Meet Tammie Bradley
@BradTheGirl
Tell us how you got started.
I did not get on a plane until I was 21 years old. I joined the military in 2008, which required me to fly. I have been hooked on traveling the world since! My first few plane rides were with the military, with my first “long” trip being to the Middle East. I was able to spend some time in Doha, Qatar on a break from duty and in that moment, I fell in love with traveling and experiencing other cultures!
Where did you receive your first passport stamp?
While I was deployed in 2012, my friend asked me to go on my first international trip (outside of the military). We went to the Dominican
Other than your passport, what is one thing you cannot travel without?
I have two! Majority of my travels are solo so I cannot/will not travel without my bluetooth remote tripod! Solo travelers want cute pics too! I am kinda OCD ish about bathtubs/showers so I never travel without shower shoes! I dont care how “nice” the location is. My tripod and shower shoes are the first two items I pack (yes even before my passport haha)
Was there a time something went wrong while traveling? How was it resolved?
I was invited to Cartagena, Colombia with a group of other travelers like myself. It was our first time meeting in person and everyone was excited to celebrate the last trip of the summer! I landed in Cartagena and was unable to swipe my Debit Card and unable to pull money out of the ATM. I was mortified. I went to about 6 or 7 different ATMs.. and nothing!! I was embarrassed, shocked, and depressed. I have always traveled with my debit card and been able to at least use the ATM if not swipe it. In Cartagena, I learned a valuable lesson about arriving with cash on hand so this doesn’t happen again. Luckily, the ladies I traveled with were super nice/sweet to me and looked out for me financially! They had just met me in person and here I am in Cartagena with zero dollars for 5 days! It was horrible but I was blessed to travel with women who understood my troubles and provided me with cash, tours, food, and drinks until I was able to send them the cash. By the way, my bank never could tell me why my card didn’t work!
Any advice to new travelers traveling internationally?
BOOK THAT FLIGHT! Do not be someone who has walked this Earth for 40 years and not truly lived! It is important to remember that we only have one life to live and it is vital to leave this world with memories that can be cherished forever versus dreams that we were not able to fulfill. Do not let fear stop you from experiencing the beauty of this world! There are too many resources that can give you recommendations on all types of traveling, including my favorite: solo travel!
How does traveling make you feel?
I am someone who truly believes that my “home is everywhere I have been” I have been able to experience some of the most desiring locations. Traveling keeps me humbled (as it constantly reminds me of my blessings), it keeps me educated (as I am able to see in person the things media won’t portray) and it keeps me smiling. That’s something that we all do in the same language; smile!! My passion in life is to inspire other moms, black men and women, and foster children (as I grew up as one) to travel. It is truly a unique experience every time I step off the plane.
What do the words Crowned and Cultured mean to you?
First, I would like to thank you for this opportunity to reach out to others on this platform; it is truly an honor! Crowned and Cultured can be broken down into two items in my book: Crowned: being unapologetically me as I embrace this world with my Crown upright at all times! I have been blessed and Crowned, and I am a living testimony of what my ancestors dreamed of. Cultured: Progressing to new heights, re-positioning myself (as needed), and embracing this world while spreading positivity to others no matter race, sex, religion, or age. I am very proud to be Crowned and Cultured.
