NATALEE BAILEY: Embracing the Thrill of Exploration

There is a unique breed of travelers whose passion transcends mere sightseeing; it is an enthusiastic pursuit, a calling to immerse oneself in the unknown, to embrace the unfamiliar, and to celebrate new experiences. This personifies Natalee Bailey who stands out as a source of encouragement for the intrepid adventurer.

Natalee embodies the essence of true exploration, overcoming the unexpected and allowing each adventure to shape her in profound ways. As she continues to crisscross the globe, her journey serves as an inspiration for others to embark on their own adventures, one destination at a time.

While Natalee indulges in world travels, professionally, her expertise is in the Oil and Gas Industry, where her primary focus lies in process safety. In her expert capacity, Natalee dedicates herself to the crucial task of preventing industry accidents, contributing to the safety and sustainability of her field.

Recently, in an exclusive interview with VBD Magazine, Natalee shared her insights on her transformative journey, destinations that hold a special place in her heart, and tips for adventurers. Let us be inspired by Natalee’s bold spirit as we pack our bags and allow the adventurous spark within us to lead the way into the world of travel and exploration.

Tracing The Start

As a child in rural Jamaica, Natalee found herself submerged in books, captivated by the tales of distant lands. “I read a lot and dreamed about visiting these distant places mentioned in the books,” Natalee states. Her love for reading continued throughout high school in Jamaica. After graduating, Natalee studied Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at Florida A&M University, followed by a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Texas.

It was during her undergraduate years that a postcard of a floating market in Thailand sparked a profound curiosity within her. “The owner of the postcard told me that I could buy anything there, from an elephant to curry powder, a spice she knew I was familiar with. I was fascinated and vowed to visit one day.”

And visit she did, five years later, setting foot into Thailand and fulfilling her promise to herself. “As I wandered that very market, I was mesmerized by the bright colors, exotic fruits, and old women cooking and balancing in tiny canoes. This trip moved me so much that I vowed to start seeing the world. It also ignited my love for photography, and lately, flying drones and taking beautiful aerial pictures. My photos allow me to relive these experiences and share them with my friends through visual storytelling.”

Adventure And Connection

Natalee’s travels have fueled her passion for adventure, nature, and connecting with people. “I enjoy going off the beaten path to see how the natives live instead of staying in the tourist areas. Getting soaked in the icy spray from a glacial waterfall in Iceland, hiking in Machu Picchu, Peru, and balancing in a canoe in a jungle stream in Adjarra, Benin, are some of my favorite memories where I felt most happy, most at home, and most free.”