Packs Light, doesn’t just document her worldwide trips, she provides tangible tools for people to embark on their own adventures. After a solo trip to Iceland at 17, she learned how to unlock fully-funded travel through scholarships and study-abroad programs, and now shares her wisdom with others, championing accessible travel along the way. Today she’s an award-winning creator and founder of the PTO dashboard, a platform connecting underrepresented travelers to paid global experiences.

From the Cayman Islands to China to Switzerland, Beckford shows us that exploring the world is more than just being in a destination, it’s also the best path to self-discovery and personal growth. Here she shares how she first got the travel bug, her favorite places to visit, and how everyone can afford to travel with the right tools.

When did your passion for travel start and what was your first memorable experience?

Gabby Beckford: My passion for travel started at 17 when I took my first solo trip to Iceland. It was the canon event of learning that the quickest way to grow was to get outside my comfort zone. Not long after, I won a few scholarships to study abroad in Dubai, where I spent a year living in one of the most expensive cities in the world, completely paid for. That experience showed me that travel wasn’t just a dream I had, it could be a strategy for freedom, self-discovery, and more opportunity.

Why do you think it’s important to travel young and travel even when you might be nervous about the experience?

Because fear doesn’t mean you’re not ready; it means something transformative is waiting on the other side. Traveling while you’re young gives you a new perspective before the world boxes you in, and that’s so invaluable. You realize how many ways there are to live life and that you don’t have to be limited to what you grew up with nor what you were taught. Even when it’s scary, every challenge teaches you resilience and confidence that you can’t learn anywhere else.

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What tips do you have for solo women of color travelers?

Start where you are with what you have. Do your research, connect with other women of color travelers online, and trust your intuition once you’re on the ground. And never shrink yourself to make others comfortable. Take up space: you deserve to be there — there’s nothing wrong with starting small.

You’ve visited some unique spots in the world, what are three under-the-radar places that people should visit in 2026?

Nanjing, China: China absolutely captivated me and I spent almost a month there last year. Nanjing is a stunning mix of ancient culture and modern luxury, it’s super safe, and I ate some absolutely delicious food there.

Montreux, Switzerland: I went this past summer and had the time of my life at the Montreux Jazz festival they host annually. I also ate cheese fondue in the gorgeous mountains and swam in Lake Geneva. It was a peak European summer destination.

Oman: Gorgeous, peaceful, rejuvenating. They have desert camps and mountain landscapes that feel untouched, and also great lesser known scuba diving off the coast.

What is the PTO Dashboard on your site? How can people utilize it?

The PTO Dashboard is the core of SeekPTO, my travel scholarships community that connects our users to find Paid Travel Opportunities (PTO) — scholarships, fellowships, study abroad programs that make travel financially accessible. My goal is to remove the “I can’t afford to travel” barrier once and for all, specifically for marginalized communities.

You recently won an award. Can you tell me more about that?

Yes! I was honored as a ADCOLOR Influencer of the Year award winner. That recognition meant so much because it celebrates creators who use their platforms for cultural and social impact. For me, it validated that storytelling with purpose and showed what’s possible for women and travelers of color.

I’ve noticed from following you that you often change your hair up. Do you match your hair to your trips and if so, how do you determine the style and vibe?

[Laughs] Definitely! I think of my hair as part of my travel prep. If I’m going somewhere tropical, I’ll go for protective styles like braids or twists. If it’s Europe, I’ll lean into something sleek and polished. Somewhere bold like Japan or Dubai? I might let-it-fro. My hair tells a story, and it’s both expression and strategy.

You’re very active on Threads, any tips for people who want to get more involved?

Post like you’re texting a friend, not writing an essay. Threads rewards conversation, not perfection, so engage more than you broadcast, share half-formed thoughts, and show up with humor and honesty. When you treat it like a group chat instead of a press release, you’ll naturally build community.

What’s next for Packs Light and you as a traveler?

Packs Light is evolving into a lifestyle brand for ambitious women who want both adventure and abundance. I’m focused on showing that travel can be both aspirational and accessible. Personally, I’m leaning into more intentional, culture-rich travel — exploring places that inspire transformation, not just vacation. I want to keep proving that when you “pack light,” you make room for everything that really matters!

Follow Gabby Beckford on Instagram here