Meet Petra
Author & Founder of Polyglot Petra
I’m Petra, a Thai-American immersive travel blogger helping female travelers explore the world like locals through in-depth guides, language tips, and immersive destination itineraries.
For me, immersive travel means experiencing a destination like a local, through its customs, stories, language, and food. It means respectfully interacting with the place instead of just crossing it off the bucket list.
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The Story Behind the Blog
I’m Thai, born and raised. I moved to the US in 2015 to pursue a Master’s Degree in Film Directing. After graduation, I started working in Hollywood, which earned me my status as a US resident in 2020 (and a US citizen in 2025).
The Hollywood Burnout
In 2021, after a full year of tackling both the normal 14-hour work days and the extra COVID protocols, my mental health reached a breaking point due to overworking. I had to either step away soon or watch myself descend into clinical depression.
During those last few months, I desperately scoured my brain to find some other identities I had. Because if I were to leave show business, I would be left with absolutely nothing after having dedicated all my years and education to filmmaking.
That was when I realized that when I wasn’t working on a film set, I was always planning a trip… always traveling, always thinking about where to go next. Hollywood was my career. Travel was my passion.
Ditching Hollywood for Travel Blogging
I took my first blogging course after walking away from Hollywood later in 2021. I spent all the free hours I had learning the ins and outs of building a website, and launched Polyglot Petra from scratch in early 2022.
My first few posts were all about my home country, Thailand. At that time, it was the only place that I knew very well, had been to (shocking…), and had enough photos to put into a post. Fast forward to today, and I’ve written in-depth guides about Thailand, South Korea, Costa Rica, Cambodia, Laos, Brazil, Italy, and counting!
Why Immersive Travel, Though?
Believe it or not, I grew up going on packaged tours with my parents. Yes… The packed buses visiting 5 European countries in a week type of tours. The buses locals hate to see. (I’m really sorry, but I stopped, okay? 😅)
The places I saw were stunning, but they left virtually no impact on my life and did not change how I interacted with the world. Instead of being fulfilled, I’d feel hollow after returning home each time.
Luckily, in 2019, my mom and I finally decided to spend 2 weeks on our own visiting Rome and Bologna. No tour. We took our time to learn about both cities and their cultures. I even picked up some Italian phrases from our time there.
I was on a constant high from talking to baristas and restaurant staff, asking them questions about Italian cuisine, visiting museums, and reading every single plaque about their history. It was an ah-ha moment. What if I could help everybody experience those ah-ha moments over and over?
Even though I became a travel blogger while at rock bottom, I’m grateful. Because thanks to that, I get to help mindful travelers navigate the world while discovering the human connection we share across all cultures.
How I Can Help You Travel More Meaningfully
Every day, I strive to make this website a well-rounded resource for mindful cultural travelers. My blog posts provide extensive travel tips and cultural guides for the destinations I’ve personally traveled to and know well.
Destination Guides
These include curated lists of things to do, local transportation guides, and safety tips to help you navigate a place.
Cultural Guides
These include etiquette, local festivals, heritage sites, and the cultural significance behind them. They’re guides that can save you from first-hand embarrassment in an unfamiliar country.
Experiences and Itineraries
Not sure how to factor all the cool things into your plan? Follow my pre-made itineraries, from week-long adventures in Bangkok to a weekend getaway in a Brazilian colonial town. Every plan is complete with a cultural section to add depth to your visit.
Local Food and Dining Guides
I mean… Can you look anyone in the eye and tell them that you’re not a foodie? I can’t. So, here are the guides to what to eat, where to eat, and even how to eat. Because cultural differences are fun when you do it right!
Language and Communication
Oh, crap. This old lady in Nan Province doesn’t speak a word of English, so how do I tell her not to put shellfish in my soup? For that, I’ve got you with the basic travel phrases and even words, ready for you to hit the ground running.
I don’t write about what I don’t know. If I haven’t been to a place, ain’t no way I’m gonna go Google that real quick and write up a horseshit guide for you. You can trust me on that one.
Are you ready? Why not start by exploring my home country? (Don’t forget to bookmark the site! 😉)
I’m also freakin’ good with South Korea and Brazil, by the way. I’ve lived for months in Brazil and have been to Korea 17 times as of 2025! (and counting)
Fun Facts about Petra
- I’m a die-hard Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter fan. Before you ask, I’m a Ravenclaw! 💙
- I don’t eat melted ice cream because I think it’s gross. (Weird, I know…) If it starts melting around the edges, I will stick it back into the freezer. That also means if I buy an ice cream while out, I’ll eat it at a superhuman speed to prevent it from melting!
- I spent 10 years working in the film industry before making travel my new job.
- I’m a polyglot! It’s my life goal to speak 10 languages. We’re currently at 5: Thai, English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Korean, and I’m currently learning Italian. Japanese is up next!
How to Keep in Touch
You wouldn’t believe me if I told you how many friends I’ve made through social media within the travel space. I’ve gone to Jeju Island with one, spent 2 weeks in Tulum with another, and spent a whole month traveling around Thailand with yet another one!
Connecting with like-minded people on the internet is my new favorite way of making friends. If you like what you’re reading so far, I’d love to connect with you, too! Below are the many ways we can stay in touch.
- Follow me on my next adventure to somewhere cool on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.
- Send me emails directly. You can find my email address on the Contact Page.
- Join my newsletter for exclusive discounts on travel resources. I have a ton of free stuff for you when you join, too. Pick one of them below, from country-specific travel checklists to planner templates!
