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<p>Yasheika Shea Powell (call her Shea) has wanderlust. In other
words, travel is in her blood.</p>
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<p>“It’s my drive,” says the fast-talking, Kingston-based blogger.
Her website, <a href="http://www.theworldupcloser.com," target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.theworldupcloser.com,</a>
is packed with useful travel tips and true-life experiences - alongside dreamy
photographs of places she has visited. You can find Shea on Instagram - in an
Italian vineyard (wineglass in hand); meditating under the cherry blossoms in
Japan; or daydreaming on a houseboat in Kerala, India.</p>
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<p>Shea’s first trip abroad was to Washington, DC on April 23, 2008
(she remembers the exact date). Since then it’s been hard for her to stay in
one place. But what, or where is her inspiration?&nbsp;</p>
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<p>A big sigh. “OMG! South America!” Her first (visa-free) trip there
was to Ecuador, which “has a special place in my heart,” says Shea. Her Spanish
is improving rapidly. Among the 38 countries she has visited to date, an “intense”
twelve days in Japan and a road trip around Iceland (“a whole different planet
by itself”) also stand out for her.</p>
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<p>But isn’t travel a big headache nowadays? Shea is organized,
prepares well and just looks forward to her next journey. As for paperwork: “My
passport is my resumé. I trust the process.”</p>
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<p>“85 per cent of my trips are solo,” says Shea. “It may sound selfish, but then I can do exactly what I want!” She loves the freedom, makes friends along the way - but sometimes wishes she could share a stunning view or a delicious meal with family and friends. We are lucky to have her blog!</p>
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<p>Every location has its appeal. So, what about our Jamaica - what makes it unique? “It’s the vibe! It’s the energy of the people,” Shea declares. She admits that her favourite haunts are Portland, which she calls “my safe haven,” and the chilled-out mood of Treasure Beach.</p>
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<p>So, where next? For Shea, all roads lead to the continent of
Africa, which she has never yet visited. “Namibia, Botswana, South Africa - oh,
and Morocco. And Egypt!” She has a checklist and she will be working on it
soon.</p>
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<p>Really soon. Shea is not one to hesitate. The airport awaits!</p>
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<p>Heads up: <strong>BUZZ will be travelling</strong> around Jamaica with Shea to discover those special corners of the island we call “hidden gems.” Stay tuned!</p>
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