Hi, I’m Gina—a Chicago-based travel and lifestyle creator with Italian and Mexican roots. I lived abroad in Japan and South Korea almost a decade before returning to the United States. On Globelle Gina, I share intentional solo travel, city-focused guides, and everyday adventures, often alongside my Pomeranian, Honey, for women building a life between trips.
Globelle Gina began as a personal project while I was living abroad in Japan and South Korea, but it has grown into something more grounded and expansive. This space is about travel that fits real life, not escape. It’s about curiosity, independence, and learning how to make the most of where you are, whether that’s across the world or down the street.
Where It All Started
Travel has always shaped the way I see the world. I grew up between cultures, spending summers in Mexico with my family and being raised in Chicago by an Italian-American father and a Mexican mother from Jalisco. Those early experiences taught me how to move between worlds, languages, and ways of living long before I ever left the country.
As a teenager, I became fascinated with Japan after stumbling across books and media that made the world feel bigger than my own neighborhood. That curiosity stayed with me through college and eventually led me abroad.
After graduating, I was accepted into the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program and moved to Okinawa, a small island once known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. Living there gave me my first real sense of independence and confirmed what I already suspected: I was meant to live expansively.
From Japan, I later moved to South Korea, where I continued teaching, traveling, and building a life abroad. Those years shaped my confidence, worldview, and creative voice, and they still influence how I approach travel and storytelling today.
Coming Home, Differently
Eventually, that chapter ended. If you’re curious about Why I Left Korea, I wrote a detailed post and attached a video of my real-time thoughts on the matter.
I returned to the United States with a clearer sense of who I was and what mattered to me. Today, I’m based in Chicago, a city that continues to ground and inspire me.
Globelle Gina now focuses on intentional solo travel, city-centered exploration, and building a meaningful life without waiting for perfect circumstances. Much of my content reflects what’s accessible right now: local adventures, thoughtful travel planning, and everyday moments that still feel expansive.
You’ll often see my Pomeranian, Honey, along for the ride. She’s part of my life and my travels, and she shows up naturally in my content, especially when exploring pet-friendly spaces.
What You’ll Find Here
On Globelle Gina, you can expect:
- Chicago-based guides and local exploration
- Intentional solo travel ideas
- City-focused itineraries and inspiration
- Reflections shaped by life abroad
- Everyday adventures that don’t require disappearing from your life
This is a space for women who are building something, navigating transitions, and choosing curiosity over stagnation.
Behind the Scenes
I’m a self-taught creator with experience in SEO, blogging, photography, videography, and social media strategy. Globelle Gina is both a creative outlet and a professional platform, and I approach it with care, intention, and long-term vision.
A Final Note
Globelle Gina isn’t about chasing a highlight reel. It’s about movement, growth, and learning how to live well between trips, chapters, and seasons.
Thanks for being here.
1. What kind of camera do you use?
I use the Sony A7iii for my travel and lifestyle photography. I realize the price point of the Sony A7iii isn’t for everyone, but it was my dream camera for so long.
I also use the Sigma 24-70mm lens and the Sony 16-35mm lens and it is a great every day lens. To film videos, I use my iPhone 14 Pro.
2. What do you use to edit your photos?
I mostly use paid software. I use Adobe Lightroom for both mobile and my laptop. I also have my own presets which you can check out in my shop here.
3. What do you use to edit your videos?
For my YouTube videos, I use Final Cut Pro X. For my TikToks and Reels, I use InShot. There’s both a free and paid version of the app.
4. How do I get a job teaching English in South Korea?
I made a Goliath of a blog post to help you get a job teaching English in Korea. It’s mostly geared towards Americans getting a job since I am American and I have experience. If you’re applying from Japan, then read this post.
5. How did you get started with your travel blog?
I originally started my blog as Gina Bear in Japan. At first I was documenting my misadventures as a very young 20 something lost in translation.
I started writing about my experiences as an expat on the JET Program and mostly using it as a travel diary. I soon grew as an authority on all things expat in Japan and my blog took off from there.
I became known as an authority on all things South Korea. If you want to start your own successful travel blog, check out my step by step guide.
6. Have you ever had plastic surgery?
I realize I lived in South Korea and it’s the plastic surgery capital of the world. But to answer your burning question…
No, I have not. I am a gigantic baby when it comes to pain.
The last thing I would ever do is go under the knife. I also like myself the way I am.
I have no problem with others who want to alter their appearance to feel better. Beauty should be for everyone and attainable.
Everyone is entitled to do whatever they like to their own bodies. Your body. Your choice.
Honestly, I have been approached by many famous plastic surgery clinics in Gangnam who have offered me everything from free breast augmentation to whatever you can think up in your wildest dreams. I’ve turned them all down because I don’t need any work done.
I have however, accepted treatments for acne from dermatology departments at plastic surgery clinics. Adult acne is one of my biggest struggles.
However, if you consider LASEK vision correction and laser underarm hair removal cosmetic surgery, then yes, I am guilty as charged.
I’m also 100% proof that if you eat right and have a healthy lifestyle (Cross Fit and being vegetarian) you can transform your body and life. Hard work can get you to some pretty awesome places.
7. Do you make an income from your blog?
Yes, I absolutely do. As much as I would love to give all my information and hacks for free, a girl has gotta eat…
And not only that, I gotta fund my travels too! I make my income from proudly partnering with SheMedia, affiliate links, sponsorships, and my own E-Books about South Korea!
8. How do you travel so much? Are you rich?
I wish I had ten million dollars so I could go about traveling the world with my Honey Bear and not have to work a day in my life. I work my regular remote job, sponsorships with travel companies I truly love, and my blog.
I spent a lot of time building up my social media influence as a portfolio to show people I am a professional. This enables me to go on press trips and stay at hotels for free which really helps me continue making free content for you to enjoy on the blog.
*Note: This article does contain affiliate links. If you chose to purchase through me, at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission to help Globelle Gina keep running. Thanks!
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