Digital influencer and nomad Aubrey Daquinag took her love for photography to start theloveassembly.com, A travel and lifestyle blog dedicated to inspiring young women to live a more creative and curious life.
Born and raised in Australia, and constantly curious about the world. Within only 18 months of The Love Assembly being live, she partnered with Condé Nast Traveler in New York as the first contributing Australian travel and style blogger. From landing her first sponsored trip with Countrylink Australia, to showcasing her travel vlogs across public screens, and now collaborating with global brands like Conde Nast Traveler, Cathay Pacific and Tourism Japan. Aubrey shows that a step out of the comfort zone and into the unknown can lead to some incredible places in life that you would have never ever even dreamed about.
She has spent the last few years making the world her office, documenting her experiences on her blog, The Love Assembly. In her new book ‘WANDER • LOVE’, Aubrey shares what it’s like living in her world – starting with how the idea came to fruition, the ‘office’ essentials you’ll need to be a digital nomad and her favourite tools for managing a blog to help you create your own. You’ll also find anecdotes aplenty, photography insights, and support to help you navigate the five stages of wanderlust.
What is the first trip you remember taking?
India. It was high on my bucketlist and a place I was extremely curious about because it was a destination completely different to the way I lived.
If you could sit next to anyone – dead or alive – on a long-haul flight, who would it be?
My boyfriend and favourite travel partner. We met on the road when I was travelling solo in Mexico end of 2016. The following year we met in the Philippines and have now been travelling together ever since!.He lets me take the window seat and I’m pretty happy with that!
How do you recover from jet lag?
Adjusting my clock to the place I’m travelling to prior is what I do to best avoid jet lag first. But some well needed rest, plenty of H20 and a facial hydrating mist are my go-to’s for an instant pick-me-up.
Your flight’s delayed an hour and your phone’s out of battery. How do you pass the time?
Edit some photos on my laptop or munch on some Harvest Box snacks while reading.
Biggest lesson from your travels?
You create your own reality.
Do you travel for food, leisure, culture or something else?
I travel for the all encompassing experience the act brings back on my perception of life. Places that I’m most drawn to exploring are more exotic (India was my first travel memory, Morocco was my dream destination and Turkey is high up on my bucket list next to travel to) and I love to visit and hunt for treasures in the markets.
Favourite Hotel? Why?
Nomade Tulum. The nomadic styling, free-spirit nature, delicious food, yoga sessions in the morning. All set in a jungle paradise… Yes please!
Favourite airline?
Emirates is pretty great! The reclining beds lie completely flat.
What’s on your travel playlist?
This – It’s my “Wanderer (Heart Beats)” Playlist which is for solo travels.
Where next?
Summer in Europe.
What are your must-have travel picks?
Panasonic Lumix G9 camera, the Daily Edited Travel case, and Philosophy Hope in A Jar Hydrating Mist.
First thing that comes to your mind?
Hand-luggage essential?
Hydrating Facial mist spray.
Packing: roll or fold?
Frolld. (Combining the two! ie. Folding a tee how it would be in stores, then rolling it so that it creates the perfect cylinder shape.)
Time killer on a long-haul flight?
Writing words, editing photos or catching up on Zzz’s.
On-flight tipple of choice?
I love red wine, but I’m not a heavy drinker when I’m up in the air as my skin gets dehydrated. Although you can pour me a glass of a smooth Malbec, always, since most highly regarded Malbecs are produced at very high altitudes and the bitterness isn’t reinforced so it works well.
Bucket list top destination?
For now it’s Turkey.
Best shopping gem found abroad?
TROUPE by capsule parfums. It’s such a perfect combination of an earthy floral scent that I absolutely adore and takes me back to riding my bike around Venice Beach with rose coloured heart shaped sunglasses.
Beach or City?
Weekdays in the hustle of the city — weekends by the beach.
Ultimate hideaway?
Somewhere in the jungle (perhaps Tulum).
Any Questions or Tips to add?